The final campaign finance reports of the 2009 Las Cruces municipal election were filed earlier this week. The result? The candidates spent a combined $83,000 on the election.
Of course, there’s more. The Las Cruces Sun-News has the full story. The short of it? The controversial Jobs for Las Cruces Political Action Committee didn’t file a finance report even though it spent money on newspaper ads. Calling those ads “educational,” the PAC’s treasurer wrote in a letter to the city clerk that the ordinance governing such spending is “confusing.” He asked the clerk to let him know if he needs to file a report.
In addition, the Building Industries Association of Southern New Mexico – which is tied to Jobs for Las Cruces PAC — spent small amounts of money in support of two candidates. And a realtor’s PAC gave $2,500 each to two candidates.
You can view the finance reports by clicking here.