National/Federal

‘Blue’ Suburban Moms Are Mobilizing to Counter Conservatives in Fights Over Masks, Book Bans and Diversity Education
Washington Post – Annie Gowan | Published: 2/9/2022

Dozens of suburban moms from around the country dialed into an Ohio-based Zoom training session with the same goal – to learn how to combat the increasingly vitriolic rhetoric from parents whose protests over mask mandates and diversity education have turned school board meeting rooms into battlegrounds. Moms for Liberty, a controversial Florida-based political action group started by two former school board members and a Republican activist, has made parental rights its rallying cry and is hoping to harness anger over mask mandates and diversity education in schools into power at the polls.

‘Dear White Staffers’: Anonymous testimonials about workplace culture grip Capitol Hill
MSN – Mariana Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 2/4/2022

Concerns about low pay, hostile work environments, and racial and gender discrimination have gripped Capitol Hill as an Instagram account called “Dear White Students” has posted hundreds of testimonials from current and former aides that tell a dispiriting story about what it is like to work in the halls of Congress. The account was created in January 2020, and its first post was a meme during the Trump administration mocking how minorities are paid less than White staffers, but its profile on Capitol Hill has risen steadily since the new year.

How Manchin Used Politics to Protect His Family Coal Company
Yahoo News – Scott Waldman (Politico) | Published: 2/8/2022

As West Virginia’s governor, Joe Manchin supported a provision in a clean energy bill that was moving through the state Legislature in 2009. It classified waste coal as an alternative energy. But the mix of discarded coal and rocks is a carbon-intensive fuel. Manchin’s family business stood to benefit financially when it was reclassified as something akin to solar, wind, and hydropower. He has used his political positions to protect the fuel, and a single power plant in West Virginia that burns it, from regulations that also threatened his family business. It continues today. Only now Manchin has enormous influence over federal climate policy.

Judges Take Over Drawing Dozens of House Districts – and Throw Dems a Bone
Yahoo News – Ally Mutnick (Politico) | Published: 2/4/2022

Most states have finished their maps, but state and federal courts will direct the drawing of some 75 congressional districts in at least seven states in the coming months, marking a new phase in the process before the first 2022 primaries begin. Taken together, the court interventions have eased Democratic fears about redistricting. So far, the decisions have validated the party’s state-by-state legal strategy and offered a reprieve from several Republican gerrymandering attempts before a single election could be held under the new lines.

Manafort Lender Gets One Year in Prison for Bid to Get Trump Job
Yahoo Finance – Bob Van Voris (Bloomberg) | Published: 2/7/2022

A Chicago banker convicted of trying to trade $16 million in bank loans to former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort for the chance at a top administration post was sentenced to a year in prison. Stephen Calk was found guilty of financial institution bribery and conspiracy over the loans. Calk had hoped then-President Trump would name him to a powerful government post, including treasury secretary, defense secretary, or ambassador to France or the United Kingdom.

National Archives Asks Justice Dept. to Investigate Trump’s Handling of White House Records
MSN – Matt Zapotosky, Jacqueline Alemany, Ashley Parker, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 2/9/2022

The National Archives and Records Administration asked the Justice Department to examine Donald Trump’s handling of White House records. Officials recovered 15 boxes of materials from the former president’s Mar-a-Lago residence that were not handed back to the government as they should have been, and Trump had turned over other White House records that had been torn up. Archives officials suspected Trump possibly violated laws concerning the handling of government documents, including those that might be considered classified.

One Menacing Call After Another: Threats against lawmakers surge
Yahoo News – Catie Edmondson and Mark Walker (New York Times) | Published: 2/9/2022

The New York Times reviewed more than 75 indictments of people charged with threatening lawmakers since 2016. The flurry of cases shed light on a chilling trend: in recent years, and particularly since the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency, a growing number of Americans have taken ideological grievance and political outrage to a new level, lodging concrete threats of violence against members of Congress. Many of threats were fueled by forces that have long dominated politics, including partisan divisions and a media landscape that stokes resentment. But they surged during Trump’s time in office and in its aftermath.

Republicans Censure Cheney, Kinzinger, Call Jan. 6 Probe Attack on ‘Legitimate Political Discourse’
Reuters – Doins Chiach | Published: 2/4/2022

The Republican Party censured U.S. Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for joining Congress’ investigation of the attack on the Capitol and Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat, calling the probe an attack on “legitimate political discourse.” Cheney and Kinzinger are the only Republicans on the House select committee. The panel is investigating who, including people in Trump’s inner circle, had any role in planning or enabling the worst assault on the Capitol since the War of 1812.

Stock Trading Ban for Lawmakers Gains Momentum on Capitol Hill
New York Times – Jonathan Weisman | Published: 2/9/2022

An effort to strictly control stock ownership by members of Congress is gathering momentum on Capitol Hill for the first time in a decade, fueled by politically vulnerable lawmakers who recognize the potency of signaling to voters that they will act on the perceived corruption in Washington. The issue of banning the ownership and trading of individual stocks by lawmakers is complex. It raises questions of just what other kinds of personal investments or economic liabilities could be perceived as conflicts of interest, and how far the prohibitions should extend.

Two House Democrats Question PR Firms on Work with Fossil Fuel Companies
Yahoo News – Zack Budrick (The Hill) | Published: 2/9/2022

U.S. Reps. Katie Porter and Raúl Grijalva sent a letter to six public relations firms, asking for details on their work with energy companies and whether they had aided them in campaigns to obscure the link between fossil fuels and climate change. The letter specifically cited a video recorded last summer by an undercover Greenpeace activist, in which Exxon lobbyist Keith McCoy tells the videographer the company “[fought] against some of the science” and used “shadow groups” to obfuscate the link.

Canada

Canada – Faith Goldy, Far-Right 2018 Toronto Mayoral Candidate, Faces Possible Prosecution Over Election Finances
Toronto Star – David Ryder | Published: 2/9/2022

Faith Goldy, a far-right pundit who has promoted white supremacy, faces possible prosecution over her 2018 Toronto mayoral campaign fundraising. The cit’’s compliance committee voted to refer findings from an audit to a provincial prosecutor. The committee was told Goldy failed to disclose more than $150,000 in campaign donations, illegally accepted contributions from non-Ontarians, mixed her personal and campaign funds, and did not co-operate with the audit.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Supreme Court Stops Lower Court Order Requiring Alabama to Draw a New District Voting Map Favorable to Black Residents
MSN – Robert Barnes (Washington Post) | Published: 2/7/2022

The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for Alabama to use its new Republican-drawn congressional map in the 2022 elections even though a lower court said it violated the Voting Rights Act by denying a new district favorable to a Black candidate. The majority did not provide a reason for stopping the lower court’s decision. But Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Samuel Alito wrote separately to say the changes ordered by the lower court came too close to qualifying and primaries for the fall election and could create “chaos.” The case is the first for current Supreme Court justices to consider how to apply the Voting Rights Act to racial gerrymandering.

California – On Heels of Ridley-Thomas Indictment, LA County Hires Firm to Launch Sweeping Audit
Los Angeles Daily News – Ryan Carter and City News Service | Published: 2/4/2022

Los Angeles County hired the law firm Covington & Burling to conduct the audit of its contracting policies and processes and review all its major service contracts. On the heels of former Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas’s indictment and suspension from the city council, the Board of Supervisors voted to conduct the audit to ensure transparency in the county’s contracting procedures, which came into question following Ridley-Thomas’s indictment on federal bribery and conspiracy charges.

California – Why San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo Is Being Sued Over Private Emails
San Jose Mercury News – Maggie Angst | Published: 2/8/2022

Five years after California Supreme Court’s ruling that texts and emails sent by public officials on their personal devices or accounts containing public business should be considered public records, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and the city are being sued for violating the landmark ruling they sparked. The state Supreme Court unanimously ruled in the case City of San Jose v. Superior Court (Ted Smith) that when a public employee uses a personal account to communicate about public business, the content may be subject to disclosure.

Florida – Lawmakers Target Protests Outside Homes
WTVX – Dara Kam (News Service of Florida) | Published: 2/8/2022

A year after passing a sweeping law aimed at protests, Florida legislators are moving forward with a proposal that could criminalize demonstrations in front of or around people’s homes, including the governor’s mansion. The prohibition would apply not only to private property but extend to public parks, sidewalks. and rights-of-way. Critics say the legislation could allow law enforcement officials to arrest peaceful protesters and lead to Black and Hispanic demonstrators being targeted by police.

Georgia – Judge: Kemp can’t use leadership committee funds for primary
Yahoo News – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 2/7/2022

A “leadership committee” created by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp under a new state law must stop spending money to get the governor reelected during the Republican primary, a federal judge ruled. Former U.S. Sen. David Perdue, who is challenging Kemp in the primary, filed a lawsuit challenging the new law. Perdue and his campaign allege the law gives Kemp a significant and unfair fundraising and spending advantage in the primary and asked the judge to declare it unconstitutional.

Hawaii – Indictment Puts Spotlight on One of the Most Connected Men in Honolulu
Honolulu Civil Beat – Christina Jedra | Published: 2/8/2022

At various times, Max Sword had a hand in vetting the job applications of state judges, deciding how much money Hawaii legislators should make, and drawing the maps of Honolulu’s voting districts. Currently, he is on the board of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. It was Sword’s role as chair of the Honolulu Police Commission that led to his recent indictment. He is accused of conspiring with former city Attorney Donna Leong and former Managing Director Roy Amemiya to misuse city funds to give former police chief Louis Kealoha a $250,000 retirement package.

Hawaii – Two Hawaii Lawmakers Charged in Bribery Scheme Over Cesspool Legislation
Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 2/8/2022

Former Hawaii Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English and state Rep. Ty Cullen were charged by federal prosecutors with accepting bribes to support and defeat legislation on behalf of an industrial services company hoping to benefit from state cesspool regulations. Prosecutors allege English illegally accepted more than $15,000 and Cullen collected more than $23,000 in bribes. English retired at the end of the 2021 legislative session in May. Cullen was vice chairperson of the House Finance Committee, where he played a part in directing government spending on construction projects.

Iowa – Bill Would Remove ‘Swarm’ of Lobbyists from Iowa Capitol Rotunda
Globe Gazette – James Lynch | Published: 2/7/2022

A proposal to make room for “regular people” at the Iowa Capitol is getting a cool response from some of the lobbyists who would be displaced. House File 2276 would restrict lobbyists from engaging in lobbying activity in the second-floor rotunda between the House and Senate chambers. They would be permitted to be in the lobbyists’ lounges adjacent to each chamber as well as the House and Senate lounge when meeting with legislators.

