Campaign Finance

National: “The GOP Went to War Against Google Over Spam – and May Win” by Isaac Stanley-Becker and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN

Georgia: “Georgia Ethics Board Moves Forward Against Abrams-Linked Groups” by Margaret Newkirk (Bloomberg) for MSN

Elections

National: “The RNC ‘Election Integrity’ Official Appearing in DOJ’s Jan. 6 Subpoenas” by Betsy Woodruff Swan (Politico) for MSN

California: “Is It Too Easy for Write-In Candidates in California Elections?” by Sameea Kamal for CalMatters

Ethics

National: “Russian National Charged with U.S. Political Influence Operation” by Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN

California: “L.A. City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas Sues City Hall, Seeking to Restore His Pay” by David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

Florida: “Ethics Panel Hearing Set for Bristol City Clerk Who Allegedly Left IOUs for City Cash” by Karl Etters (Tallahassee Democrat) for Yahoo News

Pennsylvania: “Dr. Oz’s Dark History of Promoting Companies He Was Quietly Invested In” by Sam Brody (Daily Beast) for MSN

Campaign Finance

National: “Campaign Finance Watchdog Alleges WinRed Processed Billions in Political Contributions Without Disclosing Operating Expenses” by Taylor Giorno for OpenSecrets

Florida: “Intrigue Grows in Florida’s ‘Ghost’ Candidate Case as Prosecutors Seek More Info” by Ana Ceballos (Miami Herald) for Bradenton Herald

Elections

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin DOJ Probes Voter Fraud Stunt as Election Officials Debate Absentee Rules” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Hot Mic Captured Gaetz Assuring Stone of Pardon, Discussing Mueller Redactions” by John Swaine and Dalton Bennett (Washington Post) for Anchorage Daily News

Kentucky: “Louisville Candidates Got New Ethics Rules. Why Weren’t They Followed?” by Marcus Green for WDRB

Missouri: “St. Louis County Council Ethics Committee Wants Closer Look at Colleague’s Weed Work” by Joe Holleman for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Ohio: “Regulators Block Deposition of FirstEnergy’s Former Ethics Chief” by Jake Zuckerman for Ohio Capital Journal

Procurement

California: “Alameda County Sued by Anti-Affirmative Action Group Over Public Contracts Policy” by Joseph Geha (Bay Area News Group) for MSN

National/Federal

A Record Number of Trans and Nonbinary People Are Running for Office
MSN – Anne Branigan (Washington Post) | Published: 7/27/2022

In 2017, former journalist Danica Roem made history when she was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, making her the first out transgender state legislator in the U.S. Five years later, a record number of trans and nonbinary candidates are vying for public office. As of July, the Victory Fund reports there are 55 trans candidates running for office, alongside 20 gender nonconforming candidates, 18 nonbinary candidates, and four Two-Spirit candidates. Across the country’s statehouses, an unprecedented amount of anti-LGBTQ measures have been introduced, with most bills aimed at curbing the rights of trans children and their families.

After Commissioners’ Verbal Brawl, FEC Won’t Let Rep. Eric Swalwell’s Use Campaign Cash to Fund Overnight Childcare When Traveling Abroad
Yahoo News – Madison Hall (Business Insider) | Published: 7/26/2022

U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell cannot use campaign funds to pay for childcare services when traveling “at the request of foreign governments” or do so when campaigning on behalf of other candidates, the FEC ruled. The decision comes after Republican Commissioner Trey Trainor at a public meeting, calling his request “abhorrent.” The rebuke prompted Democratic Commissioner Ellen Weintraub to lambaste Trainor in a series of tweets that referenced “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

Bannon Verdict: Former Trump strategist guilty of contempt of Congress
MSN – Devlin Barrett, Spencer Hsu, and Katie Mettler (Washington Post) | Published: 7/22/2022

Stephen Bannon, the right-wing podcaster and longtime confidante of former President Trump, was convicted of contempt of Congress for his refusal to provide documents or testimony to a House committee probing the January 6, 2021, attack. The trial tested a rarely used criminal statute meant to ensure that people comply with congressional subpoenas. The contempt case involved legislative efforts to investigate the violence and what led up to it, rather than the actual events of the day.

DHS Inspector General Tells Secret Service to Stop Investigating Potentially Missing Texts Due to ‘Ongoing Criminal Investigation’
MSN – Whitney Wild (CNN) | Published: 7/21/2022

The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general informed the Secret Service it is investigating what happened to January 6-related text messages that may have been deleted, describing it as an “ongoing criminal investigation” and directing the agency to stop its internal investigations into the matter. The letter adds to the growing tension between the Secret Service and the inspector general over the potentially missing text messages, which are being sought by the House select committee as part of its investigation into former President Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021.

Emails Shed Light on Trump Plan to Employ Fake Electors
Las Vegas Sun – Maggie Haberman and Luke Broadwater (New York Times) | Published: 7/26/2022

Previously undisclosed emails provide an inside look at the increasingly desperate and often slapdash efforts by advisers to former President Trump to reverse his election defeat in the weeks before the January 6 attack, including acknowledgments that a key element of their plan was of dubious legality and lived up to its billing as “fake.” The emails among people connected to the Trump campaign, outside advisers, and close associates of Trump show a particular focus on assembling lists of people who would claim, with no basis, to be Electoral College electors on his behalf in battleground states he had lost.

Hulu Reverses Policy, Will Use Cable Standards for Political Ads
MSN – John Wagner and Michael Scherer (Washington Post) | Published: 7/27/2022

The streaming service Hulu said it will start accepting political ads with the same standards the company uses for its cable networks, opening the door for issue advertising on controversial topics after Democratic groups attacked the company for rejecting ads on abortion and guns. The Washington Post had reported Hulu has a policy against running content deemed controversial. Like other digital providers, it is not bound by the Communications Act of 1934, a law that requires broadcast television networks to provide politicians equal access to the airwaves.

Justice Dept. Investigating Trump’s Actions in Jan. 6 Criminal Probe
MSN – Carol Leonnig, Devlin Barrett, Josh Dawsey, and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 7/26/2022

The U.S. Justice Department is investigating former President Trump’s actions as part of its criminal probe of efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, according to sources. Prosecutors have asked hours of detailed questions about meetings Trump led in December 2020 and January 2021; his pressure campaign on former Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the election; and what instructions Trump gave his lawyers and advisers about fake electors and sending electors back to the states. Investigators have received phone records of key officials and aides in the Trump administration, including his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows.

On the Campaign Trail, Many Republicans Talk of Violence
MSN – David Weigel (Washington Post) | Published: 7/23/2022

Many GOP candidates describe the United States as a country that was not merely in trouble but being destroyed by leaders who despise most Americans, effectively part of a civil war. In both swing states and safe seats, Republicans say liberals hate them personally and may turn rioters or a police state on people who disobey them. That argument has been dramatized in ads that show one armed candidate appearing to charge into the home of a political enemy, and another warning of “the mob” that threatens ordinary Americans. In some cases, candidates are brandishing firearms while threatening harm to liberals or other enemies.

