SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Some former New Mexico lawmakers and public officials are lobbying the Legislature even though they’ve been out of office less than a few months.
And there is no state law to prevent it.
The Albuquerque Journal reports former Rep. Debbie Rodella, a Democrat who represented Española until she lost her seat last year, is among a few people who were public servants last session and lobbyists this year. She’s a lobbyist for an association of community bankers.
Keith Gardner, chief of staff under then-Gov. Susana Martinez, is also registered as a lobbyist. He’s lobbying for the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Select Energy Services, a Texas-based company.
Some legislators have tried repeatedly to pass lobby reform bills - with proposals to impose a one- or two-year “cooling off” period.
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