Mechem, Edwin L., 1912-2002.

Edwin Leard Mechem, born on July 12, 1912, was New Mexico's only four-term governor, a former U.S. senator and a federal judge. Originally from Alamogordo, New Mexico, Mechem graduated from New Mexico A & M, now New Mexico State University, and earned a law degree from the University of Arkansas. Related to former New Mexico Governor Merritt C. Mechem, Edwin L. Mechem went into practice with his father and then joined the FBI during World War II. Mechem won a state House seat in 1946. Four years later, he upset Democrat John Miles to. A member of Republican party known as "Big Ed," Mechem served as New Mexico governor from 1951-54, 1957-58, 1961-62, with his first term as New Mexico's first Republican governor in 20 years. New Mexico governors were elected to two-year terms when Mechem served. He resigned as governor in November 1962 to complete the U.S. Senate term of Democrat Dennis Chavez and during that time he voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Mechem lost his bid to retain the seat in 1964. In 1970, he was appointed a federal judge by President Nixon and took senior status as a judge in 1982 on his 70th birthday. Mechem served as a judge for more than 30 years and continued to work at home until his death on November 27, 2002.

From the description of Edwin L. Mechem papers, 1950-2004. (New Mexico State University). WorldCat record id: 69189117

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