Campaign Finance Archives - Page 2 of 320 - State and Federal Communications

October 31, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “In Election’s Final Days, Dark Money and ‘Gray Money’ Fund Hidden Agendas” by Theodore Schleifer and Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) for DNyuz Elections National: “Fires Set in Drop Boxes Destroy Hundreds of Ballots in Washington and Damage 3 in […]

October 29, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance California: “State Watchdog Agency Is Investigating Donations to Kevin de León’s Reelection Campaign” by Dakota Smith for Los Angeles Times National: “The New Dark Money: How influencers get paid big bucks to court your vote” by Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) for MSN […]

October 28, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Alaska: “Campaign Finance Watchdog Recommends $85K in Fines Against Opponents of Alaska’s Ranked Choice Voting System” by Iris Samuels (Anchorage Daily News) for Yahoo News Virginia: “Lack of Investigation by Local, State Officials into Richmond Campaign’s Finance Reporting Raises Concern” by Tyler […]

October 25, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – October 25, 2024

National/Federal How Elderly Dementia Patients Are Unwittingly Fueling Political Campaigns CNN – Blake Ellis, Melanie Hicken, Yahya Abou-Ghazala, Audrey Ash, Kyung Lah, Anna-Maja Rappard, Casey Tolan, Lou Robinson, and Brian Manley | Published: 10/22/2024 More than 1,000 reports filed with government agencies […]

National/Federal

How Elderly Dementia Patients Are Unwittingly Fueling Political Campaigns

CNN – Blake Ellis, Melanie Hicken, Yahya Abou-Ghazala, Audrey Ash, Kyung Lah, Anna-Maja Rappard, Casey Tolan, Lou Robinson, and Brian Manley | Published: 10/22/2024

More than 1,000 reports filed with government agencies and consumer advocacy groups reviewed by CNN, along with an analysis of campaign finance data and interviews with dozens of contributors and their family members, show how deceptive political fundraisers have victimized hundreds of elderly Americans and misled those battling dementia or other cognitive impairments into giving away millions of dollars, far more than they ever intended. Some unintentionally joined the ranks of the top grassroots political donors in the country as they tapped into retirement savings and went into debt.

Federal Court Nominees’ Stays at Trump Hotel Pose Murky Ethical Dilemma

Courthouse News Service – Benjamin Weiss | Published: 10/22/2024

A report from House Democrats detailing possible violations of the Constitution’s presidential emoluments clause may also raise unexplored questions about judicial ethics. Lawmakers cited more than a dozen people, including ambassadors, state government officials, and people seeking presidential pardons, who spent thousands of dollars at Trump International Hotel during Donald Trump’s administration. Among those hotel guests were three of Trump’s judicial nominees, all of whom Democrats say stayed at Trump’s property while they were seeking his nomination to the bench.

U.S. Officials Say Russia Smeared Tim Walz, Might Stoke Post-Vote Violence

MSN – Joseph Menn and David Nakamura (Washington Post) | Published: 10/22/2024

Intelligence officials said Russians seeking to disrupt the U.S. elections created a faked video and other material smearing Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz with abuse allegations and are considering fomenting violence during and after the vote. The faked content accused Walz of inappropriate interactions with students while a teacher and coach. The posts drew millions of views on social media, falsely tarring the Minnesota governor ahead of November 5.

A New Washington Influence Industry Is Making Millions from Sanctions

MSN – Jeff Stein, Federica Cocco, and Peter Whoriskey (Washington Post) | Published: 10/24/2024

A sharp increase in U.S. sanctions has spawned a new lobbying industry in Washington, as businesses and governments around the world attempt to shape these economic penalties by hiring former American officials to leverage their connections. An avalanche of cash from abroad has flowed to former lawmakers and aides from both parties with experience at some of the highest levels of the government. Foreign spending on sanctions-related lobbying has surged from roughly $6 million in 2014 to at least $31 million in 2022, a more than fivefold increase that mirrors the rise in U.S. sanctions.

Why Are ABC Viewers Being Forced to See a Graphic Anti-Abortion Ad?

MSN – Jeremy Barr and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 10/21/2024

Over the past weeks, ABC viewers across the country have been shown a graphic advertisement featuring images of aborted fetuses, as part of a campaign by anti-abortion rights advocate and long-shot presidential candidate Randall Terry. The ad has shocked viewers, who have taken to social media demanding to know why ABC would run it. But the network said it has no say in the matter. Because Terry is a candidate on the ballots in about a dozen states, ABC said it is bound by Federal Communications Commission rules to air the ad, unedited.

Judge Orders Giuliani to Forfeit Millions in Assets to Election Workers He Defamed

MSN – Eileen Sullivan (New York Times) | Published: 10/22/2024

A federal judge ordered Rudy Giuliani to turn over most of his possessions and available cash to a receivership controlled by the two Georgia election workers he defamed after the last presidential election. Giuliani has seven days to make the transfer, which includes his New York apartment and his vintage Mercedes-Benz. The judge also ordered him to turn over certain pieces of furniture, his television, sports memorabilia, jewelry, and 26 watches, including one that Giuliani said his grandfather gave him.

Appendix of Source Materials Unsealed in Trump Jan. 6 Prosecution

MSN – Spencer Hsu, Perry Stein, and Aaron Blake (Washington Post) | Published: 10/18/2024

U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan unsealed the appendix of source materials underpinning special counsel Jack Smith’s legal filing that detailed the evidence collected against Donald Trump in the federal election interference case, though the document was heavily redacted and appeared to contain few new revelations. Trump’s legal team opposed making the materials public so soon, arguing that the release now could appear as though the court was trying to affect the upcoming election. But Chutkan said withholding the documents could amount to election interference.

Musk Promises a Daily $1 Million Lottery in Questionable Pro-Trump Effort

MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 10/20/2024

Elon Musk announced he will give away $1 million each day to registered voters in battleground states who sign a petition put out by his super PAC’s voter recruitment drive. The plan also presents a special offer to voters in Pennsylvania: those who sign the petition will receive $100, and if they successfully convince another registered voter in the state to sign, they will receive another $100. Experts questioned the legality of the scheme because it ties a monetary reward to voter registration status, which is prohibited under federal law.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Judge Halts Alabama State Program Aimed at Determining Voter Eligibility

MSN – David Nakamura and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 10/16/2024

A federal judge halted an Alabama state program aimed at removing undocumented immigrants from voter rolls, siding with the Justice Department and civil rights groups who argued the effort came too close to election day and improperly included people eligible to cast a ballot. In her ruling, District Court Judge Anna Manasco said the state’s efforts, which officials said identified 3,281 people whose voting status would be inactivated, included thousands of U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote and “far fewer noncitizens” who are ineligible.

Alaska – Alaska Lt. Gov. Dahlstrom Approves Campaign-Finance Ballot Measure for 2026 Vote

Alaska Beacon – James Brooks | Published: 10/18/2024

Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom approved a ballot measure that would reimpose financial limits on candidates and donors. The measure now faces a statewide vote in 2026. Bruce Botelho, a former state attorney general who is one of three leading sponsors of the ballot measure, said he hopes for faster action. If the Alaska Legislature passes “substantially similar” legislation to the ballot measure, it will be removed from the 2026 vote.

Arizona – Arizona County Official Who Delayed Certifying Election Results Accepts Plea Deal

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 10/21/2024

An Arizona Republican who helped inspire national concerns over county-level certification of the 2024 presidential election pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to a “failure or refusal” to perform her duty. Peggy Judd, who helps lead Cochise County, was indicted a year ago for allegedly flouting the state’s deadlines to formally accept the results of the 2022 midterm general election. State prosecutors asked that Judd serve unsupervised probation for 90 days, a period that extends through the certification process for the upcoming presidential election.

California – L.A. Times Editorials Editor Resigns After Owner Blocks Harris Endorsement

MSN – Kelsey Ables (Washington Post) | Published: 10/24/2024

The head of editorials at the Los Angeles Times, Mariel Garza, resigned after the newspaper’s billionaire owner Patrick Soon-Shiong vetoed the editorial board’s planned endorsement of Kamala Harris in the presidential election. Newspapers generally have separate, independent departments for news and editorial writing, with the editorial side offering opinions on issues – including endorsements for political candidates – while the newsroom focuses on facts.

