Jim Sedor, Author at State and Federal Communications

March 28, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Colorado: “Colorado Appeals Court Upholds Campaign Finance Fine for Ex-State Senate Candidate” by Michael Karlik for Colorado Politics National: “Threats Against Politicians Are Prevalent. The FEC Wants to Let Campaigns Pay for Security.” by Zach Montellaro (Politico) for Yahoo News Florida: “Florida […]

March 27, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Elections National: “Federal Officials Say 20 Have Been Charged for Threatening Election Workers” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN National: “No Labels, No Candidate: Rejections pile up as time runs short” by Rebecca Davis O’Brien and Reid Epstein (New […]

March 26, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Wisconsin: “Prosecutors in 3 Wisconsin Counties Decline to Pursue Charges Against Trump Committee, Lawmaker” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for MSN Elections Arizona: “Deepfake Kari Lake Video Shows Coming Chaos of AI in Elections” by Reis Thebault (Washington Post) for MSN […]

March 25, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Trump’s Legal Fees Are Sky High. An Elaborate PAC Scheme Is Helping Pay Them – for Now” by Erin Mansfield and Zac Anderson (USA Today) for MSN Oregon: “Oregon Secretary of State Says It Needs More Money, Employees to Overhaul […]

March 22, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – March 22, 2024

National/Federal Supreme Court Rules Public Officials Can Sometimes Be Sued for Blocking Critics on Social Media Associated Press News – Mark Sherman | Published: 3/14/2024 A unanimous Supreme Court ruled public officials can sometimes be sued for blocking their critics on social […]

National/Federal

Supreme Court Rules Public Officials Can Sometimes Be Sued for Blocking Critics on Social Media

Associated Press News – Mark Sherman | Published: 3/14/2024

A unanimous Supreme Court ruled public officials can sometimes be sued for blocking their critics on social media. The court ruled in two cases involving lawsuits filed by individuals who were blocked after leaving critical comments on social media accounts belonging to school board members in Southern California and a city manager in Michigan. They are similar to a case involving Donald Trump and his decision to block critics from his personal account on Twitter. The justices dismissed the case after Trump left office.

Peter Navarro Begins 4-Month Jail Sentence for Contempt of Congress

DNyuz – Zach Montague and David Adams (New York Times) | Published: 3/19/2024

Peter Navarro, a trade adviser to Donald Trump, reported to federal prison, becoming the first senior Trump administration official to serve time over his role in the effort to subvert the results of the 2020 election. Navarro, who helped engineer Trump’s plans to stay in power after his electoral defeat in November 2020, was sentenced to four months in prison for contempt of Congress after defying a subpoena from the House select committee investigating the Capitol riot.

US Supreme Court Justices, Judges Face New Rules for Disclosing Free Trips

MSN – Nate Raymond (Reuters) | Published: 3/18/2024

U.S. Supreme Court justices and federal judges can no longer avoid disclosing the value of travel-related gifts they receive by classifying such free trips as “reimbursements” on their financial disclosure forms under new regulations now in effect. The rules follow revelations that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas had not disclosed luxury trips paid for by a wealthy benefactor.

Trump-Backed Candidate Bernie Moreno Wins Ohio Senate Primary

MSN – Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 3/19/2024

Bernie Moreno, a Republican endorsed by Donald Trump, advanced to a general-election matchup against U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown in a contest that could determine control of the Senate. Democratic groups have spent money on ads on Moreno in recent weeks because some strategists view him as an easier opponent for Brown, who faced no challengers in the primary, to defeat in a general election.

Chinese Billionaire Pleads Guilty to Straw Donor

MSN – Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 3/18/2024

A Chinese billionaire pleaded guilty to violating U.S. election laws by funneling illegal straw donations to a New York City official, a member of the U.S. House, and a congressional candidate. Hui Qin admitted to using his fortune to recruit and reimburse people who made political donations on his behalf, beginning with a New York City race in 2021. Court papers filed do not identify the candidates backed by Qin. But there were only a handful of citywide races in New York that year, including the election of Mayor Eric Adams.

Super PAC Backing Ted Cruz Received $215,000 From iHeartMedia – Fueling Ethics Concerns After Podcast Deal

MSN – Molly Bohannon (Forbes) | Published: 3/20/2024

A super PAC affiliated with Sen. Ted Cruz reported receiving $215,000 in “digital revenue” from iHeartMedia, despite a spokesperson for the senator previously denying there was an ethical issue with the company producing his podcast. In 2022, shortly after Cruz and iHeartMedia entered a partnership in which the company markets and produces his podcast, the Campaign Legal Center asked the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate whether the deal violated a federal law barring senators from receiving gifts from registered lobbyists.

‘Very, Very Troubling’: Judges, lawyers flummoxed by Judge Cannon

MSN – Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2024

Lawyers and former judges said they are baffled by an order issued by the federal judge overseeing Donald Trump’s pending trial on charges he mishandled classified documents, and believe her instructions suggest the case will not go to trial anytime soon. U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon ordered defense lawyers and prosecutors in the case to file submissions outlining proposed jury instructions based on two scenarios, each of which badly misstates the law and facts of the case, according to legal experts.

House Republican Divisions Over Governing Spill onto Campaign Trail

MSN – Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2024

The ideologically fractured House Republican conference has spent the past year debating what it takes to govern. Now that fight is spilling onto the campaign trail. Members from the far right and more traditional wings of the conference are campaigning against their colleagues in hopes of persuading primary voters to kick out incumbents and replace them with Republicans each group believes will better serve their political interests. The unusual interventions are a result of an ongoing intraparty dispute over what, or who, can bring about a “governing majority.”

