FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2015
Balderas Contact: James Hallinan, (505) 660-2216
Duran Contact: Ken Ortiz, (505) 239-5022
Santa Fe, NM – Today, Attorney General Hector Balderas and Secretary of State Dianna Duran announced the formation of a joint task force to look at issues regarding New Mexico’s campaign finance reporting, enforcement, referral process and best practices. Shortly after being sworn into office for their current terms, Secretary of State Dianna Duran and Attorney General Hector Balderas met to discuss how both agencies can work together to best serve New Mexico taxpayers. Today’s announcement is part of the follow-up from that meeting.
Secretary of State Duran said, “Since taking office in 2011, my staff and I have worked diligently to address the numerous issues and problems related to the campaign reporting act. We have made many improvements in working towards voluntary compliance and education. I am excited to work with Attorney General Balderas in forming a task force that will look into the many areas within the Act, that need to be addressed, in order to assure transparency and accountably.”
Attorney General Balderas said, “I’m pleased to join Secretary of State Dianna Duran in forming a task force to determine potential problem areas involving campaign finance reporting, to improve and enhance the referral process, and to create reasonable remedies for candidates who fail to report. I am focused on putting real teeth into the law and will present these legal solutions to the New Mexico Legislature. I believe that our joint effort will allow us to develop more transparent, and effective safeguards for New Mexico voters and taxpayers.”
The joint task force will include staff members from both the Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of State’s Office. After reviewing its findings, the task force will make recommendations related to policy reforms and potential legislative remedies for an interim committee to consider.
# # #