California – California Regulator Slams SoCalGas for Misusing Customer Funds to Fight Electrification

MSN – Ari Plachta (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 10/23/2024

Reports have shown Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) wrongfully spent millions of customer dollars in recent years to oppose California’s growing electrification policies. SoCalGas, the nation’s largest gas utility, denied those findings. Now, the California Public Utilities Commission acknowledged SoCalGas inappropriately used ratepayer funds to promote natural gas through lobbying, legal fees, and other efforts and issued new transparency measures to monitor its future political activities.

California – Supervisor Andrew Do Agrees to Plead Guilty in Federal Investigation, Resign from Board of Supervisors

MSN – Destiny Torres, Tony Saavedra, and Michael Slaten (Orange County Register) | Published: 10/22/2024

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do will plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and resign from the Board of Supervisors. Do admitted in his plea agreement that beginning in 2020 he received more than $550,000 in bribes to vote in favor of and direct COVID-related funds to the Viet America Society. He allocated the money without disclosing that his daughter worked and held leadership roles for the group. Instead of the funding going to meal programs, county District Attorney Todd said the money “filled the pockets of insiders, (Do), and … family members.”

California – How S.F.’s Former Dream Keeper Chief Used Her City Position to Boost Her Personal Brand

MSN – Michael Barba and St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 10/16/2024

Sheryl Davis, who resigned in September as head of San Francisco’s Dream Keeper Initiative amid reports of misspending and lax oversight, repeatedly used city resources to promote herself and a self-published children’s book, a media investigation found. Payments for a podcast and referrals to her personal website raise questions about whether Davis improperly used city resources, illustrating the blurred lines separating her career as a public official from her private life and ambitions as an author and public speaker.

California – Federal Judge Agrees to Dismiss Pending Charge Against Recology in San Francisco Bribery Case

Waste Dive – Cole Rosengren | Published: 10/18/2024

A federal judge agreed that Recology has satisfied the terms of its deferred prosecution agreement in San Francisco and granted a motion to dismiss a pending bribery charge against the company. Two former Recology executives – Paul Giusti, local director of government affairs, and John Porter, his supervisor and head of the SF Recology Group – were sentenced last year for their role in what the Justice Department described as “one of the largest corruption scandals in San Francisco history.”

Florida – ‘It’s the First Amendment, Stupid’: Federal judge blasts DeSantis administration for threats against TV stations

MSN – Liam Reilly and Brian Stelter (CNN) | Published: 10/17/2024

Chief U.S. District Court Judge Mark Walker granted a temporary restraining order against Florida’s surgeon general after the state health department threatened to bring criminal charges against broadcasters airing an ad in support of a ballot measure that that seeks to overturn a six-week abortion ban by enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution. “To keep it simple for the State of Florida: it’s the First Amendment, stupid,” wrote Walker.

Georgia – Georgia Supreme Court Refuses to Reinstate Hand-Count Rule in Time for Election Day

MSN – Aysha Bagchi (USA Today) | Published: 10/22/2024

The Georgia Supreme Court rejected a Republican request for a speedy appeal to get seven rules, including a requirement for thousands of poll workers to hand count ballots, reinstated in the final weeks before the election. The decision likely means none of the rules will be in place on November 5. The appeal will still be able to proceed on the regular, slower timeline.

Hawaii – Maui Voters to Decide If County Board of Ethics Can Hire a Full-Time Staff

Honolulu Civil Beat – Leo Azambuja | Published: 10/21/2024

Maui voters are being asked to allow the county Board of Ethics to hire its own full-time staff, including an executive director, a secretary, and an investigator. The all-volunteer board currently has no staff, and the proposed county charter amendment would allow more opportunities for ethics training of county employees and investigations of ethics violations.

Hawaii – Hawaii Legislature Rarely Uses Its Own Process to Investigate Lawmakers

Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 10/16/2024

There are concerns that the Hawaii Legislature does not do much about lawmakers who behave badly, and whether the public would even hear about it if they did. The House Select Committee on Standards of Conduct appears to have rarely convened since its inception 16 years ago. Members of both chambers and parties say a big reason is legislators are reluctant to speak out for fear of retaliation “Anyone who complains, forget your bills …,” said Sen. Les Ihara, who was the author of a 2007 bill that called for setting up legislative ethics committees.

Illinois – Corrupt Political Boss or Defender of His Constituents? Madigan Trial Begins in Earnest

MSN – Jason Meisner, Megan Crepeau, and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 10/21/2024

It has been five years since former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, the nation’s longest-serving legislative leader and the kingpin of the state’s Democrats, landed in the crosshairs of a federal corruption investigation. As opening statements in Madigan’s historic trial got underway, his defense team said the government’s cooperating witnesses were liars with an “axe to grind” who were operating without the speaker’s knowledge or authorization. Prosecutors told the jury Madigan ruthlessly used his perch at the top of state politics to betray the public trust, increase his power, enrich his friends, and line his own pockets.

Louisiana – The Louisiana Ethics Board Is Trying to Rein in PAC Spending. Lawmakers Are Balking.

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 10/23/2024

The Louisiana Board of Ethics has quietly clamped down on PAC spending for over a year, angering state lawmakers and a campaign advisor to Gov. Jeff Landry. Campaign finance attorneys said the ethics board has started to ask more questions, and possibly launched more investigations, into elected officials’ PAC spending since the middle of 2023. Legislators confirmed they were being told to take care when spending PAC money for the time being

Michigan – State Says Anti-Renewable Group Violated Campaign Finance Law Following Planet Detroit Investigation

Planet Detroit – Brian Allnutt | Published: 10/18/2024

The Michigan Department of State found the nonprofit Our Home Our Voice (OHOV) committed a “potential violation” of campaign finance law with its fundraising for a ballot question committee looking to repeal a renewable energy law. The law could allow energy developers to overcome restrictive local ordinances that block large-scale wind and solar projects from being built. The decision follows a report that found that OHOV, a 501(c)(4) organization, appeared to solicit donations for the ballot initiative and donated $54,200 to the ballot question committee.

Mississippi – Second Conspirator Pleads Guilty in Jackson Bribery Case. Man Tied to 2 Elected Officials

Yahoo News – Charlie Drape (Jackson Clarion Ledger) | Published: 10/17/2024

A second person in a bribery scandal pleaded guilty in the case that brought down former Jackson City Councilperson Angelique Lee. At least two other elected officials are involved. Court documents in the case were unsealed for Sherik Marve Smith, who is associated with Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens’ real estate company, which is being investigated by the FBI. Smith was also working with “Unindicted Co-Conspirator B” and “Unindicted Co-Conspirator C,” who are both elected officials of the city of Jackson, according to court documents.

Missouri – Ex-St. Louis Prosecutor Admits She Misused Public Funds and Avoids Criminal Charges

MSN – Heather Hollingsworth (Associated Press) | Published: 10/23/2024

A former prosecutor in St. Louis admitted she should not have used thousands of dollars in public funds to pay herself back after getting fined for mistakes while prosecuting a governor. Kim Gardner resigned under fire last year after being elected the city’s first Black circuit attorney in 2016. She will avoid federal criminal prosecution for misusing the $5,004 in public funds as long as she pays them back and follows other rules of a pretrial diversion agreement.

Nebraska – Felons with Finished Sentences Can Register to Vote, Nebraska Supreme Court Rules

MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 10/16/2024

Nebraska residents who were convicted of felonies and have finished their sentences can vote in the November election, the state’s Supreme Court ruled, potentially opening the door for thousands of Nebraskans to cast their ballot. The ruling could have implications for the presidential race as Nebraska, which is solidly red, is one of two states that award some of their electoral votes by congressional district.

Nevada – ‘Gaping Loophole’ in Campaign-Finance Law: Dan Bilzerian, others give big to politicians

MSN – Eli Segall (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 10/17/2024

Las Vegas celebrity Dan Bilzerian has injected large amounts of money into Nevada politics, allowed by a legal loophole that lets him give the maximum amount through corporate entities. It is a common practice in Nevada, experts say. Since the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the lid on corporate political spending, outside groups have spent billions of dollars trying to influence federal elections. Nevada law has long allowed people to give big to state and local candidates: Donors can give the maximum allowed in their own name and through a limitless number of corporate entities to the same candidate, experts said.

Nevada – Here’s What Will Happen to Library Executive Who Took Super Bowl Tickets

MSN – Jessica Hill (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 10/16/2024

The executive director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District who accepted free Super Bowl tickets is required to implement ethics training for himself and his staff in accordance with an agreement approved by the Nevada Commission on Ethics. Kelvin Watson received tickets to attend the Super Bowl in Las Vegas that were valued at around $8,600.