Supreme Court Opens New Frontier for Insurrection Claims That Could Target State and Local Officials

MSN – Morgan Lee and Nicholas Riccardi (Associated Press) | Published: 3/19/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal from a former New Mexico county commissioner who was kicked out of office after he was convicted of trespassing during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The state judge who barred him from office did so on the grounds his actions violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The move came on the heels of an expected high court ruling that Section 3 cannot be used against federal officials or candidates until Congress writes a law outlining procedures to do so. The actions herald a new legal landscape as groups that pushed for Trump’s disqualification reboot efforts to target state and local officials linked to January 6.

Emails Show How a Right-Wing Group Steers GOP Leaders on Major Policy Issues

MSN – Daniel Medina and Bob Ortega (CNN) | Published: 3/18/2024

Tax laws allow donors to channel millions of dollars anonymously, through nonprofit foundations, to activist organizations that lobby for and work behind the scenes to enact legislation that reflects partisan goals. The Foundation for Government Accountability enjoys tax-exempt status as a charitable organization. It received more than $44 million from six conservative foundations tied to billionaire donors from 2013 through 2022. Those foundations have financed much of the push to tighten voting laws and spread election disinformation across the country since the 2020 election.

Election Laws Not Ready for Deepfakes, Experts Warn: ‘It’s the Wild West right now’

MSN – Jim Saska (Roll Call) | Published: 3/17/2024

Election law experts say there is little in the existing statutes to prevent artificial intelligence (AI)-powered bad actors, including meddling foreign powers, from unleashing campaign disinformation on an already saturated political landscape. While most commercial advertisers are prohibited from telling lies, there is nothing akin to truth-in-advertising laws for campaign ads because of the First Amendment’s heightened protection for political speech. Federal election laws do not currently regulate AI explicitly.

Supreme Court Likely to Reject Limits on White House Social Media Contacts

MSN – Ann Marimow and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court seemed prepared to reject a Republican-led effort to sharply limit the federal government from pressuring social media companies to remove harmful posts and misinformation from their platforms. A majority of justices from across the ideological spectrum expressed concern about hamstringing White House officials and other federal employees from communicating with technology companies about posts related to public health, national security, and elections the government deems problematic.

Kushner Developing Deals Overseas Even as His Father-in-Law Runs for President

Seattle Times – Eric Lipton, Jonathan Swain, and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 3/15/2024

Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Donald Trump, confirmed he was closing in on major real estate deals in Albania and Serbia, the latest example of the former president’s family doing business abroad even as Trump seeks to return to the White House. Kushner’s plans in the Balkans appear to have come about in part through relationships built while Trump was in office. Kushner, who was a senior White House official, said he had been working on the deals with Richard Grenell, who served briefly as acting director of national intelligence under Trump.

Jan. 6 Defendant Got 2 Congressional Internships After She Allegedly Breached the Building

Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 3/18/2024

In the three years since the attack on the Capitol, Isabella DeLuca gained a right-wing following and burnished her résumé with two internships in the offices of GOP members of Congress. Now, the social media influencer has been criminally charged for storming the Capitol and helping to force the evacuation of the chamber. DeLuca stands apart from the other 1,300 people charged in the riot because she is the first known member of the mob who would take a position in Congress after her role in the insurrection.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Ninth Circuit Denies Injunction to Block Disclosure Rules for Alaska Elections

Courthouse News Service – Alanna Mayham | Published: 3/15/2024

A voter-backed measure to enforce campaign finance disclosures in Alaska prevailed after a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a judge’s denial of a preliminary injunction that would have blocked the law. A lawsuit by political donors claimed a 2020 voter initiative enforced burdensome disclosure rules that could lead to retaliation for their open support.

Alaska – Alaska Judge to Expedite Ruling on Campaign Ethics Violations by Ranked Choice Voting Opponents

Yahoo News – Iris Samuels (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 3/17/2024

A judge will rule months before the November election on the legality of a decision by state campaign regulators to punish opponents of Alaska’s voting system. The Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) ruled that leaders of an effort to repeal Alaska’s open primary and ranked choice voting system violated state law when they funneled their campaign money through an organization registered as a church in Washington state. APOC fined the leaders of the ballot effort more than $94,000.

California – Outgoing City Atty. Mara Elliott Says Ethics Commission Needs Greater Independence

Times of San Diego – JW August | Published: 3/14/2024

Outgoing City Attorney Mara Elliott said it is time to increase the San Diego Ethics Commission’s independence to conduct investigations and issue larger fines when warranted. She plans to ask the city council to consider a series of upgrades to the commission. Some would be a ballot measure; others would require council action that would change how the commission is constituted and funded.

California – Fresno County Loses Again; Must Pay Legal Fees for Lawsuit Against City Council Members

Yahoo News – Tim Sheehan (Fresno Bee) | Published: 3/15/2024

Fresno County was ordered to pay more than $72,000 in legal fees to two Fresno City Council members for their defense against the county’s unsuccessful lawsuit over campaign finance issues. The county sued Councilpersons Garry Bredefeld and Luis Chavez last year, both candidates for the county’s board of supervisors, after the pair announced their intentions to transfer money from their city council campaign committees to their campaigns for supervisor.

Florida – Is Miami City Manager’s Furniture Saga Under Ethics Review? Here’s What We Know

MSN – Ana Claudia Chacin (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/21/2024

Miami City Manager Art Noriega told colleagues in an email that he had “engaged” with the county ethics commission about matters pertaining to the potential conflict-of-interest involving the city’s business with Pradere Manufacturing, a furniture vendor owned by his in-laws that employs his wife. He said the matter was “under review.” Jose Arrojo, director of the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, said he does not recall ever meeting with or speaking to Noriega about the matter.

Florida – Ethics Complaint Against Moms for Liberty Founder Is Tossed

MSN – Josh Fiallo (Daily Beast) | Published: 3/16/2024

A complaint that kept Mom for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich from being confirmed to the Florida Commission on Ethics was rejected by the state ethics panel. The man behind the complaint, political consultant and blogger Robert Burns III, said it was rejected because the commission cannot investigate one of its own members.

