National/Federal

Democrats Set Ambitious Spending Plan for State Legislative Races

DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 1/10/2024

The Democratic Party’s organization that focuses on state legislative races is planning its largest campaign budget ever as it seeks to flip five chambers in three critical swing states, as well as defend three recently earned majorities. The budget – at least $60 million – underscores the importance of state Legislatures. Once dismissed as mere policy laboratories, they have become arbiters of many of the nation’s most pressing political debates.

State Legislators, Wary of Deceptive Election Ads, Tighten A.I. Rules

DNyuz – David Chen (New York Times) | Published: 1/11/2024

Alarmed by the increasing sophistication of what can be false or highly misleading political ads generated by artificial intelligence, state lawmakers are scrambling to draft bills to regulate them. To avoid First Amendment challenges, most lawmakers have focused on requiring those who make, produce, or disseminate the ads disclose the deceptive ads were produced by artificial intelligence. The broad goal, legislators said, was to prevent what has already happened elsewhere, especially in some elections overseas.

Special Counsel Probe Uncovers New Details About Trump’s Inaction on Jan. 6: Sources

MSN – Katherine Faulders, Mike Levine, Alexander Mallin, and Will Steakin (ABC News) | Published: 1/7/2024

Special counsel Jack Smith’s team has uncovered previously undisclosed details about former President Trump’s refusal to help stop the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol as he sat watching television inside the White House. Many of the details come from the questioning of Trump’s former deputy chief of staff, Dan Scavino. New information also comes from interviews with other White House advisers and top lawyers who previously declined to answer questions about Trump’s own statements and demeanor on January 6, 2021.

Violent Political Threats Surge as 2024 Begins, Haunting American Democracy

MSN – Sarah Ellison, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 1/9/2024

Violent threats and acts of intimidation have defined the lives of various government officials since the 2020 election. Now they are casting a shadow over the 2024 campaign as Americans prepare to vote in the primary season. Those on the receiving end span the range of the country’s democratic system, including members of Congress, state officials, local leaders, and judges. While some are prominent, others have relatively low-profile roles. The intensity has accelerated in recent weeks.

Most Jan. 6 Defendants Get Time Behind Bars, but Less Than U.S. Seeks

MSN – Tom Jackman and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 1/5/2024

Three years after the U.S. Capitol attack, federal judges in Washington have sentenced more than half of the roughly 1,200 people charged in the largest investigation in U.S. history and have handed down lighter punishments for January 6 assault convictions compared with similar assault cases nationally. Judges have ordered prison time for nearly every defendant convicted of a felony and some jail time to about half of those convicted of misdemeanors.

Wayne LaPierre Resigns from N.R.A. with Trial Set to Open

MSN – Danny Hakim (New York Times) | Published: 1/5/2024

On the eve of a legal battle in New York, Wayne LaPierre said he would step down as the longtime chief of the National Rifle Association (NRA). He has led the NRA, once one of the nation’s most prominent lobbying organizations, for more than three decades. LaPierre played a leading role in transforming gun culture in America, but the last half decade of his tenure was marred by scandals and internal upheaval. In recent years, the group has been in a tailspin.

Judges Skeptical That Trump Is Immune from Jan. 6 Prosecution

MSN – Rachel Weiner, Spencer Hsu, Perry Stein, and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 1/9/2024

A panel of three federal appellate judges expressed skepticism about Donald Trump’s claim to sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution and concerns about its implications, suggesting it would allow a future president to have a political rival assassinated by the military without repercussions. Trump argues he cannot be tried for trying to overturn the 2020 election results because he was acquitted by the Senate of inciting the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. James Pearce, a Justice Department attorney, called that “an extraordinarily frightening” proposition.

Vocal Anti-Trump Candidate Chris Christie Exits Presidential Race with Hot Mic Moment

NPR – Jeongyoon Han | Published: 1/10/2024

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ended his presidential campaign after his criticism of Donald Trump’s leadership and role in the Republican Party proved to diverge too far from where the GOP currently stands. His announcement was somewhat overshadowed by a hot mic moment ahead of a town hall. Christie’s mic went live as he was speaking about his presidential rivals. Of Haley, he praised her for “punching above her weight” but said “she’s going to get smoked.” On Ron DeSantis, he said the Florida governor “is petrified” before his mic was abruptly cut.

The Changing Congressional Map Is Shifting the Fight for Control of the House

Politico – Zach Montellaro | Published: 1/8/2024

The partisan tilt of a handful of districts could still change dramatically before voters even go to the polls this year, shifting who has the upper hand in the battle for control the U.S. House. Republicans hold just a three-seat majority and various congressional maps across the country have already been redrawn since the midterms thanks to drawn-out court battles, some of which have yet to be resolved.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Alaska Ranked Choice Voting Opponents Fined Over $94K for Campaign Ethics Violations

Anchorage Daily News – Iris Samuels | Published: 1/4/2024

Supporters of an effort to repeal the state’s ranked choice voting system were fined more than $94,000 after the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) found campaign finance violations. APOC said Anchorage pastor Art Mathias and groups he founded funneled most of their funding through a tax-exempt church and inaccurately reporting their funding. The fines come a month before the deadline for opponents of Alaska’s voting system to submit at least 26,000 signatures from voters as they seek to put the question of repealing the state’s system on the 2024 ballot.

California – Burger Chain Manager Fined for Using ‘Straw Donors’ to Back Ex-Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s 2018 Campaign

MSN – Keri Blakinger (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 1/10/2024

Manuel Gomez, a burger chain manager, will admit guilt on 10 counts of campaign money laundering and pay a $50,000 fine for using straw donors to contribute to former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s campaign, according to a settlement with the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Records show Villanueva, his 2018 campaign, and his then-campaign treasurer agreed to pay a total of $7,500 for violating reporting requirements and failing to return some of the money.

California – San Jose Bans ‘Foreign-Influenced Corporations’ from Political Donations

San Jose Spotlight – Jana Kadah | Published: 1/10/2024

The San Jose City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits “foreign-influenced corporations” from donating in city races. It will go into effect in 30 days, just one month before the March 5 primary elections. Federal and state laws already prohibit foreign individuals from making contributions or independent expenditures to candidates. But foreign companies with domestic subsidiaries can contribute as long as the donations are made by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

California – DWP Board Members Held Private Contract Talks with Vendor, Prompting Ethics Questions

Yahoo News – Dakota Smith and Richard Winton (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 1/5/2024

Two members of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commission privately discussed a contract with executives of a cybersecurity company, an exchange that is raising concerns from ethics experts. Then-commission President Mel Levine and then-Vice President Cynthia McClain-Hill held a phone call in 2019 with two executives to walk them through the utility’s plans to award them a contract. The city’s ethics law bars commissioners from privately participating in the review or negotiation of contracts they will vote on. The commission’s rules also bar commissioners from having private discussions about bids with vendors.

Colorado – Supreme Court Says It Will Decide If Trump Qualifies for Colorado Ballot

MSN – Ann Marimow and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 1/6/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider whether Donald Trump should be disqualified from the primary ballot in Colorado. The state Supreme Court disqualified the Republican front-runner, finding he engaged in an insurrection before and during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The announcement puts the justices in a pivotal position with echoes of the court’s involvement in the 2000 election, when its decision assured victory for George W. Bush, polarized the nation and damaged the court’s reputation as an independent institution.

Florida – Court Sends Case of Prosecutor Suspended by DeSantis Back to Trial Judge Over First Amendment Issues

Associated Press News – Curt Anderson | Published: 1/10/2024

A Democratic prosecutor suspended by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will get another chance to show his political advocacy was protected by the First Amendment and could not be the basis for his removal, a federal appeals court panel ruled. The ruling sends the case involving ex-prosecutor Andrew Warren back to a trial judge to determine if the governor’s suspension was improperly focused on statements Warren signed opposing certain legislation to criminalize abortion and gender care.

Florida – Florida GOP Ousts Chairman Under Investigation for Alleged Rape

MSN – Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) | Published: 1/8/2024

The Republican Party of Florida removed its chairperson, Christian Ziegler, from his job as in the midst of a sexual assault investigation. Ziegler is accused of raping a woman who had previously engaged in a tryst with him and his wife, Bridget. Christian Ziegler rejects the allegations. Sarasota police are investigating the incident but have not yet filed charges. Bridget Ziegler is a co-founder of the far-right group Moms for Liberty. As a Sarasota County school board member, she has pushed an anti-LGBTQ+ agenda.

Georgia – Who Will Investigate One of Georgia’s Most Ambitious Politicians in the Trump Case?

DNyuz – Richard Fausset (New York Times) | Published: 1/4/2024

Since the indictment of Donald Trump and his allies on election interference charges in Georgia, a question has gone unanswered: would criminal charges also be coming for Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. He was one of the 16 Republicans who acted as fake electors to overturn Trump’s 2020 defeat. Three of them are charged with felonies. But a judge blocked the Fulton County district attorney who led the investigation from developing a case against Jones, citing a conflict-of-interest because she had headlined a fundraiser for a Democratic who became his rival in the lieutenant governor’s race.