Nevada – Former Las Vegas Area Democratic Politician Gets Minimum 28 Years in Prison for Killing Reporter

MSN – Ken Ritter (Associated Press) | Published: 10/16/2024

A former Las Vegas-area elected official was sentenced to serve at least 28 years in prison for killing an investigative journalist who wrote articles critical of his conduct in office two years ago and exposed an intimate relationship with a female coworker. A judge invoked sentencing enhancements for use of a deadly weapon and the age of the reporter to add eight years to the minimum 20-years-to-life sentence that a jury set after finding Robert Telles guilty of first-degree murder.

New Hampshire – ‘Wrap Up Quickly’: State supreme court justice indicted for allegedly interfering with investigation into ports director husband

MSN – Elura Nanos (Law and Crime) | Published: 10/16/2024

New Hampshire Supreme Court Associate Justice Anna Hantz Marconi, who is married to a long-embattled state official, was indicted for interfering with a criminal investigation into her husband. According to prosecutors, Marconi attempted to influence Gov. Chris Sununu to cut short an investigation into State Ports and Harbor Director Geno Marconi.

New York – Stricter New Rules for Campaign Cash Could Deal Blow to Mayor Adams’ Reelection Bid

Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 10/21/2024

Under proposed rule changes, the New York City Campaign Finance Board would be required to withhold the public financing program’s eight-to-one matching funds from candidates who violate specific rules. Until now, the board has been able to use its discretion to determine a candidate’s eligibility for matching funds, despite most compliance concerns. Board officials say the proposals amount to little more than bureaucratic housekeeping. But the new rules could have major implications for Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign.

New York – Where’s The Money? More Than $400,000 Missing from Bronx Democratic Party Disclosures

New York Focus – Sam Mellins | Published: 10/15/2024

The Bronx Democratic Party has failed to disclose more than $400,000 in contributions over the past four years, an apparent violation of campaign finance law. A New York Focus review found the state Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee transferred the funds in over a dozen installments, yet those contributions never appeared on the Bronx party’s paperwork.

North Dakota – Ethics Commission May Seek More Protections for Whistleblowers

Yahoo News – Mary Steuer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 10/24/2024

The North Dakota Ethics Commission is considering proposing a new law during the 2025 legislative session to protect whistleblowers. North Dakota already has whistleblower laws, but none explicitly cover the Ethics Commission. Another proposal would specify that the two-year prohibition on lobbying after a public official leaves their office only applies to those who were elected, not those who were appointed.

Oklahoma – Records Conceal Oklahoma Governor’s Aircraft Travel Information in Apparent Flouting of State Law

Yahoo News – Barbara Hoberock (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 10/7/2024

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and his wife have used a state plane to travel the country, but records conceal the purpose and passengers of many flights, raising questions about why they are not following state law on transparency. While officials blame each other for omissions on the Department of Transportation’s Beechcraft King Air’s flight logs, some legal experts say state law requires users to cite the reason for all flights and to clearly state who is aboard. But the law contains no consequences, such as fines, for noncompliance.

Oregon – Portland Mayoral Candidate Rene Gonzalez Broke Law by Using Taxpayer Money to Edit Wikipedia Page, Auditor Finds

MSN – Jamie Goldberg (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 10/21/2024

Portland Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, who is running for mayor, broke campaign finance rules when he used public funds to spruce up his Wikipedia page, the city auditor’s office announced. Chief Deputy Auditor Reed Brodersen wrote that Gonzalez violated the law by using city staff time, money, and services when he paid a company $6,400 this spring to help him highlight that he is a Democrat on his Wikipedia page. The auditor’s office issued Gonzalez a fine of $2,400.

Pennsylvania – A Judge Dismissed a Lawsuit That Ex-Mayoral Candidate Jeff Brown Filed Against the Ethics Board

MSN – Anna Orso (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 10/16/2024

A Philadelphia judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by former mayoral candidate Jeff Brown and a super PAC that spent millions of dollars to back his unsuccessful bid against the city’s Board of Ethics. Brown, as well as the PAC and a related nonprofit, argued the ethics board improperly used its power to undermine his run for mayor last year by publicly accusing him of campaign finance violations in the middle of the race.

Pennsylvania – A GOP Operative Accused a Monastery of Voter Fraud. Nuns Fought Back.

MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 10/23/2024

A Republican operative in Pennsylvania falsely suggested to his nearly 58,000 followers on X that no one lived at a monastery in Erie, Pennsylvania, and mail ballots cast from there would be “illegal votes.” But the address Cliff Maloney posted belonged to the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, where 55 nuns live full time. In a public statement, Sister Stephanie Schmidt called Maloney’s post, which has been viewed more than 2 million times, “blatantly false,” adding that “a simple web search would alert him to our active presence in a number of ministries in Erie.”

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania High Court Gives Voters Provisional Option If Their Mail Ballots Get Rejected

Yahoo News – Mark Scolforo and Marc Levy (Associated Press) | Published: 10/23/2024

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court said people whose mail ballots are rejected for not following technical procedures in state law can cast provisional ballots, a decision sure to affect some of the thousands of mail-in votes likely to be rejected this fall. The court ruled Butler County’s Republican-majority election board must count provisional ballots that were cast by two voters after they learned their mail-in ballots were voided because they arrived without mandatory secrecy envelopes.

Texas – Whitmire Launches Ethics Investigation into Controller Hollins Over Potential ‘Pay to Play’ Sponsorships

MSN – Mike Morris and Abby Church (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 10/17/2024

The Houston Annual Investor Conference is now in its ninth year, but this year’s event is the first for which sponsorships have been sought, Mayor John Whitmire said. The conference’s website lists sponsorships from $10,000 up to $100,000, with increasing perks for top donors. Whitmire asked the Office of Inspector General to investigate if any city ordinances were violated by the solicitation of sponsorships. He will not attend the conference and called on City Controller Chris Hollins to cancel it.

Virginia – Va.’s AG Accused an Election Worker of Corruption. She’s Suing Him Back.

MSN – Emily Davies (Washington Post) | Published: 10/17/2024

The former head of a Virginia county elections office has sued the state’s attorney general and current and former members of his office, saying they intentionally brought baseless corruption charges against her to further their political agenda and justify the creation of a controversial election integrity unit. The criminal case against Michele White, who was Prince William County’s registrar during the 2020 election, fizzled when Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares dropped the charges weeks before trial.

October 24, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Louisiana: “The Louisiana Ethics Board Is Trying to Rein in PAC Spending. Lawmakers Are Balking.” by Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) for Yahoo News Elections Arizona: “Arizona County Official Who Delayed Certifying Election Results Accepts Plea Deal” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington […]

October 23, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “How Elderly Dementia Patients Are Unwittingly Fueling Political Campaigns” by Blake Ellis, Melanie Hicken, Yahya Abou-Ghazala, Audrey Ash, Kyung Lah, Anna-Maja Rappard, Casey Tolan, Lou Robinson, and Brian Manley for CNN New York: “Where’s The Money? More Than $400,000 Missing […]

October 22, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Alaska: “Alaska Lt. Gov. Dahlstrom Approves Campaign-Finance Ballot Measure for 2026 Vote” by James Brooks for Alaska Beacon Michigan: “State Says Anti-Renewable Group Violated Campaign Finance Law Following Planet Detroit Investigation” by Brian Allnutt for Planet Detroit Nevada: “‘Gaping Loophole’ in Campaign-Finance Law: […]

October 21, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Pennsylvania: “A Judge Dismissed a Lawsuit That Ex-Mayoral Candidate Jeff Brown Filed Against the Ethics Board” by Anna Orso (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN Elections Alabama: “Judge Halts Alabama State Program Aimed at Determining Voter Eligibility” by David Nakamura and Patrick Marley (Washington […]

October 18, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – October 18, 2024

National/Federal Trump Leans on Creative Bookkeeping to Keep Up in Cash Race DNyuz – Shane Goldmacher and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 10/15/2024 Donald Trump’s political operation has been taking extraordinary measures in a bid to stay financially competitive with […]

National/Federal

Trump Leans on Creative Bookkeeping to Keep Up in Cash Race

DNyuz – Shane Goldmacher and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 10/15/2024

Donald Trump’s political operation has been taking extraordinary measures in a bid to stay financially competitive with Vice President Kamala Harris, deploying aggressive and creative accounting strategies that test the legal limits of how far a candidate can go to offload the core costs of running for president. The most startling example is the official payroll of the former president’s campaign committee. Trump has only 11 people on the official payroll of his campaign committee. The reason is he is shuffling costs from his campaign committee to other accounts allied or shared with the Republican Party.