Georgia – Fani Willis Can Stay on Trump Georgia Case, but Only If Wade Steps Aside, Judge Says

MSN – Holly Bailey and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/15/2024

The judge overseeing the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and his allies ruled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis could continue with the prosecution but only if Nathan Wade, the lead prosecutor she appointed and had a romantic relationship with, exits the case. Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said the defendants “failed to meet their burden” in proving Willis’s relationship with Wade was enough of a “conflict-of-interest” to merit her removal from the case. But the judge also found an “appearance of impropriety that infects the current structure of the prosecution team.”

Hawaii – House Panel Spikes Bill to Publicly Fund Hawaii Elections

Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 3/14/2024

The House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee rejected Senate Bill 2381, which would have set up a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county offices beginning with the 2028 election year. But the bill did not include the $30 million estimated to be needed to fund the program, nor $200,000 to add staff to the state Campaign Spending Commission, which would be responsible for implementing the system.

Kentucky – Piagentini Keeps Council Seat Amid Ethics Controversy

MSN – Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 3/18/2024

The Louisville Metro Council Court voted to keep embattled member Anthony Piagentini on the council after a lengthy misconduct trial. Piagentini was accused of using his position to land a $40 million grant for the nonprofit Louisville Healthcare CEO Council to receive federal American Rescue Plan money. He removed himself as a sponsor of the ordinance and did not vote on it, citing a conflict-of-interest. The day after the vote, he accepted a one-year consulting position with the organization.

Maryland – Mosby Legal-Defense Fund Donor List to Remain Secret Following Circuit Court Ruling

MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/18/2024

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill overturned a Public Information Act Compliance Board ruling that ordered the release of the names of donors to a legal-defense fund set up to benefit City Council President Nick Mosby and his wife. The board argued the donations were akin to campaign contributions, which are disclosable under Maryland law. Fletcher-Hill relied on a 2016 ruling that permitted the state comptroller to withhold specific financial information related to unclaimed funds.

Michigan – Prominent Lansing Fundraiser Arraigned on Campaign Finance Charges

Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 3/21/2024

Heather Lombardini, one of the top Republican fundraisers in Michigan politics, was arraigned on charges that she violated campaign finance law and created a false document after officials began investigating. The state attorney general’s office has been scrutinizing the movement of about $2.7 million from two nonprofit organizations tied to state Senate Republicans to the Unlock Michigan ballot proposal campaign, which gathered signatures to diminish Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency powers.

Michigan – Michigan Lawyer Who Claimed Election Fraud Arrested after Dominion Hearing

MSN – Rachel Weiner and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2024

An attorney for former Overstock Chief Executive Officer Patrick Byrne was detained at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C., after defending her decision to disseminate internal documents from Dominion Voting Systems to revive debunked claims about the 2020 election. Stefanie Lambert was facing a bench warrant from a state court in Michigan, where she is accused of taking part in a conspiracy to tamper with voting machines in hopes of finding proof of fraud. She is simultaneously representing Byrne, who is being sued for defamation by Dominion over related falsehoods claiming the firm’s machines enabled vote tampering.

Michigan – ‘New Day in Lansing’ as Lawmakers Advance FOIA Bills, Introduce Transparency Measures

MSN – Arpan Lobo and Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 3/14/2024

Legislation to expand Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act to include the governor’s office and state Legislature is advancing after members of the Senate Oversight Committee voted to report bills to the full Senate floor. There were concerns over some exemptions to open records requests that are currently in the legislation, like shielding the communications in the governor’s office for issuing pardons and criminal reprieves, and exemptions for communications between constituents and employees of the governor’s office or Legislature.

Nebraska – Lawmaker Apologizes After Inserting Colleague’s Name into Book Rape Scene

MSN – Annie Gowan and Kelsey Ables (Washington Post) | Published: 3/19/2024

Nebraska Sen. Steve Halloran apologized for reading a sexually graphic passage during debate over an obscenity bill and inserting Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh’s name into the text, a moment that sparked widespread outrage and calls for his resignation from across the political spectrum. Kevin Smith, a professor at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, said lingering tensions over Cavanaugh’s strong stance against a bill banning gender-affirming care may have had “some emotional spillover” in the debate over the obscenity measure.

New Hampshire – Group Sues After Novel Biden Deepfake Urged Voters to Skip N.H. Primary

MSN – Tobi Raji (Washington Post) | Published: 3/17/2024

A voting advocacy group is suing a political consultant and companies behind an AI-generated robocall o President Biden that in January urged New Hampshire voters not to participate in the state’s presidential primary. The League of Women Voters of New Hampshire accuses campaign consultant Steve Kramer, Life Corp., and Lingo Telecom of voter intimidation and deception in violation of federal and state laws.

New Jersey – Primary Ballot in N.J. Is ‘Unconstitutional,’ State Attorney General Says

MSN – Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2024

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s office said the state’s unique way of displaying county-backed candidates for U.S. Senate and governor on primary ballots is “unconstitutional” and will not defend it in court, following a lawsuit filed by U.S. Rep. Andy Kim. The move is the latest twist in an already tumultuous Democratic nominating contest for a Senate seat in the reliably blue state. Kim and the state’s first lady, Tammy Murphy, are running in the June 4 primary for the seat held by embattled U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez.

New Mexico – How NM Will Enforce the New Deepfake Disclosure Law

Source New Mexico – Austin Fisher | Published: 3/20/2024

About one week after early voting in New Mexico’s primary elections begins, a new law will go into effect requiring campaigns and candidates to tell the public whenever they use false information generated by artificial intelligence in a campaign ad. The secretary of state’s office and the New Mexico Ethics Commission will investigate alleged violations. New Mexico is among eight states that have enacted similar legislation since 2019. Thirty-one more states are considering related bills.

