A nonprofit group run by a longtime Republican campaign official is airing radio ads in support of New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and her administration's suspension of Medicaid payments to mental health providers under investigation for possible overbillings, mismanagement and fraud.
Sara Lister is executive director of New Mexico Competes, and she said Wednesday the radio ads are running statewide through this week.
Lister is a former deputy cabinet secretary for the Department of Workforce Solutions, and worked as a senior adviser to Albuquerque Mayor R.J. Berry.
She was a fundraiser for former Sen. Pete Domenici and campaign manager for Republican Darren White's unsuccessfully bid for Congress in 2008.
Lister said in a statement that New Mexico Competes is a nonprofit public policy organization and unaffiliated with any political group.
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