March 21, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Chinese Billionaire Pleads Guilty to Straw Donor Scheme in New York and Rhode Island” by Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) for MSN New Mexico: “How NM Will Enforce the New Deepfake Disclosure Law” by Austin Fisher for Source New Mexico Pennsylvania: “Pa. Lawmakers […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Chinese Billionaire Pleads Guilty to Straw Donor Scheme in New York and Rhode Island” by Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) for MSN
New Mexico: “How NM Will Enforce the New Deepfake Disclosure Law” by Austin Fisher for Source New Mexico
Pennsylvania: “Pa. Lawmakers Weigh Measures Exposing ‘Dark Money,’ Banning Ballot Drop Boxes” by Eric Scicchitano (The Daily Item) for Yahoo News
Elections
New Hampshire: “Group Sues After Novel Biden Deepfake Urged Voters to Skip N.H. Primary” by Tobi Raji (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Cannon Tells Lawyers to Weigh If Trump Conduct Can’t Be Reviewed by Courts” by Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Jan. 6 Defendant Got 2 Congressional Internships After She Allegedly Breached the Building” by Kyle Cheney (Politico) for Yahoo News
Michigan: “‘New Day in Lansing’ as Lawmakers Advance FOIA Bills, Introduce Transparency Measures” by Arpan Lobo and Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) for MSN
New York: “Judge Orders Delay in Trump Hush Money Trial Until at Least Mid-April” by Shayna Jacobs and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “Super PAC Backing Ted Cruz Received $215,000 From iHeartMedia – Fueling Ethics Concerns After Podcast Deal” by Molly Bohannon (Forbes) for MSN
Flag of Alaska
A voter-backed measure, known as Ballot Measure 2, was recently upheld when the Ninth Circuit affirmed a federal judge’s denial of a preliminary injunction blocking it. The measure requires immediate disclosure of contributions aggregating to more than $2,000 per year. […]
A voter-backed measure, known as Ballot Measure 2, was recently upheld when the Ninth Circuit affirmed a federal judge’s denial of a preliminary injunction blocking it.
The measure requires immediate disclosure of contributions aggregating to more than $2,000 per year.
The decision stems from a previous injunction that was filed back in 2022, by political donors against enforcement of the measure, claiming the initiative’s burdensome disclosure rules would lead to retaliation against them for their political activity.
Chief Judge Mary H. Murguia held the district correctly concluded the plaintiffs argument of first amendment issues was likely to fail and affirmed the lower courts decision.
March 20, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance New Mexico: “Senator Sues Secretary of State in Dispute Over Campaign Donation to Student” by Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Yahoo News Elections Michigan: “Michigan Lawyer Who Claimed Election Fraud Arrested after Dominion Hearing” by Rachel Weiner and Patrick Marley […]
Campaign Finance
New Mexico: “Senator Sues Secretary of State in Dispute Over Campaign Donation to Student” by Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Yahoo News
Elections
Michigan: “Michigan Lawyer Who Claimed Election Fraud Arrested after Dominion Hearing” by Rachel Weiner and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Trump-Backed Candidate Bernie Moreno Wins Ohio Senate Primary” by Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) for MSN
Wisconsin: “Trial Opens for Kimberly Zapata, Ex-Milwaukee Election Official Accused of Ordering Fake Military Ballots” by Alison Dirr (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Peter Navarro Begins 4-Month Jail Sentence for Contempt of Congress” by Zach Montague and David Adams (New York Times) for DNyuz
National: “US Supreme Court Justices, Judges Face New Rules for Disclosing Free Trips” by Nate Raymond (Reuters) for MSN
Kentucky: “Piagentini Keeps Council Seat Amid Ethics Controversy” by Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) for MSN
Maryland: “Mosby Legal-Defense Fund Donor List to Remain Secret Following Circuit Court Ruling” by Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) for MSN
Nebraska: “Lawmaker Inserts Colleague’s Name into Rape Scene During Book Ban Debate” by Kelsey Ables (Washington Post) for MSN
March 19, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Alaska: “Ninth Circuit Denies Injunction to Block Disclosure Rules for Alaska Elections” by Alanna Mayham for Courthouse News Service National: “Election Laws Not Ready for Deepfakes, Experts Warn: ‘It’s the Wild West right now’” by Jim Saska (Roll Call) for MSN Elections […]
