Campaign Finance

New York: “The Secretive Court Fight Roiling New York’s Democratic Socialists” by Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) for DNyuz

Elections

National: “Voting Is Bewildering This Primary Season. That Worries Experts.” by Maggie Astor (New York Times) for DNyuz

Ethics

California: “Former L.A. Councilman Jose Huizar Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison in Corruption Case” by Dakota Smith and David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

New York: “Justice Dept. Says Cuomo Created ‘Sexually Hostile Work Environment’ as Governor” by Azi Paybarah and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “Every Politician Has Got to Have Somebody That’s the Hit Man” by Ian MacDougall (New York Times) for DNyuz

Texas: “Proposed Changes to the City’s Ethics Commission Falter” by Elizabeth Pagano for Austin Monitor

Utah: “Parents Claim SLC District Official Had a Conflict of Interest with School Closures” by Martha Harris for KUER

Legislative Issues

National: “GOP Legislatures in Some States Seek Ways to Undermine Voters’ Ability to Determine Abortion Rights” by Christine Fernando (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

Alaska: “Dunleavy Reelection Backers Ordered to Comply with Subpoenas in Campaign Finance Case” by Sean Maguire (Anchorage Daily News) for Yahoo News

National: “Who Are No Labels’ Donors? Democratic Groups File Complaints in an Attempt to Find Out” by Brian Slodysko and Jonathan Cooper (Associated Press) for MSN

New York: “‘Full of Loopholes’ – Mayor Adams’ 2021 Fundraising Shows Weaknesses in Campaign Finance Law” by Charles Lane for Gothamist

Ethics

Arizona: “Witnesses Agree Arizona Lawmaker Made ‘Balcony’ Death Threat; Leezah Sun’s ‘Personal Attacks’ Cut Off” by Ray Stern (Arizona Republic) for MSN

National: “Peter Navarro Sentenced to 4 Months for Contempt of Congress in Jan. 6 Probe” by Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Jury Orders Trump to Pay E. Jean Carroll More Than $83 Million for Defaming Her” by Shayna Jacobs and Mark Berman (Washington Post) for MSN

Legislative Issues

National: “Does Your Congress Need Fixing? Call These Former Staffers” by Jim Saska (Roll Call) for MSN

Redistricting

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Promises to Veto Last-Ditch Republican Redistricting Effort” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for MSN

National/Federal

Billionaires Wanted to Save the News Industry. They’re Losing a Fortune.

DNyuz – Benjamin Mullin and Katie Robertson (New York Times) | Published: 1/18/2024

There is an old saying about the news business: If you want to make a small fortune, start with a large one. As the prospects for news publishers waned in the last decade, billionaires swooped in to buy some of the country’s most fabled brands. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, bought The Washington Post in 2013 for about $250 million, for example. But it increasingly appears that the billionaires are struggling just like nearly everyone else.

No Labels Sued by New York Donors Claiming ‘Bait and Switch’

DNyuz – Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 1/23/2024

Two members of the powerful Durst real estate family in New York sued the centrist group No Labels, accusing it of pulling a “bait and switch” by seeking donations for a bipartisan governing group and then moving to fund a third-party presidential candidacy. The lawsuit seeks damages and reimbursements after the Dursts donated $145,000 years ago, when No Labels was founded on the promise of finding governing solutions.

Once Professor and Student, These Lawmakers Are Out to Protect Journalists’ Secret Sources

MSN – Megan Mineiro (Roll Call) | Published: 1/19/2024

Bipartisan legislation to protect journalists from government surveillance passed the U.S. House recently. The Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act would block federal law enforcement agencies from subpoenaing journalists’ emails, phone records, recordings, and photographs to nail down the identity of confidential sources in their reporting. It includes tailored exceptions for terrorism or threats of imminent violence or harm.

These Lawmakers Are Still Invested in Banning Congressional Stock Trades

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 1/18/2024

Scrutiny of members’ trading has been building since the pandemic, when some lawmakers raised eyebrows by selling stocks soon before the market crashed. That prompted investigations from the Department of Justice, though no charges were filed. Reports from the media followed, highlighting a litany of questionable deals coming from the Capitol. Advocates say a ban on individual trades would curb worries about conflicts-of-interest and insider trading in Congress. But lack of buy-in from leadership has been a sticking point.

Here’s How ChatGPT Maker OpenAI Plans to Deter Election Misinformation in 2024

MSN – Ali Swenson (Associated Press) | Published: 1/16/2024

ChatGPT maker OpenAI outlined a plan to prevent its tools from being used to spread election misinformation as voters in more than 50 countries prepare to cast their ballots in national elections this year. It will ban people from using its technology to create chatbots that impersonate real candidates or governments, to misrepresent how voting works, or to discourage people from voting. It said until more research can be done on the persuasive power of its technology, it will not allow its users to build applications for the purposes of campaigning or lobbying.

Lobbying Spending by Top Interest Groups Dipped Amid 2023 Gridlock

MSN – Caitlin Reilly (Roll Call) | Published: 1/24/2024

A year of gridlock amid divided government and Republican infighting on Capitol Hill drove down spending by the biggest interest groups by about 13 percent in 2023 from the previous year. Tax policy, artificial intelligence, and China, along with perennial issues like health care and defense, drove interest and revenue on K Street last year, lobbyists said. Those trends are expected to hold this year.

How Many of Your State’s Lawmakers Are Women? If You Live in the Southeast, It Could Be Just 1 in 5.

ProPublica – Jennifer Berry Hawes | Published: 1/11/2022

The United States saw a record number of women elected to statehouses last year. Nationally, one-third of legislators are women, the most in history. In recent years, three states – Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado – achieved parity. But much of the Southeast lags far behind. Women constitute fewer than one in five state lawmakers across much of the region. This leaves large majorities of men controlling policy, including laws that most impact women, at a time when the U.S. Supreme Court is sending more power to statehouses.

‘We Don’t Have a Clear Path to Victory’: DeSantis exits presidential race

Yahoo News – Gary Fineout and Alez Isenstadt (Politico) | Published: 1/21/2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis ended his presidential campaign after he was unable to convince Republicans to set aside their allegiance to the man who helped his own political career. DeSantis’s run came to a halt following a dispiriting second-place finish in Iowa, a state where he and allies poured millions of dollars into an aggressive get-out-the-vote effort that featured the governor visiting all 99 counties. He spent week after week in the state instead of establishing a presence in other early voting states like New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Pro-Biden PAC Launches $1 Million Campaign to Pay Social Media Influencers

Yahoo News – Rebecca Kern (Politico) | Published: 1/23/2024

Priorities USA, a super PAC supporting President Biden, is spending $1 million for its first-ever “creator” program, enlisting about 150 influencers to post on social media in the 2024 election cycle. The effort is part of a larger Democratic strategy to lure young voters in battleground states. Priorities USA plans to transition all its spending to digital communications in 2024 and sees the influencer campaign as key to reaching people who do not see typical campaign ads on television.

Appeals Court Declines Further Review of Trump Jan. 6 Gag Order

Yahoo News – Rebecca Beitsch and Zach Schonfeld (The Hill) | Published: 1/23/2024

A federal appeals court declined an effort by Donald Trump to have his challenge to a gag order in his election interference case heard by the full court, teeing up a likely U.S. Supreme Court battle over restrictions to his speech. A three-judge panel of the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals had largely upheld a lower court ruling restricting Trump’s speech in the case.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona GOP Lawmaker Targets ‘Conflict of Interest’ in Donations to City Bond Projects

KJZZ – Wayne Schutsky | Published: 1/19/2024

Arizona Rep. Laurin Hendrix is pushing a bill that would bar construction companies that donate to local bond elections from then benefitting from the array of city projects funded by those bonds, a move that could drain hundreds of thousands of dollars out of the campaigns that push for passage of those bonds every election cycle. In the lead up to those elections, voters are often inundated with advertising and marketing efforts backed by local politicians and PACs that support passage of the bond questions. A lot of the money that pays for those efforts come from businesses or individuals with ties to the construction industry.

Arizona – Arizona Republican Party Chair Resigns After Kari Lake Recording Is Made Public

MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 1/24/2024

Arizona Republican Party Chairperson Jeff DeWit announced his resignation after a recording was made public that appeared to show him attempting to entice Kari Lake to sit out the 2024 election for the state’s U.S. Senate seat. The recording and DeWit’s resignation mark major challenges for a state GOP struggling to bounce back from years of tough election losses. What happens politically in Arizona, a swing state, could have broader consequences for both the presidency and the Senate majority in 2024.

California – She Went to Prison for Bribing Nuru with a Rolex. Now She Has to Pay S.F. $750,000

MSN – St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 1/23/2024

Businessperson Florence Kong has already spent a year in prison for pleading guilty to bribing Mohammed Nuru with a Rolex watch and other gifts and lying to FBI agents about her relationship with the former head of San Francisco’s Public Works Department. Now she is on the hook to pay the city $750,000 to resolve civil penalties related to the matter, according to a settlement proposal.

California – SoCalGas Billed Customers Millions to Fight Clean Energy, The Bee Found. This Bill Could Stop That

MSN – Ari Plachta (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 1/17/2024

New legislation in California strengthens laws that prevent energy utilities from passing on the costs of lobbying to their customers. It comes in response to a media investigation that found the nation’s largest gas provider, Southern California Gas Company, booked at least $36 million to ratepayers since 2019 to oppose clean energy policies. The bill explicitly defines “political influence activity,” prevents the use of customer money for membership dues to trade groups, and requires utilities to disclose whether advertising campaigns are paid for by customers or shareholders.

