Luján getting help from legislators, lobbyists and dad

Third Congressional District candidate Ben R. Luján has been benefiting this week from fundraisers hosted by a who’s who of New Mexico legislators and lobbyists, with his father, House Speaker Ben Lujan, headlining the events.

It’s no surprise that Ben R. Luján is leaning heavily on his father’s influence to help him raise money. The speaker, the most powerful state legislator, has a great deal of influence over House Democrats and lobbyists. The younger Luján, as a member of the Public Regulation Commission, also has some influence over lobbyists.

Luján’s campaign has been accusing Don Wiviott, one of his opponents in the Democratic primary, of trying to buy the election because he put almost $600,000 of his own money in the race. But Luján is also opening himself up to criticism by relying so heavily on lobbyists to raise money.

Among those who hosted a Tuesday fundraiser in Santa Fe for Luján were the speaker, Sen. Phil Griego, Reps. Jim Trujillo and Luciano “Lucky” Varela and registered state lobbyists Bob Barberousse, Maurice Bonal, J.D. Bullington, Linda Siegle, T.J. Trujillo and Tony Trujillo.

Among those who hosted a Wednesday fundraiser in Corrales were the speaker, Reps. Rick Miera, Al Park, Kiki Saavedra, Edward Sandoval and Daniel Silva, and lobbyists John Anderson, Ricardo Barros, David Buchholtz, Mark Duran, Ed Mahr, Richard Romero, Marla Shoats, Drew Setter, John Lee Thompson and Dan Weaks.

A fundraiser held Thursday in Albuquerque was hosted by the speaker, former Ambassador Ed Romero and Paul Blanchard, who owns racetracks in Albuquerque and Hobbs.

According to fliers for the Luján fundraisers, required contributions ranged from $500 for guests to $2,300 for hosts. Because Wiviott loaned his campaign more than $350,000 and triggered the Millionaires’ Amendment, contribution limits have tripled for the primary from $2,300 to $6,900.

New Mexico FBIHOP did a good job of digging through the client lists of some of the lobbyists who attended the Wednesday fundraiser and revealed some interesting facts, including links to the pharmaceutical and uranium industries. Click here to read more.

You can also click on the names of the lobbyists in the above paragraphs to view pages on the Secretary of State’s Web site that list their current clients. It’s worth your time.