Poker Winner for Governor

Kansas may not be remembered by its biggest ball of yarn; Washington State by its giant frying pan, 9.6 feet in diameter; nor would New Jersey be written in history books as the largest exporter of Eggplants in the U.S., which it is.

But here's a story about New Mexico, which will not be quickly forgotten.

As the 2008 local elections approached, Josie Richards and Michelle Dunlap of Estancia, New Mexico, have prepared their campaigns carefully. After the votes were counted and the draw declared, the town decided to obey state law and follow the agreed-upon regulations in case of a tie - a game of chance.

You guessed right - it was five-card stud.

Richards arrived at the game destined to get a pair of nines. "I was very nervous," said Richards. "I'm a big competitor and I wanted this position."

As the cards unveiled on the table, a wave of relief fell over Richards as she read “Victory” from the faces of the cards.

This isn’t the first time New Mexico had to solve an election with a game of chance. In 2001, a single hand of poker reelected the mayor of Estancia, James Farrington, won with an ace-high flush against his opponent's 10-high flush.

The mayor in the 2006 elections was chosen by a card draw and in some elections in the state, a leader of an entire city was decided by a coin toss.

With the amount of ties Estancia had experienced, becoming a part of the local government has a prerequisite of being a good poker player.