Republican Governors Gave Lucrative, No-Bid COVID-19 Deals to Utah Firms, Who Then Gave $1M to GOP Campaigns
Yahoo News – Craig Harris, Bailey Schulz, and Katie Wedell (USA Today) | Published: 7/27/2022

A small number of companies leveraged their connections to sign deals to provide COVID-19 tests and personal protective equipment that would pay them at least $219 million in five GOP-led states. Two of the companies would donate more than $1 million to Republican campaigns after getting those deals. The contracts and political donations have raised questions from critics and observers about favoritism and “pay-to-play” campaign contributions.

Stephen Buyer, Former GOP Congressman, Accused of Insider Trading
MSN – Hamza Shaban (Washington Post) | Published: 7/25/2022

The Securities and Exchange Commission charged former U.S. Rep. Stephen Buyer with insider trading, accusing him of abusing his role as a corporate consultant to exploit nonpublic information and collect more than $300,000 in illegal profits. The allegations stem from trading activity that occurred after Buyer left Congress and established his own consulting and lobbying firm. In 2018, Buyer learned of T-Mobile’s plans to acquire Sprint after a golf outing with a client, a T-Mobile executive, according to the SEC. Buyer purchased more than $500,000 of Sprint shares, which were then sold shortly after news of the deal went public, regulators said.

Trump ‘Chose Not to Act’ as Mob Terrorized the Capitol, Panel Shows
MSN – Amy Gardner and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 7/21/2022

Eleven minutes after he returned to the White House from his speech on the Ellipse urging supporters to march on the U.S. Capitol, President Trump learned the January 6, 2021, protest had turned violent. But instead of harnessing the power of the Oval Office by ordering military or police intervention or exhorting the rioters to go home, Trump continued to fan the flames of discord, and remained focused on trying to overturn the 2020 election, even as his aides implored him to stop the violence.

From the States and Municipalities

Arkansas – Arkansas Hires Connecticut Company to Build Campaign Finance Filing, Reporting System
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Michael Wickline | Published: 7/23/2022

The Arkansas secretary of state’s office selected Reframe Solutions as the vendor to build a new campaign finance filing and reporting system. Since the current system’s rollout in 2017, Arkansas’ computerized system for tracking campaign contributions and expenditures has generated gripes from candidates, elected officials, and the public. The complaints have included that it is antiquated, clunky, inaccurate, tedious, and not user-friendly.

California – California to Allow Cryptocurrency Campaign Donations
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 7/21/2022

The California Fair Political Practices Commission approved new rules allowing campaign donations of digital currencies such as bitcoin. The guidelines say candidates can accept cryptocurrency donations if they immediately convert the digital currency into U.S. dollars. The rules will take effect within 60 days.

California – Former Recology Employee Indicted for Alleged San Francisco Bribery, Following Prior Charges
Waste Dive – Cole Rosengern | Published: 7/25/2022

John Porter, who was charged with bribery last year in connection with a broader corruption scandal in San Francisco, was indicted on related federal charges recently. The indictment includes updated details on Porter’s alleged role bribing then-Department of Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru for favorable treatment in areas such as contracts and rate increases for waste management company Recology. The alleged bribes, which occurred in multiple forms, were valued at more than $1 million.

Colorado – Denver Clerk and Recorder Launches Phase Two of SearchLight Denver
City and County of Denver – Staff | Published: 7/22/2022

Clerk and Recorder Paul López has launched the second phase of SearchLight Denver, a searchable campaign finance and disclosure database. The database will now provide Denver residents with access to lobbying organizations, individual lobbyists, and their efforts around city matters. SearchLight Denver is the product of a partnership with MapLight, a technology nonprofit specializing in campaign finance tools and lobbying for state and municipal governments.

Florida – Powerbrokers: How FPL secretly took over a Florida news site and used it to bash critics
MSN – Sarah Blaskey (Miami Herald) | Published: 7/25/2022

While portraying itself as an independent outlet, the news website Capitolist, which aims its content directly at Tallahassee’s decision makers, was bankrolled and controlled by executives of Florida Power & Light through a small group of intermediaries. Internal communications, contracts, and financial records show how a team of communications experts used the Capitolist as part of a clandestine political strategy to advocate for rate hikes, lobby for legislative favors, slam political opponents, and eliminate anything the utility worried might undermine its near monopoly on selling power in Florida.

Florida – Proposed Ethics Settlement for Ex-Sen. Jack Latvala Tossed; Case Continues
Tampa Bay Times – Jim Saunders (News Service of Florida) | Published: 7/22/2022

The Florida Commission on Ethics scrapped a proposed settlement and decided to move forward with a case against former state Sen. Jack Latvala related to allegations of sexual misconduct. Latvala had agreed to a settlement that would have admitted “poor judgment” in having a two-decade sexual relationship with a lobbyist. The proposed, which could have spurred a public censure and reprimand, would have led to dropping other allegations related to a former Senate staff member.

Georgia – Judge Won’t Quash Subpoenas for Georgia False Electors
Georgia Public Broadcasting – Associated Press | Published: 7/21/2022

Georgia Republicans who signed a certificate falsely stating Donald Trump had won the state in 2020 and they were the state’s “duly elected and qualified” electors will have to appear before a special grand jury investigating whether the former president and others illegally tried to interfere in the state’s election, a judge said. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney suggested lawyers for the district attorney’s office and attorneys for those who signed the false certificate should meet before each witness testifies to talk about the topics to be covered and then he could settle any disputes.

Georgia – On the Docket: Atlanta v. Trumpworld
Yahoo News – Richard Fausset and Danny Hakim (New York Times) | Published: 7/25/2022

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been leading the investigation into efforts by former President Trump and his allies to overturn his election loss in Georgia. It is only recently, with a flurry of subpoenas and target letters, as well as court documents that illuminate some of the closed proceedings of a special grand jury, that the inquiry’s sprawling contours have emerged. For legal experts, that sprawl is a sign Willis is doing what she has indicated all along: building the framework for a broad case that could target multiple defendants with charges of conspiracy to commit election fraud, or racketeering-related charges for engaging in a coordinated scheme to undermine the election.

Illinois – Businessman Gets Probation for Paying Bribes to Former State Sen. Martin Sandoval and McCook Mayor
Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 7/26/2022

A federal judge sentenced Vahooman Mirkhaef to probation for paying bribes to then-Illinois Sen. Martin Sandoval and former McCook Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski, saying although she loathes public corruption it was the politicians that should shoulder most of the blame. U.S. District Court Judge Mary Rowland had harsh words for Sandoval, who showed up personally at Mirkhaef’s office in 2018 demanding payment for his help securing the purchase of state-owned property in McCook. “The gall of the state senator in this case really surprises me,” Rowland said. “It saddens me. It kind of makes me sick, actually.”

Maine – Group Using Fake Name to Survey Mainers on Culture War Issues
Yahoo News – Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 7/19/2022

A national conservative group used an assumed name to conduct a political survey that asked Mainers charged questions about welfare for illegal immigrants, critical race theory, and gender issues. The name chosen for the survey – “Maine Today & Public Insight” – led some to believe it was being conducted by MaineToday Media, which owns three newspapers in the state. The Principles Project is behind the survey. Jonathan Wayne, executive director of Maine’s ethics commission, said it can be difficult to discern whether a legitimate poll is testing a message that may be used in an upcoming campaign or an illegal push poll.