California – OC Supervisor Quietly Routed Millions More to His Daughter’s Group

MSN – Nick Gerda (LAist) | Published: 1/22/2024

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do directed an additional $6.2 million in taxpayer dollars to his 22-year-old daughter’s nonprofit group. Records show a total of $13.5 million in county funding that Do is now known to have played a major role awarding to Viet America Society since late 2020, all without publicly disclosing the relationship. The newly discovered grants were awarded by Do to his daughter Rhiannon Do’s nonprofit outside of public meetings. Details of these grants were also not included in public meeting agendas.

California – OC Board of Supervisors Deadlock on Conflict of Interest, Discretionary Spending Policy Updates

Orange County Register – Destiny Torres | Published: 1/23/2024

Orange County supervisors deadlocked on a proposal to require leaders and their top staffers to broaden the instances involving family connections that would require disclosure when approving contracts or spending money. Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento proposed the reform following reports that Supervisor Andrew Do voted for subcontracts with the Warner Wellness Center, a mental health program, without publicly disclosing that his daughter was part of the organization’s leadership.

Colorado – Embattled Colorado House Republican Leader Resigns Leadership Role in Fallout of Drunken Driving Arrest

MSN – Seth Klamann (Denver Post) | Published: 1/24/2024

State Rep. Mike Lynch, the embattled Colorado House Republican and congressional candidate whose 2022 drunken driving arrest was revealed recently, said he was stepping down as minority leader. Lynch’s position as the top Republican in the House has been on the brink of collapse for several days amid fallout from the news about his arrest.

Connecticut – Conn. Mayor Wins Do-Over Race After GOP Seized on Democratic Ballot-Stuffing

MSN – Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) | Published: 1/25/2024

A Connecticut mayor whose September primary election win was invalidated after ballot-fraud allegations won a do-over primary, months after his case became a flash point in conservative arguments about debunked theories of voter fraud. Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, whose supporters allegedly stuffed absentee ballots on his behalf in September, won reelection over John Gomes in the primary held on January 23.

Florida – Lubby Navarro Had Other Jobs. At Least One of Them Is Probing Her Spending After Her Arrest

MSN – David Goodhue (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/24/2024

Lubby Navarro, the former Miami-Dade County School Board member accused of stealing more than $100,000 from taxpayers by way of her district-issued credit cards, is under investigation by a hospital chain that put her on unpaid leave after she was arrested. Yanet Obarrio Sanchez, a spokesperson for the South Broward Hospital District, where Navarro works as a registered lobbyist, said an internal investigation was launched “as a standard protocol” right after Navarro’s arrest.

Florida – Split City Council Approves Legislation in Reaction to Deegan Using Single Source Contract

Yahoo News – David Bauerlein (Florida Times Union) | Published: 1/25/2024

Any future no-bid selection of a firm to do lobbying or grant writing for Jacksonville will have to get city council approval, a reaction to Mayor Donna Deegan awarding a contract to a campaign supporter. The bill was filed after Deegan awarded a $300,000 no-bid contract to Langton Consulting to do federal lobbying, grant writing, and public policy development. The city did not invite proposals from any other firm.

Georgia – Georgia Secretary of State Says It’s Unconstitutional for Board to Oversee Him, but Lawmakers Differ

Yahoo News – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 1/24/2024

An attempt to state that Georgia’s State Election Board has the legal power to investigate Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s handling of elections blossomed into a constitutional showdown, with a lawyer for Raffensperger saying board members cannot legally oversee him. But the Senate Ethics Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 358. The proposal would remove Raffensperger from his nonvoting post on the board, allow the board to hire election investigators instead of solely relying on those working for Raffensperger, and clearly give the board power to investigate the secretary of state.

Illinois – Paul Vallas Facing $10,500 Fine from City’s Ethics Board

Yahoo News – A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/24/2024

Recent mayoral runner-up Paul Vallas is being fined $10,500 for violating Chicago’s campaign finance law. In November, the Board of Ethics found probable cause that Vallas, who lost to Brandon Johnson in the April 2023 runoff election, violated a rule that limits campaign contributions from entities doing business with the city.

Kentucky – Why Are KY Legislators Fleeing Frankfort? Blame Trump, Low Pay and Nasty Politics

MSN – Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 1/25/2024

Seventeen senators and representatives in Kentucky are not seeking reelection this year. The numbers are growing relative to years past. Virtually all the elected officials in Frankfort will tell you that serving in the Kentucky General Assembly is an honor and a privilege. But is it a good job?

Kentucky – How Much Could Be Spent on Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg’s Ethics Complaint Defense?

Yahoo News – Josh Wood and Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 1/24/2024

Outside counsel hired to defend Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg against an ethics complaint signed a contract to receive up to $25,000 in city funds for their services but the actual cost passed on to taxpayers could be much higher. Jefferson County Attorney’s Office spokesperson Josh Abner said the office does not limit the amount it spends on legal representation, despite the ordinance.

Louisiana – Louisiana Legislature Approves New Congressional Map with Second Majority-Black District

MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 1/19/2024

The Louisiana Legislature approved a new congressional map that includes two majority-Black districts after being ordered to do so by a federal court that found the existing map illegally diminished Black voting power. Previously, Black voters in Louisiana had a majority in just one of the state’s six congressional districts, despite making up nearly a third of the statewide population.

Minnesota – You Might Be a Lobbyist Now

Minnesota Reformer – Madison McVan | Published: 1/19/2024

A change to the lobbying law in Minnesota is expected to mandate a bevy of new people register as lobbyists under the rule’s wide umbrella, said Jeff Sigurdson, executive director of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Now, anyone making or spending more than $3,000 to influence decisions by governmental bodies across the state must register. The new law applies to all the state’s political subdivisions. Previously, lobbying rules did not apply to local governments except those in the Twin Cities metro area.

New Hampshire – Trump Beats Haley Decisively in N.H., Closing in on Nomination

MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf, Colby Itkowitz, Sabrina Rodriguez, and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 1/23/2024

Donald Trump marched closer to the Republican nomination for president by defeating Nikki Haley in New Hampshire’s primary. Trump’s victory dealt another blow to critics in his party who saw the vote as perhaps the last best chance to stop or slow him. Haley’s strength with independents exposed weaknesses for Trump in a potential rematch with President Biden, as moderate Republicans and right-leaning independents sent a message that the party’s internal divisions will not disappear quickly.

New Mexico – Leader of New State Office Faces Ethics Complaint Over Lobbying Request

Yahoo News – Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 1/22/2024

Beth Gillia, head of the New Mexico Office of Family Representation and Advocacy, is facing an ethics complaint after using her government email to encourage employees to lobby legislators on the office’s behalf but without specifically instructing them to disclose their roles. Maralyn Beck, founder of the New Mexico Child First Network, said she will be filing a formal complaint with the State Ethics Commission and sharing her concerns with members of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee.

New Mexico – Changes to New Mexico Employees’ and Politicians’ Anti-Corruption Law Clear First Committee

Yahoo News – Robert Nott (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 1/24/2024

Public employees and elected officials could find themselves facing fines of up to $10,000 if they violate the state’s Governmental Conduct Act under a new bill that cleared its first committee. House Bill 8 would not only raise the ceiling for fines but provide more clarity regarding prohibited activities under the law.

New York – State GOP Officials Took Trip Backed by Chinese Communist Party

Albany Times Union – Raga Justin | Published: 1/21/2024

Four members of the New York Assembly traveled to China in December. The group that funded the trip, the American Chinese Commerce Association, has been described as linked to an arm of the Chinese Communist Party known as the “united front work” department. According to U.S. security agencies, united front work seeks to influence American individuals and institutions, especially state-level lawmakers, through various overtures that include sponsored trips to meet Chinese officials.

North Carolina – NC Confidential: Keeping voters in dark about campaign finance probes

Carolina Public Press – Mehr Shur | Published: 1/22/2024

Campaign finance investigations are confidential in North Carolina. While candidates are innocent until proven otherwise, the confidentiality provision passed by state lawmakers in 2018 can also keep voters from making informed decisions, according to ethics experts. The public is barred from finding out any details about a complaint or an ongoing State Board of Elections investigation and can only have access to information once an investigation has concluded and it proceeds to a hearing.

North Carolina – From Lobbying to Congress? NC Candidate’s Fundraiser Draws Questions About His Support

Yahoo News – Danielle Battaglia (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 1/24/2024

When a lawmaker leaves office, there is a good chance they will become a lobbyist. Sometimes, though, the “revolving door” swings in the other direction. Addison McDowell resigned as a lobbyist on December 13, the same day he announced he would run for Congress. McDowell, a former lobbyist for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, highlighted his ties to the people he lobbied when he announced a January 30 fundraiser that is being hosted by some of the biggest names in North Carolina politics, including both lawmakers and lobbyists.

Ohio – Trans Candidates Face Challenges to Get on Ohio Ballots Over ‘Deadnames’

MSN – Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) | Published: 1/22/2024

Vanessa Joy is one of three transgender women whose candidacies for Ohio House seats have been challenged under a little-known state law that requires disclosure of previous legal names on election documents. While the law is not new, some advocates fear it is being used to hinder transgender candidates, and regardless of intent, it has ensnared several such contenders this election cycle in Ohio, raising concerns that trans candidates elsewhere might face similar hurdles when running for public office.

