Jim Sedor, Author at State and Federal Communications

November 16, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Sen. Braun’s Campaign Accused by FEC of Breaking Campaign Finance Laws” by Kaitlin Lange (Indianapolis Star) for MSN Washington DC: “Trayon White Files Paperwork for D.C. Mayoral Bid Amid Campaign Finance Inquiry” by Michael Brice-Saddler (Washington Post) […]

November 15, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “The FEC Relies on Candidates’ ‘Good Faith’ When It Comes to Foreign Donations. But the Agency’s Inspector General Says That’s ‘Insufficient Oversight’ and Poses a ‘National Security Risk.’” by Bryan Metzger (Business Insider) for Yahoo News Elections […]

November 12, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – November 12, 2021

National/Federal Big Bird Got ‘Vaccinated’ Against COVID-19, Drawing Outrage from Republicans National Public Radio – Rachel Treisman | Published: 11/8/2021 Big Bird ruffled some feathers when he tweeted that he was vaccinated against COVID-19, which is now available for children between […]

National/Federal

Big Bird Got ‘Vaccinated’ Against COVID-19, Drawing Outrage from Republicans
National Public Radio – Rachel Treisman | Published: 11/8/2021

Big Bird ruffled some feathers when he tweeted that he was vaccinated against COVID-19, which is now available for children between the ages of five and 11. The Muppet has been a fixture of children’s television since 1969 but is officially six years old. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz decried the character’s tweet as “government propaganda.” Others denounced Big Bird as a puppet (literally) and communist. Many noted the irony of the criticism, given Big Bird is both a fictional character and one known for spreading messages of kindness and curiosity.

Clash With Corruption Watchdog Has Boris Johnson Retreating, Again
New York Times – Stephen Castle | Published: 11/4/2021

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson intervened to stop the suspension from Parliament of Owen Paterson, a fellow Conservative Party lawmaker found to have broken rules on lobbying. The government also pushed through contentious plans to change the system that investigated Paterson, who resigned following a backlash from politicians, news organizations, and others. Some neutral observers think that Mr. Johnson walked into a minefield of his own making.

Donors Threatened to Shun the GOP After Jan. 6. Now, Republicans Are Outraising Democrats.
MSN – Josh Dawsey, Isaac Stanley-Becker, and Michael Scherer (Washington Post) | Published: 11/9/2021

One day after rioters ransacked the Capitol in a bid to overturn the 2020 election, Republican lobbyist Geoff Verhoff sent an email to top GOP officials. Verhoff, a bundler who works at the lobbying firm Akin Gump, wrote he was resigning as co-chair of the Republican National Committee’s finance committee because he could no longer associate himself with Donald Trump and his movement. But when Trump spoke to some of the party’s top donors recently, Verhoff was one of the attendees. He has also recently given sizable sums to Republican candidates, including members who voted to overturn the results of the election.

FEC Eases Federal Contractors-Turned-Political Donors’ Path
Bloomberg Government – Kenneth Doyle | Published: 11/5/2021

The first $100,000 contribution to a pro-Donald Trump super PAC by an affiliate of the corrections company GEO Group came in 2016, a day after the Obama administration announced it would end federal use of private prisons. GEO’s stock price dropped but shot back up when Trump reversed the policy. Since then, affiliates of GEO have contributed over $2 million to Republican super PASCs. GEO’s contributions violated a decades-old ban on campaign money from government contractors, the Campaign Legal Center complained. But in a move that could have a wide impact on other contractors, the FEC dismissed the complaint.

GOP Lobbyists Say Corporate America Is Coming Back into the Tent
Yahoo News – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 11/8/2021

Republican lawmakers appear more likely to take back Congress in 2022 and corporate America is taking notice. A host of Republican lobbyists say the elections in Virginia and New Jersey have ignited interest from their corporate clients on making inroads with GOP officials on Capitol Hill. They also suspect cash will soon start flowing from corporate PACs to their party’s lawmakers. Corporate America’s potential embrace of the congressional GOP is notable for what preceded it.

GOP-Appointed Judges Freeze Biden Vaccine Requirement After Federal Lawsuit
MSN – Eli Rosenberg (Washington Post) | Published: 11/6/2021

A federal appeals court suspended the Biden administration’s new vaccine requirement for private companies, delivering a major blow for one of the White House’s key attempts to increase the number of vaccinations to corral the pandemic. The decision was issued by a panel of three judges appointed by Republican presidents in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The judges wrote there was “cause to believe there are grave statutory and constitutional issues with the mandate,” staying the order while the court assesses it.

House Jan. 6 Committee Issues Subpoenas to 6 Top Trump Advisers, Including Pair Involved in Willard Hotel ‘Command Center’
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Tom Hamburger, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 11/8/2021

The U.S. House select committee investigating the January 6 insurrection issued subpoenas to six top advisers to former President Trump, including two who were active in the Willard Hotel “command center” where Trump’s loyal backers oversaw efforts in January to overturn the 2020 election. Those actions included blocking or delaying the counting of electoral votes from battleground states where results were in dispute. Those states became the focus of the effort inside the hotel command center to find evidence of fraud that might compel state legislators to challenge Biden’s victory.

Igor Danchenko Arrested, Charged with Lying to FBI About Information in Steele Dossier
MSN – Devlin Barrett and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) | Published: 11/4/2021

An analyst who was a primary source for a 2016 dossier of allegations against Donald Trump has been arrested on charges he repeatedly lied to the FBI about where and how he got his information. Igor Danchenko’s role in providing information to British ex-spy Christopher Steele, who compiled the accusations about Trump in a series of reports, has been a subject of scrutiny from internal Department of Justice investigators and special counsel John Durham. A 2019 report by the Justice Department inspector general found major problems with the accuracy of Danchenko’s information.

Pelosi Calls for Investigations of Gosar’s Video That Depicts Him Killing Ocasio-Cortez
MSN – Felicia Sonmez and John Wagner (Washington Post) | Published: 11/9/2021

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for multiple investigations into the posting of an animated video by U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar that depicts him killing U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and swinging two swords at President Biden. Gosar has long drawn criticism for his extremist views, including his spreading of conspiracy theories about the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob and the deadly white-nationalist rally in Charlottesville in 2017. In February, he appeared at an event whose organizer called for white supremacy.

Pharmaceutical Industry Likely to Shatter Its Lobbying Record as It Works to Shape Democrats’ Spending Bill
MSN – Yeganeh Torbati and Jonathan O’Connell (Washington Post) | Published: 11/5/2021

Ads targeting lawmakers who supported allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices were one strand of a massive, months-long advertising, lobbying and political donation campaign undertaken by the pharmaceutical industry and its allies, perhaps the strongest of all corporate voices on Capitol Hill, to defeat a Democratic proposal to lower the cost of prescription drugs. The measure was in, then out, then watered down, going through a fierce ping-pong of backroom negotiations that is likely to continue once the Senate considers the bill in coming weeks.

Probe Finds Trump Officials Repeatedly Violated Hatch Act
MSN – Jill Colvin (Associated Press) | Published: 11/10/2021

At least 13 former Trump administration officials, including Jared Kushner and Mike Pompeo, violated the law by intermingling campaigning with their official government duties, according to a federal investigation. The report from the Office of Special Counsel says the officials broke the law without consequence and with the administration’s approval as part of a “willful disregard for the Hatch Act,” which prohibits government officials from using their official roles to influence elections, including supporting candidates while acting in their official capacities.

They Raised Millions for Trump. Spent Barely Any of It on Him. Now They’re Indicted.
Yahoo News – Caitlin Oprisko (Politico) | Published: 11/10/2021

Federal prosecutors charged Matt Tunstall and Robert Reyes with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to lie to the FEC. Prosecutors allege that of the roughly $3.5 million raised by the PACs they ran during the 2016 election, “only approximately $19 were distributed to any candidate’s authorized campaign committee or to any political cause, while a total of more than $1.5 million was used to benefit” the PAC operators. “Scam PACs” have proliferated over the last decade. The FBI has urged would-be donors to be on the lookout for such schemes.

Trump Loses Bid to Keep Jan. 6 Records from House Committee Investigating Riot
NBC News – Pete Williams | Published: 11/9/2021

A federal judge sided with the congressional committee investigating the January 6 insurrection by refusing to block the release of scores of White House documents from the Trump administration. The ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan means the first batch of disputed documents is set to be turned over to the House select committee. Lawyers for Donald Trump filed an appeal. President Biden has said executive privilege should not be invoked to block the select committee’s document requests.

USC Gave Rep. Karen Bass a Full Scholarship Worth $95,000 While She Served in Congress
MSN – Dakota Smith and Matt Hamilton (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/10/2021

U.S. Rep. Karen Bass received approval from the House ethics committee to accept a scholarship worth $95,000 from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Social Work. Bass said the program increased her understanding of child welfare policy. Now, USC’s efforts to connect with local politicians have become the subject of scrutiny. Bass was offered the scholarship by Marilyn Flynn, then the dean of USC’s social work school. Flynn was indicted for allegedly giving the son of then-Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas a scholarship and job in return for USC being awarded government contracts.