New Mexico – Senator Sues Secretary of State in Dispute Over Campaign Donation to Student

Yahoo News – Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 3/15/2024

Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino is taking New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver to federal court over what he contends is an unconstitutional provision in the state’s campaign finance law. The complaint alleges Toulouse Oliver “ambushed” the “good senator” over a $200 donation from his campaign to a high school student in Albuquerque. The secretary of state’s office says the contribution violated state law and it has been working to get Ortiz y Pino to comply by replacing the campaign funds with his own money.

New York – Trump’s Lawyers Say It Is Impossible for Him to Post Bond Covering $454 Million Civil Fraud Judgment

Associated Press News – Michael Sisak | Published: 3/18/2924

Donald Trump’s lawyers told a New York appellate court it is impossible for him to post a bond covering a $454 million civil fraud judgment in state Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit. while he appeals. Senior Assistant Solicitor General Dennis Fan wrote a full bond was necessary, in part, because Trump’s lawyers “have never demonstrated that Mr. Trump’s liquid assets, which may fluctuate over time, will be enough to satisfy the full amount of this judgment following appeal.”

New York – Judge Orders Delay in Trump Hush Money Trial Until at Least Mid-April

MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 3/15/2024

The judge overseeing the expected first criminal trial of Donald Trump, which was due to begin in March, has pushed it back until at least mid-April, saying lawyers need more time to review a fresh set of potential evidence and he wants to hear arguments about whether the material was handled properly. The scheduling twist is an outgrowth of the strange legal path that led to Trump being indicted last year on state charges of business records fraud for hush money paid to an adult-film actress.

New York – Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie Has Been Dating a Legislative Lobbyist

New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/14/2024

Rebecca Lamorte is the legislative and communications director for the Greater New York Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust. She lobbies the Legislature on behalf of building trades and construction unions and their contractors, which the cooperative represents. She has been romantically involved with House Speaker Carl Heastie, apparently since at least last November. Heastie’s office has declined to acknowledge the relationship publicly, or to describe what steps the speaker has taken to avoid conflicts-of-interest.

Ohio – No Easter Vacation for Indicted FirstEnergy Lobbyist, Judge Rules

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/18/2024

A judge said Mike Dowling, a FirstEnergy lobbyist charged with a sweep of bribery related crimes, cannot take a two-week trip to South Carolina to celebrate Easter. Dowling had asked Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross for leave from terms of his pre-trial bond, which require him to stay in Ohio, to travel by car to his second home from March 23 to April 4.

Pennsylvania – Lawmakers Want to Ban Public Agencies from Hiring Lobbyists

The Center Square – Anthony Hennen | Published: 3/13/2024

The Pennsylvania Game Commission was criticized for hiring a lobbyist, something no state agency had done for two decades. Now, though the commission announced it will no longer use a lobbyist, legislators want to ban the practice statewide. Such a ban would preclude public entities, from boroughs and townships to counties and state agencies, from using a lobbying firm to plead their case for more funding.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Lawmakers Weigh Measures Exposing ‘Dark Money,’ Banning Ballot Drop Boxes

Yahoo News – Eric Scicchitano (The Daily Item) | Published: 3/20/2024

A bill in the Pennsylvania House seeking to shine light on “dark money” advanced out of committee and toward a floor vote, A dissenter to the proposal warned it could run afoul of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The bill was among four election-related proposals addressing either money or election security to move through committees in the House and Senate, getting closer to floor votes in the respective chambers.

Texas – U.S. Supreme Court Hears Texas Case on Politically Motivated Arrests

Yahoo News – William Melhado (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/20/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a Texas case in which a former council member sued the city of Castle Hills, arguing she was arrested in retaliation for criticizing the city manager. The question at the center of the case is whether people who criticize the government can sue local officials over retaliatory arrests. Several justices asked whether a lower court had too narrowly interpreted previous case law concerning the question.

Wisconsin – Trial Opens for Kimberly Zapata, Ex-Milwaukee Election Official Accused of Ordering Fake Military Ballots

MSN – Alison Dirr (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 3/18/2024

As the trial of former Milwaukee Election Commission Deputy Director Kimberly Zapata opened, the jury heard significantly different narratives about her actions in the fall of 2022 from her defense attorney and the prosecutor. Zapata is accused of ordering three military absentee ballots under fake names and sending them to a Republican lawmaker who embraces conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. She is facing charges of misconduct in public office and three counts of making a false statement to obtain an absentee ballot.

March 21, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Chinese Billionaire Pleads Guilty to Straw Donor Scheme in New York and Rhode Island” by Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) for MSN New Mexico: “How NM Will Enforce the New Deepfake Disclosure Law” by Austin Fisher for Source New Mexico Pennsylvania: “Pa. Lawmakers […]

March 20, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance New Mexico: “Senator Sues Secretary of State in Dispute Over Campaign Donation to Student” by Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Yahoo News Elections Michigan: “Michigan Lawyer Who Claimed Election Fraud Arrested after Dominion Hearing” by Rachel Weiner and Patrick Marley […]

March 19, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Alaska: “Ninth Circuit Denies Injunction to Block Disclosure Rules for Alaska Elections” by Alanna Mayham for Courthouse News Service National: “Election Laws Not Ready for Deepfakes, Experts Warn: ‘It’s the Wild West right now’” by Jim Saska (Roll Call) for MSN Elections […]

March 18, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Hawaii: “House Panel Spikes Bill to Publicly Fund Hawaii Elections” by Chad Blair for Honolulu Civil Beat Oklahoma: “Late Campaign Reports Cost State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters” by Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) for Yahoo News Elections Georgia: “Fani Willis Can Stay on Trump Georgia […]

March 15, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – March 15, 2024

National/Federal Congressional Hearing on the Biden Classified Documents Probe Turns into a Proxy Campaign Battle Associated Press News – Zeke Miller, Colleen Long, and Farnoush Amiri | Published: 3/12/2024 Lawmakers turned a hearing on President Biden’s handling of classified documents into […]

National/Federal

Congressional Hearing on the Biden Classified Documents Probe Turns into a Proxy Campaign Battle

Associated Press News – Zeke Miller, Colleen Long, and Farnoush Amiri | Published: 3/12/2024

Lawmakers turned a hearing on President Biden’s handling of classified documents into a proxy battle between the Democratic president and Donald Trump, as a newly released transcript of Biden’s last fall showed he repeatedly insisted he never meant to retain classified information after he left the vice presidency. Special counsel Robert Hur stood by the assessments in his report that questioned Biden’s age and mental competence but recommended no criminal charges, finding insufficient evidence to make a case stand up in court.