Oklahoma – New Ethics Commission Director Gets Guardian System Extended for 2024 Election

NonDoc – Tres Savage | Published: 1/22/2024

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission’s new director said its Guardian System, a database used for reporting and tracking campaign financial information and lobbyist registrations, will be extended through February 2025. The Guardian System had been scheduled to lose functionality after July 1 because a software and services firm decided to shelve the underlying software used to operate Oklahoma’s reporting system.

Oregon – Oregon Voters Likely to Decide on Dueling Campaign Finance Measures This Fall

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 1/24/2024

Gov. Tina Kotek said campaign finance limits will not come up this legislative session, so Oregon voters will almost certainly decide the issue through a ballot measure in November. Voters will likely face two similar-looking measures, each of which would limit how much individuals and groups can donate to candidates. But one of the proposed measures, backed by labor unions, contains several loopholes that would allow unions to continue pouring millions of dollars into campaigns.

Rhode Island – R.I. Ethics Commission Dismisses Complaint Against Governor McKee

MSN – Edward Fitzpatrick (Boston Globe) | Published: 1/23/2024

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint filed against Gov. Dan McKee alleging he violated state ethics law after a lobbyist picked up a tab for lunch. The state Republican Party accused McKee of participating in a “pay-to-play political culture” by accepting a lunch with a lobbyist and executives from a Philadelphia firm, Scout Ltd., who were seeking $55 million to redevelop the Cranston Street Armory.

South Carolina – How Nikki Haley’s Lean Years Led Her into an Ethical Thicket

Seattle Times – Sharon LaFraniere and Alexandra Berzon (New York Times) | Published: 1/21/2024

Nikki Haley had been serving in the South Carolina Legislature for less than two years when she applied for a job as an accounting clerk at Wilbur Smith Associates, an engineering and design firm with state contracts. Because of her wide-ranging network. The firm put Haley on a retainer, asking her to scout out new business. That contract, and a subsequent, more lucrative one as a fundraiser for a hospital in her home county, allowed Haley to triple her income in three years. But they also led her into an ethical gray area that tarnished her first term as governor.

Tennessee – Campaign Finance Exec: Former Sen. Kelsey can’t use PAC funds on legal fees

Tennessee Lookout – Sam Stockard | Published: 1/24/2024

Bill Young, executive director of the Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance, advised former state Sen. Brian Kelsey he cannot use his PAC to pay attorneys as he tries to reverse a conviction for violating federal campaign finance law. Kelsey transferred $196,833 from his state campaign account to his Red State PAC last summer.

Tennessee – Tennessee Will No Longer Pursue Nearly a Million Dollars in Unpaid Fines Against Former Candidates

WTVF – Jennifer Kraus | Published: 1/24/2024

Over the last 30 years, hundreds of fines for campaign finance violations, totaling more than $2.5 million, have never been paid in Tennessee. Now the state has decided to no longer pursue nearly $1 million of those fines. Bill Young, executive director of the Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance, said when he took the job in 2019, he discovered unpaid fines dated back to 1991. So last year, the Legislature agreed to update the law to allow the bureau to declare certain fines “uncollectible.”

Washington – The Failed Promise of Independent Election Mapmaking

MSN – Marilyn Thompson (ProPublica) | Published: 1/17/2024

In most states, lawmakers draw new districts every 10 years to accommodate changes in population and ethnic makeup. They are usually exercises of raw political power allowing lawmakers to, in essence, choose their voters instead of the other way around. As the nation grapples with ever-more-aggressive battles over access to voting, a review of what unfolded in Washington state shows that independent commissions, still reformers’ best hope for fixing this problem nationwide, have not always succeeded in taking this central democratic function out of politicians’ hands.

Campaign Finance

Illinois: “Paul Vallas Facing $10,500 Fine from City’s Ethics Board” by A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

Oregon: “Oregon Voters Likely to Decide on Dueling Campaign Finance Measures This Fall” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “Georgia Secretary of State Says It’s Unconstitutional for Board to Oversee Him, but Lawmakers Differ” by Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Ethics

California: “OC Board of Supervisors Deadlock on Conflict of Interest, Discretionary Spending Policy Updates” by Destiny Torres for Orange County Register

California: “She Went to Prison for Bribing Nuru with a Rolex. Now She Has to Pay S.F. $750,000” by St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) for MSN

Florida: “Lubby Navarro Had Other Jobs. At Least One of Them Is Probing Her Spending After Her Arrest” by David Goodhue (Miami Herald) for MSN

Kentucky: “How Much Could Be Spent on Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg’s Ethics Complaint Defense?” by Josh Wood and Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

North Carolina: “From Lobbying to Congress? NC Candidate’s Fundraiser Draws Questions About His Support” by Danielle Battaglia (Raleigh News and Observer) for Yahoo News

Elections

National: “Pro-Biden PAC Launches $1 Million Campaign to Pay Social Media Influencers” by Rebecca Kern (Politico) for Yahoo News

National: “No Labels Sued by New York Donors Claiming ‘Bait and Switch'” by Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for DNyuz

New Hampshire: “Trump Beats Haley Decisively in N.H., Closing in on Nomination” by Isaac Arnsdorf, Colby Itkowitz, Sabrina Rodriguez, and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “OC Supervisor Quietly Routed Millions More to His Daughter’s Group” by Nick Gerda (LAist) for MSN

National: “Once Professor and Student, These Lawmakers Are Out to Protect Journalists’ Secret Sources” by Megan Mineiro (Roll Call) for MSN

Oklahoma: “New Ethics Commission Director Gets Guardian System Extended for 2024 Election” by Tres Savage for NonDoc

Lobbying

New Mexico: “Leader of New State Office Faces Ethics Complaint Over Lobbying Request” by Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Yahoo News

Rhode Island: “Ethics Commission Tosses Complaint Against McKee Free Lunch Paid by Lobbyist. Here’s Why.” by Katherine Gregg and Wheeler Cowperthwaite (Providence Journal) for MSN

Campaign Finance

North Carolina: “NC Confidential: Keeping voters in dark about campaign finance probes” by Mehr Shur for Carolina Public Press

Elections

National: “‘We Don’t Have a Clear Path to Victory’: DeSantis exits presidential race” by Gary Fineout and Alez Isenstadt (Politico) for Yahoo News

Ohio: “Trans Candidates Face Challenges to Get on Ohio Ballots Over ‘Deadnames'” by Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “DC Bar Authorities File Disciplinary Charges Against Pro-Trump 2020 Election Lawyers” by Kyle Cheney (Politico) for MSN

South Carolina: “How Nikki Haley’s Lean Years Led Her into an Ethical Thicket” by Sharon LaFraniere and Alexandra Berzon (New York Times) for Seattle Times

Legislative Issues

National: “How Many of Your State’s Lawmakers Are Women? If You Live in the Southeast, It Could Be Just 1 in 5.” by Jennifer Berry Hawes for ProPublica

Lobbying

New York: “State GOP Officials Took Trip Backed by Chinese Communist Party” by Raga Justin for Albany Times Union

Redistricting

Louisiana: “Louisiana Legislature Approves New Congressional Map with Second Majority-Black District” by Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Arizona GOP Lawmaker Targets ‘Conflict of Interest’ in Donations to City Bond Projects” by Wayne Schutsky for KJZZ

Elections

National: “Here’s How ChatGPT Maker OpenAI Plans to Deter Election Misinformation in 2024” by Ali Swenson (Associated Press) for MSN

Ethics

National: “These Lawmakers Are Still Invested in Banning Congressional Stock Trades” by Justin Papp (Roll Call) for MSN

Florida: “Miami-Dade School Board Members Vote to Audit Their Own Spending, After Arrest of Former Member” by Kate Payne for WLRN

National: “Billionaires Wanted to Save the News Industry. They’re Losing a Fortune.” by Benjamin Mullin and Katie Robertson (New York Times) for DNyuz

Lobbying

California: “SoCalGas Billed Customers Millions to Fight Clean Energy, The Bee Found. This Bill Could Stop That” by Ari Plachta (Sacramento Bee) for MSN

Minnesota: “You Might Be a Lobbyist Now” by Madison McVan for Minnesota Reformer

Redistricting

Washington: “The Failed Promise of Independent Election Mapmaking” by Marilyn Thompson (ProPublica) for MSN

National/Federal

A New Republican Mom Wants to Change House Rules for Postpartum Voting

DNyuz – Anni Karni (New York Times) | Published: 1/16/2024

When she arrived in Congress last year, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a hard-right Republican from Florida, joined the rest of her party in staunchly opposing proxy voting, a practice adopted by House Democrats to allow for remote legislating during the pandemic. Then, in August, she gave birth to her first child and her perspective changed. Now, Luna is pressing to allow new mothers in Congress to stay away from Washington immediately after giving birth and designate a colleague to cast votes on the House floor on their behalf.

Do Political Ads Even Matter Anymore?

DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 1/17/2024

Political ads are a deeply entrenched multimillion-dollar industry, and one of the largest expenses of every presidential campaign. But a confluence of political forces and changing media behavior may be testing the efficacy of advertising in the Donald Trump era. The Iowa caucus results showed a new depth to the Republican Party’s devotion to Trump. But it also suggests a smaller universe of persuadable voters and a wholesale shift in viewing habits may have significantly undercut the impact of political advertising.