‘I Will Stand My Ground’: Election officials are prepared for attempts to ‘find’ votes

MSN – Erin Mansfield and Sarah Wire (USA Today) | Published: 10/14/2024

When Donald Trump lost Georgia by just under 12,000 votes in 2020, he went to the two people with the most power over the state’s elections, the governor and the secretary of state, and asked for help overturning the results. Both resisted the effort. Trump in September claimed without evidence that Democrats are “cheating,” laying the groundwork to challenge the results again if he loses. But Trump would be unlikely to find state officials willing to try to block their state’s electoral votes from going to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Ethics Committee Subpoenas Documents from Lawsuit Brought by Gaetz’s Friend: Sources

MSN – Will Steakin (ABC News) | Published: 10/15/2024

As part of its ongoing investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz, the House Committee on Ethics issued a subpoena for documents from a civil lawsuit brought by one of Gaetz’s longtime friends against several third parties. The subpoena requests all documents related to Gaetz that are part of a lawsuit by Florida lobbyist Chris Dorworth, who alleged he was defamed by several third parties over the course of the yearslong sex trafficking probe into Gaetz. The documents from the lawsuit could provide Congress with new details regarding allegations that have dogged Gaetz for years, including the allegation he had sex with a minor.

The Senate GOP Found a Campaign Finance Loophole. It’s About to Save Them Millions of Dollars.

MSN – Ally Mutnick, Jessica Piper, and Madison Fernandez (Politico) | Published: 10/10/2024

Republicans have been employing a new election strategy: running campaign ads for a candidate, framed as a fundraising plea, to get cheaper ad rates and avoid content restrictions. Democrats, furious at what they saw as the crossing of ethical and legal lines, asked the FEC to weigh in. The FEC deadlocked on whether these joint fundraising ads should be permitted, effectively allowing the practice to continue. It could have implications beyond this election cycle as campaigns and their joint fundraising committees get more creative. Those were among the concerns of campaign finance advocates ahead of the FEC’s decision.

Eight Years Ago, Trump Vowed to ‘Drain the Swamp.’ Now He Swims in It.

MSN – Isaac Stanley-Becker and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 10/11/2024

Eight years after Donald Trump entered politics promising to reduce the influence of Washington lobbyists – to “drain the swamp,” as he put it – advocates for corporate interests, including companies based in China and other foreign countries denounced by Trump, now sit at virtually every level of his campaign. Lobbyists are represented among high-level staff, informal advisers, and party faithful who planned the summer convention in Milwaukee, as people with access to Trump or insight into his at-times erratic decision-making turn that knowledge into moneymaking opportunities.

This Could Have Been a Year of a Federal Court Reckoning for Trump. Judges Had Other Ideas

Yahoo News – Eric Tucker and Alanna Durkin Richer (Associated Press) | Published: 10/14/2024

A year that began with the prospect of a federal court reckoning for Donald Trump will end without any chance of a trial, leaving voters without the finality of a jury verdict in the two most consequential cases against the presidential nominee. Yet both cases still loom over the election, their potential resurgence in the coming months making clear that at stake on November 5 is not only the presidency but also possibly Trump’s liberty.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – How a Man Imprisoned in New York Could Sway a Key House Race in Alaska

DNyuz – Corey Kilgannon (New York Times) | Published: 10/15/2024

In the race for Alaska’s sole seat in the U.S. House, the leading candidates are defined by credentials specific to the state. Then there is Inmate 00932-005, campaigning from the Otisville Federal Correctional Institution in New York, some 4,000 miles from Alaska. He is Eric Hafner, running in a state he has never set foot in and cannot visit soon. Hafner is serving 20 years for threatening public officials in New Jersey, where he grew up. Now in his dubious quest to become one himself, he has emerged as an unlikely factor in the fight for control of Congress.

Arizona – Arizona Counties Won’t Be Forced to Do Citizenship Checks Before the Election, a Judge Rules

MSN – Associated Press | Published: 10/15/2024

A judge rejected a request to require Arizona’s 15 counties to verify the citizenship of some 42,000 voters registered only to vote in federal elections in the presidential battleground state, concluding those who sought the checks made their request too close to the November 5 election and did not have legal standing. Arizona requires voters to prove their citizenship to participate in local and state races. Voters who do not provide proof of citizenship yet still swear they are U.S. citizens are allowed to vote only for president, the U.S. House, or Senate.

California – Did Waymo Violate Ethics Rules in Lobbying SFO for Airport Access? The Teamsters Say So

MSN – Chase DiFeliciantonio (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 10/10/2024

The Teamsters union filed an ethics complaint against autonomous driving company Waymo, alleging some of the company’s employees failed to register as lobbyists while pushing San Francisco International Airport executives to allow their cars to map its property. The complaint claims multiple contacts in May between senior Waymo product, policy, and government affairs staff and top airport officials crossed the legal line for when the Waymo workers should have registered as lobbyists but did not.

California – ‘Notoriously Slow:’ Lengthy investigations into California politicians leave voters in the dark

MSN – Yue Stella Yu and Jeremia Kimelman (Cal Matters) | Published: 10/14/2024

Historically plagued by what some staff called an “enormous” backlog, The California Fair Political Practices Commission has sometimes taken years to resolve cases, exposing violations or exonerating politicians only after they left office or won an election. While the agency has worked to expedite enforcement, advocates, officials, and past and current commissioners say delayed actions can diminish public trust in the state’s ability to prosecute corruption effectively.

District of Columbia – D.C. Violence Intervention Programs Scrutinized Amid Bribery Probe

MSN – Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) | Published: 10/8/2024

District of Columbia Deputy Mayor of Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah told lawmakers the city has completed a review of grants and contracts in the violence-intervention space, a review prompted by bribery allegations against Councilperson Trayon White Sr. and did not find evidence of wrongdoing. The hearing concerned the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONSE) and whether oversight needs to be strengthened. It was sparked by allegations White took bribes to pressure city officials to extend an associate’s violence-intervention contracts at ONSE, sparking broader concerns about the impact on the agency.

District of Columbia – In D.C. Election, Initiative 83 Push for Voting Changes Is Biggest Wild Card

MSN – Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) | Published: 10/12/2024

With Democrats expected to coast to victory in deep-blue District of Columbia, the biggest wild-card contest this November is instead a citywide ballot measure. Initiative 83 would allow independents to vote in primary elections and bring ranked choice voting to the city. The changes could open up the primary elections to roughly 76,000 registered independents, and significantly impact how votes are counted and potentially how candidates campaign.

Florida – DeSantis-Backed Report Accuses Abortion Amendment Backers of Signature Gathering Fraud

MSN – John Kennedy (USA Today) | Published: 10/14/2024

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s latest attempt to defeat an abortion rights ballot measure, known as Amendment 4, emerged in a report from the office of the state elections chief, alleging a host of violations involving the campaign’s petition signature-gathering. Secretary of State Cord Byrd’s report includes allegations of fraudulent signatures and petition-gatherers being paid illegally per signature. Floridians Protecting Freedom Floridians Protecting Freedom, the Amendment 4 campaign, was recently fined $328,000 for the alleged violations. The civil fine has not been paid.

Florida – Broward Ethics Rules May Be Relaxed on Accepting Gifts of Food and Drinks

MSN – Lisa Huriash (South Florida Sun-Sentinel) | Published: 10/13/2024

Broward County commissioners will consider relaxing the rules surrounding accepting gifts of food and drinks when they are on the job. The idea is to prohibit “sizable gifts that may invite actual or perceived impropriety,” according to county records. But Broward’s ethics code takes the spirit of the law further, and it prohibits elected officials from accepting any gift with a value that exceeds five dollars from a lobbyist, vendor, or contractor. There is, however, an exception for soft drinks.

Georgia – Right-Wing Site Gateway Pundit Acknowledges Inquiry Cleared Two Georgia Election Workers

MSN – Maegan Vasquez (Washington Post) | Published: 10/12/2024

The Gateway Pundit, a far-right website, published a note from its editor acknowledging that two election workers in Georgia did not engage in ballot fraud in 2020, days after the publication settled a lawsuit brought against it for falsely reporting they had tampered with election results. The site recently settled with Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, two former Georgia election workers. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.

