Backdrop: Corruption scandals have plagued New Mexico in recent years. Two former state treasurers and a former Senate leader went to federal prison. A grand jury is investigating possible wrongdoing in public investments. Charges have been filed against a former secretary of state for alleged misuse of federal election money. A former legislator who ran a regional housing agency has been indicted on fraud charges.

Proposals: Gov. Bill Richardson and legislators suggest creating an independent commission to investigate allegations of ethical misconduct. Similar bills have failed in the past because of disagreements over who appoints commission members and its top staff. Other proposals: Banning campaign contributions from state contractors and lobbyists; prohibiting legislators from being paid lobbyists for a year after they leave office; and stopping retaliation against workers who blow the whistle on wrongdoing.

Outlook: Another dispute that could derail the ethics commission is whether all branches of government should be subject to the commission's oversight. The courts and Legislature say they police themselves. Lawmakers have been reluctant to shut off the spigot of campaign money, which means trouble for the proposed ban on lobbyist contributions.




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