Phil Griego

Sen. who resigned after ethics scandal still spending campaign cash

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One former state senator—who resigned this year after violating ethics laws—continued to spend money raised by his campaign committee according to his most recent campaign finance report. October 13 marked the latest deadline for political candidates to report any expenditures made from or donations made to their campaigns from April 7 to Oct. 5. According to the report filed with the New Mexico Secretary of State by former State Senator Phil Griego, his campaign spent $6,000 on constituent meetings, car repairs and rent for office space since Griego resigned amid controversy in March of this year during the legislative session. One watchdog who has pushed for stronger ethics laws in New Mexico says the spending is not allowed.

Elections

Former lawmakers’ campaign funds scrutinized

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The Secretary of State’s office said this week it would look closer at a former lawmaker’s decision to contribute money from his campaign fund to a family member running for office last year. Former Rep. Henry “Kiki” Saavedra, D-Albuquerque, donated $2,400 in December 2013 to his son Randy’s unsuccessful House primary race and another $2,600 donation on June 6, 2014, after the primary, campaign finance documents show. The contribution limits in 2014 were $2,400 for the primary and $2,400 for the general election. Secretary of State spokesman Ken Ortiz said the office would review the situation involving Saavedra, which appears to exceed state limits. “In the case with Rep. Saavedra, we will need to review the donation of $2,600 to determine if it exceeds the allowable limits,” Ortiz wrote in an email.

Elections

AG: Mandatory fines, SOS training officer would help campaign finance

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Attorney General Hector Balderas suggested changes on Wednesday on how campaign finance violations should be dealt with by the state, including a return of mandatory fines for violations. Balderas made the suggestions in a letter to Secretary of State Dianna Duran. The full letter is available below and comes after two meetings between the offices as part of a Campaign Finance Reporting Task Force. Balderas recommends that mandatory campaign finance fines be reinstated. This would need to be done legislatively, and Balderas suggested Duran also support a legislative effort to do so.