Campaign Finance
Alaska: “Ninth Circuit Denies Injunction to Block Disclosure Rules for Alaska Elections” by Alanna Mayham for Courthouse News Service
National: “Election Laws Not Ready for Deepfakes, Experts Warn: ‘It’s the Wild West right now'” by Jim Saska (Roll Call) for MSN
Elections
New Jersey: “Primary Ballot in N.J. Is ‘Unconstitutional,’ State Attorney General Says” by Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) for MSN
New Mexico: “Supreme Court Rejects Appeal by Former New Mexico County Commissioner Banned for Jan. 6 Insurrection” by Morgan Lee, Nicholas Riccardi, and Mark Sherman (Associated Press) for Yahoo News
Ethics
National: “Kushner Developing Deals Overseas Even as His Father-in-Law Runs for President” by Eric Lipton, Jonathan Swain, and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for Seattle Times
National: “Supreme Court Likely to Reject Limits on White House Social Media Contacts” by Ann Marimow and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) for MSN
Florida: “Ethics Complaint Against Moms for Liberty Founder Is Tossed” by Josh Fiallo (Daily Beast) for MSN
New York: “Trump’s Lawyers Say It Is Impossible for Him to Post Bond Covering $454 Million Civil Fraud Judgment” by Michael Sisak for Associated Press News
March 18, 2024 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Hawaii: “House Panel Spikes Bill to Publicly Fund Hawaii Elections” by Chad Blair for Honolulu Civil Beat Oklahoma: “Late Campaign Reports Cost State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters” by Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) for Yahoo News Elections Georgia: “Fani Willis Can Stay on Trump Georgia […]
Campaign Finance
Hawaii: “House Panel Spikes Bill to Publicly Fund Hawaii Elections” by Chad Blair for Honolulu Civil Beat
Oklahoma: “Late Campaign Reports Cost State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters” by Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) for Yahoo News
Elections
Georgia: “Fani Willis Can Stay on Trump Georgia Case, but Only If Wade Steps Aside, Judge Says” by Holly Bailey and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
California: “Outgoing City Atty. Mara Elliott Says Ethics Commission Needs Greater Independence” by JW August for Times of San Diego
National: “Judge Cannon Rejects Trump’s Attack on the Espionage Act” by Perry Stein and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Supreme Court Rules Public Officials Can Sometimes Be Sued for Blocking Critics on Social Media” by Mark Sherman for Associated Press News
Lobbying
New York: “Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie Has Been Dating a Legislative Lobbyist” by Chris Bragg for New York Focus
Pennsylvania: “Lawmakers Want to Ban Public Agencies from Hiring Lobbyists” by Anthony Hennen for The Center Square
March 15, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 15, 2024
National/Federal Congressional Hearing on the Biden Classified Documents Probe Turns into a Proxy Campaign Battle Associated Press News – Zeke Miller, Colleen Long, and Farnoush Amiri | Published: 3/12/2024 Lawmakers turned a hearing on President Biden’s handling of classified documents into […]
National/Federal
Congressional Hearing on the Biden Classified Documents Probe Turns into a Proxy Campaign Battle
Associated Press News – Zeke Miller, Colleen Long, and Farnoush Amiri | Published: 3/12/2024
Lawmakers turned a hearing on President Biden’s handling of classified documents into a proxy battle between the Democratic president and Donald Trump, as a newly released transcript of Biden’s last fall showed he repeatedly insisted he never meant to retain classified information after he left the vice presidency. Special counsel Robert Hur stood by the assessments in his report that questioned Biden’s age and mental competence but recommended no criminal charges, finding insufficient evidence to make a case stand up in court.
U.S. Courts Require Random Judge Assignments to Avoid ‘Judge Shopping’
MSN – Tobi Raji and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 3/12/2024
Federal judiciary leaders announced a policy that requires assigning judges at random in civil cases that have statewide or national implications, an effort to address widespread concerns about “judge shopping” in single-judge divisions. The Judicial Conference of the United States said district courts may continue to assign cases to a single-judge division if those cases do not seek to bar or mandate state or federal actions through declaratory judgment or injunctive relief. When random assignments are required, the case will be assigned to a judge within the same judicial district.
