Campaign finance is being thrust into the spotlight in the Democratic race for attorney general. Our Line Opinion Panelists discuss the potential conflicts of interest that could arise from certain donations, while taking history into account.

A court decision has allowed oil and gas leasing to resume on public lands. That’s as the Interior Department releases a scathing report on the state of the federal oil and gas program. Our Line Opinion Panelists give their thoughts on the change, and the remaining ban on extraction in and around Chaco Canyon.

Our Land Correspondent Laura Paskus talks with journalist Wufei Yu about his coverage in High Country News. His work has focused on Asian American history and communities in New Mexico and around the West.

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former NM state senator

Edmund Perea, attorney and public safety consultant

Diane Snyder, former NM state senator

For More Information:

Out-of-State Law Firms Make Donations to AG Candidate Colón – Santa Fe New Mexican

Judge Clears Way For NM GOP Redistricting Challenge – Associated Press

Republican Bigwig Hopes to Reshape Democratic Legislature – Santa Fe New Mexican

BLM Opens Lands Back Up to Oil & Gas Leases – Source NM

Pause on Chaco Leases Remains the Right Call – Santa Fe New Mexican