Georgia – Georgia Judge Rules That Counties Must Certify Election Results

MSN – Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 10/15/2024

A Georgia judge ruled state law does not give county officials discretion to withhold certification of election results, a defeat for allies of Donald Trump, who sought to empower local leaders to hold up the outcome of the vote. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney said certification of election results is a mandatory duty irrespective of any concerns a county election board may have about the accuracy of the count. Such concerns are the domain of prosecutors and state election officials, he ruled, and local boards are expected to relay any evidence of irregularity to their local district attorney.

Illinois – Report: Illinois gets failing grade for its lobbyist disclosure system

MSN – Kevin Bessler (Center Square) | Published: 10/10/2024

A new report says Illinois is one of 27 states that received a failing grade for its lobbyist disclosure system. The organization F Minus gives Illinois a grade of “F” for its lobbyist system, citing several failures. “Lobbyists don’t have to disclose the numbers of the bills they’re working on or the positions they are taking, or the compensation they are receiving from each of their clients,” said Executive Director James Browning.

Kansas – Who Pays for Wichita Officials’ Trips? They Now Must Tell Public, but How Is Unclear

MSN – Chance Swaim (Wichita Eagle) | Published: 10/11/2024

Three Wichita City Council members have accepted expensive gifts since creating a carve-out that allows them to exceed the city’s $150 annual gift limit with a majority vote of the council. But in the council’s agenda packets, the gifts are packaged as travel requests alongside trips that are funded by the city, with no stated outside funding sources, no donor names, no estimated value, and no list of what expenses are included in the travel request. There is also no mention that a vote for the travel is a vote to allow council members to exceed the gift limit set in an ethics ordinance they passed in September.

Maryland – Larry Hogan Approved Millions for His Firm’s Listed Clients as Governor

MSN – Eric Cortellessa (Time Magazine) | Published: 10/10/2024

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is president and principal owner of HOGAN, a real estate brokerage firm in Annapolis. When he became governor, Hogan entered into a trust agreement he said would prevent conflicts-of-interest. But it was not a blind trust. He put his brother in charge of the firm and made several executives at the firm trustees. Hogan said the agreement would allow him to remain apprised of his firm’s investments, investors, and other matters including the location of its real estate projects. The State Ethics Commission approved the arrangement. If Hogan hoped the agreement would prevent the appearance of a conflict, it did not.

Michigan – Michigan GOP Candidate’s Ad Aimed at Black Voters Has Wrong Election Date

MSN – María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) | Published: 10/14/2024

Tom Barrett, a Republican vying for a Michigan congressional seat, is facing calls for an investigation after an ad from his campaign incorrectly listed Election Day as November 6 in a Black-owned newspaper. In a complaint filed with the state attorney general, the Legislative Black Caucus accused Barrett’s campaign of misleading Black voters to suppress turnout, something that could violate a state law prohibiting intentionally spreading misinformation about the election process to deter an individual from voting.

Nebraska – Wealthy Governor, Billionaire Family Changed Nebraska Elections

Governing – Sara Gentzler and Alex Richards (Flatwater Free Press) | Published: 10/16/2024

In the years before U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, the eldest so of a billionaire businessperson, ran for governor of Nebraska, his family never spent more than $400,000 in any state campaign cycle. Then, in the decade he was running for and serving as governor, the Ricketts family spent at least $9.8 million on state political campaigns and causes. That spending spiked when Ricketts first ran for the state’s top job, jumping to five percent of all recorded political giving in Nebraska.

New Jersey – ‘He’s Taken on Everybody in New Jersey’ – and Angered the Political Class

Yahoo News – Matt Friedman (Politico) | Published: 10/12/2024

State Comptroller Kevin Walsh has applied the same zeal from his attorney days to hunting down fraud, waste, and abuse inside some 2,000 government entities and angered some of the most powerful people in New Jersey while doing so. Walsh is an especially intriguing figure not only for his aggressive approach but also because New Jersey politics as a whole is changing.

New York – New Adams Administration Inquiry Focuses on City Leases

DNyuz – William Rashbaum, Dana Rubinstein, and Michael Rothfeld (New York Times) | Published: 10/9/2024

As federal prosecutors scrutinize New York City Mayor Eric Adams and his top aides, the Manhattan district attorney’s office opened yet another corruption investigation into City Hall, this one involving the city’s leasing of commercial properties, people with knowledge of the matter said. As part of the inquiry, investigators have seized the phones of at least five people, including Adams’ chief adviser, a top New York City real estate official, and a broker involved in city leases, the people said. The investigation has focused at least in part on possible bribery, money laundering, and other crimes, one of the people said.

New York – NYC Council Tightens Process Around City Vendors as Accusations of Corruption Swirl Around Mayor Adams

Gothamist – Michelle Bocanegra | Published: 10/10/2024

The New York City Council is setting its sights on reforming the city’s process for hiring vendors, as Mayor Eric Adams faces questions around the city’s business dealings along with his own indictment on federal bribery and fraud charges. Council members unanimously passed a package of bills that aims to increase transparency around what city vendors have for years called an opaque procurement process for contracts.

North Carolina – North Carolina Authorities Arrest Armed Man After Threats Against FEMA Workers

MSN – Brianna Sacks and Dan Lamothe (Washington Post) | Published: 10/14/2024

Threats against federal emergency response personnel have hampered relief work in parts of western North Carolina hard hit by Hurricane Helene, prompting disaster workers to relocate because of safety concerns and feeding a cycle of fear and anxiety. Some of the misinformation swirling around federal responders have been amplified by Donald Trump as he seeks to return to the White House. Trump has alleged the federal government was “going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas” and repeatedly claimed the Federal Emergency Management Agency was diverting disaster relief money for migrants.

Ohio – Justice Dept. to Monitor Voting in Ohio County Over Intimidation Concerns

MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 10/15/2024

The U.S. Justice Department will monitor voting in Portage County, Ohio, during the November election, after the county sheriff posted on Facebook urging residents to write down the addresses of people displaying yard signs for Vice President Kamala Harris. The announcement follows the county’s elections board decision to bar the sheriff’s office from providing security during early voting. The board acted one week after Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski made the Facebook posts, sparking complaints about voter intimidation.

Ohio – King Joins Long List of East Cleveland Officials Who Have Faced Corruption or Misconduct Allegations

MSN – Lucas Daprile (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 10/11/2024

Mayor Brandon King became the latest East Cleveland official in a long list of city leaders to face criminal charges or be accused of misconduct. A grand jury indicted King on charges involving his interest in city contracts that prosecutors say earned him more than $75,000 over the span of several years. He is the impoverished city’s third current or former mayor in 20 years to face criminal charges. “Everyone who gets in that seat loses their damn mind,” East Cleveland Council President Twon Billings said of the mayor’s job.

Ohio – House GOP Owes $1.6M for Lease Arranged by Convicted Ex-Speaker Householder, Court Rules

MSN – Jake Zuckerman and Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 10/14/2024

A Franklin County magistrate pinned a contested, $1.67 million debt stemming from a defaulted office lease on the Ohio House Republicans’ political arm, just weeks before Election Day. The decision imposes significant financial uncertainty unto the Ohio House Republican Alliance, which assists with campaigning for the slate of GOP House candidates. It could end up being a costly addition to the already tarnished legacy of ex-House Speaker Larry Householder, whose political operation arranged the lease in the first place shortly before he was arrested on federal bribery related charges in 2020.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Changes Ryan Walters’ Proposal to Supply 55,000 Bibles to Public Schools

MSN – M. Scott Carter (Oklahoman) | Published: 10/9/2024

A request issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Education to purchase thousands of bibles for public schools was significantly changed after questions arose surrounding its legality. The vendor requirements underwent at least two major changes: the delivery date and a provision that now allows the vendor to provide Bibles and other documents such as copies of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights separately. Unbundling the Bible and the set of historical documents appears to expand the number of possible vendors.

Pennsylvania – The (Basically) Secret List of Campaign Donations by No-Bid Contractors

MSN – Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 10/11/2024

Every year, government agencies in Pennsylvania award contracts, sometimes worth millions of dollars, without going through the traditional bidding process meant to ensure taxpayers get the best price for the work. The companies that benefit from this arrangement, in turn, are required to report campaign contributions by owners and employees. The requirement is buried deep in Pennsylvania’s Election code and might be one of the best-kept secrets in the Capitol. The annual reports produced by the Pennsylvania Department of State are not easily accessible or well-known by the public.

