Effort to regulate dark money gains foothold

WASHINGTON, DC., - New Mexico might take part in a “fledgling effort” to regulate and and maybe limit the role of money in politics through an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as legislators in a handful of states consider a pledge to help congress with ratification. Lawmakers in New Mexico are considering a memorial to urge Congress to restore greater federal and local regulation of political spending that influences elections and governance. The memorial also would pledge support for a constitutional amendment to end partisan gerrymandering. “This is a simple way to say to Congress, ‘Pass this and come back to the state to ratify’,” said rep. Linda Trujillo who is sponsoring the measure along with Republican rep. Jim Smith and Democratic Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino. Memorials do not require the governor's signature. Republican Gov. Susana Martinez last year vetoed state campaign finance disclosure rules that came under criticism as an infringement on freedom of speech from several conservative-backed groups. This new memorial includes brief instructions for separating political spending from free speech guarantees, and reclaiming federal and state authority to “regulate the role of money in elections and governance to ensure transparency, prevent corruption, and protect against the buying of access to or influence over representatives”. Similar legislative measures are slated for introduction in a handful of that states that include Alabama and New Hampshire. Constitutional amendments can be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of congress, followed by affirmation by three-fourths of states, or though a constitutional convention authorized by two-thirds of state legislatures. Common Cause and allied proponents of campaign finance reform say a constitutional convention would be prone to influence by political spending. This would be a great cause for New Mexico because we could use that money for education or health services.