Federal:

In Ukraine, a Malware Expert Who Could Blow the Whistle on Russian Hacking
New York Times – Andrew Kramer and Andrew Higgins | Published: 8/15/2017

A hacker known as Profexer wrote computer code alone in an apartment and sold his handiwork on the anonymous portion of the internet known as the Dark Web. Profexer’s posts, already accessible only to a small band of fellow hackers and cybercriminals looking for software tips, blinked out in January, just days after American intelligence agencies publicly identified a program he had written as one tool used in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee. But while Profexer’s online persona vanished, a flesh-and-blood person has emerged: a fearful man who the Ukrainian police said turned himself in early this year, and has now become a witness for the FBI.

Inside the Elizabeth Warren Merchandising Empire
Politico – Lauren Dezenski | Published: 8/13/2017

Elizabeth Warren is not just a progressive icon, she is a merchandising industry unto herself. The U.S. senator and presidential prospect is at the center of a sprawling business built around her appeal to liberals across the country, a reminder of the devotion she inspires on the left and the footprint she will cast in the 2020 Democratic primary. Warren’s campaign store has expanded beyond traditional political fare such as buttons, bumper stickers, tote bags, and T-shirts to offer a line of products that capitalize on the “Nevertheless, she persisted” meme spawned by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s much-publicized admonishment of Warren on the Senate floor earlier this year.

Justice Dept. Demands Data on Visitors to Anti-Trump Website, Sparking Fight
New York Times – Charlie Savage | Published: 8/15/2017

The Department of Justice has requested information on visitors to a website used to organize protests against President Trump. Dreamhost, a web hosting provider, claimed that complying with the request would amount to handing over roughly 1.3 million visitor IP addresses to the government, in addition to contact information, email content, and photos of thousands of visitors to the website, which was involved in organizing protests against Trump on Inauguration Day. “hat information could be used to identify any individuals who used this site to exercise and express political speech protected under the Constitution’ First Amendment,”DreamHost wrote in a blog post.

Revocation of Grants to Help Fight Hate Under New Scrutiny After Charlottesville
New York Times – Ron Nixon and Eileen Sullivan | Published: 8/15/2017

A grant awarded by the Obama administration to an organization dedicated to combating right-wing domestic extremists was rescinded by the Trump administration. After the violent clash in Charlottesville, the move to pull back the money from an organization dedicated to helping people leave hate groups is receiving renewed scrutiny. The decision to rescind the grant highlights the different approach between Donald Trump and Barack Obama over whether Muslim extremists or white supremacist groups pose a greater domestic threat. Organizations that received funding from the Trump administration work almost exclusively on programs to deal with terrorist threats from Islamic extremists, even as research shows white supremacist groups have been linked to most domestic terrorist attacks in recent years.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama: Alabama Ethics Commission Punts on Lobbyist Opinion
Montgomery Advertiser – Brian Lyman | Published: 8/16/2017

The Alabama Ethics Commission voted to table a staff opinion that would have specifically classified site consultants as lobbyists under state law. State Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield argued the opinion could imperil what he characterized as “confidential” negotiations for various economic development projects. “If companies considering multiple states to relocate existing operations were to have to disclose themselves publicly to the state, would they … consider Alabama when they have other states to consider where their confidentiality will be protected?” Canfield asked.

California: Hundreds of Dollars in ‘Gifts’ from Contractors to Supervisor Nelson Raise Legal Questions
Voice of OC – Nick Gerda | Published: 8/16/2017

Orange County Supervisor Shawn Nelson received more than $700 worth of wine and cigars from two contractors after he voted to award them county contracts, and his handling of the items may be a way around the county’s gift ban. Nelson used campaign funds to reimburse the lobbying firm Potomac Partners for $539 worth of wine, and Kevin McCarthy for $169 worth of cigars. Nelson said his approach is legal because he repaid the contractors, and the wine and cigars are not for his personal use, but rather for “officeholder” purposes. “Nobody anticipated that some guy that was doing business with the county could bring in an unsolicited gift, and then you just pay for it [with campaign funds the contractor contributed to] and it’s no longer a gift,” said Shirley Grindle, who helped write the county’s gift ban.

District of Columbia: ACLU Sues Washington, D.C., Transit System for Removing Milo Yiannopoulos Ads
Los Angeles Times – Matt Pearce | Published: 8/10/2017

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for pulling or rejecting controversial ads, which the organization claims violates freedom of speech. In the lawsuit, the ACLU is representing a wide range of plaintiffs, including an abortion provider, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and conservative firebrand Milo Yiannopoulos. One of the rejected ads featured the text of the First Amendment in English, Spanish, and Arabic, which the group proposed after President Trump escalated his feud with the media earlier this year. The authority rejected the ad on the grounds it “intended to influence members of the public regarding an issue on which there are varying opinions” or “intended to influence public policy.”

Florida: FBI Agents Went Undercover in Florida’s Capital for the ‘Biggest Investigation in Years’
USA Today – Sean Rossman | Published: 8/14/2017

Mike Miller was a developer willing to spend millions of dollars to revitalize downtown Tallahassee as the capital city longed to rebrand itself. But Miller was not what he appeared to be. After spending nearly two years infiltrating the ranks of up-and-coming entrepreneurs and wooing the town’s politicians, he vanished – until early this summer, when a pair of FBI subpoenas were served on City Hall. Miller, it turned out, was no ordinary developer. He was an undercover FBI agent, the lynchpin in an elaborate scheme to ferret out public corruption – a multi-year investigation of local politicians, their friends, and millions of dollars in taxpayer redevelopment money.

Illinois: Lobbyist Registrations Surge After Fines Tied to Emanuel Emails
Chicago Sun-Times – Fran Spielman | Published: 8/16/2017

An “all-time record” of 759 lobbyists are now registered with the Chicago Board of Ethics, a 27 percent increase over the last year, according to Steve Berlin, the board’s executive director. Board of Ethics Chairperson William Conlon noted the registration surge coincided with the agency’s decision to come down hard on those who lobby Mayor Rahm Emanuel through the mayor’s private emails, but fail either to register as lobbyists or report the activity. “So much is being made public that it is now very hard to hide in the gray area,” said Cindi Canary, founder of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.

