August 15, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Trump Gambles on Outside Groups to Finance Voter Outreach Efforts” by Theodore Schleifer (New York Times) for DNyuz Elections Michigan: “Michigan Lawyer Who Claimed Election Fraud Arrested after Dominion Hearing” by Rachel Weiner and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN National: “Arizona […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Trump Gambles on Outside Groups to Finance Voter Outreach Efforts” by Theodore Schleifer (New York Times) for DNyuz
Elections
Michigan: “Michigan Lawyer Who Claimed Election Fraud Arrested after Dominion Hearing” by Rachel Weiner and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Arizona and Missouri Greenlight Abortion Rights Amendments” by Sandhya Raman (Roll Call) for MSN
Ethics
Alabama: “House Representative Plans to Refile Bill Overhauling Alabama’s Ethics Code” by Alander Rocha for Alabama Reflector
Kansas: “Ex-Police Chief Who Led Raid on Kansas Newspaper Faces Felony Charge” by Ben Brasch, Sofia Andrade, and Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “Hunter Biden Sought State Department Help for Ukrainian Company” by Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) for DNyuz
Texas: “Inside ‘The Pond’ – CenterPoint’s Private Houston-Area Retreat Used for Lobbying Texas Politicians” by Mike Morris, Amanda Drane, Neena Satija, and Eric Dexheimer (Houston Chronicle) for MSN
Redistricting
Florida: “A Court Will Weigh ‘Legislative Privilege’ and Whether Florida Legislators Should Testify in a Redistricting Case” by Jim Saunders (News Service of Florida) for WMNF
August 14, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Alabama: “Alabama Legislator Wants to Limit Power of Political Parties Regarding Campaign Contributions” by Ralph Chapoco for Alabama Reflector New York: “Trash Hauler Won Coveted Garbage Pickup Rights After Donating to Mayor Adams’ Campaign” by Liam Quigley for Gothamist Elections Colorado: “Former Colorado […]
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “Alabama Legislator Wants to Limit Power of Political Parties Regarding Campaign Contributions” by Ralph Chapoco for Alabama Reflector
New York: “Trash Hauler Won Coveted Garbage Pickup Rights After Donating to Mayor Adams’ Campaign” by Liam Quigley for Gothamist
Elections
Colorado: “Former Colorado Official Found Guilty for Role in Election Equipment Tampering” by Yvonne Winget Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Elections Officials Battle a Deluge of Disinformation” by Tiffany Hsu (New York Times) for Yahoo News
National: “Want to Speed Up a Road or Transit Project? Just Host a Political Convention” by Jeff McMurray (Associated Press) for MSN
Ethics
Ohio: “FirstEnergy Makes $20 Million Deal with AG Dave Yost’s Office to Avoid HB6 Prosecution, Drop Company from Civil Lawsuits” by Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “Biggest Lobbying Interests Buck Trend with Higher 2024 Spending” by Caitlin Reilly (Roll Call) for MSN
Michigan: “Lawyer Contended Curtailing Lawmakers’ Ticket Perks Could Have ‘Destabilizing Impact'” by Craig Mauger for Detroit News
August 13, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Indiana: “Seventh Circuit Orders Injunction on Indiana Campaign Finance Rule” by Dave Byrnes for Courthouse News Service Massachusetts: “Cesar Ruiz Dissolves Latino Political Action Committee Due to Campaign Finance Violations” by Jim Kinney (MassLive) for MSN Mississippi: “MS Sec. of State Wants to […]
Campaign Finance
Indiana: “Seventh Circuit Orders Injunction on Indiana Campaign Finance Rule” by Dave Byrnes for Courthouse News Service
Massachusetts: “Cesar Ruiz Dissolves Latino Political Action Committee Due to Campaign Finance Violations” by Jim Kinney (MassLive) for MSN
Mississippi: “MS Sec. of State Wants to Work with AG on Campaign Finance Violations, AG Gives Nonresponse” by Grant McLaughlin (Jackson Clarion Ledger) for MSN
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Election Overseers Donate Thousands to Candidates” by Andrew Bahl for Capital Times
Elections
National: “Experts Warn of Election Disruptions After Trump Says Campaign Was Hacked” by Abbie Cheeseman and Joseph Menn (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Empty Chairs at Candidate Debates a Sign of These Very Partisan Times” by Karin Brulliard (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Inside Project 2025’s Secret Training Videos” by Andy Kroll (ProPublica) and Nick Surgery (Documented) for MSN
Procurement
California: “State Sting Operation Busts 11 Contractors Making Bids Without a License in Sacramento County” by Vincent Medina (Sacramento Bee) for MSN
August 12, 2024 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Alaska: “How Alaska Wound Up with No Limits on Campaign Donations – and How Some Hope to Restore Them” by Eric Stone for Alaska Public Media National: “Feds Ask Ted Cruz’s Campaign to Explain Dozens of Illegal Donations It Received” by Sanford […]
Campaign Finance
Alaska: “How Alaska Wound Up with No Limits on Campaign Donations – and How Some Hope to Restore Them” by Eric Stone for Alaska Public Media
National: “Feds Ask Ted Cruz’s Campaign to Explain Dozens of Illegal Donations It Received” by Sanford Nowlin for San Antonio Current
Oklahoma: “Corporation Commissioners Have Accepted Thousands in Donations, Raising Ethical Questions” by Kennedy Thomason (The Oklahoman) for MSN
Elections
National: “Pro-Israel PAC Notches Striking Electoral Victories with Bush, Bowman Defeats” by Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Man Who Violently Fought Cops Gets 2nd-Longest Jan. 6 Sentence: 20 years” by Tom Jackman (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
California: “Nonprofit Linked to OC Supervisor’s Daughter Says It Won’t Refund $2.2M in Taxpayer Funds Demanded by County” by Nick Gerda (LAist) for MSN
Kentucky: “Louisville Official Says She Was in the Process of Filing Ethics Complaints When Fired” by Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) for MSN
Lobbying
North Carolina: “Group That Took NC Legislators on Bourbon Tour Violates Ethics Rules, Complaint Says” by Dan Kane and Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi (Raleigh News and Observer) for MSN
August 9, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 9, 2024
National/Federal How an Elon Musk PAC Is Using Voter Data to Help Trump Beat Harris in 2024 Election CNBC – Brian Schwartz | Published: 8/2/2024 The combination of owning a social media company that gives him an enormous platform to push his […]
National/Federal
How an Elon Musk PAC Is Using Voter Data to Help Trump Beat Harris in 2024 Election
CNBC – Brian Schwartz | Published: 8/2/2024
The combination of owning a social media company that gives him an enormous platform to push his political views, and creating a PAC with effectively unlimited resources, has made Elon Musk a major force in an American presidential election. The America PAC has spent more than $800,000 on digital ads that target voters in battleground states. Many of the ads encouraged people to register to vote at America PAC’s website. The PAC’s effort to collect information from people using the idea of “voter registration” is a critical piece to its plan to make personal contact with these voters.
Hearing Set to Discuss Next Steps in Trump’s Federal Election Case
DNyuz – Alan Feurer (New York Times) | Published: 8/3/2024
The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s federal election interference case scheduled a hearing for August 16 to discuss next steps. The Supreme Court granted Trump broad immunity against criminal prosecution for acts arising from his presidency. A key element of that decision requires U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan to sort through the indictment accusing Trump of plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 election and decide which of its many allegations can move forward to trial and which will have to be tossed out.
