New Mexico considers rules for dark-money groups in politics

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico election regulators are taking the pulse of public opinion on rules that would to force nonprofit advocacy organizations that attempt to influence voting to report more information about financial backers. The proposal from the New Mexico Secretary of State's Office takes aim at so-called dark money groups that can spend unlimited amounts to influence elections and ballot measures when acting independently. A hearing is scheduled Thursday to collect public comments. Affected advocacy groups would have to provide the name and address of each person who made contributions of more than $200 to fund independent political expenditures. The conservative-backed group Concerned Veterans for America says the proposal intrudes on the right to anonymous political speech. Democratic Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver is defending the additional political reporting requirements.