Louisiana: Conflict of Interest or Educational Opportunity? La. Legislators Have Benefited from $73K-Worth of Free Travel Since 2016
New Orleans Advocate – Elizabeth Crisp | Published: 8/12/2017

State lawmakers in Louisiana accepted complimentary hotel stays, travel, and conference admissions valued at more than $73,000 combined since January 2016. The trips, which do not face the same caps that limit gifts from lobbyists, are reflected in signed affidavits that lawmakers must file with the state Board of Ethics within 60 days of traveling for free to conferences and seminars or to give speeches to sponsoring groups. Some watchdogs question whether special interests use the trips as a way to win face time and curry favor with lawmakers often at beach-side locales or in major cities; legislators generally defend them as taxpayer-money saving educational opportunities.

Oklahoma: State Ethics Rules Often Hide Sources of Lobbyists’ Gifts, Meals
Oklahoma Watch – Trevor Brown | Published: 8/13/2017

A review of thousands of gifts and meal purchases made during the first six months of 2017 found it is impossible to confirm through records who was bankrolling efforts to influence policymakers for a quarter of the record-setting $485,000 that lobbyists spent on state officials and legislators. That is because Oklahoma, unlike dozens of other states, does not require lobbyists to reveal what bill or topic they are discussing when they buy a meal for a state official. Lobbyists also do not have to list what client they are representing when they buy a meal or a gift.

Oregon: Oregon Judge to Decide If Political Spending Limits Are Legal
Portland Oregonian – Gordon Friedman | Published: 8/15/2017

Oregon is one of six states with no limits on campaign donations and spending. State law also allows individuals and groups to pay for political ads without disclosing they are the source. Multnomah County voters overwhelmingly approved new limits on political contributions last year. Now Multnomah County Circuit Judge Eric Bloch will begin the process of determining whether the measure is constitutional. Bloch promised to provide as a ruling “as quickly as I possibly can.” That is expected to be before September 1, when the new campaign spending limits take effect. Bloch said his decision will likely not be the final one, given that both sides have indicated their openness to appeals.

South Carolina: Emails: South Carolina AG coordinated with key figure in statehouse probe on letter booting special prosecutor off case
Charleston Post and Courier – Glenn Smith | Published: 8/5/2017

Legal observers criticized South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson for sharing confidential information and for seeking advice concerning a potential criminal investigation with one of the subjects of that probe. They said Wilson should not have asked his longtime political consultant and friend Richard Quinn Sr. in October 2014 to help edit a letter that would have informed independent prosecutor David Pascoe that he would play no further role in any future prosecutions stemming from an investigation into statehouse corruption. The exchange came as Pascoe prepared to dig deeper into a State Law Enforcement Division report detailing alleged misdeeds by sitting lawmakers. Named in that document were Quinn and his son, state Rep. Rick Quinn, who was also identified as a potential target of the probe.

Texas: Federal Court Invalidates Part of Texas Congressional Map
Texas Tribune – Alexa Ura and Jim Malewitz | Published: 8/15/2017

A federal court invalidated two congressional districts in Texas, ruling they violated racial discrimination prohibitions. The three-judge panel’s unanimous decision could lead to a battle to redraw the districts in time for the 2018 elections. The court ordered the Texas attorney general’s office to indicate whether the state Legislature would take up redistricting to fix those violations. Otherwise, the state and its legal foes will head back to court on September 5 to begin re-drawing the congressional map.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

Louisiana: “Conflict of Interest or Educational Opportunity? La. Legislators Have Benefited from $73K-Worth of Free Travel Since 2016” by Elizabeth Crisp for New Orleans Advocate

Oklahoma: “State Ethics Rules Often Hide Sources of Lobbyists’ Gifts, Meals” by Trevor Brown for Oklahoma Watch

Campaign Finance

California: “Voting Rights Group Fined for Not Disclosing Union Support for Ballot Measures” by David Garrick for San Diego Union Tribune

Tennessee: “Election Registry Advises Tennessee Lawmakers Not to Use Campaign Funds for Living Expenses” by Jordan Buie for The Tennessean

Ethics

“How a Conservative TV Giant Is Ridding Itself of Regulation” by Cecilia Kang, Eric Lipton, and Sydney Ember for New York Times

“Mueller Is Said to Seek Interviews with West Wing in Russia Case” by Michael Schmidt, Matt Apuzzo, and Maggie Haberman for New York Times

New York: “Dan Squadron Fought the LLC Loophole and the Loophole Won” by Rachel Silberstein for Gotham Gazette

Elections

“Inside the Elizabeth Warren Merchandising Empire” by Lauren Dezenski for Politico

Ethics

“Far-Right Groups Surge into National View in Charlottesville” by Richard Fausset and Alan Feuer for New York Times

“Kushner Fined for Late Financial Report” by Anita Kumar and Ben Weider for McClatchy DC

California: “Food Guru Who Brought Healthier Meals to L.A. Schools Charged with Mishandling District Funds” by James Queally for Los Angeles Times

District of Columbia: “ACLU Sues Washington, D.C., Transit System for Removing Milo Yiannopoulos Ads” by Matt Pearce for Los Angeles Times

Maryland: “Former Anne Arundel Judicial Candidate Sues State for Defamation” by Phil Davis for Capital Gazette

South Carolina: “Emails: South Carolina AG coordinated with key figure in statehouse probe on letter booting special prosecutor off case” by Glenn Smith for Charleston Post and Courier

Texas: “House Member’s Ties to Utility Districts Raise Ethical Questions” by Neil Thomas for Texas Tribune

Campaign Finance

Maine: “New Subpoena Seeks York County Casino Supporter’s Personal Financial Records” by Scott Thistle for Portland Press Herald

Lobbying

Florida: “Brevard County Commission Unanimously Backs Pursuing Code of Ethics” Dave Berman for Florida Today

Utah: “Former Utah Senator Criticizes ‘Secretive,’ ‘Puppet-String’ Lobbying by Mormon Church” by Lee Davidson for Salt Lake Tribune

Legislative Issues

“Nebraska’s Flag Lacks Pizazz. The Hard Part Is Changing It.” by Mitch Smith for New York Times

National:

Ireland’s Tough Lobbying Rules Spark Cries for Similar Laws Elsewhere
Politico – Harry Cooper | Published: 8/9/2017

Two years after Ireland introduced some of the strictest laws in the world on lobbying transparency, the reforms are being held up as the gold standard for policymakers looking to shine a light on the often murky industry. Calls for transparency are growing louder across Europe. Ireland’s experience, say proponents of the law, has dispelled worries that tough lobbying rules would cripple the industry or limit the ability of politicians to do their job.

