Secretary of State’s Office Dismisses Complaint in Sapien-Rodefer Race

Secretary of State Dianna Duran’s office has informed Sen. John Sapien, D-Corrales, that it will not levy disciplinary action against him and is closing its investigation into a letter sent out on official Senate stationery.

Sapien’s Democratic primary opponent, Ben Rodefer, had filed a complaint with the Secretary of State’s Office on May 17 regarding Sapien’s letter, which invited Placitas residents to discuss the needs of the community and the state at a town hall meeting.

Rodefer had argued the event was a town hall meeting in disguise, while Sapien said it was sent to members of all political parties and was nothing out of the ordinary.

A letter sent Friday by Secretary of State Ethics Officer Christiana Sanchez informed Sapien that the file on the complaint was being closed based on a review of the complaint and Sapien’s subsequent response to it.

“… Our office has determined that it does not appear a violation of the Governmental Conduct Act occurred in this instance,” Sanchez wrote in her letter.

The winner of the June 5 primary election will face Republican David Doyle in this fall’s general election.