Louisiana – Jeff Landry Didn’t Report $4,000+ in Travel Receipts from National Group, Despite Ethics Rules
The Advocate – Andrea Gallo | Published: 2/4/2022

Attorney General Jeff Landry failed to report he received more than $4,000 in travel reimbursements last year within the period that state public servants are required to submit such expenses to the Louisiana Board of Ethics. Tax forms show the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) reimbursed Landry for three trips in 2021. RAGA’s past tax forms show they have reimbursed Landry at least $8,000 in travel expenses since 2018. Landry has never reported the reimbursements. State law requires public officials to disclose when they receive reimbursements or comped travel; they must do so within 60 days of receipt.

Michigan – Giuliani Asked Michigan Prosecutor to Give Voting Machines to Trump Team
Anchorage Daily News – Jon Swaine, Emma Brown, and Jaqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 2/9/2022

In the weeks after the 2020 election, Rudolph Giuliani and other legal advisers to then-President Trump asked a Republican prosecutor in northern Michigan to get his county’s voting machines and pass them to Trump’s team. Antrim County prosecutor James Rossiter said Giuliani and several colleagues made the request during a telephone call after the county initially misreported its election results. Legal scholars said it was unusual and inappropriate for a president’s representatives to make such a request of a local prosecutor.

Michigan – Reforms Sought on Recall Fundraising After Whitmer Raises Millions Extra
Detroit News – Beth LeBlanc | Published: 2/8/2022

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s ability to accept excess campaign contributions because of a recall is generating legislation in the Michigan House to reform a practice that critics have called a loophole. Under the proposal, candidates would be required to create a separate fund to hold contributions related to the recall instead of mixing the extra cash with normal political donations, among other provisions. The bill stems from Whitmer’s use last year of a recall policy to collect about $4 million in contributions above the state’s normal giving limits, which are capped for individual donors at $7,150 for a statewide candidate committee.

Montana – Judge Strikes Parts of Heavily Amended Campaign Finance Bill
MSN – Amy Beth Hanson (Associated Press) | Published: 2/4/2022

A judge ruled the Montana Legislature violated the state constitution when it changed a campaign finance bill late in the 2021 session to make it harder to register and to encourage college students to vote and to, in effect, limit donations to judicial campaigns. The judge granted a permanent injunction preventing the state from enforcing the two provisions that were added to Senate Bill 319 during a conference committee, with no public input, a day before the Legislature adjourned. Montana’s Constitution requires that bills contain a single subject. It also prevents legislators from amending laws so much that their original purpose is changed.

New York – Cannabis Company Granted Subpoenas of Hochul, Regulators
Albany Times Union – Rebekah Ward | Published: 2/10/2022

A state Supreme Court justice approved four subpoenas that MedMen, a multi-state marijuana operator, will serve on New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration as it seeks documents showing any communications between the governor’s office and a rival company. The subpoenas also seek records of communications between the rival, Ascend Wellness Holdings, and state cannabis regulators, as well as additional documents pertaining to a soured deal between MedMen and Ascend. The subpoenas filed by MedMen referenced an article published in December regarding Hochul’s campaign fundraising.

New York – Ethics Groups Want Investigation of Free Help Cuomo Received
MSN – Marina Villeneuve (Associated Press) | Published: 2/7/2022

Watchdog groups say New York’s ethics commission should investigate whether former Gov. Andrew Cuomo broke the law by accepting free help from a group of former aides who worked to defend him against sexual harassment allegations. State ethics law bans public officials from accepting gifts or services worth more than $15 from lobbyists and companies that do business with the state. When Cuomo’s first accusers came forward, he turned to a team of outside advisers who provided him with strategic advice and public relations help. Several of those ex-aides worked for companies that lobby the state or have had state contracts.

New York – Ex-N.Y.C. Shelter Boss to Pay $1.2 Million After Bribery Plea
New York Times – Amy Julia Harris | Published: 2/7/2022

The former head of one of the largest operators of homeless shelters in New York City pleaded guilty to pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from contractors in a scheme that went on for years, as homelessness in the city grew to record numbers. Victor Rivera, founder of the Bronx Parent Housing Network, admitted to accepting kickbacks from contractors working with the organization and laundering the money through entities he controlled. As part of the plea agreement, Rivera is expected to face a prison sentence and agreed to forfeit $1.2 million.

New York – Hochul Leads Pack of Candidates Who Fail to Disclose Sources of Corporate Cash
The City – Sam Mellins (New York Focus) | Published: 2/9/2022

A media investigation revealed elected officials in New York continued to collect money from anonymous donors in violation of a 2019 law that required the disclosure of limited liability company (LLC) owners who made campaign contributions. The law is meant to prevent individuals from using LLCs as an end run around per person donation limits. Gov. Kathy Hochul was among the biggest benefactors of such money in 2021 and did not meet the disclosure requirements for a majority of the donations.

New York – ‘Space’: The bureaucratic frontier threatening the state’s new Public Campaign Finance Board
Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 2/7/2022

Kristen Zebrowski Stavisky, co-executive director of the New York State Board of Elections, testified recently about what was impeding the progress of the state’s new Public Campaign Finance Board. A top concern, according to Zebrowski Stavisky is the lack of office space. This was making it harder to bring in the personnel needed to launch the program since there is nowhere to put them. She also said their plans to acquire new offices were snared in months of bureaucratic, inter-agency delays. Despite the problems, officials insist the program will be up and running later this year.

North Carolina – North Carolina Supreme Court Rejects Redistricting Map as Unconstitutional
MSN – Meryl Kornfield, Colby Itkowitz, and Maria Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) | Published: 2/4/2022

The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled political district maps drawn by Republican lawmakers are unconstitutional and must be redrawn, a significant victory for Democrats in a state almost evenly divided politically. In a decision divided by party lines, the court found Republican lawmakers drew maps that deprived voters of their “substantially equal voting power on the basis of partisan affiliation.” The ruling is the latest in consequential redistricting wins for Democrats that could determine whether they hold on to their majority in the U.S. House amid all-out war in courtrooms over partisan gerrymandering and voting rights.

North Carolina – Voters, NC Elections Board: Madison Cawthorn candidate challenge should remain
MSN – Gary Robertson (Associated Press) | Published: 2/8/2022

A formal effort to evaluate whether U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn should be disqualified as a candidate because of his involvement in the rally that preceded the U.S. Capitol riot should be allowed to continue, voters and election officials in North Carolina told a federal judge. The candidate challenge says Cawthorn fails to comply with the portion of a post-Civil War amendment to the Constitution pertaining to insurrections. Cawthorn’s speech at the rally supporting then-President Trump, his other comments and information in published reports provide a “reasonable suspicion or belief” that he helped facilitate the insurrection.

Ohio – Audit: FirstEnergy improperly used ratepayer money to fund HB6 dark money efforts
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/4/2022

Federal regulators told FirstEnergy to refund customers after an audit found the utility did not properly track some of the $71 million it spent on lobbying for a nuclear plant bailout at the center of a corruption scheme. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission found the lobbying expenses led FirstEnergy to improperly raise prices on customers and attempt to “conceal the nature and purpose” of the payments from the public. Like other public utilities, FirstEnergy cannot use money collected from ratepayers to fund lobbying.

Ohio – Ohio Mayor Lambasted for Saying Ice Fishing Would Lead to Prostitution: He ’embarrasses our town with wild claims’
Washington Post – Andrea Salcedo | Published: 2/10/2022

The city council in Hudson, Ohio, planned to cover several items during its recent meeting. But before it moved through their agenda, Council President Chris Foster wanted to gauge whether the council should consider a change to the rules on ice fishing on Hudson Springs Lake. He asked for members’ opinions, and most of what followed centered around safety concerns. Then, Mayor Craig Shubert stepped in, and the conversation took an unexpected turn. His issue with allowing people to ice fish on the lake was that it could lead to prostitution.

Ohio – Ohio Republicans Regroup, Postpone Congressional Map Plan After Latest Ohio Supreme Court Redistricting Rebuke
Cleveland Plain Dealer – Andrew Tobias | Published: 2/8/2022

Following their latest redistricting setback, Republican state lawmakers in Ohio are scrapping plans to introduce a new congressional map plan, deciding they are unable to get the minimal Democratic support it would require become effective in time for the May election. That means responsibility for coming up with a new plan now will go back to the Ohio Redistricting Commission. The state Supreme Court recently rejected GOP-drawn maps for Ohio’s state House and Senate districts. The court also rejected Republicans’ congressional map in January.

Oklahoma – Former Senate Leader Mike Morgan Gets Law License Back 10 Years After Bribery Conviction
Yahoo News – Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) | Published: 2/5/2022

Former Oklahoma Sen. Mike Morgan is being reinstated as a lawyer 10 years after he was convicted of accepting bribes disguised as legal fees. Morgan was convicted of accepting $12,000 to influence legislation. The state Supreme Court found Morgan had established he possesses the good moral character and fitness necessary for reinstatement. Justice Yvonne Kauger wrote the conviction “was based on some very suspect evidence.” Morgan still maintains his innocence.

Oregon – Proposed Oregon Campaign Finance Limits Could Be Upended by a Drafting Technicality
OPB – Dirk VanderHart | Published: 2/9/2022

Last year, it looked like Oregonians might have options for how to limit campaign contributions. Reformers filed six proposals to curb political giving, raising the possibility that dueling measures could compete for voter approval in the 2022 election. Now all but one of those proposals might be dead, at least in their current forms. Secretary of State Shemia Fagan said three measures do not meet a technical requirement of the state constitution. Two alternative campaign finance proposals contain the same problem, supporters concede, meaning they would likely be rejected if they choose to move forward.

Rhode Island – Mattiello Is Latest Former R.I. Lawmaker to Line Up Lucrative Lobbying Clients
MSN – Edward Fitzpatrick (Boston Globe) | Published: 2/7/2022

Former Rhode Island House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello is the latest former state lawmaker to line up a lucrative statehouse lobbying gig, trying to exert influence over his former colleagues. It is clear why big companies and major organizations would want to hire former legislators to lobby on their behalf, said John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island. But there is a downside for others who lack that access, he said: “Moneyed interests get the upper hand over the public interest because they can afford to pay former legislators.”

South Carolina – Jury Awards $50M to Bluffton Mayor in Defamation Suit Against Longtime Local Critic
MSN – Sam Ogozalek (The Island Packet) | Published: 2/3/2022

A awarded a total of $50 million in damages to the mayor of Bluffton, South Carolina, in a defamation case against a longtime government critic. Skip Hoagland must pay $40 million in actual damages to Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka, who had filed a libel lawsuit against him in 2017, along with $10 million in punitive damages. Sulka filed the lawsuit against Hoagland over emails he sent to several people including the state attorney general. The mayor claimed there were defamatory statements in the messages, such as accusations she committed a crime and was unfit for office.

South Dakota – South Dakota Ethics Board Wants Response from Noem by April
MSN – Stephen Groves (Associated Press) | Published: 2/3/2022

The Government Accountability Board set an April deadline for South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to respond to a pair of ethics complaints from the state’s attorney general, signaling it believes the complaints might have merit. Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg asked the board to consider two issues. One is whether Noem’s use of state airplanes broke the law, and the other is whether she improperly interfered with a state agency that was evaluating her daughter’s application for a real estate appraiser license. Noem has insisted she has done nothing wrong.

