NEW MEXICO'S PUBLIC EDUCATION SECRETARY DESIGNATE IS FINALLY GETTING A SENATE CONFIRMATION HEARING. GOVERNOR MARTINEZ APPOINTED HANNA SKANDERA TO THE POSITION IN 2011 ... BUT THE DEMOCRATIC-CONTROLLED SENATE HASN'T CONSIDERED WHETHER TO CONFIRM HER OR NOT UNTIL NOW. THE CONFIRMATION HEARING IS FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST.

THE STATE CONSTITUTION REQUIRES THE HEAD OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO BE A "QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED EDUCATOR." SKANDERA HAS NEVER WORKED AS EITHER OR TEACHER OR ADMINISTRATOR AT A PUBLIC ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY SCHOOL.

FORMER GOVERNOR GARY JOHNSON ... A REPUBLICAN LIKE MARTINEZ ... HAD TWO OF HIS CABINET SECRETARY APPOINTEES REJECTED BY THE SENATE.