Maryland – Maryland Del. Rick Impallaria Charged with Theft, Misconduct in Office
MSN – Alison Knezevich and Dan Belson (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 7/27/2022

Maryland Del. Rick Impallaria – whose criminal background has led to past calls to step down – was charged with theft, embezzlement, and misconduct in office after prosecutors allege that he misused state funds to pay for a “district office” outside his district, and to cover campaign fundraising expenses. Impallaria ran for reelection in the recent primary election and lost to Del. Lauren Arikan in a redrawn district.

Michigan – Black Districts Gutted as Suburban Flight Reshapes Congress Maps
MSN – Greg Korte (Bloomberg) | Published: 7/20/2022

There are 22 majority-Black districts in the current Congress. Next year, there will be as few as nine. The lost seats are a casualty of highly politicized redistricting wars, with state-by-state showdowns bringing dramatic change to electoral maps that were already being reshaped by demographic forces that include a decades-long Black migration to suburbs. That has left some Black voters worried the new maps will marginalize their voices. The concern is especially apparent in Michigan.

Michigan – GOP’s Meijer Voted to Impeach Trump. Now Democrats Are Targeting Him.
MSN – David Weigel, Colby Itkowitz, and Arjun Singh (Washington Post) | Published: 7/26/2022

Eighteen months ago, U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer joined just nine other House Republicans and voted to impeach Donald Trump. He recently learned the Democrats he stood with then were spending nearly $500,000 to help his Trump-backed challenger defeat him. Desperate to retain control of Congress in November, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has become the latest party entity this election year to aid a Trump-endorsed Republican in a primary against a candidate who has resisted the former president.

Missouri – Former St. Louis Alderman Says He’s Reached a Plea Deal on Corruption Charges
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Jacob Barker | Published: 7/22/2022

Former St. Louis Alderman John Collins-Muhammad intends to plead guilty after a federal grand jury indicted him in a bribery case. Collins-Muhammad and two other former members of the board of aldermen were all accused of accepting cash bribes from a local businessperson in exchange for helping to shepherd through legislation granting his businesses tax abatements. Boyd also intervened to help him purchase real estate from the St. Louis Land Reutilization Authority.

Missouri – St. Louis County Council Member Worked for Marijuana Industry as County Worked on Pot Laws
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Joe Holleman | Published: 7/25/2022

While St. Louis County began creating laws in 2019 for regulating medical marijuana operations, county Councilperson Lisa Clancy worked behind the scenes for a law firm representing clients seeking marijuana licenses. Without disclosing to the council or the public that she was paid about $5,000 for that work, Clancy eventually cast votes on the bill the county adopted as its zoning ordinance for marijuana operations.

Montana – Commissioner Finds Bozeman Law Firm Failed to Register as Political Committee
Helena Independent Record – Tom Kuglin | Published: 7/18/2022

Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jeff Mangan ruled a Bozeman law firm and political committee that backed a failed ballot measure violated multiple campaign finance laws. Mangan said Cottonwood Environmental Law Center did not file declaratory paperwork or campaign finance reports with his office in the required timeframe. Mangan referred the parties to the Lewis and Clark County attorney’s office for potential prosecution, but noted the likely outcome is a negotiated civil fine.

Montana – Montana Conservation Voters Action Fund Fined $6,400 for Campaign Finance Violations
Longview News-Journal – Thom Bridge (Helena Independent Record) | Published: 7/26/2022

A registered political committee in Montana was fined $6,400 for failing to timely report expenditures supporting municipal election candidates in Helena, Missoula, and Billings last year. The Montana Conservation Voters Action Fund (MCVAF) acknowledged the political practices commissioner’s findings and admitted to violating certain campaign finance laws. MCVAF Political Director Jake Brown said the group’s vendor failed to submit the required reports related to its work in Helena.

New Mexico – Groups Call on Senate Democrats to Remove Ivey-Soto from Interim Committees
Santa Fe New Mexican – Robert Knott | Published: 7/27/2022

Months after a lobbyist publicly accused New Mexico Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto of groping her in an encounter years earlier, prompting a series of similar allegations, groups pushing for the senator’s ouster have not eased their pressure. Leaders of about 25 advocacy organizations in the state who previously sought a Senate investigation into Ivey-Soto are now calling for his removal from all interim committee assignments. In an open letter, they said Ivey-Soto is in position to influence the outcome of bills brought by lobbyists who have accused him of inappropriate behavior.

New Mexico – Is the State Ethics Commission More Bark Than Bite?
Yahoo News – Daniel Chacón and Robert Nott (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 7/23/2022

The New Mexico Ethics Commission has investigated 106 administrative cases alleging violations of various statutes since January 2020. It also has issued 26 advisory opinions, forced a “dark money” group that spent more than $260,000 to influence a ballot question to reveal its donors, provided staff support to the Citizen Redistricting Committee, and conducted trainings statewide, among other accomplishments. But after a high-profile complaint filed against state Rep. Rebecca Dow resulted in a $500 civil penalty for two violations of the Governmental Conduct Act, some wonder if the agency more bark than bite.

New York – District Attorney Behind Charges in Zeldin Incident Scrutinized for Campaign Ties
Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 7/25/2022

U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin said that just minutes after he was accosted by a veteran with a sharp object at a recent campaign event, the gubernatorial candidate conferred offstage with Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley. The district attorney now finds herself facing criticism on two fronts: an ethics debate about her connections to Zeldin’s campaign as well as a legal debate over her office’s handling of David Jakubonis, who was carrying a sharp key-ring-style defense tool when he approached Zeldin at the event near Rochester.

New York – Former Erie County Democratic Party Chair Gets 4 Months in Prison Term for Political Corruption
WGRZ – Ron Plants | Published: 7/27/2022

A former political consultant, once viewed by many as among the most powerful in state politics was sentenced to four months in prison for making an illegal campaign contribution. Steve Pigeon admitted that in 2014 he tried to give a $25,000 illegal campaign contribution from a Canadian citizen to former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

New York – NYC City Hall Adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin Has Yet to Be Repaid for Loan Given to Staffer in Potential Ethical Dilemma
MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 7/26/2022

A City Hall staffer borrowed money from Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Mayor Eric Adams’ chief adviser, prior to her appointment and has yet to pay it back, according to a financial disclosure form that could raise ethical concerns for the top mayoral aide. The annual disclosure filed with the Conflicts of Interest Board, shows City Hall special assistant Dawn Baskerville owes Lewis-Martin between $1,000 and $5,000 for a “personal loan” issued in 2014. But Lewis-Martin did not mention in the disclosure that her relation to Baskerville extends beyond friendship.

New York – Secrecy at Issue for New Ethics Panel
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 7/26/2022

The 11 nominees to New York’s new state ethics panel are being asked about their relations with the press as part of a lengthy confirmation process. For the new panel, the vetting questionnaire focuses attention on the issue of “confidentiality,” and how commissioners will go about ensuring it. The most detailed of its seven questions asks commissioners what protocols the body should pass to ensure their deliberations remain secret, and whether they would commit to voting other members off the body who ran afoul of rules they formulate.

New York – Suffolk County Repeals Campaign Finance with Veto Override
WSHU – Charles Lane | Published: 7/26/2022

The Suffolk County Legislature once again repealed its public campaign finance program. Two-thirds of lawmakers overturned a veto by County Executive Steve Bellone that would have restored the program. The Republican-led Legislature would rather use the program’s $2.6 million on public safety, like hiring more emergency dispatch operators and Shotspotter gun-fire detection technology.

