SANTA FE, N.M. (Legal Newsline) – Fans of President Donald Trump are suing the State of New Mexico over regulations that require advocacy groups to disclose their members and contributors.
Cowboys for Trump filed its challenge in New Mexico federal court on June 18 against Secretary of State Maggie Tolouse Oliver. It says 2019 legislation has the effect of chilling its free speech rights.
The bill requires groups that advocate for candidates during elections must register with Oliver’s office, disclose their members and contributors and place a sponsorship disclaimer on their materials.
Cowboys For Trump says it was determined to be an advocacy group in 2019.
“The SOS has never alleged that Cowboys for Trump has attempted to influence state elections through independent expenditures or by any other means,” the lawsuit says.
“This indisputable fact is key, Cowboys for Trump has not expended a single penny on independent expenditures in support of or in opposition to any candidate for office, much less a state office.”