In a recent investigation by Searchlight New Mexico, it has been revealed that racehorses and slot machines are being used to funnel money into political election campaigns in New Mexico. This practice, known as “straw donating,” allows individuals to bypass contribution limits and donate large sums of money to political candidates.
The investigation uncovered a network of individuals connected to the horse racing and gambling industry who made significant donations to political candidates in the state. These individuals would often donate thousands of dollars, using the proceeds from racehorse sales and slot machine winnings.
One example highlighted in the report is the case of a horse owner who donated over $20,000 to political campaigns, using the money received from selling a racehorse. Another instance involved a group of individuals who won a large sum of money at a casino and subsequently made donations to political candidates, including the governor.
These donations were often made under different names and entities to conceal the true source of the funds, a tactic commonly used in straw donating schemes. This practice raises concerns about transparency and accountability in political fundraising, as well as the potential for undue influence on elected officials.
The investigation has sparked calls for greater oversight and regulation of campaign finance practices in New Mexico. Lawmakers and watchdog groups are pushing for tighter restrictions on donations from industries like horse racing and gambling, to prevent these types of schemes from influencing political campaigns.
Overall, the revelations from this investigation shed light on the complex and sometimes murky world of campaign finance in New Mexico, and raise important questions about the integrity of the electoral process in the state.
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