Voting Technology Firm Smartmatic Sues Newsmax and One America News, Alleging Defamation
MSN – Annabelle Timsit (Washington Post) | Published: 11/4/2021

The voting technology firm Smartmatic filed lawsuits against Newsmax and the parent company of One America News, alleging the right-wing outlets knowingly spread disinformation during the 2020 U.S. presidential election and defamed the company by telling viewers, without evidence, that its technology was used to steal votes from then-President Trump. The lawsuits are the latest chapter in a legal battle that has pitted firms that sell electronic voting machines and software in the U.S. against Trump-friendly news outlets.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Board with Close Ties to Landlord Group Oversees Constables Who Serve Eviction Writs
Yahoo News – Jessica Boehm, Catherine Reagor, and Ralph Chapoco (Arizona Republic) | Published: 11/8/2021

When renters are evicted, constables deliver the court orders – sought by landlords – that demand the tenants move out. But the board that trains and disciplines Arizona’s elected constables has close ties to the most powerful landlord group in the state. The relationship drew new scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic, when constables played an even more important role in the eviction process, sometimes deciding whether tenants qualified for eviction moratoriums.

California – SoCal Public Officials Targeted in Broadening Federal Investigation into Pot Licensing
MSN – Ruben Vives and Robert Lopez (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/7/2021

A federal grand jury issued subpoenas seeking information about cash and other payments to public officials and cannabis consultants as part of a criminal investigation into pot licensing in Baldwin Park and nearby cities in California. Federal authorities, including agents from the FBI and IRS, have been interviewing witnesses and are seeking a wide range of records regarding Baldwin Park city officials who approved cannabis licenses and consultants who helped businesses obtain the permits.

Colorado – Denver’s Top Parking Enforcer ‘Fixed’ 21 of His Own Tickets
KESQ – Brian Maas | Published: 11/5/2021

Denver’s Director of Right of Way Enforcement, Jonathan Featherston, received 21 parking citations on his personal car in 2020 and 2021. He ordered every one of the citations canceled, with Featherston now explaining he received the tickets while he was engaging in a secret “mystery shop” campaign to test how well parking agents were doing in handing out parking tickets. The curious practice came to light when a whistleblower noticed what Featherston was doing and filed a complaint with the city Board of Ethics, suggesting Featherston was engaged in “questionable ethical conduct,” using his public position for private gain.

Colorado – State Files Lawsuit Over Peters Campaign Fundraising
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel – Charles Ashby | Published: 11/8/2021

The Colorado attorney general’s office filed a lawsuit against Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters over her fundraising efforts and failure to report contributions and expenses for nearly three years. The lawsuit says Peters clearly is running for re-election next year, and is soliciting donations, but has not filed a campaign finance report since terminating her previous account in January 2019, a few months after she was first elected to office.

Florida – J.T. Burnette Gets 3 Years in Federal Prison, $1.25M Fine in City Hall Public Corruption Case
Yahoo News – Jeff Burlew (Tallahassee Democrat) | Published: 11/9/2021

Businessperson J.T. Burnette was sentenced to three years in federal prison and a $1.25 million fine for his role in a corruption scheme. Burnette, a wealthy entrepreneur, was convicted for his role in a long-running City Hall bribery ring involving former city Commissioner Scott Maddox and his accomplice and girlfriend Paige Carter-Smith. Peter Nothstein, deputy director of the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section, noted Burnette never admitted “what he did was wrong.” He said for Burnette, bribery was just the cost of doing business.

Florida – Opa-locka Mayor Abruptly Resigns During Commission Meeting, Citing ‘Corruption’
MSN – Aaron Leibowitz (Miami Herald) | Published: 11/10/2021

Opa-locka Mayor Matthew Pigatt abruptly announced his resignation during a city commission meeting, marking the latest twist of fate for a city trying to overcome years of corruption and political chaos. Following a public comment period, he rose from his seat at the dais to deliver a prepared statement. Pigatt’s resignation was not on the agenda. Pigatt won a commission seat in 2016, pledging reform and transparency amid an FBI corruption probe at City Hall and state oversight of the city’s finances. He became mayor in 2018 on a similar platform.

Florida – Professors Sue University of Florida, Claiming Free Speech Restraints
MSN – Lori Rozsa and Susan Svrluga (Washington Post) | Published: 11/6/2021

Three professors filed a lawsuit against the University of Florida, claiming school officials violated their right to free speech by trying to prevent them from offering testimony in a voting rights case. The case further inflames a heated debate over academic freedom, one that has brought national attention and criticism to the state’s flagship university. It was filed on the same day school officials reversed course and said the three political science professors should not be barred from testifying in a voting rights lawsuit against the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Indiana – Ex-Indiana House Speaker Bosma Registers as Paid Lobbyist
Yahoo News – Associated Press | Published: 11/8/2021

Former Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma registered as a paid statehouse lobbyist a little more than a year after he left elected office. Bosma is working with 1816 Public Affairs Group, a lobbying firm headed by Michael O’Brien, who was Gov. Eric Holcomb’s 2016 campaign manager. Bosma said he joined the firm last year as a consultant and carefully followed the state’s one-year ban before a former lawmaker can legally deal directly with old colleagues on legislative business.

Maine – Foreign Company’s Subsidiary Poured Millions into Influencing Maine Ballot Referendum
Center for Responsive Politics – Anna Massoglia | Published: 11/9/2021

A Maine ballot referendum to halt the construction of a $1 billion cross-border corridor of electric transmission lines from Canada attracted more than $89 million in funds through ballot campaigns. Top donors pouring $63 million into opposing the referendum included HQ Energy Services, the U.S. affiliate of Hydro Quebec. The Canadian company’s role sparked debate about whether companies with foreign government ownership should be allowed to spend on ballot referendums. The FEC ruled foreign donors can finance U.S. ballot measure committees under federal campaign finance law.

Michigan – Detroit Police Chief Looks to Computer Software to Root Out Towing Corruption
Yahoo News – Christine MacDonald (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 11/10/2021

The Detroit Police Department announced new measures aimed at clamping down on corruption in vehicle towing, an area at the center of an ongoing federal public corruption investigation. Police Chief James White said the department wants to buy computer software that will divvy up jobs to tow companies, taking the “human element” out of the process and reducing the chances someone could steer work to a favored outlet. He said the department also will launch an investigative unit staffed by civilians to ensure towing rules are followed.

Missouri – Firefighters Union Chief Collects City Salary While Working Other Full-Time Job in DC
MSN – Mike Hendricks (Kansas City Star) | Published: 11/10/2021

Kansas City Manager Brian Platt signed a previously undisclosed agreement last summer allowing the fire captain who then headed the local firefighters’ union to remain on the city payroll and collect his $86,000 a year salary while working full time in Washington, D.C. The unprecedented arrangement also exempts Tim Dupin from the city’s residency rules while earning more than $150,000 annually from his new job as the International Association of Fire Fighters’ director of political action at the union’s Washington headquarters.

Missouri – PACs Tied to Missouri Lobbyist Scramble to Account for Funds
Yahoo News – Jason Hancock (Missouri Independent) | Published: 11/10/2021

A pair of PACs connected to a Missouri lobbyist under FBI scrutiny have begun taking steps to account for nearly $170,000 in cash that went unreported on disclosures to the state Ethics Commission. The discrepancies with PACs connected to Steve Tilley, a former state lawmaker and longtime adviser to Gov. Mike Parson, were first documented by The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It found the PACs reported cash balances in early 2021 that were significantly lower than the total reported at the end of 2020 without any corresponding spending to explain the decrease.

New Jersey – Surprise NJ Senate Winner Says Sorry Amid Scrutiny of Posts
Yahoo News – Associated Press | Published: 11/5/2021

A truck driver who ousted the powerful New Jersey Senate president in the election previously posted online calling Islam “a false religion,” comparing vaccine mandates to the Holocaust, and defending rioters at the U.S. Capitol. Republican Edward Durr apologized after media outlets highlighted the posts. His victory over Steve Sweeney, widely regarded as the second-most powerful Democrat in state government, in the November 2 shocked the state’s political establishment. Durr spent a paltry sum on his campaign.

New Jersey – ‘This Sentence Will Go on Forever’: Morristown lawyer gets probation in corruption case
Morristown Green – Kevin Coughlin | Published: 11/6/2021

A lawyer who pled guilty to records tampering to secure municipal contracts avoided prison, receiving three years’ probation and community service. Elizabeth Valandingham was charged in connection with a state political corruption investigation that centered on her boss, attorney Matt O’Donnell. He pled guilty to corporate misconduct and conspiracy to tamper with records. Between 2013 and 2017, authorities charged, Valandingham helped secure at least $600,000 in legal work for O’Donnell’s now-shuttered firm by falsely representing to Mt. Arlington and Bloomfield officials, and to the state Election Law Enforcement Commission, that the firm had made no political contributions in those towns.

New York – De Blasio Defends Leaving $300K Legal Bill Unpaid
Politico – Erin Durkin | Published: 11/10/2021

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio does not plan to dip into his own pocket to pay any of the $300,000 in outstanding legal bills he owes from a corruption investigation, saying he will rely on donors to pay the tab. De Blasio has owed the money to the law firm Kramer, Levin, Naftalis and Frankel since 2017, after lawyers there represented him in a probe into whether the mayor and his aides did special favors for campaign donors. The outstanding debt has raised conflict-of-interest concerns since the firm represents many clients with business before the city.

New York – Millions in Secret Ballot Spending Raises Legal Question
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 11/4/2021

The public had no know way to immediately know who had funded the multi-million-dollar campaign by the state Conservative Party against three proposed constitutional amendments in New York, including attack ads. The origin of the funding may not be known until January because the ads were paid for by a political spending vehicle that critics have long derided as a major loophole in the law. Both the Conservative Party and Senate Democrats maintain the practice was legal, though the language of state law is not clear on the subject.

