Governor OKs upgrades to state’s campaign finance reporting system
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Gov. Susana Martinez signed a bill on Monday that aims to make it easier for New Mexicans to track money flowing through the state’s political system. Continue Reading
Bills to strip pensions from corrupt public officials languish
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With only days left in the session, the tough talk about strengthening a law on taking pensions from corrupt public officials has quieted. Bills that would do so have yet to make it to the floor of either chamber. Continue Reading
Q&A: Lt. Gov. Sanchez proposes reform following Duran conviction
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Lt. Gov. John Sanchez has some ideas for improving the state’s campaign reporting system following the recent resignation and conviction of former Secretary of State Dianna Duran, who was illegally abusing that system. Continue Reading
An apology to the people of New Mexico
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I cannot begin to express how deeply sorry I am for my transgressions and the damage I caused to the public’s trust in public officials. Continue Reading
Duran accepts judge’s sentence, must report to jail Friday
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Former Secretary of State Dianna Duran won’t back out of a plea agreement that led to a 30-day jail sentence, which means she’ll be incarcerated beginning Friday. Continue Reading
Ethics reform: If not now, when?
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This year’s scandal involving the state’s top ethics officer ought to spur reform in the state’s inadequate campaign finance reporting system, better enforcement of the laws, and, finally, the establishment of an independent ethics commission. Continue Reading
Senator’s defense of Duran has me questioning if he’s fit for office
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N.M. State Sen. Bill Sharer says Dianna Duran “didn’t harm anyone but herself.” Does he not understand the concept of public trust? Continue Reading
ABQ Councilor Brad Winter named secretary of state
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Gov. Susana Martinez appointed Brad Winter to be New Mexico’s next secretary of state on Tuesday. Many NMPolitics.net readers said they were happy with the choice. Continue Reading
Duran sentenced to 30 days in jail, but could fight incarceration
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Former Secretary of State Dianna Duran, who illegally used campaign funds to keep her personal bank account in the black while gambling at New Mexico casinos, has until Wednesday to decide whether to spend 30 days in jail or withdraw her guilty plea and instead go to trial. Continue Reading
Rep. Pearce asks judge to consider Duran’s ‘steadfast conviction’ to NM
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Without explicitly seeking leniency for former Secretary of State Dianna Duran, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce has penned a letter on Duran’s behalf to the judge who will sentence her next week. Continue Reading
Secretary of State’s Office wants to ‘bring clarity’ to campaign reporting
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In the wake of revelations that lobbyists and candidates are at times reporting donations differently — making tracking some money in state politics nearly impossible — the Secretary of State’s Office says it’s working on a new rule to clarify reporting requirements. Continue Reading
Inconsistent reporting hurts efforts to follow political money in NM
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In response to an investigation by a TV news organization, which found discrepancies in how candidates and lobbyists are reporting campaign contributions, some legislative leaders are asking for better rules that will improve transparency. Continue Reading
Pension-stripping law needs fixed. Do officials want to fix it?
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A law enacted in 2012 was touted as an anti-corruption measure that could cause misbehaving public officials to lose their pensions. But neither side in the case of former Secretary of State Dianna Duran thinks the law applies. Continue Reading
On air analyzing Duran’s resignation, plea agreement
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Click on the headline to listen to Heath Haussamen on the radio analyzing Dianna Duran’s resignation and plea bargain. Continue Reading
Was Balderas sufficiently tough on Duran? Opinion is mixed
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Some are upset that Dianna Duran could avoid prison and keep her pension. Others are just glad she’s no longer New Mexico’s secretary of state. Continue Reading