Divided city council approves funding to woo 'The Bachelor' to New Mexico for episode

A sharply divided Santa Fe City Council has voted to spend up to $100,000 to try to lure "The Bachelor" to the northern New Mexico city.

Councilors approved by a 5-4 vote on Wednesday a funding request from the convention and visitors bureau to try to get the ABC dating show to film an episode in Santa Fe.

Supporters say Santa Fe could use a tourism boost and the filming could showcase some of the city's attractions.

But Councilor Bill Dimas says the show is awful and having it set in a city wouldn't encourage him to visit.

"The Bachelor," which debuted in 2002, features an eligible bachelor who goes on a series of dates to choose a potential bride from a pool of 25 women.