Ohio – Ohio Medicaid: It’s not a conflict if you only own stock in the parent company
Ohio Capital Journal – Marty Schladen | Published: 11/9/2021

Ohio Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran did not have a conflict-of-interest when she signed multi-billion-dollar contracts earlier this year, her department’s attorneys are arguing. That is because she only owns stock in parent corporations, not their Ohio subsidiaries to whom she awarded contracts. The department made the argument in a court case in which a disappointed bidder is trying to overturn a process that resulted in the award of $22 billion worth of managed-care business to six corporations.

Ohio – Ohio Utility Regulator Lobbied for Legislation to Save FirstEnergy Millions, Texts Show
Ohio Capital Journal – Jake Zuckerman | Published: 11/9/2021

Ohio’s top utility regulator quietly lobbied lawmakers to include a provision in the state budget that saved tens of millions for FirstEnergy Corp., text messages from company executives show. FirstEnergy admitted in court it paid Sam Randazzo more than $4.3 million in the weeks before Gov. Mike DeWine appointed him in February 2019 as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, which regulates power companies. The texts suggest Randazzo helped convince lawmakers to slip into the 2019 budget a few sentences worth millions of dollars to FirstEnergy.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Lobbyists Disclose Some Financial Interests for First Time But Details Are ‘Very Nebulous’
Lancaster Online – Sam Janesch (The Caucus) | Published: 11/10/2021

Lobbyists and principals in Pennsylvania are now required to disclose their financial interests in companies for which they advocate. The disclosures are billed as a step toward transparency. But their format is haphazard and, arguably, useless, according to an analysis and interviews with advocates and others who have reviewed the filings. Amid a narrow reporting period and few guidelines, lobbyists interpreted the new requirement in a variety of ways. There are more than 1,230 registered lobbyists and firms in the state. More than 130 of them disclosed equity in their clients.

Texas – Dallas Real Estate Developer Ruel Hamilton Sentenced To 8 Years in Prison For Bribing 2 Former City Council Members
MSN – Staff | Published: 11/9/2021

A real estate developer was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for bribing two former Dallas City Council members. Ruel Hamilton was also ordered to pay a $150,000 fine. From 2013 to 2015, Hamilton shelled out tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to Carolyn Davis, who was then serving as chairperson of the council’s Housing Committee. In return, Davis, who pleaded guilty to her role in the scheme prior to her death in 2019, supported Hamilton’s housing project. To disguise the bribe payments, Hamilton funneled payments to Davis through a not-for-profit intermediary.

Virginia – Va. Senate Democrats Ask State Supreme Court to Disqualify Republicans’ Nominated Map Drawers
MSN – Meagan Flynn and Teo Armus (Washington Post) | Published: 11/8/2021

The Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus asked the state Supreme Court to disqualify all three nominees tapped by Republican leadership to help it draw the state’s new congressional and legislative maps, calling them “political operatives” with conflicts-of-interest. The state Supreme Court is redrawing the maps after the bipartisan Virginia Redistricting Commission, approved by voters in a constitutional amendment last year, did not reach agreement on new congressional and General Assembly districts.

Virginia – White Supremacists Find a New Platform to Spread Hate: A federal courtroom in Charlottesville
MSN – Ellie Silverman (Washington Post) | Published: 11/10/2021

White supremacists are weaponizing the federal civil trial about the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville into a spiteful stage. Some of the defendants have been ousted from social media such as Facebook but in this courtroom, they have found a new platform to amplify their racist views, put on performances they boast about on podcasts, radio shows, and in live during-the-trial chats, and to attack their opponents. The defendants are some of the most notorious white supremacists and hate groups in the country, and the plaintiffs allege they engaged in a conspiracy to commit racially motivated violence.

Washington – PDC: ‘Washougal Moms’ must register as political action committee
The Columbian – Doug Flanagan (Camas-Washougal Post-Record) | Published: 11/5/2021

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has called out the Washougal Moms group for failing to register as a PAC. In a formal warning, the PDC said the organization had also failed to identify its financial sponsors and had not reported required financial contributions and expenditures. Formed in May to defend three mothers accused of disrupting a Washougal School Board meeting, the group has since hosted a “tribunal” to elect a shadow school board, posted opposition to at least one school board incumbent running for reelection, and called for current school board officials to be removed and arrested.

Washington DC – A D.C. Elected Official, Who Holds Office While Incarcerated, Was Almost Moved to Pennsylvania Prison
MSN – Julie Zauzmer Weil (Washington Post) | Published: 11/9/2021

Political leaders in the District of Columbia successfully scrambled to prevent an elected official who holds his position while incarcerated in the city jail from being transferred to a federal prison more than 100 miles outside Washington. Joel Castón’s narrowly averted transfer to a federal prison in Pennsylvania underscores the situation of hundreds of city inmates who are being transferred far from their families and communities. By staying in the city, Castón says, he will be able to keep fulfilling the duties of his office: representing those inmates who will be transferred, his constituents.

Washington DC – As Bowser Launches Reelection Bid, Her High-Profile Appointee Is Under Fire
MSN – Paul Schwartzman (Washington Post) | Published: 11/6/2021

Neil Albert abruptly resigned recently as chairperson of the District of Columbia Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. His exit followed a published report that he failed to reveal he was in a relationship with Paola Moya before approving her architectural firm for lucrative authority contracts. Federal prosecutors served the authority with a criminal subpoena, seeking documents related to Albert, Moya, and her firm. In addition, members of the city council asked the inspector general to conduct a broad investigation into what they called “a pattern of misconduct” at the agency.

Washington DC – Judge Lets Claim Against Trump’s Inaugural Committee and Private Business Move Forward
Yahoo News – Myah Ward (Politico) | Published: 11/8/2021

The lawsuit against former President Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee and his private business could potentially go to trial after a judge allowed some of the local attorney general’s claims to move forward. The lawsuit filed by District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine alleges the Trump International Hotel in Washington illegally received more than $1 million by charging the Presidential Inaugural Committee inflated prices to use ballrooms and other event spaces, violating the city’s laws governing nonprofit organizations.

November 11, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “They Raised Millions for Trump. Spent Barely Any of It on Him. Now They’re Indicted.” by Caitlin Oprisko (Politico) for Yahoo News National: “Donors Threatened to Shun the GOP After Jan. 6. Now, Republicans Are Outraising Democrats.” […]

November 10, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Maine: “Foreign Company’s Subsidiary Poured Millions into Influencing Maine Ballot Referendum” by Anna Massoglia for Center for Responsive Politics Elections National: “House Jan. 6 Committee Issues Subpoenas to 6 Top Trump Advisers, Including Pair Involved in Willard Hotel […]

November 9, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Colorado: “State Files Lawsuit Over Peters Campaign Fundraising” by Charles Ashby for Grand Junction Daily Sentinel New Jersey: “‘This Sentence Will Go on Forever’: Morristown lawyer gets probation in corruption case” by Kevin Coughlin for Morristown Green Ethics […]

November 8, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “FEC Eases Federal Contractors-Turned-Political Donors’ Path” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg Government New York: “Millions in Secret Ballot Spending Raises Legal Question” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union Washington: “PDC: ‘Washougal Moms’ must register as political […]

November 5, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – November 5, 2021

National/Federal A Year Out, Political Groups Prepare for What Could Be the Most Expensive Midterms Ever MSN – Kate Ackley (Roll Call) | Published: 11/2/2021 Next year’s midterm elections, which will determine control of the House and Senate for the second […]

National/Federal

A Year Out, Political Groups Prepare for What Could Be the Most Expensive Midterms Ever
MSN – Kate Ackley (Roll Call) | Published: 11/2/2021

Next year’s midterm elections, which will determine control of the House and Senate for the second half of President Biden’s first term, are on pace to shatter previous records, thanks largely to big money outside groups. Super PACs – more than a decade old, with an infrastructure and stream of donors to rival the political parties – and other outside organizations already have begun to invest heavily to influence the outcome of the 2022 elections. An infusion of millions of dollars into a race can upend the previous dynamics. Outside organizations will rely on polling and other cues for where to put their money.

At Least Seven Jan. 6 Rallygoers Won Public Office on Election Day
MSN – Amy Wang and Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 11/3/2021

At least seven people who attended the pro-Trump rally on January 6 in Washington, D.C. that preceded the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol were elected to public office on November 2. None were charged with crimes, and all denied being part of the pro-Trump mob that stormed the Capitol to stop the certification of President Biden’s electoral college win. The attack resulted in five deaths and left some 140 members of law enforcement injured.

Burr’s Brother-in-Law Called Stock Broker, One Minute After Getting Off Phone with Senator
ProPublica – Robert Faturechi | Published: 10/28/2021

After U.S. Sen. Richard Burr dumped more than $1.6 million in stocks in February 2020, a week before the coronavirus market crash, he called his brother-in-law, according to a new Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing. They talked for 50 seconds. Burr, according to the SEC, had material nonpublic information regarding the incoming economic impact of coronavirus. The very next minute, Burr’s brother-in-law, Gerald Fauth, called his broker. It was previously unknown that Burr and Fauth spoke that day, and their contact came just before Fauth began the process of dumping stock himself.