Biden and Trump Secure Their Parties’ Presidential Nominations
MSN – Hannah Knowles and Toluse Olorunnipa (Washington Post) | Published: 3/12/2024
President Biden and Donald Trump both secured their parties’ nominations for the presidency, formalizing a general-election rematch that appeared virtually inevitable for months. General elections typically draw much broader turnout than primaries, complicating efforts to draw lessons from the recent results for November. But the vote in Georgia, a key swing state, offered some clues to Trump’s and Biden’s political strengths and weaknesses.
Trump Takes Control of the RNC with Mass Layoffs, Restructuring
MSN – Michael Scherer, Josh Dawsey, and Marianne LeVine (Washington Post) | Published: 3/12/2024
Donald Trump took charge of the Republican National Committee with the political equivalent of shock and awe, leaving dozens out of work, revamping strategic priorities, and raising fears among some former officials about the party’s future support for down-ballot candidates. The senior leadership has been almost entirely replaced or reassigned, while dozens of lower-ranking officials including state directors were either fired or told to reapply for their jobs.
Rep. Ken Buck Says He Will Not Serve Out Rest of Term, Narrowing GOP Majority
MSN – Amy Wang and Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) | Published: 3/11/2024
Rep. Ken Buck said he will not serve out the rest of his term and will vacate his seat in Congress at the end of next week, further narrowing an already razor-thin House Republican majority. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he plans to call a June 25 special election to fill Buck’s seat. Buck has clashed with the majority of the Republican conference in recent months. When asked about the work environment in Congress, Buck called it “dysfunctional” and declared it had been the worst year of his nearly 10 years in office.
Nationwide Review Finds Patchwork, ‘Broken’ Systems for Resolving Open Records Disputes
MSN – Josh Kelety (Associated Press), Eric Scicchitano, and Carson Gerber (CNHI News) | Published: 3/10/2024
A nationwide review found fewer than a third of states have offices that can resolve residents’ complaints by forcing agencies to turn over documents or comply with open meetings requirements. In most states, residents have just one meaningful option when they believe an agency is illegally withholding public information: to wage a legal battle. This system has a chilling effect, discouraging private citizens from finding out about everything from police investigations to how elected officials make decisions and spend taxpayer money.
Former U.S. Official’s Work for Chinese Client Stirs Concern Over Disclosure Loopholes
MSN – Michael Martina (Reuters) | Published: 3/11/2024
Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, now a partner at the Paul Weiss law firm, wrote a letter to a Defense Department official on behalf of SZ DJI Technology, asking that her client be removed from a list of Chinese military companies. Advocating for foreign clients is legal and there is a public disclosure exemption for lawyers. But the letter is an example of what transparency advocates say are gaps in the law that allow lawyers and lobbyists, including former officials, to avoid disclosing their advocacy for companies possibly subject to sanctions.
America’s Election Chiefs Are Worried AI Is Coming for Them
Yahoo News – Zach Montellaro (Politico) | Published: 3/11/2024
A false call from a secretary of state telling poll workers they are not needed on Election Day. A fake video of a state election director shredding ballots before they are counted. An email sent to a county election official trying to phish logins to its voter database. Election officials worry the rise of generative artificial intelligence makes these kinds of attacks on the democratic process even easier ahead of the November election. Election workers are uniquely vulnerable targets.
From the States and Municipalities
Alabama – As Another Alabama Lawmaker Pleads Guilty, Party Leaders Trade Barbs About Corruption
MSN – Hannah Denham (AL.com) | Published: 3/13/2024
Alabama Rep. John Rogers pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Federal prosecutors recommended that the judge reduce his charges and sentence him to 14 months of house arrest, followed by supervised release, per the plea agreement. Rogers is the second elected official to plead guilty in the kickback scheme. State Rep. Fred Plump resigned after pleading guilty to corruption charges.
California – Ex-LA Deputy Mayor on Trial Again Over City Hall Racketeering Charges
Courthouse News Service – Edward Pettersson | Published: 3/12/2024
Former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan went on trial for the second time to fight charges he was part of the widespread racketeering scheme run by convicted former city Councilperson José Huizar. Chan is the last remaining defendant in the “pay-to-play” ploy whereby real-estate developers were forced to pay bribes in exchange for Huizar guiding their projects through the city’s approval process. Federal prosecutors with the claim Chan acted as a middleman between Huizar and Chinese developers and went on to pocket bribes himself.