Virginia – Youngkin Campaign Attacks High School Student on Twitter
MSN – Laura Vozzella (Washington Post) | Published: 2/6/2022

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin distanced himself from a tweet mocking a teenager that went out on his campaign account, calling it “unauthorized.” It lashed out at a high school student as well as former Gov. Ralph Northam, tweeting out the teen’s name and photograph after the boy shared a news story about part of the Executive Mansion. Ethan Lynne retweeted a report from public radio station VPM suggesting Youngkin might be scrapping efforts to highlight the history of enslaved people at the mansion. The report contained an error, which Lynne noted on Twitter hours later, when VPM issued a correction.

Wisconsin – Ex-Justice’s Wisconsin Election Probe Drags as Critics Scoff
ABC News – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 2/7/2022

Joe Biden’s narrow 2020 victory in Wisconsin has withstood recounts, lawsuits, and multiple reviews. There is no evidence of widespread fraud. But former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman is continuing his probe of the election. In his seven-month inquiry, Gableman has been sued over his response to open records requests and subpoenas and countersued. He has been criticized for scant expense records, ridiculed for sending confusing emails, making rudimentary errors in his filings, and called out for meeting with conspiracy theorists.

Campaign Finance

Michigan: “Reforms Sought on Recall Fundraising After Whitmer Raises Millions Extra” by Beth LeBlanc for Detroit News

New York: “Hochul Leads Pack of Candidates Who Fail to Disclose Sources of Corporate Cash” by Sam Mellins (New York Focus) for The City

Elections

Michigan: “Giuliani Asked Michigan Prosecutor to Give Voting Machines to Trump Team” by Jon Swaine, Emma Brown, and Jaqueline Alemany (Washington Post) for Anchorage Daily News

North Carolina: “Voters, NC Elections Board: Madison Cawthorn candidate challenge should remain” by Gary Robertson (Associated Press) for MSN

Ethics

National: “‘Blue’ Suburban Moms Are Mobilizing to Counter Conservatives in Fights Over Masks, Book Bans and Diversity Education” by Annie Gowan for Washington Post

National: “Manafort Lender Gets One Year in Prison for Bid to Get Trump Job” by Bob Van Voris (Bloomberg) for Yahoo Finance

Florida: “Lawmakers Target Protests Outside Homes” by Dara Kam (News Service of Florida) for WTVX

Hawaii: “Two Hawaii Lawmakers Charged in Bribery Scheme Over Cesspool Legislation” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat

Redistricting

Ohio: “Ohio Republicans Regroup, Postpone Congressional Map Plan After Latest Ohio Supreme Court Redistricting Rebuke” by Andrew Tobias for Cleveland Plain Dealer

Campaign Finance

Georgia: “Judge: Kemp can’t use leadership committee funds for primary” by Kate Brumback (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Oregon: “Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan Plans to Kill Effort to Set Campaign Contribution Limits in 2022: Records” by Hillary Borrud (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Elections

Wisconsin: “Ex-Justice’s Wisconsin Election Probe Drags as Critics Scoff” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for ABC News

Ethics

National: “How Manchin Used Politics to Protect His Family Coal Company” by Scott Waldman (Politico) for Yahoo News

New York: “Ex-N.Y.C. Shelter Boss to Pay $1.2 Million After Bribery Plea” by Amy Julia Harris for New York Times

Lobbying

Iowa: “Bill Would Remove ‘Swarm’ of Lobbyists from Iowa Capitol Rotunda” by James Lynch for Globe Gazette

Rhode Island: “Mattiello Is Latest Former R.I. Lawmaker to Line Up Lucrative Lobbying Clients” by Edward Fitzpatrick (Boston Globe) for MSN

Redistricting

Alabama: “Supreme Court Stops Lower Court Order Requiring Alabama to Draw a New District Voting Map Favorable to Black Residents” by Robert Barnes (Washington Post) for MSN

Campaign Finance

New York: “‘Space’: The bureaucratic frontier threatening the state’s new Public Campaign Finance Board” by Brigid Bergin for Gothamist

Ethics

National: “National Archives Had to Retrieve Trump White House Records from Mar-a-Lago” by Jacqueline Alemany, Josh Dawsey, Tom Hamburger, and Ashley Parker (Washington Post) for MSN

Louisiana: “Jeff Landry Didn’t Report $4,000+ in Travel Receipts from National Group, Despite Ethics Rules” by Andrea Gallo for The Advocate

New York: “Ethics Groups Want Investigation of Free Help Cuomo Received” by Marina Villeneuve (Associated Press) for MSN

Oklahoma: “Former Senate Leader Mike Morgan Gets Law License Back 10 Years After Bribery Conviction” by Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) for Yahoo News

Virginia: “Youngkin Campaign Attacks High School Student on Twitter” by Laura Vozzella (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Ohio: “Audit: FirstEnergy improperly used ratepayer money to fund HB6 dark money efforts” by Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Redistricting

North Carolina: “North Carolina Supreme Court Rejects Redistricting Map as Unconstitutional” by Meryl Kornfield, Colby Itkowitz, and Maria Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Montana: “Judge Strikes Part of Law, Saying Last-Minute Changes Violated Constitution” by Seaborn Lawson for Billings Gazette

Ethics

National: “G.O.P. Declares Jan. 6 Attack ‘Legitimate Political Discourse’” by Jonathan Weisman and Reid Epstein for New York Times

New York: “Hochul Opposes Subpoena Seeking Records of Cannabis Deal” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

South Carolina: “Jury Awards $50M to Bluffton Mayor in Defamation Suit Against Longtime Local Critic” by Sam Ogozalek (The Island Packet) for MSN

South Dakota: “South Dakota Ethics Board Wants Response from Noem by April” by Stephen Groves (Associated Press) for MSN

Legislative Issues

National: “‘Ground Up and Spit Out’: Inside the Hill staffer Instagram rebellion” by Katherine Tully-McManus, Nancy Vu, Eleanor Mueller, and Ximena Bustillo (Politico) for MSN

Procurement

California: “On Heels of Ridley-Thomas Indictment, LA County Hires Firm to Launch Sweeping Audit” by Ryan Carter and City News Service for Los Angeles Daily News

Redistricting

National: “Judges Take Over Drawing Dozens of House Districts – and Throw Dems a Bone” by Ally Mutnick (Politico) for Yahoo News

National/Federal

Campaigning to Oversee Elections, While Denying the Last One
Yahoo News – Jennifer Medina, Nick Corasaniti, and Reid Epstein (New York Times) | Published: 1/30/2022

Nearly two dozen Republicans who have publicly questioned or disputed the results of the 2020 election are running for secretary of state across the country, in some cases after being directly encouraged by allies of former President Trump. Their candidacies are alarming watchdog groups, Democrats, and some fellow Republicans, who worry these Trump supporters, if elected to posts that exist largely to safeguard and administer the democratic process, would weaponize those offices to undermine it – whether by subverting an election outright or by sowing doubts about any local, state. or federal elections their party loses.

Critics Say Ginni Thomas’s Activism Is a Supreme Court Conflict. Under Court Rules, Only Her Husband Can Decide If That’s True.
MSN – Michael Kranish (Washington Post) | Published: 1/31/2022

Ginni Thomas has long been one of the nation’s most outspoken conservatives. During her husband’s time on the U.S. Supreme Court, she has run organizations designed to activate right-wing networks and worked for Republicans in Congress. She also worked closely with the Trump administration and has come under fire over messages praising January 6 crowds before the attack on the Capitol. In a number of instances, her activism has overlapped with cases that have been decided by Justice Clarence Thomas. Each justice can decide whether to recuse, and there is no way to appeal a Supreme Court member’s failure to do so.

Democrats Decried Dark Money. Then They Won with It in 2020.
New York Times – Kenneth Vogel and Shane Goldmacher | Published: 1/29/2022

Democrats have complained – with indignation, frustration, and envy – that Republicans and their allies were spending hundreds of millions of difficult-to-trace dollars to influence politics. “Dark money” became a dirty word, as the left warned of the threat of corruption posed by corporations and billionaires that were spending unlimited sums through loosely regulated nonprofits, which did not disclose their donors’ identities. Then came the 2020 election. Spurred by opposition to then-President Trump, donors and operatives allied with the Democratic Party embraced “dark money,” by some measures surpassing Republicans in 2020 spending.

Democrats’ Election Reform Bill Failed in the Senate. What’s Next for Campaign Finance Reform?
OpenSecrets.org – Jimmy Cloutier | Published: 1/27/2022

The fate of campaign finance reform is once again in limbo after Senate Republicans quashed Democrats’ most recent election legislation. The GOP filibustered the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. A measure to then pass the bill with a simple majority was blocked by U.S. Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin. Democrats are shifting to other legislative priorities, like finding a replacement for retiring U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. What this means for campaign finance reform, and the role of money-in-politics more broadly, is largely unclear.

Dems Avert Total Redistricting Doomsday – but They’re Not Out of the Woods
Yahoo News – Sarah Ferris and Ally Mutnick (Politico) | Published: 2/2/2022

The House Democrats’ campaign chief believes his party has at least avoided a redistricting doomsday that would have automatically handed the GOP control of the chamber in January. Republicans still hold an indisputable advantage going into the midterms. But Democrats have seized this year’s redistricting battle with an unexpected ruthlessness, carving out more blue territory than most had expected even just a few months ago, and netting key wins in the courts.

GOP Sen. Ben Sasse Re-Introduces Bill to Ban Lawmakers from Trading Stocks and Becoming Paid Lobbyists After Retiring
MSN – Bryan Metzger (Business Insider) | Published: 2/2/2022

U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse is re-introducing a sweeping ethics reform package that includes banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks and ban lawmakers from acting as paid lobbyists after leaving Congress. It would also require the president and vice president to publicly disclose their tax returns. In contrast to Sasse’s previous set of proposals, the bill would also prohibit foreign nationals from contributing to ballot measure campaigns.

Jan. 6 Investigators Subpoena 14 in Probe of False Pro-Trump Electors
MSN – Nicholas Wu, Betsy Woodruff Swan, and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 1/28/2022

The January 6 select committee subpoenaed central players in the Republican effort to submit illegitimate presidential electors in 2020, a push that became a key component of Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn his defeat. The panel investigating the Capitol riot is seeking documents and testimony from two pro-Trump electors each from seven battleground states, all won by Joe Biden, in which Republicans sought to deliver their own slate of electors to Congress.

Memo Circulated Among Trump Allies Advocated Using NSA Data in Attempt to Prove Stolen Election
MSN – Josh Dawsey, Rosalind Helderman, Emma Brown, and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 2/3/2022

A memorandum proposed that President Trump should invoke the powers of the National Security Agency and Defense Department to sift through raw electronic communications in an attempt to show foreign powers intervened in the 2020 election to help Joe Biden win. The proposal in some ways mirrors other radical ideas that extremists who denied Biden’s victory were working to sell to Trump between the election and the siege of the U.S. Capitol. But the proposal to seize and analyze “NSA unprocessed raw signals data” raises legal and ethical concerns and distinguishes the memo from other attempts.

