Days remaining in session: 12

Clifford confirmed: The Senate on Friday unanimously confirmed Gov. Susana Martinez's appointment of Tom Clifford as secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration.

Clifford is a longtime veteran of state government who has been serving as acting secretary of the department since August. He's well liked by lawmakers.

He is the third Martinez Cabinet appointment confirmed this session. Earlier this week, the Senate confirmed Corrections Secretary Gregg Marcantel and Aging & Long Term Services Secretary Reta Ward.

Still awaiting confirmation are designates Hanna Skandera of the Public Education Department, Jon Barela of the Economic Development Department, Arthur Allison of the Department of Indian Affairs, and John Bemis of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

Committee says "Yes" to medical marijuana program: The Senate Conservation Committee on Thursday unanimously gave a do-pass recommendation to Senate Bill 240, which would create a Medical Marijuana Fund sustained by the producer and patient production licensing fees currently being collected by the Department of Health.

Supporters stress that the fund would require no additional money because it would come from existing fees.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Cisco McSorley, D-Albuquerque, has co-sponsors spanning the political spectrum. "This bill is an unusual partnership among conservatives and liberals for the advancement of policy efforts in New Mexico," said an email from Emily Kaltenbach, director of the Drug Policy Alliance's New Mexico office. "Many of the best ideas defy political labels."

The bill goes on to the Senate Finance Committee.

The governor's shadow: Gov. Susana Martinez apparently has picked up a shadow.

After a public event in the Capitol Rotunda on Friday, the governor blurted out, "I've lost my tracker. I have one of those now," as she prepared for questions from the media.

A tracker?

Someone who follows her around and tapes her every time she gives a speech, she responded.

Are you on a first-name basis, a reporter asked.

"I haven't figured out his name yet," Martinez said. "But we do say hello every time I see him, when I give a speech."

Greater Albuquerque Chamber speaks on PRC bills: On Friday, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorsed several bills meant to reform the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, according to a news release.

Winning the board's endorsement was a Senate joint resolution that would establish a constitutional amendment to make PRC members appointed by the governor rather than elected, as is currently done. A House joint resolution that would establish a constitutional amendment to require the Legislature to provide increased educational and professional qualification for PRC members also won an endorsement, as did a separate House joint resolution that would remove the Division of Insurance and regulating corporations from PRC's purview.

However, the chamber's board opposed a House bill that would establish a primary election process by political parties to select commission members.

Looking ahead: The House and Senate will convene floor sessions on Saturday.

Quotes of the day: "Let's vote and go home. I'm tired and want to go home." -- Rep. Eliseo Alcon, D-Milan, at a House Judiciary Committee meeting over the controversial HB 103, which would repeal the law allowing the state to issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.

"It was a battle between Miera and the sidewalk -- and the sidewalk won." -- Rep. Rick Miera, D-Albuquerque, on why he was 30 minutes late for Friday's House Education Committee session, which he chairs. He had slipped in the snow.

ON OUR WEBSITE

• Follow legislative coverage at www.santafenewmexican.com/legislature.

• Read Steve Terrell's blog, www.roundhouseroundup.com and Kate Nash's blog, www.greenchilechatter.com.

• Subscribe to our updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/thenewmexican.