North Carolina – Judge Blocks Enforcement of N.C. Law That Demands Truth in Campaign Ads
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 7/25/2022

A federal judge agreed to block for now any enforcement of a state law in a political ad investigation of North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein’s campaign, saying it is likely to win on legal claims that the law is unconstitutional. U.S. District Court Judge Catherine Eagles ruled for Stein’s campaign and other plaintiffs who filed an unusual lawsuit against State Board of Elections members and Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman. The law prohibits anyone from knowingly publishing or circulating false information about a candidate with the intent of hurting that candidate’s chances in the election.

Oregon – Mystery Group Sending Anti-Democrat Mailers, Prepping Web Ads
Oregon Capital Chronicle – Julia Shumway | Published: 7/25/2022

Some Oregon voters are receiving glossy mailers blaming Gov. Kate Brown and the “Democrat-controlled state Legislature” for “soaring gas prices” and the “out-of-control cost of living.” A website with two short videos claiming policies passed by legislative Democrats led to increases in crime and inflation went live around the same time. The mailers, website, and ads were all paid for by the Coalition for Safe, Healthy and Prosperous Communities but that coalition does not exist in state campaign finance or business records.

South Carolina – South Carolina Bill Outlaws Websites That Tell How to Get an Abortion
MSN – Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 7/22/2022

After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, legislation introduced in South Carolina bill would outlaw providing information over the internet or phone about how to obtain an abortion. It would also make it illegal to host a website or “[provide] an internet service” with information that is “reasonably likely to be used for an abortion” and directed at pregnant people in the state. Legal scholars say the proposal is likely a harbinger of other state measures, which may restrict communication and speech as they seek to curtail abortion.

Texas – Texas Housing Agency Resists Reforms as Conflict of Interest Questions Pile Up
MSN – Sue Ambrose (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 7/25/2022

Three months after a Dallas Morning News investigation found a Texas housing board member voted for deals that benefited his law firm, the agency has not taken new steps to guard against conflicts-of-interest. Paul Braden stepped down from the board in April, two days after The News first asked him about his votes on 13 low-income housing projects. His employer, Norton Rose Fulbright, earned $2 million in legal fees on the deals. New records show Braden voted for eight other projects that brought the firm an additional $1.8 million.

Texas – Texas Lawmakers Ordered to Turn Over Redistricting Records
Courthouse News Service – Stephen Paulsen | Published: 7/26/2022

A federal judge issued a wide-ranging discovery order requiring Texas lawmakers to turn over documents related to the state’s congressional redistricting plans. The underlying lawsuit is part of a broad effort to correct what critics say is voter intimidation and discrimination in Texas heading into the 2022 midterm elections. In a separate case, a variety of civil rights groups are also suing the state over a new election security law, which they say is designed to “intimidate and harass voters.” A different federal judge in May allowed that case to proceed.

Wisconsin – After Wis. Supreme Court Absentee Ballot Decision, Disabled People Sue
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 7/25/2022

Four disabled people are asking a federal judge to ensure they can vote this fall after the Wisconsin Supreme Court limited how absentee ballots can be cast. The state’s high court ruled voters could not give their completed absentee ballots to someone else to turn in for them. That policy will make it impossible or extremely difficult for some voters to cast ballots, according to the lawsuit. Plaintiffs are asking the court to allow disabled voters to give their ballots to others to return for them, arguing the new regimen in Wisconsin violates the U.S. Constitution, the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act, and the Americans With Disabilities Act.

An Arizona campaign finance bill passed that amends reporting requirements for political action committees and political parties.

Senate Bill 1355 provides for a calendar quarter without an election, a political action committee and political party must file a quarterly report no later than the third Monday in the month after the calendar quarter.

Previously the report was due the 15th day after the calendar quarter.

The bill takes effect September 24.

Campaign Finance

National: “Republican Governors Gave Lucrative, No-Bid COVID-19 Deals to Utah Firms, Who Then Gave $1M to GOP Campaigns” by Craig Harris, Bailey Schulz, and Katie Wedell (USA Today) for MSN

National: “After Commissioners’ Verbal Brawl, FEC Won’t Let Rep. Eric Swalwell’s Use Campaign Cash to Fund Overnight Childcare When Traveling Abroad” by Madison Hall (Business Insider) for Yahoo News

Montana: “Montana Conservation Voters Action Fund Fined $6,400 for Campaign Finance Violations” by Thom Bridge (Helena Independent Record) for Longview News-Journal

New York: “Suffolk County Repeals Campaign Finance with Veto Override” by Charles Lane for WSHU

Elections

National: “Hulu Reverses Policy, Will Use Cable Standards for Political Ads” by John Wagner and Michael Scherer (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Florida: “Powerbrokers: How FPL secretly took over a Florida news site and used it to bash critics” by Sarah Blaskey for Miami Herald

Illinois: “Businessman Gets Probation for Paying Bribes to Former State Sen. Martin Sandoval and McCook Mayor” by Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

New York: “Secrecy at Issue for New Ethics Panel” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Redistricting

Texas: “Texas Lawmakers Ordered to Turn Over Redistricting Records” by Stephen Paulsen for Courthouse News Service

Campaign Finance

Oregon: “Mystery Group Sending Anti-Democrat Mailers, Prepping Web Ads” by Julia Shumway for Oregon Capital Chronicle

Elections

National: “Dems Fume at Disney’s Hulu for Blocking Ads on Abortion, Guns” by Michael Scherer (Washington Post) for MSN

North Carolina: “Judge Blocks Enforcement of N.C. Law That Demands Truth in Campaign Ads” by Associated Press for MSN

Wisconsin: “After Wis. Supreme Court Absentee Ballot Decision, Disabled People Sue” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Justice Dept. Investigating Trump’s Actions in Jan. 6 Criminal Probe” by Carol Leonnig, Devlin Barrett, Josh Dawsey, and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Stephen Buyer, Former GOP Congressman, Accused of Insider Trading” by Hamza Shaban (Washington Post) for MSN

Missouri: “St. Louis County Council Member Worked for Marijuana Industry as County Worked on Pot Laws” by Joe Holleman for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Redistricting

Michigan: “Black Districts Gutted as Suburban Flight Reshapes Congress Maps” by Greg Korte (Bloomberg) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Arkansas: “Arkansas Hires Connecticut Company to Build Campaign Finance Filing, Reporting System” by Michael Wickline for Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Maine: “Group Using Fake Name to Survey Mainers on Culture War Issues” by Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) for Yahoo News

Montana: “Commissioner Finds Bozeman Law Firm Failed to Register as Political Committee” by Tom Kuglin for Helena Independent Record

Elections

National: “On the Campaign Trail, Many Republicans Talk of Violence” by David Weigel (Washington Post) for MSN

Georgia: “On the Docket: Atlanta v. Trumpworld” by Richard Fausset and Danny Hakim (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Ethics

Florida: “Proposed Ethics Settlement for Ex-Sen. Jack Latvala Tossed; Case Continues” by Jim Saunders (News Service of Florida) for Tampa Bay Times

New Mexico: “Is the State Ethics Commission More Bark Than Bite?” by Daniel Chacón and Robert Nott (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Yahoo News

Texas: “Texas Housing Agency Resists Reforms as Conflict of Interest Questions Pile Up” by Sue Ambrose (Dallas Morning News) for MSN

Campaign Finance

California: “California to Allow Cryptocurrency Campaign Donations” by Associated Press for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “Judge Won’t Quash Subpoenas for Georgia False Electors” by Associated Press for Georgia Public Broadcasting

New York: “Zeldin Attacked During Upstate Campaign Stop for Governor” by Anna Gronewold (Politico) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Trump ‘Chose Not to Act’ as Mob Terrorized the Capitol, Panel Shows” by Amy Gardner and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Bannon Verdict: Former Trump strategist guilty of contempt of Congress” by Devlin Barrett, Spencer Hsu, and Katie Mettler (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “DHS Inspector General Tells Secret Service to Stop Investigating Potentially Missing Texts Due to ‘Ongoing Criminal Investigation’” by Whitney Wild (CNN) for MSN

Missouri: “Former St. Louis Alderman Says He’s Reached a Plea Deal on Corruption Charges” by Jacob Barker for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

South Carolina: “South Carolina Bill Outlaws Websites That Tell How to Get an Abortion” by Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) for MSN

The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) of California voted to allow contributions to political candidates in cryptocurrency.

