I cannot comment on the domain but having lived and worked in New Mexico I'd posit that there is a talent shortage in the state. I believe defense contractors and the National Labs attract and retain all the talent. My anecdotal data is I once interviewed, got a rejection, then 6 months later they called back telling me "no one else in NM was able to do as well as you did on the technical interview." During that position I saw a few LANL people hire on only to go back 8-18 months later. So, I'm not saying hire them but that applicant who met the minimum qualifications just might be the best in the state who is available.