Cases Show Foreign Donors Secretly Funnel Money Through Straw Donors, Shell Companies, ‘Dark Money’
Center for Responsive Politics – Anna Massoglia | Published: 10/28/2021

Lev Parnas, a Soviet-born former business associate of Rudolph Giuliani, was recently convicted for campaign finance crimes. His case exposed the ways secret donors, including foreign nationals, can hide their identities from the American public while currying influence with politicians through straw donors, shell companies, and other forms of “dark money.” While Parnas’ case ended with a conviction, other prosecutions in similar cases are just beginning.

Foreign Nationals Can Finance Ballot Initiatives, FEC Affirms
MSN – Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) | Published: 11/3/2021

The FEC affirmed that foreign nationals can legally spend money on ballot measures in states that do not otherwise forbid the practice. Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions in connection with federal, state, or local elections but is silent on spending related to ballot initiatives. The decision is consistent with established interpretations of federal election law, campaign finance experts said. But it does not address whether certain types of ballot initiatives that explicitly involve a candidate or bear directly on elections, such as redistricting measures, might trigger the federal ban on foreign money, said FEC member Ellen Weintraub.

Gun Control Group Alleges Campaign Finance Violations in Lawsuit Against NRA
MSN – Mychael Schnell (The Hill) | Published: 11/2/2021

The gun control group Giffords filed a lawsuit against the National Rifle Association, alleging the advocacy group violated campaign finance laws by illegally contributing tens of millions of dollars to Republican U.S. Senate and presidential candidates, including Donald Trump in 2016, through shell corporations. “Over the past seven years, the National Rifle Association has engaged in an ongoing scheme to evade campaign finance regulations by using a series of shell corporations to illegally but surreptitiously coordinate advertising with at least seven candidates for federal office,” the complaint states.

‘Last Stop’ House Committee Takes Its Turn in the Limelight
MSN – Lindsey McPherson (Roll Call) | Published: 11/3/2021

After 13 committees spent countless hours in September preparing a $3.5 trillion-plus partisan budget reconciliation package, the House Rules Committee – “the most powerful committee that people haven’t heard of,” according to its chairperson, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern – is going to cut the measure almost in half. It is the panel’s job to tweak bills so they ultimately have the votes to pass. The committee has no original legislative jurisdiction, but the policy areas it can influence are endless.

Lobbying Firms Connected to Biden White House Are Flourishing Under New Administration
Yahoo News – Soo Rin Kim (ABC News) | Published: 11/3/2021

Lobbying firms with ties to President Biden and his administration are thriving, with some doubling and quadrupling their lobbying revenues from last year, disclosure filings show, but overall lobbying revenues have not increased much over the last year. Three firms led by former Biden aides and others with close ties to key members of the administration have brought in far more in lobbying revenues in just the first three quarters of 2021 than the amount they brought in during the entire previous year.

Perfect Attendance: Susan Collins racks up 8,000th vote in the Senate
MSN – Chris Cioffi (Roll Call) | Published: 11/1/2021

Even a global pandemic could not stop Susan Collins from keeping up her perfect U.S. Senate attendance, a consecutive voting streak that has stretched nearly a quarter-century. She reached the 8,000-vote mark recently, voting to confirm Elizabeth Prelogar to be U.S. solicitor general. Since her arrival in the chamber in 1997, Collins has not missed a single vote. Collins is still a couple of thousand votes away from breaking the record for longest streak ever, held by William Proxmire.

Senate Republicans Block Debate on a Third Major Voting Rights Bill
MSN – Mike DeBonis (Washington Post) | Published: 11/3/2021

Republican senators voted to block debate on the third major voting rights bill that congressional Democrats have sought to pass this year in response to the state-level GOP push to restrict ballot access following former President Trump’s false claims of a stolen 2020 election. Only one Republican, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, voted to advance it. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act seeks to empower the Justice Department and federal courts to review state election laws, restoring provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that have been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Stunning Survey Gives Grim View of Flourishing Anti-Democratic Opinions
The Hill – Reid Wilson | Published: 11/1/2021

A recent poll from the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute paints a troubling portrait of a growing segment of the public that is increasingly unmoored from reality as it embraces conspiracy theories about child abduction and stolen elections. It found a deep divide between those who trust right-wing media outlets and the rest of the nation, and even a divide between those who trust Fox News and those who trust outlets like One America Network and Newsmax. Eighteen percent say they agree with the statement that America has gotten so far off track that “true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country.”

Trump Campaign Payments for ‘Command Centers’ at D.C. Hotels Could Undermine Executive Privilege Claim in Jan. 6 Investigation
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Josh Dawsey, Emma Brown, and Tom Hamburger (Washington Post) | Published: 11/2/2021

More than $225,000 in Trump campaign payments went to firms owned by Bernard Kerik and Rudolph Giuliani, including more than $50,000 for rooms and suites at the Willard hotel in Washington, D.C. that served as a “command center” for efforts to deny Joe Biden the presidency in the days leading up to the attack on the Capitol on January 6. The fact that campaign funds were used to finance efforts to subvert Biden’s victory could complicate the Donald Trump’s ongoing attempt to use claims of executive privilege to shield documents and testimony from the congressional committee investigating the insurrection.

Trump Seeking to Block Hundreds of Pages of Documents from Jan. 6 Committee, Court Filing Shows
MSN – Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 10/30/2021

Former President Trump is trying to withhold nearly 800 pages of documents from the House select committee investigating the January 6 insurrection. The filing was in response to and shed more light on a lawsuit Trump filed seeking to block the disclosure of records related to his whereabouts, communications, and activities that day. Exerting additional pressure on Trump, 66 former members of Congress, including 44 Democrats and 22 Republicans filed a brief opposing Trump’s attempt to shield documents from the select committee.

Two Democratic Senators Take Aim at ‘Zombie’ Campaigns
Yahoo News – Roger Sollenberger (Daily Beast) | Published: 11/4/2021

U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and Elizabeth Warren introduced legislation to prohibit former politicians from holding on to their campaign money forever. The bill would outlaw so-called zombie campaign accounts for any politician who does not file for the next election six months after they leave office and would require any former politician who wishes to register as a lobbyist to shut down their campaign account immediately.

UK Needs a Lobbying Regulator, Review Author Recommends
Financial Times – Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe | Published: 11/2/2021

The United Kingdom should create a regulator able to “impose severe sanctions” on individuals who break lobbying rules, the author of an independent review into the issue suggested. Nigel Boardman, who published a review into lobbying following a scandal involving former Prime Minister David Cameron, told the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee the lobbying industry needed to move away from “self-regulation.”

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – After Federal Court Ruling, Alaska Campaign Regulators Propose Higher Donation Limits
Anchorage Daily News – James Brooks | Published: 11/3/2021

The staff of the Alaska Public Offices Commission set the state’s campaign contribution limit at $1,500 from an individual to a candidate, now that the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has thrown out the previous $500 cap. A group would be limited to $3,000 in donations per candidate or group per year. Campaigns and candidates are required to follow the new caps until the commission votes on the proposal and could be subject to an official complaint and investigation if they violate its limits.

California – City Report: SF officials got free tickets to pricey outside Lands Fest through ethically questionable loophole
KQED – Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez | Published: 10/29/2021

According to a recent San Francisco Ethics Commission report, city officials have been given at least $430,950 in free tickets to the Outside Lands festival through a loophole, that although technically legal, is ethically dubious. The Recreation and Parks Department, which is the agency accepting the tickets from Another Planet Entertainment, which puts on the festival, is also in charge of the contract for the event space. That makes them a “restricted source” for officials involved in the contract, which means accepting any gifts from entities they are doing business with poses a potential conflict-of-interest.

California – How Local Independent Commissions Are Changing California Redistricting
CalMatters – Sameea Kamal | Published: 10/26/2021

California has a dozen new local independent commissions in this round of redistricting, a process that will create districts for elections from 2022 to 2030. These new panels are coming up with districts that in some places have never been redrawn, or have not been altered significantly, despite changing populations. Taking redistricting power away from officeholders could mean changes in representation and city priorities.

California – Is It Too Easy to Hold a Recall in California? Lawmakers Raise Changes After Newsom Victory
MSN – Lara Korte (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 10/29/2021

Both Democrats and Republicans said they are open to tweaking California’s 108-year-old recall laws, but they are far from consensus on what those changes should look like. Lawmakers gathered for the first formal discussion of the state’s recall process following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s victory against a recall. Democrats are concerned it is too easy to qualify a recall in California. Republicans said they are open to changing the recall in a way that makes it more efficient or conducts it in a better manner, but they are cautious about diluting an avenue of direct democracy.

Connecticut – A $375,000 Kentucky Derby Trip, Personalized Golf Balls and Luxury Swag Bags. Federal Jury Set to Determine When High-Priced Corporate Retreats Are Illegal Junketeering
MSN – Edmund Mahoney (Hartford Courant) | Published: 10/31/2021

Five former Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC) officials are on trial over their involvement in multiple trips that cost more than $800,000 in total. The men planned or participated in trips that sent scores of friends, family, colleagues, and customers on utility-paid trips to the Kentucky Derby and golf outings at The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia. The defendants say the travel was legal under state law. “The evidence … will prove that the five defendants used hundreds of thousands of dollars of money belonging to CMEEC … for their personal benefit …,” prosecutors wrote in a pre-trial memorandum.

Delaware – Can Delaware Lawmakers Legally Oust an Indicted State Auditor? State Law Isn’t Clear
WHYY – Mark Eichman | Published: 11/2/2021

The Delaware General Assembly has never voted to have the governor oust another elected official. As a result, there is some confusion about how the process works. After a grand jury indicted state Auditor Kathy McGuiness on fraud charges, resolving that confusion has taken on increased urgency. The felony charges accuse McGuiness of hiring her daughter to a no-show job, giving her 2018 campaign consulting firm an illegal state contract, and intimidating employees who complained.