Until now, contributions made in cryptocurrency were banned under all circumstances.

Under the new regulation, the contribution must immediately be converted into dollars upon making the contribution and the cryptocurrency must be processed through an exchange registered with the U.S. Department of Treasury, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

An exchange is the marketplace where cryptocurrency is converted to different types of tender, including USD and the exchange can charge transaction fees.

The limits on cryptocurrency are the same as any non-cash contribution.

When reporting cryptocurrency contributions, the amount of the contribution is the fair market value of the cryptocurrency at the time the exchange obtains possession of the contribution and any amounts charged or withheld by the exchange must be reported by the committee as expenditures at the time the fees are deducted or charged.

National/Federal

Bipartisan Group Seeks to Limit Who Federal Agencies Can Contract With
Government Executive – Eric Katz | Published: 7/14/2022

A bipartisan group of senators is looking to set new limitations on the entities with which federal agencies can contract, introducing legislation to ban the government from doing business with companies that work with certain other nations. Senate Bill 4516 would require the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to create a governmentwide policy to eliminate newly defined “conflicts-of-interest” that relate to national security in federal contracting.

Little-Known Lawyer Pitched Trump on Extreme Plans to Subvert Election
Yahoo News – Maggie Haberman and Luke Broadwater (New York Times) | Published: 7/17/2022

On Christmas Day in 2020, then-President Trump was on the phone with a little-known conservative lawyer who was encouraging his attempts to overturn the election. William Olson later conceded that part of his plan could be regarded as tantamount to declaring “martial law.” The episode highlights the role of Olson in advising Trump as the president was turning to extreme figures outside the White House to pursue options that many of his official advisers had told him were impossible or unlawful. It underscores how the system that would normally insulate a president from rogue actors operating outside of official channels had broken down.

Lobbying Firms Report Massive Profits Amid Reconciliation, China Bill Fights
Yahoo News – Karl Evers-Hillstrom (The Hill) | Published: 7/20/2022

K Street’s top lobbying firms raked in enormous revenues in the second quarter, indicating the prolonged lobbying boom is not letting up just yet. Most of the top Washington lobbying firms continue to build on last year’s record-smashing revenues, and nearly all of them are earning more than they did in 2020, when COVID-19 introduced a flood of first-time lobbying clients seeking federal funds.

New Evidence Disputes Trump Administration’s Citizenship Question Rationale
MSN – Tara Bahrampour (Washington Post) | Published: 7/20/2022

Previously unreleased internal communications indicate the Trump administration tried to add a citizenship question to the census with the goal of affecting congressional apportionment, according to a report by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. The documents appear to contradict statements made under oath by Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, who told the committee the push for a citizenship question was unrelated to apportionment and the reason for adding it was to help enforce the Voting Rights Act.

Pair Charged with Making Straw Donations to Trump Committees
MSN – Jennifer Pelz (Associated Press) | Published: 7/18/2022

Two Chinese American businesspeople were charged with funneling foreigners’ money into political donations that bought entry to an exclusive dinner with then-President Trump so the duo could impress and swindle Chinese investors. Prosecutors say Sherry Xue Li and Lianbo Wang raised $27 million for a grandiose development plan that never got close to approval, then siphoned off millions of dollars for personal expenses. To project the sway to keep their promises, which often included visas to live in the U.S., they used investor money and foreign nationals’ cash to make donations and be seen with Trump and other prominent politicians.

Prosecutors Won’t Pursue Case Against Colbert Team at Capitol Complex
Yahoo News – Michael Balsamo (Associated Press) | Published: 7/19/2022

Federal prosecutors said they are not pursuing charges against members of a television production crew for “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” who were arrested in a House office building closed to visitors. Capitol Police had charged the Colbert team members, who had entered the Longworth House Office Building on two separate occasions, with misdemeanor unlawful entry. Those arrested included the man who voices the Triumph the Insult Comic Dog puppet, who had come to interview members of Congress about the attack on the Capitol.

Secret Service Watchdog Knew in February That Texts Had Been Purged
MSN – Carol Leonnig and Maria Sacchetti (Washington Post) | Published: 7/20/2022

A watchdog agency learned in February that the Secret Service had purged nearly all cellphone texts from around the time of the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, but chose not to alert Congress, according to people briefed on the matter. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General also prepared in October 2021 to issue a public alert that the Secret Service and other department divisions were stonewalling it on requests for records and texts surrounding the attack on the Capitol, but did not do so, the sources said.

Staff in Several House Offices Begin the Process of Unionizing
MSN – Chris Cioffi (Roll Call) | Published: 7/20/2022

Staffers who work for eight U.S. House Democrats are wasting no time in their plans to unionize, filing petitions recently to kick off the process. It was the first day they could do so, as new rules went into effect allowing many legislative branch staffers to bargain collectively. Now they must wait on the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights to vet the petitions before holding secret ballot elections to decide whether they want a union to represent them.

Trump Wanted Pence to Reject Electors. A New Bill Would Prevent That.
MSN – Leigh Ann Caldwell (Washington Post) | Published: 7/20/2022

A bipartisan group of 16 senators released legislation that would clarify an 1887 law that then-President Trump and his allies tried to use as part of their attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. The legislation would attempt to more clearly define the role of states, presidential electors, and the vice president in a presidential election in an effort to prevent the events of January 6, 2021, in the future.

Trump’s Political Operation Continued to Steer Donor Money to Firm Involved in the Jan. 6 Rally
OpenSecrets – Anna Massoglia | Published: 7/14/2022

Former President Trump’s political operation continued to pay individuals and firms involved in organizing the rally that preceded the deadly Capitol attack, steering them more than $15.4 million since the start of the 2016 election cycle. While the Trump political operations’ spending and fundraising practices have come under increased scrutiny by the House select committee, the hearings have given the former president fodder to fundraise. His political operation continued to route payments from donors to January 6 organizers through at least May as the committee’s investigation heated up.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Secretary of State: Federal groups supporting Alabama candidates must register with state
Yahoo – Brian Lyman (Montgomery Advertiser) | Published: 7/19/2022

The Alabama secretary of state’s office said federal organizations contributing to state campaigns will have to file campaign finance reports with the state. The move, which Secretary of State John Merrill said would include “dark money” groups, comes after years of controversy over the scope and application of Alabama’s ban on transfers of money between PACs. Before the Legislature banned the practice in 2010, PAC-to-PAC transfers were used to move campaign donations to hide the source of contributions to candidates.

