Block campaign cash went to county clerk

Link: Santa Fe Reporter - audit right there.

According to Block’s campaign records, a few days after the June 3 primary election, Block cut a $300 check to San Miguel County Clerk “Pecos” Paul Maez for “campaign coordination.” San Miguel is the only county Block won in the six-way Democratic primary. Block used Maez’ official clerk’s office address on the report.

That same day, Block also cut a $2,500 check to the country-western band Wyld Country, in which Maez is a guitarist. According to Block’s campaign, the payment was for a rally in San Miguel County just prior to the primary election. Block deferred questions to his recently appointed campaign manager Jonathan Valdez.

“The vast majority of Paul Maez’ help was outside of San Miguel County,” Valdez writes in an e-mail to SFR. “Paul has always maintained and upheld the highest ethical standards and integrity in his personal life and in his professional capacity.”

Maez did not return multiple messages left with his office and on his cell phone. However, Santa Fe County Clerk Valerie Espinoza tells SFR that, as an election official, she would never accept payment from a candidate’s campaign.