March 20, 2025 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Elections Kansas: “Kansas Senate Adds to Potential Makeover of State Elections with Passage of Two More Bills” by Sherman Smith and Anna Kaminski (Kansas Reflector) for Yahoo News Texas: “How At-Large Voting Creates Conservative Majorities on Texas School Boards” by Jeremy Schwartz (ProPublica) […]
Elections
Kansas: “Kansas Senate Adds to Potential Makeover of State Elections with Passage of Two More Bills” by Sherman Smith and Anna Kaminski (Kansas Reflector) for Yahoo News
Texas: “How At-Large Voting Creates Conservative Majorities on Texas School Boards” by Jeremy Schwartz (ProPublica) and Dan Keemahill (Texas Tribune) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Judges Fear for Their Safety Amid a Wave of Threats” by Mattathias Schwartz and Abbie VanSickle (New York Times) for DNyuz
National: “With Orders, Investigations and Innuendo, Trump and G.O.P. Aim to Cripple the Left” by Kenneth Vogel and Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) for DNyuz
Hawaii: “‘Clean Government’ Bills Have Renewed Support” by Dan Nakaso (Honolulu Star-Advertiser) for Yahoo News
Nevada: “Nevada Official Faces Ethics Commission over Golden Knights Perks” by Mary Hynes (Las Vegas Review-Journal) for MSN
Oklahoma: “Ryan Walters Used His Official-Looking X Account to Support Trump. It Cost Him $5K to Settle Ethics Complaint.” by Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) for Yahoo News
Lobbying
Florida: “Lee School Board’s $180K Lobbying Contract Sparks Conflict-of-Interest Concerns” by Mickenzie Hannon (Naples Daily News) for Yahoo News
Michigan: “Detroit Chamber Can’t Comp Lawmakers for Mackinac Conference” by Staff for MIRS
March 18, 2025 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Kansas: “Kansas GOP Activist, Democrat Legislator Find Common Ground in Opposition to Campaign Finance Bills” by Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) for Yahoo News New Mexico: “Campaign Finance Reform Is ‘Dead,’ Says Sponsor” by Marjorie Childress (New Mexico In Depth) for KUNM […]
Campaign Finance
Kansas: “Kansas GOP Activist, Democrat Legislator Find Common Ground in Opposition to Campaign Finance Bills” by Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) for Yahoo News
New Mexico: “Campaign Finance Reform Is ‘Dead,’ Says Sponsor” by Marjorie Childress (New Mexico In Depth) for KUNM
Elections
Utah: “Utah on Path to End Automatic Mail Ballots after Wave of Misinformation” by Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
California: “An L.A. City Council Member Is Launching a Nonprofit. Ethics Experts Have Questions” by Dakota Smith for Los Angeles Times
Washington DC: “D.C. Drops Lawsuit Against Proud Boys, Oath Keepers Over Jan. 6 Attack” by Ellie Silverman (Washington Post) for Philadelphia Tribune
Kentucky: “Secrecy Shrouds Campaign to Form New Suburban City in Louisville Metro” by Marcus Green for WDRB
Vermont: “Vermont House Passes Change to Ethics Law, Despite Objections from the State’s Ethics Commission” by Shaun Robinson for VTDigger.org
Lobbying
Europe: “What Rules Apply to Lobbying the European Parliament?” by Romane Armangau (Euronews) for MSN
March 17, 2025 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Ethics Commission Pursuing Ryan Walters for Campaign Finance Violations” by Emma Murphy for Oklahoma Voice West Virginia: “WV House Republicans Join Dems 54-41 to Reject Bill Allowing Direct Corporate Political Donations” by Caity Coyne for West Virgina Watch Elections National: “National […]
Campaign Finance
Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Ethics Commission Pursuing Ryan Walters for Campaign Finance Violations” by Emma Murphy for Oklahoma Voice
West Virginia: “WV House Republicans Join Dems 54-41 to Reject Bill Allowing Direct Corporate Political Donations” by Caity Coyne for West Virgina Watch
Elections
National: “National Democratic Committees to Stage Town Halls in House GOP Districts” by Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Judge Says Trump Penalties on Law Firm Send ‘Chills Down My Spine'” by Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Trump Asks Supreme Court to Curb Judges’ Power to Block Policies Nationwide” by Josh Gerstein (Politico) for MSN
Florida: “2 Miami-Dade Health Inspectors Accused of Fabricating Violations to Extort Restaurants” by David Goodhue (Miami Herald) for MSN
Ohio: “Six Years After Bribery Scandal, Ousted First Energy Lobbyists Still Aren’t Talking to the PUCO” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Lobbying
Oregon: “Oregon’s 3 Most Populous Counties Don’t Track Who Lobbies Their Leaders” by Austin De Dios (Portland Oregonian) for MSN
March 14, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 14, 2025

National/Federal Lawsuit Challenges Reporting Requirements for Conduit PACs Campaigns and Elections – Max Greenwood | Published: 3/10/2025 A new lawsuit is challenging the requirement that conduit PACs disclose the personal details of small-dollar donors in their filings with the FEC. The complaint […]
National/Federal
Lawsuit Challenges Reporting Requirements for Conduit PACs
Campaigns and Elections – Max Greenwood | Published: 3/10/2025
A new lawsuit is challenging the requirement that conduit PACs disclose the personal details of small-dollar donors in their filings with the FEC. The complaint argues the provision in the Federal Election Campaign Act requiring conduit PACs like ActBlue and WinRed to publicly identify donors to give less than $200 to a campaign or committee violates a right to anonymity guaranteed by the Constitution.
ActBlue, the Democratic Fund-Raising Powerhouse, Faces Internal Chaos
DNyuz – Reid Epstein and Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 3/5/2025
ActBlue, the online fundraising organization that powers Democratic candidates, has plunged into turmoil, with at least seven senior officials resigning recently and a remaining lawyer suggesting he faced internal retaliation. The departures from ActBlue, which helps raise money for Democrats running for office at all levels of government, come as the group is under investigation by congressional Republicans. They have advanced legislation that some Democrats warn could be used to debilitate what is the party’s leading fundraising operation.
Trump Expands Retribution Campaign Against Law Firms That Aided His Foes
MSN – Perry Stein and Michael Birnbaum (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2025
President Trump targeted another elite law firm that has represented clients he considers his political enemies, sending a message that he is willing to punish firms who work for people or groups that oppose his administration’s agenda. Trump signed an executive order hitting Perkins Coie with a directive that bans the federal government from hiring it, or from using contractors who work with it, except in limited circumstances. The order also bars Perkins Coie employees from entering federal buildings and suspends their security clearances.
Fired Head of Federal Watchdog Agency Says He’s Ending His Legal Battle Over His Removal by Trump
MSN – Alanna Durkin Richer (Associated Press) | Published: 3/6/2025
The fired head of a federal watchdog agency said he is abandoning his legal battle against the Trump administration to get his job back, acknowledging he was likely facing a tough road before the U.S. Supreme Court. Hampton Dellinger said he was dropping his case a day after the federal appeals court sided with the Trump administration in removing him as the head of the Office of Special Counsel, an independent agency dedicated to guarding the federal workforce from illegal personnel actions.