Justice Thomas Failed to Reveal More Private Flights, Senator Says
DNyuz – Abbie VanSickle (New York Times) | Published: 8/5/2024
Justice Clarence Thomas failed to publicly disclose additional private travel provided by the wealthy conservative donor Harlan Crow, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said. Customs and Border Protection records revealed the justice and his wife, Virginia Thomas, took a round trip between Hawaii and New Zealand in November 2010 on Crow’s private jet. Wyden, writing to Crow’s lawyer, demanded he supply more information about the financial relationship between the two men.
Harris Decides on Tim Walz as Running Mate
MSN – John King, Jeff Zeleny, Jamie Gangel, MJ Lee, Daniel Strauss, Gregory Krieg, and Kristen Holmes (CNN) | Published: 8/6/2024
Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, elevating the former teacher and Army National Guard veteran to help lead the party’s fight to defeat Donald Trump. Walz is in his second term as governor and chairs the Democratic Governors Association. He previously served 12 years in Congress, representing a conservative-leaning rural district. Walz has delivered a handful of memorable haymakers against Republicans, especially its presidential ticket of Trump and Sen. JD Vance. Walz has referred to the duo as “weird dudes.” The phrase has stuck, becoming a central meme in the campaign.
FBI Searches Rep. Ogles’s Phone as Part of Campaign Finance Probe, Lawyer Says
MSN – Perry Stein and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 8/6/2024
FBI agents used a court order to search and seize U.S. Rep. Andrew Ogles’s cellphone as part of federal campaign finance probe. A complaint stated Ogles did not include that he reportedly used a $320,000 loan to fund his 2022 campaign. He also allegedly failed to report a $700,000 line of credit that he opened in 2022. The complaint from the Campaign Legal Center alleged that, in all, Ogles’s financial report contained more than $1 million in discrepancies.
Elon Musk’s X Accused of Bias After Pro-Harris Accounts Labeled as ‘Spam’
MSN – Trisha Thadani (Washington Post) | Published: 8/7/2024
Prominent X accounts advocating for Vice President Kamala Harris have been labeled as spam and restricted in recent weeks, triggering alarm among some Democrats that Elon Musk’s social media platform is tilted in favor of his chosen candidate, Donald Trump. The recurring issues are raising questions about whether Musk’s platform is intentionally censoring the pages, or if the deep staff cuts that he made after buying the company in 2022 have left the platform ill-equipped for the surge in political speech ahead of the November election.
About Half of US State AGs Went on France Trip Sponsored by Group with Lobbyist and Corporate Funds
MSN – Geoff Mulvihill (Associated Press) | Published: 8/3/2024
Many state attorneys general traveled to France on a recent trip cosponsored by the Attorney General Alliance (AGA). The trip illuminates how corporate lawyers and lobbyists can gain access to officials who regulate their businesses with help from the AGA. Companies that have picked up the bill and sent representatives in recent years have been from the pharmaceutical, financial, and tech industries, among others.
$10M Cash Withdrawal Drove Secret Probe into Whether Trump Took Money from Egypt
MSN – Aaron Davis and Carol Leonnig (Washington Post) | Published: 8/2/2024
Five days before Donald Trump became president in January 2017, a manager at a bank branch in Cairo received an unusual letter from an organization linked to the Egyptian intelligence service. It asked the bank to “kindly withdraw” nearly $10 million from the organization’s account, all in cash. Four men arrived and carried away the bags. The discovery intensified a secret criminal investigation, with classified U.S. intelligence indicating Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi sought to give Trump $10 million to boost his 2016 presidential campaign, a Washington Post investigation found.
Without ‘Zuckerbucks,’ Limited Private Funding Available for Elections
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 8/2/2024
In 2020, a group funded by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife gave $332 million to local governments to run the presidential election amid a global pandemic, prompting a Republican backlash that led to more than two dozen states banning or limiting private funding for elections. The Center for Tech and Civic Life is again awarding grants this fall but in much smaller amounts. The grants will have nowhere near the nationwide effect they did in the last presidential election but could nonetheless spark controversy.
Court Rules Against Black and Hispanic Voters in Redistricting Case
MSN – Patrick Marley and Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 8/1/2024
A federal appeals court made it harder for Black and Hispanic voters to form coalitions to elect the candidates they prefer in three southern states, overruling long-standing precedents. For decades, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held the Voting Rights Act allows voting districts that give Black and Hispanic voters the ability to elect candidates of their choice when they have common interests and can form coalitions.
Trump Took a Private Flight with Project 2025 Leader in 2022
MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 8/7/2024
Donald Trump has denied knowing about the Project 2025 policy blueprint or the people behind it. But in April 2022, Trump shared a private flight with Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts. They flew together to a Heritage conference where Trump delivered a keynote address that gestured to the organization’s forthcoming policy proposals. The flight and Trump’s speech cut against the former president’s efforts to distance himself from Project 2025 once Democrats turned some of its most controversial proposals into a frequent campaign attack.
Drag Queens Unite to Form Political Action Committee Ahead of 2024 Election
OpenSecrets – Albert Sema Jr. | Published: 7/26/2024
A new political committee is bringing together some of the biggest names in drag to push back against anti-LGBTQ legislation and politicians. As a hybrid PAC, Drag PAC can make limited donations to politicians from one account but raise and spend unlimited money to make independent expenditures from another. FEC filings show that the PAC has raised more than $140,000 so far, with long-time Democratic donor Dylan Bulkeley-Krane contributing $60,000 since March.
Conway Registers as Lobbyist for Ukrainian Billionaire with Past Ties to Trump
Yahoo News – Soo Rin Kim, Lalee Ibssa, and Kelsey Walsh (ABC News) | Published: 8/4/2024
Former Trump administration official Kellyanne Conway registered as a foreign agent representing Ukrainian billionaire Victor Pinchuk’s foundation. In 2015, the Ukrainian steel magnate donated $150,000 to Donald Trump’s charitable organization to book the then-presidential candidate to speak at a conference in Kyiv. The donation was later reportedly investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller.
From the States and Municipalities
Arizona – Arizona Judges Allow More Access to Voting, Much to Republicans’ Dismay
KAWC – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 8/3/2024
Arizonans who lack proof of citizenship can again sign up to vote in this year’s presidential and congressional races. A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals restored an order issued last year by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton who concluded federal law specifically allowed people to register to vote in federal elections without the same kind of proof that Arizona requires of those wanting to cast ballots in state or local elections.
Arizona – Arizona Grand Jurors Discussed Indicting Trump, but Prosecutors Urged Them Not To
MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 8/6/2024
An Arizona grand jury that indicted 18 allies of Donald Trump for their role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election had expressed interest in possible charges against the former president, according to a legal motion. It is unclear how many of the jurors were in favor of indicting the former president, who by then had been federally charged for his attempts to subvert Joe Biden’s win in a case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The interest prompted the Arizona case’s lead prosecutor to give a PowerPoint presentation and request that jurors not indict Trump, according to the motion.
California – What Does a California Lobbyist Do?
Comstock’s Magazine – Laurie Lauletta-Boshart | Published: 8/5/2024
Lobbyists who spend their day impacting legislation and regulatory decisions in California work long, frenetic days and no two look alike. They come from a myriad of different backgrounds: law, political science, government affairs, and communications, with outliers in engineering, psychology, and education. But most share similar character traits: good analytical, networking, relationship, and communication skills, with a side of political savvy and a desire to get the best possible outcome for their clients, even when politics prevail.
California – SF Political Group That Bankrolled DA Recall on Hook for $54K Ethics Fine
Mission Local – Joe Rivano Barros | Published: 8/5/2024
The San Francisco Ethics Commission will consider levying a $53,916 fine against the powerful political group Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy and its president, Jay Cheng. Ina negotiated stipulation, both the Ethics Commission and Cheng agreed the group failed to disclose payments it made to a campaign spokesperson who was working to recall then-District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2021 and 2022.
