Roswell Democrat edges Carlos Cisneros of Taos 23-19 in Senate's first order of business.

The New Mexico Senate as its first order of business today re-elected Sen. Tim Jennings, D-Roswell, as its president pro tem - a clear signal the 42-member body is continuing its independent streak as the Legislature kicks off its 60-day lawmaking session.

The Senate's Democratic caucus late last year nominated Sen. Carlos Cisneros, D-Questa, for the top leadership post in the 42-member Senate. But the spot must be voted on by the entire Senate, and Jennings with backing from all 15 of the Senate Republicans and eight Democrats - including himself - edged out Cisneros with a 23-19 vote.

Jennings on some issues has been a vocal critic of fellow Democrat Gov. Bill Richardson.

For more details on the vote and what it may mean, see tomorrow's Journal.