Florida – Candidates Fail to Turn in Mandatory Financial Reports
MSN – Corbin Bolies (Fresh Take Florida) | Published: 10/30/2021

Scores of challengers running for Congress across Florida have failed to successfully file financial reports in Washington that would publicly reveal key details about their personal wealth, debts, and jobs, as required by the U.S. House. The missing paperwork means voters have few clues so far about where these candidates have earned their money, where they invested, or to whom they owe personal debts. Candidates’ explanations included reports being lost in the mail, forgetting they were due, technical glitches, and confusion over what Congress required.

Florida – Florida Blocks Professors from Testifying Against Voting Law Pushed by DeSantis
Politico – Gary Fineout and Marc Caputo | Published: 10/30/2021

The University of Florida blocked three professors from testifying on behalf of plaintiffs in a lawsuit seeking to overturn the state’s new restrictive voting law. University officials asserted it was a conflict-of-interest for professors to testify in the lawsuit because they are state employees. It is a turnaround in university policy, which for years allowed professors to testify in lawsuits against the state, including one that unsuccessfully challenged the state law that restricted voting rights for convicted felons. Critics contend the action imperils academic freedom and raises concerns about the First Amendment.

Illinois – Ex-State Rep. Luis Arroyo Pleads Guilty in Bribery Case Tied to Sweepstakes Machines
MSN – Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 11/3/2021

Former Illinois Rep. Luis Arroyo pleaded guilty in a bribery scheme involving a shadowy lobbying effort to expand the use of sweepstakes gaming machines. He acknowledged offering a member of the state Senate monthly payments of $2,500 to back a bill supported by a sweepstakes firm that hired Arroyo as a lobbyist. Prosecutors said Arroyo accepted $7,500 in bribes from James Weiss, the owner of sweepstakes firm Collage LLC, with the understanding he would vote for the legislation supported by Weiss and lobby members of the executive branch and the Illinois Senate.

Massachusetts – Michelle Wu Makes History as First Person of Color and Woman to Be Elected Boston Mayor
MSN – Joanna Slater and Adela Suliman (Washington Post) | Published: 11/3/2021

Democrat Michelle Wu is the first woman and person of color to be elected Boston mayor. The campaign largely focused on housing costs, education, and the city’s opioid crisis. But the race also highlighted Boston’s growing diversity, with all the leading candidates being women of color. It is the first time in nearly 200 years that the city’s next mayor will not be a White man.

Missouri – Many Redistricting Commissioners Have Close Ties to Lawmakers
Columbia Missourian – Rudi Keller (Missouri Independent) | Published: 11/4/2021

The 40 people chosen to draw new legislative districts for Missouri include political consultants, former candidates, and political party officers. They have until January to design 163 Missouri House and 34 state Senate districts that would be used next year. The commissions are billed as independent, and members are prohibited from running for a legislative seat for four years. Many commissioners, however, have close ties to the state legislators whose districts they will be redrawing.

Montana – Legislative Counsel Requests AG’s Documents in St. Peter’s Dispute
Missoula Current – Arren Kimbeil-Sannit (Daily Montanan) | Published: 11/1/2021

A special counsel tasked with probing allegations that state officials in the Montana attorney general’s office harassed doctors at St. Peter’s Health in Helena have formally requested documents related to the incident. Democratic legislative leadership requested their counterparts in the majority investigate the allegations on the heels of media reports in which St. Peter’s said unnamed state officials threatened doctors at the hospital for not prescribing a COVID-19 patient ivermectin, an unapproved treatment for the virus. The patient, an activist in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party politics, has since passed away.

New Jersey – Former Owner of Morristown Law Firm Admits Directing Bold Straw Donor Scheme
MSN – Lori Comstock (Morristown Daily Record) | Published: 10/27/2021

Attorney Matthew O’Donnell pleaded guilty to “pay-to-play” charges in connection with a bribery scheme in New Jersey. O’Donnell admitted his firm submitted proposals for legal services to municipalities but failed to disclose the firm made campaign contributions to officials in those locations. Using straw donors allowed the firm to donate to campaigns and evade laws that would otherwise disqualify them from winning contracts. He faces a maximum three-year prison sentence and will be required to pay restitution to the victims of the scheme. The plea also calls for him to be banned from doing any business in the state for 10 years.

New Jersey – Murphy Reelected New Jersey Governor by Razor-Thin Margin
Yahoo News – Matt Friedman (Politico) | Published: 11/3/2021

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has won reelection, defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a closer-than-expected race. The contest eluded national coverage for most of the year, as both parties focused intensely on the close race for governor in Virginia. But Murphy’s small margin ultimately points to the same challenging political environment for Democrats, a year after winning the presidential election and with midterms looming.

New Jersey – N.J. Governor’s Race Fallout Could Claim Senate President Sweeney as Democrats Trail Key Legislative Races
MSN – Amanda Hoover and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 11/3/2021

New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney seems set to lose his seat his seat to Edward Durr, a truck driver who spent only $153 over the course of his campaign. Durr has never held elective office. He ran on a platform of limiting government, reducing taxes, and fixing the state’s roads, but he did not garner much attention during the campaign. A Sweeney loss would significantly change the landscape of state politics, giving rise to a new Senate president and likely shifting the dynamic between the Legislature and the governor’s office.

New Jersey – Voters with Disabilities Gain Political Clout in NJ as Ballots Become More Accessible
MSN – Gene Myers (Bergen Record) | Published: 11/2/2021

New Jerseyans with disabilities are enjoying a new era of political relevance thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, both the voting reforms it spurred and the inequities it laid bare. People with disabilities showed “large gains” in 2020’s voter turnout, said Steve Flamisch of Rutgers University’s Program for Disability Research. It is a community that historically has splintered into smaller populations, each lobbying for specific needs in areas such as hearing or vision loss or developmental disabilities without coalescing into a larger political bloc. That has left such voters out of initial discussions about public policy, necessitating after-the-fact fixes such as those found in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

New York – Hochul Outsources Fundraising to Albany’s Top Lobbyists
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 11/1/2021

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s campaign is outsourcing a significant portion of its fundraising to Albany’s top lobbying firms, including a few featuring partners that were key witnesses caught up in past corruption cases. Hochul’s fundraising practice is legal. Yet at her swearing-in ceremony in August, she had said one of her priorities was “changing the culture of Albany.” But as she seeks to win a full term as governor next year, her campaign fundraising tactics have accelerated a longstanding practice in Albany’s political culture.

New York – Inspector General to Begin Releasing Its Secret ‘Letter’ Reports
Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons and Chris Bragg | Published: 11/2/2021

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s directive creating more “transparency” in state agencies will include having the state inspector general’s office begin posting the results of all its investigations online, including the letters the office has more frequently sent to many agencies in recent years to privately summarize its findings in controversial matters. It was reported that during the administration of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the inspector general’s office had been increasingly sending letters to agencies, rather than posting full reports on its website, to quietly handle matters ranging from sexual harassment to the alleged leak of confidential information to the governor.

New York – Sheriff Defends Filing of Criminal Complaint Against Cuomo
Yahoo News – Bobby Caina and Michael Hill (Associated Press) | Published: 10/29/2021

A sheriff defended his decision to file a criminal complaint against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo without consulting prosecutors or the accuser, a woman who says the Cuomo groped her late last year. Sheriff Craig Apple said he was confident in the strength of the case, which he said was based on witness interviews and voluminous records. A court summons requires Cuomo to appear for an arraignment on November 17, though that date could change. The one-page complaint filed in Albany City Court accuses Cuomo of forcible touching by putting his hand under a woman’s shirt on December 7.

Ohio – Columbus Officials Looking to Prevent Another Issue 7-Type Measure from Getting on Ballot
MSN – Mark Ferenchik and Bill Bush (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 11/3/2021

The defeat of Issue 7 in Columbus, a murky initiative to divert $87 million in taxpayer money to fund vague “green energy” programs with no oversight, may be unprecedented in the history of city elections. Although voters were not buying the shadowy petition and those behind it, city officials are already looking at ways to restrict future ballot initiatives from being able to redirect millions of tax dollars to a private, unregulated group to spend how it sees fit.

Pennsylvania – How Do Staffs at PSERS and SERS Pension Plans Play the Market? The Public Can’t Find Out
MSN – Craig McCoy and John DiStefano (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 11/1/2021

In California, public investment officers with power over billions of dollars in pension funds must disclose the stocks they own, their approximate cash value, when they bought them, when they sold, and any profits they made. Ohio requires public investment staff to disclose all their personal stocks. So does Florida. But in Pennsylvania, lenient laws mean scores of highly paid investment staffers and top public pension plan executives are required to reveal little or nothing about their personal stock trading.