Alaska – Judge Refuses to Block Alaska Campaign Finance Disclosure Rules
MSN – Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) | Published: 7/14/2022

A federal judge denied a request to block campaign finance provisions of a ballot measure approved by Alaska voters in 2020, finding the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a likelihood of success on their outlined claims. The lawsuit was filed earlier this year on behalf of political donors and third-party organizations known as independent expenditure groups. They argued the disclosure rules are unconstitutional and burdensome. The plaintiffs had asked that the challenged portions of the initiative be blocked while the case was ongoing.

Arizona – AZ Secretary of State Candidate’s Nonprofit Spending Raises Questions
Arizona Daily News – Mary Jo Pitzl (Arizona Republic) | Published: 7/16/2022

Reginald Bolding, a candidate for Arizona secretary of state, is the founder and director of the nonprofit Our Voice Our Vote, a group that does not have to name its donors. Its PAC, of which he is the designated agent for federal purposes, has paid for ads promoting his candidacy. Our Voice Our Vote also is part of Activate 48, another “dark money” organization that has endorsed him and paid for mailers touting his campaign. State law bars such committees from coordinating with candidates, and violations are subject to civil penalties.

Arizona – Republican Files Complaint Against PAC Promoting Kari Lake Campaign, Says Finance Form Masks Its Donors
Yahoo News – Richard Ruelas (Arizona Republic) | Published: 7/20/2022

A Republican consultant filed a complaint against a PAC, Put Arizona First, that has spent $2.1 million to promote the gubernatorial campaign of Kari Lake, saying its financial reports served to mask the source of its donations, in violation of state law. Put Arizona First said it was funded entirely by an entity called SPH Medical LLC, whose address, according to the form, was a UPS store in Phoenix. It is the same UPS store address used by Put Arizona First itself. No such entity called SPH Medical exists in Arizona, according to corporate filings.

Arizona – The FEC Has Questions About How a PAC Backing Blake Masters Is Disclosing Its Spending
Arizona Mirror – Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Published: 7/19/2022

A PAC funded almost entirely by billionaire Peter Thiel is facing questions from the FEC about whether it properly reported independent expenditures in support of U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters in Arizona. The FEC is asking for a “full public disclosure” of the Saving Arizona PAC’s spending of more than $1 million against U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, the Democratic incumbent that Masters hopes to defeat. Any independent expenditure over $10,000 requires a PAC to file what is called a 48-hour report disclosing the spending.

California – Disney Revs Up Campaign Spending in Anaheim Amid Calls to Curb Their Influence After FBI Allegations
Voice of OC – Nick Gerda | Published: 7/19/2022

Records show Disney has spent 1.3 million in the upcoming election for Anaheim mayor and city council, an amount far more than anyone else has spent on the city’s elections in recent years. That money has gone to Disney’s main political money vehicle in Anaheim, Support Our Anaheim Resort (SOAR). It comes amid an ongoing federal investigation into the city’s politics. In an affidavit, the FBI alleged a consultant close to SOAR engaged in a “fraud scheme,” but it did not allege criminal activity by Disney or SOAR.

California – Ex-Compton Councilman Isaac Galvan, Dogged by Election-Rigging Scandal, Faces $240,000 Fine
Yahoo News – Gregory Yee (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 7/14/2022

Dogged by an election-rigging scandal and an ongoing criminal case, former Compton City Councilperson Isaac Galvan could face a stiff fine from the state’s political watchdog agency for multiple campaign finance violations, including the personal use of campaign funds. The California Fair Political Practices Commission will meet to discuss a possible $240,000 fine against Galvan.

California – League of Women Voters Sues Cupertino Over Lobbyist Ordinance
MSN – Grace Hase (Bay Area News Group) | Published: 7/20/2022

Over concerns that nonprofit employees and everyday citizens may be subject to Cupertino’s lobbyist ordinance, the League of Women Voters filed a lawsuit against the city arguing the law is unconstitutional, “hopelessly overbroad,” and anti-nonprofit. The Cupertino City Council approved its lobbyist ordinance in February 2021. The ordinance has a number of exemptions to the definition of lobbyist, including for board members or employees of nonprofits. But nonprofits can still be subject to ordinance if they are lobbying for a “specific project, issue or person” and have received monetary compensation for it.

California – Oakland Wants to Give Voters Money to Make Campaign Contributions
Oakland North – Callie Rhoades | Published: 7/12/2022

Oakland voters will be asked on the November 8 ballot if they want the city to give each of them $100 in campaign vouchers that could be donated to the candidates of their choice. Broken into four $25 vouchers, the “democracy dollars” are designed to level the playing field by putting more campaign funds in the hands of Oakland voters. Historically, the city’s campaign funding has been disproportionately made up of large donors. In the last four elections, candidates who raised the most money won more than three-quarters of the contested races.

California – San Jose Mayor Travels to France on Environmental Group’s Dime
San Jose Spotlight – Jana Kadah | Published: 7/18/2022

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo took an all-expenses paid trip to France recently, and the timing is raising some eyebrows. Liccardo and state Assemblyperson Ash Kalra were among the officials and academics who traveled abroad to study and compare best policies for land preservation. Professional development trips are usually reserved for leaders with more than a couple months left in office. Liccardo is leaving City Hall in December. There is also the question of public perception when elected officials accept a paid trip from a group that has lobbied them for a vote or decision.

Florida – Tallahassee Officials Approve 10-Year Ban on Corruption-Related Felons Lobbying
MSN – Karl Etters (Tallahassee Democrat) | Published: 7/14/2022

The Tallahassee City Commissioners approved a 10-year ban on lobbying for anyone convicted of fraud-related crimes, the latest in measures intended to stamp out back-door dealings. Commissioners also approved an increase in lobbyist registration fees. Now, lobbyists will have to pay a $500 annual registration fee. Previously they paid $25 per client.

Florida – UCF Removes Departments’ Anti-Racism Statements
MSN – Annie Martin (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 7/13/2022

The University of Central Florida removed anti-racism statements from several academic department websites, prompting renewed concern by some that a new law championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis is leading to censorship at the university. The decision to take down the statements came less than a week after the English department briefly “suspended” its version, claiming it now violated state law. The university later said department did so without “direction” from school leaders, who did not think the statements conflicted with any laws.

Florida – West Palm: Winning bidder for Sunset Lounge management contract violated anti-lobbying rules
Yahoo News – Wayne Washington (Palm Beach Post) | Published: 7/15/2022

West Palm Beach informed Vita Lounge, the local Black group that beat stiff competition to manage the city’s Sunset Lounge, it violated lobbying rules during the bidding process and has been disqualified. In notifying Vita of its disqualification, the city’s Procurement Division included instances of contact between Vita backers and city commissioners, who serve as board members of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The CRA has used at least $16 million in city taxpayer money to purchase and refurbish the 1920s era supper club and lounge.

Georgia – Giuliani Ordered to Testify in Georgia 2020 Election Probe
ABC News – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 7/20/2022

A judge in New York ordered Rudy Giuliani to appear before a special grand jury in Atlanta that is investigating whether former President Trump and others illegally tried to interfere in the 2020 general election in Georgia. Giuliani had been summoned to appear in court in New York on July 13 to present any reasons why a subpoena should not be issued for him to testify in Atlanta, but he failed to show up for the hearing, New York Supreme Court Justice Thomas Farber wrote in his order.

