Free Republic

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Former New Mexico Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron and three codefendants were arraigned in district court Friday on charges of money laundering and embezzlement. Vigil-Giron was not in court, but her attorney Robert Gorence was. He took steps Friday to get the case thrown out of court. The efforts to get the case dismissed are joined by codefendant Armando Gutierrez. Gutierrez is the media consultant who produced television advertisements featuring Vigil-Giron as part of the voter education program. Gutierrez, Vigil-Giron and two others are accused of diverting federal dollars from that program to their own bank accounts...

Former Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron, Democratic Party consultant Armando Gutierrez and lobbyists Elizabeth and Joseph Carl Kupfer were indicted Wednesday on 50 counts each of conspiracy, fraud, embezzlement, money laundering over $100,000 and other charges for alleged acts occurring from 2004 through 2006. The four, who are named in separate indictments filed Wednesday afternoon in Bernalillo County District court, also are charged with making or permitting false public vouchers, making or taking kickbacks and tampering with evidence.

Voter apathy Younger citizens less likely to cast their ballots By Ilene Olson rep3@wyomingnews.com Published in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle CHEYENNE - Mark Egge has definite opinions about politics, despite the fact that he just turned 18 a month ago. He cast his first votes in the primary election Tuesday. "I guess I vote because I'm somewhat idealistic," he said. "I care about the direction the nation is going. I don't think I have a right to complain if I don't vote." Although politics are not regular dinner conversations at home, Egge said his parents have set a good example by...