Texas – Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit over Austin’s Campaign Finance Rule

KUT – Luz Moreno-Lozano | Published: 10/15/2024

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against Austin’s campaign finance rule that says a candidate cannot raise more than $47,000 from outside the city limits during an election. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pitman dismissed the case saying the cap could be unconstitutional, but that is up to the city’s Ethics Review Commission to decide.

Washington – Initiative Backers Hit with $20,000 Fine by WA Campaign Finance Watchdog

Yahoo News – Jerry Cornfield (Washington State Standard) | Published: 10/9/2024

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) handed a $20,000 fine to the conservative organization behind the slate of initiatives appearing on the ballot this November. The PDC concluded Let’s Go Washington violated Washington’s campaign finance laws by not obtaining and disclosing information on payments to sub-vendors used by signature-gathering firms. It also found Let’s Go Washington did not hand over financial records in a timely fashion as it took a July subpoena before it produced 9,000 pages of materials.

October 17, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Nebraska: “Wealthy Governor, Billionaire Family Changed Nebraska Elections” by Sara Gentzler and Alex Richards (Flatwater Free Press) for Governing Texas: “Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit over Austin’s Campaign Finance Rule” by Luz Moreno-Lozano for KUT Elections Arizona: “Arizona Counties Won’t Be Forced to Do […]

October 16, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Trump Leans on Creative Bookkeeping to Keep Up in Cash Race” by Shane Goldmacher and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for DNyuz Ohio: “House GOP Owes $1.6M for Lease Arranged by Convicted Ex-Speaker Householder, Court Rules” by Jake Zuckerman and Jeremy […]

October 14, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “The Senate GOP Found a Campaign Finance Loophole. It’s About to Save Them Millions of Dollars.” by Ally Mutnick, Jessica Piper, and Madison Fernandez (Politico) for MSN Washington: “Initiative Backers Hit with $20,000 Fine by WA Campaign Finance Watchdog” by Jerry […]

October 11, 2024 • Written by Marilyn Wesel

Ohio’s Ban on Foreign Contributions to State Ballot Issues Is Valid

Ohio Flag

A divided panel of the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Ohio’s ban on foreign contributions to ballot measure committees is valid. The ruling overturns the preliminary injunction granted by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of […]

October 11, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – October 11, 2024

National/Federal Conservative Activists Are Monitoring, and Filming, Voter Registration Sites DNyuz – Jack Healy (New York Times) | Published: 10/4/2024 As the ground game intensifies ahead of many state voter-registration deadlines in early October, suspicions of election fraud have turned the normally […]

National/Federal

Conservative Activists Are Monitoring, and Filming, Voter Registration Sites

DNyuz – Jack Healy (New York Times) | Published: 10/4/2024

As the ground game intensifies ahead of many state voter-registration deadlines in early October, suspicions of election fraud have turned the normally ho-hum work of registering voters into tense confrontations. Despite the many debunked falsehoods about widespread voting by noncitizens, liberal Latino advocacy groups say they are being trailed by conservative activists with cameras and accused of registering undocumented immigrants. The conservative activists say they are just trying to expose flaws in the voter-registration process.

Democrats Try ‘Trump-Proofing’ Their States Ahead of Election Day

MSN – Reis Thebault (Washington Post) | Published: 10/6/2024

From the West Coast to the East, blue states are preparing for the possibility that Donald Trump wins in November by attempting to shield their policy priorities from the reach of a future Trump administration. This preemptive strategy – “Trump-proofing” – encompasses a wide range of issues and programs that Democratic leaders fear could be targeted in another Trump presidency, based on his previous actions and his current campaign promises.

FBI Probe of Kavanaugh Constrained by Trump White House, Report Finds

MSN – Beth Reinhard (Washington Post) | Published: 10/8/2024

In September 2018, as allegations of sexual misconduct against Brett Kavanaugh threatened his confirmation to the Supreme Court, Donald Trump vowed the FBI would have “free rein” to vet the claims. Trump’s comments came as a surprise to the FBI, according to a new report from U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. FBI officials, directed to conduct a very limited inquiry in a week’s time, requested “additional guidance” from the White House, citing the public remarks by Trump describing a freewheeling investigation. But the White House never authorized the agency to independently probe the allegations, which Kavanaugh staunchly denied.

Lawmakers Spending Even More in 2024 Under Receipt-Free Expense Program

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany and Clara Ence Morse (Washington Post) | Published: 10/10/2024

House lawmakers expensed at least $2.5 million under a program that allows them to be reimbursed for their spending without submitting receipts through the first five months of 2024, over $120,000 more than during the same period last year. The program was intended to help members offset the costs of maintaining two households without requiring them to give themselves a politically toxic raise. Critics have argued that its lack of receipt requirements and reliance on the honor system open it up for abuse.

Trump’s Jan. 6 Role Back in Focus as He Readies New Stolen Election Claims

MSN – Amy Gardner and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 10/3/2024

Donald Trump’s effort to overturn his loss four years ago and his role inciting the violent attack on the Capitol roared onto the 2024 campaign stage even as he continues to suggest he will not accept a defeat if it happens a second time. Special counsel Jack Smith’s recent filing exposed new details about Trump’s lack of concern about the Capitol riot and his push to reverse his loss even as advisers repeatedly told him Joe Biden had legitimately won.

Trump Holds Up Transition Process, Skirting Ethics and Fund-Raising Rules

Seattle Times – Ken Bensinger (New York Times) | Published: 10/9/2024

Donald Trump’s campaign has not yet participated in the government’s official presidential transition process, a break from past practice that could threaten the seamless transfer of power should he win the election. It appears to be guided, at least in part, by Trump’s mistrust of the government he is running to lead. Experts note he may have other incentives. His refusal to sign the documents allows him to circumvent fundraising rules that put limits on private contributions to the transition, along with ethics rules meant to avoid conflicts-of-interest for the incoming administration.

From the States and Municipalities

California – As the Legislature Reaches Towards Gender Parity, the Number of Female Lobbyists Is Also Growing

Capitol Weekly – Brian Joseph | Published: 10/1/2024

There was a time when Sacramento’s female lobbyists were frozen out of meetings, literally not invited to important discussions about their clients’ bills simply because they were women. But female lobbyists say does not happen anymore as gender parity has grown in the lobbying corps alongside that of the Legislature itself and its aides. Female lobbyists attribute the changing culture of the Capitol to a number of factors: Sacramento’s own #MeToo reckoning, and overall society changes when it comes to gender differences and women in the workplace. But one unexpected factor that women lobbyists point to is term limits.

California – S.F. Mayor, City Attorney Broke Law by Deleting Texts, Task Force Says

Mission Local – Joe Rivano Barros | Published: 10/3/2024

The Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, San Francisco’s oversight body responsible for public records and transparency laws, ruled that Mayor London Breed and City Attorney David Chiu both violated city law by deleting text messages dealing with official business. It also referred the mayor’s actions to the San Francisco Ethics Commission for investigation and possible discipline. Public records experts said the practice likely violates California law requiring retaining records for two years.

California – L.A.’s Ex-Deputy Mayor Headed to Prison: ‘Corruption at any level will not be tolerated’

MSN – Brittny Mejia (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 10/4/2024

A federal judge sentenced former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan to 12 years in prison for his role in a sprawling City Hall corruption case. U.S. District Court Judge John Walter said, “corruption at any level will not be tolerated.” A jury found Chan guilty on a dozen counts – including racketeering conspiracy, bribery, honest services fraud, and giving false statements to investigators – in a case focused on financial benefits provided by real estate developers with projects in former city Councilperson Jose Huizar’s district.

California – Supreme Court Declines to Take Up ‘Dark Money’ Case

Yahoo News – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 10/8/2002

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up a challenge to San Francisco’s Sunlight on Dark Money disclosure law, which would have tested the limits of disclosure and free speech in campaign finance. San Francisco voters overwhelmingly approved the initiative in 2019, compelling election ads to include a disclaimer naming the top three donors to the group running the ad. If the donor is another committee, then the committee’s top two donors and the dollar amounts given by both need to be disclosed.

Colorado – Former Colorado Official Sentenced to Prison in Election Data Scheme

MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 10/3/2024

Tina Peters, a former county election official in Colorado, was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of charges connected to efforts to copy election data from her office as Donald Trump and his allies spread false claims that the 2020 election was stolen and searched for evidence to prove it. Prosecutors accused Peters of helping to secretly copy Dominion Voting Systems hard drives by sneaking Conan Hayes, a former professional surfer and purported computer expert, into secure areas of her office in 2021 using someone else’s security badge.