Political Donors Put Their Money Where the Memes Are
New York Times – Kevin Roos | Published: 8/6/2017

As television, radio, and newspapers give way to the power of social media, today’s political donor class is throwing its weight behind a new group of partisan organizations that specialize in creating catchy, highly shareable messages for Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms. Viral media expertise is emerging as a crucial skill for political operatives, and as donors look to replicate the success of the social media sloganeers who helped lift Donald Trump to victory, they are seeking out talented meme makers.

Federal:

FBI Conducted Predawn Raid of Former Trump Campaign Chairman Manafort’s Home
Washington Post – Carol Leonnig, Tom Hamburger, and Rosalind Helderman | Published: 8/9/2017

Investigators for special counsel Robert Mueller searched the Alexandria, Virginia, home of President Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, for documents related to tax, banking, and other matters. Mueller is investigating an array of allegations about Manafort, including work for the Ukrainian government and his role in a 2016 meeting between Trump campaign officials and Russians promising to share damaging information about Hillary Clinton. Manafort had previously given documents voluntarily to the congressional committees investigating Russia’s election meddling, including possible collusion with members of Trump’s campaign.

How the Trump Hotel Changed Washington’s Culture of Influence
Washington Post – Jonathan O’Connell | Published: 8/7/2017

The Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. has emerged as a Republican Party power center. And for the first time, a profit-making venture touts the name of a U.S. president in its gold signage. The hotel has become a symbol of the tangled ethical questions posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. Critics have charged that anyone seeking favor from the White House has an incentive to stay in rooms that can be booked for $400 per night or more. Trump tried to address ethical concerns by turning over the hotel’s management to his two eldest sons and vowing to take no hotel profits during his tenure. But he retained his ownership interest, allowing him to eventually profit from the holdings.

Soft Money Is Back – And Both Parties Are Cashing In
Politico – Carrie Levine | Published: 8/4/2017

An analysis of campaign finance data indicates Democrats and Republicans are now aggressively trafficking in a new, and perfectly legal, kind of soft money, enabled by a 2014 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the latest in a series eviscerating major parts of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. In a fundraising environment that had come to be dominated by super PACs, it is helping national political parties regain some relevancy after years of declining power. It’s also reviving an era when politicians were able to directly solicit large checks from donors on behalf of the political parties.

From the States and Municipalities:

California: Upscale Santa Monica Hotel Faces $310,000 Fine for Concealing Campaign Contributions
Los Angeles Times – Alene Tchekmedyian | Published: 8/7/2017

A Santa Monica hotel is facing a $310,000 fine for improperly concealing donations to local candidates in hopes of preserving the property’s Pacific Ocean views. The California Fair Political Practices Commission said it would be the second largest fine in the agency’s history. The Huntley Hotel reimbursed individuals and local businesses for $97,350 in campaign contributions to candidates for Santa Monica City Council that it believed would oppose the expansion of a neighboring hotel so its name would not show up on disclosure reports. The commission will vote on whether to accept the settlement at its August 17 meeting.

Illinois: Emanuel Warns Those Emailing Him for Favors about Chicago’s ‘Strict Lobbyist Rules’
Chicago Tribune – Bill Ruthhart | Published: 8/9/2017

The hard line drawn by the Chicago Board of Ethics has not discouraged a few powerful people from attempting to influence Mayor Rahm Emanuel through the mayor’s private emails, so much so that Emanuel has warned a few of them about the line they were about to cross. The Chicago Tribune found Emanuel’s personal email accounts had served as a private avenue of influence for those who sought action from – or access to – the mayor. The board issued fines for eight lobbying violations tied to the emails. Amid the added public scrutiny, Emanuel cautioned a real estate executive and longtime political ally about making requests of him and cited the city’s “strict lobbyist rules” in one exchange.

Kentucky: Gov. Matt Bevin Wins Property Tax Appeal on Anchorage Home
Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 8/4/2017

Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin won a property tax dispute that had prompted two ethics complaints from people who questioned whether the governor and his wife got a sweetheart deal when buying their new home. The Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals agreed with the value an appraiser hired by Bevin’s team had placed on the property that includes the governor’s home. The board determined the price Bevin paid for part of the property was above market value. The ruling seemed to vindicate Bevin, who has said for months that he bought the home for more than it was worth.

New York: JCOPE Moves Forward with Lobbying, FOIL Regulations
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 8/8/2017

The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics voted to move forward in the process of implementing several regulations at a recent meeting, including broad lobbying guidelines that have been long in the works. The regulations still need to go through the rule-making process where the public will have a final chance to weigh in on them before formal adoption. The commission also voted to move forward with regulations laying out the amended requirements for what information lobbying groups must disclose about their donors.

Oregon: State Sought to Plant Negative Stories about Nonprofit
Portland Tribune – Nick Budnick | Published: 8/4/2017

There was a state government-funded public relations plan to demean a Portland-area healthcare nonprofit in a court battle over whether the Oregon Health Authority is giving FamilyCare a fair rate of reimbursement for its care of low-income Medicaid patients. FamilyCare been the most vocal coordinated care organization, often accusing state officials of incompetence or seeking to do the nonprofit harm, including in the pending litigation. The company’s critics call it excessively combative.

