Richardson's Judges Donated "Much More"

Bill Richardson

New Mexico Watchdog - By an investigator’s account, Judge Mike Murphy in 2007 brazenly explained to other judges the way he thought judicial appointments worked under then Gov. Bill Richardson. It was simple. You pay to play. To believe otherwise was “old fashion,” Murphy reportedly told another judge who thought it improper that political contributions would have anything to do with the selection of new judges. A review of campaign-finance records confirms at least part of the claim. Campaign contributions have been the fashion among some judges recently enrobed in New Mexico.

When an investigator earlier this year interviewed another 3rd District judge, the judge pronounced a counterpoint that resonates with the brazen pay-to-play refrain. Investigator Dan Blair, working for the 9th Judicial District Attorney’s office, quoted 3rd Judicial District Judge Jim Martin as saying Richardson picked judicial candidates who were active in a political party. The 9th District office, led by unsuccessful 2010 Republican Attorney General candidate Matt Chandler, took over the case after then District Attorney Susanna Martinez’s office stepped aside from the investigation to avoid a conflict of interest that might arise from prosecuting a judge in a court where they bring other cases. Read full story here: News New Mexico

Richardson's Judges Donated "Much More"