Court Rejects Twitter’s Claim of Right to Alert Trump to Jan. 6 Search

MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 1/16/2024

A federal appeals court rejected Twitter’s claim that Donald Trump should have been alerted to the existence of a search warrant for his data by prosecutors investigating interference in the 2020 election, leaving in place a $350,000 fine imposed on the social media company for not complying on time. Twitter, now known as X, argued it had a First Amendment right to alert Trump, who might then fight the disclosure himself.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy Ends Bid for Republican Presidential Nomination

MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 1/15/2024

Vivek Ramaswamy, a wealthy entrepreneur and first-time candidate for office, suspended his long shot bid for the Republican presidential nomination after months of struggling to gain significant ground, further shrinking a field dominated by Donald Trump. Ramaswamy failed to gain much traction with a campaign that emphasized provocative policy positions and public disputes with some of his fellow GOP candidates, even as he largely avoided criticism of Trump.

Authorities Investigate Threats to Democratic Lawmakers

Seattle Times – Alan Feuer and Luke Broadwater (New York Times) | Published: 1/16/2024

The Capitol Police and the FBI are investigating remarks reported to have been made by Roger Stone, a longtime Republican operative and informal adviser to former President Trump, in which he expressed a desire for the deaths of two Democratic lawmakers in the weeks before the 2020 election. The investigation was opened shortly after the website Mediaite released an audio recording in which someone sounding like Stone can be heard discussing U.S. Reps. Jerrold Nadler and Eric Swalwell, who are among Trump’s most vocal congressional critics.

A Potentially Huge Supreme Court Case Has a Hidden Conservative Backer

Yahoo News – Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times) | Published: 1/16/2024

The Supreme Court heard arguments that, on paper, are about a group of commercial fishermen who oppose a government fee that they consider unreasonable. But the lawyers who have helped to propel their case to the nation’s highest court have a far more powerful backer: petrochemicals billionaire Charles Koch. A victory for the fishermen would very likely severely limit the power of many federal agencies to regulate not only fisheries and the environment, but also health care, finance, telecommunications, and other activities, legal experts say.

Supreme Court Ruling in Trump Insurrection Case Could Prompt Challenges Down the Ballot

Yahoo News – Michael Wilner (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/18/2024

When the U.S. Supreme Court convenes to consider whether Donald Trump is disqualified from the ballot in Colorado over his attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election, their ultimate ruling will have implications well beyond Trump’s candidacy. Court watchers see the case as a wild card testing a novel and explosive legal theory on the eligibility of insurrectionists to hold public office.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – The Arizona Legislature’s ‘Hell Week’: Money, mingling and moving fast

MSN – Mary Jo Pitzl (Arizona Republic) | Published: 1/13/2024

A longstanding tradition, “Hell Week” is the brief period in which Arizona lawmakers and lobbyists move from event to event, all to enhance campaign accounts and establish connections before the start of the legislative session triggers a ban on lobbyist contributions to lawmakers. Despite the deadline-driven frenzy, “Hell Week” is unnecessary, said Stuart Goodman, a lobbyist with 34 years of experience. Goodman views the practice as an artifact. “It’s almost ceremonial now,” he said.

Arizona – Arizona AG Says Hobbs’ Inauguration Didn’t Break Law. A Key Republican Lawmaker Disagrees

MSN – Stacey Barchenger (Arizona Republic) | Published: 1/18/2024

The inauguration of Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs over a year ago continues to prompt scrutiny at the state Capitol, with at least one Republican lawmaker now questioning Attorney General Kris Mayes’ role and determination that there were no legal violations related to fundraising for the events. Rep. David Livingston filed a complaint with Mayes’ office alleging Hobbs’ use of a state website to solicit donors and sell tickets for her inaugural festivities violated state law that prohibits public resources including webpages from being used to influence an election.

Arizona – Judge Says No Labels Can Block Candidates from Running for Offices Other Than President in Arizona

Yahoo News – Jonathan Cooper (Associated Press) | Published: 1/16/2024

No Labels, the group preparing for a possible third-party presidential campaign, can prohibit members from using its ballot line to run for office in Arizona, a federal judge ruled. The decision protects the group’s efforts to maintain control and secrecy around its operations and finances as critics of Donald Trump warn No Labels could help return Trump to the White House by siphoning voters who might otherwise vote for the former president.

California – Company Passed Over for Redevelopment of Sports Arena Fined for Late Lobbying Reports

MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union Tribune) | Published: 1/17/2024

Midway Village Plus, which was passed over for the redevelopment of San Diego’s sports arena property, agreed to pay $7,500 for belatedly reporting its indirect lobbying activity in the matter. Midway Village Plus retained Manolatos Public Affairs and IVC Media to support its application for the redevelopment. It spent almost $80,000 in indirect lobbying over five three-month quarters without reporting the expenditures as required.

California – DWP Board President Is Out Amid Ethics Questions, Power Struggle at Utility

MSN – Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 1/9/2024

Cynthia McClain-Hill will step down as president of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commission following ethics-related complaints involving her and growing tensions over the utility’s leadership. The Los Angeles Times reported on criticism leveled against McClain-Hill and then-commission President Mel Levine, over a private phone call the pair had in 2019 with two cybersecurity executives to walk them through the utility’s plans to award their company a new contract.

Florida – Florida Bill Could Outlaw Use of Artificial Intelligence in Campaign Ads

Center Square – Andrew Powell | Published: 1/16/2024

A Florida Senate committee approved a bill that will regulate the use of artificial intelligence in campaign ads. The Committee on Ethics and Elections also approved several bills related to campaign finance and one that would limit the terms of county commissioners.

Florida – City of Miami Moves to Create an Independent Inspector to Investigate Corruption

WLRN – Joshua Ceballos | Published: 1/12/2024

The Miami City Commission moved on an agenda item to create a new body to hold the government accountable. It places on the August ballot a question that would replace the city’s existing independent auditor with the Office of the Independent Inspector General. Commissioner Manolo Reyes said an inspector general would have a wider scope of duties and powers than the auditor and would have more latitude to independently investigate corruption.

Florida – Lubby Navarro Spent Lavishly on Ex-Boyfriend’s Restaurant and Him, Investigators Say

Yahoo News – David Goodhue (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/13/2024

Former Miami-Dade School Board member Lubby Navarro was arrested on grand theft and fraud charges stemming from $92,000 worth of illegal purchases on her school district credit card and another $9,000 on her district-issued travel card. The money was allegedly used for day-to-day personal spending, as well as lavish vacations and gifts. Prosecutors say Navarro took her boyfriend at the time on a trip to Las Vegas. After they broke up, she is accused of using district money to purchase two artificial silicone pregnancy bellies on Amazon to convince him that she was pregnant.

Illinois – Watchdog: Treasurer Conyears-Ervin fired employees after they warned she was violating ethics ordinance by using city resources to host prayer service

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 1/16/2024

Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin fired two city employees after they warned her that she was violating the city’s government ethics ordinance by using city resources to host a prayer service, according to a probe by the city’s watchdog. In December 2020, Conyears-Ervin was admonished by the Board of Ethics for using her professional social media accounts to broadcast a prayer service she led in violation of rules that prohibit city leaders from using city resources for non-official purposes.

Indiana – Illegal Bribe or Legitimate ‘Gratuity’: How a $13,000 payment to an Indiana mayor could alter political corruption cases in Chicago

MSN – Jason Meisner, Megan Crepeau, and Amy Lavall (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/14/2024

Portage Mayor James Snyder was in financial trouble when he showed up unannounced at Great Lakes Peterbilt, the local truck dealership he helped to win two lucrative city contracts. “I need money. That’s what I’m here for,” he told the owners. They cut Snyder a check for $13,000, saying it was for “consulting” that was never fully performed. That agreement is the focus of a legal battle that has wound its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has decided to take up Snyder’s appeal and render a decision that could change the face of public corruption prosecutions across the country, including Chicago.

Iowa – Trump Scores Decisive Win in Iowa Caucuses, DeSantis Places Second

MSN – Ashley Parker and Tyler Pager (Washington Post) | Published: 1/15/2024

Donald Trump romped to a decisive victory in the Iowa caucuses, cementing his grip over the Republican Party and pushing the nation closer to a historic modern rematch with President Biden. Trump’s strong finish in the caucuses underscored his dominance over his party’s base, in a presidential contest expected to play out as much in the courtroom as the campaign trail.

Kansas – Listen to Lobbyists When Enjoying Free Meals, Top Kansas Legislator Tells Colleagues

Yahoo News – Jason Alatidd (Topeka Capital-Journal) | Published: 1/16/2024

A few minutes before gaveling in for the first day of the 2024 legislative session, a top legislator reminded his colleagues to listen to lobbyists when enjoying free meals this year. House Majority Leader Chris Croft told the House Republican caucus the purpose of those free meals is for lobbyists to get to talk to lawmakers.

Maine – Maine Judge Delays Trump Ballot Decision Until Supreme Court Ruling

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 1/17/2024

A Maine judge put off deciding whether Donald Trump’s name can appear on that state’s primary ballot, saying the U.S. Supreme Court needs to rule on the issue first in a similar case from Colorado. The ruling sent the case back to Maine’s secretary of state and put it on hold. A nationwide push from Trump’s critics is aiming to prevent the former president from running for office again.