Pennsylvania: Montco Sheriff Gets Spotlight in Allentown Corruption Case
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jeremy Roebuck | Published: 8/7/2017

A payoff highlighted in the indictment against Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski was a $5,000 night on the town, complete with tickets to a sold-out Philadelphia Eagles playoff game and a pricey dinner. Prosecutors say the mayor pressured two businesspeople seeking city contracts to pay for his night out. The incident has also placed a spotlight on another elected officeholder now poised to be a key witness should the case go to trial. Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny, who before assuming his post in 2015 worked as a lawyer under contract with municipalities across the region, admits he and a business partner picked up the tab for that 2014 evening. They also poured $14,000 more into Pawlowski’s campaign coffers in pursuit of a $3 million tax-collection contract they ultimately won.

Rhode Island: City Treasurer Refuses to Pay Elorza Administration’s State House Lobbyist
WPRI – Dan McGowan | Published: 8/8/2017

Rhode Island’s legislative session is over, but a firm hired by the Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza’s office to lobby the General Assembly still has not been paid. City Treasurer James Lombardi said Monday he has not cut a $36,000 check to Government Strategies because the administration never asked the city’s Board of Contract and Supply for approval to hire the firm. Lombardi contends that all city contracts worth more than $5,000 must be approved by the board before he releases a payment. He said he does not believe the lobbying contract needs to go out to bid, but the board does need to vote in favor of the agreement.

Texas: Are Lawmakers’ Business Ties with Public Entities a Conflict of Interest?
Texas Tribune – Neil Thomas | Published: 8/9/2017

In Texas, lawmakers earn just $7,200 per year as part-time public servants. They all have regular jobs, and some of them have business relationships with public entities that depend on the Legislature to approve their budgets, decide how much taxpayer money they receive, and pass the laws that regulate their operations. Some of those entities owe their very existence to the Legislature. Under state ethics laws, such apparent conflicts-of-interest are not prohibited. Lawmakers are banned from doing business with the state or counties, but only when that business relationship is specifically approved by legislation while they are serving at the Capitol.

Utah: Utah Lawmakers Pick Top Mormon Church Lobbyist to Run Office
Cache Valley Daily; Associated Press –   | Published: 8/3/2017

Utah lawmakers recommended the Mormon church’s chief lobbyist for a top job overseeing the state Legislature’s office that drafts laws, gives legal advice, and staffs committees. The appointment illustrates what is sometimes seen as a thin line between Utah’s government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith to which most state lawmakers and residents belong. John Cannon’s nomination to head up the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel seems far too cozy and perpetuates a national impression the Mormon church runs the Utah Legislature, said the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

“Ireland’s Tough Lobbying Rules Spark Cries for Similar Laws Elsewhere” by Harry Cooper for Politico

New York: “JCOPE Moves Forward with Lobbying, FOIL Regulations” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Judge Rejects APS Arguments in Rate Increase Case” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Verde Independent

Maryland: “Md. Delegates Weigh Matching Funds for Candidates on a County-by-County Basis” by Rachel Siegel for Washington Post

Ethics

“FBI Conducted Predawn Raid of Former Trump Campaign Chairman Manafort’s Home” by Carol Leonnig, Tom Hamburger, and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post

“Secrecy and Suspicion Surround Trump’s Deregulation Teams” by Danielle Ivory and Robert Faturechi for New York Times

“Mueller, Several Team Members Gave Up Million-Dollar Jobs to Work on Special Counsel Investigation” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

California: “Ethics Commissioner Had Private Meetings with Democrats Over Recall Election Rules” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee

Texas: “Are Lawmakers’ Business Ties with Public Entities a Conflict of Interest?” by Neil Thomas for Texas Tribune

Elections

Maine: “Maine Regularly Sells Voter Data It Denied to Feds” by Scott Thistle for Governing

Lobbying

Illinois: “Even After Hefty Lobbyist Fines, Rahm Pals Sought Help Via Email” by Fran Spielman for Chicago Sun-Times

Rhode Island: “City Treasurer Refuses to Pay Elorza Administration’s State House Lobbyist” by Dan McGowan for WPRI

Campaign Finance

“Political Donors Put Their Money Where the Memes Are” by Kevin Roose for New York Times

California: “Upscale Santa Monica Hotel Faces $310,000 Fine for Concealing Campaign Contributions” by Alene Tchekmedyian for Los Angeles Times

Virginia: “Republican Donor from Virginia Beach Sues GOP, Accusing the Party of Fraud Over Failed Obamacare Repeal” by Bill Bartel and Scott Daugherty for The Virginian-Pilot

Ethics

“How the Trump Hotel Changed Washington’s Culture of Influence” by Jonathan O’Connell for Washington Post

“Many Politicians Lie. But Trump Has Elevated the Art of Fabrication.” by Sheryl Gay Stolberg for New York Times

Elections

“The Socialist Movement Is Getting Younger, Thanks to One 75-Year-Old” by David Weigel for Washington Post

Lobbying

Oregon: “State Sought to Plant Negative Stories about Nonprofit” by Nick Budnick for Portland Tribune

Ethics

“Mueller Seeks White House Documents on Flynn” by Matthew Rosenberg, Matt Apuzzo, and Michael Schmidt for New York Times

Florida: “Public Records Fight: Mayor’s office whited out calendar” by Jeffrey Schweers for Tallahasse Democrat

Kentucky: “Gov. Matt Bevin Wins Property Tax Appeal on Anchorage Home” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal

Maryland: “Maryland Probes Potential Conflicts in Grading Medical Marijuana Applications” by Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post

New York: “Records Detail Contacts Between Ethics Agency, Cuomo Lawyer” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Pennsylvania: “Montco Sheriff Gets Spotlight in Allentown Corruption Case” by Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer

Elections

“They’re Building a Trump-Centric Movement. But Don’t Call It Trumpism.” by Jeremy Peters for New York Times

“Republican Shadow Campaign for 2020 Takes Shape as Trump Doubts Grow” by Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns for New York Times

