New Mexico Judges Draw Scrutiny - Law Blog - WSJ
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Former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson has been dogged for awhile now by allegations that he steered state business to political contributors.
Now, the pay-to-play allegations have spilled over into the state’s judiciary.
On May 13, state district judge Michael Murphy was indicted on felony bribery charges after allegedly telling colleagues and lawyers over several years that anyone who aspired to the bench had to make sizable contributions to the Democratic Party and to Governor Richardson, according to this WSJ article. (Here’s an AP article about the controversy.)
Richardson denies wrongdoing. He said it is “outrageous and defamatory” to suggest that campaign contributions influenced judicial appointments.
[…]
Despite the common knowledge that Richardson’s administration was dirty as heck, Democrats are blaming the new Republican administration for partisan politics in going after the corruption.
The case of a Doña Ana County district court judge accused of bribery to gain appointment to his seat is stirring a political furor.Some Democrats argue that the political ambitions of 9th Judicial District Attorney Matt Chandler, a Republican, are grounds to question his prosecution of suspended Doña Ana County District Court Judge Mike Murphy, a Democrat. They also say it’s an effort by Republican leaders to secure another seat on the District Court bench, by allowing GOP Gov. Susana Martinez to select a replacement, and cast doubt on judicial appointments made by former Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson. …
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