Maryland – Maryland Elections Board Member Arrested on Jan. 6 Riot Charges Resigns

MSN – Erin Cox (Washington Post) | Published: 1/11/2024

A top Maryland elections official was arrested recently on multiple charges that he participated in the U.S. Capitol attack and encouraged officers trying to disperse rioters to “join us.” Federal investigators allege Carlos Ayala scaled a police barricade while carrying a black flag that said, “DEFEND” and depicted an M-16-style rifle. The Maryland Senate unanimously confirmed Ayala in March as one of the Republican Party’s two representatives on the five-member Board of Elections.

Michigan – FEC Greenlights Airing of ‘The Good Doctor’ During Harper’s Senate Campaign in Michigan

Detroit News – Melissa Nann Burke | Published: 1/12/2024

The FEC voted to greenlight the airing of past and future episodes of ABC’s “The Good Doctor” featuring the actor Hill Harper, who is running for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. Lawyers for Sony Pictures Television had asked the FEC for an advisory opinion to confirm the airing of a fictional television show with a cast member who is a candidate for federal office did not violate federal prohibitions on contributions by corporations or regulations on communications referring to a candidate.

Michigan – Former GOP State Rep. Larry Inman Acquitted of Federal Corruption Charges

Detroit News – Robert Snell | Published: 1/11/2024

Former Michigan Rep. Larry Inman was acquitted of attempted extortion and soliciting a bribe, capping a years-long legal odyssey. Inman was standing trial for a second time. A 2019 trial ended with him acquitted of lying to the FBI and with jurors unable to reach unanimous verdicts on the corruption charges. U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker dismissed the bribery and extortion charges, but the move was reversed by the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

New Jersey – South Jersey Dem Delegation Paved the Way for ‘Jersey Freedom’ to Hide Donors, Sources Say

Yahoo News – Matt Freidman (Politico) | Published: 1/11/2024

An obscure provision of New Jersey’s campaign finance law that enabled a Democratic super PAC to operate in secrecy until after the November election was pushed by South Jersey’s Democratic legislative delegation, according to three officials with knowledge of the negotiations. Amendments to the Elections Transparency Act enabled the PAC, Jersey Freedom, to hide the source of its funding until three weeks after the election. That appears to have been by design, said a Republican senator who was attacked by the group.

New York – As Trump Continues to Insult E. Jean Carroll, 2nd Defamation Trial Opens

DNyuz – Benjamin Weiser, Maggie Haberman, and Maria Cramer (New York Times) | Published: 1/15/2024

A Manhattan jury will be asked a narrow question: How much money must Donald Trump pay the writer E. Jean Carroll for defaming her after she accused him of raping her? A jury in May awarded Carroll just over $2 million for the assault and nearly $3 million for defamation over Trump’s remark in October 2022 calling her claim “a complete con job.” The new trial focuses on separate statements by Trump in June 2019, directly after Carroll disclosed her allegation in New York magazine.

New York – Albany Democrats to Push Bill Filling Lobbying Loophole After NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Veto

MSN – Vaughn Golden (New York Post) | Published: 1/13/2024

Democrats in Albany plan to take another shot at filling a loophole that allows groups to anonymously fund lobbying campaigns on powerful state posts after Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed the bill. Last year’s version of the bill would have forced the shadowy groups who spent large sums of cash trying to defend Justice Hector LaSalle, her pick to head the state’s highest court, to file lobbying disclosures. A gap in state law means groups can advertise and lobby on nominations without the same disclosures they would have to make with any legislation.

North Carolina – NC Councilman Resigned So He Could Accept $3M in Tax Money. Then He Rejoined the Council

Yahoo News – Josh Bergeron (Charlotte Observer) | Published: 1/16/2024

A longtime Kannapolis City Council member resigned in December so he could avoid a conflict-of-interest and accept $3 million in federal tax money. But a month later, he is back on the job. Tom Kincaid’s surprise reappointment drew criticism from three of his colleagues, who are raising concerns about ethics. The reappointment was possible, two of the council members said, only because Councilmember Doug Wilson, who would have voted “no,” was absent from the meeting.

North Carolina – Insurance Commissioner Pays Friend & Donor a High Wage to Drive Him on State Business

Yahoo News – Dan Kane and Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 1/16/2024

Since North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey took office in 2017, a longtime friend and campaign supporter has been driving him at public expense from his Greensboro home to his Raleigh office and as far away as Santa Fe, New Mexico, earning as much as $84,000 in one year. Causey and other Insurance Department officials described Roger Blackwell as a part-time driver who also provides security. But personnel records give him a much loftier title that pays a wage higher than most state workers earn. He is listed as a part-time “Deputy Secretary/Commissioner I,” which allows him to be paid $44 an hour.

North Carolina – NC Justice Anita Earls Withdraws Lawsuit Against Board That Investigated Her

Yahoo News – Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 1/17/2024

North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls voluntarily withdrew her lawsuit against the ethics commission that was investigating her, saying the suit was no longer necessary since the complaint against her had been dismissed. The Judicial Standards Commission had opened an investigation into Earls after she publicly commented on issues involving diversity in the judicial system. Earls first sued the commission in August, saying its investigation into her public comments violated her First Amendment rights.

Ohio – Ohio Supreme Court OKs Freeze on Millions from Ex-State Official Randazzo After Bribery Accusation

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/16/2024

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled against Sam Randazzo, the former chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), allowing the state to continue to freeze millions of dollars of his financial assets. Randazzo has been accused of accepting a $4.3 million bribe from FirstEnergy just before starting as PUCO’s chief in 2019 in exchange for regulatory favors to the company and helping see to the passage of bailout legislation worth more than $1 billion to FirstEnergy.

Ohio – $15k on Tickets. $2k/Month on Meals. Inside a Cleveland-Area House Rep’s Campaign Spending

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/14/2024

A Cleveland-area state lawmaker spent tens of thousands of political contributions to his campaign account on football tickets, car repairs, airfare, monthly bills to three different phone providers, and more. Auditors on five occasions over the past 10 years have flagged Rep. Tom Patton’s spending, which at times has not had a clear connection to his campaigns. In some cases, staff with the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office have cautioned Patton that state law bars politicians from using campaign funds for their personal use.

Oklahoma – ‘We Have Put Ourselves in Grave Danger:’ Ethics commission urges lawmakers to increase funding

MSN – M. Scott Carter and Nolan Clay (The Oklahoman) | Published: 1/13/2024

Chronically underfunded and facing ongoing staffing shortages, the new executive director of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission is calling on state lawmakers to restore the agency’s funding to what it was in 2016. Lee Anne Bruce Boone told lawmakers the commission could not really do its job with its current level of funding. Legislators only gave the commission $687,950 for the fiscal year that began July 1.

Oregon – Oregon Supreme Court Allows Trump to Appear on Primary Ballot

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 1/12/2024

The Oregon Supreme Court allowed Donald Trump to run in the state’s presidential primary, saying it would not take up the issue of whether he is qualified to get on the ballot while the U.S. Supreme Court considers a challenge on the issue from Colorado. The Supreme Court decision will likely resolve for all states whether Trump can run in 2024. Without a Supreme Court ruling, some states could keep Trump’s name off the ballot while others allow him to run.

Oregon – State Ethics Commission Chooses Insider to Be Next Executive Director

Oregon Capital Chronicle – Lynne Terry | Published: 1/11/2024

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission chose one of its own to be its next executive director. The panel voted in favor of promoting Susan Myers, a commission employee since 2018 and its current compliance and education coordinator. Before serving as the compliance and education coordinator, Myers was an investigator for the agency between 2018 and 2021.

Rhode Island – Providence NAACP President Stands Trial for Campaign Finance Violations

MSN – Steph Machado (Boston Globe) | Published: 1/17/2024

Gerard Catala, the embattled president of the Providence branch of the NAACP, stood trial for allegedly violating campaign finance laws when he ran for city council in 2022. Catala has seven past-due campaign finance reports and owes fines in excess of $26,000. His criminal case has prompted frustration from some members of the NAACP, who have called on him to resign.

Tennessee – Election Cycle Tests New Lobbyist Ethics Code

Nashville Scene – Eli Motycka | Published: 1/16/2024

A bill by Metropolitan Councilperson Kathleen Murphy in 2020 updated Nashville’s lobbying law. Her efforts targeted the city’s scant reporting requirements, which had remained relatively untouched since the early 1990s. A former lobbyist, Murphy wanted to bring the anemic regulations closer to those of the state. “It was shocking how many people would lobby me and not acknowledge that they needed to be registered,” Murphy said.

Tennessee – The Next Fight in Tennessee’s Campaign Finance Disclosure Laws

Tennessee Lookout – Adam Friedman | Published: 1/17/2024

The next fronts in Tennessee’s campaign finance landscape appear to be tracking the disclosures from education groups and regulation of newly formed conservative subgroups challenging incumbent Republicans. Bill Young, executive director of the Registry of Election Finance, said the unregistered political groups are a higher priority for his agency because the registry at least has disclosure around who runs the education related PACs in part due to a law passed in 2022.

Texas – Harris County Trustee Eric Dick Under Investigation for Alleged Illegal Activities after Maui Fires

MSN – Elizabeth Sander (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 1/18/2024

Hawaii officials are investigating Harris County Department of Education Trustee Eric Dick for illegally soliciting legal clients after the wildfires in Maui last year that killed at least 100 people. Dick, who is running for reelection on the education board, also owes $40,000 in campaign finance fines racked up during unsuccessful bids for other local offices. Dick said he will cooperate fully with Hawaiian authorities over what he characterized as a misunderstanding.

