Attorney General Hector Balderas's charges against the Secretary of State Diana Duran are probably going to lead to all kinds of other issues. Time will tell. Here is a list of items that I think need some clarification. Especially given the $450K plus money that was churned through slot machines and tables at our state's numerous casinos.
1. Where did all the money she had come from? (She reported raising $356K for her last campaign)
2. Was it all from siphoned campaign funds, or were there other sources?
3. If she jiggered the campaign reports for herself, did she do it for anyone else?
4. The Governor's muted response is weird and weak. Is she somehow vulnerable?
5. Who tipped off the AG? That will be a story in itself?
6. Will the media take a look at the GOP's bad week given the fines paid by Sandia Labs for Heather Wilson's illegal lobbying?
7. And finally, guffaw, will the Governor somehow blame this on Bill Richardson? And will Maggie Tolouse Oliver say I told you so?
4 comments:
As for the difference between the $456K plus the secretary was charged with and her $365K in campaign contributions, you raise an interesting issue. Despite the laws on the books meant to ensure transparency in financing elections, I think most politicians could tell stories about people wanting to get around those laws, of for example people coming up and slipping envelopes of cash into your coat pockets. I know this happened with my mother when she was in politics in only a minor way, at the township level, in Michigan.
I sent someone here in New Mexico a $100 check at the very end of a campaign, and then watched to see if it was reported on their federal disclosure web site. It never was. It could have been an oversight. Or having lost and now being unemployed, mine and other late contributions might have supported the person until they lined up their next gig. Everyone has to eat and pay bills.
Or gamble. I don't know one way or another but in reading the secretary of state's indictment, her behavior is consistent with someone who has an addiction.
You withdraw another thousand, hoping to win enough to pay it all back, and another and another and another. There's always the possibility. The flashing lights keep flashing. Spin it again.
7. And finally,...and will Maggie Tolouse Oliver say I told you so?
Toulouse Oliver Statement on Secretary Dianna Duran
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, after the announcement of criminal charges filed against New Mexico Secretary of State Dianna Duran, Bernalillo County Clerk Maggie Toulouse Oliver released the following statement:
“Like many of my fellow New Mexicans, I was shocked and saddened to learn of the allegations facing Secretary of State Dianna Duran.
“The duties performed by the Secretary of State are immensely important to the day-to-day function of our state government, local business operations and election processes. Ensuring accountability and faith in the office that protects our right to vote has to be our highest priority right now.
“I hope and trust that there can be a swift and fair resolution of this matter so the office of the Secretary of State can focus completely on the important work it is supposed to do for all New Mexicans.”
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Can't believe that people continue to give all of these political hacks money. They will tell you what you want to hear and then turn around and take that donation and put it into their pockets or purses. Duran got caught and she is just the tip of the iceberg.
I believe she did not gamble the cash away, maybe put a few bucks into a slot or two and head for the door.
She is a thief not bright but also not stupid.
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