California – Govern for California, Group Under Investigation by State, Bundling Donations to SF Candidates
Mission Local – Joe Rivano Barros | Published: 8/6/2024
In San Francisco, supervisor races have strict $500 contribution limits per donor. But a nonprofit called Govern for California, which has historically financed state races, has employed eight of its different chapters to give $500 each to six supervisor candidates and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. Each of the candidates has collectively received $4,000 from the group’s chapters. Govern for California is currently being investigated by the California Fair Political Practices Commission after a media investigation into its use of local chapters as “force multipliers” to influence politics.
California – County Demands Refund of Millions OC Supervisor Awarded to His Daughter’s Group
MSN – Nick Gerda (LAist) | Published: 8/2/2024
Orange County officials are demanding the refund of millions of dollars in tax dollars that county Supervisor Andrew Do gave to a nonprofit linked to his daughter, saying Viet America Society (VAS) failed to show it did the work it was paid to do. The repayment demands come after the nonprofit failed to meet a deadline to submit an audit, which was supposed to answer how the money was spent. VAS fired the auditors it hired for the work the day after those auditors said they would find the group failed to follow requirements to track what it did with the money.
California – LA Council Member Kevin de Leon’s Ballot Measure Shell Game
MSN – Will McCarthy (Politico) | Published: 8/5/2024
Los Angeles City Councilperson Kevin de León is playing a shell game with three different campaign accounts as he fights for his political life. He moved $550,000 from an account created to back a 2026 run for lieutenant governor to a newly formed Kevin de León Believing in a Better California Ballot Measure Committee. It’s all likely designed to help him win a tough race for another term on the city council. Unlike with his campaign fund, de León can raise and spend from his ballot measure committee with few constraints.
California – California Lawmakers Got Ticket Freebies as They Cracked Down on Ticketmaster’s Taylor Swift Debacle
MSN – Lara Korte (Politico) | Published: 8/5/2024
An investigation by Politico found 66 state lawmakers in California received more than $30,000 total worth of free tickets last year. The giveaways included entrance to Disneyland, passes to a country music festival, and San Francisco 49ers seats. The gifts came the same year some lawmakers mounted bids to loosen the power of the ticketing giant Ticketmaster and other elected officials sought to limit third-party resellers like StubHub.
California – Ex-L.A. Sheriff’s Corruption Squad Targeted Kuehl. Now State Has Dropped the Case
Yahoo News – Keri Blakinger (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 8/7/2024
Two years after Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies showed up for an early morning raid on former county Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s home, the investigation is officially over and there will be no criminal charges. Instead, a judge approved an agreement in which the California Department of Justice said there was a “lack of evidence of wrongdoing.” The department had taken over the politically charged investigation originally launched by then-Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s controversial public corruption squad.
Colorado – Divided Appeals Court Strikes Down Campaign Disclosure Requirement in Colorado Law
Colorado Politics – Michael Karlik | Published: 8/1/2024
Colorado’s second-highest court said the state’s requirement that ballot issue advocacy groups disclose the name of their legal representative on their election communications violates the First Amendment. A three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals believed there was no material benefit to the public from knowing who the registered agents are for groups that advocate for or against ballot measures. Judge Jerry Jones, writing for the majority, noted Colorado is the only state with such a requirement in its campaign finance laws.
District of Columbia – D.C. Buildings Official Resigns After Probe Finds She Had 2nd Full-Time Job
MSN – Maegan Flynn (Washington Post) | Published: 8/7/2024
A top official at the District of Columbia Department of Buildings resigned after an investigation found she was secretly working a separate full-time private-sector job on her city “telework” days, violations that resulted in a $25,000 fine from the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability. The official, Deputy Director Caroline Lian, is a Falls Church City Council member and allegedly performed council business when she should have been working for the District of Columbia.
Florida – Miami Ballot Measures Propose New, More Robust Inspector General’s Office
Yahoo News – Catherine Odom (Miami Herald) | Published: 8/7/2024
Miami voters will decide if they want to do away with the auditor general’s office and install a new, more powerful watchdog in its place. The new office would be tasked with investigating legal and ethical violations by city employees, agencies with ties to the city, and candidates running for office in Miami. The office could initiate these investigations itself and would be required to report any wrongdoing it finds to the appropriate authorities, city Commissioner Manolo Reyes said.
Georgia – Federal Election Commission Fines Georgia Republicans for Illegal Campaign Coordinating
MSN – Dave Williams (Columbus Ledger-Inquirer) | Published: 8/6/2024
The FEC fined the Georgia Republican Party $14,500 for failing to report a contribution from a nonprofit during the 2021 U.S. Senate runoff elections. The fine settled a complaint targeting an in-kind contribution the group True the Vote made to the state GOP. In this case, True the Vote and the state Republican Party collaborated on election-related activities, including challenging voter eligibility and monitoring drop boxes, and failed to report those activities.
Georgia – Georgia Election Board Clears County Officials to Delay Vote Certification with Information Demands
Yahoo News – Stanley Dunlap (Georgia Recorder) | Published: 8/7/2024
The Georgia State Election Board pushed through new election rules that have sparked fierce debates over giving county officials greater authority to refuse to certify voter tallies. Today, certification by local election boards is considered an administrative task that does not allow members to delay as they investigate results provided to them by county officials. The new process could delay the certification of a Georgia election in a large county if a single board member called for an investigation into equipment or administration of the vote.
Hawaii – Hawaii Carpenters Union PACs Are Training Candidates to Run for Office
Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair and Blaze Lovell | Published: 8/6/2024
A political organization with connections to the local construction industry has found a new tool to help candidates get elected: train them. Over the past two election cycles, four PACs with ties to the Hawaii Carpenters Union have spent more than $70,000 to instruct 17 people in running for office. Several of the candidates running for office this year praised the program, crediting it with teaching the basics of campaigning such as running phone banks, mailing fliers, and improving public speaking. The training is done through in-kind contributions.
Louisiana – Making Room for Landry’s Expanded Ethics Board Requires a Costly Upgrade
Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 8/8/2024
The Louisiana Board of Ethics expects the state will have to spend $50,000 to more than $100,000 to accommodate four more board members in its meeting room in Baton Rouge. In January, the ethics board will grow from 11 to 15 members at the behest of Gov. Jeff Landry. The governor is in an ongoing dispute with current board members over his failure to disclose flights he took on a campaign donor’s private plane while he was attorney general. “They decided to pass this legislation, but yet they want us to pay the cost,” ethics board Chairperson La Koshia Roberts.
Maryland – Fired Health Commissioner May Have Violated Baltimore’s Ethics Laws
Baltimore Banner – Lee Sanderlin and Adam Willis | Published: 8/1/2024
Baltimore’s former health commissioner, Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga, who is the subject of a criminal investigation, may have also violated city ethics laws when she was working for Chase Brexton while also a city employee. While some City Hall personnel, like council members, work outside jobs, the law makes clear that employees are prohibited from working for or receiving payment from organizations that have contracts with their agency, as Chase Brexton does with the health department. Even organizations that are in negotiations for a city contract are off limits.
MSN – Lia Russell and Cassidy Jensen (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 8/1/2024
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. appointed a high school classmate and real estate agent to the county ethics commission in 2020, the same year her boss, former county firefighter Philip Tirabassi, received a secret $83,675 settlement from the county. Tirabassi also helped handle Olszewski’s personal real estate transactions. County spokesperson Erica Palmisano said Laura Ray’s nomination to the commission was based on her credentials and her party affiliation.