U.S. Courts Require Random Judge Assignments to Avoid ‘Judge Shopping’

MSN – Tobi Raji and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 3/12/2024

Federal judiciary leaders announced a policy that requires assigning judges at random in civil cases that have statewide or national implications, an effort to address widespread concerns about “judge shopping” in single-judge divisions. The Judicial Conference of the United States said district courts may continue to assign cases to a single-judge division if those cases do not seek to bar or mandate state or federal actions through declaratory judgment or injunctive relief. When random assignments are required, the case will be assigned to a judge within the same judicial district.

Biden and Trump Secure Their Parties’ Presidential Nominations

MSN – Hannah Knowles and Toluse Olorunnipa (Washington Post) | Published: 3/12/2024

President Biden and Donald Trump both secured their parties’ nominations for the presidency, formalizing a general-election rematch that appeared virtually inevitable for months. General elections typically draw much broader turnout than primaries, complicating efforts to draw lessons from the recent results for November. But the vote in Georgia, a key swing state, offered some clues to Trump’s and Biden’s political strengths and weaknesses.

Trump Takes Control of the RNC with Mass Layoffs, Restructuring

MSN – Michael Scherer, Josh Dawsey, and Marianne LeVine (Washington Post) | Published: 3/12/2024

Donald Trump took charge of the Republican National Committee with the political equivalent of shock and awe, leaving dozens out of work, revamping strategic priorities, and raising fears among some former officials about the party’s future support for down-ballot candidates. The senior leadership has been almost entirely replaced or reassigned, while dozens of lower-ranking officials including state directors were either fired or told to reapply for their jobs.

Rep. Ken Buck Says He Will Not Serve Out Rest of Term, Narrowing GOP Majority

MSN – Amy Wang and Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) | Published: 3/11/2024

Rep. Ken Buck said he will not serve out the rest of his term and will vacate his seat in Congress at the end of next week, further narrowing an already razor-thin House Republican majority. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he plans to call a June 25 special election to fill Buck’s seat. Buck has clashed with the majority of the Republican conference in recent months. When asked about the work environment in Congress, Buck called it “dysfunctional” and declared it had been the worst year of his nearly 10 years in office.

Nationwide Review Finds Patchwork, ‘Broken’ Systems for Resolving Open Records Disputes

MSN – Josh Kelety (Associated Press), Eric Scicchitano, and Carson Gerber (CNHI News) | Published: 3/10/2024

A nationwide review found fewer than a third of states have offices that can resolve residents’ complaints by forcing agencies to turn over documents or comply with open meetings requirements. In most states, residents have just one meaningful option when they believe an agency is illegally withholding public information: to wage a legal battle. This system has a chilling effect, discouraging private citizens from finding out about everything from police investigations to how elected officials make decisions and spend taxpayer money.

Former U.S. Official’s Work for Chinese Client Stirs Concern Over Disclosure Loopholes

MSN – Michael Martina (Reuters) | Published: 3/11/2024

Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, now a partner at the Paul Weiss law firm, wrote a letter to a Defense Department official on behalf of SZ DJI Technology, asking that her client be removed from a list of Chinese military companies. Advocating for foreign clients is legal and there is a public disclosure exemption for lawyers. But the letter is an example of what transparency advocates say are gaps in the law that allow lawyers and lobbyists, including former officials, to avoid disclosing their advocacy for companies possibly subject to sanctions.

America’s Election Chiefs Are Worried AI Is Coming for Them

Yahoo News – Zach Montellaro (Politico) | Published: 3/11/2024

A false call from a secretary of state telling poll workers they are not needed on Election Day. A fake video of a state election director shredding ballots before they are counted. An email sent to a county election official trying to phish logins to its voter database. Election officials worry the rise of generative artificial intelligence makes these kinds of attacks on the democratic process even easier ahead of the November election. Election workers are uniquely vulnerable targets.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – As Another Alabama Lawmaker Pleads Guilty, Party Leaders Trade Barbs About Corruption

MSN – Hannah Denham (AL.com) | Published: 3/13/2024

Alabama Rep. John Rogers pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Federal prosecutors recommended that the judge reduce his charges and sentence him to 14 months of house arrest, followed by supervised release, per the plea agreement. Rogers is the second elected official to plead guilty in the kickback scheme. State Rep. Fred Plump resigned after pleading guilty to corruption charges.

California – Ex-LA Deputy Mayor on Trial Again Over City Hall Racketeering Charges

Courthouse News Service – Edward Pettersson | Published: 3/12/2024

Former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan went on trial for the second time to fight charges he was part of the widespread racketeering scheme run by convicted former city Councilperson José Huizar. Chan is the last remaining defendant in the “pay-to-play” ploy whereby real-estate developers were forced to pay bribes in exchange for Huizar guiding their projects through the city’s approval process. Federal prosecutors with the claim Chan acted as a middleman between Huizar and Chinese developers and went on to pocket bribes himself.

California – S.F. Corruption Scandal: Mohammed Nuru’s partner in bribery scheme sentenced to prison

MSN – St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 3/8/2024

Executives at Recology, one of San Francisco’s largest contractors, needed a favor in 2018 from then-Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru, so they paid him a bribe to help fund his extravagant annual department holiday party. The man who handled the transaction was restaurateur Nick Bovis, who was sentenced to nine months in prison on fraud charges in a federal probe into city corruption.

