For the record: I have never met Tancredo and Trish and I are not related to his campaign treasurer, so far as we know:

Rep. Tom Tancredo has asked the Federal Elections Commission to say whether his congressional campaign can give up to $50,000 to a Colorado group behind a proposed constitutional amendment restricting state services for illegal immigrants.

Tancredo, R-Littleton, is seeking an advisory opinion that could have national implications. It could clarify a gray area of the law and determine how much members of Congress can get involved in state ballot initiatives.

Campaign treasurer Jon Ponder said Tancredo has not decided exactly how much to contribute to the group, Defend Colorado Now, but proposed the $50,000 figure in hopes of getting clear guidance on what’s allowed.

The group is trying to qualify a ballot measure that would amend the Colorado Constitution to prohibit illegal immigrants from benefiting from state services, except those mandated by the federal government, such as K-12 education and emergency medical care.

Tancredo is one of the country’s most outspoken advocates of tougher immigration enforcement.

“Tom obviously favors it. He has publicly come out in support of it, I believe, and we would like to help them to the extent we can both financially and legally,” Ponder said.

“I wanted to make absolutely certain we dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t.’ ”

Congressional campaign committees can contribute to state groups like Defend Colorado Now; the question is how much.

And while we’re at it, I have never been to Pahrump (but am a little less certain that I’m not related to this guy):

Nye County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a man early Friday morning they believed to be the same person who robbed the Bank of America branch inside Albertson’s March 8.

Sheriff Tony DeMeo, along with the team who caught the suspected bank robber, held a news conference Friday afternoon at Pahrump Valley Fire-Rescue Services.

Jon Ponder, who is a resident of Las Vegas, has been arrested for allegedly robbing Bank of America for $800 in cash. At approximately 12:32 a.m. Friday, Deputy Jay Hunt made a traffic stop. According to DeMeo, the suspect gave Hunt false identification. Hunt found the vehicle had been stolen out of Las Vegas.

Authorities reported the driver matched the description of the man involved in the robbery. Several other deputies arrived on scene to assist Hunt. The suspect was arrested and brought in for questioning.

DeMeo said during the suspect’s testimony, he allegedly placed himself at the scene of the crime.

The suspect has been charged with armed robbery, false identification, possession of a stolen vehicle and several other charges, DeMeo said. His bail has been set at $25,000.

“We don’t think he’s going to make bail,” DeMeo said.