New Mexico vs. Dark Money: A Battle for Transparency in Malpractice Reform
The New Mexico State Ethics Commission has taken a bold step forward in the fight against dark money in politics. This week, the commission launched a legal challenge against a shadowy organization known as New Mexico Safety Over Profit. Accused of violating the state’s Lobbyist Regulation Act, this lawsuit is raising significant questions about transparency and accountability in political lobbying.
What’s at Stake?
The ethics commission claims that Safety Over Profit—a 501(c)(4) organization linked to powerful interests—has willfully concealed the sources of its funding while engaging in political advertising during legislative sessions. This lack of transparency not only undermines public trust but also raises concerns about the influences on critical healthcare legislation.
Allegations of Non-Disclosure
In a lawsuit filed in Bernalillo County District Court, the commission argues that Safety Over Profit failed to disclose approximately $56,000 spent on advertisements aimed at dismantling crucial reforms in New Mexico’s malpractice laws. The organization ran a series of print and digital ad campaigns, portraying the proposed reforms as dangerous initiatives pushed by corporations and insurance companies seeking to harm patient care.
“Attempting to reform malpractice law is a plot from corporations,” the ads suggest, backed by a report allegedly filled with inaccurate information.
Connections to Political Influence
Founded in late 2024 by political consultant Jon Lipshutz, Safety Over Profit has become an influential player in the realm of malpractice legislation. The group’s secretary, Damon Ely, a former legislator and past president of the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, has personal stakes in ensuring malpractice payouts remain high.
This heavy political connection raises the question: how are citizens meant to trust an organization that refuses to disclose who funds its lobbying efforts?
The Ethics Commission’s Resolve
The lawsuit seeks to enforce compliance with the Lobbyist Regulation Act and demand the disclosure of both the organization’s funding sources and detailed expenditures.
“Transparency and accountability are core to its mission,” claims Jeremy Farris, Executive Director of the State Ethics Commission, emphasizing that the commission is committed to holding powerful groups accountable.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Dark Money’s Influence: The case highlights the pressing issue of undisclosed funding in political lobbying and its potential effects on legislation that impacts the public.
- Legislative Implications: The proposed SB 176, aimed at reforming attorney fees and punitive damages in malpractice cases, has stalled due to Safety Over Profit’s lobbying efforts, demonstrating the group’s immediate influence on legislative outcomes.
The Public’s Right to Know
The ethics commission maintains that Safety Over Profit must disclose the identities of its contributors, arguing that secrecy fosters a lack of accountability. Despite these allegations, Lipshutz asserts the organization is not legally required to reveal its funding sources as a 501(c)(4) entity.
“We will not disclose our donors,” he stated bluntly in a past interview.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the outcome of this lawsuit, one thing is crystal clear: New Mexico faces a critical moment in the fight for political transparency.
Fred Nathan, from Think New Mexico, commended the ethics commission for its actions, stating, “The public deserves to know who is secretly funding Safety Over Profit’s efforts to obstruct urgently needed medical malpractice reform.” Transparency in lobbying is not just about following the rules; it’s about ensuring a fair, informed, and trustworthy political landscape for all.
In the end, this battle against dark money may not just reshape medical malpractice laws—but also redefine how power operates within New Mexico’s corridors of influence.
For those interested in tracking this case and its implications on political accountability, follow local news sources and updates from the New Mexico State Ethics Commission here.