Delaware – Why Delaware Received a Failing Grade for Lobbyist Disclosure Transparency

MSN – Amanda Fries (Delaware News Journal) | Published: 10/3/2024

Delaware received a failing grade for its lack of transparency over lobbyist disclosures, which do not require lobbyists to disclose their salaries or the positions they take on legislation on behalf of their clients, according to the climate group F Minus. The group, formed in 2023 to track fossil fuel lobbyists who also represent clients being harmed by the climate crisis, gave Delaware and 27 other states an “F” for their respective lobbyist disclosure systems.

District of Columbia – Informant in Trayon White Case Bribed Another D.C. Official, Records Say

MSN – Meagan Flynn, Jenny Gathright, and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 10/3/2024

Allieu Kamara, the FBI informant at the center of District of Columbia Council member Trayon White Sr.’s bribery case, secretly pleaded guilty earlier this year to paying an employee at the city’s Child and Family Services Agency hundreds of thousands of dollars to help rig the contracting process and steer lucrative work to his businesses. The revelation deepens the reach of public corruption allegations that have already rocked local government as White campaigns for reelection while under indictment and as city officials and lawmakers examine the potential for “pay-to-play” schemes in critical city programs.

Florida – Florida Threatens to Prosecute TV Stations Over Abortion Ad. FCC Head Calls It ‘Dangerous’

MSN – Claire Healy and Ana Ceballos (Miami Herald) | Published: 10/9/2024

Florida’s health department threatened criminal charges for television stations that run a political ad calling for the repeal of the state’s six-week abortion ban. John Wilson, general counsel for the state agency, says claims made in the ad are “categorically false” and it constitutes a “sanitary nuisance” that could put women’s health and lives at risk if it continues to be broadcast. Attorneys representing a political committee sponsoring the abortion ballot measure have issued a defiant legal letter in which they call the effort an “unconstitutional state action.”

Georgia – Fulton Judges Stay Busy Ruling on Lawsuits Spurred by New Georgia State Election Board Rules

Georgia Recorder – Stanley Dunlap | Published: 10/9/2024

A lawsuit filed by the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections seeks to prevent the State Election Board from appointing several election monitors for the November election. Fulton’s election board claims the state board is pressuring it to appoint multiple additional election monitors. The plaintiffs argue the state panel lacks the statutory authority to force the county to hire and pay for extra election monitors. The lawsuit is one of several filed recently contesting the rules changes approved by three right-wing state election officials who support Donald Trump.

Idaho – Idaho Lawmaker Tells Native American Candidate ‘Go Back Where You Came From’ in Forum

MSN – Associated Press | Published: 10/4/2024

Tensions rose during a bipartisan forum after an audience question about discrimination reportedly led Idaho Sen. Dan Foreman to angrily tell a Native American candidate to “go back where you came from.” Trish Carter-Goodheart, a Democratic candidate for a state House seat and member of the Nez Perce Tribe, said the blowup left her shaken and thinking about security needs for future public events.

Illinois – After Storied Time as the ‘Velvet Hammer,’ Michael Madigan to Face a Jury

Yahoo News – Ray Long, Jason Meisner, and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 10/6/2024

In one of the most anticipated public corruption trials in Illinois history, former House Speaker Michael Madigan faces a 23-count federal racketeering indictment alleging he ran his government and political operations like a criminal enterprise. Madigan and his co-defendant, Michael McClain, a longtime confidant, former lawmaker, and retired contract lobbyist for Commonwealth Edison, have pleaded not guilty. A protege of former Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, Madigan grew into that rare Illinois politician who both defined and embodied clout.

Indiana – Braun Campaign Releases Attack Ad with Doctored Anti-Gas Stove Photo of McCormick

MSN – Brittany Carloni (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 9/30/2024

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun’s gubernatorial campaign released a television ad showing an image of Democrat Jennifer McCormick’s supporters holding signs behind her declaring “no gas stoves.” But those signs never existed. Braun’s campaign drew criticism for releasing the ad containing the doctored image, along with audio that said McCormick wants to “ban gas stoves.” Braun’s campaign later pulled the ad and replaced it with one containing a disclaimer saying the image had been doctored, which is now required under a new state law.

Indiana – Former Gary Mayor Jerome Prince Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

Yahoo News – Post-Tribune Staff | Published: 10/9/2024

Former Gary Mayor Jerome Prince admitted he used campaign funds to purchase a house as part of a plea agreement. He was familiar with Indiana campaign finance law and its prohibition against using campaign funds for personal use, according to the court filing, having previously established a campaign committee in 2015.

Iowa – Curious Iowa: What does a lobbyist do?

The Gazette – Bailey Cichone | Published: 10/7/2024

For some people, the word “lobbyist” may elicit images of back room deals and corrupt politicians. But talking with lobbyists who work at the Iowa Capitol, a different picture emerges. Barbra Solberg is the public policy strategist who started her career on Capitol Hill. When she moved back to Iowa, the stories of bad actors in Washington, D.C. stuck with her. But when she started working for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, she was surprised at how transparent the system for Iowa lobbyists is. “I realized the lobby in Iowa is a really important cog in the wheel that makes the system work, and in a good way,” Solberg said.

Iowa – Former Iowa Lt. Gov. Gregg’s New Job Leading Iowa Banking Association Won’t Violate State Lobbying Laws, Officials Say

The Gazette – Erin Murphy | Published: 10/6/2024

Former Iowa Lt. Adam Gregg resigned in September to take a position as head of the Iowa Bankers Association, a statewide organization that advocates for Iowa banks to the state and federal governments. It lobbied on 135 pieces of legislation at the state Capitol over two years. Iowa law prohibits former government officials from lobbying on legislation for two years after leaving their government position. But state officials say he can lead the association without running afoul of the state’s lobbying law.

Louisiana – Landry Attorney, Legislators Slam Louisiana Ethics Board for ‘Abusive’ Investigations

Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 10/9/2024

Stephen Gelé, a personal attorney for Gov. Jeff Landry, delivered sweeping criticism to the Louisiana Board of Ethics for what he called “abusive” investigations into elected officials’ conduct. Gelé joins a growing chorus of political professionals who have criticized the board’s approach and professionalism in recent months. They might feel emboldened to find fault with the board because Landry, who became governor in January, has not been shy about his own frustrations with the board.

Louisiana – Louisiana Health Officials Fly on Hospital Owner’s Plane to Meet Federal Health Care Regulators

MSN – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 10/4/2024

Rock Bordelon, a political donor whose company runs 11 rural hospitals in Louisiana plus behavioral health centers, hospice care, and other medical clinics, offered roundtrip flights on his personal aircraft and paid for “ground transportation” in the Washington D.C., area for state Department of Health officials to meet with federal regulators, according to disclosure forms. Those regulators control how much public money flows to health care facilities like the ones that Bordelon runs.

Maine – State Clashes with CMP, Versant in Federal Court Over Ban on Foreign Spending on Elections

Yahoo News – Rachel Ohm (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 10/9/2024

Attorneys for the state of Maine and two major utility companies argued in federal appeals court over the legality of a state law passed by voters that bans foreign governments from spending money on state and local races and referendum campaigns. A District Court erred when it granted a preliminary injunction preventing the law from being enforced, said Jonathan Bolton, an assistant attorney general. Joshua Dunlap, an attorney for Central Maine Power, argued that the government should not be able to silence companies and citizens because of a small amount of foreign ownership.

Minnesota – The Minnesota DFL’s Massive, Behind-the-Scenes Political Fundraising Network Explained

Minnesota Post – Michael Nolan and Peter Callaghan | Published: 10/3/2024

The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) has an extensive campaign funding system developed over two decades by the DFL and its affiliated organizations – unions, wealthy donors, the state party, the two legislative caucuses, and a triumvirate of committees that raise and spend millions of dollars each election cycle to help elect members of the party. The potent DFL apparatus might not be such a big factor in Minnesota politics if Republicans and their own affiliated organizations could come close to competing.

Missouri – Missouri Sheriffs’ Pension Donates $30K to Ballot Campaign, Sparking Concerns

Yahoo News – Rudi Keller (Missouri Independent) | Published: 10/9/2024

The Missouri Sheriffs’ Retirement System made a $30,000 investment recently, hoping for a big return if voters approve a ballot measure imposing a three-dollar fee on court cases to fund the system’s pensions. The contribution was to the Committee to Ensure a Future for Sheriffs & Prosecutors, the committee promoting Amendment 6 on the November ballot. The donation is drawing concern from critics who question whether the pension board is using taxpayer dollars to support a political campaign.