Sen. Ben Ray Luján’s Stroke Shows the Fragility of Democrats’ Senate Majority
MSN – Mike DeBonis (Washington Post) | Published: 2/2/2022

For months, Senate Democrats have quietly pondered an improbable but not unthinkable scenario, that their razor-thin majority, secured only by the tiebreaking vote of Vice President Harris, could be suddenly upended by the absence, incapacitation, or death of a single senator. That scenario became reality, with an unexpected twist. In a caucus with 16 senators over 70, including several with documented health issues, it was one of the youngest Democrats, Sen. Ben Ray Luján, who suffered a stroke, leaving the Senate agenda in flux and Democrats pondering the fragility of their governing majority.

Some Records Sent to Jan. 6 Committee Were Torn Up, Taped Back Together – Mirroring a Trump Habit
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Josh Dawsey, Amy Gardner, and Tom Hamburger (Washington Post) | Published: 1/31/2022

When the National Archives and Records Administration handed over a trove of documents to the House select committee investigating the January 6 insurrection, some of the Trump White House records had been ripped up and then taped back together. Former President Trump was known for his potentially unlawful habit of tearing presidential records into shreds and tossing them on the floor. The Presidential Records Act requires the preservation of memos, letters, notes, and other written communications related to a president’s official duties, but Trump’s shredding practices apparently continued well into the latter stages of his presidency.

States Moving Fast After Congress Failed to Expand Felon Voting Rights
Yahoo News – Zach Montellaro (Politico) | Published: 2/2/2022

Activists are pushing for new state laws that would more quickly and uniformly restore the voting rights of those convicted of felonies, a movement that has found significant success in recent years. Despite state victories, federal action has been elusive. After a January stumble in Washington, 2022 will determine whether the movement still has momentum as it faces key tests in New Mexico, Virginia, and elsewhere. How successful the re-enfranchisement movement is could affect the makeup of the electorate in the midterms and beyond.

Trump Had Role in Weighing Proposals to Seize Voting Machines
Yahoo News – Alan Feuer, Maggie Haberman, Michael Schmidt, and Luke Broadwater (New York Times) | Published: 1/31/2022

Former President Trump was more directly involved than previously known in exploring proposals to use his national security agencies to seize voting machines as he grasped unsuccessfully for evidence of fraud that would help him reverse the 2020 election. The new accounts provide insight into how the former president considered and to some degree pushed the plans, which would have taken the country into uncharted territory by using federal authority to seize control of the voting systems run by states on baseless grounds of widespread voting fraud.

Trump’s Latest Claim That Election Could Have Been ‘Overturned’ Looms Over Electoral Count Debate in Congress
MSN – Mike DeBonis (Washington Post) | Published: 2/1/2022

New statements from former President Trump insisting his vice president, Mike Pence, could have “overturned” the 2020 presidential election have jolted a congressional debate over changing the federal law under which Trump and his allies sought to reverse Joe Biden’s victory. A bipartisan group of senators has met to discuss revisions to the 1887 Electoral Count Act, which governs the congressional certification for the election of the president and vice president. Lawmakers of both parties sought to keep the discussions on track even as questions arose about whether Republicans would agree to buck the former president and revise the law.

Canada

Canada – Critics Call for New Rules for Online Fundraisers After Protest Convoy Takes Anonymous Donations
CBC – Elizabeth Thompson | Published: 1/28/2022

Critics are calling on the federal government in Canada to introduce new rules for online fundraising campaigns after a fundraiser for a protest in Ottawa against vaccine mandates raised millions of dollars, in part from anonymous donors and people using fictitious names. Green Party parliamentary leader Elizabeth May said the GoFundMe fundraiser for the protest convoy raises concerns about whether such campaigns could be used by big businesses or foreign actors to circumvent Canada’s political financing rules.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Alaska House Coalition Will Seek to Remove Rep. David Eastman from Legislative Committees Over His Oath Keepers Membership
Yahoo News – James Brooks (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 2/1/2022

The Alaska House took a first step toward removing Rep. David Eastman from legislative committees. The move came in response to Eastman’s membership in the Oath Keepers, a far-right paramilitary organization whose leaders have been charged with seditious conspiracy during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Trump. Eastman has not been accused of a crime and has denounced the charges as politically motivated. He said he will continue to associate with the group as long as it will have him.

Alaska – Without Action from Lawmakers, Triple the Cash Can Flow into Alaska Campaigns This Year
Yahoo News – Nathaniel Herz and Iris Samuels (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 1/30/2022

Candidates in Alaska’s local and state-level elections this year will be able to collect campaign contributions triple the amount allowed in past races, but uncertainty about the rules means those limits could be raised, lowered, or even eliminated before Election Day. State lawmakers and campaign finance regulators are still processing a court ruling that threw out Alaska’s $500-per-person, per-year limit on donations to candidates. For now, the Alaska Public Offices Commission has raised those limits to $1,500 and to $3,000 for political groups, up from $1,000.

Arizona – Election Workers Could Be Charged with Crimes for Making Mistakes Under GOP Bills
Arizona Mirror – Jeremy Duda | Published: 1/31/2022

An Arizona Senate committee approved bills that would punish election workers who misplace ballots and penalize contractors who do not meet the terms of their contracts. Senate Bill 1055 states that a contractor who provides election-related services to the state or a county “and that fails to perform its obligations under the terms of the contract” is liable for damages equal to the value of the contract and could face criminal charges. The committee also approved a bill that says any ballots that are not included in election officials’ tallies because they were misplaced cannot be counted, and anyone who misplaces a ballot is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Colorado – Colorado School Board Races Are Big-Money Affairs. A New Bill Wants to Reign in Donors with Campaign Finance Limits.
Chalkbeat Colorado – Sandra Fish (Colorado Sun) and Erica Meltzer | Published: 2/1/2022

In the aftermath of big money school board elections around the state, Colorado lawmakers are seeking to cap for the first time how much donors can give to candidates in those races. But a bill that passed a House panel will not affect spending by independent committees that play a significant role in some contests. The bill would limit individual donations in school board races to $2,500 and contributions by small donor committees to $25,000 per candidate. School board candidates are among the few elected offices in Colorado without limits on campaign contributions, and the caps proposed in the bill are higher than those for many other offices.

Connecticut – Investigation: Murky ethics issues surround state official firing
CTNewsJunkie.com – Lisa Backus | Published: 2/2/2022

Several officials at the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice told Chief State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo Jr. not to hire the daughter of Kostas Diamantis, the deputy secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, to avoid any appearance of a conflict-of-interest, according to an investigation by former U.S. Attorney Stanley Twardy. But Colangelo moved forward with hiring Anastasia Diamantis even as he continued to press her father for raises for himself and his employees. Gov. Ned Lamont turned over the findings to the Office of State Ethics and Justice Andrew McDonald, chair of the Connecticut Criminal Justice Commission.

Florida – Collier County Deputy Manager Fired for Not Disclosing Work for Lobbying Firm
WBBH – Lydia Nusbaum | Published: 1/27/2022

The Collier County manager fired former Deputy Manager Sean Callahan after learning Callahan did not disclose that he worked a second job, as he was required to do by law. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck announced on March 3, 2021, that Callahan had become a senior policy advisor for the firm. Records show Callahan as a lobbyist with a list of clients within the past several months.

Florida – Florida Education Employee’s Spending Spree Wasn’t Authorized
Miami Herald – Ana Ceballos | Published: 1/28/2022

A Broward County Public Schools employee inappropriately used more than $90,000 in taxpayer money to buy computer equipment and gift cards for himself and colleagues while helping to manage a computer science training project for the Florida Department of Education. Justin Feller resigned his state government job last August while the department’s investigation was ongoing. The Department of Education referred the matter to the Florida Commission on Ethics for possible sanctions.

Florida – Florida’s Absentee Ballot Restrictions Under Court Review
Bloomberg Government – Jennifer Kay | Published: 1/31/2022

A federal court is examining whether elderly, disabled, and other voters are improperly burdened by a new voting law in Florida, where casting ballots by mail has broad support. The law limiting access to absentee ballot drop boxes, as well as restrictions on approaching voters lined up to cast their ballots in person, was enacted in response to unsubstantiated claims about widespread fraud in the 2020 general election. Restricting the hours that ballot drop boxes are available and requiring them to be monitored in person creates a “gatekeeper” that will deter voters, said Cecile Scoon, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida.

Florida – Responding to Dark Money Controversy, NextEra Did Internal Investigation into FPL
MSN – Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/27/2022

Recent revelations about Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) involvement in a “dark money” scheme to siphon votes away from state Senate Democratic candidates prompted its parent company, NextEra Energy, to conduct an internal investigation. FPL’s relationship with two nonprofit political committees has come under recent scrutiny as part of a criminal investigation by the Miami-Dade County state attorney into a ghost candidate scandal. The committees were set up by political consultants working for FPL, and with the consultation of FPL Chief Executive Officer Eric Silagy, according to media reporting.

Florida – Tallahassee Commissioners Side with City Attorney, Deny Ethics Board Expansion
Florida Politics – Tristian Wood | Published: 1/27/2022

The Tallahassee City Commission voted to side with the city attorney against a legal interpretation that would have expanded the reach of the city’s independent ethics board. A member of the ethics board requested a legal opinion on whether the panel’s jurisdiction expands to board members and employees of the City of Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency. Commissioners agreed with City Attorney Cassandra Jackson, who argued the CRA and Blueprint fall under the jurisdiction of the state ethics commission.

Georgia – Federal Judge to Rule on Governor’s Uncapped Fundraising War Chest
Albany Times Herald – Ross Wiliams (Georgia Recorder) | Published: 2/1/2022

Lawyers for Georgia gubernatorial candidate David Perdue and Gov. Brian Kemp sparred in court over a new state law that allows certain top elected officials to create leadership committees that can raise campaign funds without limits, even when the Legislature is in session. Legislators banned fundraising during the annual session more than 30 years ago, citing a need to root out corruption or the appearance of corruption. Democrats argued the law is an attempt to circumvent that long-standing rule to benefit incumbents. Supporters say the law promotes transparency because it requires disclosure for large donations.

Louisiana – For Louisiana Lawmakers, Political Redistricting Comes with Campaign Fundraising
Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 2/2/2022

As Louisiana lawmakers gather in Baton Rouge for a special legislative session to draw new voting district maps, several will also be raising money for their campaigns. Legislators are generally prohibited from holding fundraisers or accepting campaign donations during regular sessions, but that ban does not apply during special sessions. How much money is raised at these fundraisers and what individuals and businesses donate will not be made public until next year.

