Wednesday, April 30, 2003 | 9:34 a.m.
ALBUQUERQUE -- Gov. Bill Richardson's choice as liaison between the state Gaming Control Board and Indian casinos resigned Monday, saying he had been the victim of "spurious and groundless attacks."
Rafael Gutierrez resigned a couple of weeks after allegations arose that he had worked for two gambling machine suppliers and failed to disclose the ties to the Richardson administration.
"I think resigning was the noble and appropriate thing for Rafael to do," Richardson said.
State law prohibits the board from employing a person who knowingly omitted information in a disclosure statement or a person who has "exhibited a history of willful disregard" for gaming laws.
Gutierrez began work March 10 as the state gaming representative at an annual salary of nearly $70,000.
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