New Mexico – Federal Judge Sends Dark Money Group Lawsuit Back to State Court
Source New Mexico – Marjorie Childress (New Mexico In Depth) | Published: 8/7/2024
A federal judge rejected a nonprofit group’s bid to move to federal court a campaign finance case brought against it by New Mexico’s Ethics Commission. Chief U.S. District Court Judge William Johnson said his court lacked jurisdiction over the question of whether the New Mexico Project, a nonprofit formed last year, must register as a political committee and disclose its donors.
New York – Former Addison Clerk Forfeits Pension After ‘Stunning,’ ‘Shameless’ Theft of $1.1 Million
Corning Leader – Jeff Smith | Published: 8/2/2024
Ursula Stone, the former clerk-treasurer of the Village of Addison, will be sentenced to between three and nine years in state prison and ordered to pay back $1.1 million stolen from taxpayers. Stone will also forfeit her public pension, marking the first pension forfeiture in New York state.
New York – Mayor Adams’ 2021 Campaign Flagged for $2.3 Million Gap in Fundraising Records
Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 7/31/2024
The New York City Campaign Finance Board’s 900-page draft audit provides an unprecedented look at extensive problems with Mayor Eric Adams’ record-keeping. Experts say the sheer length of the report suggests careless financial management by the campaign and a failure to comply with laws and rules required of candidates who take taxpayer-funded matching funds. The Board flagged 22 separate categories of financial discrepancies, prohibited donations, straw donors, and other issues with the Adams campaign.
New York – Asian Americans Mobilize After NY Lawmaker Allegedly Bites Cop
MSN – Emily Ngo (Politico) | Published: 8/5/2024
An under-the-radar bloc of Asian Americans is ready to test its political clout after a New York City Council member of Chinese descent allegedly bit a police officer during a recent protest. The bite was a moment that energized a movement, they say. Supporters have rallied by the thousands to defend council member Susan Zhuang, and by extension themselves. Zhuang’s treatment by tabloid news outlets, political rivals, and police has galvanized predominantly Chinese, immigrant, and working-class New Yorkers who have long felt invisible.
New York – Non-Profit Started by Eric Adams’ Brother Auctioned Off Dinner with the Mayor During Hamptons Party
MSN – Craig McCarthy (New York Post) | Published: 8/5/2024
A charitable organization co-founded by Mayor Eric Adams’ brother auctioned off a dinner with the mayor during a Hamptons fundraiser, raising eyebrows with ethics watchdogs. But Angels Helpers, a non-profit that provides city youngsters access to arts and culture, said it would be pulling the prize. Asked whether the nonprofit cleared the dinner prize with the city’s Conflict of Interest Board, co-founder Alisa Roever called it an “oversight.”
New York – Supreme Court Nixes Effort to Stall Trump’s Sentencing in Hush Money Case
MSN – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 8/5/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a bid by Missouri to block the sentencing of Donald Trump in his New York hush money case. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Trump ally, filed an unusual set of motions asking the justices to postpone the sentencing until after the November election and to lift the gag order the judge imposed in the case. Missouri’s bid was styled as a lawsuit against New York. Missouri claimed the prosecution violated the rights of the state’s voters by preventing them from “fully engaging with and hearing from a major-party Presidential candidate in the run up to the November election.”
MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 8/1/2024
Steven Strah, thrust into the role of chief executive officer ahead of schedule, in 2021 signed a contract similar to a plea agreement with federal prosecutors on FirstEnergy’s behalf. The agreement depicted his predecessor, Chuck Jones, as the architect of a scheme to bribe two top state government officials. But Strah said during a newly revealed deposition from 2023 that he has never been interviewed by federal authorities investigating what they have described as the biggest public corruption scheme in Ohio history.
Pennsylvania – Pa. Lawmakers Moonlight as Lawyers, Landlords, and Even as a Pilot. Advocates Say It’s a Conflict of Interest.
Philadelphia Inquirer – Sarah Nicell | Published: 8/5/2024
More than half of the Pennsylvania General Assembly reports an outside business interest or alternative forms of income, according to an analysis of state lawmakers’ statements of financial interest. Other states restrict or ban secondary employment, but Pennsylvania is one of 25 states allowing legislators to take on other careers with no limitations. Pennsylvania is the third highest-paid Legislature in the country with a $102,000 annual salary for lawmakers. Even so, the General Assembly gathers fewer than 50 days a year, giving some members time to partake in personal endeavors, which has raised ethical concerns.
Tennessee – TN Education Chief Repaid $2k in Travel, Attorney Says Complaint Politically Motivated
MSN – Vivian Jones (Nashville Tennessean) | Published: 8/8/2024
Tennessee Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds repaid ExelinEd, her former employer, for travel and expenses for two out-of-state conferences after an ethics complaint said the expenditures constituted an illegal gift. State ethics law prohibits public officials from accepting gifts from lobbyists or employers of lobbyists. ExcelinEd employs a lobbyist registered in Tennessee who advocated for Gov. Bill Lee’s statewide universal school voucher proposal.
August 8, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “Govern for California, Group Under Investigation by State, Bundling Donations to SF Candidates” by Joe Rivano Barros for Mission Local National: “FBI Searches Rep. Ogles’s Phone as Part of Campaign Finance Probe, Lawyer Says” by Perry Stein and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington […]
Campaign Finance
California: “Govern for California, Group Under Investigation by State, Bundling Donations to SF Candidates” by Joe Rivano Barros for Mission Local
National: “FBI Searches Rep. Ogles’s Phone as Part of Campaign Finance Probe, Lawyer Says” by Perry Stein and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) for MSN
Hawaii: “Hawaii Carpenters Union PACs Are Training Candidates to Run for Office” by Chad Blair and Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat
New Mexico: “Federal Judge Sends Dark Money Group Lawsuit Back to State Court” by Marjorie Childress (New Mexico In Depth) for Source New Mexico
Elections
Arizona: “Arizona Grand Jurors Discussed Indicting Trump, but Prosecutors Urged Them Not To” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN
Georgia: “Georgia Election Board Clears County Officials to Delay Vote Certification with Information Demands” by Stanley Dunlap (Georgia Recorder) for Yahoo News
National: “Elon Musk’s X Accused of Bias After Pro-Harris Accounts Labeled as ‘Spam'” by Trisha Thadani (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
Florida: “Miami Ballot Measures Propose New, More Robust Inspector General’s Office” by Catherine Odom (Miami Herald) for Yahoo News
August 7, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “SF Political Group That Bankrolled DA Recall on Hook for $54K Ethics Fine” by Joe Rivano Barros for Mission Local California: “LA Council Member Kevin de Leon’s Ballot Measure Shell Game” by Will McCarthy (Politico) for MSN National: “Drag Queens Unite to […]
Campaign Finance
California: “SF Political Group That Bankrolled DA Recall on Hook for $54K Ethics Fine” by Joe Rivano Barros for Mission Local
California: “LA Council Member Kevin de Leon’s Ballot Measure Shell Game” by Will McCarthy (Politico) for MSN
National: “Drag Queens Unite to Form Political Action Committee Ahead of 2024 Election” by Albert Sema Jr. for OpenSecrets
Elections
National: “Harris Decides on Tim Walz as Running Mate” by John King, Jeff Zeleny, Jamie Gangel, MJ Lee, Daniel Strauss, Gregory Krieg, and Kristen Holmes (CNN) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Justice Thomas Failed to Reveal More Private Flights, Senator Says” by Abbie VanSickle (New York Times) for DNyuz
