"State Rep. Sandra Jeff is a first-term lawmaker from Crownpoint on the Navajo Nation in northwestern New Mexico. Her district is about 130 miles from Albuquerque.

But her most recent campaign-finance report shows some unusual entertainment expenses a long way from home:

• $173 for a "constituent meeting" on July 8 at Azuma Sushi & Teppan in Albuquerque.
• $194 for a "constituent meeting" on July 13 at Pelican's Restaurant in Albuquerque.
• $225 for a "constituent meeting" on July 14 at Azuma in Albuquerque.
• $118 for a "constituent meeting" on July 15 at a Garduño's restaurant in Albuquerque.

The campaign-finance report doesn't include an itemization of expenses. So, there is no way to tell if the meal tabs included just food or food and drinks.

There isn't a Navajo chapter in Albuquerque, but Jeff also reported these expenses on her campaign-finance report.

• $185 for a "meeting with Navajo delegates" on Aug. 25 at Texas Land & Cattle Steak House in Albuquerque.
• $151 for a "meeting with chapter officials" on Sept. 8 at Azuma in Albuquerque.
• $226 for a "meeting with chapter officials" on Sept. 9 at a Garduño's restaurant in Albuquerque.

Jeff, a Democrat, also reported a $97 expense for a "meeting with committee for re-election" on Sept. 4 at Pelican's in Albuquerque."

Get the Story:
Thomas J. Cole: Rep. Entertains Far From Home (The Albuquerque Journal 3/10)

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