California – Recall Campaign Against Alameda County DA Pamela Price Paid Thousands to Security Firm Tied to Its Own Leader, Records Show

San Jose Mercury News – Jakob Rodgers (Bay Area News Group) | Published: 3/7/2024

The campaign to recall Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price paid thousands of dollars to a security company created by one of the group’s key leaders, even though it lacks proper state licenses to operate as a security firm. State business filings show Efficient Private Protection and Security LLC is owned by Brenda Grisham, who also serves as one of two principal officers for the recall campaign, Save Alameda For Everybody.

California – Confidentiality Pact Deepens Mystery of How Bakery Clause Got into California Minimum Wage Law

Yahoo News – Adam Beam (Associated Press) | Published: 3/11/2024

As California prepares to enforce a new $20-per-hour minimum wage for fast food workers, an unusual exemption for eateries that bake their own bread has come under scrutiny due to allegations it was initially intended to benefit a wealthy donor to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s campaign. But details have been hard to come by because of a tactic rarely associated with public policymaking: a signed confidentiality agreement that prevents some private groups from talking about their negotiations.

Florida – Moms for Liberty Executive’s Job Gets in the Way of Confirmation to Florida Ethics Post

MSN – Ana Ceballos (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/7/2024

Republican leaders in the Florida Senate did not confirm Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich to serve on the state ethics commission, a rare repudiation to Gov. Ron DeSantis that underscores concerns about what the appointment would mean for the oversight of elected officials. The decision to not consider her confirmation was made after an unnamed senator raised concerns that Descovich’s employment with the conservative group “could constitute lobbying the Legislature,” Senate spokesperson Katie Betta said.

Florida – Newly Dismissed Ethics Complaint on Mayor’s F1 Weekend Details Repayment to Billionaire

MSN – Sarah Blaskey and Alexandra Glorioso (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/14/2024

The Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed a complaint against Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, finding “no probable cause” to believe he accepted pricey tickets to high-profile events in exchange for governmental influence. The complaint alleged Suarez improperly received tickets to last year’s Formula 1 race in Miami from billionaire Ken Griffin. But the commission concluded the mayor repaid the cost of the VIP passes to the race for him and his wife. The probe did not address other key questions raised in the complaint, namely who provided his other VIP passes throughout the weekend.

Florida – Riviera Beach City Council Member Says She Was Told a Colleague Offered to Barter His Vote

MSN – Wayne Washington (Palm Beach Post) | Published: 3/14/2024

Riviera Beach City Councilperson Julia Botel said representatives of marina owner Safe Harbor told her one of her colleagues, Douglas Lawson, tried to barter his vote on a development project. Botel filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics. Lawson was among three council members who voted down Safe Harbor’s request for zoning changes to facilitate expanded operations at the city waterfront. News of the ethics complaint is the latest drama connected to the council, rife with acrimony and subterranean grievances.

Florida – Miami Beach Commissioners Increase Their Compensation by $20,000, Side-Stepping Voters

MSN – Aaron Leibowitz (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/14/2024

The Miami Beach City Commission voted to increase its members’ overall compensation packages by nearly $20,000 annually by boosting monthly car and phone allowances and adjusting monthly stipends in a way that accounts for inflation and taxes. The move allows the city’s elected officials to raise their compensation without changing their relatively meager base salaries of $10,000 for the mayor and $6,000 for commissioners annually, which have gone unchanged for nearly 60 years and require a citywide voter referendum to address.

Florida – New Limits on Florida Ethics Complaints May Shield Corruption, Critics Warn

Tallahassee Democrat – John Kennedy (USA Today) | Published: 3/8/2024

A bill to revamp state ethics laws, allowing that complaints be filed against officials only by those with personal knowledge of the wrongdoing, was passed by the Legislature and sent to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Senate Bill 7014 had been roundly criticized by ethics officials, who say the change, coupled with another limiting the power of city and county ethics panels, will likely tilt the table in favor of corruption.

Georgia – Ga. Judge Dismisses Six Charges in Trump Election Interference Case

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 3/13/2024

A Georgia judge dismissed three of the 13 charges against Donald Trump and some of the charges against his allies in the election inference case but declined to dismiss the entire indictment. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee dismissed six of the 41 counts in the indictment against Trump and his allies, who are accused of conspiring to try to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. All the dismissed charges are related to pressure that Trump or five of his co-defendants allegedly put on state officials to change the results.

Hawaii – Kaneshiro-Mitsunaga Bribery Case Puts ‘Pay to Play’ on Trial

Honolulu Civil Beat – Christina Jedra | Published: 3/12/2024

The prosecution of Laurel Mau in Honolulu was unusual from the start. There was no police investigation of her alleged theft from her former employer, the engineering firm Mitsunaga & Associates. At least two prosecutors determined no crime had occurred. Nevertheless, criminal charges were filed against Mau. What motivated prosecuting attorney Keith Kaneshiro to pursue the case, according to federal prosecutors, was money. Over several years, Dennis Mitsunaga and those connected to him sent Kaneshiro nearly $50,000 in campaign contributions.

Illinois – After Most Illinois Supreme Court Justices Recuse Themselves, Ed Burke Keeps His Law License

WBEZ – Jon Seidel (Chicago Sun-Times) and Dave McKinney | Published: 3/11/2024

An Illinois Supreme Court paralyzed by apparent conflicts-of-interest is letting former Chicago Ald. Edward Burke keep his law license despite his guilty verdict in an illegal shakedown scheme designed to enrich his law firm. A push for an interim suspension of Burke’s license was sidelined by the court because at least four of its seven justices recused themselves from the matter. It is not clear whether a mechanism exists that would allow the state to touch Burke’s law license.