Palestinian Protester Arrested by ICE Despite Green Card, Lawyer Says
MSN – Susan Syrluga (Washington Post) | Published: 3/9/2025
U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student, who played a prominent role in last year’s protests over the Israel-Gaza war at Columbia University. President Trump has promised to deport international students who participated in “pro-jihadist protests.” The federal agents told Khalil his student visa had been revoked. When Khalil told agents he was a lawful permanent resident, holding a green card, agents detained him anyway, his attorney said.
Secretive D.C. Influence Project Appears to Be Running a Group House for Right-Wing Lawmakers
MSN – Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) | Published: 3/6/3035
New evidence suggests Steve Berger, a pastor who runs a nonprofit that is trying to shape national policy, may be running what amounts to a group house for conservative lawmakers, with multiple members of Congress living with him at his organization’s headquarters. The six-bedroom, $3.7 million home is owned by a wealthy Republican donor. Berger has claimed to have personally spurred legislation, saying a senator privately credited him with inspiring a bill.
CDC Posts ‘Conflicts of Interest’ Database on Vaccine Advisory Group Members
MSN – Berkeley Lovelace (NBC News) | Published: 3/7/2025
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a webpage listing information about current and former members of its independent vaccine advisory committee, including what it describes as conflicts-of-interest. The new database comes after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose department oversees the CDC, has vowed to increase “radical transparency” at the federal health agencies. It was not immediately clear how the webpage would accomplish that.
Judge Says Trump Jan. 6 Pardon Doesn’t Apply to Man Who Conspired to Kill Investigators
MSN – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 3/10/2025
President Trump’s blanket pardon for the rioters who attacked the Capitol does not cover a conspiracy by one defendant to kill the law enforcement officials who investigated him, a federal judge ruled. Edward Kelley, who was convicted of conspiracy last year by a federal jury in Tennessee, had argued Trump’s sweeping clemency for rioters should also cover his conviction since the agents and officers he targeted were connected to the January 6 investigation.
A New Role for the South Lawn of Trump’s White House: Tesla car lot
MSN – Matt Viser (Washington Post) | Published: 3/11/2025
On the South Lawn of the White House, President Trump climbed into a Tesla Model S as Elon Musk slid into the passenger seat, converting one of the country’s most revered public spaces into a billboard for a company run by one of his closest allies. The president he made no secret of the fact that he was attempting to boost the financial fortunes of one of his supporters, whose cars, he noted, could be had for the low price of $35,000.
GOP Lawmaker Misgenders Democratic Rep. McBride, Derailing House Hearing
MSN – Kelsey Ables (Washington Post) | Published: 3/12/2025
A House subcommittee hearing went off the rails when Rep. Keith Self misgendered Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, and abruptly adjourned the session after a colleague confronted him. Speaking at a hearing on arms control, international security, and U.S. assistance to Europe, Self, the chairperson of the subcommittee on Europe, addressed McBride, a transgender woman, as “the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.”
Justice Department Is Expected to Slash Public Corruption Unit, AP Sources Say
MSN – Alanna Durkin Richer and Eric Tucker (Associated Press) | Published: 3/11/2025
Prosecutors in the Justice Department section that handles public corruption cases have been told the unit will be significantly reduced in size, and its cases will be transferred to U.S. attorney’s offices around the country, two people familiar with the matter said. The discussions about shrinking the public integrity section come weeks after the unit’s leadership resigned when a top Justice Department official ordered the dropping of corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
USAID Workers Told to Shred, Burn Documents, Unnerving Congress
MSN – Missy Ryan and John Hudson (Washington Post) | Published: 3/11/2025
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) ordered employees to destroy internal documents, according to an agency directive, raising new questions about how sensitive records are being handled in the Trump administration’s drive to curtail America’s assistance activities overseas. According to an email, a senior USAID official ordered employees to shred or burn documents at the organization’s Washington headquarters, including those related to agency personnel and those stored in safes used for classified material.
Washington Post Columnist Quits After Her Opinion Piece Criticizing Owner Jeff Bezos Is Rejected
MSN – David Bauder (Associated Press) | Published: 3/10/2025
Ruth Marcus, a columnist who has worked at the Washington Post for four decades, resigned after she said the newspaper’s management decided not to run her commentary critical of owner Jeff Bezos’ new editorial policy. Her exit is the latest fallout from Bezos’ directive that the Post narrow the topics covered by its opinion section to personal liberties and the free market. The newspaper’s opinions editor, David Shipley, had already resigned because of the shift.
Trump Official Tasked with Defending DOGE Cuts Posted Fashion Influencer Videos from Her Office
MSN – Curt Devine, Casey Tolan, and Audrey Ash (CNN) | Published: 3/12/2025
A federal employee tasked with defending the Trump administration’s mass government layoffs has been using her office to film fashion influencer videos. McLaurine Pinover, head of communications for the Office of Personnel Management, which acts as the government’s human resources agency, modeled her outfit choices for the day while directing followers from her Instagram account to a website that could earn her commissions on clothing sales.
Brother of Trump’s GSA Leader Tried to Buy Prime Federal Property
MSN – Jonathan O’Connell (Washington Post) | Published: 3/13/2025
President Trump appointed former tech executive Stephen Ehikian as acting administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), the agency that manages government buildings, supplies, and services. Two weeks later, Ehikian’s brother, Brad Ehikian, a real estate developer, proposed that the GSA sell his company a federally owned 17-acre campus in Silicon Valley for $65 million. The GSA tried to auction the property in 2022 for nearly twice that amount. Current and former agency officials said they had not encountered such a proposal from someone related to the GSA administrator.
Politico – Ben Schreckinger | Published: 3/11/2025
President Trump’s moves to expand the use of pardons have white-collar defendants jolting to attention, and many are responding with creative maneuvers designed to appeal less to judges or juries than to the ultimate arbiter in the Oval Office. Trump’s appointment of a White House “pardon czar,” Alice Johnson, and an announcement by the Justice Department lawyer who oversaw pardons during Biden’s term that she has been fired, signal Trump is not done exercising his clemency powers.
Musk’s Team Must Produce Documents to Comply with Open Records Laws, Judge Says
Seattle Times – Zach Montague and Minho Kim (New York Times) | Published: 3/10/2025
A federal judge found Elon Musk’s government-cutting unit is likely subject to public disclosure laws and must promptly turn over documents to a group that had sued for access to its internal emails. U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper said the Department of Government Efficiency that Musk leads had all the hallmarks of an agency that would typically be subject to laws like the Freedom of Information Act.
State Politics Has a Sexual Misconduct Problem
Yahoo News – Grace Panetta (The 19th) | Published: 3/11/2025
State Legislatures craft most of the laws passed in the U.S. and serve as the main pipeline for higher office. But sexual harassment in state politics “remains a systemic and ongoing issue affecting both parties” according to a new report from the National Women’s Defense League. Legislatures are largely self-governing bodies, and even after a spate of post-#MeToo reforms, many lawmakers surveyed said the mechanisms for reporting misconduct in their states are lacking.
