New Mexico election leaves few checks on Democratic power

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Democrats who won nearly unbridled power over state government in midterm elections will confront competing interests within their own ideologically diverse party, as the governor-elect and legislative leaders pursue change.
Reforms to raise the minimum wage, allow recreational marijuana or set five-figure pay increases for teachers no longer are seen as progressive pipe dreams, after Democrats expanded their legislative majority and swept elections for statewide office.
Democratic Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham said Monday she is already busy building legislative coalitions.
Conservative-minded Democrats still could stand in the way of gun control, solar energy incentives or efforts to tap state savings.
Democrats will control major state watchdog agencies for elections, campaigning, open records and public accounting. A voter-commissioned independent ethics commission should soon provide a check on misbehavior in government.