Santa Fe – New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said Thursday that there was nothing improper in accepting campaign contributions from developers picked for two multimillion-dollar state transportation development projects, which are under investigation by his administration.
Richardson, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, also said he had no involvement in the projects, which are under scrutiny because defendants in a courthouse construction scandal have possible links to the state developments.
“There’s no connection between donations and what happens in state government,” Richardson said at a news conference.
The governor acknowledged, however, that the potential connection to the courthouse corruption scandal has “tainted” the state development projects.
Both projects involve developers who have contributed money to Richardson’s gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. One developer, Gerald Peters of Santa Fe, has provided Richardson’s campaign with use of a corporate jet and the campaign has reimbursed a Peters company for the flights at a favorable rate allowed under federal election rules. Peters also recently co-hosted a fundraiser for Richardson.
Contract negotiations over one of the projects between the state and a Peters development company have been suspended while they are reviewed by the department’s inspector general and an outside law firm hired by the governor’s office. The project calls for the construction of a commuter rail hub and a headquarters for the transportation department in Santa Fe.
The other project required a developer to finance and build a new office and maintenance yard for the agency near Santa Fe.
The department canceled negotiations with the developer in the District 5 project earlier this year. Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught has said a satisfactory deal couldn’t be reached.
In many instances, Richardson said, he doesn’t know who contributes to his presidential campaign.
He said Peters was a longtime friend who has supported his previous campaigns.
Richardson said he didn’t think any of the contributions were covered by a state law that prohibits prospective contractors from giving political donations or “anything else of value” to government contracting officials during the procurement process.
“I don’t get involved in decisions about these projects,” Richardson said. “This is done by state government.”
