This week on NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS, should the state\u2019s major political parties be allowed to hold \u201cclosed\u201d primaries? The executive director of an influential Santa Fe think tank says it\u2019s time to rethink the practice, opening the state\u2019s taxpayer-funded primary elections to all voters. But a state representative argues it\u2019s a solution looking for a problem and that there are more pressing election issues to fix.<\/p>\n
The Line opinion panel looks at what\u2019s ahead for New Mexico\u2019s health insurance exchange. The Legislature and Governor Susana Martinez finally agreed on the framework to enable a state-run exchange. But at the group\u2019s first meeting, word came from a consultant that meeting an October deadline is a longshot at best. Does this mean the federal government will step in?<\/p>\n
The group also looks at the future of a proposed horse slaughter facility in southeastern New Mexico. The USDA signaled this week that the agency is likely to approve a permit in the absence of an extension for a federal ban on the practice.<\/p>\n
New Mexico\u2019s Democratic Party has a new chairman. The panel examines the potential impact of Sam Bregman\u2019s role as head of the majority party in New Mexico.<\/p>\n
GUESTS:
\nRep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe
\nFred Nathan, Executive Director, Think New Mexico<\/p>\n
LINE PANELISTS:
\nDan Foley, Former New Mexico House Republican Whip
\nLaura Sanchez, Attorney
\nH. Diane Snyder, Former New Mexico State Senator
\nJohn Wertheim, Former New Mexico Democratic Party Chairman<\/p>\n
CORRESPONDENT: Matt Grubs, NMiF Producer<\/p>\n
HOST\/COMMENTATOR: Gene Grant<\/p>\n
The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Matt Grubs.\u00a0Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this\u00a0program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation.\u00a0Subscribe to the\u00a0New Mexico in Focus Podcast on iTunes<\/a>.<\/p>\n Episode 644 for air May 3, 2013<\/p>\n