From the States and Municipalities
Europe – Belgian Prosecutors Arrest Suspects in Huawei Bribery Probe Targeting EU Parliament
MSN – Samuel Petrequin and Sylvian Plazy (Associated Press) | Published: 3/13/2025
Belgian prosecutors announced the arrests of several people in a corruption probe linked to the European Parliament and the Chinese company Huawei. The arrests came as a media investigation said lobbyists working for the telecommunication giant were suspected of bribing current or former European Parliament members to promote the company’s commercial policies in Europe.
Canada – Supreme Court Strikes Down Doug Ford’s Controversial Campaign Finance Law
Toronto Star – Robert Benzie | Published: 3/7/2025
A key section of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s controversial campaign finance law has been struck down by the Supreme Court of Canada. The high court found it was unconstitutional for Ford to limit pre-election spending by unions and other third-party groups in his 2021 legislation. It is a major legal triumph for a coalition of labor unions and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, which opposed the Progressive Conservatives’ bill that limited their spending to $600,000 on advertising and other political activities in the 12 months before an election.
California – Probe Finds Nonprofit’s Gift to Former Top S.F. Official Created ‘Appearance of a Bribe’
MSN – Michael Barba and St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 3/11/2025
An investigation concluded a $5,500 gift from the nonprofit Urban Ed Academy to former San Francisco Human Rights Commission Executive Director Sheryl Davis appeared to break city ethics rules and created “at least the appearance of a bribe and undue influence.” Davis subsequently awarded a $270,000 contract to the nonprofit. That contract was one of $2.3 million in city contracts that Urban Ed Academy received in recent years under the Dream Keeper Initiative, a major city reinvestment in the Black community that Davis oversaw.
California – Contractors Might Have to Disclose Campaign Finance Violations in Santa Ana
Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 3/6/2025
Contractors and developers in Santa Ana might soon have to disclose any campaign finance violations issued by state or federal officials, a move that could be a first for Orange County. Santa Ana City Councilperson Phil Bacerra wants it made clear to the public if a developer or business applying for a permit, contract, license, or entitlement has been found to have violated any state or federal campaign finance laws.
Denver Post – Seth Klamann and Nick Coltrain | Published: 3/11/2025
Former state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis is under investigation by the Denver and Boulder district attorneys’ offices, nearly a month after legislative staff determined Jaquez Lewis forged at least one letter of support in an ethics probe. Under Colorado law, using deceit in an attempt to influence a public servant is a felony, as is the use of certain forgeries.
District of Columbia – D.C. U.S. Attorney Targets Ukraine Whistleblower Rep. Vindman
MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 3/11/2025
Interim U.S. attorney Ed Martin has sent another letter to U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman, a critic of President Trump, demanding information in what Democratic lawmakers say is a potential abuse of his prosecutorial power. Martin wants information about a business founded by Vindman and his brother to help arm Ukraine to fight Russia. Eugene and Alexander Vindman, both former U.S. Army officers with national security backgrounds, played key roles in Trump’s first impeachment, over his reported attempt to pressure Ukraine’s then-incoming president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to find damaging information about Joe Biden.
Florida – Florida Senate Committee Moves to Ban Using Tax Dollars on Ballot Initiative Campaigns
Yahoo News – Jeffrey Schweers (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 3/11/2025
After Gov. Ron DeSantis used millions of state dollars last year to battle against abortion and marijuana proposals, some Florida lawmakers want to ban the use of public funds to promote or oppose ballot amendments. The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee approved such a measure by voice vote, adding it to a controversial bill to further restrict the petition-gathering process citizens groups use to get amendments before voters.
Maine – Republican Maine Lawmaker Sues House Speaker Over Censure for Post on Transgender Athlete
MSN – Patrick Whittle (Associated Press) | Published: 3/12/2025
Maine Rep. Laurel Libby sued the House speaker over her censure that followed a social media post about a transgender athlete participating in high school sports. Libby posted about a high school athlete who won a girls’ track competition. The post included a photo of the student and identified them by first name, with the name in quotation marks, saying they previously competed in boys’ track. Libby claims the censure violated her right to free speech. The lawsuit also says the censure stripped her right to speak and vote on the House floor, and that disenfranchises the thousands of residents in her district.
Maine – Committee Rejects Clean Elections Expansion, Other Proposals to Alter Election Laws
Yahoo News – Emma Davis (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 3/10/2025
The Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted down several proposals to alter election laws in Maine, including measures that sought to expand the state’s clean elections program, eliminate ongoing absentee voter status, and reestablish a component of ranked choice voting tabulations that was done away with last session. These mark the first few committee recommendations for how the state should alter its elections laws this session.
Maryland – Maryland Democrats File Elections Complaint Against ‘Shadowy’ Campaign Targeting Gov. Wes Moore
MSN – Sam Janesch (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/7/2025
Maryland Democrats asked the State Board of Elections to sanction what they are calling a “shadowy” and illegal campaign against Gov. Wes Moore ahead of his reelection bid next year. The campaign, which has identified itself only as “No Moore” since its launch in February, has targeted the Democratic governor over his handling of the state’s budget deficit. Daily posts that evoke Moore and sometimes refer to his election prospects are likely a violation of state campaign finance law because the group behind those messages has not registered with the as a campaign entity, the Democratic Party argued.
Mississippi – Federal Trial in Jackson Corruption Case set for Summer 2026
Mississippi Today – Anna Wolfe | Published: 3/7/2025
U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan set the corruption trial for Jackson’s mayor, a city councilperson, and the county’s district attorney for July 13, 2026. A federal grand jury indicted Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, and council member Aaron Banks in a bribery scheme after concocting a sting involving undercover FBI agents posing as real estate developers. All three officials pleaded not guilty.
Montana – Ravalli County Rep. Ron Marshall Resigns, Cites Influence of Lobbyists in Legislature
Yahoo News – Micah Drew (Daily Montanan) | Published: 3/4/2025
State Rep. Rob Marshall resigned from the Montana Legislature, citing corruption in a Capitol “run by lobbyists.” During previous sessions, Marshall said there was a greater appetite among legislators and the Republican leadership to work together and hear each other out on the merits of various pieces of legislation, but this year there is “more wheeling and dealing” going on in Helena.
New Jersey – New Jersey’s Ballot Design That Gave Party Bosses Big Influence Is Officially Dead
MSN – Ry Rivard (Politico) | Published: 3/6/2025
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law a redesign of primary ballots, formally ending an entrenched system that gave unique influence to the state’s party bosses but faced an unexpected wave of opposition. The county line system gave political parties in all but two of the state’s 21 counties the power to help design primary ballots based on party endorsements. Party-backed candidates were grouped together while candidates without endorsements were displayed awkwardly or on obscure parts of the ballot. Getting the line could make or break a campaign.
