The Richardson Solution

Ethics Legislation Progress

Making some headway in the New Mexico house:

New Mexico political candidates could not accept more than $2,300 from an individual or a political action committee in the next election cycle under a bill approved Monday by the House.

The bill (House Bill 821) is the first of a package of ethics and election-reform measures to clear a legislative chamber this session. Other bills would extend a voluntary public campaign funding system now in place for Public Regulation Commission candidates to all statewide offices; create a state Ethics Commission with subpoena power; limit gifts to public officials; and set more restrictions on state officials and their family members doing contract work with the state.

The House approved the campaign-finance bill (House Bill 821) on a 51-16 vote. It goes to the Senate.

Gov. Bill Richardson said he is pleased with the progress of the ethics bills in the House but is concerned about the lack of progress in the Senate. In the Senate, identical bills to the House legislation have been introduced, but so far only one has been scheduled for a committee hearing.

The governor said he plans to meet with Senate leaders this week about the proposals, which he said he would push “very hard.” “We’re the laughingstock of ethics in the country,” Richardson said at a Capitol news conference.

Walking into the 2008 election leaving a solid ethics foundation in this state and proposing stronger federal regulations could be a winner for Richardson.  While this is one area that the federal government has actually been active with, it is still important that all candidates have credibility in an era where the public will not accept unethical behavior.

Ethics Reform

In our national environment, we found the un-ethical dealings of the Republican congress to be toxic to voters around the country. The new Democratic congress has already moved to improve the way it operates (with cyncial results from the GOP) and the issue is taking on a greater national importance.

Any serious 2008 contender has to be credible on the subject and Richardson, being the chief executive of a state has more room for credibility than most and awhile ago, Bill Richardson instigated a task force to find ways to move New Mexico forward on ethics reform. The task force presented their findings and these proposals are starting to move from Richardson's desk:

Establish an independent ethics commission. This commission would provide independent oversight of the executive and legislative branches and all state employees. It would receive and investigate complaints by concerned citizens and whistle blowers.

The commission would also have strong powers to investigate and discipline, including the ability to fine, censure and reprimand public officials, state employees, lobbyists, contractors and officials.

Set limits on gifts. The governor proposed that no state official, employee or candidate, be allowed to receive a gift greater than $250. During the legislative session there would be a ban on gifts greater than $100. There would be criminal penalties for those who break the law.

Set campaign contribution limits. The governor proposes that statewide races match the federal level of $2,100 per individual, per election. His package will also recommend $1,050 limits for PRC and District races, and a ban on cash of more than $100 from one person.

"Clean Elections" public financing. The governor's ethics reform package proposes a phased approach toward public financing beginning with judicial elections, based on the successful Public Regulatory Commission campaign system. Using the PRC model, candidates in contested judicial elections could choose to run as a "Clean Elections" candidate. These candidates would qualify for public financing if they meet a threshold based upon the number of $5 contributions they receive from individuals. If the opposition opts out of the public system and spends more than public funding provides, "Clean Elections" candidates would be given matching funds.

Better campaign reporting. The package calls for more detailed reporting of campaign finances, more frequent reporting in non-election years and cumulative totals of campaign contributions by each individual to each candidate.

Amend the Governmental Conduct Act. The amendments will help prevent public officials and employees from abusing public office. These amendments will expand coverage of the Governmental Conduct Act to include all public servants, including judges.

TRS Focus: I'm actually fairly impressed by the substance of this package. Having an independent commission is something that we'll probably see debated in Congress (some don't want it because it's too strong of a proposal) and while I'd like to see total ban, a nearly total ban will do in the interim. Phasing toward public financing is also a very positive step and would go very far to ease public confidence regarding public officials.

What should not be overlooked is the experience of saying "I've done this" versus the dozen other senators running who have to explain why they haven't done enough. I look forward to that debate...