So far this 30-day session, there have been nearly nine hours of debate on the driver’s license issue. But who’s counting?

This is the governor’s third attempt to repeal the 2003 law that gives driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. New Mexico is one of three states (Utah and Washington) that continues this practice. Republican Gov. Susana Martinez and her administration say people are taking advantage of New Mexico – coming out-of-state, picking up a license, feeding into criminal activity, creating a cycle of fraud and abuse. Martinez ran a campaign promising to do everything in her power to repeal the law.

On the flip side, most Democrats and immigrant advocacy groups say licenses are absolutely necessary for the immigrant community to drive to work and school and to run everyday chores. They’re pushing a bill that will crack down on fraud by requiring renewals every 2 years (instead of 4 or 8), creating tougher residency requirements and tougher penalties for abuse but would continue giving illegal immigrants licenses.

So, the governor promises to veto any bill that doesn’t call for a full repeal. The Democratic-controlled legislature won’t pass a full repeal. See the struggle? (And why we are now debating this issue for the third time?)

Enter the subcommittee, or supercommittee as I have now decided to call it. Late Wednesday night, after more than five hours or debate, Rep. Al Park, D-Albuquerque, who is also chair of the House Judiciary Committee, appointed a bi-partisan group of lawmakers and folks from the governor’s office to try to hammer out a compromise. He set a deadline for Friday.

Here’s who is on this supercommittee:

-Rep. Al Park

-Rep. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces

-Rep. Bill O’Neill, D-Albuquerque

-Rep. Ernest Chavez, D-Albuquerque

-Rep. Bill Rehm, R-Albuquerque

-Rep. Cathrynn Brown, R-Carlsbad

-Rep. Nate Gentry, R-Albuquerque

-Rep. Paul Bandy, R-Aztec

-Governor’s Office Policy Director Janel Causey

-Taxation and Revenue Secretary Demesia Padilla

-Tax Fraud Investigations Division Director Alvan Romero

So, this group is charged with finding some middle ground. One idea being tossed around is possibly issuing temporary permits that would only be valid for driving and not as a form of identification. The governor said she’s not a fan of that idea either.

Rep. Park told me if the group can’t reach a compromise, the Judiciary committee will likely pass out the license repeal bill. It would then move to the floor for a vote. A quick history lesson – the repeal passed the House floor by a vote of 42-28 last year. A group of Dems, including Reps. Park and Cervantes, helped carry it through. The bill, however, died in the Senate.

Stay tuned. More drama ahead.