New York: “Non-Profit Started by Eric Adams’ Brother Auctioned Off Dinner with the Mayor During Hamptons Party” by Craig McCarthy (New York Post) for MSN
New York: “Supreme Court Nixes Effort to Stall Trump’s Sentencing in Hush Money Case” by Josh Gerstein Politico) for MSN
Lobbying
California: “What Does a California Lobbyist Do?” by Laurie Lauletta-Boshart for Comstock’s Magazine
August 6, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Elections Arizona: “Arizona Judges Allow More Access to Voting, Much to Republicans’ Dismay” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for KAWC New York: “Asian Americans Mobilize After NY Lawmaker Allegedly Bites Cop” by Emily Ngo (Politico) for MSN Ethics California: “California Lawmakers Got Ticket […]
Elections
Arizona: “Arizona Judges Allow More Access to Voting, Much to Republicans’ Dismay” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for KAWC
New York: “Asian Americans Mobilize After NY Lawmaker Allegedly Bites Cop” by Emily Ngo (Politico) for MSN
Ethics
California: “California Lawmakers Got Ticket Freebies as They Cracked Down on Ticketmaster’s Taylor Swift Debacle” by Lara Korte (Politico) for MSN
National: “Hearing Set to Discuss Next Steps in Trump’s Federal Election Case” by Alan Feurer (New York Times) for DNyuz
Maryland: “Fired Health Commissioner May Have Violated Baltimore’s Ethics Laws” by Lee Sanderlin and Adam Willis for Baltimore Banner
Pennsylvania: “Pa. Lawmakers Moonlight as Lawyers, Landlords, and Even as a Pilot. Advocates Say It’s a Conflict of Interest.” by Sarah Nicell for Philadelphia Inquirer
Lobbying
National: “Conway Registers as Lobbyist for Ukrainian Billionaire with Past Ties to Trump” by Soo Rin Kim, Lalee Ibssa, and Kelsey Walsh (ABC News) for Yahoo News
National: “About Half of US State AGs Went on France Trip Sponsored by Group with Lobbyist and Corporate Funds” by Geoff Mulvihill (Associated Press) for MSN
August 5, 2024 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Colorado: “Divided Appeals Court Strikes Down Campaign Disclosure Requirement in Colorado Law” by Michael Karlik for Colorado Politics New York: “Mayor Adams’ 2021 Campaign Flagged for $2.3 Million Gap in Fundraising Records” by Brigid Bergin for Gothamist Elections National: “Without ‘Zuckerbucks,’ Limited Private […]
Campaign Finance
Colorado: “Divided Appeals Court Strikes Down Campaign Disclosure Requirement in Colorado Law” by Michael Karlik for Colorado Politics
New York: “Mayor Adams’ 2021 Campaign Flagged for $2.3 Million Gap in Fundraising Records” by Brigid Bergin for Gothamist
Elections
National: “Without ‘Zuckerbucks,’ Limited Private Funding Available for Elections” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “$10M Cash Withdrawal Drove Secret Probe into Whether Trump Took Money from Egypt” by Aaron Davis and Carol Leonnig (Washington Post) for MSN
Maryland: “Baltimore County Executive Appointed Employee of Firefighter Who Received Secret Settlement [from] Ethics Commission” by Lia Russell and Cassidy Jensen (Baltimore Sun) for MSN
New York: “Former Addison Clerk Forfeits Pension After ‘Stunning,’ ‘Shameless’ Theft of $1.1 Million” by Jeff Smith for Corning Leader
Ohio: “An Ousted FirstEnergy CEO Signed a Deal Blaming His Mentor for a Bribery Scheme. He Said the Feds Never Talked to Him” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Redistricting
National: “Court Rules Against Black and Hispanic Voters in Redistricting Case” by Patrick Marley and Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) for MSN
August 2, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 2, 2024
National/Federal K Street Pivots for a Possible Harris Administration DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 7/26/2024 Vice President Kamala Harris has forsworn direct donations from lobbyists, but they are welcoming her candidacy and Washington’s influence industry has quietly jockeyed […]
National/Federal
K Street Pivots for a Possible Harris Administration
DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 7/26/2024
Vice President Kamala Harris has forsworn direct donations from lobbyists, but they are welcoming her candidacy and Washington’s influence industry has quietly jockeyed to position itself with her team. Officials at some of the biggest law and lobbying firms have endorsed her presidential campaign and are raising money for it, using loopholes to get around the campaign’s policy of not accepting donations from lobbyists. Some lobbying firms have highlighted their connections to Harris, drawing the ire of allies seeking to avoid the perception that she is beholden to special interests.
Judge Throws Out Gateway Pundit’s Bankruptcy Claim
MSN – Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) | Published: 7/25/2024
A federal judge threw out a bankruptcy case filed by the Gateway Pundit, ruling the site, which is known for spreading conspiracy theories, sought bankruptcy protection in “bad faith” to avoid having to pay potential damages in defamation suits related to the site’s reporting on the 2020 election. The ruling means that defamation cases from two Georgia election workers, as well as one from a former Dominion Voting Systems executive, can proceed. The defamation cases had been held up while the bankruptcy case was ongoing.
Biden Endorses Supreme Court Reforms, Amendment to Limit Immunity
MSN – Tyler Pager (Washington Post) | Published: 7/29/2024
President Biden endorsed sweeping changes to the U.S. Supreme Court, calling for 18-year term limits for the justices and a binding, enforceable ethics code for the high court. He is also pushing for a constitutional amendment that would prohibit blanket immunity for presidents, a rebuke of the court after it ruled former President Trump is immune from prosecution for official acts.
Trump Faces Backlash for ‘In Four Years, You Don’t Have to Vote Again’ Remark
MSN – Maegan Vazquez and Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) | Published: 7/27/2024
Democratic lawmakers and Vice President Harris’s campaign joined a chorus of online critics in calling out remarks Donald Trump aimed at a Christian audience, arguing the former president had implied he would end elections in the United States if he won a second term. At the conclusion of his speech, Trump said, “Christians, get out and vote, just this time. You won’t have to do it anymore. … You got to get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good you’re not going to have to vote.”
Justice Dept. Settles with Ex-FBI Officials Over Leak of Anti-Trump Texts
MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 7/26/2024
The Justice Department agreed to settle claims by former senior FBI special agent Peter Strzok and FBI lawyer Lisa Page, who had filed lawsuits accusing the government of violating their privacy rights by leaking their politically charged text messages criticizing Donald Trump. Strzok will receive a $1.2 million settlement and Page $800,000.
A Parody Ad Shared by Elon Musk Clones Kamala Harris’ Voice, Raising Concerns About AI in Politics
MSN – Ali Swenson (Associated Press) | Published: 7/29/2024
A video that uses an artificial intelligence (AI) voice-cloning tool to mimic the voice of Vice President Kamala Harris saying things she did not say is raising concerns about the power of AI to mislead with Election Day about three months away. The video gained attention after Elon Musk shared it on his social media platform X without noting it was originally released as parody. The video uses many of the same visuals as a real ad that Harris released launching her presidential campaign. But the fake ad swaps out Harris’ voice-over audio with an AI-generated voice that convincingly impersonates Harris.
MSN – Justin Elliott, Robert Faturechi, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) | Published: 7/30/2024
Donald Trump’s media company made its first major purchase: technology to help stream TV on Truth Social from an obscure entity called JedTec LLC. The company has virtually no public footprint and no website, and it is unknown to streaming technology experts. The man behind JedTec is energy magnate James Davison, a major Republican donor. The acquisition will put Trump’s company in a business relationship with someone with numerous interests before the federal government.
