Potential sanctions include censure, reprimand or expulsion from the House. Stapleton, an Albuquerque Democrat, is a powerful force in the Legislature, where she has served as House majority leader since 2017 and about 27 years as a member. She is the second-highest ranking member of the House, playing a key role in political strategy and helping manage the flow of work on the chamber floor. In interviews and public statements Wednesday, lawmakers generally tried to strike a balance between condemning any appearance of impropriety while also reserving judgment until more information is available. But leading Democrats and Republicans in the House made it clear they intend to examine the allegations outlined in affidavits filed by the Attorney General’s Office.