Governor orders end to use of private email

Governor Susana Martinez has directed workers in her administration to use only the state's email system when conducting government business.

The Republican governor's directive on Monday came a week after it was disclosed that the governor and administration officials had discussed state issues using email accounts connected to her political action committee. Critics said the practice was unacceptable, particularly for a governor who touted the need for more governmental transparency.

The governor said in a statement her directive "goes beyond what has been required or practiced in the past in New Mexico."

Government workers under the governor's control are to use state email even for preliminary discussions of issues, which the administration contends aren't public records that must be retained by the government under state law.