| Albuquerque, July 15—The Republican Party of New Mexico is alarmed and dismayed following the dismissal of an ethics complaint against Democratic House Speaker Brian Egolf. Egolf had been called out after he pushed for the state’s new Civil Rights Act. His law firm, which handles civil rights cases, would clearly benefit from such a law. Egolf did not raise any personal conflict of interest red flags when he backed the civil rights legislation, which would mean personal financial gain. A retired judge issued an opinion for the State Ethics Commission, tossing out the complaint. This was inappropriate in that the Commission should have conducted a full investigation. “This ethics complaint is a serious matter—a legislative leader’s conduct is in question–and the Speaker’s motives must be investigated by the independent State Ethics Commission. Instead, the Commission just pawned it off to a retired judge,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce. “Why should a retired judge do the work of the Commission? The Commission should have investigated this and is being derelict in its duties by accepting this opinion. Speaker Egolf is benefitting from a law, and he is making money off New Mexicans instead of actually serving them. The state has to get a grip on these kinds of conflicts. We have to take a closer look at what lawmakers are doing and to watch whether their actions are self-serving.” |
| The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) advances the ideals of individual liberties for the advancement of its citizens and the greater prosperity of our communities throughout New Mexico. Led by an Executive Board and its Chairman, former NM Congressman Steve Pearce, RPNM serves all New Mexicans via its headquarters in Albuquerque and can be contacted at (505) 298-3662. |
