Lobbyist money continues to flow

Halfway through the 2010 Legislative session lobbyists are still spending money trying to sway lawmakers. The Independent showed you this first reports when they were posted last week. During the session registered lobbyists are required to file how much money they spent and what they spent it on within 48 hours of the expenditure.

This weeks report includes spending by non-profit groups and one former Richardson Cabinet secretary:

• $6445.47- Spent by AFSCME on January 30. The entire amount was spent on a reception for all legislators and staff at the Inn and Spa at Loretto.
• $5017.00- Spent  by Conservation Voters – New Mexico on Jan. 27. The entire amount was spent on a reception for the governor, lt. governor and all legislators. The reception was held at Rio Chama.
• $2574.49- Spent by a lobbyist named Leo Baca on Jan. 26. The entire amount was spent to partially support a “Friends of the Legislature Event” at La Fonda. According to the Secretary of State’s Web site, Baca is a registered lobbyist for Qwest.
• $1,000.00- Spent by a lobbyist named Arthur Melendres on Dec. 23rd. The entire amount was given to Lt. Governor Diane Denish. Melendres is a registered lobbyist for Albuquerque Public Schools and the New Mexico Broadcasters Association.
• $990.79- Spent by lobbyist Carter Bundy on Jan. 27th. The entire amount was spent on a breakfast for “corrections officers & police members.” All legislators were invited to the event.
• $600.oo- Spent by Michelle Lujan Grisham spanning April to December 2009. $375 given to Diane Denish, $175 given to Alan Armijo and $50 given to Linda Vanzi. Grisham is the former Department of Health Secretary.
• $400.00- Spent by lobbyist Deborah Armstrong spanning April to December 2009.  $375 was given to Diane Denish and $25 was given to Linda Vanzi.
• $200.00- Spent by the Southwest Womens Law Center spent on Feb. 1. Entire amount spent to help pay for a reception for “women elected officials”.