New Mexico House Speaker Don Tripp has announced creation of a 10-member bipartisan committee to investigate charges against Secretary of State Dianna Duran and consider whether to recommend impeachment.
Democrat Gail Chasey of Albuquerque and Republican Zach Cook of Ruidoso will serve as co-chairs of the special committee announced Wednesday.
Duran faces a 64-count criminal indictment accusing her of funneling campaign contributions to personal bank accounts.
Duran's attorney's has said Duran will fight the criminal charges in court.
Tripp says lawmakers need to conduct an independent analysis of the evidence against Duran.
Impeachment of Duran by the full House would set the stage for Senate proceedings to decide whether to remove her from office.
No state elective officer has ever been impeached in New Mexico.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal.
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