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New Mexico Lawmaker Election To Civil Rights Board Draws Irk

nmlegis.gov

A New Mexico Democratic lawmaker has been elected to the board of the nation's oldest Latino civil rights group despite concerns over partisanship and bylaw violations.
 
Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero became national treasurer for the League of United Latin American Citizens last week at the group's convention in Salt Lake City.
 
Yet LULAC's bylaws prohibit elected officials from serving on the national board if they receive "wage compensation."
 
The Albuquerque Democrat is a member of the New Mexico House but receives no annual salary. However, she receives per diems and is eligible for a pension.
 
Former New Mexico LULAC state director Pablo Martinez says allowing Caballero to serve sets a dangerous precedent and she should resign.
 
In an email to The Associated Press, Caballero said she was in meetings all day and could not respond.
 
 
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.