In Brief - News - Nov. 16, 2012

From The Associated Press

Coin flip could settle tied race
LAS CRUCES — A tie in a race for a New Mexico House of Representatives seat could end up being broken by a coin flip or other game of chance.
The race between Democrat Joanne Ferrary and incumbent Republican Terry McMillan for the 37th District seat ended with an even split of more than 12,000 votes.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that if a recount leaves the race still even New Mexico law requires a game of chance be used as a tie-breaker.
The exact game is up to a five-person panel that includes the candidates, the county Democratic and Republican chairs and a judge.
McMillian says he prefers a single hand of five-card stud. Ferrary says she’s not sure which game she might prefer.
Each received 6,217 votes.

Vigil-Giron charges tossed
ALBUQUERQUE — A judge has dismissed corruption charges against former New Mexico Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron because of repeated delays in her case that violated her speedy trial rights.
A 2nd Judicial District judge dismissed the case filed against Vigil-Giron in 2009 late Wednesday. The Albuquerque Journal reports Judge Reed Sheppard ruled she did nothing to cause the delay other than one motion asking the state attorney general’s office to be disqualified.
Vigil-Giron issued a statement saying she felt vindicated by the ruling and plans a return to the public arena. She served two terms as secretary of state and left office in 2006.
She and three co-defendants were indicted after an investigation into the spending of federal voter-education funds.
Prosecutor Joseph Campbell says he will consider appealing the ruling.