The dastardly Rio Grande Foundation and its momentary sidekick, the New Mexico Alliance for Legal Reform, seek examples of New Mexico laws, local ordinances and administrative rules and regulations that ought to be repealed. A total of $1,000 will be awarded for the best entries.

Outrageous Law Contest rules are at www.nmlawcontest.com. Entries, which are due September 22, 2007, can be submitted via entry@nmlawcontest.com. Winners will be announced on October 12.

The project’s Honorary Chairman, Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, has the right attitude. “When frivolous laws are on the books, it weakens public trust in the system,” says White. “Law enforcement needs to be focused on protecting our citizens from real criminals.”

Sheriff White makes a truer-words-have-never-been-spoken-statement in highlighting the contest’s boundaries: “While there are probably a few hundred thousand federal laws that should also be repealed, only laws originating in New Mexico qualify for the contest.” I say, round that sheriff up a posse!