A recent poll found a majority of registered New Mexico voters, nearly 4 out of 5 surveyed, believe corruption is prevalent when it comes to state politics. The poll was commissioned by Common CauseNew Mexico to find out what would-be-voters across the state think about money in state politics.
Common Cause Executive Director Viki Harrison said the purpose of the survey was to give state lawmakers and Governor Susana Martinez some insight into what voters think.
"So for example, one question we asked was 'Do you think elected officials are more responsible to voters or to lobbyists?' " Harrison said. "We also asked 'Do you think there is corruption in New Mexico politics?' "
Of those surveyed, 79 percent said the they thought corruption was a serious problem in state politics.
The poll also found that 87 percent of voters surveyed are in favor of passing legislation that would require full disclosure of campaign contributions.
Seventy-eight percent of voters surveyed support requiring any former legislator to wait at least 2 years after their term ends before they are allowed to become a paid lobbyist.
Harrison said the poll results send a message to lawmakers: enact reforms in order to restore voter trust.
The New Mexico Legislature convenes this coming Tuesday for a 30-day session.