ALBUQUERQUE, NM Republican Party of New Mexico Executive Director Bryan Watkins issued the following statement upon filing a lawsuit challenging the state's current campaign finance laws which undermine New Mexicans' First Amendment right to freedom of speech:

"Today we filed a lawsuit to protect New Mexicans' right to freedom of speech. We are confident that we will be successful in this case, as cases from around the country have found in favor of protection of freedom of speech, including a recent United States Supreme Court decision.

"Liberal special interest groups in New Mexico have been flouting campaign finance laws by forming non-profit and charitable organizations to shield their donors and activities from the public. Republicans believe information about contributors should be publicly available on the internet, so New Mexicans can easily access donor information.

"While the Democrats outsource their ‘grassroots activities' to the unions and outside groups, this unconstitutional law has sidelined local voices. It is clear that the law passed by the Democrat controlled legislature and signed by former Governor Richardson is aimed to further diminish the First Amendment rights and the free speech that is guaranteed to all."