New Jersey – This Democrat Is Running for Governor with No Staff – but $35M in His Corner
New Jersey Monitor – Dana DiFilippo | Published: 3/10/2025
In his last disclosure, Democrat Sean Spiller reported spending of just $64,253 since he launched his campaign to be New Jersey governor last June. What is fueling Spiller’s campaign is not money that he raised himself. He is backed by an outside spending group that told election officials it will spend $35 million on the race. That independent expenditure group, Working New Jersey, has not disclosed any of its financial information since Spiller entered the race. This should raise red flags for election observers, including the state’s Election Law Enforcement Commission, said Craig Holman of Public Citizen.
New Mexico – Lobbyist Disclosure Bill Advances – Minus Cap on Lobbyist Spending on Lawmakers
Santa Fe New Mexican – Daniel Chacón | Published: 3/10/2025
The Senate Rules Committee endorsed a bill designed to shine a brighter light on lobbying activities in New Mexico after the panel stripped a House floor amendment many interpreted as capping lobbyist spending at $50 per day per legislator during a legislative session. Sen. Jeff Steinborn said he believes the Republican-sponsored amendment was an attempt to “undermine the bill” and create a “side show.”
New York – For #MeToo Movement, Mayor’s Race in New York City Poses a Test
DNyuz – Emma Fitzsimmons (New York Times) | Published: 3/10/2025
This year, three Democratic candidates for mayor of New York City – Andrew Cuomo, Scott Stringer, and the incumbent, Eric Adams – will provide a durability test for the #MeToo movement in New York politics. All three have faced allegations of sexual misconduct; all have forcefully denied the accusations and challenged the accusers in court. Some of the accusers, their lawyers, and women’s groups are trying to keep the #MeToo allegations front and center, hoping to persuade voters that they should be viewed as disqualifying behavior.
New York – Adams Case Should Be Permanently Dismissed, Outside Legal Expert Recommends
MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 3/7/2025
The Justice Department should dismiss a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams “with prejudice,” eliminating the possibility of bringing charges again in the future, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement said in court documents. The Justice Department had sought to toss the charges but leave open the possibility of reindicting the mayor. Their decision to abandon the case outraged career prosecutors in the U.S. attorney’s office in New York and at Justice Department headquarters, prompting a slew of resignations.
New York – What New York State Aide’s Help Was Worth to China: More than $15 million
MSN – James Avery (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 3/8/2025
In an indictment, the Justice Department alleged former gubernatorial aide Linda Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, got rich as she levered proximity to two New York governors to help China. She was criminally indicted for illegally acting as a foreign agent and, along with her husband, was hit with financial charges including money-laundering conspiracies. Now prosecutors have unsealed details of how they allege Sun orchestrated a scheme that generated a stream of funds and gifts as she did favors for Chin and how managing the intake was a family affair.
Oklahoma – LOFT Report Uncovers Outdated Complaints and Revenue Discrepancies at Ethics Commission
MSN – Colleen Wilson (KOKH) | Published: 3/6/2025
A report by the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency about the Ethics Commission revealed poor record keeping, as well as a misguided focus and a loss of sight of the original mission of the state agency. The report recommended several ways to get the agency back on track, including increasing transparency and creating a complaint tracking system.
Oregon – Citizen-Driven Ballot Measures Could Become More Rare Under Proposals Taken Up by Oregon Lawmakers
Oregon Public Broadcasting – Dirk VanderHart | Published: 3/11/2025
Landing a measure on the Oregon ballot could be more time-consuming and expensive under a pair of provisions lawmakers are considering putting before voters next year. Both seek to address what their backers say is a growing problem: the concentration of the state’s population in the Portland metro area that ensures measures can qualify for the statewide ballot without a say from the rest of Oregon.
Pennsylvania – Helping to Run an Election in Pennsylvania Often Starts with Running for Election
Votebeat – Carter Walker | Published: 3/10/2025
This year, voters across Pennsylvania will have a chance to choose the people who will staff their polling locations for the next four years. In most states, these workers are appointed, but in Pennsylvania, the people who oversee voting at the precinct level are elected officials with four-year terms. Pennsylvania is the only state that does it quite like this.
Tennessee – Ex-Tennessee Lawmaker Announces Trump’s Pardon 2 Weeks into Prison Time for Campaign Finance Scheme
MSN – Jonathan Matisse (Associated Press) | Published: 3/12/2025
Former Tennessee Sen. Brian Kelsey said President Trump pardoned him two weeks into his 21-month prison sentence for an illegal campaign finance scheme that he pleaded guilty to in 2022, before he tried unsuccessfully to take back his plea. Kelsy admitted his attempts to funnel campaign money from his state legislative seat toward his failed 2016 congressional bid.
March 13, 2025 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Tennessee: “Ex-Tennessee Lawmaker Announces Trump’s Pardon 2 Weeks into Prison Time for Campaign Finance Scheme” by Jonathan Matisse (Associated Press) for MSN Elections Oregon: “Citizen-Driven Ballot Measures Could Become More Rare Under Proposals Taken Up by Oregon Lawmakers” by Dirk VanderHart for […]
Campaign Finance
Tennessee: “Ex-Tennessee Lawmaker Announces Trump’s Pardon 2 Weeks into Prison Time for Campaign Finance Scheme” by Jonathan Matisse (Associated Press) for MSN
Elections
Oregon: “Citizen-Driven Ballot Measures Could Become More Rare Under Proposals Taken Up by Oregon Lawmakers” by Dirk VanderHart for Oregon Public Broadcasting
Ethics
California: “Probe Finds Nonprofit’s Gift to Former Top S.F. Official Created ‘Appearance of a Bribe'” by Michael Barba and St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) for MSN
National: “Judge Says Trump Jan. 6 Pardon Doesn’t Apply to Man Who Conspired to Kill Investigators” by Kyle Cheney (Politico) for MSN
National: “A New Role for the South Lawn of Trump’s White House: Tesla car lot” by Matt Viser (Washington Post) for MSN
Legislative Issues
National: “GOP Lawmaker Misgenders Democratic Rep. McBride, Derailing House Hearing” by Kelsey Ables (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “State Politics Has a Sexual Misconduct Problem” by Grace Panetta (The 19th) for Yahoo News
Lobbying
New York: “What New York State Aide’s Help Was Worth to China: More than $15 million” by James Avery (Wall Street Journal) for MSN
March 12, 2025 •
New Hampshire Special Election Scheduled

New Hampshire state flag
Gov. Ayotte and the Executive Council scheduled a special election to be held on June 24 for state representative in Strafford County District 12. The seat was previously held by Gerri Cannon, the first transgender legislator elected in the state. […]
Gov. Ayotte and the Executive Council scheduled a special election to be held on June 24 for state representative in Strafford County District 12. The seat was previously held by Gerri Cannon, the first transgender legislator elected in the state. A primary election will be held on May 6.