Georgia – Trump Claims Immunity from Prosecution in Georgia Election Case

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 1/8/2024

Donald Trump urged a judge to dismiss charges he illegally conspired to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia, claiming his alleged actions were at the “heart” of his sworn responsibilities as president and he is immune from criminal prosecution. The arguments from Steve Sadow, an Atlanta attorney representing Trump in the Georgia case, largely echo immunity claims made by the former president’s defense team in the separate federal election interference case against him.

Hawaii – Full Public Financing of Elections Is Being Revived at Hawaii Legislature

Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 1/11/2024

Hawaii Sen. Karl Rhoads will resurrect a bill that would establish a comprehensive public campaign financing system intended to attract a more diverse pool of candidates. It would give grants to qualifying candidates who are able to demonstrate sufficient support from voters. In states that have similar programs such as Connecticut, Maine, and Arizona, the systems increase the diversity of candidates, in particular drawing people who are younger and from less traditional backgrounds.

Illinois – Ed Burke Is Still in Line for Millions in Payouts from Pension, Campaign Funds After Corruption Conviction

Chicago Sun-Times – Mitchell Armentrout and Tim Novack | Published: 1/5/2024

Under Illinois law, former Ald. Edward Burke is likely to be stripped of the $8,027-a-month city pension he started collecting last May on the day after ending his record 54-year reign in the Chicago City Council. But he will get at least the more than $540,000 he paid into the fund. The disgraced former council member is in line for a more substantial payout from his campaign fund, which he can use to pay himself or his family members almost $2.5 million, no questions asked, thanks to a loophole in state campaign finance law.

Illinois – City Council Ethics Package Could Face Uphill Fight Without Johnson in the Lead

MSN – A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/7/2024

In the wake of former Ald. Edward Burke’s racketeering conviction, his onetime colleagues on the Chicago City Council are faced with the choice of whether to hold themselves to tougher ethical standards. They are largely weighing that decision without input from Mayor Brandon Johnson, who, unlike his predecessor, is taking a hands-off approach to anti-corruption reforms. The fresh debate is spurred by a slew of new recommendations from the Board of Ethics tightening rules for city contractors, campaign fundraising, and advertising that a key committee chairman pledged to take up in the new year.

Kansas – New Wichita City Council Member Moves to Undo Ban on Corporate Political Donations

Yahoo News – Matthew Kelly (Wichita Eagle) | Published: 1/9/2024

The Wichita City Council will vote on an ordinance that would undo the ban on corporate political donations in municipal enacted recently. The ordinance passed on January 2 passed in former Mayor Brandon Whipple’s last meeting on the job. Whipple declared an emergency before the vote, allowing the council to finalize the reform immediately and forgo the standard second reading that would have otherwise been required.

Kentucky – Weddle Blames Beshear Fundraiser for Letting Him Make Illegal Political Contributions

Kentucky Lantern – Tom Loftus | Published: 1/9/2024

London Mayor Randall Weddle says he told a fundraiser for Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s reelection in late 2022 that he planned to make political contributions of others on his credit card, but instead of being warned such a move would be illegal, the fundraiser told Weddle, “Okay sounds great.” The Registry of Election Finance filed a complaint against Weddle for violating a law that prohibits a person from making a campaign donation in the name of another.

Louisiana – Newly Sworn In, Louisiana’s Governor Calls for Special Session to Draw New Congressional Map

ABC News – Sara Cline (Associated Press) | Published: 1/8/2024

In his first hours in office, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry called a special session on redistricting, giving lawmakers the opportunity to draw and replace the state’s current congressional map a federal judge said violates the Voting Rights Act by diluting the power of Black voters. But the session looks to go beyond just tackling Louisiana’s congressional map, with the governor issuing a list of other issues to address, including redrawing state Supreme Court districts and moving away from Louisiana’s current open primary election system to a closed one.

Louisiana – Council Looks to Clean Up New Orleans’ Procurement Process Following Scathing IG Report

MSN – David Jones (WVUE) | Published: 1/9/2024

Two months after a scathing report from the inspector general, a New Orleans City Council member is looking to clean up the city’s procurement process for the awarding of contracts by introducing three pieces of new legislation. The report concerned alleged bid-rigging in the procurement process for the now-abandoned “Smart Cities” project. It says two city employees might have violated state ethics law in awarding a contract for the project.

Massachusetts – Liberal Group Files Challenge to Remove Trump from Massachusetts Primary Ballot

MSN – Matt Stoudt (Boston Globe) | Published: 1/5/2024

A labor lawyer and a liberal group filed a challenge seeking to remove Donald Trump from Massachusetts’ Republican presidential primary ballot, echoing arguments in other states that the former president is ineligible to serve in the White House under the Constitution’s insurrection clause. Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin has argued even if Trump is found guilty of inciting an insurrection and is therefore ineligible to serve as president, he can still be on the ballot in Massachusetts.

Michigan – Michigan Republicans Hold Disputed Vote to Remove Party Leader

Yahoo News – Nick Corasaniti and Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 1/6/2024

Simmering tensions within the Michigan Republican Party boiled over with some party officials voting to remove their embattled chairperson, Kristina Karamo, in a contentious proceeding that she and other state Republicans argued was illegitimate. The showdown, which occurred at a meeting held by a breakaway faction of the state party, now appears likely to wind up in court.

Minnesota – All-Female City Council Marks a ‘Turning Point’ for a Twin City

DNyuz – Remy Tumin (New York Times) | Published: 1/10/2024

St. Paul, Minnesota, is believed to be among the largest cities in the country to have the distinction of having an all-female City Council. But the firsts do not stop there: all seven council members are under 40 years old, and six are women of color, making it the youngest and most racially diverse council in the city’s history. Although the new makeup of the council may surprise some, several demographic shifts in St. Paul over the past few decades helped pave the way for this moment.

Missouri – Missouri Defends Lobbying Waiting Period for Lawmakers at Eighth Circuit

Courthouse News Service – Joe Harris | Published: 1/9/2024

A federal appeals court heard arguments challenging a voter-approved, two-year waiting period between serving in the Missouri Legislature and accepting payment for lobbying services. The plaintiffs claim the law violates their right to free speech. Jason Lewis of the Missouri attorney general’s office argued the General Assembly has the right to restrict employment.

New Jersey – N.J. Moving to Change Ethics Laws for Cannabis, Which Could Help Top Democrat

MSN – Jelani Gibson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 1/7/2024

A new bill would potentially help the vice chairperson of New Jersey’s State Democratic Committee, Peg Schaffer, to stay within the cannabis industry as the party’s chair continues to function as a lobbyist on behalf of well-financed companies. Schaffer recently accepted a board position at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. She is the president and managing principal of a law firm. Schaffer’s job at the authority holds the risk of running afoul of the state’s conflict-of-interest laws when it comes to representing cannabis applicants.

New York – N.Y. Seeks $370 Million in Trump Fraud Trial Instead of $250 Million

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 1/5/2024

New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking a $370 million penalty against Donald Trump and his company instead of the $250 million the state sought when it filed a civil fraud lawsuit in 2022. The filing was the first time James has publicly cited a specific higher penalty than what was included in the original lawsuit. The company was accused of purposely misleading lenders and insurance companies about Trump’s net worth by up to $2.2 billion per year from 2011 to 2021 to get better terms in business deals.

North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Commission Sees Uptick in Complaints

North Dakota Monitor – Mary Steuer | Published: 1/8/2024

Complaints to the North Dakota Ethics Commission have been on the rise since late 2022, though in most cases, state law requires filings to be kept confidential unless the commission determines them to be substantiated. Twenty-four of 45 complaints were dismissed upon initial review. One reason why so many complaints were dismissed is because the commission has very limited jurisdiction.

Ohio – Ginther’s Public Service Director Leaving for New Job

MSN – Bill Bush (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 1/5/2024

Jennifer Gallagher is resigning as director of the Columbus Department of Public Service is resigning. Emails released by the city attorney’s office Friday suggest Gallagher remains the subject of an investigation launched by the Ohio Ethics Commission in 2022. A complaint concerns a $480,000 contract Gallagher’s department awarded to a firm that employed her husband. Ohio law generally prohibits public officials from awarding or influencing contracts in which a family member has an interest.

Ohio – Transgender Ohio House Hopeful Appeals Disqualification for Not Listing Birth Name on Paperwork

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/4/2024

A transgender woman running for an Ohio House seat has been disqualified for failing to disclose her former name on petitions circulated to voters, in violation of a seldom-enforced state law. Stark County election officials informed Vanessa Joy that she was not eligible to be on the ballot despite having collected the signatures necessary to run. Officials said Joy violated a law requiring candidates for public office to list any name changes over the previous five years on their signature petitions.

Ohio – Voting, Disability Rights Advocates Claim Ohio Photo Voter ID Law Violates Federal Disabilities Law

Ohio Capital Journal – Nick Evans | Published: 1/5/2024

Starting last year, Ohioans had to present a photo ID to cast a vote. The new law also reduced the number of days available for early voting and for returning absentee ballots. Now, the League of Women Voters is challenging the law over a different set of provisions. It imposes a limited list of individuals “authorized” to return absentee ballots on behalf of someone else. A lawsuit contends that restrictive list violates the Americans with Disabilities Act by imposing “extreme burdens to vote that voters without disabilities will never face.”

