Special committee will determine whether or not to try and impeach Sec. of State Duran

The Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives, Don Tripp, is creating a special committee to investigate embezzlement and fraud allegations levied against state Secretary of State Dianna Duran and determine whether or not to proceed in the impeachment process.

Tripp, a Republican from Socorro, sent letters to Attorney General Hector Balderas and Sen. Mary Kay Papen, the co-chair of the state Legislative Council, informing them the House will begin the process of determining whether the charges have enough merit to impeach Duran.

Tripp says the special committee will be made up of an equal number of Republicans and Democrats who Tripp will appoint after the Democratic Minority Floor Leader gives him recommendations.

Tripp’s letter to Sen. Papen asks she puts a question of funding for the committee on the agenda for the next committee meeting, scheduled for Sept. 15.

Tripp’s letter to Balderas asks him to share his case file with the special committee so they can review evidence.