March 12, 2025 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Lawsuit Challenges Reporting Requirements for Conduit PACs” by Max Greenwood for Campaigns and Elections Elections Florida: “Florida Senate Committee Moves to Ban Using Tax Dollars on Ballot Initiative Campaigns” by Jeffrey Schweers (Orlando Sentinel) for Yahoo News Maine: “Committee Rejects Clean Elections […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Lawsuit Challenges Reporting Requirements for Conduit PACs” by Max Greenwood for Campaigns and Elections
Elections
Florida: “Florida Senate Committee Moves to Ban Using Tax Dollars on Ballot Initiative Campaigns” by Jeffrey Schweers (Orlando Sentinel) for Yahoo News
Maine: “Committee Rejects Clean Elections Expansion, Other Proposals to Alter Election Laws” by Emma Davis (Maine Morning Star) for Yahoo News
Ethics
Colorado: “Former State Senator Now Faces Investigation by Denver, Boulder District Attorneys After Resigning Amid Ethics Probe” by Seth Klamann and Nick Coltrain for Denver Post
National: “Musk’s Team Must Produce Documents to Comply with Open Records Laws, Judge Says” by Zach Montague and Minho Kim (New York Times) for Seattle Times
National: “Pleas on X, Biden Dirt and Attacks on the FBI: As Trump flexes his pardon powers, defendants angle for their get-out-of-jail free card” by Ben Schreckinger for Politico
Mississippi: “Federal Trial in Jackson Corruption Case set for Summer 2026” by Anna Wolfe for Mississippi Today
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Lobbyist Disclosure Bill Advances – Minus Cap on Lobbyist Spending on Lawmakers” by Daniel Chacón for Santa Fe New Mexican
March 11, 2025 •
Connecticut Special Election Scheduled

Gov. Lamont ordered a special election to be held on April 22 for state House District 113 after Rep. Jason Perillo’s resignation. Perillo resigned on February 28 after winning a special election for Senate District 21.
Gov. Lamont ordered a special election to be held on April 22 for state House District 113 after Rep. Jason Perillo’s resignation. Perillo resigned on February 28 after winning a special election for Senate District 21.
March 11, 2025 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Maryland: “Maryland Democrats File Elections Complaint Against ‘Shadowy’ Campaign Targeting Gov. Wes Moore” by Sam Janesch (Baltimore Sun) for MSN New Jersey: “This Democrat Is Running for Governor with No Staff – but $35M in His Corner” by Dana DiFilippo for New […]
Campaign Finance
Maryland: “Maryland Democrats File Elections Complaint Against ‘Shadowy’ Campaign Targeting Gov. Wes Moore” by Sam Janesch (Baltimore Sun) for MSN
New Jersey: “This Democrat Is Running for Governor with No Staff – but $35M in His Corner” by Dana DiFilippo for New Jersey Monitor
Elections
New York: “For #MeToo Movement, Mayor’s Race in New York City Poses a Test” by Emma Fitzsimmons (New York Times) for DNyuz
Pennsylvania: “Helping to Run an Election in Pennsylvania Often Starts with Running for Election” by Carter Walker for Votebeat
Ethics
National: “Palestinian Protester Arrested by ICE Despite Green Card, Lawyer Says” by Susan Syrluga (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “CDC Posts ‘Conflicts of Interest’ Database on Vaccine Advisory Group Members” by Berkeley Lovelace (NBC News) for MSN
New York: “Adams Case Should Be Permanently Dismissed, Outside Legal Expert Recommends” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “Secretive D.C. Influence Project Appears to Be Running a Group House for Right-Wing Lawmakers” by Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) for MSN
March 10, 2025 •
Mark Carney Wins Leadership of Canada’s Liberal Party

On March 9, former central banker Mark Carney won the race to become leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party. Carney won 86% of the votes cast, beating former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. In January, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had announced […]
On March 9, former central banker Mark Carney won the race to become leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party. Carney won 86% of the votes cast, beating former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. In January, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had announced he would step down, which forced the ruling Liberal Party to hold their election to replace him. While a federal election must be held by October 20 of this year, the Liberal Party is not likely to form a majority government, and so Carney is expected to call for an earlier election date.
March 10, 2025 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance California: “Contractors Might Have to Disclose Campaign Finance Violations in Santa Ana” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC Canada: “Supreme Court Strikes Down Doug Ford’s Controversial Campaign Finance Law” by Robert Benzie for Toronto Star National: “ActBlue, the Democratic Fund-Raising Powerhouse, Faces […]
Campaign Finance
California: “Contractors Might Have to Disclose Campaign Finance Violations in Santa Ana” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC
Canada: “Supreme Court Strikes Down Doug Ford’s Controversial Campaign Finance Law” by Robert Benzie for Toronto Star
National: “ActBlue, the Democratic Fund-Raising Powerhouse, Faces Internal Chaos” by Reid Epstein and Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) for DNyuz
Elections
New Jersey: “New Jersey’s Ballot Design That Gave Party Bosses Big Influence Is Officially Dead” by Ry Rivard (Politico) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Trump Expands Retribution Campaign Against Law Firms That Aided His Foes” by Perry Stein and Michael Birnbaum (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Fired Head of Federal Watchdog Agency Says He’s Ending His Legal Battle Over His Removal by Trump” by Alanna Durkin Richer (Associated Press) for MSN
Oklahoma: “LOFT Report Uncovers Outdated Complaints and Revenue Discrepancies at Ethics Commission” by Colleen Wilson (KOKH) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Montana: “Ravalli County Rep. Ron Marshall Resigns, Cites Influence of Lobbyists in Legislature” by Micah Drew (Daily Montanan) for Yahoo News
March 7, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 7, 2025

National/Federal Democrats Challenge Trump Effort to Control Federal Election Commission Courthouse News Service – Ryan Knappenberger | Published: 2/28/2025 The Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration, challenging an executive order that ostensibly granted President Trump increased control over the executive branch, […]
National/Federal
Democrats Challenge Trump Effort to Control Federal Election Commission
Courthouse News Service – Ryan Knappenberger | Published: 2/28/2025
The Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration, challenging an executive order that ostensibly granted President Trump increased control over the executive branch, including independent agencies like the FEC. The order requires independent agencies to submit any proposed rules to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the White House. That gives Trump final say over previously nonpartisan decisions. Democrats argue the move eviscerates the Federal Election Campaign Act and would allow the president to dictate to the FEC’s bipartisan board.
Who Paid for Trump’s Transition to Power? The Donors Are Still Unknown.
DNyuz – Ken Bensinger (New York Times) | Published: 3/6/2025
After six weeks in office, President Trump has not disclosed the names of the donors who paid for his transition planning, despite a public pledge to do so. Preparing to take power and fill thousands of federal jobs is a monthslong project that can cost tens of millions of dollars. Previous presidents used private contributions as well as federal money to foot the bill. Those presidents made public the names of donors and their contributions within 30 days of taking office, as required under agreements they signed with the departing administration.
‘We Will Not Falter.’ Trump-Era Resignation Letters Take Center Stage
MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2025
Dozens of federal officials and employees have quit in protest or been forced out amid the upheavals the Trump administration has unleashed across government agencies. A number of the departing have documented their discontent in resignation letters that have found their way into public view. Taken together, the letters from career bureaucrats who in many cases worked under Democratic and Republican presidents, amounts to a collective cry of frustration in response to an administration they feel has belittled and discounted their work.
