SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Former New Mexico Secretary of State Dianna Duran funneled thousands of dollars in campaign donations to private accounts during a gambling binge without any regulatory agency noticing she was breaking the law.
It was a confidential tip about numerous cash deposits that led to her getting caught.
In the wake of Duran’s violations, more lawmakers have been accused of sidestepping campaign finance laws by spending political donations on satellite TV service, clothing and other personal expenses.
Investigations are ongoing in what has become a recurring problem in New Mexico’s political circles.
Voters and open government advocates are wondering how many more violations will surface, as the latest cases have highlighted glaring weaknesses in New Mexico’s campaign finance reporting system.
Without changes, officials acknowledge the state will be left to rely on enterprising reporters and snitching political insiders to ferret out violators.
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