Pennsylvania – Pa. House Mulling Gift Ban Bill, but Gov. Tom Wolf Says It Needs Strengthening. Here’s Why
Lebanon Daily News – J.D. Prose (Pennsylvania State Capital Bureau) | Published: 11/1/2021

Gov. Tom Wolf is urging the Pennsylvania Legislature to close a “loophole” in a gift ban bill that is moving forward in the House. House Bill 1009 prohibits elected officials and state employees from accepting lodging or sleeping accommodations, food and drinks, transportation, recreation, and entertainment collectively valued at more than $250 from registered lobbyists during a year. Wolf said it does not go far enough and should be strengthened to include gifts from businesses or people not registered as lobbyists in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania – Want to See Who’s Funding Local Candidates in Pa.? It’s Harder Than You’d Think
WHYY – Ethan Edward Coston (Spotlight PA) | Published: 11/2/2021

Hundreds of local races across Pennsylvania were decided on November 2 but determining who is bankrolled the candidates and how they spent that money can be onerous and time-consuming, a review found. Local candidates were required to file final pre-election campaign finance reports with their county by October 22. To test how easily and quickly the public could access this information less than two weeks before the election, Spotlight PA requested reports for school board candidates in nine counties.

Virginia – Republican Winsome Sears Projected to Win Lieutenant Governor’s Race
MSN – Antonio Olivo (Washington Post) | Published: 11/3/2021

Republican Winsome Sears was projected to win Virginia’s race for lieutenant governor, a victory that would make her the first woman in the state’s second-highest office and could tilt the closely split state Senate in her party’s favor on divisive issues such as abortion restrictions. The victory also would make Sears the first woman of color to hold a statewide office in Virginia, a milestone that was also possible for her opponent, Del. Hala Ayala, and that both candidates used to rally supporters in their bid to win the position that traditionally has been a launchpad for a run for governor.

Virginia – Youngkin Wins Virginia Governor’s Race, Jolting Democrats
MSN – Will Weissert and Sarah Rankin (Associated Press) | Published: 11/3/2021

Glenn Youngkin won the Virginia governor’s race, tapping into culture war fights over schools and race to unite former President Trump’s most fervent supporters with enough suburban voters to become the first Republican to win statewide office in 12 years. Youngkin’s defeat of Terry McAuliffe marked a sharp turnabout in a state that has shifted to the left over the past decade and was captured by Joe Biden last year by a 10-point margin. It is certain to add to the Democrats’ anxiety about their grip on political power heading into next year’s midterms.

November 4, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Gun Control Group Alleges Campaign Finance Violations in Lawsuit Against NRA” by Mychael Schnell (The Hill) for MSN National: “Trump Campaign Payments for ‘Command Centers’ at D.C. Hotels Could Undermine Executive Privilege Claim in Jan. 6 Investigation” […]

November 3, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “The FEC Affirmed That Foreigners Can Fund US Ballot Measures Because They’re Technically Not Elections” by Bryan Metzger (Business Insider) for MSN Pennsylvania: “Want to See Who’s Funding Local Candidates in Pa.? It’s Harder Than You’d Think” […]

November 2, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “A Year Out, Political Groups Prepare for What Could Be the Most Expensive Midterms Ever” by Kate Ackley (Roll Call) for MSN Florida: “Candidates Fail to Turn in Mandatory Financial Reports” by Corbin Bolies (Fresh Take Florida) […]

November 1, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Cases Show Foreign Donors Secretly Funnel Money Through Straw Donors, Shell Companies, ‘Dark Money’” by Anna Massoglia for Center for Responsive Politics New Jersey: “Former Owner of Morristown Law Firm Admits Directing Bold Straw Donor Scheme” by […]

October 29, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – October 29, 2021

National/Federal Democrats Turn Down Top Lobbying Roles at Facebook as Scandals Pile Up Yahoo News – Nihal Krishan (Washington Examiner) | Published: 10/27/2021 Facebook is reportedly struggling to hire Democrats for its lobbying shop in Washington, D.C. despite paying top dollar, […]

National/Federal

Democrats Turn Down Top Lobbying Roles at Facebook as Scandals Pile Up
Yahoo News – Nihal Krishan (Washington Examiner) | Published: 10/27/2021

Facebook is reportedly struggling to hire Democrats for its lobbying shop in Washington, D.C. despite paying top dollar, a potential sign the social media behemoth is now deemed radioactive by many on the Left. The Biden administration and Democrats in Congress have threatened to go after Facebook with aggressive regulations, lawsuits, and investigations, and that appears to be making it an unattractive employer for top talent. Making matters worse, some senior Democratic lobbyists have left the company recently, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Ethics Panel Releases Reports on Malinowski, Kelly, Mooney and Hagedorn
MSN – Chris Marquette (Roll Call) | Published: 10/21/2021

The House Committee on Ethics released four reports into separate violations of ethics rules by four members of Congress, portraying what investigators suggested was a sweeping array of improper financial conduct. The allegations against three Republicans and one Democrat center on stock trades and the improper use of campaign funds, according to the Office of Congressional Ethics, which investigated the cases. All four cases will continue to be reviewed by the ethics committee.

Facebook Staff Complained for Years About Their Lobbyists’ Power
Yahoo News – Emily Birnbaum (Politico) | Published: 10/25/2021

Facebook’s lobbying and government relations shop, overseen by former Republican operative Joel Kaplan, regularly weighs in on speech-related issues, such as how to deal with prominent right-wing figures, misinformation, ads from former President Trump, and the aftermath of the George Floyd protests, according to internal documents. The dynamic is so prevalent, employees argued Facebook regularly ignored its own written policies to keep political figures happy, even overriding concerns about public safety. The disclosures come after years of internal and external grumbling at Facebook about the role played by Kaplan.

Fed to Ban Policymakers from Owning Individual Stocks, Restrict Trading Following Controversy
CNBC – Jeff Cox | Published: 10/21/2021

Responding to a growing controversy over investing practices, the Federal Reserve announced a wide-ranging ban on officials owning individual stocks and bonds and limits on other activities as well. The ban includes top policymakers such as those who sit on the Federal Open Market Committee, along with senior staff. Future investments will have to be confined to diversified assets such as mutual funds. The new rules replace existing regulations that, while somewhat restrictive, still allowed officials such as regional presidents to buy and sell stocks.

Five Points for Anger, One for a ‘Like’: How Facebook’s formula fostered rage and misinformation
MSN – Jeremy Merrill and Will Oremus (Washington Post) | Published: 10/26/2021

Five years ago, Facebook gave its users five new ways to react to a post in their news feed beyond the iconic “like” thumbs-up: “love,” “haha,” “wow,” “sad,” and “angry.” Facebook programmed the algorithm that decides what people see in their news feeds to use the reaction emoji as signals to push more emotional and provocative content, including content likely to make them angry. Facebook’s ranking algorithm treated emoji reactions as five times more valuable than “likes,” internal documents reveal. The theory was simple: posts that prompted lots of reaction emoji tended to keep users more engaged, and keeping users engaged was the key to Facebook’s business.

Florida Judge Rules Trump Can’t Skirt Twitter’s Terms Just Because He Was President, in Latest Legal Setback
MSN – Timothy Bella (Washington Post) | Published: 10/27/2021

A federal judge in Florida ruled Donald Trump’s status as a former president does not exclude him from following Twitter’s terms of service, the latest setback in his quest to get back on the social media platform after being banned this year. The judge granted Twitter’s motion to transfer the case from the Southern District of Florida to the Northern District of California, which is required by a clause in the company’s user agreement that all Twitter users sign. The case stems from Twitter permanently suspending Trump shortly after the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol that led to five deaths and injuries to hundreds of people.

Former Giuliani Associate Lev Parnas Is Convicted of Campaign Finance Crimes
National Public Radio – Associated Press | Published: 10/22/2021

A jury convicted a former associate of Rudy Giuliani of charges he made illegal campaign contributions to influence U.S. politicians and advance his business interests. Prosecutors accused Lev Parnas of using other people’s money to pose as a powerful political broker and get close to some of the nation’s leading Republican political figures. The case had drawn interest because of the involvement of Parnas and a former co-defendant, Igor Fruman, in Giuliani’s efforts to get Ukrainian officials to investigate Joe Biden’s son during the 2020 election.

House Votes to Hold Bannon in Contempt for Refusing to Comply with the Jan. 6 Subpoena
MSN – Felicia Sonmez, Marianna Sotomayor, and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 10/21/2021

The House voted to hold former White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon in criminal contempt of Congress for his refusal to comply with a subpoena issued by the committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Bannon has argued he cannot respond to the subpoena because of executive privilege asserted by former President Trump. The matter now goes to the Justice Department, which will decide whether to pursue the matter. Legal experts have cast doubt on the merit of Bannon’s defense of his defiance of the subpoena.

Inside Facebook’s Struggle to Contain Insurrectionists’ Posts
Yahoo News – Alexandra Levine (Politico) | Published: 10/25/2021

In the hours leading up to the January 6 insurrection, engineers and other experts in Facebook’s Elections Operations Center were scrambling to thwart dangerous claims spreading across the platform, trying to detect false narratives of election fraud and squelch other content fueling the rioters. But much of what was happening across the social network that day fell into a bucket of problematic material Facebook has said it does not yet know how to tackle. Facebook had no clear playbook for handling some of the most dangerous material on its platform: content delegitimizing the U.S. elections.

Jan. 6 Protest Organizers Say They Participated in ‘Dozens’ of Planning Meetings with Members of Congress and White House Staff
Yahoo News – Hunter Walker (Rolling Stone) | Published: 10/24/2021

Two people who helped plan the pro-Trump rallies that took place in Washington, D.C., ahead of the Capitol riot on January 6 say members of Congress and the White House helped plan the protest that turned violent. Neither of the sources were identified, though Rolling Stone described one as a “rally organizer” and another as a “planner.” Rolling Stone reported the two are also talking to the House select committee investigating the insurrection. Both organizers also said Mark Meadows, who was serving as then-President Trump’s chief of staff, played a significant role in discussions regarding the protests ahead of January 6.