MSN – Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) | Published: 2/28/2025
House Speaker Mike Johnson has been staying at a District of Columbia home with Steve Berger, an evangelical pastor. Berger’s stated goal is to minister to members of Congress so that what “they learn is then translated into policy.” The house is owned by a major Republican donor who has joined Berger in advocating for and against multiple bills before Congress. House ethics rules allow members of Congress to live anywhere, as long as they are paying fair-market rent.
Trump’s Opponents Decry a Sweeping Crackdown on Free Speech
MSN – Naftali Bendavid (Washington Post) | Published: 3/3/2025
Since taking office, Donald Trump has mounted what critics call a sweeping attack on freedom of expression. Some of the attacks are against diversity, equity, and inclusion, while others are aimed at media organizations that Trump dislikes. Also targeted are opponents who have spoken sharply about the administration. Together, critics – and in some cases, judges – have said Trump’s efforts have gone beyond shaping the message of the federal government to threaten the First Amendment rights of private groups and individuals.
The D.C. Power Broker Embroiled in a Global Hacking Scandal
MSN – Christopher Matthews and Jenny Strasburg (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 3/3/2025
A Washington strategist and lobbyist with deep connections to the Republican Party, Justin Peterson is accustomed to fighting aggressively on behalf of powerful clients such as Exxon Mobil. But at a November 2015 breakfast with an Israeli private investigator, Peterson launched a yearslong campaign that federal prosecutors now say crossed a line. As he put it in an email following the breakfast, Peterson wanted the investigator to “operationalize the research on the bad guys.” According to prosecutors, in practice that led to something very specific: hacking into the email accounts of Exxon’s enemies.
MSN – Robert Faturechi (ProPublica) | Published: 3/4/2025
Earlier this year, the Air Force revealed that Maj. Gen. Christopher Finerty, who oversaw the Air Force’s lobbying before Congress, had inappropriate romantic relationships with three women who worked on Capitol Hill. Sources say one of the women whose relationship with Finerty was scrutinized by the Air Force inspector general was Sen. Joni Ernst. She sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which oversees the Pentagon and plays a crucial role in setting its annual budget.
Republicans Advised to Avoid In-Person Town Halls After Confrontations Over Cuts Go Viral
MSN – Melanie Zanona (NBC News) | Published: 3/4/2025
Congressional Republicans are again being advised against holding in-person town halls after several instances of lawmakers being berated by attendees went viral. The cautions against town halls are just the latest warnings by top GOP leaders about participating in the events, which give constituents the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns.
Musk’s Starlink Gets FAA Contract, Raising New Conflict of Interest Concerns
MSN – Chris Isidore (CNN) | Published: 2/25/2025
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) agreed to use SpaceX’s Starlink internet system to upgrade the information technology networks it uses to manage U.S. airspace, raising new concerns about conflicts of interest for Elon Musk in one of his other roles, that of recommending funding cuts at federal agencies, including the FAA. Musk’s SpaceX is a is dependent on federal contracts. Its Starlink satellite internet provides service for government and private customers around the world.
Supreme Court Says Judge Can Force Trump Administration to Pay Foreign Aid
MSN – Justin Jouvenal, Annie Gowan, and Ann Morrow (Washington Post) | Published: 3/5/2025
A divided Supreme Court denied the Trump administration’s request to block a lower court order on foreign aid funding, clearing the way for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to restart nearly $2 billion in payments for work already done. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the court’s three liberal justices in the order, which was the high court’s first significant move on lawsuits related to President Trump’s initiatives in his second term.
Al Green Kicked Out of Trump’s Speech as Democrats Bring Signs, Heckle
MSN – Justine McDaniel (Washington Post) | Published: 3/5/2025
Within the first minutes of President Trump’s address to Congress, an extraordinary exchange unfolded as House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered the sergeant at arms to remove from the chamber Rep. Al Green, who protested the president’s remarks. Green shouted at Trump, shaking his cane and saying the president had “no mandate” to cut Medicaid. Democrats have worked to find their footing in resisting Trump, and the speech brought different approaches from lawmakers, a handful of whom skipped it altogether and some of whom walked out mid-address.
Appeals Court Allows Trump to Remove Watchdog Hampton Dellinger for Now
MSN – Derek Hawkins (Washington Post) | Published: 3/5/2025
A federal appeals court allowed President Trump to temporarily remove the head of an independent watchdog agency while the judges decide whether the president has the authority to fire him without cause. A lower court had blocked the president from firing Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel. But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit paused that ruling, saying the government had met the “stringent requirements” for securing a stay during the appeal.
From the States and Municipalities
California – Have Federal Agents Served Warrants at California’s Capitol? The Legislature Doesn’t Want You to Know
CalMatters – Ryan Sabalow | Published: 3/5/2025
The Legislative Open Records Act gives lawmakers and their staff members more discretion to withhold records than most other public agencies have under the similar California Public Records Act. But David Loy, legal director for the First Amendment Coalition, said even if they have a legal right to withhold records, public agencies usually have broad discretion to release them. “We should err on the side of disclosure. The public has a right to know,” Loy said.
California – Ethics Violation Lodged Against Former CalRecycle Director
MSN – Susanne Rust (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/4/2025
The former director of CalRecycle, Rachel Wagner – who oversaw, wrote, and promoted the single-use plastic legislation known as Senate Bill 54 – is now the executive director of the Circular Action Alliance, a coalition of plastic and packaging companies determined to delay, if not derail, the law. A whistleblower submitted a formal complaint to the California Fair Political Practices Commission, asking the agency to investigate Wagoner on the grounds she violated a ban that prevents former regulators from receiving compensation to work against the state on matters they once oversaw.
California – Jury Convicts Fired S.F. Building Inspector Who Approved Family Projects
MSN – Michael Barba (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 3/4/2025
Van Zeng, a former San Francisco building inspector who inspected projects linked to his family – including construction on his own home – was found guilty by a jury of breaking conflict-of-interest rules. Zeng’s father is a building contractor who allegedly arranged illegal payments for Bernie Curran, a disgraced former building inspector at the center of a larger corruption scandal. Zeng’s parents flip houses, and his sister is a real estate agent.
California – Huntington Park City Hall and Mayor’s Home Raided in Corruption Investigation
MSN – Ruben Vives (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 2/26/2025
Huntington Park City Hall and the homes of the mayor and current and former city council members were searched as part of a corruption investigation. Electronics, paperwork and records were seized as part of the probe, dubbed “Operation Dirty Pond.” Investigators have been looking into alleged misuse of millions of dollars allocated for the construction of a regional aquatic center at Salt Lake Park, according to the district attorney’s office. The city allocated more than $20 million to the project and has spent about $14 million even though nothing has been constructed yet.
California – SF Waives Ethics Rules in Asks for Private-Sector Help
San Francisco Examiner – Adam Shanks | Published: 3/5/2025
San Francisco is asking the private sector to step up and fund what city government cannot – or will not – as it faces a major budget deficit. The Board of Supervisors has approved special waivers to allow department heads to widely solicit donations to support city services. In doing so, they have won an exception to an ethics law that was tightened up just a few years ago – and, according to those who shepherded the new rules through, with good reason.