Michigan – Lee Chatfield Raised Millions, Traveled Often. Michigan Law Kept Much Secret
Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster (Michigan Campaign Finance Network) and Sergio Martínez-Beltrán | Published: 1/25/2022

In the last few weeks, following allegations from former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield’s sister-in-law of sexual abuse, new revelations have emerged from former colleagues that he had extravagant taste and traveled so frequently he sometimes canceled House votes to catch planes. Records show one nonprofit tied to Chatfield, the Peninsula Fund, spent nearly $500,000 dollars on travel and food in 2020 alone, but IRS rules do not require it to disclose donors or explain how the money was spent. Michigan’s disclosure requirements for elected officials make it impossible to know many details about Chatfield’s travels, expenses, or donors.

Michigan – Trump Donations to Michigan Candidates Exceeded Legal Limits
MLive.com – Malachi Barrett | Published: 2/2/2022

Three-quarters of the money former President Trump funneled from his political committee to Michigan candidates exceeded legal limits for donations in the state. Save America PAC donated $45,000 to nine Republican candidates running for state offices. Candidates will likely have to refund excess contributions to the PAC to comply with Michigan law. One check was sent to the wrong account. A $5,000 donation went to an inactive committee Mike Detmer created to run for state House in 2020 instead of his current committee for Michigan’s 31st Senate District.

Missouri – Former Lake Ozark Lawmaker’s Attempt to Overturn Missouri’s Revolving Door Ban Rejected by Judge
Yahoo News – Galen Bacharier (Springfield News-Leader) | Published: 1/31/2022

A federal judge ruled Missouri’s two-year ban on lawmakers becoming lobbyists after leaving office would not be overturned, rejecting an argument by former state Rep. Rocky Miller that the law violated his freedom of speech. U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Harpool said Miller “conflates his right to speak and petition with his desire to receive compensation for doing so” and Miller’s “speech is not directly burdened” by the law.

New Jersey – Hoboken Councilwoman Sues City Over New Campaign Finance Law
Newark Star-Ledger – Ron Zeitlinger (Jersey Journal) | Published: 2/2/2022

Hoboken City Councilperson Tiffanie Fisher filed a lawsuit against the city to strike down the campaign finance law she says was illegally approved in December. The ordinance removes the $500 limit on campaign contributions from unions to candidates for elected office in the city and follow the state guideline of $7,200 per candidate. Fisher argued the ordinance was amended so significantly prior to the second reading and final vote that the amended version should have gone back for a new first reading.

New Jersey – New Jersey Grand Jury Investigated PACs, Nonprofits Caddle Operated
MSN – Matt Friedman (Politico) | Published: 1/31/2022

New Jersey prosecutors investigated several super PACs and nonprofits run by Sean Caddle, the political consultant who has admitted hiring two men to kill an associate and empaneled a state grand jury that issued related subpoenas to government entities. Some of those groups appeared designed to hide the source of money they channeled into local races around the state. The investigation focused in part on the Elizabeth Board of Education, a major source of political patronage, sources said.

New York – As Hochul Smashed Fundraising Record, Donors Enjoyed Access
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg and Rebekah Ward | Published: 1/28/2022

As New York Gov. Kathy Hochul raised nearly $22 million since her inauguration in August, donors have not always gotten the results they sought. But with enough cash to hire a lobbyist and attend a high-dollar fundraiser, many interest groups enjoyed the opportunity to directly speak to state government’s most powerful person. Hochul’s unprecedented numbers relied partly on aggressive tactics employed by her team, such as setting a $250,000 fundraising minimum to secure her attendance at major lobbying firm events. She is also said to navigate follow up personally with some donors and attendees, a longstanding practice in New York.

New York – Cannabis Company Seeks to Subpoena Hochul’s Office
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 2/1/2022

The cannabis company MedMen Enterprises filed a notice in state Supreme Court that it intends to subpoena records from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul concerning any communications she or officials with her office and campaign had with another firm, Ascend Wellness Holdings, that donated at least $15,000 to the governor. The Albany Times Union published a story concerning Hochul’s record-breaking $22 million in campaign fundraising, including details about the conflict between Ascend and MedMen.

New York – Mayor Adams Granted Waiver to Hire His Brother At $1 Yearly Salary
Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 1/27/2022

Bernard Adams, the brother of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was granted a waiver by the Conflicts of Interest Board to serve as senior advisor for mayoral security for the nominal salary of one dollar a year, allowing him to become an official city employee. City Hall walked back its initial plan to pay Adams’ brother a $210,000 salary but instead sought a waiver for him to play an uncompensated role in the administration, in keeping with the precedents set by previous administrations.

Ohio – Ohio Ethics Commission Seeks Harsher Penalties for Giving Unlawful Gifts to Lawmakers
WOUB – Jo Ingles (Statehouse News Bureau) | Published: 1/27/2022

The Ohio Ethics Commission is asking state lawmakers to beef up penalties for people convicted of illegally giving money or gifts to legislators or public agency leaders. The allowable amount a donor can give a lawmaker or other leader is between $75 to $500 per year depending on who is getting the gift and how it is given. Exceeding that amount is a misdemeanor.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Budget Process Can Be Mysterious, Even for Many Lawmakers
Yahoo News – Ben Felder (The Oklahoman) | Published: 2/3/2022

Oklahoma’s multi-billion-dollar budget is the pinnacle legislative action each spring that sets the course for how much money state agencies have to spend, impacting everything from the resources available in classrooms to the number of state troopers patrolling the highway. But the process it takes to complete is largely conducted in secret, negotiated among a few lawmakers and high-ranking government officials before the rest of the Legislature has a few days to approve.

Pennsylvania – A Pennsylvania Court Overturned the State’s Mail Voting Law, but an Appeal Means It’s Still in Place
MSN – Jonathan Lai and Andrew Seidman (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 1/28/2022

A Pennsylvania court struck down the state’s mail voting law, saying the state constitution requires voters to cast ballots in person unless they meet specific requirements. That almost certainly will not be the final word on the matter, as the state quickly appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, triggering an automatic stay of the decision, and leaving the law in place while the high court considers the case. Democrats believe the Supreme Court, which has a Democratic majority, will uphold the law.

Pennsylvania – Councilman Derek Green Is Proposing Philly’s Biggest Ethics and Elections Reforms in Years. Here’s What’s in It.
MSN – Sean Collins Walsh (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 1/28/2022

City Councilmember Derek Green introduced Philadelphia’s most ambitious ethics and election reform package in years. Green’s plan comes in the wake of the conviction of former council member Bobby Henon, who resigned after a jury found him guilty on federal corruption charges. Only one of the planks, a proposal to clarify conflict-of-interest rules and increase disclosures by council members who make money from side jobs, directly relates to the scandal. Other components include making the Office of the Inspector General a permanent and independent agency and establishing a system for public financing of city elections.

Pennsylvania – Former Pa. Treasurer Barbara Hafer’s PAC Collected $2.3 Million from Investments, Paid Daughter $500K Since She Left Office
Lancaster Online – Sam Janesch (The Caucus) | Published: 1/27/2022

Barbara Hafer, who was elected four times to statewide office in Pennsylvania, was never again on a ballot after leaving the state treasurer’s office in 2005. Her 2017 guilty plea on charges she lied during a corruption case has barred her from holding public office in the state again. But for nearly two decades, Hafer’s PAC has remained open and thrived. Since she left office, Hafer’s committee has collected $2.3 million – not from donors, but from investments she made with her donors’ money. What it is being used for is a troubling practice benefitting Hafer’s daughter, according to a review of the committee’s reports and interviews with campaign finance experts.

Tennessee – Tennessee Senate Expels Sen. Katrina Robinson from Legislature, a First for the Chamber Since at Least the Civil War
MSN – Melissa Brown (Memphis Commercial Appeal) | Published: 2/2/2022

For the first time since at least the Civil War, the Tennessee Senate voted to expel a senator, stripping Sen. Katrina Robinson of her elected position following her federal conviction on federal wire fraud charges. Robinson previously said prosecutors unfairly targeted and pursued her on trumped up charges, which are unrelated to her role in the General Assembly. Sen. Ferrell Haile defended the Senate’s process, noting Robinson served through multiple regular and special sessions while her case moved through the courts.

Virginia – Tim Anderson Is Writing Bills That Might Profit His Business. In Virginia, That’s Allowed.
Virginian-Pilot – Ryan McKinnon | Published: 2/1/2022

Virginia Del. Tim Anderson, who owns a gun shop, filed four bills that could ease regulations on gun shops or make it easier for people to buy guns throughout the state. That may seem to be a conflict-of-interest, but Virginia’s ethics rules allow lawmakers to write bills that affect their industry. As long as Anderson’s proposals impact all gun shops in the commonwealth and not just his own, he is in line with the spirit of a citizen Legislature, ethics experts said. He is also not alone; politicians on both sides of the aisle in Virginia write bills that affect their professions.

Virginia – Va. Senators Reject Proposals to Cut Off Campaign Cash from Dominion Energy
Daily Progress – Patrick Wilson (Richmond Times Dispatch) | Published: 2/2/2022

Virginia lawmakers voted down proposals that would have ended Dominion Energy’s ability to give massive sums of campaign money to the lawmakers who regulate it. Bills to scale back the utility’s political influence in Richmond are not new, but they took on new life this year after Dominion upset conservatives during last year’s race for governor by pumping more than $250,000 into a PAC that attacked Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin, now governor. But Dominion’s allies in the Capitol remain numerous, and lawmakers have opposed any attempts to limit their campaign donations.