Rhode Island – Ethics Complaint Against Shekarchi Over 2017 Wedding Farm Bill Dismissed. Here’s Why

Yahoo News – Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) | Published: 1/9/2024

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission cleared House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi of conflict-of- interest accusations brought by the state Republican Party over his vote seven years ago for a bill that sought to legalize weddings on large farms. The commission found there was no probable cause that Shekarchi violated the ethics code to benefit a campaign donor.

South Dakota – South Dakota Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Lawmaker Conflict of Interest

Yahoo News – Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 1/8/2024

The South Dakota Supreme Court heard lawyers from the governor’s office, the attorney general’s office, and the Legislature make a case as to why the justices should issue an opinion more clearly defining what a conflict-of-interest is within the state constitution. Attorneys took questions from the justices related to whether establishing a new standard in the law would be enough to accurately define what is a direct or indirect conflict-of-interest when a lawmaker votes on bills for funding state government and its operations.

Texas – Former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores Accused of Cribbing Others’ Pictures of Mexican Food as Her Own Cooking

Texas Tribune – Robert Downen | Published: 1/3/2024

In a bizarre micro-scandal that some have dubbed “GrubGate,” a former member of Congress who is running for her old seat in South Texas, Mayra Flores, is being accused of routinely stealing photos of Mexican food from other social media accounts and passing them off as her own cooking. That prompted the website Current Revolt to dig further into Flores’ social media accounts, where they found numerous other posts in which she used others’ photos of campfire cooking or homemade tortillas to illustrate her own idyllic life on a ranch.

Vermont – Vermont Senate Beefs Up Financial Disclosure Requirements in Response to VTDigger Reporting

VTDigger.org – Paul Heinz | Published: 1/4/2024

The Vermont Senate voted to mandate its own members publicly disclose additional information about their personal finances and potential conflicts-of-interest. VTDigger had documented how difficult it was for Vermonters to obtain information about their legislators and how little was revealed by mandatory disclosure forms. After VTDigger published the first story in the series last April, the Senate moved to post members’ financial disclosure forms online for the first time.

Wyoming – New Rules Would Allow Ousting Wyoming Legislators Accused or Convicted of Felonies

Cowboy State Daily – Leo Wolfson | Published: 1/9/2024

A new slate of proposed ethics complaint rules for the Wyoming Legislature would allow for the expulsion of members who are accused or convicted of felonies as private citizens, in and outside of the legislative session. The proposed rules adopt a clear procedure for the House speaker or Senate president to more quickly dismiss frivolous complaints as a way to mitigate the potential of the complaint process being weaponized.

Campaign Finance

Kansas: “New Wichita City Council Member Moves to Undo Ban on Corporate Political Donations” by Matthew Kelly (Wichita Eagle) for Yahoo News

Kentucky: “Weddle Blames Beshear Fundraiser for Letting Him Make Illegal Political Contributions” by Tom Loftus for Kentucky Lantern

Elections

National: “Vocal Anti-Trump Candidate Chris Christie Exits Presidential Race with Hot Mic Moment” by Jeongyoon Han for NPR

Georgia: “Trump Claims Immunity from Prosecution in Georgia Election Case” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Democrats Set Ambitious Spending Plan for State Legislative Races” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz

Ethics

National: “Violent Political Threats Surge as 2024 Begins, Haunting American Democracy” by Sarah Ellison, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Minnesota: “All-Female City Council Marks a ‘Turning Point’ for a Twin City” by Remy Tumin (New York Times) for DNyuz

Wyoming: “New Rules Would Allow Ousting Wyoming Legislators Accused or Convicted of Felonies” by Leo Wolfson for Cowboy State Daily

Procurement

Louisiana: “Council Looks to Clean Up New Orleans’ Procurement Process Following Scathing IG Report” by David Jones (WVUE) for MSN

Elections

Ohio: “Voting, Disability Rights Advocates Claim Ohio Photo Voter ID Law Violates Federal Disabilities Law” by Nick Evans for Ohio Capital Journal

Ethics

National: “Judges Skeptical That Trump Is Immune from Jan. 6 Prosecution” by Rachel Weiner, Spencer Hsu, Perry Stein, and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN

Florida: “Florida GOP Ousts Chairman Under Investigation for Alleged Rape” by Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) for MSN

New Jersey: “N.J. Moving to Change Ethics Laws for Cannabis, Which Could Help Top Democrat” by Jelani Gibson (NJ Advance Media) for MSN

North Dakota: “North Dakota Ethics Commission Sees Uptick in Complaints” by Mary Steuer for North Dakota Monitor

South Dakota: “South Dakota Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Lawmaker Conflict of Interest” by Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) for Yahoo News

Legislative Issues

Louisiana: “Newly Sworn In, Louisiana’s Governor Calls for Special Session to Draw New Congressional Map” by Sara Cline (Associated Press) for ABC News

Lobbying

Missouri: “Missouri Defends Lobbying Waiting Period for Lawmakers at Eighth Circuit” by Joe Harris for Courthouse News Service

Elections

Colorado: “Supreme Court Says It Will Decide If Trump Qualifies for Colorado Ballot” by Ann Marimow and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Georgia: “Who Will Investigate One of Georgia’s Most Ambitious Politicians in the Trump Case?” by Richard Fausset (New York Times) for DNyuz

Michigan: “Michigan Republicans Hold Disputed Vote to Remove Party Leader” by Nick Corasaniti and Neil Vigdor (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Ethics

California: “DWP Board Members Held Private Contract Talks with Vendor, Prompting Ethics Questions” by Dakota Smith and Richard Winton (Los Angeles Times) for Yahoo News

National: “Special Counsel Probe Uncovers New Details About Trump’s Inaction on Jan. 6: Sources” by Katherine Faulders, Mike Levine, Alexander Mallin, and Will Steakin for ABC News

Illinois: “City Council Ethics Package Could Face Uphill Fight Without Johnson in the Lead” by A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

New York: “N.Y. Seeks $370 Million in Trump Fraud Trial Instead of $250 Million” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “Ginther’s Public Service Director Leaving for New Job” by Bill Bush (Columbus Dispatch) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Alaska: “Alaska Ranked Choice Voting Opponents Fined Over $94K for Campaign Ethics Violations” by Iris Samuels for Anchorage Daily News

Elections

Massachusetts: “Liberal Group Files Challenge to Remove Trump from Massachusetts Primary Ballot” by Matt Stoudt (Boston Globe) for MSN

Ohio: “Transgender Ohio House Hopeful Appeals Disqualification for Not Listing Birth Name on Paperwork” by Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Texas: “Former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores Accused of Cribbing Others’ Pictures of Mexican Food as Her Own Cooking” by Robert Downen for Texas Tribune

Ethics

National: “Most Jan. 6 Defendants Get Time Behind Bars, but Less Than U.S. Seeks” by Tom Jackman and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “Ed Burke Is Still in Line for Millions in Payouts from Pension, Campaign Funds After Corruption Conviction” by Mitchell Armentrout and Tim Novack for Chicago Sun-Times

Vermont: “Vermont Senate Beefs Up Financial Disclosure Requirements in Response to VTDigger Reporting” by Paul Heinz for VTDigger.org

Lobbying

National: “Wayne LaPierre Resigns from N.R.A. with Trial Set to Open” by Danny Hakim (New York Times) for MSN

National/Federal

Bomb Hoaxes and ‘Swatting’ Attempts Target Public Officials as 2024 Begins

DNyuz – Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 1/4/2023

State Capitol buildings in seven states were evacuated or placed on lockdown after the authorities said they had received bomb threats that they described as false and nonspecific. The FBI said it had no information to suggest any threats were credible. There was a “swatting” attempt on Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, which was intended to draw a heavily armed law enforcement response. The incidents intensified a climate of intimidation and the harassment of public officials, including those responsible for overseeing ballot access and voting.

Special Counsel Asks D.C. Judge to Bar Trump Misinformation at Trial

MSN – Perry Stein and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 12/27/2023

Federal prosecutors asked a judge to prohibit Donald Trump’s attorneys from introducing at his federal election obstruction trial “irrelevant disinformation” that is often part of Trump’s campaign speeches, such as President Biden coordinated with the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against him. Such filings are common in legal proceedings and aim to eliminate arguments at trial that prosecutors say are not supported by evidence or are irrelevant to the case and could mislead jurors.

Not Just the Supreme Court: Ethics troubles plague state high courts, too

MSN – Aaron Mendelson (USA Today) | Published: 1/3/2024

Across the country, state Supreme Courts wield enormous power over abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and elections, among other issues. But judicial ethics at the state level receive scant attention. Experts say that is a mistake and potential problems are widespread. Many state high court justices make their own decisions about recusal, with virtually no opportunity for review. They often have a say in their own discipline. In numerous states around the country, they disclose only meager and hard-to-access data about their finances.

