New Mexico Senator Mary Kay Papen (D) became the first woman Senate president.

• Position: PEOPLE & POLITICS - Brief article

NEW MEXICO SENATOR MARY KAY PAPEN (D) BECAME THE FIRST WOMAN Senate president pro tem in 73 years when she was elected to the post by acclamation. Papen was the coalition candidate in a chamber dominated by Democrats, 25-17. Democratic Senator Pete Campos had been nominated by his caucus for the leadership position. But in a surprise move, he nominated the 80-year-old retired car dealer when it became apparent...