Georgia – GOP Fake Electors ‘Targets’ in Georgia Election Fraud Inquiry
MSN – Matthew Brown (Washington Post) | Published: 7/19/2022

Georgia prosecutors investigating potential criminal interference in the 2020 presidential election by Donald Trump and his allies have notified several Republicans who were part of a fake electors scheme they are “targets” of the probe and could face charges. Part of the probe led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis now centers on the 16 Republicans who gathered at the Georgia Capitol on December 14, 2020, as part of an attempt to falsely certify the state’s electoral college votes for former President Trump even though Joe Biden won the state.

Hawaii – Hawaii Lawmakers Took $500k In Campaign Cash This Session Despite Pleas to Ban Campaign Cash During Session
Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 7/20/2022

Good-government groups and a commission convened to strengthen ethics laws have asked that the practice of lawmakers accepting campaign contributions during a legislative session come to an end. The goal is to limit even the appearance of a “pay-to-play” culture that favors those who have money. But legislators accepted $500,000 in campaign donations during the 2022 session. That is just a portion of the $7.8 million state politicians raked in during sessions in the last decade from lobbyists, developers, labor unions, and other special interest groups while making budget and policy decisions that could affect their interests.

Illinois – Chicago City Council Unanimously Passes Ethics Overhaul, Boosts Fines to $20K
WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 7/20/2022

The Chicago City Council approved a sweeping ethics reform measure aimed at stamping out corruption that has led to the conviction of 37 members of city council since 1969. It strengthens rules against nepotism, lobbying of city council members, and limits campaign contributions for certain contractors. The ordinance also increases fines for violating those rules from a maximum of $5,000 to $20,000. The measure was significantly revised to win the support of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who blocked it from advancing for several months.

Indiana – Ind. Attorney General’s Comments Endangered Abortion Provider, Complaint Says
MSN – María Luisa Paúl and Kim Bellware (Washington Post) | Published: 7/19/2022

A complaint against Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is expected to trigger a probe by the state Supreme Court’s Disciplinary Commission after he claimed on Fox News that physician Caitlin Bernard had a “history of failing to report” abortions in child-abuse cases and launched an investigation into her licensure. Records show Bernard, who administered an abortion medication to a 10-year-old girl from Ohio who was forced to travel for the service, reported the incident to relevant state agencies. The complaint alleges Rokita made “inflammatory statements on national television, without due diligence concerning their truthfulness.”

Kentucky – Proposed Ordinance Would Force People, Groups Who Lobby Louisville Metro to Register, Disclose Funding
WFPL – Roberto Roldan | Published: 7/19/2022

Louisville Metro Council is considering an ordinance that sponsors hope will generate more transparency from lobbyists and other businesses and interest groups that try to influence local legislation. The ordinance would also bar council members from profiting from lobbying their colleagues immediately after leaving office. Under the proposal, anyone who is paid to influence the decisions of the Metro Council would have to register as a lobbyist.

Missouri – FEC Member Pans Decision Not to Investigate Groups That Helped Elect Greitens in 2016
Missouri Independent – Jason Hancock | Published: 7/14/2022

A member of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) is criticizing her agency’s failure to fully investigate groups that funneled $6 million of anonymous money into Missouri to boost Eric Greitens’ 2016 campaign for governor. Commissioner Ellen Weintraub said the scheme “was clearly designed to avoid the transparency federal law requires.” But her colleagues declined to authorize a full investigation, she wrote, because they felt it would not be a wise use of the FEC’s resources.

New York – A Family Donated $300K to Hochul. New York Has Paid the Family Business $637M.
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 7/19/2022

One New York City family, led by entrepreneur Charlie Tebele, has donated nearly $300,000 to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s campaign. Records also show that since December, Tebele’s company, Digital Gadgets LLC, was paid $637 million in taxpayer funds to provide the state Department of Health, an agency controlled by Hochul, with at-home COVID-19 test kits. The huge expenditure was made without the agency conducting competitive bidding. Though Digital Gadgets has not always delivered as promised, it has continued to reap major government payments, while the family has kept donating heavily to select politicians.

New York – Bellone Vetoes Repeal of Suffolk County’s Public Campaign Finance Program
WSHU – J.D. Allen | Published: 7/19/2022

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone vetoed a bill that would repeal its public campaign finance program. Suffolk is the largest county in the state outside of New York City to have such a program. It would allow candidates for county executive, comptroller, and legislator to access public dollars to run for office. Bellone said it would be a step backwards for building diversity and equity in county government.

New York – N.Y. Assemblyman Charles Fall’s Girlfriend Lobbied Him on Various Issues, Prompting Ethics Concerns
MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 7/18/2022

Bianca Rajpersaud, a registered lobbyist at Davidoff, Hutcher & Citron, is listed as having lobbied state Assemblyperson Charles Fall as part of 11 different contracts the firm inked in 2021 and 2022 with companies and nonprofits seeking to curry favor with lawmakers. The duo began dating in 2020. There is no requirement for lawmakers to consult the Legislative Ethics Commission about professional interactions with love interests who are not spouses. Watchdog Rachael Fauss said the lobbying raises concerns that could have been avoided if Fall was open about whether he cleared the matter with the commission.

Ohio – Experts Say P.G. Sittenfeld Could Use $975k in Campaign and PAC Funds for Appeal of Conviction
WCPO – Paula Christian | Published: 7/14/2022

Former Cincinnati City Councilperson P.G. Sittenfeld may not be running for mayor anymore, but he still has nearly $975,000 in leftover political donations that experts say he could use to pay legal fees for an appeal after a jury convicted him of bribery and attempted extortion. Sittenfeld was a rising political star who mounted an impressive campaign fund to run for mayor in 2021. But three of his donors turned out to be undercover FBI agents who were posing as out-of-town developers. They donated $40,000 to his PAC and asked for help on a project, which prosecutors described as quid pro quo.

Ohio – Ohio Supreme Court Again Rejects Republican Congressional Map, Ordering Redraw for 2024 Election
MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 7/19/2022

For the second time this year, the Ohio Supreme Court rejected state Republicans’ congressional map plan as illegally gerrymandered, citing the new language added by voters to the state constitution in 2018. But the ruling almost certainly will not affect this year’s elections since the primary election for Ohio’s ongoing congressional races was held in May, with the general election set for November. While the ruling is silent on the 2022 elections, it does not explicitly describe vacating the results of the May election and other interventions that would indicate the court is trying to block the map from being used in the current election cycle.

Rhode Island – McKee’s Former Chief of Staff Displayed ‘Very Poor Judgment’ but Committed No Crimes, Attorney General Says
MSN – Edward Fitzpatrick (Boston Globe) | Published: 7/18/2022

The Rhode Island attorney general’s office cleared Gov. Daniel McKee’s former chief of staff, Anthony Silva, of criminal activity but castigated him for exercising “very poor judgment in involving himself in a personal matter before a state regulatory agency.” Silva resigned amid scrutiny of whether he attempted to influence the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) over a permit to develop a piece of land in Cumberland. The DEM at first rejected an application to develop the parcel, but reversed course. The investigation found Silva frequently contacted the DEM and Cumberland officials to try to advance the approval process.