Virginia – Virginia Bill Would Bar Utilities from Charging Customers for Politics, Joining Other States

Energy and Policy Institute – Shelby Green | Published: 1/17/2024

A bill in Virginia would prohibit Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power from charging customers for many of their political activities. House Bill 792 would bar Virginia’s investor-owned electric utilities from charging their customers for their dues to trade associations, lobbying of government officials, advertising, and other efforts to influence public opinion, charitable giving, and litigation to challenge regulations or laws.

Virginia – Virginia House Panel Advances Perennial Measure Seeking to Ban Personal Use of Campaign Funds

WTVR – Sarah Rankin (Associated Press) | Published: 1/17/2024

Virginia elected officials would be prohibited from spending their campaign funds on personal expenses such as mortgages, vacations, or gym memberships under a bill a state House subcommittee advanced. Virginia is a national outlier for lacking such a law already. It is something good governance advocates have long sought but lawmakers at the General Assembly have defeated repeatedly for more than a decade, despite a bipartisan insistence that they want to find compromise on a reform.

Campaign Finance

Tennessee: “The Next Fight in Tennessee’s Campaign Finance Disclosure Laws” by Adam Friedman for Tennessee Lookout

Virginia: “Virginia House Panel Advances Perennial Measure Seeking to Ban Personal Use of Campaign Funds” by Sarah Rankin (Associated Press) for WTVR

Elections

Arizona: “Judge Says No Labels Can Block Candidates from Running for Offices Other Than President in Arizona” by Jonathan Cooper (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “Court Rejects Twitter’s Claim of Right to Alert Trump to Jan. 6 Search” by Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Authorities Investigate Threats to Democratic Lawmakers” by Alan Feuer and Luke Broadwater (New York Times) for Seattle Times

Illinois: “Watchdog: Treasurer Conyears-Ervin fired employees after they warned she was violating ethics ordinance by using city resources to host prayer service” by Heather Cherone for WTTW

North Carolina: “NC Justice Anita Earls Withdraws Lawsuit Against Board That Investigated Her” by Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News and Observer) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

California: “Company Passed Over for Redevelopment of Sports Arena Fined for Late Lobbying Reports” by Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union Tribune) for MSN

Elections

National: “Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy Ends Bid for Republican Presidential Nomination” by Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “A Potentially Huge Supreme Court Case Has a Hidden Conservative Backer” by Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times) for Yahoo News

North Carolina: “NC Councilman Resigned So He Could Accept $3M in Tax Money. Then He Rejoined the Council” by Josh Bergeron (Charlotte Observer) for Yahoo News

North Carolina: “Insurance Commissioner Pays Friend & Donor a High Wage to Drive Him on State Business” by Dan Kane and Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News and Observer) for Yahoo News

Ohio: “Ohio Supreme Court OKs Freeze on Millions from Ex-State Official Randazzo After Bribery Accusation” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Legislative Issues

National: “A New Republican Mom Wants to Change House Rules for Postpartum Voting” by Anni Karni (New York Times) for DNyuz

Lobbying

Kansas: “Listen to Lobbyists When Enjoying Free Meals, Top Kansas Legislator Tells Colleagues” by Jason Alatidd (Topeka Capital-Journal) for Yahoo News

Tennessee: “Election Cycle Tests New Lobbyist Ethics Code” by Eli Motycka for Nashville Scene

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “The Arizona Legislature’s ‘Hell Week’: Money, mingling and moving fast” by Mary Jo Pitzl (Arizona Republic) for MSN

New Jersey: “South Jersey Dem Delegation Paved the Way for ‘Jersey Freedom’ to Hide Donors, Sources Say” by Matt Freidman (Politico) for Yahoo News

Elections

Iowa: “Trump Scores Decisive Win in Iowa Caucuses, DeSantis Places Second” by Ashley Parker and Tyler Pager (Washington Post) for MSN

Oregon: “Oregon Supreme Court Allows Trump to Appear on Primary Ballot” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Florida: “City of Miami Moves to Create an Independent Inspector to Investigate Corruption” by Joshua Ceballos for WLRN

Michigan: “Former GOP State Rep. Larry Inman Acquitted of Federal Corruption Charges” by Robert Snell for Detroit News

New York: “As Trump Continues to Insult E. Jean Carroll, 2nd Defamation Trial Opens” by Benjamin Weiser, Maggie Haberman, and Maria Cramer (New York Times) for DNyuz

Lobbying

New York: “Albany Democrats to Push Bill Filling Lobbying Loophole After NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Veto” by Vaughn Golden (New York Post) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Michigan: “FEC Greenlights Airing of ‘The Good Doctor’ During Harper’s Senate Campaign in Michigan” by Melissa Nann Burke for Detroit News

Ohio: “$15k on Tickets. $2k/Month on Meals. Inside a Cleveland-Area House Rep’s Campaign Spending” by Jake Zimmerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Ethics

California: “DWP Board President Is Out Amid Ethics Questions, Power Struggle at Utility” by Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

Florida: “Lubby Navarro Spent Lavishly on Ex-Boyfriend’s Restaurant and Him, Investigators Say” by David Goodhue (Miami Herald) for Yahoo News

Indiana: “Illegal Bribe or Legitimate ‘Gratuity’: How a $13,000 payment to an Indiana mayor could alter political corruption cases in Chicago” by Jason Meisner, Megan Crepeau, and Amy Lavall (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

Maryland: “Maryland Elections Board Member Arrested on Jan. 6 Riot Charges Resigns” by Erin Cox (Washington Post) for MSN

Oklahoma: “‘We Have Put Ourselves in Grave Danger:’ Ethics commission urges lawmakers to increase funding” by M. Scott Carter and Nolan Clay (The Oklahoman) for MSN

Oregon: “State Ethics Commission Chooses Insider to Be Next Executive Director” by Lynne Terry for Oregon Capital Chronicle

National/Federal

Democrats Set Ambitious Spending Plan for State Legislative Races

DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 1/10/2024

The Democratic Party’s organization that focuses on state legislative races is planning its largest campaign budget ever as it seeks to flip five chambers in three critical swing states, as well as defend three recently earned majorities. The budget – at least $60 million – underscores the importance of state Legislatures. Once dismissed as mere policy laboratories, they have become arbiters of many of the nation’s most pressing political debates.

State Legislators, Wary of Deceptive Election Ads, Tighten A.I. Rules

DNyuz – David Chen (New York Times) | Published: 1/11/2024

Alarmed by the increasing sophistication of what can be false or highly misleading political ads generated by artificial intelligence, state lawmakers are scrambling to draft bills to regulate them. To avoid First Amendment challenges, most lawmakers have focused on requiring those who make, produce, or disseminate the ads disclose the deceptive ads were produced by artificial intelligence. The broad goal, legislators said, was to prevent what has already happened elsewhere, especially in some elections overseas.

Special Counsel Probe Uncovers New Details About Trump’s Inaction on Jan. 6: Sources

MSN – Katherine Faulders, Mike Levine, Alexander Mallin, and Will Steakin (ABC News) | Published: 1/7/2024

Special counsel Jack Smith’s team has uncovered previously undisclosed details about former President Trump’s refusal to help stop the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol as he sat watching television inside the White House. Many of the details come from the questioning of Trump’s former deputy chief of staff, Dan Scavino. New information also comes from interviews with other White House advisers and top lawyers who previously declined to answer questions about Trump’s own statements and demeanor on January 6, 2021.

Violent Political Threats Surge as 2024 Begins, Haunting American Democracy

MSN – Sarah Ellison, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 1/9/2024

Violent threats and acts of intimidation have defined the lives of various government officials since the 2020 election. Now they are casting a shadow over the 2024 campaign as Americans prepare to vote in the primary season. Those on the receiving end span the range of the country’s democratic system, including members of Congress, state officials, local leaders, and judges. While some are prominent, others have relatively low-profile roles. The intensity has accelerated in recent weeks.

Most Jan. 6 Defendants Get Time Behind Bars, but Less Than U.S. Seeks

MSN – Tom Jackman and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 1/5/2024

Three years after the U.S. Capitol attack, federal judges in Washington have sentenced more than half of the roughly 1,200 people charged in the largest investigation in U.S. history and have handed down lighter punishments for January 6 assault convictions compared with similar assault cases nationally. Judges have ordered prison time for nearly every defendant convicted of a felony and some jail time to about half of those convicted of misdemeanors.

Wayne LaPierre Resigns from N.R.A. with Trial Set to Open

MSN – Danny Hakim (New York Times) | Published: 1/5/2024

On the eve of a legal battle in New York, Wayne LaPierre said he would step down as the longtime chief of the National Rifle Association (NRA). He has led the NRA, once one of the nation’s most prominent lobbying organizations, for more than three decades. LaPierre played a leading role in transforming gun culture in America, but the last half decade of his tenure was marred by scandals and internal upheaval. In recent years, the group has been in a tailspin.

Judges Skeptical That Trump Is Immune from Jan. 6 Prosecution

MSN – Rachel Weiner, Spencer Hsu, Perry Stein, and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 1/9/2024

A panel of three federal appellate judges expressed skepticism about Donald Trump’s claim to sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution and concerns about its implications, suggesting it would allow a future president to have a political rival assassinated by the military without repercussions. Trump argues he cannot be tried for trying to overturn the 2020 election results because he was acquitted by the Senate of inciting the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. James Pearce, a Justice Department attorney, called that “an extraordinarily frightening” proposition.

