Media banned from political convention on tribal property

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Republican Party of New Mexico says news media will not be allowed to attend its election-year state convention at a Native American-owned casino outside Albuquerque.

The New Mexico GOP convention will decide a heated contest for a seat on the Republican National Committee that has veered into recriminations about the state economy and criticism of New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and her top political adviser.

Martin Salazar, president of the New Mexico Press Association, said the refusal to allow reporters at the convention strikes him as convenient for a state party in the midst of a divisive leadership struggle.

Susan Boe, executive director of the Foundation for Open Government, said the media ban raises concerns about secretive decisions even though the Republican Party and its convention are not subject to state open meetings requirements.