Connecticut – Kosta Diamantis and Chris Ziogas Charged in Corruption Scheme
Connecticut Mirror – Andrew Brown and Dave Altimari | Published: 2/28/2025
Former Deputy Budget Director Konstantinos Diamantis and former Connecticut Rep. Christopher Ziogas were indicted on federal corruption charges for allegedly pressuring state employees to cancel a 2020 audit that was examining an optometrist’s Medicaid billing practices. The indictment comes just weeks after Helen Zervas, the optometrist and Ziogas’ fiancée, pleaded guilty to defrauding Medicare and Medicaid and conspiring with two state officials to cancel the audit.
Connecticut – CT Lawmaker Eyeing PURA Seat Owes Struggling Ratepayers Over $1 Million
Energy and Policy Institute – Itai Vardi | Published: 3/4/2025
Connecticut Sen. John Fonfara, who is reportedly a candidate for commissioner at the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), headed a delinquent electric supplier company that owes over $1.1 million to customers who are struggling to pay their electric bills. Fonfara has started multiple new companies whose interests could be affected by decisions made by PURA. At least one of them is in the electric supply industry. Another is invested in building data centers, which often require large investments in electricity infrastructure.
Georgia – Georgia Committee That Has Pursued Fani Willis Now Wants to Investigate Stacey Abrams
MSN – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 2/28/2025
A Georgia Senate committee pursuing a thus-far fruitless investigation of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis wants to add Stacey Abrams to its list of targets. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and other Republicans say they want to further examine recent ethics findings that voter participation group New Georgia Project improperly coordinated with Abrams’ 2018 campaign for governor.
Hawaii – Hawaii Defense Contractor Exec Must Face Some Campaign Finance Conspiracy Claims
Courthouse News Service – Jeremy Yurow | Published: 3/3/2025
A federal judge in Hawaii dismissed racketeering claims against a defense contractor but allowed conspiracy and state law claims to proceed. Duke Hartman was formerly an executive at PacMar Technologies. PacMar claims he participated in a scheme to funnel illegal campaign contributions to a PAC. Hartman claims PacMar’s former chief executive, Martin Kao, along with his wife Tiffany and fellow executives, orchestrated an illegal donation scheme and subsequent cover-up.
Hawaii – Honolulu Officials Charged in Kealoha Retirement Payout Case
Yahoo News – Peter Boylan (Honolulu Star Advertiser) | Published: 3/4/2025
Honolulu’s former managing director, corporation counsel, and chairperson of the Police Commission were charged with conspiracy for their handling of a $250,000 retirement payment in 2017 to former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. The plea deal signals an end to a long-running public corruption probe by federal prosecutors in California that began with the Kealoha case and expanded to examine the intersections between politics, business, and law enforcement in Hawaii.
Illinois – Judge Grants Retrial on Four Bribery Counts in ‘ComEd Four’ Case Involving Madigan
Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/3/2025
A federal judge granted a partial retrial on several bribery counts in the case of four former executives and lobbyists for electric utility Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) who were convicted in 2023 for their roles in bribing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. U.S. District Court Judge Manish Shah left intact the convictions on a number of other counts, including the lead count of conspiracy and charges alleging the defendants altered ComEd’s books to hide the scheme.
Kansas – Kansas Republican Dissidents Put Spotlight on Ethics Investigation and Effort to Rewrite State Law
Yahoo News – Sherman Smith (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 2/28/2025
A sudden burst of chatter around a three-year-old campaign finance investigation that has largely played out in the shadows, included the disclosure of a confidential document that details the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission’s findings of an alleged far-reaching scheme to circumvent campaign donation limits and the commission’s decision to clear a central figure in the investigation. But at least a handful of Republicans harbor a grudge over the alleged violations and an apparent attempt by others in the party to rewrite state ethics law.
Louisiana – More Louisiana Officials Can Shield Their Home Addresses, Ethics Board Decides
MSN – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 2/28/2025
The Louisiana Board of Ethics will allow statewide elected officials and more high-ranking government employees to keep their home addresses off forms posted online. Last year, the board’s staff redacted the home addresses of five executive office employees who work for Gov. Jeff Landry. The new ruling will allow 28 more officials to keep their home addresses off the ethics board website if they request it.
Louisiana – Bill Would Require Live Broadcast of Louisiana Ethics Board Meetings
The Center Square – Nolan McKendry | Published: 2/27/2025
A bill in Louisiana would mandate live broadcast and online archiving of meetings of the state Board of Ethics and the Supervisory Committee on Campaign Finance Disclosure. The legislation comes amid growing tension between the Legislature, the Board of Ethics, and Gov. Landry’s administration.
Baltimore Banner – Rona Kobell | Published: 3/5/2025
The Baltimore County Public Library appears to be closing the book on a county council candidate’s plan to host events there after two delegates complained to library officials about a campaign kickoff held at one of its branches. Sharonda Huffman held a campaign event in December and put down $60 to reserve a room for a second event in February. The library canceled the February after it was alleged that Huffman’s December event was a fundraiser. The library encourages political activity but does not allow fundraisers or parties.
Michigan – Judge Will Take Additional Briefs Before Deciding on Trial for Ex-Speaker Lee Chatfield
MSN – Arpan Lobo (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 2/28/2025
A hearing to decide if former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield should stand trial over a series of alleged financial crimes related to his use of political funds wrapped up recently, although it could be months still before a judge issues a ruling. Chatfield was charged last year with embezzlement, conspiracy, and larceny. State Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office claims he knowingly used money from political funds to pay for vacations, dinners at upscale restaurants, and other non-permitted items when he was a lawmaker.
Mississippi – Mississippi Judge Vacates Her Order That a Newspaper Remove Its Editorial Criticizing Local Leaders
MSN – Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) | Published: 2/26/2025
A Mississippi judge vacated her order that a newspaper remove its editorial criticizing local officials, days after a city decided to drop the lawsuit that spurred it. The judge’s order had been widely condemned by free speech advocates as a clear violation of the paper’s First Amendment rights.
Montana – Judge Denies State Representative’s Request to Block Tobacco Lobbyists at MT Legislature
Longview News-Journal – Seaborn Larson | Published: 2/26/2025
A federal judge denied a state representative’s attempts to block lobbyists from major cigarette manufacturers from engaging lawmakers on his bill. Rep. Ron Marshall sued Altria and R.J. Reynolds, alleging the companies were violating anti-lobbying provisions set out in the 1998 settlement those companies made with several states.
New Mexico – No More Free Meals? House Approves Bill Restricting Certain Lobbyist Spending
Albuquerque Journal – Dan Boyd | Published: 3/4/2025
A bill expanding lobbyist reporting requirements was broadened before passing the New Mexico House. The change would also prohibit lobbyists from spending large amounts on food, beverages, or entertainment for state-elected officials, including lawmakers, during and just before legislative sessions.