Vocal Anti-Trump Candidate Chris Christie Exits Presidential Race with Hot Mic Moment

NPR – Jeongyoon Han | Published: 1/10/2024

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ended his presidential campaign after his criticism of Donald Trump’s leadership and role in the Republican Party proved to diverge too far from where the GOP currently stands. His announcement was somewhat overshadowed by a hot mic moment ahead of a town hall. Christie’s mic went live as he was speaking about his presidential rivals. Of Haley, he praised her for “punching above her weight” but said “she’s going to get smoked.” On Ron DeSantis, he said the Florida governor “is petrified” before his mic was abruptly cut.

The Changing Congressional Map Is Shifting the Fight for Control of the House

Politico – Zach Montellaro | Published: 1/8/2024

The partisan tilt of a handful of districts could still change dramatically before voters even go to the polls this year, shifting who has the upper hand in the battle for control the U.S. House. Republicans hold just a three-seat majority and various congressional maps across the country have already been redrawn since the midterms thanks to drawn-out court battles, some of which have yet to be resolved.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Alaska Ranked Choice Voting Opponents Fined Over $94K for Campaign Ethics Violations

Anchorage Daily News – Iris Samuels | Published: 1/4/2024

Supporters of an effort to repeal the state’s ranked choice voting system were fined more than $94,000 after the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) found campaign finance violations. APOC said Anchorage pastor Art Mathias and groups he founded funneled most of their funding through a tax-exempt church and inaccurately reporting their funding. The fines come a month before the deadline for opponents of Alaska’s voting system to submit at least 26,000 signatures from voters as they seek to put the question of repealing the state’s system on the 2024 ballot.

California – Burger Chain Manager Fined for Using ‘Straw Donors’ to Back Ex-Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s 2018 Campaign

MSN – Keri Blakinger (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 1/10/2024

Manuel Gomez, a burger chain manager, will admit guilt on 10 counts of campaign money laundering and pay a $50,000 fine for using straw donors to contribute to former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s campaign, according to a settlement with the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Records show Villanueva, his 2018 campaign, and his then-campaign treasurer agreed to pay a total of $7,500 for violating reporting requirements and failing to return some of the money.

California – San Jose Bans ‘Foreign-Influenced Corporations’ from Political Donations

San Jose Spotlight – Jana Kadah | Published: 1/10/2024

The San Jose City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits “foreign-influenced corporations” from donating in city races. It will go into effect in 30 days, just one month before the March 5 primary elections. Federal and state laws already prohibit foreign individuals from making contributions or independent expenditures to candidates. But foreign companies with domestic subsidiaries can contribute as long as the donations are made by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

California – DWP Board Members Held Private Contract Talks with Vendor, Prompting Ethics Questions

Yahoo News – Dakota Smith and Richard Winton (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 1/5/2024

Two members of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commission privately discussed a contract with executives of a cybersecurity company, an exchange that is raising concerns from ethics experts. Then-commission President Mel Levine and then-Vice President Cynthia McClain-Hill held a phone call in 2019 with two executives to walk them through the utility’s plans to award them a contract. The city’s ethics law bars commissioners from privately participating in the review or negotiation of contracts they will vote on. The commission’s rules also bar commissioners from having private discussions about bids with vendors.

Colorado – Supreme Court Says It Will Decide If Trump Qualifies for Colorado Ballot

MSN – Ann Marimow and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 1/6/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider whether Donald Trump should be disqualified from the primary ballot in Colorado. The state Supreme Court disqualified the Republican front-runner, finding he engaged in an insurrection before and during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The announcement puts the justices in a pivotal position with echoes of the court’s involvement in the 2000 election, when its decision assured victory for George W. Bush, polarized the nation and damaged the court’s reputation as an independent institution.

Florida – Court Sends Case of Prosecutor Suspended by DeSantis Back to Trial Judge Over First Amendment Issues

Associated Press News – Curt Anderson | Published: 1/10/2024

A Democratic prosecutor suspended by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will get another chance to show his political advocacy was protected by the First Amendment and could not be the basis for his removal, a federal appeals court panel ruled. The ruling sends the case involving ex-prosecutor Andrew Warren back to a trial judge to determine if the governor’s suspension was improperly focused on statements Warren signed opposing certain legislation to criminalize abortion and gender care.

Florida – Florida GOP Ousts Chairman Under Investigation for Alleged Rape

MSN – Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) | Published: 1/8/2024

The Republican Party of Florida removed its chairperson, Christian Ziegler, from his job as in the midst of a sexual assault investigation. Ziegler is accused of raping a woman who had previously engaged in a tryst with him and his wife, Bridget. Christian Ziegler rejects the allegations. Sarasota police are investigating the incident but have not yet filed charges. Bridget Ziegler is a co-founder of the far-right group Moms for Liberty. As a Sarasota County school board member, she has pushed an anti-LGBTQ+ agenda.

Georgia – Who Will Investigate One of Georgia’s Most Ambitious Politicians in the Trump Case?

DNyuz – Richard Fausset (New York Times) | Published: 1/4/2024

Since the indictment of Donald Trump and his allies on election interference charges in Georgia, a question has gone unanswered: would criminal charges also be coming for Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. He was one of the 16 Republicans who acted as fake electors to overturn Trump’s 2020 defeat. Three of them are charged with felonies. But a judge blocked the Fulton County district attorney who led the investigation from developing a case against Jones, citing a conflict-of-interest because she had headlined a fundraiser for a Democratic who became his rival in the lieutenant governor’s race.

Georgia – Trump Claims Immunity from Prosecution in Georgia Election Case

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 1/8/2024

Donald Trump urged a judge to dismiss charges he illegally conspired to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia, claiming his alleged actions were at the “heart” of his sworn responsibilities as president and he is immune from criminal prosecution. The arguments from Steve Sadow, an Atlanta attorney representing Trump in the Georgia case, largely echo immunity claims made by the former president’s defense team in the separate federal election interference case against him.

Hawaii – Full Public Financing of Elections Is Being Revived at Hawaii Legislature

Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 1/11/2024

Hawaii Sen. Karl Rhoads will resurrect a bill that would establish a comprehensive public campaign financing system intended to attract a more diverse pool of candidates. It would give grants to qualifying candidates who are able to demonstrate sufficient support from voters. In states that have similar programs such as Connecticut, Maine, and Arizona, the systems increase the diversity of candidates, in particular drawing people who are younger and from less traditional backgrounds.

Illinois – Ed Burke Is Still in Line for Millions in Payouts from Pension, Campaign Funds After Corruption Conviction

Chicago Sun-Times – Mitchell Armentrout and Tim Novack | Published: 1/5/2024

Under Illinois law, former Ald. Edward Burke is likely to be stripped of the $8,027-a-month city pension he started collecting last May on the day after ending his record 54-year reign in the Chicago City Council. But he will get at least the more than $540,000 he paid into the fund. The disgraced former council member is in line for a more substantial payout from his campaign fund, which he can use to pay himself or his family members almost $2.5 million, no questions asked, thanks to a loophole in state campaign finance law.

Illinois – City Council Ethics Package Could Face Uphill Fight Without Johnson in the Lead

MSN – A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/7/2024

In the wake of former Ald. Edward Burke’s racketeering conviction, his onetime colleagues on the Chicago City Council are faced with the choice of whether to hold themselves to tougher ethical standards. They are largely weighing that decision without input from Mayor Brandon Johnson, who, unlike his predecessor, is taking a hands-off approach to anti-corruption reforms. The fresh debate is spurred by a slew of new recommendations from the Board of Ethics tightening rules for city contractors, campaign fundraising, and advertising that a key committee chairman pledged to take up in the new year.

Kansas – New Wichita City Council Member Moves to Undo Ban on Corporate Political Donations

Yahoo News – Matthew Kelly (Wichita Eagle) | Published: 1/9/2024

The Wichita City Council will vote on an ordinance that would undo the ban on corporate political donations in municipal enacted recently. The ordinance passed on January 2 passed in former Mayor Brandon Whipple’s last meeting on the job. Whipple declared an emergency before the vote, allowing the council to finalize the reform immediately and forgo the standard second reading that would have otherwise been required.

Kentucky – Weddle Blames Beshear Fundraiser for Letting Him Make Illegal Political Contributions

Kentucky Lantern – Tom Loftus | Published: 1/9/2024

London Mayor Randall Weddle says he told a fundraiser for Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s reelection in late 2022 that he planned to make political contributions of others on his credit card, but instead of being warned such a move would be illegal, the fundraiser told Weddle, “Okay sounds great.” The Registry of Election Finance filed a complaint against Weddle for violating a law that prohibits a person from making a campaign donation in the name of another.

Louisiana – Newly Sworn In, Louisiana’s Governor Calls for Special Session to Draw New Congressional Map

ABC News – Sara Cline (Associated Press) | Published: 1/8/2024

In his first hours in office, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry called a special session on redistricting, giving lawmakers the opportunity to draw and replace the state’s current congressional map a federal judge said violates the Voting Rights Act by diluting the power of Black voters. But the session looks to go beyond just tackling Louisiana’s congressional map, with the governor issuing a list of other issues to address, including redrawing state Supreme Court districts and moving away from Louisiana’s current open primary election system to a closed one.

