Land Office commissioner files defamation lawsuit over campaign ad

State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn on Monday filed a defamation lawsuit against a potential election challenger for his job, complaining that a campaign ad falsely accuses Dunn of using his elected position to enrich himself.

Dunn, a Republican, filed the request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against Democrat Garrett VeneKlasen, who last month started airing a radio ad that he also has published as an audio recording on his website and Facebook page.

In response to the lawsuit, VeneKlasen said his campaign stood by the ad.

Dunn not only denied the premise of the attack ad, he took an action that is rare, if not unprecedented, for a New Mexico politician by suing for defamation.

The suit asserts that VeneKlasen’s ad is “intended to expose Mr. Dunn to public hatred and contempt and to hinder Mr. Dunn from engaging in a fair re-election campaign and to engage in lawful business in the private sector. … VeneKlasen’s false and defamatory statements have tarnished Mr. Dunn’s good name and character among friends, neighbors, and acquaintances and have diminished his standing in the community, including with individuals who conduct business with Mr. Dunn. VeneKlasen’s statements have caused actual harm to Mr. Dunn’s reputation.”

Read more: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/land-office-commissioner-files-defamation-lawsuit-over-campaign-ad/article_f93685e0-bed6-5d72-87c1-bccd6fa1b9ea.html