From The New Mexico Independent:

KUNM has learned the state Attorney General’s office has concerns over what the Secretary of State may be doing with regard to seeking donations from contractors. In documents obtained this week, the AG’s office seems to back up the claims of one of Herrera’s former employees.

Elections Director A.J. Salazar, in his February 26 resignation letter to Secretary of State Mary Herrera, alleged, among other things, that she ordered all of her exempt employees to each gather 1,000 petition signatures for her re-election campaign. Salazar also said Herrera insisted employees “obtain sponsorships or donations” from contractors with business with the Secretary of State’s office. Shortly after Salazar’s letter became public, Herrera told the Albuquerque Journal that his allegations were unfounded, and based on “twisted information.” In his resignation letter, Salazar says e-mails prove otherwise.

KUNM has obtained some of those e-mails. In one, dated February 10, an assistant attorney general writes to Herrera: “I believe that the office or some employees in the office may be soliciting donations from contractors.” The subject line of the e-mail: “Admonition regarding solicitations.”

Read the Rest…