More Congressional Staff? Conservatives Are Coming Around to the Idea
MSN – Jim Saska (Roll Call) | Published: 7/30/2024
Thanks to a conservative Supreme Court, Congress may do something it has not done in living memory: dramatically increase the size of the legislative branch. A handful of decisions, most notably one that ended the practice of judges deferring to federal agencies’ interpretations of ambiguous statutes, have set the stage for a tsunami of litigation challenging regulations and administrative rulings in the coming years. One potential response that seems to have consensus is that Congress needs more expertise and capacity, and that means more staff.
Project 2025 to End Policy Work after Democratic Attacks Angered Trump
MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 7/30/2024
The right-wing policy operation that became a rallying cry for Democrats and a nuisance for Republican nominee Donald Trump is trying to escape the public spotlight and repair relations with Trump’s campaign. Project 2025, a collaboration led by the Heritage Foundation among conservative groups to develop a blueprint for the next Republican administration, is winding down its policy operations. The Heritage Foundation also recently distributed new talking points encouraging participants to emphasize that the project does not speak for Trump.
Justice Kagan Calls for a Way to Enforce Supreme Court Ethics Code
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 7/25/2024
Justice Elena Kagan said she would support the creation of a committee of judges to examine potential violations of the Supreme Court’s new ethics code, speaking out on a contentious subject as President Biden and others called for reform at the high court. Kagan suggested Chief Justice John Roberts could appoint an outside panel of respected, experienced judges to review allegations of wrongdoing by the justices, some of whom have faced questions in recent years over unreported gifts of luxury travel, book deals, and potential conflicts-of-interest in key cases.
States Break Out New Tactics to Thwart Abortion Ballot Measures
MSN – Alice Miranda Ollstein (Politico) | Published: 7/31/2024
In nearly every state where the question of abortion rights could be put to a popular vote this November, conservatives are deploying several strategies, from suing to have signatures thrown out in Montana and South Dakota to refusing to count signatures in Arkansas, as they attempt to block ballot initiatives that would restore or expand access to the procedure. The moves underscore the challenging position anti-abortion activists face. They suffered losses in in red and purple states that voted decisively in favor of abortion rights.
Four Years Later, IG Report Says Barr Did Not Order Lafayette Square Cleared
MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 7/31/2024
An internal Justice Department probe has found that Trump administration Attorney General William Barr did not personally order protesters cleared from the park near the White House during the 2020 racial justice protests, despite the agency’s claim at the time he did. The inspector general report released more than four years after the protests concluded the police response was hampered by miscommunication, poor leadership, and unprepared law enforcement officers.
In an Attempt to Reverse the Supreme Court’s Immunity Decision, Schumer Introduces the No Kings Act
MSN – Mary Clare Jalonick (Associated Press) | Published: 8/1/2024
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced legislation reaffirming that presidents do not have immunity for criminal actions, an attempt to reverse the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling. The No Kings Act would attempt to invalidate the decision by declaring that presidents are not immune from criminal law and clarifying that Congress, not the Supreme Court, determines to whom federal criminal law is applied.
From the States and Municipalities
Canada – Audit Finds Horizon Ottawa Apparently Violated Campaign Finance Rules During 2022 Municipal Election
CTV – William Eltherinton | Published: 7/30/2024
An election compliance audit into spending of third-party advertiser Horizon Ottawa found the organization appears to have violated campaign finance rules during the 2022 Ottawa municipal elections. The audit was called following a complaint accusing the group of benefiting from an event called “Horizonfest” in September 2022.
Arizona – Arizona County Official Who Took on Election Skeptics Loses Primary
MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 7/31/2024
A top Republican election official in Arizona’s most populous county known for his vigorous defense of elections lost his primary election to a state lawmaker who called elections in the county “a laughingstock.” Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, who faced death threats and endless harassment for doing his job, lost his reelection bid to Rep. Justin Heap, an attorney aligned with the state Legislature’s ultraconservative Freedom Caucus. Heap has voted for legislation that grew out of false election theories.
California – Boost in Power for San Diego Ethics Commission Heading to November Ballot
MSN – David Garrick (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 7/30/2024
San Diego voters will get a chance in November to boost the independence and power of the city’s Ethics Commission. The city council voted unanimously to place on the ballot a measure that would bar elected leaders from eliminating the commission and require them to adequately fund it. The measure would also change who appoints the panel’s executive director. Instead of being chosen by elected leaders, the executive director would be selected by members of the commission.
California – Shelter Lease Negotiator’s Dual Roles Raise Questions About Conflicts of Interest
MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 7/28/2024
The architect of the decades-long proposed lease for a massive warehouse that would shelter homeless people is a local business icon who has served on more public and nonprofit boards than he can count. He is also a sitting member of the San Diego Housing Commission, which could lose millions of dollars a year in revenue if the city council approves Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposal for the long-vacant warehouse. Stephen Cushman was quietly hired as a paid consultant to the Gloria administration in June. The two roles Cushman is now performing may present a conflict that has yet to be publicly discussed.
California – Judge Overseeing Sheng Thao Recall Campaign Lawsuit Suddenly Recuses
MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 7/26/2024
A judge who ruled in favor of the recall campaign targeting Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao recused herself from the case shortly before a key hearing. Alameda County Superior Court Judge Julia Spain’s abrupt decision came two days after she issued a tentative ruling siding with the recall campaign and quashing a subpoena from Oakland’s Public Ethics Commission seeking access to the recall campaign’s records.
California – Will Irvine Tighten Lobbying Rules?
Voice of OC – Angelina Hicks | Published: 7/29/2024
Irvine city officials have been eyeing their lobbying regulation, looking for ways to tighten rules nearly a year after Anaheim’s corruption scandal demonstrated a lack of lobbyist oversight in that city. Irvine’s current lobbying rules are not as strong as some other cities in California, leaving opportunities for loopholes and lacking oversight.
Delaware – Audit Finds Hall-Long’s Campaign Finances ‘Incomplete, Inaccurate, Misleading’
MSN – Amanda Fries (Delaware News Journal) | Published: 7/27/2024
A forensic audit finding Delaware gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long’s campaign finance reporting to be incomplete, inconsistent, inaccurate, and misleading has prompted state attorneys to seek reform to Delaware’s election laws. The state Department of Elections hired Forensic Litigation Consultants’ Jeffrey Lampinski to audit Hall-Long’s campaign finances as concerns mounted over the campaign committee’s handling of the finances.
Florida – Fitting or Chilling? Miami-Dade Ethics Panel Issues First-Ever Fine for ‘Frivolous’ Complaint
Florida Politics – Jesse Scheckner | Published: 7/29/2024
The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust in July did something it has never done in its nearly three decades of existence. The commission ordered Juan-Carlos Planas, a candidate for supervisor of elections, to pay $5,675 to cover the legal fees of former Miami Beach City Commissioner Michael Góngora. Some say it represents the first step toward stopping people from using the panel to generate negative headlines about political opponents. Others believe it will cast a chilling effect on people who would otherwise file valid complaints in the future.
Florida – Why an Ethics Agency Says DeSantis Didn’t Need to Disclose Donor’s $28K Golf Simulator
Miami Herald – Alexandra Glorioso | Published: 7/31/2024
Gov. Ron DeSantis did not need to disclose that a $28,000 golf simulator installed in the Governor’s Mansion had been provided by a longtime political donor because the equipment was, in fact, a gift to the state, the Florida Commission on Ethics determined. The decision hinged in part on an interview with the donor, Morteza Hosseini, who said he initially intended for the governor to use the equipment but eventually wanted the simulator to be used more broadly by public employees, including the governor’s security detail.