Report: Trump businesses received $7.8 million in foreign payments during presidency

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 1/4/2024

During Donald Trump’s presidency, his businesses received at least $7.8 million in payments from the foreign governments and officials of 20 countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, according to a report released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. The report argues the payments were in violation of the Constitution’s foreign emoluments clause, a provision that bars federal officials from accepting money or gifts from foreign governments without permission from Congress.

Appeals Court Reverses Conviction Against Jeff Fortenberry

MSN – Eric Bazail-Eimil (Politico) | Published: 12/26/2023

A federal appeals court overturned a conviction against former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, saying the decision to try the lawmaker from Nebraska in California over alleged foreign campaign donations violated his due process rights. The panel found Fortenberry should not have been tried in Los Angeles, since the specific crimes he was prosecuted for occurred in the District of Columbia and Nebraska. It also rejected prosecutors’ arguments that criminal conduct also occurs where it would have an effect on a federal investigation.

Lawmakers Who Linger After Accepting New Jobs Stir Concerns

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 12/26/2023

U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins will depart Congress in February to start a new job as the director of Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo but will remain in office in the interim. He is not the only member of the House to accept a new job in November but linger in Congress for several months. Watchdogs argue ethical issues can arise when a member knows they have a set start date to work for another employer. Situations like Johnson’s and Higgins’ highlight the opacity of congressional ethics rules around outside employment and job negotiations.

Roberts Sidesteps Supreme Court’s Ethics Controversies in Yearly Report

MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 12/31/2023

The U.S. Supreme Court will be tested in the coming weeks to untangle politically consequential legal questions with the potential to reshape the 2024 presidential election. The court’s reputation remains marred by ethics controversies involving lavish travel and gifts, and public approval ratings remain low following high court rulings to overturn long-standing precedent. But Chief Justice John Roberts did not address any of those contemporary issues in his annual “Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary.”

Sen. Bob Menendez Accused of Aiding Qatar in Exchange for Bribes

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 1/2/2024

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez is facing a new set of federal bribery allegations in a superseding indictment that accuses him of providing assistance to the government of Qatar as well as Egypt. While the indictment does not add charges, it makes public previously unknown allegations of corruption by Menendez, who headed the Foreign Relations Committee until he was charged several months ago. It is the second superseding charging document to be filed since Menendez surrendered.

Justice Dept. Accuses 2 Political Operatives of Hiding Foreign Lobbying During Trump Administration

MSN – Eric Tucker and Alan Suderman (Associated Press) | Published: 1/2/2024

Two political consultants provided false information about lobbying work on behalf of a Persian Gulf country during the Trump administration. Charging documents allege Barry Bennett, an adviser to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, spearheaded a covert lobbying campaign aimed at advancing the interests of a foreign country. The country for whom the work was done is not named but it matches the description of Qatar. The Justice Department also reached a similar agreement with Douglas Watts, a political consultant who prosecutors say worked alongside Bennett and failed to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

Special Counsel: Trump immunity claim threatens democracy

MSN – Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 12/30/2023

Donald Trump’s bold claims that he is immune from criminal prosecution over his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election “threaten to undermine democracy,” special counsel Jack Smith warned a federal appeals court. Smith rejected Trump’s contention that the criminal indictment of him for trying to reverse his loss at the polls three years ago is constitutionally invalid because he was serving as president at the time and because he was acquitted by the U.S. Senate after he was impeached for those actions.

New Spin on a Revolving Door: Pentagon officials turned venture capitalists

Seattle Times – Eric Lipton (New York Times) | Published: 12/31/2023

Former Pentagon officials and military officers have joined venture capital firms and are trying to use their connections in Washington to cash in on the potential to sell a new generation of weapons. They represent a new path through the “revolving door” that has always connected the Defense Department and the military contracting business. Retiring generals and departing Pentagon officials once migrated regularly to the established weapons makers. Now they are increasingly flocking to venture capital firms that have collectively pumped billions of dollars into startups offering the Pentagon new war-fighting tools.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Commissioner Says No Conflict in Rolling Stones’ Promo at Vancouver City Hall

Vancouver Is Awesome – Mike Howell | Published: 1/3/2024

Vancouver’s integrity commissioner ruled Mayor Ken Sim and three city council members did not breach the code of conduct when they promoted a Rolling Stones concert scheduled for July 2024 at BC Place Stadium. Sim and council members Sarah Kirby-Yung, Peter Meiszner, and Mike Klassen were the subject of a complaint from a citizen concerned about the band’s iconic tongue-and-lips logo being displayed on the facade of City Hall.

Arizona – Judge Rebuffs GOP Lawmakers’ Bid to Block Arizona Voters’ Dark Money Law

Arizona Daily Star – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 12/29/2023

A judge ruled Arizona voters have an absolute right to enact laws requiring disclosure of “dark money’” political donations, even if Republican legislators do not approve. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Timothy Ryan rejected a bid by House Speaker Ben Toma and Senate President Warren Petersen to block implementation of Proposition 211 ahead of campaign spending for the 2024 election. While Ryan gave the go-ahead for the law to take effect, he did not toss out the entire challenge.

California – Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price Barred from Prosecuting Her Loudest Critic, a Former Prosecutor

MSN – Jakob Rodgers (San Jose Mercury News) | Published: 1/3/2024

A judge barred Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price’s office from prosecuting one her loudest political critics in a misdemeanor case that has become a focal point in the recall effort against her. Superior Court Judge James Cramer ruled Price’s office has a “significant conflict of interest” in prosecuting Amilcar Ford, a former employee of hers who was charged over the summer with violating a little-used section of the state’s business and professions code. As a result, the case will now be handled by the state attorney general’s office.

California – DA Charges Ex-San Francisco Building Inspector Who Inspected His Own Home

San Francisco Standard – Michael Barba | Published: 1/2/2024

A former San Francisco building inspector who had inspected his own home is now facing criminal charges for alleged conflict-of-interest violations, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced Tuesday. Van Zeng was fired and charged after a media investigation revealed he conducted a series of questionable inspections on properties with ties to his family.

Florida – Miami City Manager’s Wife Was Hired for Office Remodeling, Raising Ethics Concerns

WLRN – Daniel Rivero and Joshua Ceballos | Published: 1/4/2024

When Miami City Manager Art Noriega wanted to remodel parts of his office at City Hall, his office picked a familiar salesperson from a familiar company to provide new furniture in contracts worth more than $37,000. The salesperson: Noriega’s wife, Michelle Pradere-Noriega. Her company has been awarded over $440,000 in city contracts for new office furniture and furniture assembly in her husband’s tenure as city manager. Ethics experts say the contracts could raise potential conflicts-of-interest because of Noriega’s high-ranking position in the city and may violate state ethics laws.

Florida – Daughter of Former Broward Mayor Fleeced Thousands of Dollars in Campaign Funds, Feds Say

Yahoo News – Grethel Aguila (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/3/2024

The daughter of former Broward Mayor Dale Holness was charged with fraud, accused of using thousands of dollars in campaign funds for personal expenses. The alleged fraud occurred from April 2019 through October 2020, when Richelle Holness was the treasurer for her father’s campaign. Richelle Holness is not the only family member to have faced federal fraud charges recently.

Georgia – Conservative Group Wins Legal Victory Over 2020 Voting Challenges in Georgia

DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 1/2/2024

U.S. District Court Judge Steve Jones ruled a conservative group’s efforts to challenge the eligibility of hundreds of thousands of voters in the U.S. Senate runoff elections in Georgia in 2021 did not violate the Voting Rights Act under a clause outlawing voter suppression. The decision was relatively narrow, applying only to Jones’s district, and will do little to change the status quo. Right-wing election groups have already tried to help bring thousands of challenges to voter registrations in states across the country. But the opinion is likely to encourage conservative activists hunting for voter fraud during the 2024 presidential election.

Georgia – Federal Judge Approves Georgia’s Republican-Drawn Congressional Districts

MSN – Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 12/28/2023

A federal judge in Georgia approved congressional districts redrawn by the state’s Republican-led legislature, ruling the new map did not continue to illegally dilute the power of Black voters as Democrats and civil rights groups have argued. Georgia is among several states where challenges to congressional maps could affect the makeup of the U.S. House next year.

Illinois – Ex-Illinois House Speaker Wins Six-Month Raincheck in Federal Corruption Trial

Courthouse News Service – Dave Byrnes | Published: 1/3/2024

A federal judge postponed the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. The decision pushes back the trial start date from April 1 of this year to October 8. Madigan faces 23 charges for racketeering, fraud, conspiracy, and bribery. Central to the charges against Madigan is the definition of “bribery” for public officials in the law. The Supreme Court threw a wrench into the government’s case against Madigan when it agreed to hear a bribery case out of Indiana challenging the interpretation of the section of the law.

Illinois – Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke Convicted on 13 of 14 Counts at Landmark Federal Corruption Trial; Jury Convicts One Codefendant and Acquits the Other

MSN – Jason Meisner, Ray Long and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/21/2023

A jury found former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke guilty on 13 of 14 corruption charges, including racketeering conspiracy, for scheming to use his clout at City Hall to pressure people into hiring his private law firm. Also convicted was real estate developer Charles Cui, who was accused of hiring Burke’s firm to do property tax appeals in exchange for the council member’s intervention in a permit dispute. Burke’s longtime ward aide, Peter Andrews Jr., was acquitted of all counts against him.

