A legal battle between the New Mexico ethics commission and a group affiliated with a former political candidate is ongoing, as reported by KRQE News 13. The dispute centers around allegations that the group, Advance New Mexico Now, failed to disclose its donors as required by state law.
The ethics commission issued a subpoena to the group for financial records and donor information, but Advance New Mexico Now has refused to comply, citing concerns about potential violations of its members’ First Amendment rights. The commission argues that transparency in campaign finance is essential for ensuring integrity in the political process.
The group was affiliated with Taya Kyle, the wife of late Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, who unsuccessfully ran for a state Senate seat in 2020. Advance New Mexico Now spent over $160,000 in support of Kyle’s campaign, but has come under scrutiny for not disclosing the sources of its funding.
The legal battle has been ongoing for several months, with multiple court hearings and appeals. The ethics commission has argued that Advance New Mexico Now is violating state laws on campaign finance transparency, while the group maintains that it should not be required to disclose its donors.
The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for campaign finance laws in New Mexico. The ethics commission is determined to hold Advance New Mexico Now accountable for its alleged violations, while the group is fighting to protect what it sees as its members’ constitutional rights.
As the case continues to unfold in court, both sides are gearing up for a protracted legal battle that could have significant implications for transparency and accountability in New Mexico politics. Stay tuned to KRQE News 13 for further updates on this developing story.
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Photo credit www.krqe.com
