The governor of New Mexico is content with the former campaign assistant to claim unwanted sexual behavior

Governor of New Mexico Michelle Lujan GrishamMichelle Lynn Lujan Grisham: New Mexico Governor signs marijuana legalization bill. New Mexico Ends Qualified Immunity On The Trail: How Marijuana Was Incorporated MORE (D) allegedly reached an agreement with a former spokesman for his 2018 government campaign accusing him of unwanted sexual behavior.

The settlement was first reported by The Albuquerque newspaper on Monday, who reported that his campaign made at least $ 62,500 in payments to a law firm representing James Hallinan.

In December 2019, Hallinan accused the governor of pouring water into his crotch and grabbing it for clothes in front of other staff members during a 2018 campaign meeting.

Rachel Berlin Benjamin, who represents Hallinan, told The Hill: “Governor Lujan Grisham and Mr. Hallinan have resolved any differences or issues to their satisfaction. I can’t provide any more information “.

The newspaper reported that Lujan Grisham’s campaign made five monthly payments of $ 12,500 from November to March, which are listed as legal expenses.

Jared Leopold, Lujan Grisham’s campaign spokesman, told the Journal that the payments resolve “numerous possible dubious and disputed claims made by Mr Hallinan arising from his occupation in 2018 with the organization of the campaign and his subsequent search for ‘occupation’.

He added that Lujan Grisham and his campaign “intensely deny” the allegations and entered into the agreement to avoid “continued distractions and significant costs from possible litigation”.

Lujan Grisham’s press secretary, Nora Meyers Sackett said Axios “The state has no comment, as it is not an official business of the state. Our office maintains that there is no merit in the allegations. ”

The Hill has contacted Lujan Grisham’s office and is campaigning for comment.

The deal comes as a Democratic governing partner. Andrew CuomoAndrew Cuomo: New Mexico governor signs marijuana legalization law As Chauvin continues, US must reinvent public safety Police reforms are a minefield, even in progressive communities of New York fights his allegations of sexual misconduct. Lujan Grisham said The Washington Post in early March, the allegations are worrisome and need to be taken seriously.

Lujan Grisham is the president of the Association of Democratic Governors (DGA) and at one point was considering joining. President BidenJoe BidenTrump: McConnell “Powerless” to Prevent Biden from Wrapping Up Biden Court, First Lady Sends “Warmest Greetings” to Muslims for Ramadan The Business Case for Child Care Reform MOREof the cabinet.

The DGA did not return The Hill’s request for comment, but the Republican Governor’s Association criticized the deal and asked Lujan Grisham to apologize.

“Undoubtedly, the payments suggest that there must be some veracity in the story and Governor Lujan Grisham should publicly apologize to his victim for his behavior,” said the spokesman for the Association of Republican Governors. Will Reinert. he said in a statement.