Legislative Issues

“Senators Unveil Two Proposals to Protect Mueller’s Russia Probe” by Karoun Demirjian for Washington Post

Campaign Finance

“Soft Money Is Back – And Both Parties Are Cashing In” by Carrie Levine for Politico

New York: “Law Requires Names of Campaign Workers, But Is Little Enforced” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Ohio: “Rosenberger Memo Seems to Call into Question Legality of Cuyahoga County GOP Donation to House Speaker Candidate” by Andrew Tobias for Cleveland Plain Dealer

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Ex-Senator Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Campaign Funds” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman

Ethics

“Special Counsel Mueller Using Grand Jury in Federal Court in Washington as Part of Russia Investigation” by Carol Leonnig, Sari Horwitz, and Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

“Flynn Files Amended Disclosure Report Showing Additional Payments” by Tom Hamburger and Matea Gold for Washington Post

Elections

Michigan: “Michigan Petitioners Stretch Truth for Signatures” by Jonathan Oosting for Detroit News

Legislative Issues

Utah: “Utah Lawmakers Pick Top Mormon Church Lobbyist to Run Office” by Associated Press for Cache Valley Daily

Procurement

“Missing Data Hinders Contractor Disclosure Rule Nine Years” by Sam Skolnick for Bloomberg BNA

National:

Need a Job? Bob Brady and the Art of the Political Buyout
Philadelphia Inquirer – Andrew Seidman and Jeremy Roebuck | Published: 7/30/2017

Prosecutors’ allegations that U.S. Rep. Robert Brady’s 2012 campaign paid a challenger $90,000 to drop out of the race may seem like a particularly brazen power play. Such transactions may look like backroom dealing, but campaign finance experts agree the line between the simply unseemly and the outright illegal can be difficult to determine. “Rarely are these situations an explicit quid pro quo: ‘I’ll give you money so you’ll drop out,'” said Kenneth Gross, who heads the political law practice at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. “But there are many shades of gray. There are often agreements to help a candidate retire [campaign] debt.”

Federal:

Democrats Introduce Bill to Strengthen Foreign Agents Law
Bloomberg BNA – Kenneth Doyle | Published: 7/31/2017

A new Senate bill would increase the U.S. Justice Department’s authority to impose civil fines people who do not comply with the Foreign Agent Lobbying Transparency Enforcement Act, which requires individuals working on behalf of a foreign government or official to register with the Justice Department within 10 days of signing a contract. In addition to fines, the legislation from Senate Democrats would create even more requirements for foreign agents. The registration laws on foreign lobbying are routinely flouted, according to Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz.

Jared Kushner Stepped Down from 266 ‘Corporate Positions.’ What Does That Mean?
Washington Post – Jena McGregor | Published: 8/1/2017

In Donald Trump’s White House, Jared Kushner has many jobs. The president’s son-in-law is a senior adviser to Trump, has been charged with leading the administration’s revamping of the federal bureaucracy, and has a foreign policy portfolio that includes Mexico and the Middle East. But counting up the titles he stepped down from leading up to Trump’s inauguration, and the number looked to some, at first glance, as even more eye-popping. In a recent story following the release of his financial disclosures, it was reported Kushner had “resigned from 266 corporate positions.” Some on social media were scratching their heads. How does one person hold more than 250 positions?

No Going Back: Anthony Scaramucci’s White House job could cost him $7.5 million
USA Today – Gregory Korte | Published: 8/3/2017

Anthony Scaramucci took no salary during his short tenure as White House communication director, yet his 10-day career detour could end up costing him more than $7.5 million. That is because the hedge fund founder left the White House before he could obtain a “certificate of divestiture” giving him the special tax treatment available to federal employees who give up assets in order to avoid conflicts-of-interest. Without that certificate, the sale of Scaramucci’s Skybridge Capital to a Chinese holding company will be taxed at the capital gains rate of 15 percent. According to Scaramucci’s financial disclosure report, his share of the sale is worth at least $50 million; other estimates put that number even higher.

Trump Loyalist Mixes Businesses and Access at ‘Advisory’ Firm
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore and Kenneth Vogel | Published: 8/1/2017

Corey Lewandowski, Donald Trump’s former campaign chairperson, left the K Street firm he helped to establish amid scrutiny over his clients and his access to the president. Lewandowski then started a new consulting business. Now, as he takes on an increasingly broad role as an unofficial White House adviser, he is building a roster of clients with major interests before the Trump administration. Lewandowski appears to be positioning his new firm as an “advisory” business, part of a growing cohort of Washington, D.C. influencers who advise companies on how to navigate the government but do not register as lobbyists or disclose their clients.

From the States and Municipalities:

California: Anaheim City Council Passes County’s Toughest Restrictions on Lobbying
Orange County Register – Joseph Pimentel | Published: 8/1/2017

The Anaheim City Council voted to approve a bill that requires paid lobbyists to register with the city and file quarterly reports, and prohibits the city from hiring people from lobbying firms. Anaheim elected officials and workers also will be barred from lobbying the city for two years after they leave their government jobs. The ordinance defines a lobbyist as anyone who receives $500 or more a month to communicate with city officials for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative actions. The council needs to take a second vote on the ordinance, slated for August 15, before it goes into effect.

California: San Diego Boosts Qualifications for Ethics Commission Members
San Diego Union-Tribune – David Garrick | Published: 8/1/2017

The city council approved four changes that aim to boost the experience and expertise of San Diego Ethics Commission members. The council amended the commission’s rules to say “priority consideration” will be given to nominees familiar with campaign finance laws, government ethics, lobbying laws, and conflict-of-interest regulations. In addition, the council clarified that rules prohibiting commission members from seeking elective office in the city do not extend to seeking other offices, such as county supervisor or the state Legislature. In September, the council is scheduled to consider amending a rule that prohibits anyone who ran for office against a current member of the council from being appointed to the commission.