Kansas – Wichita City Council Votes to Amend Campaign Finance Ordinance

KSN – Ryan Newton and Zena Taher | Published: 1/2/2024

The Wichita City Council voted to amend the campaign finance ordinance. The amendment prohibits candidates from accepting contributions from foreign and domestic corporations and limited liability companies in city elections. Other entities, such as sole proprietorships, professional associations, partnerships, and PACs, would continue to be permitted to make political contributions.

Maine – Donald Trump Removed from Maine Primary Ballot by Secretary of State

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 12/29/2023

Maine barred Donald Trump from the primary ballot, becoming the second state to block the former president from running again because of his actions before and during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The challenges to Trump’s candidacy have focused on primaries because Republicans will not choose their nominee until states hold their nominating contests and the party holds its national convention in July. If Trump’s ability to run has not been resolved by then, attention would shift to the general election.

Maryland – Scott Makes His Baby Registry Private, While Ethics Officials Say the Mayor Never Sought a Gift Solicitation Waiver

Baltimore Brew – Mark Reutter | Published: 12/29/2023

Two days after it was reported that Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott was soliciting online for cash, gift cards, and baby supplies for his newborn son, the registry was switched to a private setting. The action came after the chairperson of the city Ethics Board and Baltimore’s inspector general said the mayor never requested a gift solicitation waiver to conduct online fundraising. Scott and his fiancée, Hana Pugh, have so far received more than 95 gifts on their Babylist site. They include at least six $50 cash gifts. The is a city ban on gifts $20 and over.

Michigan – Staffers for Ex-Speaker Lee Chatfield Plead Not Guilty in Financial Misconduct Case

Detroit Free Press – Arpan Lobo | Published: 1/3/2024

Anne and Rob Minard, who worked for former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, were arraigned as they face a series of charges stemming from their alleged misappropriation of funds. Affidavits paint a picture of alleged repeated reimbursements to the couple for expenses that were actually paid for with funds from various nonprofits associated with Chatfield.

Michigan – Michigan Supreme Court Allows Trump to Appear on 2024 Primary Ballot

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 12/27/2023

Donald Trump’s name is set to appear on Michigan’s primary ballot after the state Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to his candidacy. The decision provides Trump with a new victory as he tries to get himself restored to the ballot in Colorado and avoid getting knocked off the ballot in other states.

New Jersey – ELEC Moves to Assert Jurisdiction in Jersey Freedom ‘Dark Money’ Lawsuit

Press of Atlantic City – Michelle Brunetti Post | Published: 1/3/2024

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) is asserting its “primary jurisdiction” over investigating and punishing election reporting violations in an amicus brief in a lawsuit against the “dark money” group Jersey Freedom. The New Jersey Republican State Committee sued Jersey Freedom, alleging the group was not complying with state law on reporting its donors and expenditures. Jersey Freedom’s lawyer moved to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing ELEC should handle any complaints against Jersey Freedom.

New York – Hochul Vetoes Controversial Campaign Finance Changes

Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 12/27/2023

Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill that would have amended the state’s newly established system to publicly finance political campaigns by changing the dollar threshold for candidates to qualify in state elections. The bill would have allowed for the first $250 of any contribution to a campaign in an election cycle to be matched by state funding. Currently, the program only allows matching donations for contributors who gave no more than $250 in a cycle. The amended version would have allowed larger contributions from wealthy donors to receive a taxpayer-funded boost.

Oregon – Oregon Lawmakers’ Overseas Trips Funded by Lobby Groups, Taiwanese Government

Oregon Capital Chronicle – Julia Shumway | Published: 12/22/2023

Oregon lawmakers jetted off to Taiwan, Portugal, Denmark, and technology hubs in California this fall, all paid for by companies and groups that have a keen interest in the laws they pass. These junkets, once common, have been rarer in recent years due to the COVID pandemic and associated travel restrictions. While some trips took lawmakers to tourist destinations, those who went say they were a far cry from the luxurious lobbyist-paid trips to Hawaii, China, and Israel taken by lawmakers in the 2000s that resulted in stricter state ethics laws.

Pennsylvania – Despite Ethics Concerns, Shapiro Will Keep Accepting Tickets from a Group That Gets State Money

Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso and Katie Meyer | Published: 12/22/2023

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will continue to receive gifts from Team Pennsylvania, a public-private partnership that says it works to improve the state’s “competitiveness and economic prosperity.” This year it paid for tickets and lodgings for Shapiro to attend the Super Bowl in Arizona and funded his tickets to a Philadelphia Phillies playoff game and a Penn State football game. One expert said taking tickets from Team PA could conflict with Shapiro’s gift ban, which bars executive branch employees from accepting goods or services, like tickets, from any “person or entity” that “has financial relations with the commonwealth.”

South Dakota – ‘Governor’s Cup’ Rodeo Among Recipients of Millions from Public Fund Controlled by Noem

Yahoo News – Joshua Haiar (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 12/29/2023

In September, Gov. Kristi Noem carried the American flag on horseback into a Sioux Falls arena full of fans. It was the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup with $1 million in prize money. Noem handed out awards, posed for photos with the winners, and shared the images with thousands of followers on her social media accounts. Several months earlier, Noem had decided to use tax dollars from South Dakota employers to help pay for the event.

Tennessee – Tennessee Legislature Can Shield Its Harassment Investigation Records, Judge Rules

MSN – Melissa Brown (Tennessean) | Published: 1/3/2024

The Tennessee General Assembly can legally shield its records of sexual harassment investigations from the public, a judge ruled in a lawsuit related an investigation last spring that led to the abrupt resignation of then-Rep. Scotty Campbell. A Nashville attorney sued the Office of Legislative Administration and its director over unfulfilled public records requests regarding the Legislature’s response to Campbell’s harassment complaint and the General Assembly’s related expenditures.

Virginia – Push for Campaign Finance Reform to Return in Virginia Legislative Session

Richmond Times-Dispatch – Katie King (Virginian-Pilot) | Published: 1/1/2024

Virginia Del. Marcus Simon prefiled legislation for the next General Assembly session that would prohibit politicians from using campaign donations on personal expenditures. Virginia politicians can legally spend campaign donations on essentially anything, and there is no limit on who can contribute or how much donors can give.  Although past efforts were unsuccessful, the General Assembly will have many new faces this year, meaning the bill could potentially find new supporters.

When I decided to write about upcoming elections in 2024, the song from Band-Aid (1984) came to my mind, with my own words.

It’s Election time, there’s no need to be afraid

At Election time, we let in light, and we banish shade

According to my friend, ChatGPT, 32% of registered voters cast a ballot for US President in 2020, which was more than 2016. Okay, I checked it with a more solid source, the US Census Bureau and the numbers were about the same. There is more to know, and I personally resemble some of these points.

• Those 45 to 64.
• Those 65 and older.
• The non-Hispanic White population.
• Those with some college or an associate degree.
• Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

The highlight from a report from the US Census Bureau is the main reason registered nonvoters did not vote is they were not interested in the election. Those who are not even registered to vote cite the reason is they are not involved in politics.

And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy

Throw your arms around the world at Election time

But say a prayer, Pray for the other ones

At Election time it’s hard, but when you’re having fun

Why does this concern me? We spend our whole year updating our website with election dates from the federal government, every state government, and municipalities. My blogs about Who Is Voting in America is a top post.

My New Year’s Resolution—other than losing weight and taking better care of myself—is to meet with all the college students I run into and give them one of our Keep US Strong buttons. It is important they realize the future depends on them to VOTE and to be involved.

In the two state representative districts in Akron and Kent, we have two young men running in 2024. It is their first run for office, and I hope they can speak to their contemporaries about registering and voting.

Let them know it’s Election time again.

On behalf of my staff at State and Federal Communications, we wish you a Happy New Year.

Our 2024 calendar is packed. We look forward to seeing you next year.

 

Do you want to stay up to date with the latest news at State and Federal Communications, inc.? Sign up for the newsletter here or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.

