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It will be among the bigger political issues in the lead-up to the Legislature next month, but few are talking yet about who will replace Sen. Ben Altamirano as president pro-tem of the state Senate.

Many Senate members said they were still in shock this weekend over Altamirano's unexpected death last week. He was 77.

Between now and the legislative session that begins Jan. 15, Democrats must caucus to figure out who they'll nominate to lead the Senate chamber they control. But they weren't ready to talk about it this weekend.

"I hope there's no caucus date set now, it's a little premature," said Sen. John Arthur Smith, a Deming Democrat.

"Emotionally, I don't think anybody is ready for that."

Whoever is elected would serve this year, and a new leader would be elected before the 60-day session in 2009.

While few say they are thinking about it, it's a good bet several will try for the post.

The Senate's number two man, Majority Floor Leader Michael Sanchez, a Belen Democrat, is seen as a possibility, although he said Friday that's the furthest thing from his mind.

"That's not something I'm even going to think about until things are settled," he said.

Another possibility is Sen. Tim Jennings, a Roswell Democrat who served with Altamirano for 29 years.

"I'll certainly look at it, but it's not the time to worry about that now," he said.

One person not interested in the job, but whose name has been floated in the past, is Sen. Phil Griego, a San Jose Democrat.

He said Friday he's happy serving as chairman of the Senate Conservation Committee and of the interim Water and Natural Resources Committee.

Democrats, who hold the majority in the Senate, will choose a leader in caucus. That person then must be approved by the entire Senate. Winning the post isn't based on seniority, but the job typically is awarded to senior members of the chamber.

Jennings said he hopes whoever is elected will continue Altamirano's leadership style.

"In the last four years, we've had a Senate that is respectful of each other, and of different views, and we've learned how to legislate without hatred," he said. "Benny was helpful in that."

The Senate for years featured personality clashes and often melted down in the last hours of legislative sessions. That's changed over the years, and the drama has shifted somewhat to the House, political observers say.

As for the new person, Griego said, it will take a while for the Senate to adjust.

"We've got some very capable people who can ascend, but I don't know that we have people in the caucus who could fill his shoes. Holding the position and being a Benny Altamirano are two different things," he said.

Altamirano was to lie in state at the Capitol today from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., with a memorial service at 11 a.m.

People in Silver City can pay respects Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bright Funeral Home there. A rosary is planned for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Silver City and Altamirano's funeral will be Thursday at 10 a.m., also at St. Vincent.

While Altamirano lies in state at the Capitol, many will be able to remember how affectionate Altamirano was, Smith predicted.

"He never meant any disrespect by it, but he kissed every female in the world," Smith said. "I don't care if it was a 2-day-old baby or a 100-year woman."

For that reason, Smith said, Altamirano's last time in the Capitol might be a lengthy one.

"I always said it's going to be longest wake in the history of Christianity, because he's going to have to kiss every female that passes the casket."