Colorado: Walker Stapleton Found a Way Around Governor’s Race Donation Limits – It’s Raising Money and Eyebrows
Denver Post – Mark Matthews | Published: 8/3/2017

The longer that state Treasurer Walker Stapleton waits before formally announcing his bid for governor of Colorado, the more he can help steer unlimited sums of money toward a super PAC-style group that is expected to provide his major funding during the campaign. It is a setup that watchdogs said could stretch the limits of the state’s election law, even as it projects Stapleton’s fundraising might. And it is another sign that the 2018 race to replace Gov. John Hickenlooper is likely to surpass spending records in Colorado’s gubernatorial elections.

Maryland: Marijuana Experts Scored Prospective Md. Pot Businesses. Some Had Ties to Them.
Washington Post – Fenit Nirappil and Aaron Gregg | Published: 7/30/2017

Several of the independent experts hired to review applications to open medical marijuana businesses in Maryland had ties to companies whose materials they reviewed. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission said it is investigating these potential conflicts of interest. The connections, which The Washington Post discovered after a public records request, raise new questions about how the state tried to avoid conflicts in setting up a legal marijuana industry where hundreds of businesses were competing intensely for a limited number of growing, processing, and selling licenses.

Missouri: Greitens Faces More ‘Dark Money’ Questions Over No-Bid Contract with Express Scripts
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 7/28/2017

When Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens issued an executive order creating a prescription drug monitoring program, he said his goal was to help combat the scourge of opioid addiction in the state. His critics quickly homed in on another detail: to start the program, Greitens’ administration was giving a no-bid contract  to Express Scripts, a St. Louis-based pharmacy benefits management company that donated an undisclosed amount of money to the governor’s inauguration. It has become a familiar accusation, one that has dogged Greitens throughout his nearly eight months in office – that secret campaign contributions could be influencing his actions. Critics say this is the unavoidable byproduct of the governor’s reliance on so-called dark money.

Missouri: Lobbyist Gifts Averaging $1,760 Per Missouri Lawmaker – Less Than Year Before
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock and Kelsey Ryan | Published: 8/3/2017

Lobbyists reported giving Missouri lawmakers and their staff members $347,368 in gifts from during the first six months of this year, which is less than the same period in 2016. Lobbyist gifts have declined every year since 2013. Observers point to numerous factors contributing to the decline, from increased public scrutiny on the practice to a series of embarrassing legislative scandals two years ago. Regardless of the reason, reform advocates say the drop is a sign that the tide is turning and lobbyist gifts are increasingly seen as a potential political liability.

Pennsylvania: Firms to Pay $9M to Feds to Resolve LCB Payola Case
PennLive.com – Mike Miller | Published: 7/27/2017

Four suppliers of alcohol to the state-owned system of liquor stores agreed to pay about $9 million in penalties for providing gifts to Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials. The U.S. attorney’s office in Harrisburg said the vendors, in turn, will not be prosecuted. Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of Pennsylvania will pay $5 million for giving cash, all-expenses paid trips, and tickets to shows and sporting events to board officials from 2000 to 2012. Breakthru Beverage Pennsylvania, formerly Capital Wine and Spirits, and White Rock Distilleries will pay $2 million each for giving away gift cards, tickets, meals, and entertainment to the officials. Pio Imports will pay $200,000 for handing out gift cards to officials.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

“Trump Loyalist Mixes Businesses and Access at ‘Advisory’ Firm” by Nicholas Confessore and Kenneth Vogel for New York Times

“Spending Surges in Lobbying’s Top 50” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Campaign Finance

Florida: “Maddox Says ‘Clerical Error’ Led to Inaccurate Campaign Report” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat

Minnesota: “St. Paul Rep. John Lesch Fined $20,000 for Using Campaign Cash for Personal Expenses” by Rachel Stassen-Berger for St. Paul Pioneer Press

Ohio: “Report: Ohio rep gives illegal donation to his own gubernatorial campaign” by Josh Delk for The Hill

Ethics

“Jared Kushner Stepped Down from 266 ‘Corporate Positions.’ What Does That Mean?” by Jena McGregor for Washington Post

Arizona: “Indicted Lobbyist’s Wife Gave FBI Documents” by Katie Campbell for Arizona Capitol Times

California: “San Diego Boosts Qualifications for Ethics Commission Members” by David Garrick for San Diego Union-Tribune

Texas: “Lawmakers Take Aim at Abbott on Ethics Reform, But He Fires Back” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Lobbying

“Democrats Introduce Bill to Strengthen Foreign Agents Law” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA

“Lobbying After Congress Declines in Popularity” by Kyle Stewart and Griffin Connolly for Roll Call

“In Trump Era, Lobbyists Boldly Take Credit for Writing a Bill to Protect Their Industry” by Kimberly Kindy for Washington Post

Campaign Finance

California: “What Happened to L.A.’s Push to End Its Pay-to-Play Reputation? So Far, Not Much” by Emily Alpert Reyes and David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times

Connecticut: “Ganim to Sue for Connecticut Clean Elections Cash for State Run” by Brian Lockhart for Torrington Register Citizen

Ethics

“Lawsuit Says Fox Knowingly Faked Seth Rich Story” by Hadas Gold for Politico

“Halliburton Hit for $29.2 Million in FCPA Case” by David McCann for CFO.com

Elections

North Carolina: “Judges: No special elections in North Carolina” by Associated Press for Politico

Lobbying

California: “Anaheim City Council Passes County’s Toughest Restrictions on Lobbying” by Thy Vo for Voice of OC

Campaign Finance

“Secret Donations Are Helping to Boost President Trump’s Agenda, Fights with Investigators” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today

Michigan: “Big Money from Thanedar, Hines Means No Spending Limits for Other Candidates for Governor” by Kathleen Gray for Detroit Free Press

Missouri: “Greitens Faces More ‘Dark Money’ Questions Over No-Bid Contract with Express Scripts” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star

New York: “Why Outside Groups Aren’t Spending in the New York Mayor’s Race” by David Goodman for New York Times

Ethics

“Trump Dictated Son’s Misleading Statement on Meeting with Russian Lawyer” by Ashley Parker, Carol Leonnig, Philip Rucker and Tom Hamburger for Washington Post