Indiana – Hoosier Political Candidates Can Use Donations for Child Care, Election Officials Say

Indiana Capital Chronicle – Leslie Bonilla Muñiz | Published: 3/11/2024

Candidates in Indiana can use political contributions to pay for childcare expenses incurred while campaigning or in office. A recent advisory opinion from the state Elections Commission came in response to a request from two lawmakers. Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn said she made the request because finding after-school, evening, and weekend care for her then-nine-year-old son while campaigning in 2020 was challenging.

Iowa – Iowa Transgender Musician and Activist Acquitted on Protest Charges

MSN – Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) | Published: 3/13/2024

Tara McGovern, a transgender musician who was arrested last fall after protesting a speaker on the University of Iowa campus, was acquitted of charges they contended went to the heart of the constitutional right to assemble. McGovern had been charged with two misdemeanors in connection with the event. So were six other protesters from a crowd of about 200 people. All of those arrested were transgender. All but two pleaded guilty. McGovern went to trial on principle.

Kansas – Biden Effigy Beaten, Kicked at Kansas County GOP Event, Drawing Outrage

MSN – Annie Gowan (Washington Post) | Published: 3/11/2024

A Republican fundraiser in Overland Park, Kansas, at which attendees beat and kicked an effigy of President Biden sparked bipartisan outrage and calls for the GOP leaders responsible for the event to resign. The “Grand Ol’ Party” fundraising event featured a booth where attendees kicked and swung a foam bat at a mannequin topped with a rubber Biden mask. The state GOP issued a statement that said, “it’s unfortunate the events took place.” But it blamed the incident on an outside exhibitor and a former state party member.

Kentucky – Opponents Say Kentucky ‘Ag Gag’ Bill Could Stifle Free Speech, Limit Whistleblowing

MSN – Rebecca Grapevine (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 3/12/2024

A bill advancing through the Kentucky Legislature pits the state’s meat processing industry against a diverse group of opponents that ranges from photojournalists to animal rights groups. Senate Bill 16 amends Kentucky’s criminal trespass law, which sought to protect “key infrastructure assets” like energy and drinking water facilities from trespass and from surveillance by unauthorized drones. The bill expands on that effort but goes much further, opening the door for stifling free speech, and removing a crucial way for news organizations and advocates to monitor corporate activities, opponents say.

Michigan – Michigan Democrats Eye New Ethics Disclosures, Crackdown on Gifts

Bridge Michigan – Lauren Gibbons | Published: 3/13/2024

Michigan lawmakers are once again making vows to revisit the state’s lax ethics laws, rolling out a wish list of proposals that would give the public more clarity on who is influencing the political process. Many of the provisions, including additional disclosures from nonprofits affiliated with lawmakers and candidates, a temporary ban on former lawmakers becoming lobbyists, and stricter rules about gifts and event tickets given to public officials, have seen bipartisan support from government transparency advocates in years past. But none so far have gained serious traction in the Legislature.

Missouri – Dean Plocher Draws New Scrutiny Over Series of Capitol Meetings with Out-of-State Vendor

Missouri Independent – Jason Hancock | Published: 3/11/2024

Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher arranged a series of meetings in the state Capitol between Republican legislators and an out-of-state technology vendor, inviting renewed criticism as he remains the focus of an ongoing ethics investigation. The unusual arrangement is drawing comparisons to Plocher unsuccessfully pushing last year for the House to spend $800,000 outside the normal bidding process to hire a private company to manage constituent data.

New Jersey – George Norcross Probe: Prosecutors have broadened their investigation of the N.J. power broker beyond Camden real estate deals

MSN – Andrew Seidman and Jeremy Roebuck (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 3/7/2024

Months into an investigation into New Jersey Democratic power broker, George Norcross, authorities have expanded their focus beyond his involvement in real estate deals in Camden. In recent weeks, investigators with the state attorney general’s office and FBI have begun scrutinizing whether the insurance executive played a role in a state agency’s decision to temporarily stop payments to a contractor after one of the company’s executives reportedly defied Norcross with an endorsement in a local election last year.

New York – As State Plans to Match Campaign Contributions, Elections Heat Up

Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 3/10/2024

New York is planning to spend millions of dollars for matching contributions in an election cycle that are under $250 and from donors who live in a candidate’s district. The intent of the program is to democratize the electoral process and even the playing field in a system that has long favored incumbents with massive campaign accounts. The change in how campaigns are financed appears to have become a boon for insurgent candidates. It has led to primary challengers against incumbents, often involving candidates with minor political parties.

New York – Mayor Adams Campaign Supporters Fined in Straw Donor Scheme

MSN – Molly Crane-Newman (New York Daily News) | Published: 3/12/2024

Two owners of a construction firm were sentenced for their roles in a straw donor scheme to boost New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign account with cash from the city’s public matching funds program. Brothers Shahid Mushtaq and Yahya Mushtaq each paid $500 in fines and completed 35 hours of community service before appearing in court. They pleaded to conspiracy and are cooperating in an investigation by the Manhattan district attorney.

New York – Appeals Court Brings Back Brian Benjamin Bribery Charges

The City – Greg Smith | Published: 3/8/2024

A federal appeals court reinstated bribery charges against former New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, reversing a lower court ruling that found his solicitation of campaign donations after steering state money to a donor was not an explicit case of “pay-to-play.” The three-judge panel found Benjamin’s alleged efforts to seek thousands of dollars in contributions in exchange for allocating state funds to a youth program run by one of his biggest donors cleared the bar for indictable corruption.

North Carolina – North Carolina Judges Block Elections Board Changes Pushed by Republicans That Weaken Governor

Yahoo News – Gary Robertson (Associated Press) | Published: 3/12/2024

North Carolina’s Republican-controlled Legislature unlawfully tried to seize from the governor the power to choose elections board members in the battleground state, trial judges ruled while saying portions of a new election law must be permanently blocked. The three-judge panel sided unanimously with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper in his lawsuit filed days after the General Assembly overrode Cooper’s veto of the measure. The changes would have shifted board appointment powers away from the governor and to the Legislature.

