SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Supreme Court is refereeing a political dispute in the troubled border town of Sunland Park.
Mayor-elect Daniel Salinas wants the justices to allow him to take office this week. The court could issue a decision after hearing arguments from lawyers Tuesday afternoon.
Salinas and other city officials face criminal charges for allegedly trying to force an opponent out of the mayor's race by secretly recording the candidate with a topless dancer and threatening to release the video.
After his arrest, Salinas was released under terms that prohibit him from entering city hall or contacting city employees, including the clerk who administers the oath of office. Salinas contends those restrictions violates his constitutional rights to assume office.
He has until Thursday to take the oath of office.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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