New York – The Case of the Missing $3M: Eric Adams’ campaign finance woes grow
MSN – Joe Anuta (Politico) | Published: 2/27/2025
A mysterious $3 million sitting in New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ reelection account is the latest irregularity giving campaign finance officials cause to deny him public matching funds. The Campaign Finance Board nixed Adams’ request for $4.5 million in taxpayer-funded campaign dollars in December and has renewed its decision monthly. “The Campaign is not eligible for payment because the difference between the Campaign’s reported receipts and documented receipts is equal to or greater than [10 percent],” the board said.
New York – Andrew Cuomo Enters Crowded NYC Mayor Race, Says He Will Fix a City in Crisis
MSN – Ginger Adams Otis and Victoria Albert (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 3/1/2025
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in disgrace three years ago, announced his return to politics with a bid to be New York City’s next mayor, joining a crowded primary field that includes embattled incumbent Eric Adams. Cuomo launched his comeback with a video that acknowledged past errors, without providing details, while outlining how he would tackle housing, crime, and other issues if elected to lead the city. He promised to work with his party’s progressive wing, as well as President Trump.
New York – N.Y. Ethics Watchdog Pressures Legislative Leaders to Fill Open Vacancies
Spectrum News – Kate Lisa | Published: 2/28/2025
The head of New York’s ethics watchdog said he is putting pressure on legislative leaders to quickly fill three vacancies on the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) after the state’s highest court affirmed the agency’s constitutionality. COELIG Executive Director Sanford Berland said commissioners will have a busy year with the case behind them, but legislative leaders must step in to make that possible.
Ohio – Neo-Nazis Targeted a Majority-Black Town. Locals Launched an Armed Watch.
MSN – Daniel Wu (Washington Post) | Published: 2/27/2025
For weeks, men carrying rifles have guarded the roads leading into Lincoln Heights, Ohio, stopping and questioning those who approach the small, majority-Black town near Cincinnati suburb. In February, a truck of neo-Nazis came to Lincoln Heights’s doorstep. Masked demonstrators, some carrying rifles, hurled racist slurs and waved flags with red swastikas on a highway overpass leading into town. Residents say they are distraught after being surrounded by hate and suspicious of police officers whom county officials criticized for not cracking down on the neo-Nazi march.
Oregon – Portland Voters Approved a Strict Campaign Finance Law. A City Watchdog Wants to Soften It
MSN – Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 2/28/2025
City Auditor Simone Rede is pushing to upend significant portions of Portland’s pioneering campaign finance law, alarming advocates who have worked to curb the influence of money in politics. Rede wants the mayor and city council to take actions that would allow potential changes to contribution limits and disclosure requirements, either by allowing state law to preempt the city’s stricter rules or by proposing a local ballot measure this fall.
Oregon – ‘Get the Junk Out of Our Rates’ Bill Could Limit How Oregon Utilities Pay for Lobbying, Ads
OPB – Monica Samayoa | Published: 3/4/2025
Legislation in Oregon aims to ensure customers are not paying for utilities’ lobbying and advertising expenses. Natural gas rates and electric rates are set through a process that allows utilities to charge rates that cover the cost of doing business, and then to turn a profit. Senate Bill 88 would create more clarity around utility spending, and when it must come out of those allowed profits. If they spend on advertising, political influence, litigation, or pay for trade associations or membership fees and fines, that spending would not be allowed to push up rates.
Pennsylvania – Former Dauphin County Employees Are Getting Contracts, Raising Ethical Questions
MSN – Juliette Rihl (PennLive) | Published: 3/5/2025
When government employees in Pennsylvania leave their jobs, state law prohibits them from getting a contract with their former agency for the first year. But in Dauphin County, some former employees are getting contracts anyway. Over the past year, the county hired at least four former employees as consultants almost immediately after they left their full-time government roles, some at a higher pay rate than they had as full-time employees. Several ethics experts said the practice is unethical and, in some cases, may have been illegal.
South Carolina – North Charleston Council Members, Others Charged in Money Laundering, Bribery Schemes
Yahoo News – John Monk (The State) | Published: 2/26/2025
Three North Charleston City Council members and five other people were accused of being involved in a variety of bribery, kickback, extortion, and money laundering schemes. The charges follow a yearlong investigation by the FBI code-named “Southern Shake.” Some of the charges have to do with the rezoning of a hospital site and others with a million-dollar-plus violence prevention grant program run by the city government.
Tennessee – Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. Federally Charged with Bribery and Tax Evasion
Memphis Commercial Appeal – Lucas Finton | Published: 2/28/2025
An indictment charges Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. with one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, and six counts of attempting to evade or defeat tax payments. Three nonprofits were named in the criminal complaint along with businesses owned and operated by Ford. The charges are connected to a nearly four-year-long investigation into Ford’s grant-funding habits.
March 3, 2025 •
April 14 By-Election Set for Canada’s Halifax Electoral District for House of Commons

On April 14, a Canadian federal by-election will be held in the electoral district of Halifax (Nova Scotia) to fill a vacancy in the House of Commons. On March 2, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau officially announced the district’s by-election date. […]
On April 14, a Canadian federal by-election will be held in the electoral district of Halifax (Nova Scotia) to fill a vacancy in the House of Commons. On March 2, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau officially announced the district’s by-election date. Member of Parliament Andy Fillmore, who had occupied the seat, resigned on August 31 of last year to run for Halifax mayor.
Because the vacancy occurred more than nine months before Canada’s fixed general election date of October 20, 2025, the by-election will take place before then. If a general election is called before election day for the by-election in Halifax, the by-election will be canceled.
March 3, 2025 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Democrats Challenge Trump Effort to Control Federal Election Commission” by Ryan Knappenberger for Courthouse News Service Elections New York: “Andrew Cuomo Enters Crowded NYC Mayor Race, Says He Will Fix a City in Crisis” by Ginger Adams Otis and Victoria Albert […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Democrats Challenge Trump Effort to Control Federal Election Commission” by Ryan Knappenberger for Courthouse News Service
Elections
New York: “Andrew Cuomo Enters Crowded NYC Mayor Race, Says He Will Fix a City in Crisis” by Ginger Adams Otis and Victoria Albert (Wall Street Journal) for MSN
Ethics
California: “Huntington Park City Hall and Mayor’s Home Raided in Corruption Investigation” by Ruben Vives (Los Angeles Times) for MSN
National: “Speaker Mike Johnson Is Living in a D.C. House That Is the Center of a Pastor’s Secretive Influence Campaign” by Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) for MSN
Mississippi: “Mississippi Judge Vacates Her Order That a Newspaper Remove Its Editorial Criticizing Local Leaders” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) for MSN
Ohio: “Neo-Nazis Targeted a Majority-Black Town. Locals Launched an Armed Watch.” by Daniel Wu (Washington Post) for MSN
Tennessee: “Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. Federally Charged with Bribery and Tax Evasion” by Lucas Finton for Memphis Commercial Appeal
Lobbying
Montana: “Judge Denies State Representative’s Request to Block Tobacco Lobbyists at MT Legislature” by Seaborn Larson for Longview News-Journal
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.