Louisiana – Council Looks to Clean Up New Orleans’ Procurement Process Following Scathing IG Report

MSN – David Jones (WVUE) | Published: 1/9/2024

Two months after a scathing report from the inspector general, a New Orleans City Council member is looking to clean up the city’s procurement process for the awarding of contracts by introducing three pieces of new legislation. The report concerned alleged bid-rigging in the procurement process for the now-abandoned “Smart Cities” project. It says two city employees might have violated state ethics law in awarding a contract for the project.

Massachusetts – Liberal Group Files Challenge to Remove Trump from Massachusetts Primary Ballot

MSN – Matt Stoudt (Boston Globe) | Published: 1/5/2024

A labor lawyer and a liberal group filed a challenge seeking to remove Donald Trump from Massachusetts’ Republican presidential primary ballot, echoing arguments in other states that the former president is ineligible to serve in the White House under the Constitution’s insurrection clause. Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin has argued even if Trump is found guilty of inciting an insurrection and is therefore ineligible to serve as president, he can still be on the ballot in Massachusetts.

Michigan – Michigan Republicans Hold Disputed Vote to Remove Party Leader

Yahoo News – Nick Corasaniti and Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 1/6/2024

Simmering tensions within the Michigan Republican Party boiled over with some party officials voting to remove their embattled chairperson, Kristina Karamo, in a contentious proceeding that she and other state Republicans argued was illegitimate. The showdown, which occurred at a meeting held by a breakaway faction of the state party, now appears likely to wind up in court.

Minnesota – All-Female City Council Marks a ‘Turning Point’ for a Twin City

DNyuz – Remy Tumin (New York Times) | Published: 1/10/2024

St. Paul, Minnesota, is believed to be among the largest cities in the country to have the distinction of having an all-female City Council. But the firsts do not stop there: all seven council members are under 40 years old, and six are women of color, making it the youngest and most racially diverse council in the city’s history. Although the new makeup of the council may surprise some, several demographic shifts in St. Paul over the past few decades helped pave the way for this moment.

Missouri – Missouri Defends Lobbying Waiting Period for Lawmakers at Eighth Circuit

Courthouse News Service – Joe Harris | Published: 1/9/2024

A federal appeals court heard arguments challenging a voter-approved, two-year waiting period between serving in the Missouri Legislature and accepting payment for lobbying services. The plaintiffs claim the law violates their right to free speech. Jason Lewis of the Missouri attorney general’s office argued the General Assembly has the right to restrict employment.

New Jersey – N.J. Moving to Change Ethics Laws for Cannabis, Which Could Help Top Democrat

MSN – Jelani Gibson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 1/7/2024

A new bill would potentially help the vice chairperson of New Jersey’s State Democratic Committee, Peg Schaffer, to stay within the cannabis industry as the party’s chair continues to function as a lobbyist on behalf of well-financed companies. Schaffer recently accepted a board position at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. She is the president and managing principal of a law firm. Schaffer’s job at the authority holds the risk of running afoul of the state’s conflict-of-interest laws when it comes to representing cannabis applicants.

New York – N.Y. Seeks $370 Million in Trump Fraud Trial Instead of $250 Million

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 1/5/2024

New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking a $370 million penalty against Donald Trump and his company instead of the $250 million the state sought when it filed a civil fraud lawsuit in 2022. The filing was the first time James has publicly cited a specific higher penalty than what was included in the original lawsuit. The company was accused of purposely misleading lenders and insurance companies about Trump’s net worth by up to $2.2 billion per year from 2011 to 2021 to get better terms in business deals.

North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Commission Sees Uptick in Complaints

North Dakota Monitor – Mary Steuer | Published: 1/8/2024

Complaints to the North Dakota Ethics Commission have been on the rise since late 2022, though in most cases, state law requires filings to be kept confidential unless the commission determines them to be substantiated. Twenty-four of 45 complaints were dismissed upon initial review. One reason why so many complaints were dismissed is because the commission has very limited jurisdiction.

Ohio – Ginther’s Public Service Director Leaving for New Job

MSN – Bill Bush (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 1/5/2024

Jennifer Gallagher is resigning as director of the Columbus Department of Public Service is resigning. Emails released by the city attorney’s office Friday suggest Gallagher remains the subject of an investigation launched by the Ohio Ethics Commission in 2022. A complaint concerns a $480,000 contract Gallagher’s department awarded to a firm that employed her husband. Ohio law generally prohibits public officials from awarding or influencing contracts in which a family member has an interest.

Ohio – Transgender Ohio House Hopeful Appeals Disqualification for Not Listing Birth Name on Paperwork

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/4/2024

A transgender woman running for an Ohio House seat has been disqualified for failing to disclose her former name on petitions circulated to voters, in violation of a seldom-enforced state law. Stark County election officials informed Vanessa Joy that she was not eligible to be on the ballot despite having collected the signatures necessary to run. Officials said Joy violated a law requiring candidates for public office to list any name changes over the previous five years on their signature petitions.

Ohio – Voting, Disability Rights Advocates Claim Ohio Photo Voter ID Law Violates Federal Disabilities Law

Ohio Capital Journal – Nick Evans | Published: 1/5/2024

Starting last year, Ohioans had to present a photo ID to cast a vote. The new law also reduced the number of days available for early voting and for returning absentee ballots. Now, the League of Women Voters is challenging the law over a different set of provisions. It imposes a limited list of individuals “authorized” to return absentee ballots on behalf of someone else. A lawsuit contends that restrictive list violates the Americans with Disabilities Act by imposing “extreme burdens to vote that voters without disabilities will never face.”

Rhode Island – Ethics Complaint Against Shekarchi Over 2017 Wedding Farm Bill Dismissed. Here’s Why

Yahoo News – Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) | Published: 1/9/2024

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission cleared House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi of conflict-of- interest accusations brought by the state Republican Party over his vote seven years ago for a bill that sought to legalize weddings on large farms. The commission found there was no probable cause that Shekarchi violated the ethics code to benefit a campaign donor.

South Dakota – South Dakota Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Lawmaker Conflict of Interest

Yahoo News – Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 1/8/2024

The South Dakota Supreme Court heard lawyers from the governor’s office, the attorney general’s office, and the Legislature make a case as to why the justices should issue an opinion more clearly defining what a conflict-of-interest is within the state constitution. Attorneys took questions from the justices related to whether establishing a new standard in the law would be enough to accurately define what is a direct or indirect conflict-of-interest when a lawmaker votes on bills for funding state government and its operations.

Texas – Former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores Accused of Cribbing Others’ Pictures of Mexican Food as Her Own Cooking

Texas Tribune – Robert Downen | Published: 1/3/2024

In a bizarre micro-scandal that some have dubbed “GrubGate,” a former member of Congress who is running for her old seat in South Texas, Mayra Flores, is being accused of routinely stealing photos of Mexican food from other social media accounts and passing them off as her own cooking. That prompted the website Current Revolt to dig further into Flores’ social media accounts, where they found numerous other posts in which she used others’ photos of campfire cooking or homemade tortillas to illustrate her own idyllic life on a ranch.

Vermont – Vermont Senate Beefs Up Financial Disclosure Requirements in Response to VTDigger Reporting

VTDigger.org – Paul Heinz | Published: 1/4/2024

The Vermont Senate voted to mandate its own members publicly disclose additional information about their personal finances and potential conflicts-of-interest. VTDigger had documented how difficult it was for Vermonters to obtain information about their legislators and how little was revealed by mandatory disclosure forms. After VTDigger published the first story in the series last April, the Senate moved to post members’ financial disclosure forms online for the first time.

Wyoming – New Rules Would Allow Ousting Wyoming Legislators Accused or Convicted of Felonies

Cowboy State Daily – Leo Wolfson | Published: 1/9/2024

A new slate of proposed ethics complaint rules for the Wyoming Legislature would allow for the expulsion of members who are accused or convicted of felonies as private citizens, in and outside of the legislative session. The proposed rules adopt a clear procedure for the House speaker or Senate president to more quickly dismiss frivolous complaints as a way to mitigate the potential of the complaint process being weaponized.

Campaign Finance

Kansas: “New Wichita City Council Member Moves to Undo Ban on Corporate Political Donations” by Matthew Kelly (Wichita Eagle) for Yahoo News

Kentucky: “Weddle Blames Beshear Fundraiser for Letting Him Make Illegal Political Contributions” by Tom Loftus for Kentucky Lantern

Elections

National: “Vocal Anti-Trump Candidate Chris Christie Exits Presidential Race with Hot Mic Moment” by Jeongyoon Han for NPR

Georgia: “Trump Claims Immunity from Prosecution in Georgia Election Case” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Democrats Set Ambitious Spending Plan for State Legislative Races” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz

Ethics

National: “Violent Political Threats Surge as 2024 Begins, Haunting American Democracy” by Sarah Ellison, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Minnesota: “All-Female City Council Marks a ‘Turning Point’ for a Twin City” by Remy Tumin (New York Times) for DNyuz

Wyoming: “New Rules Would Allow Ousting Wyoming Legislators Accused or Convicted of Felonies” by Leo Wolfson for Cowboy State Daily

Procurement

Louisiana: “Council Looks to Clean Up New Orleans’ Procurement Process Following Scathing IG Report” by David Jones (WVUE) for MSN