Illinois – Who’s Paying for Chicago’s DNC? Voters Won’t Have the Full Picture till It’s Long Over
WBEZ – Mitchell Armentrout | Published: 7/29/2024
Once subsidized by taxpayers, major-party national conventions are now almost fully funded by wealthy donors, corporations, labor unions, and other influential groups. But who is chipping in to cover the potentially record-breaking bill for Chicago’s Democratic National Convention will not be fully known until two months after the convention ends.
Yahoo News – Alice Yin (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 7/28/2024
Mercury Public Affairs, a New York City-based political strategy firm, has been lobbying Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson since July 2023 on economic and labor causes. Starting this year, the company’s consulting division also worked for Johnson’s political fund. Wearing both hats, though uncommon, is not a violation of state or city ethics codes. But it is a dynamic that good government watchdogs said raises concerns about the appearance of a conflict-of-interest for a firm seeking to influence the mayor’s office while also working to raise money for him.
Kansas – Why ‘A’ Versus ‘The’ Makes Big Difference in Court for Kansas Campaign Finance Law
MSN – Jason Alatidd (Topeka Capital-Journal) | Published: 8/1/2024
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order that blocks Kansas from requiring a neighborhood nonprofit to disclose its donors until a trial is held on the constitutionality of the state’s definition of a PAC. Under the order, the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission cannot require Fresh Vision OP to file as a political committee based on express political advocacy being “a major purpose” instead of “the major purpose” of the organization.
Kentucky – Sources: KY representative under investigation for inappropriate interactions with women
MSN – Alex Acquisto and Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 7/30/2024
State Rep. Daniel Grossberg is under investigation by the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission for inappropriate interactions with women. Three women said they have been asked about specific actions, questionable behavior, and text messages sent by Grossberg. The women shared text messages from Grossberg they described as “weird” or “creepy.” They often came late at night, and Grossberg remarked on their physical looks.
Maine – Maine Gets Tougher on the Spending for Small Town Ballot Measures
Bangor Daily News – Jules Walkup | Published: 7/29/2024
Campaign finance regulators in Maine are starting to investigate violations of a new law passed last year that requires people and groups who pay to influence ballot questions in small towns to disclose their names and addresses. The law was passed in response to the recent efforts of Maine’s largest internet provider, Charter Communications, to use big campaign tactics to quash municipal broadband proposals in communities such as Southport and Readfield.
Michigan – Federal Judges Approve New State Senate Map After Court-Ordered Redraw
Detroit News – Beth LeBlanc | Published: 7/26/2024
A federal appeals court panel signed off on a redrawn Michigan Senate political map that was reworked after judges ruled that six Detroit-area districts were unconstitutional because they were drawn on the basis of race. Members of the redistricting commission celebrated the decision. “I think we have done a good job of giving the citizens of Michigan a fair, nonpartisan map that they can have complete confidence in,” said Commissioner Donna Callaghan.
Missouri – Federal Court Strikes Down Missouri Lobbying Ban for Former Lawmakers as Rights Violation
Yahoo News – Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) | Published: 7/29/2024
A federal appeals court panel struck down a Missouri law that prohibits current lawmakers and employees of the General Assembly from paid lobbying during their time of service and for two years after they leave office. The judges found the ban is too broad and the state failed to clear the high bar required for restrictions of First Amendment rights.
New Jersey – Judge Throws Out Corruption Case Against N.J. Rabbi Before Jurors Begin to Deliberate
MSN – Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 7/31/2024
In a surprise move that called into question a nearly decade-long pursuit by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Osher Eisemann, charged with pocketing public funds from his private school for children with developmental disabilities, a judge tossed out all charges against the rabbi. The decision followed a long-fought battle that saw Eisemann convicted in 2019 before having that verdict overturned on appeal. During the second trial, his lawyers argued no crime had been committed. One of the state’s detectives testified there had been no crime and that he had “no idea why any of us are here.”
New Mexico – City Ethics Board Member Resigns Following Complaint Over Prohibited Campaign Donation
Santa Fe New Mexican – Carina Julig | Published: 7/29/2024
A member of the Santa Fe Ethics and Campaign Review Board stepped down days after a complaint called for her and other board members to be removed over a campaign donation she made last year. Kristina Martinez, an attorney who has served on the ethics board for years, donated $500 to city council candidate Geno Zamora’s campaign. Board members are prohibited from making donations to municipal candidates.
New York – NY Judge Hands Former NRA Head Wayne LaPierre a 10 Year Ban but Declines to Appoint Monitor
MSN – Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 7/29/2024
A New York judge banned Wayne LaPierre, the former head of the National Rifle Association, from holding a paid position with the organization for a decade but declined to appoint an independent monitor to oversee the gun rights group. The first phase of the trial, decided in February by a jury, found LaPierre and another deputy liable for misspending millions of dollars on lavish trips and other personal expenses.
New York – Prosecutors Say Immunity Ruling Has No Bearing on Trump’s Conviction
Spokane Spokesman-Review – Ben Protess and Jesse McKinley (New York Times) | Published: 7/25/2024
Manhattan prosecutors are urging the judge who oversaw Donald Trump’s criminal hush-money trial to uphold his conviction, seeking to cast doubt on the former president’s long-shot bid to overturn the case because of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Although the high court’s ruling was a blow to a separate criminal case against Trump in Washington, the Manhattan charges did not hinge on official acts. Instead, the Manhattan prosecutors noted, he was convicted of covering up a sex scandal that had threatened to derail his 2016 campaign, a personal and political crisis that did not involve his conduct as president.
MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 7/22/2024
Prosecutors said FirstEnergy “successfully completed” the terms of a deal struck when the company admitted to separate schemes to bribe a top state regulator and the Ohio House speaker. Prosecutors released the utility from some of its obligations under its deferred prosecution agreement. But they are not dropping the charge of honest services wire fraud against the company until the completion of any investigation, criminal prosecution, or civil lawsuit related to the bribery scandal.
MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 7/25/2024
Ohio Republicans are considering trying to foil a redistricting reform amendment that recently qualified for the November ballot by putting up a separate redistricting proposal of their own to compete with it, according to a state lawmaker who said she has discussed the plans with legislative leadership. The “Citizens Not Politicians” amendment would replace the Ohio Redistricting Commission, a panel of elected officials that is currently controlled by Republicans, with a citizen’s commission that would be made up of equal parts Republicans, Democrats, and independents.
Oklahoma – Despite Support from AG, Legislators Once Again Barred from Board Executive Session
MSN – Murray Evans (Oklahoman) | Published: 7/31/2024
Sen. Mary Boren is weighing her legal options after the state Board of Education, for a second straight month, denied her entry into an executive session, despite support from Oklahoma’s attorney general. The attorney general’s office has been clear that lawmakers should be allowed to attend at least some executive sessions, pointing to a section of the state’s Open Meetings Act.
Oregon – Portland Withdraws Lobbying Violation Against Shelter Operator Urban Alchemy
Oregon Public Broadcasting – Alex Zielinski | Published: 7/24/2024
City Auditor Simone Rede walked back her recent ruling that a California-based contractor hired by the city to run several outdoor homeless shelters violated Portland’s lobbying rules. Rede announced in May her office found Urban Alchemy failed to report spending nearly $4,000 when it dispatched a team of employees in 2022 to pitch Portland officials on choosing it as an alternative shelter operator for the city.
Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Presidential Election Results Could Again Take Days to Count
MSN – Colby Itkowitz and Derek Hawkins (Washington Post) | Published: 7/27/2024
When the polls closed on election night in 2020, Donald Trump appeared to be winning Pennsylvania. But over the next several days, as officials counted mail-in ballots, his lead shrunk and then disappeared. By Saturday, Joe Biden was the clear winner of Pennsylvania and with it, the presidency. The delay was caused by a quirk of Pennsylvania’s election law, which forbids the opening of mail-in ballots until seven a.m. on the day of the election.
Tennessee – What Can a City Do When Neo-Nazis Start Marching Down Its Streets?
Yahoo News – Emily Cochrane | Published: 8/1/2024
Neo-Nazi groups descended on Nashville recently, parading along the city’s famed strip of honky-tonks and celebrity-owned bars. The neo-Nazis disrupted a city council meeting, harassed descendants of Holocaust survivors, and yelled racist slurs at Black children performing on a street. The appearance of white nationalists on the streets of a major American city laid bare the growing brazenness of the Patriot Front and the Goyim Defense League. Their provocations enraged and alarmed civic leaders and residents in Nashville, causing the city to grapple with how to confront the groups without violating free speech protections.
Wisconsin – Andre Jacque May Be Using His State Campaign Fund to Help Out with His Congressional Race
Yahoo News – Lawrence Andrea and Daniel Bice (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 7/29/2024
As Andre Jacque struggles to gain fundraising steam in his Wisconsin congressional primary race, he appears to be turning to his old state Senate campaign coffers for help. Campaign finance records show that, beginning in March, Jacque doled out $23,500 from his state Senate campaign account to friends, family, and fellow lawmakers, who then donated that amount and more to his federal congressional campaign.
August 1, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Elections Arizona: “Arizona County Official Who Took on Election Skeptics Loses Primary” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN National: “Project 2025 to End Policy Work after Democratic Attacks Angered Trump” by Isaac Arnsdorf and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN National: “States Break […]
Elections
Arizona: “Arizona County Official Who Took on Election Skeptics Loses Primary” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Project 2025 to End Policy Work after Democratic Attacks Angered Trump” by Isaac Arnsdorf and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “States Break Out New Tactics to Thwart Abortion Ballot Measures” by Alice Miranda Ollstein (Politico) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Justice Kagan Calls for a Way to Enforce Supreme Court Ethics Code” by Ann Marimow (Washington Post) for MSN
Florida: “Fitting or Chilling? Miami-Dade Ethics Panel Issues First-Ever Fine for ‘Frivolous’ Complaint” by Jesse Scheckner for Florida Politics
Kentucky: “Sources: KY representative under investigation for inappropriate interactions with women” by Alex Acquisto and Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) for MSN
New York: “Prosecutors Say Immunity Ruling Has No Bearing on Trump’s Conviction” by Ben Protess and Jesse McKinley (New York Times) for Spokane Spokesman-Review
Redistricting
Ohio: “Republican Ohio Lawmakers Ponder Proposing Second Redistricting Amendment to Foil Another One They Don’t Like” by Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
July 31, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance New Mexico: “City Ethics Board Member Resigns Following Complaint Over Prohibited Campaign Donation” by Carina Julig for Santa Fe New Mexican Elections National: “A Parody Ad Shared by Elon Musk Clones Kamala Harris’ Voice, Raising Concerns About AI in Politics” by Ali […]
Campaign Finance
New Mexico: “City Ethics Board Member Resigns Following Complaint Over Prohibited Campaign Donation” by Carina Julig for Santa Fe New Mexican
Elections
National: “A Parody Ad Shared by Elon Musk Clones Kamala Harris’ Voice, Raising Concerns About AI in Politics” by Ali Swenson (Associated Press) for MSN
Ethics
California: “Boost in Power for San Diego Ethics Commission Heading to November Ballot” by David Garrick (San Diego Union-Tribune) for MSN
National: “Trump Media Quietly Enters Deal with a Republican Donor Who Could Benefit from a Second Trump Administration” by Justin Elliott, Robert Faturechi, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) for MSN
New York: “NY Judge Hands Former NRA Head Wayne LaPierre a 10 Year Ban but Declines to Appoint Monitor” by Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) for MSN
Legislative Issues
National: “More Congressional Staff? Conservatives Are Coming Around to the Idea” by Jim Saska (Roll Call) for MSN
Lobbying
California: “Will Irvine Tighten Lobbying Rules?” by Angelina Hicks for Voice of OC
Missouri: “Federal Court Strikes Down Missouri Lobbying Ban for Former Lawmakers as Rights Violation” by Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) for Yahoo News
July 30, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “Judge Overseeing Sheng Thao Recall Campaign Lawsuit Suddenly Recuses” by Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) for MSN Illinois: “Who’s Paying for Chicago’s DNC? Voters Won’t Have the Full Picture till It’s Long Over” by Mitchell Armentrout for WBEZ Maine: “Maine Gets Tougher on the […]
Campaign Finance
California: “Judge Overseeing Sheng Thao Recall Campaign Lawsuit Suddenly Recuses” by Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) for MSN
Illinois: “Who’s Paying for Chicago’s DNC? Voters Won’t Have the Full Picture till It’s Long Over” by Mitchell Armentrout for WBEZ
Maine: “Maine Gets Tougher on the Spending for Small Town Ballot Measures” by Jules Walkup for Bangor Daily News
Wisconsin: “Andre Jacque May Be Using His State Campaign Fund to Help Out with His Congressional Race” by Lawrence Andrea and Daniel Bice (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) for Yahoo News
Elections
National: “Judge Throws Out Gateway Pundit’s Bankruptcy Claim” by Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) for MSN
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Presidential Election Results Could Again Take Days to Count” by Colby Itkowitz and Derek Hawkins (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
California: “Shelter Lease Negotiator’s Dual Roles Raise Questions About Conflicts of Interest” by Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) for MSN
National: “Justice Dept. Settles with Ex-FBI Officials Over Leak of Anti-Trump Texts” by Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN
July 29, 2024 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Delaware: “Audit Finds Hall-Long’s Campaign Finances ‘Incomplete, Inaccurate, Misleading’” by Amanda Fries (Delaware News Journal) for MSN Kansas: “Judge Issues Temporary Order Blocking Enforcement of a Kansas Campaign Finance Law” by Tim Carpenter for Kansas Reflector Elections National: “Trump Faces Backlash for ‘In […]
Campaign Finance
Delaware: “Audit Finds Hall-Long’s Campaign Finances ‘Incomplete, Inaccurate, Misleading'” by Amanda Fries (Delaware News Journal) for MSN
Kansas: “Judge Issues Temporary Order Blocking Enforcement of a Kansas Campaign Finance Law” by Tim Carpenter for Kansas Reflector
Elections
National: “Trump Faces Backlash for ‘In Four Years, You Don’t Have to Vote Again’ Remark” by Maegan Vazquez and Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Biden Endorses Supreme Court Reforms, Amendment to Limit Immunity” by Tyler Pager (Washington Post) for MSN
Illinois: “Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Political Campaign Paid a Firm for Fundraising Help While It Lobbied City Hall, Spurring Calls for Reform” by Alice Yin (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News
Ohio: “FirstEnergy ‘Successfully Completed’ Terms of Its Deal with Feds Over Bribery Schemes, Prosecutors Say” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “K Street Pivots for a Possible Harris Administration” by Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) for DNyuz
Oregon: “Portland Withdraws Lobbying Violation Against Shelter Operator Urban Alchemy” by Alex Zielinski for Oregon Public Broadcasting
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