Ohio – Democrats Meddle in Ohio G.O.P. Senate Primary, Pushing Trump’s Choice

DNyuz – Michael Bender (New York Times) | Published: 3/13/2024

A Democratic group is wading into the Republican Senate primary in Ohio with a new television spot aimed at promoting the conservative credentials of Bernie Moreno, businessperson who has been endorsed by Donald Trump. The group Duty and Country is spending roughly $879,000 on the ad. It is funded largely through the Senate Majority PAC, the principal super PAC supporting Democratic efforts to maintain control of the chamber.

Ohio – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Stands Behind Aide While She Stays Mum About Bribery Scandal

Ohio Capital Journal – Marty Schladen | Published: 3/11/2024

Gov. Mike DeWine continues to praise and support an aide who he said knew about a $4.3 million payoff by FirstEnergy to DeWine’s pick to lead the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the entity that decides how much FirstEnergy can charge customers. Laurel Dawson knew about the payment but did not tell DeWine until the FBI searched the regulator’s home nearly two years later, the governor’s office says. In defending the conduct of Dawson and DeWine, the governor’s press secretary said law enforcement had not yet called the payment a bribe.

Oklahoma – New Ethics Commission Executive Director to ‘Renew Our Focus on Education’

NonDoc – Michael McNutt | Published: 3/11/2024

Lee Anne Bruce Boone began her new duties as executive director of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission on January 4. Now tasked with running the agency that tracks activities of lobbyists, candidates, and committees, Bruce Boone has a long history of working in the public sector. In an interview, she discusses her background, her goals for the commission, and the long-standing need for additional funding.

Oregon – Legislature Passes Historic Campaign Finance Bill

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/8/2024

Oregon lawmakers passed a campaign finance reform bill that limits contributions from individuals, corporations, unions, and other groups. Oregon is currently one of only five states that does not limit how much money candidates can accept. The bill’s language came together after weeks of negotiations to get labor unions, business lobbyists, and good government groups on board. As part of the final pact between the groups, no campaign finance measures will be put on the November 2024 ballot.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Game Commission Won’t Renew Controversial Contract with Lobbying Firm Run by Former Top Lawmaker

Spotlight PA – Angela Couloumbis | Published: 3/7/2024

Facing scrutiny from state lawmakers, the Pennsylvania Game Commission said it will not renew a controversial contract with a politically connected lobbying firm. The agency signed a contract last year with Allegheny Strategy Partners, a lobbying firm run by former state Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati. Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans decided to end the contract after fielding concerns from lawmakers about the propriety of a state agency using public dollars on private lobbyists.

South Dakota – South Dakota Legislator Calls for Inquiry into Gov. Noem’s Texas Dental Trip and Promo Video

MSN – Jack Dura and Josh Funk (Associated Press) | Published: 3/13/2024

State Sen. Reynold Nesiba called for an inquiry into South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s trip to Texas for dental work and a promotional video in which she praises the doctors for giving her “a smile I can be proud of and confident in.” He said he initially found the nearly five-minute video to be simply odd. Now, Nesiba wonders whether Noem used a state airplane or public funds for the Texas trip and whether the governor paid for the dental procedure or if it was discounted because of her video.

Tennessee – Republican, Democrat File Bill to Move Sexual Harassment Inquiries Outside the Legislature

Yahoo News – Vivian Jones (Tennessean) | Published: 3/12/2024

In a rare bipartisan effort, state Reps. Aftyn Behn and Todd Warner together filed legislation aimed at moving investigation and resolution of harassment complaints outside the Legislature to the Tennessee attorney general’s office. The bill follows a long line of sexual harassment complaints, including one that led to the resignation of a high-ranking lawmaker last year. Through stringent confidentiality standards aimed at protecting victims, the Legislature’s harassment policy also in some ways shields lawmakers from consequences.

Texas – Texas Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Ethics Lawsuits Brought by Conservative Activist Michael Quinn Sullivan

MSN – Robert Downen (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/8/2024

The Texas Supreme Court declined to hear two lawsuits in which a conservative activist and his political advocacy group challenged the state ethics commission’s regulatory powers. The suits were filed by Michael Quinn Sullivan and Empower Texans, a powerful group that was led by Sullivan and pushed state lawmakers to adopt right-wing policies until it was disbanded in 2020. They asked the high court to review rulings in which two appeals courts refused to toss fines imposed on Sullivan by the commission for failing to register as a lobbyist.

March 14, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance New York: “As State Plans to Match Campaign Contributions, Elections Heat Up” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union Elections National: “Biden and Trump Secure Their Parties’ Presidential Nominations” by Hannah Knowles and Toluse Olorunnipa (Washington Post) for MSN Georgia: “Ga. Judge Dismisses […]

March 13, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Kansas: “Biden Effigy Beaten, Kicked at Kansas County GOP Event, Drawing Outrage” by Annie Gowan (Washington Post) for MSN New York: “Mayor Adams Campaign Supporters Fined in Straw Donor Scheme” by Molly Crane-Newman (New York Daily News) for MSN Ethics California: “Confidentiality Pact […]

March 12, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance California: “Recall Campaign Against Alameda County DA Pamela Price Paid Thousands to Security Firm Tied to Its Own Leader, Records Show” by Jakob Rodgers (Bay Area News Group) for San Jose Mercury News Indiana: “Hoosier Political Candidates Can Use Donations for […]

March 11, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Oregon: “Legislature Passes Historic Campaign Finance Bill” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN Elections National: “RNC Installs Trump’s Chosen Leaders in Merger with His Campaign” by Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics California: “S.F. Corruption Scandal: Mohammed Nuru’s partner in bribery […]

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

News You Can Use Digest – March 22, 2024

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News You Can Use Digest – March 15, 2024

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Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

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