Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Bill seeks to bar donations to lawmakers during session

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A state lawmaker wants to close a loophole that lets members of the New Mexico Legislature accept campaign money while they're in session. Current law prohibits members and candidates for the Legislature from soliciting contributions from Jan. 1 until they adjourn, but still lets them accept donations. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports (http://bit.ly/2iJjauA) that Democratic Rep. Matthew McQueen of Galisteo filed a bill to close the loophole. At least 55 members of the state Senate and House of Representatives reported receiving donations totaling nearly $108,000 during the 30-day legislative session last winter. In addition, at least 53 legislators reported receiving donations during a weeklong special session last fall that came at the height of campaign season, about one month before the general election. Those contributions totaled more than $102,000.