NM Congressman Pearce wants back $10,000 he donated to launch political committee

 Republican Congressman Steve Pearce on Monday asked for a refund of $10,000 that his campaign donated to launch a conservative political action committee.

Pearce's decision came after the chairwoman of the Dona Ana County Democratic Party alleged that the congressman's contribution was illegal under federal campaign law.

Todd Willens, a spokesman for Pearce's re-election campaign, said a letter seeking return of the money had been sent to the political committee Goal WestPac.

Willens said nothing was done improperly, but Pearce wanted to recover the money to exercise "abundance of caution." Pearce, of Hobbs, represents southern New Mexico in Congress and is seeking re-election next year. Read more at Carlsbad Current Argus