SANTA FE — The House Special Investigatory Committee that will investigate and consider the possibility of the impeachment of the secretary of state will hold its first meeting at 9:30 a.m. on September 28 in Room 307 of the State Capitol.
The committee will consider hiring special legal counsel, rules of procedure for its investigation, a hearing schedule and other organizational matters.
"The committee understands the gravity of this task and is prepared to fulfill its duty responsibly", the co-chairs, Representatives Zachary J. Cook and Gail Chasey, said in a joint statement.
The announcement of the committee's first meeting came one day after the New Mexico Legislative Council authorized the expenditure of funds necessary to pay for the operation of the committee, including retaining special legal counsel.
Speaker Don L. Tripp appointed the committee last week to investigate and consider whether to recommend to the full House of Representatives that it impeach Secretary of State Dianna J. Duran for crimes, misdemeanors or malfeasance in office.
The other members of the committee are Representatives Jim Dines, Kelly K. Fajardo, Sarah Maestas Barnes, Javier Martinez, Patricio Ruiloba, William "Bill" R. Rehm, Tomás E. Salazar and Jeff Steinborn.