‘Threats of Violence’: School boards curb public comments to calm raucous meetings
MSN – Andrew Atterbury and Juan Perez Jr. (Politico) | Published: 10/26/2021

School leaders nationwide are beginning to eye ways to rein in public commentary at local meetings to quell raucous crowds over issues like mask mandates and critical race theory. The potential changes could add more strain between school boards and the public they serve, a domain that has emerged as a fierce culture war battleground amid the coronavirus. Parents across the nation are fighting for more control over what their children are learning in school, frustrations that have boiled over during the pandemic and are gaining support in the Republican Party.

Twitter Algorithms Amplify Conservative Content More Than That of the Political Left, Researchers Find
MSN – Taylor Telford (Washington Post) | Published: 10/24/2021

An internal evaluation of Twitter’s recommendation algorithms concluded they amplify right-leaning political content more than left-leaning content, undercutting allegations by many conservatives who contend they are being censored on the platform. The research is months in the making, part of Twitter’s promise to evaluate the underpinnings of its platform after the company was criticized for its role in the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – After Federal Court Action, Alaska Prepares to Remove Most Restrictions on Campaign Contributions
Yahoo News – James Brooks (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 10/27/2021

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said it will not re-examine a decision that overturned many of Alaska’s most important limits on campaign contributions. The order clears the way for those caps to be lifted later this fall, ahead of next year’s municipal and state races. Those limits were part of a 2006 ballot measure, but the federal judges ended almost six years of legal arguments by saying they unconstitutionally limit the free-speech rights of political donors.

California – California Sets New Rules for Mystery Donations Made on Behalf of Lawmakers
MSN – Melody Gutierrez (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 10/21/2021

California law requires that charitable donations of $5,000 or more requested by elected officials or their representatives, a practice known as behested payments, be disclosed to limit undue influence in government. But the identities of those who use so-called donor-advised funds to make those payments are often shielded in state and local disclosures. The Fair Political Practices Commission approved changes that will require elected officials to report the name of the person directing a behested payment through a donor-advised fund. When the contribution is made anonymously, the elected official must note that in disclosure filings.

California – Huizar Seeks to Gut Corruption Case, Says Alleged $1.5 Million in Gifts Were Not Bribes
Yahoo News – Michael Finnegan and David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 10/26/2021

Attorneys for former Los Angeles City Councilperson Jose Huizar readily admit that many of the allegations made against him in a wide-ranging corruption case are “distasteful.” Federal prosecutors have accused him of traveling on private jets, staying at luxury hotels, gambling at casinos in Las Vegas, and consorting with prostitutes – all paid for by businesspeople seeking to profit from the real estate boom in his district. But Huizar’s lawyers argued many of the steps he is accused of taking to help those businesspeople, such as setting up meetings and recommending consultants, were too informal to qualify as the type of “official acts” that meet the definition of bribery under federal law.

California – San Diego City Attorney, Mayoral Aides Met with Lobbyists Over Ash Street Litigation
San Diego Daily Tribune – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 10/24/2021

One of San Diego’s highest profile lobbying firms met privately with City Attorney Mara Elliott, her top lieutenants, and two senior aides to Mayor Todd Gloria to resolve litigation over the ill-fated lease for the former Sempra Energy headquarters. The confidential discussions with Southwest Strategies lobbyists came at the same time the company was raising tens of thousands of dollars in political donations for Elliott, Gloria, and members of the city. Legal and political experts say the arrangement is unusual and questionable.

Colorado – New Redistricting Lobbying Complaint Targets Latino Advocacy Group
Denver Gazette – Evan Wyloge (Colorado Springs Gazette) | Published: 10/22/2021

Another complaint alleging failures to properly disclose redistricting lobbying activity was lodged with the Colorado secretary of state, this time targeting an influential Hispanic and Latino advocacy organization. The newest complaint takes aim at the Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy, and Research Organization, arguing their registered lobbyist has not properly disclosed his activities, and two other employees of the organization should have registered as lobbyists and disclosed their contact with redistricting commissioners as lobbying.

Colorado – No-Bid Contracts to Campaign Contributors, Top-Dollar PR Firms Among ‘Custodial Funds’ Spending in Colorado
Denver Gazette – Evan Wyloge (Colorado Springs Gazette) | Published: 10/21/2021

So-called custodial funds in Colorado are an example of government spending that has little to no oversight. The money can be used at the discretion of a state agency, as long as the spending qualifies under the purpose of the funds’ source, like spending $400 million received from settlements with drug companies on anti-drug addiction efforts. But there is no oversight step built into the process. Attorney General Phil Weiser directed about $250,000 to no-bid contracts for a handful of his campaign contributors or their firms from a pot of money controlled by his office that is intended to help protect consumers from fraud.

Connecticut – Former State Rep. DiMassa Allegedly Billed West Haven $100K for Lobbying the City ‘Wouldn’t Need,’ Documents Show
Stamford Advocate – Mark Zaretsky (New Haven Register) | Published: 10/26/2021

Former Connecticut Rep. Michael DiMassa, who was arrested on federal wire-fraud charges related to his use of COVID relief funds, allegedly claimed on invoices he submitted to the city of New Haven a company he formed that received $636,000 in federal money was involved in lobbying activities. The documents do not specify who would have done the lobbying for DiMassa’s Compass Investment Group and authorities allege none of the work for which invoices were submitted was done, and state law also prohibits any member of the Legislature from acting as a lobbyist.

Florida – Florida Ethics Commission Clears Ken Welch in 2018 Lobbying Controversy
Florida Politics – Kelly Hayes | Published: 10/27/2021

The Florida Commission on Ethics found no probable cause former Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch misused his position in 2018 when lobbying public officials on behalf of his wife. The commission cleared Welch less than two weeks before the St. Petersburg election in which Welch tops the ballot for mayor. The issue has dogged Welch’s mayoral campaign in some attack emails by a shadowy group that messaged voters highlighting the past controversy. The emails referenced a Tampa Bay Times editorial criticizing Welch for an “obvious conflict-of-interest.”

Florida – Florida Senate ‘Ghost’ Candidate Alex Rodriguez Faces Potential $20,000 Ethics Fine
MSN – Mark Harper (Daytona Beach Journal) | Published: 10/27/2021

Alex Rodriguez, the former “ghost” candidate who pleaded guilty in August in an election-fraud criminal case, has been levied a $20,000 fine. The Florida Commission on Ethics announced it approved a settlement agreement with Rodriguez for accepting money “from an individual based on the understanding he would change his party affiliation, qualify to run” in the 2020 Senate District 37 race, and file a false financial-disclosure form. Rodriguez ran as a no-party affiliation candidate in a tight contest between then-incumbent Sen. Jose Rodriguez and Republican Ileana Garcia. He was considered a “ghost” candidate because he did not campaign other than filling out the paperwork and paying the qualifying fee.

Georgia – Judge: State can’t pursue charges against Georgia’s Oxendine
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 10/24/2021

A judge is throwing out ethics charges against former Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, saying state officials waited too long to pursue action. Oxendine was accused of illegally using campaign funds from his failed 2010 gubernatorial campaign to buy a house and lease cars. He was also accused of accepting campaign contributions 10 times above the legal limit from insurance companies.

Iowa – Des Moines Schools’ Superintendent’s Wife Donated to School Board Candidate’s Campaign
MSN – Samantha Hernandez (Des Moines Register) | Published: 10/24/2021

Des Moines Public Schools’ Superintendent Tom Ahart’s wife donated $400 to a city School Board candidate’s campaign, a contribution that is legal but raises ethical questions, government watchdogs say. Jami Bassman Ahart donated to candidate Shelley Skuster, who is running to unseat Kim Martorano, who previously voted not to extend Ahart’s contract with the district. If elected, Skuster would be among those making decisions about Ahart’s future employment.

Michigan – Detroit Cops Accused of Pocketing Cash, Steering Towing Work, Offering to Leak Info
Detroit News – Robert Snell, George Hunter, and Oralandar Brand-Williams | Published: 10/27/2021

Two members of the Detroit Police Department, including an internal affairs lieutenant, were charged with bribery. The arrests are in connection with “Operation Northern Hook,” a broader FBI investigation of corruption within City Hall and municipal towing operations. Lt. John Kennedy and Officer Daniel Vickers conspired to accept bribes in exchange for steering towing work to an unidentified company, prosecutors alleged. The bribes included thousands of dollars in cash, cars, and new carpeting for Vickers’ home, according to the government.

Michigan – Feds Secure First Conviction in Taylor Mayor Bribery Scandal
Detroit News – Robert Snell | Published: 10/22/2021

Federal prosecutors secured the first conviction in a bribery case against Taylor Mayor Rick Sollars when a real estate developer admitted bribing Sollars with more than $53,000 in cash, appliances, home renovations, and gambling money. Shady Awad pleaded guilty to bribery conspiracy almost two years after he was charged. Awad is the latest person convicted in a crackdown on public corruption in Metro Detroit. Since 2008, more than 100 individuals have been charged and there are ongoing FBI investigations targeting Detroit City Council members.

