   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2011
Contact: Annaliese Wiederspahn
annaliese@gopnm.org
Phone: 505-298-3662
GOP Calls On Senator Keller To Disclose Potential Conflict Of Interest
Is Laguna a Paying Client of Senator's Firm?
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – On Friday, the Republican Party of New Mexico called on State Senator Tim Keller to disclose his full client list and state specifically whether the Pueblo of Laguna is a client of his firm, The Blue Stone Strategy Group.
The Pueblo of Laguna was the losing bidder to run a racetrack and casino at Expo. After previously supporting the RFP process for Expo, Senator Keller has changed his tune now that Laguna did not win the bid and has called for the process to be re-opened.
Keller is a principal in the firm, Blue Stone Strategy Group, which specializes in "providing tribes with successful strategies for growth." http://www.bluestonestrategy.com/about-us.
Blue Stone also states on their website that the firm assists tribes with "Hotel & Casino Operations." http://www.bluestonestrategy.com/services/economic-development/hotel-casino-operation.
"If Keller's firm does work for the Pueblo of Laguna, whether related to gaming or otherwise, the senator has a glaring conflict of interest that should have been disclosed a long time ago,” said Republican Party of New Mexico executive director Bryan Watkins. “The people of New Mexico deserve to know whether Senator Keller is using his official position to assist the interests of paying client."
In his biography on Blue Stone's website, Keller brags about legislation he has passed as a state senator promoting Native American interests.
http://www.bluestonestrategy.com/about-us/blue-stone-team/timothy-keller
Watkins said the Laguna/Expo situation is just one example of a potential conflict and highlights why Keller should release the full client list of his firm, so New Mexicans can determine whether Keller is in Santa Fe representing his district, or his paying clients.
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