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Senate rejects governor's reform measures .
By BARRY MASSEY | Associated Press
February 12, 2006
The Senate on Saturday rejected a campaign-finance and ethics-reform proposal backed by Gov. Bill Richardson.
The measure would have prohibited larger cash contributions to candidates and required disclosure of more information about campaign contributors, such as their employer.
The proposal (SB367) was part of a package of reform measures Richardson developed in the wake of a kickback scandal and federal prosecution of two past state treasurers.
The Senate defeated the measure on a 22-12 vote. Opponents contended the bill was too restrictive.
Sen. William Sharer, R-Farmington, objected to a provision that would have required a campaign to disclose a contributor's employer. Currently, the donor's occupation must be listed on a campaign-finance report.
"I think that's too much information," said Sharer, who contended that a donor's occupation or employer shouldn't be required on campaign-finance disclosure reports.
He and other opponents contended there may be no link between an individual's contribution and their employer. Sharer argued that an employer might retaliate against a worker for making contributions.
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