Former New Mexico Lt. Gov. Mike Runnels dies at age 69

RUIDOSO, N.M. (AP) - Former New Mexico Lt. Gov. Mike Runnels has died at age 69.

Runnels' family said he died peacefully at home in Ruidoso. Matthew Runnels said his brother was found Thursday on the couch with his arms folded with the television on.

Runnels was a Democrat who was elected lieutenant governor in 1982. He served one four-year term along with Governor Toney Anaya.

He later was twice elected district attorney for the judicial district that is comprised of Valencia, Cibola and Sandoval counties. Before becoming lieutenant governor, he served on the Santa Fe City Council.

Runnels was the son of Harold Runnels, a former New Mexico congressman, and Mike Runnels ran unsuccessfully for Congress himself.

Survivors include Runnels' mother, Dorothy Runnels.