The Human Services Department estimates it will cost the state about $413 million from 2014 through 2020 to expand Medicaid as called for under federal law. An additional $6 billion in federal money should flow into the state to cover those medical services during the same time.

The LFC analysis assumes the state will collect additional money from income and sales taxes as well as taxes on insurance premiums if Medicaid is expanded. The health care industry — from doctors and hospitals to businesses providing medical supplies — is a major part of the state's economy.

Thursday's memo was sent to counter reports that Couture, "has been placed on leave, which is incorrect," according to the message, which was sent from the email account of NMSU Vice President Ben Woods, who oversees external relations.

Campus officials have refused to answer questions as to the type of leave of absence that Couture was on. News broke Tuesday that Couture was on unspecified leave, but no one would say why.

The memo, in addition, stated that "there have been erroneous reports that Executive Vice President/Provost Wendy Wilkins has taken the role of "acting president.'"

And the three best campaigns on the Republican side being run, I would argue, are Heather Wilson in New Mexico, Linda Lingle in Hawaii and Linda McMahon. They're in blue states and they had to run good races. The Republicans get them.

"They are not elected officials," Michael Henningsen, Expo's spokesman, wrote in an email to SFR in August (emphasis his). "They are supposed to move the Governor's agenda forward, and if they disagree with the Governor's agenda, then, quite frankly, they should do the right, respectable thing and resign their appointed post(s)."

“I’d like to thank Secretary Salazar, county officials and city leaders for making the establishment of a wildlife refuge in Albuquerque a priority. Bringing this land into public ownership will give residents and visitors alike access to a beautiful natural space right here in our state’s largest city,” Bingaman said. "The creation of the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area is also great news for New Mexico. This new refuge gives New Mexicans and tourists another great reason to visit the northern part of our state, helping to support those local economies.”

“The Valle De Oro is an urban refuge where citizens and students will have easy access to learn and enjoy all this beautiful space has to offer," said Udall. "I'd like to thank President Obama and Secretary Salazar for all of their hard work to bring the first urban wildlife refuge in the Southwest to New Mexico, and for making the old Price's Dairy part of America's Great Outdoors initiative.”

“Too many kids get more television time than outdoor time, but this new wildlife refuge is our opportunity to change that,” said. Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM-1). “This wildlife refuge will help New Mexico kids discover the incredible natural heritage of our state, and it represents an important investment in their health and well-being.”