Campaign Finance

New Jersey: “New Jersey Grand Jury Investigated PACs, Nonprofits Caddle Operated” by Matt Friedman (Politico) for MSN

Virginia: “Va. Senators Reject Proposals to Cut Off Campaign Cash from Dominion Energy” by Patrick Wilson (Richmond Times Dispatch) for Daily Progress

Elections

National: “Trump’s Latest Claim That Election Could Have Been ‘Overturned’ Looms Over Electoral Count Debate in Congress” by Mike DeBonis (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “GOP Sen. Ben Sasse Re-Introduces Bill to Ban Lawmakers from Trading Stocks and Becoming Paid Lobbyists After Retiring” by Bryan Metzger (Business Insider) for MSN

Michigan: “Lee Chatfield Raised Millions, Traveled Often. Michigan Law Kept Much Secret” by Simon Schuster and Sergio Martínez-Beltrán for Bridge Michigan

New York: “Cannabis Company Seeks to Subpoena Hochul’s Office” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Tennessee: “Tennessee Senate Expels Sen. Katrina Robinson from Legislature, a First for the Chamber Since at Least the Civil War” by Melissa Brown (Memphis Commercial Appeal) for MSN

Legislative Issues

National: “Luján Stroke Sends Senate Democrats Reeling” by Marianne LeVine and Burgess Everett (Politico) for Yahoo News

Alaska: “Alaska House Coalition Will Seek to Remove Rep. David Eastman from Legislative Committees Over His Oath Keepers Membership” by James Brooks (Anchorage Daily News) for Yahoo News

Redistricting

National: “Dems Avert Total Redistricting Doomsday – but They’re Not Out of the Woods” by Sarah Ferris and Ally Mutnick (Politico) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

National: “Democrats’ Election Reform Bill Failed in the Senate. What’s Next for Campaign Finance Reform?” by Jimmy Cloutier for OpenSecrets.org

Colorado: “Colorado School Board Races Are Big-Money Affairs. A New Bill Wants to Reign in Donors with Campaign Finance Limits.” by Sandra Fish (Colorado Sun) and Erica Meltzer for Chalkbeat Colorado

Georgia: “Federal Judge to Rule on Governor’s Uncapped Fundraising War Chest” by Ross Williams (Georgia Recorder) for Albany Times Herald

Elections

Arizona: “Election Workers Could Be Charged with Crimes for Making Mistakes Under GOP Bills” by Jeremy Duda for Arizona Mirror

Ethics

National: “Some Records Sent to Jan. 6 Committee Were Torn Up, Taped Back Together – Mirroring a Trump Habit” by Jacqueline Alemany, Josh Dawsey, Amy Gardner, and Tom Hamburger (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Trump Had Role in Weighing Proposals to Seize Voting Machines” by Alan Feuer, Maggie Haberman, Michael Schmidt, and Luke Broadwater (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Virginia: “Tim Anderson Is Writing Bills That Might Profit His Business. In Virginia, That’s Allowed.” by Ryan McKinnon for Virginian-Pilot

Lobbying

Missouri: “Former Lake Ozark Lawmaker’s Attempt to Overturn Missouri’s Revolving Door Ban Rejected by Judge” by Galen Bacharier (Springfield News-Leader) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

Alaska: “Without Action from Lawmakers, Triple the Cash Can Flow into Alaska Campaigns This Year” by Nathaniel Herz and Iris Samuels (Anchorage Daily News) for Yahoo News

New York: “As Hochul Smashed Fundraising Record, Donors Enjoyed Access” by Chris Bragg and Rebekah Ward for Albany Times Union

Elections

National: “Campaigning to Oversee Elections, While Denying the Last One” by Jennifer Medina, Nick Corasaniti, and Reid Epstein (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Florida: “Florida’s Absentee Ballot Restrictions Under Court Review” by Jennifer Kay for Bloomberg Government

Ethics

National: “Critics Say Ginni Thomas’s Activism Is a Supreme Court Conflict. Under Court Rules, Only Her Husband Can Decide If That’s True.” by Michael Kranish (Washington Post) for MSN

Florida: “Florida Education Employee’s Spending Spree Wasn’t Authorized” by Ana Ceballos for Miami Herald

New York: “Mayor Adams Granted Waiver to Hire His Brother At $1 Yearly Salary” by Brigid Bergin for Gothamist

Pennsylvania: “Councilman Derek Green Is Proposing Philly’s Biggest Ethics and Elections Reforms in Years. Here’s What’s in It.” by Sean Collins Walsh (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN

Campaign Finance

National: “Democrats Decried Dark Money. Then They Won with It in 2020.” by Kenneth Vogel and Shane Goldmacher for New York Times

Canada: “Critics Call for New Rules for Online Fundraisers After Protest Convoy Takes Anonymous Donations” by Elizabeth Thompson for CBC

Florida: “Responding to Dark Money Controversy, NextEra Did Internal Investigation into FPL” by Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) for MSN

Elections

National: “Jan. 6 Investigators Subpoena 14 in Probe of False Pro-Trump Electors” by Nicholas Wu, Betsy Woodruff Swan, and Kyle Cheney (Politico) for MSN

Pennsylvania: “A Pennsylvania Court Overturned the State’s Mail Voting Law, but an Appeal Means It’s Still in Place” by Jonathan Lai and Andrew Seidman (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN

Ethics

Ohio: “Ohio Ethics Commission Seeks Harsher Penalties for Giving Unlawful Gifts to Lawmakers” by Jo Ingles (Statehouse News Bureau) for WOUB

Pennsylvania: “Former Pa. Treasurer Barbara Hafer’s PAC Collected $2.3 Million from Investments, Paid Daughter $500K Since She Left Office” by Sam Janesch (The Caucus) for Lancaster Online

Lobbying

Florida: “Collier County Deputy Manager Fired for Not Disclosing Work for Lobbying Firm” by Lydia Nusbaum for WBBH

National/Federal

As Giuliani Coordinated Plan for Trump Electoral Votes in States Biden Won, Some Electors Balked
MSN – Beth Reinhard, Amy Gardner, Josh Dawsey, Emma Brown, and Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) | Published: 1/20/2022

On December 14, 2020, the day of the electoral college vote, Republican electors convened in the capitals of five states that Joe Biden had won. They declared themselves “duly elected and qualified” and sent signed certificates to Washington, D.C. purporting to affirm Donald Trump as the victor. Understanding the origins of the rival slates has now become a focus of the House committee investigating the insurrection. Two Democratic attorneys general have asked federal prosecutors investigate whether crimes were committed in assembling or submitting the slates.

Biden Nominates Former Stacey Abrams Lawyer for Campaign Finance Watchdog
MSN – Zach Montellaro (Politico) | Published: 1/21/2022

President Joe Biden is nominating a new commissioner to the FEC. The White House announced Biden was putting forward Dara Lindenbaum, a campaign finance attorney, to join the six-member board governing the agency. Lindenbaum was general counsel to Stacey Abrams’ 2018 Georgia gubernatorial run and deputy general counsel for former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley’s 2016 presidential bid.

Black and Latino Voters Have Been Shortchanged in Redistricting, Advocates and Some Judges Say
MSN – Colby Itkowitz and Harry Stevens (Washington Post) | Published: 1/25/2022

Advocates for voting rights say redistricting map drawers have manipulated the process mostly at the expense of minorities. Across the country, the White population has shrunk over the past decade as minority communities have swelled, according to the 2020 Census. Yet, the rapid growth of Latinos and Blacks is not reflected in any of the new maps passed so far, except California’s, which added five seats where Latinos make up the majority of adults. Judges have intervened in two states where Republican state legislators were accused by voting rights advocates of disenfranchising Black voters.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm Violated a Stock Disclosure Law Nine Times Last Year
CNBC – Christina Wilke | Published: 1/20/2022

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm violated the STOCK Act at least nine times last year by selling shares of stock worth up to $240,000 and failing to disclose those sales within the 45-day window the law requires. The dates of Granholm’s stock sales ranged from April to late October. But Granholm did not disclose any of them until mid-December, which was in some cases a full six months after the deadline to report the sale had passed.

Ex-Giuliani Associate Fruman Sentenced to One Year in Prison in Campaign Finance Case
Reuters – Luc Cohen | Published: 1/21/2022

Igor Fruman, who helped Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani collect damaging information about Joe Biden before he was elected president, was sentenced to one year in prison for violating campaign finance law. U.S. District Court Judge Paul Oetken said Fruman’s solicitation of money from a Russian businessperson to donate to U.S. political campaigns was serious because it “undermines democracy,” but Fruman was unlikely to commit a similar offense again.

Federal Prosecutors Examine Slates That Offered Trump Electoral Votes in States Biden Won in 2020
MSN – Matt Zapotosky (Washington Post) | Published: 1/25/2022

Federal prosecutors are examining the decision by Republican electors in some states won by President Biden in 2020 to send in signed statements purporting to affirm Donald Trump as the victor of the election. Their actions were criticized at the time as a political stunt meant to bolster Trump’s unfounded claims of election fraud. But they have drawn additional scrutiny in recent weeks, as the House committee investigating the attack on the Capitol seeks to understand the origin of the Trump elector slates.

Feds Issue Subpoenas Seeking Records Related to Rep. Cuellar and His Wife, Associates
ABC News – Mike Levine | Published: 1/21/2022

A grand jury probe that led to the raid of U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar’s home and office in Texas has begun issuing subpoenas, seeking records about a wide array of American companies and advocacy organizations, many of them with ties to the former Soviet nation of Azerbaijan. Among the information being sought are records related to Cuellar, his wife Imelda, and at least one of his campaign staffers. A subpoena seeks records “relating to anything of value” that Cuellar, his wife, and others close to them may have been offered by certain business leaders or foreign officials.

House Committee on Ethics Opening Reviews of Two Lawmakers
MSN – Morgan Rimmer and Annie Grayer (CNN) | Published: 1/24/2022

The House Committee on Ethics announced it is continuing two investigations based on reports from the Office of Congressional Ethics (OGE). The OGE claims it has “substantial reason to believe” U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn misused official resources and U.S. Rep. Marie Newman promised federal employment to a primary opponent to get political support. Current and former Lamborn staffers testified they were instructed to perform a host of activities including running personal errands, performing campaign work, moving furniture, and helping Lamborn’s son with a federal job application process.

Judge Says States Can Investigate WinRed’s Fund-Raising Tactics
New York Times – Shane Goldmacher | Published: 1/26/2022

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by WinRed, a company that processes online donations for Republicans, that sought to block state attorneys general from investigating fundraising tactics that have triggered complaints of fraud. The attorneys general from four states first sent letters to WinRed, asking for documents after a New York Times investigation revealed the company’s use of prechecked boxes to automatically enroll donors in recurring contribution programs. WinRed declined to provide the documents and instead went to court to argue federal law should pre-empt any state-level consumer probes.

Justice Breyer to Retire, Giving Biden First Court Pick
Yahoo News – Mark Sherman and Michael Balsamo (Associated Press) | Published: 1/26/2022

Longtime liberal Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is retiring, giving President Biden  his first high court opening, which he has pledged to fill with the historic naming of the court’s first Black woman. Breyer has been a pragmatic force on a court that has grown increasingly conservative, trying to forge majorities with more moderate justices. His retirement will give Biden the chance to name and win confirmation of a replacement before next fall’s election when Republicans could retake the Senate and block future nominees.

Palin v. New York Times Pushes New Boundaries on Libel Suits
Yahoo News – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 1/23/2022

Sarah Palin is set to take on The New York Times in a libel suit she filed over a 2017 editorial  that erroneously linked her political activities to the 2011 shooting attack that left six people dead and U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords badly wounded. Within a day, the Times corrected the editorial and noted no connection was ever established between the rampage and a map that Palin’s PAC circulated with crosshairs superimposed on the districts of 20 Democrats, including Giffords. But Palin filed suit, accusing the newspaper of defaming her. Some media advocates say the fact that the case is going to trial is a sign that deference to the press in the courts is giving way to more challenging legal landscape.

Plea Deal for Man Involved in Gaetz Investigation, Whose Attorney Says He Witnessed ‘Sex, Drugs – a Whole Lot of It’
MSN – Matt Zapotosky (Washington Post) | Published: 1/26/2022

Justice Department investigators have reached a cooperation agreement with a man whose attorney says he witnessed U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz attend parties involving “a whole lot” of sex and drug use, another potential boon to the sprawling and slow-moving sex trafficking investigation into Gaetz. Ellicott has been talking with investigators examining whether Gaetz committed sex trafficking of a minor. Ellicott’s plea agreement requires him to cooperate fully with the government as they explore other potential crimes.