Campaign Finance

Kansas: “Wichita City Council Votes to Amend Campaign Finance Ordinance” by Ryan Newton and Zena Taher for KSN

Virginia: “Push for Campaign Finance Reform to Return in Virginia Legislative Session” by Katie King (Virginian-Pilot) for Richmond Times-Dispatch

Elections

Georgia: “Conservative Group Wins Legal Victory Over 2020 Voting Challenges in Georgia” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz

Ethics

California: “DA Charges Ex-San Francisco Building Inspector Who Inspected His Own Home” by Michael Barba for San Francisco Standard

National: “Sen. Bob Menendez Accused of Aiding Qatar in Exchange for Bribes” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Special Counsel: Trump immunity claim threatens democracy” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Tennessee: “Tennessee Legislature Can Shield Its Harassment Investigation Records, Judge Rules” by Melissa Brown (Tennessean) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Justice Dept. Accuses 2 Political Operatives of Hiding Foreign Lobbying During Trump Administration” by Eric Tucker and Alan Suderman (Associated Press) for MSN

Campaign Finance

National: “Appeals Court Reverses Conviction Against Jeff Fortenberry” by Eric Bazail-Eimil (Politico) for MSN

New York: “Hochul Vetoes Controversial Campaign Finance Changes” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union

Elections

Maine: “Donald Trump Removed from Maine Primary Ballot by Secretary of State” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Michigan: “Michigan Supreme Court Allows Trump to Appear on 2024 Primary Ballot” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Clarence Thomas’ Clerks: An ‘extended family’ with reach and power” by Abbie VanSickle and Steve Eder (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Illinois: “Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke Convicted on 13 of 14 Counts at Landmark Federal Corruption Trial; Jury Convicts One Codefendant and Acquits the Other” by Jason Meisner, Ray Long and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

Legislative Issues

National: “Lawmakers Who Linger After Accepting New Jobs Stir Concerns” by Justin Papp (Roll Call) for MSN

Redistricting

Georgia: “Federal Judge Approves Georgia’s Republican-Drawn Congressional Districts” by Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) for MSN

National/Federal

Here Are the Other States Where Trump’s Ballot Eligibility Faces a Challenge

Las Vegas Sun – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 12/21/2023

The decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to disqualify Donald Trump from holding office again was the first victory for a legal effort that is still unfolding across the country. At least 16 other states have pending legal challenges to Trump’s eligibility for office under the 14th Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court will face some pressure from the political calendar if it takes up an appeal. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said her office must certify which candidates are on the ballot by January 5 to print ballots in time for the state’s primary election two months later.

A Fight for Black Representation, with a Civil Rights Landmark on the Line

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 12/13/2023

Litigation filed across the South that alleges Republican lawmakers illegally drew district lines to limit the power of minority voters. The outcome of the suits likely will influence which party controls the next Congress. The cases will also test how much a 58-year-old landmark of the civil rights era still matters. The potency of the Voting Rights Act has been eroded in recent years by the courts. Voting rights advocates view the decisions as a threat to the guarantee all eligible voters can cast ballots and people of color will get an equal say. Conservatives say it is less necessary after generations of progress for minority groups.

FEC Revises Rules for Candidates Drawing Salaries from Campaigns

MSN – Daniela Altimari (Roll Call) | Published: 12/15/2023

Advocates for working-class candidates are applauding a new FEC rule that makes it easier for those running for Congress to draw salaries from their campaign accounts. The rule more accurately reflects the demands of running for federal office, which typically require full-time campaigning for a year or more leading up to the election, said Shana Broussard, a Democratic member of the FEC.

The Rise of AI Fake News Is Creating a ‘Misinformation Superspreader’

MSN – Pranshu Verma (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2023

Artificial intelligence is automating the creation of fake news, spurring an explosion of web content mimicking factual articles that instead disseminates false information about elections, wars, and natural disasters. Historically, propaganda operations have relied on armies of low-paid workers or highly coordinated intelligence organizations to build sites that appear to be legitimate. But AI is making it easy for nearly anyone to create these outlets, producing content that is at times hard to differentiate from real news.

Ron DeSantis Wanted to Change the Way Campaigns Were Funded. Then the Fights Started.

MSN – Michael Scherer, Hannah Knowles, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 12/16/2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had a plan to change how presidential campaigns are usually funded as he sought the White House. His first campaign manager developed the strategy and selected the leadership to lead a new super PAC called Never Back Down. Under campaign finance rules, the PAC and the campaign could not privately coordinate most of their spending. But they aimed to function as an integrated whole. It was the first time a major campaign ceded so much of its operations to an entity it could not legally control. With just weeks to go before the Iowa caucuses, the experiment is now in tatters.

GOP Voter-Fraud Crackdown Overwhelmingly Targets Minorities, Democrats

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 12/20/2023

As Donald Trump falsely claimed the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him, Republicans in some states launched special units to prosecute voter fraud as part of a controversial push to stamp out cheating some claimed was rampant. But the election integrity units obtained only 47 convictions during a period in which tens of millions of votes were cast, and the units overwhelmingly targeted minorities and Democrats for prosecution, according to an analysis by The Washington Post.

Venezuela Hands over ‘Fat Leonard,’ Mastermind in U.S. Navy Scandal

MSN – Samantha Schmidt, Ana Vanessa Herrero, and Craig Whitlock (Washington Post) | Published: 12/20/2023

Leonard Glenn Francis, the fugitive defense contractor who admitted to a $35 million bribery scheme in the largest corruption scandal in U.S. military history, was arrested and returned by Venezuela to the United States as part of a major prisoner swap between the estranged countries. Francis, known as “Fat Leonard,” was apprehended by Venezuelan authorities in Caracas last year after escaping U.S. sentencing.

Feds Charge Ex-Miami Congressman Rivera Anew with Breaking Income Tax Laws in Venezuela Case

MSN – Jay Weaver (Miami Herald) | Published: 12/19/2023

A year after being charged with working as an unofficial agent for the Venezuelan government, former U.S. Rep. David Rivera is now accused of failing to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in income and diverting some of that money through a campaign account to himself. The charges were added to an original indictment that charges Rivera with acting as an agent for Venezuela without legally registering wit for a lobbying job that paid him $20 million before he was fired.

A ‘Delicate Matter’: Clarence Thomas’ private complaints about money sparked fears he would resign

ProPublica – Justin Elliot, Joshua Kaplan, Alex Mierjeski, and Brett Murphy | Published: 12/18/2023

In January 2000, Justice Clarence Thomas gave a speech at an off-the-record conservative conference. He was seated next to a Republican member of Congress on the flight home. The lawmaker left the conversation worried Thomas might resign. Congress should give Supreme Court justices a pay raise, Thomas told him – if lawmakers did not act, “one or more justices will leave soon.” Documents and interviews offer insight into how Thomas was talking about his finances in a crucial period in his tenure, just as he was developing his relationships with a set of wealthy benefactors.

Material From Russia Investigation Went Missing as Trump Left Office

Seattle Times – Maggie Haberman, Julian Barnes, Charlie Savage, and Jonathan Swan (New York Times) | Published: 12/15/2023

Material from a binder with highly classified information connected to the investigation into Russian efforts to meddle in the 2016 election disappeared in the final days of Donald Trump’s presidency, two people familiar with the matter said. The disappearance of the material, known as the “Crossfire Hurricane” binder for the name given to the investigation by the FBI, vexed national security officials and set off concerns that sensitive information could be inappropriately shared.

House Dysfunction by the Numbers: 724 votes, only 27 laws enacted

Yahoo News – Annie Karni (New York Times) | Published: 12/19/2023

In 2023, the Republican-led U.S. House has passed only 27 bills that became law, despite holding a total of 724 votes. That is more voting and less lawmaking than at any other time in the last decade. The numbers reflect the challenges that have plagued Republicans and are likely to continue, and maybe even get worse, in 2024.

Judge Orders Rep. Scott Perry to Disclose 1,600 Messages to Federal Prosecutors

Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 12/19/2023

A judge ruled U.S. Rep. Scott Perry must disclose to federal prosecutors more than 1,600 emails, text messages, and other communications related to the investigation into Donald Trump and his allies’ bid to subvert the 2020 election. District Court Judge James Boasberg concluded that the vast majority of the messages Perry exchanged, some with other members of Congress, some with members of the Trump administration, and some with allies outside of government, could not be shielded from prosecutors by Perry’s constitutional protections as a member of Congress.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Dem Lawmaker Sun Goes Before Ethics Committee for Intimidation, Alleged Death Threat

Arizona Mirror – Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Published: 12/19/2023

A school superintendent, a trio of Tolleson city officials, and a social worker are accusing Arizona Rep. Leezah Sun of using her position to intimidate and harass them – in one case, even going so far as making a death threat – but she maintains the allegations are false and overblown. The House Ethics Committee considered a bevy of allegations made against Sun and whether her behavior meets the Legislature’s threshold for disorderly conduct of one of its members.

California – Independent Governance Reform Group Calls for Stronger Ethics Commission

MSN – Caroline Petrow-Cohen (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/14/2023

After three years marked by scandal in City Hall, an independent government reform group is recommending a larger and more powerful Los Angeles Ethics Commission. The newly imagined commission would have seven members instead of five and would have the authority to approve city council ethics legislation. They also would be able to place proposed policy changes directly on the ballot with a supermajority vote. The revamp is part of a larger set of recommendations put forth by the Los Angeles Governance Reform Project.

California – Orange Becomes the Latest City in OC to Strengthen Lobbyist Rules

Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 12/19/2023

Orange County’s largest public corruption scandal in recent history is leading some city officials in the county to tighten regulations and try to create more transparency surrounding lobbyists. Officials in the city of Orange voted to finalize an ordinance that would require lobbyists to register and publicly disclose their activities in the city.

California – Can an Ethics Officer Restore Trust in Anaheim After the FBI Corruption Scandal?

