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Our investigation into the power and recklessness of special interests during the 2018 election
Nov. 2017
Wealthy personal injury and medical malpractice lawyers start “Safety and Justice for All” — a Super PAC to support judges that align with the priorities of tort lawyers.
Early 2018
In just 6 months, the new Super PAC amasses contributions of over a quarter-million dollars — more than any other PAC in New Mexico.
Apr. 2018
Former Appellate Court judge Cynthia Fry, a Democrat, is listed as Treasurer for the PAC. Fry’s husband, malpractice attorney and progressive New Mexico legislator Daymon Ely, is reported as a donor.
Oct. 8, 2018
One month before the election, the PAC has a war-chest of over $345,000 to spend influencing the election, according to official state filings.
Oct. 19, 2018
Even though lawyers are responsible for the PAC, the group breaches legal ethics* by launching a series of defamatory attack ads harshly criticizing sitting judges — including one ad portraying the judges as puppets.
Oct. 31, 2018
The highly controversial ad receives widespread condemnation from party leaders from both sides of the aisle. “If such lies are accepted as true by some portion of the public, trust in the judiciary will suffer.” -Judge Hank Bohnhoff
Nov. 6, 2018
The PAC declares victory in a sweeping upset that sees all 5 of the judges targeted in the controversial attack ads lose their reelection bids.
2019
Cynthia Fry is no longer listed as Treasurer of the PAC. Fry becomes Board Chair of the New Mexico Supreme Court Disciplinary Board which oversees legal ethics.
*Why it matters: New Mexico Rules of Professional Conduct
The New Mexico attorneys responsible for the much criticized puppet ad broke ethics rules when they recklessly criticized the integrity of the 5 judges.
“Trial lawyers are spending huge amounts of money to buy judges who are sympathetic to their special interests at the expense of everyday New Mexicans.”
— Ryan Cangiolosi
Former GOP State Party Chair
Santa Fe New Mexican, 10/19/18