Retired Lawyer Wrote the Book, Literally, on Corporations Entertaining Politicians
MSN – Kate Ackley (Roll Call) | Published: 1/24/2022

When Ken Gross joined Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom’s Washington office, he envisioned a nonpartisan political law practice, catering mostly to corporate clients. He carried out his plans over the next 35 years, representing mostly companies and trade associations as they navigated the changing legal landscape for PACs, lobbying, ethics, and gift rules. “Ken is responsible for developing that practice group, leading it, growing it to the point where Skadden is the go-to firm for … corporate clients who want to engage in … political activity, and want to ensure their compliance,” said Jan Baran, a campaign finance lawyer.

The Jan. 6 Panel Wants to Talk to Ivanka Trump
National Public Radio – Caitlyn Kim | Published: 1/20/2022

The House select committee looking into the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol is seeking Ivanka Trump’s voluntary cooperation with its investigation. The letter also detailed new evidence the panel has uncovered about her role the day of the siege, including multiple attempts to get her father to intervene in the attack and his efforts to undo President Biden’s election. The request comes a day after the committee requested phone from Eric Trump and Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is engaged to Donald Trump Jr.

Top Lobbying Firms Report Record-Breaking 2021 Earnings
MSN – Karl Evers-Hillstrom (The Hill) | Published: 1/20/2022

Most of the top lobbying firms in Washington, D.C. raked in record revenue last year as K Street worked overtime to influence President Biden’s ambitious agenda. Lobbying spending had already reached record highs in 2020 after Congress authorized trillions of dollars in new spending to fight the pandemic. But Democrats’ takeover of Congress and the White House helped further propel the influence industry to new heights.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Alabama Supreme Court Reverses Dismissal of Lawsuit Filed by Convicted Drummond Coal Lobbyist
AL.com – Mike Cason | Published: 1/22/2022

The Alabama Supreme Court reversed the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by former Drummond Company vice president and lobbyist David Roberson, who was convicted in 2018 of bribing a state lawmaker. Roberson sued Drummond Company, his former employer, and the Balch & Bingham law firm in 2019, alleging they concealed and misrepresented information that contributed to his conviction. A federal jury convicted Roberson and former Balch & Bingham lawyer Joel Gilbert on corruption charges, involving bribes paid to former state Rep. Oliver Robinson through a foundation Robinson operated.

Alabama – Federal Court Blocks Alabama’s New Congressional District Map, Saying It’s Not Fair to Blacks
Yahoo News – Brian Lyman (Montgomery Advertiser) | Published: 1/25/2022

A three-judge federal panel blocked Alabama’s new congressional district map from going into effect, ruling challengers were “substantially likely” to prevail in their arguments the plan violated the Voting Rights Act. the judges found Black Alabamians had “less opportunity than other Alabamians to elect the candidates of their choice to Congress.” The congressional map as approved preserves a nearly 30-year plan of having a single majority-minority congressional district in west Alabama.

Arizona – Arizona Appeals Court Rebuffs Group’s Bid to Skip Campaign Law Fine
Arizona Daily Star – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 1/23/2022

The state Court of Appeals rebuffed a bid by a group that spent $260,000 attacking a 2014 foe of Doug Ducey’s in his first gubernatorial campaign to escape a fine for violating Arizona campaign finance laws. The judges said the Legacy Foundation Action Fund waited too long before appealing a more than $95,000 fine imposed by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission over its commercials targeting former Mesa Mayor Scott Smith. Attorneys for the conservative group then opened a new legal front with this lawsuit, arguing the commission did not have any legal authority to impose the fine in the first place.

Arizona – U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Shooter’s Claim
Arizona Capital Times – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 1/27/2022

The U.S. Supreme Court ended the hope of former Rep. Don Shooter to claim his rights were violated when he was expelled from the Arizona House. The justices refused to set aside a ruling by a lower court throwing out the lawsuit Shooter filed against former House Speaker J.D. Mesnard and Kirk Adams, a former top adviser for Gov. Doug Ducey. The court did not address the claims by Shooter that having him ousted for violating a policy against sexual harassment, one that did not exist at the time of the alleged incidents, was illegal. The action upholds the conclusion by the appellate court that Mesnard and Adams have qualified immunity for their actions.

California – After Guilty Plea in Federal Case, Englander Now Faces L.A. City Ethics Charges
MSN – Julia Wick (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 1/20/2022

The Los Angeles City Ethics Commission accused former Councilperson Mitchell Englander of violating city ethics laws by accepting thousands of dollars in gifts from a businessperson and a developer during trips to Las Vegas and Palm Springs and not adequately reporting them. The charges come more than a year after Englander pleaded guilty to lying to federal authorities investigating the corruption case and was sentenced to prison. The commission could levy a fine of up to $136,071.

California – Ex-DWP Executive Pleads Guilty in Corruption Case
Los Angeles Daily News – Staff | Published: 1/25/2022

A former top executive of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge stemming from a probe of the city’s handling of the botched launch of a DWP billing system. David Wright accepted bribes from a lawyer in exchange for supporting a $30 million, no-bid DWP contract. The lawyer named in the case, Paul Paradis, has also agreed to plead guilty to a federal bribery count. Riverside officials asked t local law enforcement to probe whether contracts may have been illegally steered toward certain companies when Wright was general manager of Riverside Public Utilities.

Colorado – A Second County Election Official in Colorado Is Suspected of Security Breach
Canon City Daily Record – Saja Hindi (Denver Post) | Published: 1/24/2022

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold is investigating a second county clerk over a possible elections security breach and has ordered Elbert County Clerk and Recorder Dallas Schroeder to turn over information related to allegations he copied a voting system hard drive. The secretary of state ordered the Republican county clerk to appear at a deposition to explain how the copy of the 2021 Dominion Voting Systems hard drive was made after Griswold’s office said Schroeder did not respond to an email request and an election order requiring the disclosure of information about the “potential security protocol breach.”

Florida – Florida Opens Investigation into Dark-Money Group Key to ‘Ghost’ Candidate Scandal
MSN – Jason Garcia and Annie Martin (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 1/20/2022

A state agency that regulates charities has opened an investigation into a “dark-money” nonprofit that played a key role in Florida’s “ghost” candidate scandal. Nikki Fried, commissioner of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, said her department is probing whether the organization, known as Let’s Preserve the American Dream, has fully complied with state laws governing nonprofits that solicit funding in Florida. The development comes as the nonprofit, which is closely associated with one of Florida’s biggest business-lobbying groups, also faces criminal investigation by prosecutors in Miami.

Florida – How Much Darker Can Political Money Get? New GOP Bill Tries to Further Shield Donors
MSN – Ana Ceballo and Samantha Gross (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/20/2022

Florida Republicans are pushing legislation that would enact broad new layers of secrecy around nonprofit organizations’ corporate and individual donors, a move that would allow some political groups to shield sources of funding from local and state government scrutiny. Groups whose tax-exempt status allows them to engage in a restricted level of political activity and does not require them to disclose their donors often serve as vehicles for dark money spending because their sources are hidden. They have come under scrutiny recently due to a Miami-Dade County “ghost” candidate investigation marked by “dark money” spending.

Georgia – Ethics Panel Says It Will Pursue Ex-Insurance Commissioner
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 1/24/2022

Georgia ethics officials say they will pursue allegations of wrongdoing against former state Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, overriding an administrative law judge’s ruling that they waited too long. Oxendine is accused of illegally using campaign funds from his failed 2010 gubernatorial campaign to buy a house and lease cars. Commissioners accepted the judge’s decision that the agency cannot pursue Oxendine for accepting $120,000 in bundled contributions, 10 times what was then the legal limit, from two insurance companies in 2008 when he was running for governor.

Georgia – Georgia Prosecutor Granted Special Grand Jury in Probe of Trump’s Efforts to Overturn State’s Election Results
MSN – Amy Wang and John Wagner (Washington Post) | Published: 1/24/2022

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is weighing whether former President Trump and others committed crimes by trying to pressure Georgia election officials, was granted a special purpose grand jury to aid in her investigation. Willis confirmed part of her investigation centers on the January 2, 2021, phone call between Trump and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in which Trump asked Raffensperger to “find” enough votes to overturn Joe Biden’s win in the state’s presidential election.

Hawaii – How a Honolulu Police Chief Facing a Corruption Probe Got a $250,000 Payout
Honolulu Civil Beat – Christina Jedra | Published: 1/23/2022

In the city council committee room in 2017, Honolulu Police Commission Chairperson Max Sword was being asked about a retirement deal being brokered with then-Police Chief Louis Kealoha, who was under federal investigation for using his position to frame an innocent man. Sword refused to tell the council members anything about the deal. That meeting is now part of a federal indictment in which Sword and two of the city’s most senior officials, former Corporation Counsel Donna Leong and former Managing Director Roy Amemiya, are accused of conspiring to illegally bypass the city council to pay Kealoha a $250,000 severance.

Idaho – Giddings Says She No Longer Has Documents Related to Public Records Lawsuit
Idaho Press – William Spence (Lewiston Tribune) | Published: 1/26/2022

Idaho Rep. Priscilla Giddings last year acknowledged having access to documents that are now at the center of a public records lawsuit. Giddings, who is running for lieutenant governor, now denies having the documents. The documents in question relate to rape allegations that were leveled against former Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger by a House intern, and to a subsequent tort claim alleging Giddings and von Ehlinger engaged in a “conspiracy” to defame the young woman.

Illinois – In Chicago, a Public Radio Station Comes to the Rescue of the Sun-Times Newspaper
MSN – Elahe Izade and Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 1/19/2022

In an unusual merger that some hope could serve as a national model to preserve local journalism, Chicago’s NPR station plans to acquire one of the city’s major daily newspapers. The board of directors for Chicago Public Media, the umbrella organization for WBEZ, approved moving forward with the acquisition of The Chicago Sun-Times. Public radio stations have acquired for-profit news competitors in the past but never at this scale. While the two organizations will come under the same ownership and share content, editorially they will operate independently.

Illinois – Supreme Court Considers Use of Political Campaign Funds to Mount Legal Defense in Public Corruption Cases
WCIA – Mark Maxwell | Published: 1/19/2022

The Illinois Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could determine whether elected officials can use their campaign funds to hire lawyers to defend themselves in public corruption cases. Federal prosecutors accused former Chicago Ald. Danny Solis of receiving sex acts, Viagra, and campaign cash in a corruption scheme. Solis later used that same campaign account to pay lawyers $220,000 to defend himself. Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez filed a complaint with the State Board of Elections arguing Solis violated campaign finance laws.