Voice of OC – Spencer Custodio | Published: 12/14/2023

Elected officials in Anaheim are slated to create an ethics officer position to oversee campaign finance laws, public records requests, and a host of other good government practices in the wake of Orange County’s public corruption scandal. City council members are also expected to discuss reforming the city’s campaign finance laws next year.

California – Fresno Councilmember Under Scrutiny for Private Jet Travel with Executive

Yahoo News – Tim Sheehan (Fresno Bee) | Published: 12/18/2023

Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias is under investigation by the California Fair Political Practices Commission following an anonymous complaint over a private flight he accepted from a commercial trash contractor who does business with the city. Arias said he reimbursed Joseph Kalpakoff, president of Mid Valley Disposal, for the full cost of the flight. Arias acknowledged the reimbursement was delayed by more than the statutory 30 days in state law.

Colorado – Trump Disqualified from Colorado’s 2024 Primary Ballot by State Supreme Court

MSN – Patrick Marley and Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 12/19/2023

In a historic decision, the Colorado Supreme Court barred Donald Trump from running in the state’s presidential primary after determining he had engaged in insurrection on January 6, 2021. The ruling marked the first time a court has kept a presidential candidate off the ballot under an 1868 provision of the Constitution that prevents insurrectionists from holding office. If other states reach the same conclusion, Trump would have a difficult, if not impossible, time securing the Republican nomination and winning in November.

Florida – ‘You Can’t Morally Lead’: Florida Republicans strip party chair of power

MSN – Kimberly Leonard (Politico) | Published: 12/14/2023

The Republican Party of Florida voted to strip Chairperson Christian Ziegler of his power, reduce his salary to one dollar, and begin a three-week countdown to formally oust him from his position. Police are investigating Ziegler after a woman accused him of rape. His refusal to step down has forced party members to deal with an ongoing embarrassment ahead of the 2024 elections.

Florida – Absentee Mayor: Miami’s Francis Suarez blurs line between public duty, pursuit of wealth

Yahoo News – Sarah Blaskey, Joey Flechas, Tess Riski, and Susan Merriam (Miami Herald) | Published: 12/18/2023

Mayor Francis Suarez spent at least 85 days outside Miami in 2022, including about half those days abroad, primarily in the Middle East. He is on track to be out of town just as much in 2023. He will not give any specifics about what he has been doing in the Middle East. His penchant for secrecy, including not naming his legal clients, makes it nearly impossible to identify potential conflicts-of-interest between Suarez’s public office and his much more lucrative private business endeavors.

Georgia – Rudy Giuliani Ordered to Pay $148 Million for False 2020 Election Claims

MSN – Spencer Hsu, Tom Jackman, Rachel Weiner, and Olivia Diaz (Washington Post) | Published: 12/15/2023

A jury awarded $148 million in damages to two former Georgia election workers who sued Rudy Giuliani for defamation over lies he spread about them in 2020 that upended their lives with racist threats and harassment. The verdict came in a defamation lawsuit filed against Giuliani by election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea ArShaye “Shaye” Moss, whom Donald Trump and others on the former president’s campaign and legal teams falsely accused of manipulating the absentee ballot count in Atlanta.

Georgia – Appeals Court Shoots Down Mark Meadows’ Bid to Derail Georgia Racketeering Case

Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 12/18/2023

A federal appeals court denied Mark Meadows’ bid has to move his Georgia-based criminal charges into federal court, rejecting a procedural gambit that could have derailed the state’s election-related charges against not only Meadows but also Donald Trump. Meadows could appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. But for now, the ruling from a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals keeps on track Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ racketeering prosecution of Trump, Meadows, and a dozen other allies for efforts connected to the bid to subvert the 2020 election.

Indiana – Supreme Court to Review Former Indiana Mayor’s Corruption Appeal

Bloomberg Law News – Lydia Wheeler | Published: 12/13/2023

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear an appeal from former Portage Mayor James Snyder, who was convicted of bribery for accepting money from a government contractor for what he said were “consulting services.” Federal prosecutors say Snyder successfully steered two contracts for town garbage trucks worth $1.125 million to a trucking company in return for $13,000.

Kansas – A Lawsuit by Latinos in Kansas Claims Their City’s Election Method Is Unfair

MSN – Silvia Foster-Frau (Washington Post) | Published: 12/19/2023

Known for its cowboy culture and as a symbol of the Western frontier, Dodge City, Kansas, an emblem of an older, Whiter America, is now 65 percent Latino. Despite its changing demographics, the city commission – the local body in charge of enacting policies that affect its residents most directly – remains nearly all White. Every commissioner is elected city-wide rather than by just one district. Experts who study representation have found at-large election systems have frequently diluted the minority vote in towns and cities with significant non-White populations across the country.

Kansas – Kansas Supreme Court Rules Against Kris Kobach and Scott Schwab in Election Law Case

MSN – Jason Alatidd (Topeka Capital Journal) | Published: 12/15/2023

The Kansas Supreme Court sided with voter advocacy groups in a lawsuit against Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Attorney General Kris Kobach challenging the legality of an election law enacted by the Republican-controlled Legislature over the veto of Gov. Laura Kelly. The matter was one of two argued before the Supreme Court this year stemming from the same case. The ruling addressed the dispute over a provision of House Bill 2183 that makes it a felony crime to impersonate an election official.

Kentucky – Kentucky Supreme Court Upholds Congressional Boundaries Passed by GOP-Led Legislature

ABC News – Bruce Scheiner (Associated Press) | Published: 12/14/2023

The Kentucky Supreme Court upheld Republican-drawn boundaries for state House and congressional districts, rejecting Democratic claims the majority party’s mapmaking amounted to gerrymandering in violation of the state constitution. The court noted an alternative proposal would have resulted in nearly the same lopsided advantage for Republicans in House elections and would not have altered the GOP’s advantage in U.S. House seats from the state.

Michigan – Appeals Panel Won’t Block Trump from Michigan’s Presidential Primary Ballot

Detroit News – Beth LeBlanc | Published: 12/14/2023

The Michigan Court of Appeals will not block Donald Trump from the state’s presidential primary ballot, ruling the issue is not ripe for a decision from a three-judge panel. The decision upheld lower court rulings that found arguments Trump should be disqualified from the ballot under the Insurrection Clause were not yet relevant ahead of Michigan’s February 27 presidential primary. Opponents seeking to oust Trump from the ballot had asked judges to order Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to determine Trump’s eligibility.

Minnesota – Judge Halts Minnesota Law Barring Donations by Businesses with Level of Foreign Investors

Minnesota Public Radio – Brian Bakst | Published: 12/20/2023

A federal judge halted a Minnesota campaign finance law that aimed to curtail political donations from corporations with at least some degree of foreign ownership. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce won an injunction while a lawsuit filed in July proceeds. U.S. District Court Judge Eric Tostrud said the law could squelch speech and is therefore counter to the First Amendment. His ruling also said lawmakers failed to show how contributions or independent spending by companies with foreign shareholders results in undue influence.

Missouri – In a Statehouse Short on Space, Missouri Speaker Converted an Office into a Liquor ‘Pantry’

Missouri Independent – Jason Hancock | Published: 12/20/2023

Room 306B is not the biggest office in the space-starved Missouri statehouse, where staff often work out of tiny, windowless rooms. But it has direct access to the House Lounge, where conference committees, leadership meetings, and press conferences are often held. Speaker Dean Plocher took over that space and converted it into what has been jokingly referred to as his “butler’s pantry,” a makeshift storage room stocked with liquor, beer, wine, and soda to complement the supply in his separate office.

New Mexico – Ethics Commission Affirms State Treasurer Laura Montoya Violated Campaign Finance Law

MSN – Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 12/20/2023

The State Ethics Commission upheld a hearing officer’s decision finding New Mexico Treasurer Laura Montoya violated campaign finance reporting laws by accepting $10,000 in concealed contributions. An investigation revealed Montoya received the money from a real estate developer through a PAC that acted as a conduit and then failed to report the true source of the donation.

New Mexico – Ethics Board Advances Search for Online Critic ‘Jay Baker’

Santa Fe New Mexican – Carina Julig | Published: 12/14/2023

The Ethics and Campaign Review Board ruled a complaint filed by incoming city council member Pilar Faulkner against an online critic known as “Jay Baker” could move forward but two other complaints filed after the recent election could not. Jay Baker is an anonymous Facebook poster who is a frequent critic of Mayor Alan Webber’s administration. In her complaint, Faulkner alleges the poster paid for digital ads without including identifying information required under city law.

New York – State Ethics Panel in Limbo as It Appeals Ruling It’s Unconstitutional

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 12/18/2023

The ability of New York’s ethics panel to investigate complaints and impose penalties remains in limbo after a state Supreme Court justice issued a stay on the commission’s request to continue performing its ministerial duties as it awaits an appellate court’s review of whether its structure violates the state constitution. State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Marcelle determined the commission was formed and assigned enforcement powers in violation of the constitution, in part, because it was not done through a constitutional amendment that would have required a vote “of the people.”

