SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Republican Congressman Steve Pearce kicked off his campaign for governor of New Mexico on Monday, giving up a firm hold on a vast congressional district along the U.S.-Mexico border. He is the first to seek the GOP nomination to succeed second-term Republican Gov. Susana Martinez, who by law cannot seek re-election in 2018. Pearce will …

  Oil and gas companies need water to drill and produce, but State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn has taken action to cut back usage of fresh water from the Ogallala aquifer. That aquifer is the source of drinking water serving Hobbs and other cities in southeastern New Mexico. In a letter distributed late last month, Dunn announced his decision to …