Mississippi – Brett Favre Repays $600,000 in Mississippi Welfare Fraud Case
New York Times – Michael Levensen | Published: 10/27/2021

Brett Favre, the Hall of Fame quarterback who was raised in Mississippi, paid the state back $600,000 he owed after he improperly received welfare money for speeches as part of an extensive fraud scheme. But Favre could still be sued if he does not pay the state the remaining $228,000 in interest he owes, said state Auditor Shad White. Mississippi had allowed millions of dollars in anti-poverty funds to be used in ways that did little or nothing to help the poor, with two nonprofit groups instead using the money on lobbyists, football tickets, religious concerts, and fitness programs for state lawmakers.

Missouri – Unexplained Exits Becoming the Norm for Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s Cabinet
Missouri Independent – Jason Hancock | Published: 10/25/2021

The October 12 departure of Sarah Steelman as commissioner of the Office of Administration marked the third time in six months that a member of Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s Cabinet was let go suddenly and without any public explanation. Just like the previous two – Former Health Director Randall Williams and ex-chief operating officer for the governor Drew Erdman – Steelman was asked to resign effective immediately, and her resignation letter is being withheld from public disclosure. House Minority Leader Crystal Quade said the moves are especially troubling now that they involve the state’s purchasing agency.

New Jersey – An Oath Keeper Was at the Capitol Riot. On Tuesday, He’s on the Ballot.
New York Times – Tracy Tully | Published: 10/27/2021

Edward Durfee Jr. is an active member of the far-right Oath Keepers militia who leads the group’s northern New Jersey region and was outside the Capitol during the January 6 insurrection. He is also running for the New Jersey Assembly as a Republican. Durfee said he did not enter the Capitol during the assault, and he condemned the violence that led to several deaths. But he wholeheartedly embraces the ideology of the Oath Keepers, an antigovernment group that pledges to support and defend its interpretation of the Constitution against all enemies.

New York – Rep. Espaillat Campaign Paid Thousands to Online Influencers Who Delivered Flattering Posts
The City – Claudia Irizarry Aponte | Published: 10/25/2021

Campaign committees for U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat have paid nearly $15,000 to bloggers for posting hundreds of flattering articles dating to his first run for Congress in 2016. The bloggers’ posts do not disclose their financial ties with the Espaillat campaign, exploiting a legal gray area as paid social media influencers play a growing role in campaigns nationally. Two of those bloggers have also received payments from four candidates for the New York City Council, classified in campaigns’ filings as “communications” or “advertising.” The council contenders also have reaped favorable articles written by the bloggers, without disclosure to readers of the payments.

Ohio – Bankruptcy Court Overseeing Energy Harbor Case Didn’t Pre-Approve $500K Political Donation
MSN – Laura Bischoff (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 10/24/2021

Bankrupt and struggling for survival, FirstEnergy Solutions donated $500,000 to the Republican Governors Association in October 2018 as part of a political strategy recommended by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, a powerful law and lobbying firm. But the contribution, designed to help Mike DeWine, did not get prior approval from the federal bankruptcy court. FirstEnergy and FirstEnergy Solutions, which is now called Energy Harbor, have not provided a full disclosure of how much money it pumped into Ohio politics via “dark money” groups.

Ohio – Cincinnati City Council Approves Anti-Corruption Reforms
WXIX – Jennifer Edwards Baker | Published: 10/27/2021

Rocked by a corruption scandal that saw three members indicted on bribery charges last year, Cincinnati City Council approved two anti-corruption reform measures. One will prohibit council members from soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from those having a financial interest in city business while that business is pending before council. The other will create the position of ethics czar. This person will investigate ethics complaints, oversee a confidential whistleblower hotline, and in general support ethics, election, and campaign finance efforts.

Ohio – Sam Randazzo Overruled PUCO Commissioners, Staff to Help FirstEnergy, According to Company’s Ex-CEO
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 10/21/2021

Former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Chairperson Sam Randazzo, whom FirstEnergy admitted to bribing, overruled other commissioners and staff to secure policies that benefitted the utility. Randazzo also succeeded in “burning” the final report of a PUCO-commissioned audit into a FirstEnergy customer charge the Ohio Supreme Court overturned the previous year. Critics are questioning whether that report contained information about whether FirstEnergy was improperly using money collected from customers to help pay a $60 million bribe to secure the passage of legislation favorable to the company.

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Lawmakers Get Started on Bills Restricting Lobbyists
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Marc Levy (Associated Press) | Published: 10/25/2021

The Pennsylvania House began advancing a package of bills aimed at lobbying, including limiting gifts from lobbyists, and prohibiting lobbyists from trying to influence an elected official for whom they also worked as a campaign strategist. One of the centerpiece bills would bar state officials, including lawmakers, from letting a lobbyist pay for their transportation, lodging, recreation, or entertainment, and limiting gifts from lobbyists to $250 in value each year.

Tennessee – State Sen. Brian Kelsey, Nashville Club Owner Indicted in Campaign Finance Conspiracy
MSN – Rachel Wegner and Brinley Hineman (The Tennessean) | Published: 10/25/2021

A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging Tennessee Sen. Brian Kelsey and club owner Joshua Smith with violating multiple campaign finance laws as part of a conspiracy to benefit Kelsey’s 2016 campaign for Congress. Smith owns The Standard, an elite Nashville club that also operates its own state PAC. There, the investigators allege, they illegally funneled money into Kelsey’s campaign on one occasion at a private dinner through the club’s PAC. A watchdog group filed an FEC complaint saying Kelsey and others may have been involved in illegal straw donations, inappropriate coordination, and other possible wrongdoing.

Texas – Gov. Greg Abbott’s Pick for Top Texas Election Post Worked with Trump to Fight 2020 Results
Texas Tribune – James Barragán and Patrick Svitek | Published: 10/21/2021

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed John Scott, an attorney who briefly represented former President Trump in a lawsuit challenging the 2020 election results in Pennsylvania, as Texas’ new secretary of state. Scott would oversee election administration in Texas, a task complicated in by baseless claims of widespread election fraud from Republicans in the highest levels of government, fueled by Trump. Scott will eventually have to be confirmed by the Legislature, which is not scheduled to meet again until 2023. Until then, Scott will serve as interim secretary of state and will oversee next year’s statewide races, in which Abbott will run for reelection.

Texas – Texas Abortion Law Model Could Spread to Guns, Free Speech, Supreme Court Is Told
MSN – Todd Ruger (Roll Call) | Published: 10/28/2021

The U.S. Supreme Court faces arguments that a novel enforcement scheme Texas created for its abortion law could be used by states to neutralize other constitutional rights related to guns, protests, campaign finance, and more. The warning comes from not only the Justice Department and the abortion providers that have challenged the law but also constitutional scholars, states, former prosecutors, and law enforcement officials and a California-based nonprofit group that pushes for gun rights.

Texas – Texas GOP Lawmaker Launches Investigation of Books on Race and Sexuality Used in School Districts
MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 10/27/2021

A Texas Republican lawmaker launched an investigation into some of the state’s school districts’ libraries, demanding in a letter that educators say whether their schools own books named in a list of 850 titles, many of which cover issues of race and sexuality. Rep. Matt Krause, who is running for state attorney general, sent the letter as part of his role as chairperson of the House Committee on General Investigating. Sarah Spurrier, a high school social studies teacher, said she does not teach critical race theory in her classes, because that is a concept she first heard of this summer, when it became a conservative talking point.

Texas – Texas GOP Lt. Gov. Patrick Offered $25,000 for Election-Fraud tips. The First Payout Was for a Republican’s Illegal Vote.
MSN – Julian Mark (Washington Post) | Published: 10/22/2021

Three days after the 2020 presidential election was called for Joe Biden, and as then-President Trump took to Twitter and falsely claimed tens of thousands of votes were cast illegally, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he would reward a minimum of $25,000 to tipsters who uncovered credible instances of voter fraud. Now Patrick has given out his first reward to Eric Frank, a Democratic poll worker from Pennsylvania whose tip led to the recent conviction of a registered Republican who cast a second vote in his son’s name last November.

Virginia – An Army of Poll Watchers – Many Driven by GOP’s ‘Election Integrity’ Push – Turns Out Across Virginia
MSN – Meagan Flynn and Shawn Boburg (Washington Post) | Published: 10/27/2021

In Virginia, the Republican Party’s “election integrity” push has driven an influx of election observers in this year’s gubernatorial race. In some trainings, prospective poll watchers have been taught to see themselves as a bulwark against election fraud. But while many registrars said they welcomed the poll watchers’ commitment to transparency, some tactics have made election officials uneasy because it is clear former President Trump’s claims of mass voter fraud have driven much of the interest, said Fairfax County General Registrar Scott, creating a created a sense among some staff members the observers do not trust them.

Virginia – Virginia’s Redistricting Commission’s Failure to Transcend Partisanship Has Lessons for Other States, Critics Say
MSN – Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) | Published: 10/25/2021

Last year, Virginia voters approved a bipartisan commission to take politics out of redistricting. This year, blowing past deadlines to deliver new state and congressional maps, the Virginia Redistricting Commission failed to reach agreement on any maps, with time running out to reconvene. It marks a stunning departure from the type of redistricting overhaul voters sought when they approved the commission. While voters and advocates hoped to end gerrymandering, instead what they got was a stalemate, as commissioners gridlocked along party lines almost every step of the way.

October 28, 2021 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Alaska: “After Federal Court Action, Alaska Prepares to Remove Most Restrictions on Campaign Contributions” by James Brooks for Anchorage Daily News Ohio: “Bankruptcy Court Overseeing Energy Harbor Case Didn’t Pre-Approve $500K Political Donation” by Laura Bischoff (Columbus Dispatch) […]

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