Montana – Lawmakers Can Decide If Their Communication with Lobbyists Is Public, Judge Rules

Montana Public Radio – John Hooks | Published: 10/4/2024

Montana lawmakers can now decide if their communication with lobbyists and outside groups is available to the public. State District Court Judge Christopher Abbott ruled that lawmakers’ communications with private individuals were privileged, and therefore not subject to the public’s right to know.

Nebraska – Nebraska Governor’s Roundtables with Business Leaders Double as Campaign Fundraisers

Grand Isle Independent – Chris Dunker (Lincoln Journal Star) | Published: 10/7/2024

Since taking office, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has hosted a series of discussions with business and industry leaders, providing insight into policy debates at the Capitol, previews of upcoming elections, and offering a chance for those individuals to provide feedback. The Governor’s Industry Roundtable program also includes invitations to special events, an annual meeting, and cocktail receptions. Business leaders are also asked to make a minimum contribution of $10,000 to Pillen’s campaign committee.

Nevada – Nevada Republican Convicted of Taking Money Meant for Officer Memorial

MSN – María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) | Published: 10/7/2024

A Nevada politician was found guilty of taking money meant for a memorial honoring a police officer killed in the line of duty and spending it on plastic surgery, rent, and her daughter’s wedding. Michele Fiore, a justice of the peace and former Las Vegas City Council member, faces up to 140 years in prison – 20 for each count.

New Mexico – Jeff Apodaca Campaign Group Collected $143,000

Yahoo News – Colleen Heild (Albuquerque Journal) | Published: 10/3/2024

A political committee aimed at thwarting progressive Democratic influence in this year’s legislative elections appeared to fizzle after the June 4 primary, according to new campaign finance disclosures. The New Mexico Project received a total of $143,220 but reported no contributions after May 28. The organization and its co-founder Jeff Apodaca filed the required reports after defying state campaign reporting laws for months.

New York – Photos Show New York Congressman in Blackface as Michael Jackson

DNyuz – Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) | Published: 10/3/2024

U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler of New York wore blackface as part of a Halloween costume when he was a college student almost two decades ago, according to photographs obtained by The New York Times. The images, taken around October 2006, show a 20-year-old Lawler at a campus social gathering dressed as Michael Jackson. The images may come into play in Lawler’s fight for re-election this fall against Mondaire Jones, a Black former member of Congress, in a suburban swing seat.

New York – Adams Adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin Was Joined on Trip to Japan by Lobbyist, City Hall Staffer

MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt and Graham Rayman (New York Daily News) | Published: 10/4/2024

Ingrid Lewis-Martin, New York City Mayor Eric Mayor Adams’ embattled chief adviser, and former state Sen. Jesse Hamilton were joined on their recent trip to Japan by registered lobbyist Adam Clayton Powell IV and Lisa Lashley, a senior City Hall official overseeing hiring efforts. The trip, which Lewis-Martin characterized as a vacation, burst into the headlines after it was reported both she and Hamilton, now a top real estate official in Adams’ administration, had their cellphones seized by Manhattan district attorney investigators immediately upon returning from Japan.

New York – A Former Aide to New York Mayor Eric Adams Is Charged with Destroying Evidence as Top Deputy Quits

MSN – Michael Sisak and Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 10/8/2024

A former New York City official was charged with witness tampering and destroying evidence in a federal investigation that led to Mayor Eric Adams’ bribery indictment. The arrest came amid yet more high-profile departures from Adams’ administration. Federal prosecutors allege that Mohamed Bahi, who resigned as a community affairs liaison, told a businessperson and campaign donors to lie to the FBI, and deleted the encrypted messaging app Signal from his cell phone as FBI agents arrived to search his home. Bahi had used the app to communicate with Adams, prosecutors said.

North Dakota – North Dakota’s Likely Next Governor Brushes Off Conflict Concerns, Says His Oil and Gas Ties Would Benefit the State

MSN – Jacob Orledge (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 10/6/2024

When Kelly Armstrong filed his federal financial disclosure after being elected to Congress in 2018, he revealed his extensive ties to the oil and gas industry in his home state of North Dakota. It detailed his income from hundreds of oil wells and his financial relationship with two of the state’s largest oil producers. Those ties will matter a great deal if, as is likely, he is elected governor in November. Under North Dakota’s system, he will automatically chair two state bodies that regulate the energy industry, meaning Armstrong would be expected to preside over decisions that directly impact companies in which he has financial or familial ties.

Ohio – Appeals Court: Ohio can ban green card holders from donating to ballot campaigns

MSN – Jesse Balmert (Cincinnati Enquirer) | Published: 10/9/2024

Ohio can ban foreign nationals and green card holders from donating to ballot campaigns, a divided federal appeals court panel ruled. The majority ruled the law was not a violation of the First Amendment. They reinstated a law briefly put on hold by a District Court judge. “If the goal is to prevent foreign influence, extending the ban to all non-citizens (including lawful permanent residents) is the most effective means of advancing that goal,” wrote Judge Amul Thapar.

Oklahoma – State Education Department Seeks Bids for 55,000 Classroom Bibles

MSN – Jennifer Palmer, Paul Monies, and Heather Warlick (Oklahoma Watch) | Published: 10/3/2024

Bids opened for a contract to supply the Oklahoma Department of Education with 55,000 Bibles. The bid documents say vendors must meet certain specifications: Bibles must be the King James Version; must contain the Old and New Testaments; must include copies of the Pledge of Allegiance, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights; and must be bound in leather or leather-like material. A Bible endorsed by Donald Trump and commonly referred to as the Trump Bible is the only one that meets the criteria. They cost $60 each online, with Trump receiving fees for his endorsement.

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania High Court Declines to Decide Mail-In Ballot Issues Before Election

MSN – Associated Press | Published: 10/6/2024

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court declined to step in and immediately decide issues related to mail-in ballots in the commonwealth with early voting already under way in the few weeks before the November 5 election. The court rejected a request by voting rights and left-leaning groups to stop counties from throwing out mail-in ballots that lack a handwritten date or have an incorrect date on the return envelope, citing earlier rulings pointing to the risk of confusing voters so close to the election.

Texas – CenterPoint ‘Reassessing’ Use of The Pond, Its Houston-Area Lobbying Retreat, CEO Says

MSN – Claire Hao (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 10/8/2024

CenterPoint Energy is “reassessing the use” o its private Chambers County retreat, colloquially known as “The Pond,” as a space to entertain Texas lawmakers, the company’s chief executive said. The country lodge has been key to CenterPoint’s lobbying efforts for decades. More than 70 current or former state and local elected officials said they have visited, reported spending campaign funds on trips there, or were shown on the grounds in public images posted on social media. “In light of the criticism, we are reassessing the use of that facility for things like hosting elected officials,” said Chief Executive Officer Jason Wells.

Virginia – Confusion Over Nonprofit Rules Prompts 3 Virginia Beach Candidates to Return $10,000 Donation

Virginian-Pilot – Stacy Parker | Published: 10/5/2024

Two candidates running for Virginia Beach City Council and Mayor Bobby Dyer are returning campaign donations from a local nonprofit at the request of the donor who says she unwittingly did not follow federal tax rules. Dyer, who is running for reelection, council member Michael Berlucchi, and candidate Stacy Cummings each received $10,000 from BHL Community Service in July. BHL Community Service is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Virginia corporation that holds federal tax-exempt status and is therefore barred from giving campaign donations due to IRS regulations.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Grapples with Governor’s 400-Year Veto, Calling It ‘Crazy’

MSN – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 10/9/2024

Justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court said Gov. Tony Evers’ creative use of his expansive veto power in an attempt to lock in a school funding increase for 400 years appeared to be “extreme” and “crazy” but questioned whether and how it should be reined in. The case is the latest flashpoint in a decades-long fight over how broad the governor’s partial veto power should be. The issue has crossed party lines, with Republicans and Democrats pushing for more limitations on the governor’s veto over the years.

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News You Can Use Digest – October 25, 2024

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News You Can Use Digest – October 18, 2024

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Ohio’s Ban on Foreign Contributions to State Ballot Issues Is Valid

News You Can Use Digest – October 11, 2024

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