Texas – AG Ken Paxton Declines to Sue Candidates, Officials Who Owe $700K in Unpaid Campaign Violation Fines
MSN – Taylor Goldsmith (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 7/14/2022

The Texas Ethics Commission, the regulatory agency in charge of enforcing campaign finance laws, does not have many tools at its disposal to go after scofflaws who have not paid fines aside from letter notifications. Its last line of defense against delinquent filers is to refer their cases to the state attorney general’s office. But Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has declined to sue hundreds of candidates and elected officials who altogether owe more than $700,000 unpaid fines for campaign reporting violations.

Washington – Armed Man Arrested Outside Home of Rep. Jayapal for Alleged Death Threat
MSN – Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 7/14/2022

An armed man who reportedly threatened to kill U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal was arrested outside her Seattle home on suspicion of committing a hate crime, police said. The man, whose name was redacted from publicly available police reports, was released from jail because police could not confirm his threats or that he told Jayapal to “go back to India,” and an investigation is ongoing. Jayapal called 911 to report someone was outside her home using obscene language and may have fired a pellet gun.

Wisconsin – Milwaukee Ald. Chantia Lewis Convicted of Two Campaign Finance Felonies, Removed from Office
MSN – Allison Dir (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 7/18/2022

Milwaukee Ald. Chantia Lewis was removed from office after her conviction on two felonies related to her conduct in office. The criminal complaint stated she used campaign funds for family trips and basic personal expenses such as car and credit card bills, engaged in “double-dipping” by filing for reimbursement for city-related travel expenses that she had actually paid out of her campaign account, and structured a campaign contribution to avoid the limits in the law.

Wisconsin – Trump Called ‘Within the Last Week’ to Overturn Wis. Election Results, Speaker Says
MSN – Timothy Bella and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 7/20/2022

Wisconsin’s Republican house speaker said former President Trump called him “within the last week” seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election that Joe Biden won. Speaker Robin Vos said he received a call from Trump after the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled on July 8 that most absentee drop boxes in the state are illegal. The ruling addresses future elections, not the one Trump lost in 2020 by more than 20,000 in Wisconsin.

Campaign Finance

Alabama: “Secretary of State: Federal groups supporting Alabama candidates must register with state” by Brian Lyman (Montgomery Advertiser) for Yahoo

Arizona: “The FEC Has Questions About How a PAC Backing Blake Masters Is Disclosing Its Spending” by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy for Arizona Mirror

Hawaii: “Hawaii Lawmakers Took $500k In Campaign Cash This Session Despite Pleas to Ban Campaign Cash During Session” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat

New York: “Bellone Vetoes Repeal of Suffolk County’s Public Campaign Finance Program” by J.D. Allen for WSHU

Elections

Georgia: “GOP Fake Electors ‘Targets’ in Georgia Election Fraud Inquiry” by Matthew Brown (Washington Post) for MSN

Georgia: “Giuliani Ordered to Testify in Georgia 2020 Election Probe” by Kate Brumback (Associated Press) for ABC News

Ethics

National: “New Evidence Disputes Trump Administration’s Citizenship Question Rationale” by Tara Bahrampour (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “Chicago City Council Unanimously Passes Ethics Overhaul, Boosts Fines to $20K” by Heather Cherone for WTTW

Rhode Island: “McKee’s Former Chief of Staff Displayed ‘Very Poor Judgment’ but Committed No Crimes, Attorney General Says” by Edward Fitzpatrick (Boston Globe) for MSN

Lobbying

Kentucky: “Proposed Ordinance Would Force People, Groups Who Lobby Louisville Metro to Register, Disclose Funding” by Roberto Roldan for WFPL

Campaign Finance

National: “Pair Charged with Making Straw Donations to Trump Committees” by Jennifer Pelz (Associated Press) for MSN

Wisconsin: “Milwaukee Ald. Chantia Lewis Convicted of Two Campaign Finance Felonies, Removed from Office” by Allison Dir (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Secret Service Cannot Recover Texts; No New Details for Jan. 6 Committee” by Carol Leonnig and Maria Sacchetti (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Prosecutors Won’t Pursue Case Against Colbert Team at Capitol Complex” by Michael Balsamo (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

California: “San Jose Mayor Travels to France on Environmental Group’s Dime” by Jana Kadah for San Jose Spotlight

Indiana: “Ind. Attorney General’s Comments Endangered Abortion Provider, Complaint Says” by María Luisa Paúl and Kim Bellware (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “A Family Donated $300K to Hochul. New York Has Paid the Family Business $637M.” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Lobbying

Florida: “West Palm: Winning bidder for Sunset Lounge management contract violated anti-lobbying rules” by Wayne Washington (Palm Beach Post) for Yahoo News

Redistricting

Ohio: “Ohio Supreme Court Again Rejects Republican Congressional Map, Ordering Redraw for 2024 Election” by Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “AZ Secretary of State Candidate’s Nonprofit Spending Raises Questions” by Mary Jo Pitzl (Arizona Republic) for Arizona Daily News

California: “Ex-Compton Councilman Isaac Galvan, Dogged by Election-Rigging Scandal, Faces $240,000 Fine” by Gregory Yee (Los Angeles Times) for Yahoo News

Missouri: “FEC Member Pans Decision Not to Investigate Groups That Helped Elect Greitens in 2016” by Jason Hancock for Missouri Independent

Texas: “AG Ken Paxton Declines to Sue Candidates, Officials Who Owe $700K in Unpaid Campaign Violation Fines” by Taylor Goldsmith (Houston Chronicle) for MSN

Elections

National: “Little-Known Lawyer Pitched Trump on Extreme Plans to Subvert Election” by Maggie Haberman and Luke Broadwater (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Ethics

Washington: “Armed Man Arrested Outside Home of Rep. Jayapal for Alleged Death Threat” by Amy Wang (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

New York: “N.Y. Assemblyman Charles Fall’s Girlfriend Lobbied Him on Various Issues, Prompting Ethics Concerns” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for MSN

Procurement

National: “Bipartisan Group Seeks to Limit Who Federal Agencies Can Contract With” by Eric Katz for Government Executive

Campaign Finance

National: “Trump’s Political Operation Continued to Steer Donor Money to Firm Involved in the Jan. 6 Rally” by Anna Massoglia for OpenSecrets

Alaska: “Judge Refuses to Block Alaska Campaign Finance Disclosure Rules” by Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) for MSN

California: “Oakland Wants to Give Voters Money to Make Campaign Contributions” by Callie Rhoades for Oakland North

Elections

National: “Bipartisan Bill Would Clarify That VP Role with Electors Is Only Ceremonial” by Chris Cioffi (Roll Call) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Jan. 6 Committee Subpoenas Secret Service for Missing Records” by Jacqueline Alemany and Maria Sacchetti (Washington Post) for MSN

Florida: “UCF Removes Departments’ Anti-Racism Statements” by Annie Martin (Orlando Sentinel) for MSN

Illinois: “Chicago at the ‘Vanguard of Government Ethics’? New City Council Rules Would Quadruple Top Fines for Violators, but Some Measures Watered Down” by Alice Yin (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

Florida: “Tallahassee Officials Approve 10-Year Ban on Corruption-Related Felons Lobbying” by Karl Etters (Tallahassee Democrat) for MSN