New Mexico lobbyists report greater spending

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – New Mexico political lobbyists are reporting a nearly 20 percent increase in spending in the first four months of 2016 over last year.
Financial statements filed with the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office before a Tuesday deadline show lobbyists spent $269,000 to influencing public officials between the start of the year and April 25, including a 30-day legislative session. That was up from $226,000 in 2015.
The spending includes direct campaign contributio