“John Kelly, Asserting Authority, Fires Anthony Scaramucci” by Michael Shear, Glen Thrush, and Maggie Haberman for New York Times

“Need a Job? Bob Brady and the Art of the Political Buyout” by Andrew Seidman and Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer

California: “Did Conflict-of-Interest Rules Give County Officials Special Treatment on Tax Bills Instead?” by Brad Branan for Sacramento Bee

Maryland: “Marijuana Experts Scored Prospective Md. Pot Businesses. Some Had Ties to Them.” by Fenit Nirappil and Aaron Gregg for Washington Post

Pennsylvania: “Prosecutors Face High Bar in Proving Case against Pawlowski” by Peter Hall, Riley Yates, and Kaitlin Washburn for Allentown Morning Call

Campaign Finance

“Roots, Bark and a Burger: Tennessee Sen. Bill Ketron goes to China” by Joel Ebert for The Tennessean

California: Watchdog Panel’s Support for Lifting Some Donation Limits Is Likely Boost to State Senator Facing Recall by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times

New Mexico: Rio Grande Foundation Sues Over Santa Fe Campaign Disclosure Rule by T.S. Last for Albuquerque Journal

Pennsylvania: Lawyers for Brady, Rival Rebut Claims of Illegal Campaign Payoff by Jeremy Roebuck, Chris Brennan, and Tricia Nadolny for Philadelphia Inquirer

Elections

“Voter by Voter, GOP Super PAC Tries to Separate the Party from Trump” by David Weigel for Washington Post

Ethics

Steve Bannon Has a Shadow Press Office. It May Violate Federal Law. By Christina Wilkie for Center for Public Integrity

Florida: “New Opa-locka Boss Says He Wasn’t a Witness in Kickback Case. Records Say Otherwise.” by Jay Weaver for Miami Herald

Florida: City Officials Could Be Reimbursed for Legal Fees in FBI Probe by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat

Illinois: Judge Denies Windfall to Teachers Union Lobbyist Who Was Substitute for a Day by Ray Long for Chicago Tribune

New York: Firing of Official Who Says He Resisted de Blasio Is Under Review by William Neuman and William Rashbaum for New York Times

Pennsylvania: Firms to Pay $9M to Feds to Resolve LCB Payola Case by Matt Miller for PennLive.com

Legislative Issues

Republicans Worry That White House Disarray Is Undermining Trump by Alexander Burns and Michael Shear for New York Times

Lobbying

“Lawmakers Push to Toughen Foreign Lobbying Rules” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

“Anaheim Considers ‘Sunshine Ordinance’ and Restrictions on Lobbyists” by Thy Vo for Voice of OC

National:

Lobbyist Gift-Giving at Issue in More States
Governing – Scott Rodd (Stateline) | Published: 7/21/2017

The laws that govern gift-giving from lobbyists to public officials vary widely from state to state. In states with relatively lenient laws, watchdogs and some elected officials have been working to impose tougher restrictions. They argue gifts from lobbyists may corrupt elected officials’ decision-making and cause them to stray from the best interests of their constituents. But critics have met resistance from lawmakers who say lobbyists offer informed perspectives on key issues, and these exchanges often happen over meals or sporting events that lobbyists pay for. A federal judge recently ruled a Kentucky law banning gifts from lobbyists to legislators violates lobbyists’ First Amendment rights.

Local Governments Keep Using This Software – But It Might Be a Back Door for Russia
Washington Post – Jack Gillum and Aaron Davis | Published: 7/23/2017

Many local and state government agencies say they are using a Russian brand of security software despite the federal government’s instructions to its own agencies not to buy the software over concerns about cyberespionage. The General Services Administration recently removed Moscow-based Kaspersky Lab from its list of approved vendors. In doing so, the agency’s statement suggested a vulnerability exists in Kaspersky that could give the Russian government backdoor access to the systems it protects, though they offered no explanation or evidence of it. Kaspersky has strongly denied coordinating with the Russian government and has offered to cooperate with federal investigators.

Federal:

New Ethics Chief Has Fought to Roll Back Restrictions
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 7/26/2017

Former colleagues of David Apol, who was named the new director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), praised his intelligence and his experience as a government ethics lawyer at a half-dozen different federal agencies over three decades. But tension has been building during two stints that Apol served at the OGE, his former colleagues said. Former OGE employees said they wondered if at times Apol had gone too far in questioning agency standards. Apol acknowledged he had frequently raised questions about how the OGE interprets ethics laws that govern the activity of 2.7 million federal employees in more than 130 executive agencies, including the White House.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona: Arizona Legislators Attend Conference with Help from Corporations That Lobby Them at Home
Arizona Republic – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez | Published: 7/23/2017

More than a third of the Republicans in the Arizona Legislature gathered in Denver to absorb conservative ideas and mingle with lobbyists at a conference where corporate donors picked up much of the tab. Arizona is always well-represented at the annual gathering of the American Legislative Exchange Council, an organization best-known for producing ready-to-introduce legislation crafted with input from corporate America. Helping to foot the bill were some of the very companies and lobbyists who work the halls of the Legislature to advance their own agendas.

Illinois: Ex-Ald. Singer Among 6 Fined for Illegally Lobbying Emanuel Via Email
Chicago Tribune – Hal Dardick | Published: 7/21/2017

A former city council member and an Internet pioneer turned venture capitalist were penalized for illegally lobbying Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel through his personal email account. The Board of Ethics levied a fine of $25,000 on former Ald. William Singer. The panel imposed a $2,000 fine on Marc Andreesen, the inventor of the Netscape Internet browser. Those were among the latest group of individuals the ethics panel said had violated city law and been fined for attempting to influence Emanuel or other officials through emailed contacts. The new sanctions raise the total to eight of those fined for improper lobbying in connection with the emails.