New York – After 40 Witnesses and 43 Days of Testimony, Here’s What We Learned at Trump’s Civil Fraud Trial

MSN – Michael Sisak and Jennifer Pelz (Associated Press) | Published: 12/15/2023

New York Attorney General Letitia James has accused Donald Trump of inflating his wealth on financial statements used to secure loans and make deals. Closing arguments are scheduled for early January. The judge has already ruled Trump is liable for making fraudulent statements, but other claims and a potential final penalty still need to be decided.  The trial offered fresh insight into Trump’s finances and gave a glimpse of Trump’s political and legal strategies as his court and campaign calendars increasingly overlap.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Rural Water Association PAC Turns Itself in for Ethics Violations

KOSU – Graycen Wheeler | Published: 12/19/2023

In 2015, the Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA) formed a PAC to accept donations and support candidates. The PAC broke state rules about political contributions and recordkeeping. It agreed to pay $12,000 to Oklahoma’s general revenue fund before dissolving its assets, getting rid of its funds, and shutting down.

Oklahoma – Ethics Commission Retains Attorney Ahead of ‘Nightmare’ Guardian System Scenario

NonDoc – Michael McNutt | Published: 12/15/2023

With the plug possibly being pulled on the public website for state-level campaigns and lobbyist reporting in the middle of the 2024 election cycle, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission authorized its executive director to retain an attorney to file a claim in a contractual dispute with the system’s vendor. Representatives from Civix, a public software and services firm, notified the Ethics Commission in July that the software used to operate The Guardian System would no longer be updated after July 1, 2024.

Oregon – Portland’s Campaign Finance Program Scales Back Ahead of 2024 Election

OPB – Alex Zielinski | Published: 12/19/2023

Portland’s public campaign financing program does not have enough money to operate at full capacity ahead of the 2024 election. For some candidates, this means losing hundreds of thousands of anticipated dollars to run their campaigns. The city’s Small Donor Election program works to help candidates who lack wealthy donors by rewarding those who pledge to only accept individual campaign contributions under $250.

South Carolina – Nancy Mace Racked Up Nearly $17K in Fines as a State Rep. She Will Only Pay a Fraction of It.

Charleston Post and Courier – Nick Reynolds | Published: 12/14/2023

In the years after leaving the South Carolina House, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace amassed thousands of dollars in unpaid ethics fines due to an old campaign account she never closed. With $16,700 in unpaid fines as of March 2023, Mace was one of the largest delinquent accounts the House Ethics Committee had on its books. Mace finally closed the account on December 12. And after years of trying, the Ethics Committee might finally collect on those fines. It will just be a lot less than they were owed.

South Dakota – New Briefs Details South Dakota Officials’ Questions About Conflict of Interest Clause

Yahoo News – Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 12/14/2023

The South Dakota governor, attorney general, and Legislature sent briefs to the state Supreme Court so the justices can issue clearer guidance on the state constitution’s contract clause. Gov. Kristi Noem had requested the Supreme Court issue an advisory opinion back in October. The request came after former Sen. Jessica Castleberry resigned following an investigation that found she had improperly received COVID-19 federal stimulus loans for her daycare business, violating the state constitution.

Tennessee – Tennessee Legislature’s Harassment Policy So Far Unchanged Since Lawmaker Resignation

Yahoo News – Vivian Jones (Tennessean) | Published: 12/20/2023

No changes have been made to the Tennessee Legislature’s workplace harassment policy after a lawmaker faced no known consequences from Republican leadership following an ethics panel finding he harassed a 19-year-old intern last year. Former Rep. Scotty Campbell maintained his elected seat, committee assignments, office and staff, and his leadership position as vice chair of the House Republican Caucus until mounting public pressure led him to suddenly resign.

West Virginia – W.Va. Governor’s Efforts to Save Coal Plant Raise Conflict-of-Interest Concerns

E&E News – Scott Waldman | Published: 12/20/2023

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice went to unusual lengths four years ago to save a single coal-burning power plant. Now that he is running for the U.S. Senate, his efforts to rescue that plant are coming under new scrutiny as he tries to step onto the national stage. Justice leaned on state lawmakers in 2019 to pass an annual $12.5 million tax break for the plant, which was owned by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy. At the time, FirstEnergy was suing a Justice family coal company for $3.1 million over a contract dispute.

Elections

National: “Judge Orders Rep. Scott Perry to Disclose 1,600 Messages to Federal Prosecutors” by Kyle Cheney (Politico) for Yahoo News

Kansas: “A Lawsuit by Latinos in Kansas Claims Their City’s Election Method Is Unfair” by Silvia Foster-Frau (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “GOP Voter-Fraud Crackdown Overwhelmingly Targets Minorities, Democrats” by Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Arizona: “Dem Lawmaker Sun Goes Before Ethics Committee for Intimidation, Alleged Death Threat” by Gloria Rebecca Gomez for Arizona Mirror

California: “Can an Ethics Officer Restore Trust in Anaheim After the FBI Corruption Scandal?” by Spencer Custodio for Voice of OC

Florida: “Absentee Mayor: Miami’s Francis Suarez blurs line between public duty, pursuit of wealth” by Sarah Blaskey, Joey Flechas, Tess Riski, and Susan Merriam (Miami Herald) for Yahoo News

Legislative Issues

National: “House Dysfunction by the Numbers: 724 votes, only 27 laws enacted” by Annie Karni (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Tennessee: “Tennessee Legislature’s Harassment Policy So Far Unchanged Since Lawmaker Resignation” by Vivian Jones (Tennessean) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Rural Water Association PAC Turns Itself in for Ethics Violations” by Graycen Wheeler for KOSU

Oregon: “Portland’s Campaign Finance Program Scales Back Ahead of 2024 Election” by Alex Zielinski for OPB

Elections

Colorado: “Trump Disqualified from Colorado’s 2024 Primary Ballot by State Supreme Court” by Patrick Marley and Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) for MSN

Georgia: “Appeals Court Shoots Down Mark Meadows’ Bid to Derail Georgia Racketeering Case” by Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein (Politico) for Yahoo News

Ethics

California: “Fresno Councilmember Under Scrutiny for Private Jet Travel with Executive” by Tim Sheehan (Fresno Bee) for Yahoo News

National: “A ‘Delicate Matter’: Clarence Thomas’ private complaints about money sparked fears he would resign” by Justin Elliot, Joshuaq Kaplan, Alex Mierjeski, and Brett Murphy for ProPublica

National: “Material From Russia Investigation Went Missing as Trump Left Office” by Maggie Haberman, Julian Barnes, Charlie Savage, and Jonathan Swan (New York Times) for Seattle Times

Indiana: “Supreme Court to Review Former Indiana Mayor’s Corruption Appeal” by Lydia Wheeler for Bloomberg Law News

Lobbying

California: “Orange Becomes the Latest City in OC to Strengthen Lobbyist Rules” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC

Campaign Finance

National: “Ron DeSantis Wanted to Change the Way Campaigns Were Funded. Then the Fights Started.” by Michael Scherer, Hannah Knowles, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN

South Carolina: “Nancy Mace Racked Up Nearly $17K in Fines as a State Rep. She Will Only Pay a Fraction of It.” by Nick Reynolds for Charleston Post and Courier

Elections

Georgia: “Rudy Giuliani Ordered to Pay $148 Million for False 2020 Election Claims” by Spencer Hsu, Tom Jackman, Rachel Weiner, and Olivia Diaz (Washington Post) for MSN

Michigan: “Appeals Panel Won’t Block Trump from Michigan’s Presidential Primary Ballot” by Beth LeBlanc for Detroit News

Ethics

National: “The Rise of AI Fake News Is Creating a ‘Misinformation Superspreader'” by Pranshu Verma (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “State Ethics Panel in Limbo as It Appeals Ruling It’s Unconstitutional” by Brendan Lyons for Albany Times Union

Oklahoma: “Ethics Commission Retains Attorney Ahead of ‘Nightmare’ Guardian System Scenario” by Michael McNutt for NonDoc

South Dakota: “New Briefs Details South Dakota Officials’ Questions About Conflict of Interest Clause” by Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

National: “FEC Revises Rules for Candidates Drawing Salaries from Campaigns” by Daniela Altimari (Roll Call) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “Judges Dubious of Mark Meadows’ Bid to Avoid Facing Charges in Georgia State Court” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) for Yahoo News

Kansas: “Kansas Supreme Court Rules Against Kris Kobach and Scott Schwab in Election Law Case” by Jason Alatidd (Topeka Capital Journal) for MSN

National: “A Fight for Black Representation, with a Civil Rights Landmark on the Line” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Independent Governance Reform Group Calls for Stronger Ethics Commission” by Caroline Petrow-Cohen (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

New Mexico: “Ethics Board Advances Search for Online Critic ‘Jay Baker'” by Carina Julig for Santa Fe New Mexican

New York: “After 40 Witnesses and 43 Days of Testimony, Here’s What We Learned at Trump’s Civil Fraud Trial” by Michael Sisak and Jennifer Pelz (Associated Press) for MSN

Redistricting

Kentucky: “Kentucky Supreme Court Upholds Congressional Boundaries Passed by GOP-Led Legislature” by Bruce Scheiner (Associated Press) for ABC News