Governor's Transparency Policy

Wow! Everyone's on record of late claiming complete ignorance regarding fees paid to third-party marketers. Then, this comes to light.

The bottom line is this: In the wake of a corruption scandal at the state Treasurer's Office in 2005, a policy was drafted that called for public disclosure of fees paid to so-called third-party marketers on government investment deals.

A document that became known as the "Governor's Transparency Policy" — put together for Gov. Bill Richardson — recommended disclosure of all the fees.

That didn't happen. The policy was never adopted, not even by the State Investment Council, which Richardson chairs and controls.

I believe that's what they call a smoking gun.