Kentucky: Complaints Over Gov. Matt Bevin’s Anchorage Mansion Unanimously Dismissed by Ethics Panel
Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 7/21/2017

A state ethics panel said even if Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin got a $1 million discount on a mansion bought from a political donor and appointee, he did not violate the law. The ruling comes after two complaints were filed against Bevin over his purchase of a house and 10 acres of land from Neil Ramsey, who Bevin appointed to the Kentucky Retirement Systems board of trustees. The complaints alleged Bevin accepted what amounted to an improper gift in buying the mansion in March.

Nevada: 20 Years of Term Limits: How the faces of Nevada’s Legislature have changed
Las Vegas Sun – Yvonne Gonzalez | Published: 7/20/2017

Term limits have helped make the Nevada Legislature more diverse in the almost 20 years since they were implemented, though the higher turnover has come with some costs. Experts say term limits have brought in new faces but reduced institutional knowledge as veteran lawmakers are pushed out. They say lobbyists have more power and the Legislative Counsel Bureau is even more vital both in educating new lawmakers and keeping the legislative process moving.

New Mexico: Secretary of State Unveils Changes to Proposed Disclosure Rules
Albuquerque Journal – Dan Boyd | Published: 7/25/2017

New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver released revisions to proposed rules aimed at so-called dark money groups that can spend unlimited amounts to influence elections and ballot measures when acting independently. Several conservative groups with a statewide and national presence say Toulouse Oliver is overstepping her authority by requiring that independent expenditure groups disclose their contributors. Toulouse Oliver says New Mexicans have a right to know who is paying for ads that attempt to influence their vote. The revisions would raise the spending threshold to $2,500 before independent expenditure groups must reveal their donors.

New York: De Blasio Ally Didn’t Register as Lobbyist Despite Big Push for a Donor
New York Times – William Neuman | Published: 7/24/2017

Neal Kwatra, a political consultant and lobbyist with ties to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, ended up working so closely with top City Hall officials on behalf of a restaurant owner, Harendra Singh, that a city commissioner complained officials were giving Kwatra confidential information during delicate negotiations to settle a lawsuit with Singh. Yet none of Kwatra’s efforts on behalf of Singh in 2015 were registered as lobbying work, even though Kwatra and his company, Metropolitan Public Strategies, have registered as lobbyists for other clients, including United for Affordable NYC, a short-lived nonprofit group created by de Blasio to support his housing policies.

New York: Watchdogs Say Cuomo Is Skirting Campaign Finance Rules
New York Times – Brian Rosenthal | Published: 7/26/2017

Watchdogs say New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is again skirting campaign finance rules by using a secretive nonprofit to advance his agenda. The rules limit donations to political campaigns and require disclosure, and politicians are not supposed to get around them by using organizations that can accept unlimited secret contributions. But New Yorkers United Together is the third nonprofit formed by allies of Cuomo’s to emerge and support his policies.

North Carolina: NC Elections and Ethics Oversight Is Frozen Between Old and New, with Local Votes Approaching
Raleigh News and Observer – Anne Blythe | Published: 7/21/2017

The North Carolina Supreme Court said a revamped state elections board that also oversees ethics and lobbying controversies can stay in limbo for now, a holding pattern that could last months. The justices said Gov. Roy Cooper is not required to appoint members of the new state elections and ethics enforcement board created by Republican legislators. That means the board would be unable to make decisions or settle disputes until after the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the case on August 28.

Pennsylvania: Aide Pleads Guilty, Says Brady Campaign Paid Primary Challenger to Quit
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jeremy Roebuck and Chris Brennan | Published: 7/25/2017

A former aide to a political challenger of U.S. Rep. Robert Brady admitted she helped funnel the Brady’s cash to her former boss in exchange for his withdrawal from an election. Carolyn Cavaness, a pastor who was an aide to Philadelphia Judge Jimmie Moore during his 2012 candidacy in the Democratic primary, told officials she set up at Moore’s direction a shell company that would be used to accept $90,000 from Brady. In turn, she said, Moore would drop out of the race and use the cash to pay off his campaign debt. The money was routed through two political consultants who falsified invoices intended to justify the payments, officials said. Cavaness pleaded guilty to filing false statements to hide the transactions.

Pennsylvania: Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski Put City Hall Up for Sale to Highest Bidders, Prosecutor Says
Allentown Morning Call – Emily Opilo, Peter Hall, and Matt Assad | Published: 7/27/2017

The mayor of Allentown and the former mayor of Reading were indicted on federal corruption charges for engaging in an alleged series of “pay-to-play” schemes in which the politicians shook down businesses and individuals for campaign contributions in exchange for political favors. Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski and former Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer have been charged with multiple counts of bribery and fraud. In two indictments, federal prosecutors spelled out charges against five people in the parallel corruption cases in Allentown and Reading.

South Carolina: FBI Investigating South Carolina Statehouse Corruption, Could Expand Scope of State Probe
Charleston Post and Courier – Andy Shain, Glenn Smith, and Schuyler Kropf | Published: 7/22/2017

Two former South Carolina Ports Authority officials say they have talked with FBI agents about an ongoing political corruption investigation. Former authority Chairperson Pat McKinney said the agents focused on the work the consulting firm run by Richard Quinn Sr. did for the agency. His son, state Rep. Rick Quinn Jr., was suspended from his seat after being charged with misconduct in office. The probe already has rattled the capital, where the Quinn family has been a force for decades. The addition of the FBI to the case only ratchets up the stakes, putting the federal government’s resources at the disposal of investigators and potentially allowing them to expand the scope of the inquiry to other targets.

Virginia: Transgender Woman Challenges Virginia Bathroom Bill Sponsor
Roanoke Times – 2017 Sarah Rankin (Associated Press) | Published: 7/25/2017

Democrat Danica Roem is challenging Republican Bob Marshall for his seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. With such stark differences between the candidates, the race is expected to draw in big money and is seen by some as a referendum on rights for gay and transgender people. Roem would be the first openly transgender candidate to win and serve in a state Legislature, according to the Victory Fund, a PAC that supports her and calls Marshall “the most anti-LGBTQ member of the Virginia state legislature.” Marshall has sponsored some of the most socially conservative legislation in the past 25 years, including a measure this year that would have restricted the bathrooms that transgender people can use.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.