Maryland – Baltimore County Inspector General: Former top official waived fees for developer, received favors
Yahoo News – Taylor DeVille (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 1/20/2022

Baltimore County improperly waived what is estimated to total millions of dollars in fees and security deposits over roughly a decade for a developer to build a multimillion-dollar, mixed-use site at Owings Mills, according to a report from county Inspector General Kelly Madigan. The report details how Arnold Jablon, who was director of the Department of Permits, Approvals, and Inspections between 2011 and 2018, waived securities and fees for developer David Brown Enterprises – possibly in return for access to basketball tickets and free parking – despite having no legal authority to do so.

Maryland – The Mosbys Claimed Legal Expenses on Their Campaign Filings. Here’s What We Know About What Maryland Law Requires.
Baltimore Sun – Emily Opilo and Alex Mann | Published: 1/21/2022

Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby and her husband, city council President Nick Mosby, reported spending campaign funds on legal expenses last year. Legal bills can be considered acceptable campaign expenses, but only in certain circumstances. Marilyn Mosby was indicted recently, accused of lying to avoid penalties for withdrawing money from her city retirement account and using the funds to purchase two vacation homes. A state attorney general opinion found an elected official is allowed to use campaign funds to pay debts stemming from “the defense of a criminal prosecution directly related to alleged campaign improprieties.”

New Mexico – Ethics Watchdog Issues Report on Payday Loan Industry Lobbying
New Mexico Political Report – Robert Nott and Daniel Chacon (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 1/20/2022

For years, state lawmakers have unsuccessfully tried to introduce legislation capping the interest rate for so-called payday loans at 36 percent. Their efforts have failed repeatedly. New Mexico Ethics Watch released a new report on a study exploring the possible effects of the industry’s lobbying efforts on ensuring the cap is not lowered. What the study found, said Kathleen Sabo, executive director of Ethics Watch, is that lobbyists’ arguments in opposition to a drop in the interest rate cap have been even “more effective” than campaign donations when it comes to influencing lawmakers.

New Mexico – Proposal Calls for Ethics Agency to Set NM Elected Officials’ Pay
Yahoo News – Dan McKay (Albuquerque Journal) | Published: 1/24/2022

A proposed constitutional amendment that would task the State Ethics Commission with setting the salaries for all state elected officials from the governor to lawmakers, who are now unpaid, cleared its first committee hearing. Senate Joint Resolution 8 also would change how commission members are chosen, allowing the New Mexico Supreme Court to make two of the seven appointments. The push to set a salary for lawmakers comes as the Legislature considers a separate proposal to increase the pay of New Mexico’s statewide elected officials by five figures. Lawmakers are not included in that bill.

New York – Former IG Letizia Tagliafierro Pushed Transfer of Trooper Cuomo Allegedly Harassed
Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 1/20/2022

Letizia Tagliafierro, a former top aide to then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo who later became his state inspector general, was the unnamed “high-level staff member” in the executive branch who four years ago directed the State Police to bend the rules so a young female trooper whom the governor met at an event could be appointed to his protective detail. Tagliafierro’s role was revealed when state Attorney General Letitia James’ office released transcripts from a probe into allegations Cuomo sexually harassed or acted inappropriately with multiple women, including the trooper who went on to become one of his drivers.

New York – Subpoena Probes Cuomo’s Pandemic ‘Volunteers’
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 1/26/2022

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics will investigate the activities of volunteers in assisting New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s COVID-19 pandemic response. While unpaid by New York’s government, some of the volunteers, such as one-time top Cuomo aide Larry Schwartz, held crucial roles in Cuomo’s response to the crisis. Schwartz served as the state’s “vaccine czar,” leading efforts to distribute vaccines to the state’s population, while continuing in his day job as chief strategy officer at an airport concessions company that has extensive interests before state government.

Ohio – Former House Bill 6 Lobbyist Who Chaired PUCO Nominating Council Resigns
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/25/2022

Former FirstEnergy lobbyist Michael Koren resigned from leading the state’s efforts to pick utility regulators. Koren had served as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Nominating Council despite his former ties to FirstEnergy. Koren lobbied for the company when House Bill 6 to subsidize nuclear plants was introduced in 2019. The commission has come under increasing scrutiny after FirstEnergy admitted bribing PUCO’s former chair, Sam Randazzo, who Gov. Mike DeWine appointed after his name was put forth by the nominating council.

Ohio – Ohio’s Pandemic Politics Cast Long Shadow Over Omicron Surge
Ohio Capital Journal – Jake Zuckerman | Published: 1/21/2022

Republicans in the Ohio House and Senate overruled Gov. Mike DeWine’s gubernatorial veto to pass Senate Bill 22. The legislation gave lawmakers the ability to nix statewide health orders with a simple majority vote – previous law required a supermajority. It also blocked DeWine, his appointed director of the Ohio Department of Health, or local health departments from issuing blanket lockdown or masking orders. A May 2021 report from the Network for Public Health Law found Ohio was one of 15 states to pass or consider legislation to limit the authority of public health departments during the pandemic.

Tennessee – Ogles Wants Checks on Registry of Election Finance Subpoena Power
Tennessee Lookout – Sam Stockard | Published: 1/26/2022

State Rep. Brandon Ogles, after threatening a “deep dive” into the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance, said he is drafting legislation that could change the agency’s subpoena power. Ogles said he would like to see requirements for a judge’s signature on subpoenas issued by the registry board in addition to invitations before subpoenas are issued. The registry voted recently to subpoena former House Speaker Glen Casada, his ex-chief of staff Cade Cothren, and several other people to gather information about the Faith Family Freedom Forum, a shadowy PAC that ran attack ads on Casada’s political enemy, former Rep. Rick Tillis.

Tennessee – Senate Ethics Committee Recommends Sen. Katrina Robinson’s Expulsion, Will Go Before Senate Vote
Yahoo News – Melissa Brown (Memphis Commercial Appeal) | Published: 1/20/2022

The Senate Ethics Committee determined Tennessee Sen. Katrina Robinson violated the chamber’s code of ethics and recommended her expulsion due to her conviction on federal fraud charges. Robinson will now face a full Senate vote based on the committee’s recommendation. She is awaiting a March sentencing date for charges related to the mismanagement of federal funds in connection to her leadership of a nursing school. Robinson’s criminal trial focused on events that occurred prior to her election to the state Senate.

Washington – WA Supreme Court Upholds $18M Campaign-Finance Fine Against Grocery Industry Group
Seattle Times – Jim Brunner | Published: 1/20/2022

The Washington Supreme Court narrowly upheld an $18 million fine levied against an association of large food brands that funneled “dark money” into a state campaign. The ruling found the penalty against the Grocery Manufacturers Association, now known as the Consumer Brands Association, did not violate the U.S. Constitution’s ban on excessive fines. The group spent more than $11 million to defeat Initiative 522, which would have required labeling of genetically modified food products. But it did not initially identify the corporations that wrote big checks to fund the campaign, including Coca-Cola, General Mills, and Nestle.

Campaign Finance

Tennessee: “Ogles Wants Checks on Registry of Election Finance Subpoena Power” by Sam Stockard for Tennessee Lookout

Elections

National: “Federal Prosecutors Examine Slates That Offered Trump Electoral Votes in States Biden Won in 2020” by Matt Zapotosky (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm Violated a Stock Disclosure Law Nine Times Last Year” by Christina Wilke for CNBC

National: “Justice Breyer to Retire, Giving Biden First Court Pick” by Mark Sherman and Michael Balsamo (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Arizona: “Supreme Court Rejects Ex-Arizona Lawmaker’s Challenge to Ouster Over Sex Harassment” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for Arizona Daily Star

California: “Ex-DWP Executive Pleads Guilty in Corruption Case” by Staff for Los Angeles Daily News

Maryland: “Baltimore County Inspector General: Former top official waived fees for developer, received favors” by Taylor DeVille (Baltimore Sun) for Yahoo News

Ohio: “Former House Bill 6 Lobbyist Who Chaired PUCO Nominating Council Resigns” by Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Redistricting

National: “Black and Latino Voters Have Been Shortchanged in Redistricting, Advocates and Some Judges Say” by Colby Itkowitz and Harry Stevens (Washington Post) for MSN

Campaign Finance

National: “Ex-Giuliani Associate Fruman Sentenced to One Year in Prison in Campaign Finance Case” by Luc Cohen for Reuters

Arizona: “Arizona Appeals Court Rebuffs Group’s Bid to Skip Campaign Law Fine” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for Arizona Daily Star

Georgia: “Ethics Panel Says It Will Pursue Ex-Insurance Commissioner” by Associated Press for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “Georgia Prosecutor Granted Special Grand Jury in Probe of Trump’s Efforts to Overturn State’s Election Results” by Amy Wang and John Wagner (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Retired Lawyer Wrote the Book, Literally, on Corporations Entertaining Politicians” by Kate Ackley (Roll Call) for MSN

National: “House Committee on Ethics Opening Reviews of Two Lawmakers” by Morgan Rimmer and Annie Grayer (CNN) for MSN

Hawaii: “How a Honolulu Police Chief Facing a Corruption Probe Got a $250,000 Payout” by Christina Jedra for Honolulu Civil Beat

Legislative Issues

New Mexico: “Proposal Calls for Ethics Agency to Set NM Elected Officials’ Pay” by Dan McKay (Albuquerque Journal) for Yahoo News

Redistricting

Alabama: “Federal Court Blocks Alabama’s New Congressional District Map, Saying It’s Not Fair to Blacks” by Brian Lyman (Montgomery Advertiser) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

National: “Biden Nominates Former Stacey Abrams Lawyer for Campaign Finance Watchdog” by Zach Montellaro (Politico) for MSN

Florida: “Florida Opens Investigation into Dark-Money Group Key to ‘Ghost’ Candidate Scandal” by Jason Garcia and Annie Martin (Orlando Sentinel) for MSN

Maryland: “The Mosbys Claimed Legal Expenses on Their Campaign Filings. Here’s What We Know About What Maryland Law Requires.” by Emily Opilo and Alex Mann for Baltimore Sun

Ethics

National: “Palin v. New York Times Pushes New Boundaries on Libel Suits” by Josh Gerstein (Politico) for Yahoo News

California: “After Guilty Plea in Federal Case, Englander Now Faces L.A. City Ethics Charges” by Julia Wick (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

Illinois: “In Chicago, a Public Radio Station Comes to the Rescue of the Sun-Times Newspaper” by Elahe Izade and Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Former IG Letizia Tagliafierro Pushed Transfer of Trooper Cuomo Allegedly Harassed” by Brendan Lyons for Albany Times Union

Ohio: “Ohio’s Pandemic Politics Cast Long Shadow Over Omicron Surge” by Jake Zuckerman for Ohio Capital Journal

Lobbying

New Mexico: “Ethics Watchdog Issues Report on Payday Loan Industry Lobbying” by Robert Nott and Daniel Chacon (Santa Fe New Mexican) for New Mexico Political Report