SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gary King is asking New Mexico's highest court to resolve a dispute over whether his campaign accepted excessive contributions after the June primary election.
King filed a lawsuit Monday asking the state Supreme Court to stop Secretary of State Dianna Duran from forcing him to give up $10,900 in contributions.
Duran contends King improperly collected $10,400 from a Taos couple and $500 too much from a Santa Fe retiree after last month's primary. Duran says King must deposit the contributions in a state fund.
Individuals can donate up to $5,200 per election to a statewide candidate but Duran says a candidate can't accept contributions for the primary after the election occurred.
King maintains the contributions were permissible because they are to help retire his primary election debt.