California – S.F. Corruption Scandal: Mohammed Nuru’s partner in bribery scheme sentenced to prison
MSN – St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 3/8/2024
Executives at Recology, one of San Francisco’s largest contractors, needed a favor in 2018 from then-Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru, so they paid him a bribe to help fund his extravagant annual department holiday party. The man who handled the transaction was restaurateur Nick Bovis, who was sentenced to nine months in prison on fraud charges in a federal probe into city corruption.
San Jose Mercury News – Jakob Rodgers (Bay Area News Group) | Published: 3/7/2024
The campaign to recall Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price paid thousands of dollars to a security company created by one of the group’s key leaders, even though it lacks proper state licenses to operate as a security firm. State business filings show Efficient Private Protection and Security LLC is owned by Brenda Grisham, who also serves as one of two principal officers for the recall campaign, Save Alameda For Everybody.
California – Confidentiality Pact Deepens Mystery of How Bakery Clause Got into California Minimum Wage Law
Yahoo News – Adam Beam (Associated Press) | Published: 3/11/2024
As California prepares to enforce a new $20-per-hour minimum wage for fast food workers, an unusual exemption for eateries that bake their own bread has come under scrutiny due to allegations it was initially intended to benefit a wealthy donor to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s campaign. But details have been hard to come by because of a tactic rarely associated with public policymaking: a signed confidentiality agreement that prevents some private groups from talking about their negotiations.
Florida – Moms for Liberty Executive’s Job Gets in the Way of Confirmation to Florida Ethics Post
MSN – Ana Ceballos (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/7/2024
Republican leaders in the Florida Senate did not confirm Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich to serve on the state ethics commission, a rare repudiation to Gov. Ron DeSantis that underscores concerns about what the appointment would mean for the oversight of elected officials. The decision to not consider her confirmation was made after an unnamed senator raised concerns that Descovich’s employment with the conservative group “could constitute lobbying the Legislature,” Senate spokesperson Katie Betta said.
Florida – Newly Dismissed Ethics Complaint on Mayor’s F1 Weekend Details Repayment to Billionaire
MSN – Sarah Blaskey and Alexandra Glorioso (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/14/2024
The Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed a complaint against Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, finding “no probable cause” to believe he accepted pricey tickets to high-profile events in exchange for governmental influence. The complaint alleged Suarez improperly received tickets to last year’s Formula 1 race in Miami from billionaire Ken Griffin. But the commission concluded the mayor repaid the cost of the VIP passes to the race for him and his wife. The probe did not address other key questions raised in the complaint, namely who provided his other VIP passes throughout the weekend.
Florida – Riviera Beach City Council Member Says She Was Told a Colleague Offered to Barter His Vote
MSN – Wayne Washington (Palm Beach Post) | Published: 3/14/2024
Riviera Beach City Councilperson Julia Botel said representatives of marina owner Safe Harbor told her one of her colleagues, Douglas Lawson, tried to barter his vote on a development project. Botel filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics. Lawson was among three council members who voted down Safe Harbor’s request for zoning changes to facilitate expanded operations at the city waterfront. News of the ethics complaint is the latest drama connected to the council, rife with acrimony and subterranean grievances.
Florida – Miami Beach Commissioners Increase Their Compensation by $20,000, Side-Stepping Voters
MSN – Aaron Leibowitz (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/14/2024
The Miami Beach City Commission voted to increase its members’ overall compensation packages by nearly $20,000 annually by boosting monthly car and phone allowances and adjusting monthly stipends in a way that accounts for inflation and taxes. The move allows the city’s elected officials to raise their compensation without changing their relatively meager base salaries of $10,000 for the mayor and $6,000 for commissioners annually, which have gone unchanged for nearly 60 years and require a citywide voter referendum to address.
Florida – New Limits on Florida Ethics Complaints May Shield Corruption, Critics Warn
Tallahassee Democrat – John Kennedy (USA Today) | Published: 3/8/2024
A bill to revamp state ethics laws, allowing that complaints be filed against officials only by those with personal knowledge of the wrongdoing, was passed by the Legislature and sent to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Senate Bill 7014 had been roundly criticized by ethics officials, who say the change, coupled with another limiting the power of city and county ethics panels, will likely tilt the table in favor of corruption.
Georgia – Ga. Judge Dismisses Six Charges in Trump Election Interference Case
MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 3/13/2024
A Georgia judge dismissed three of the 13 charges against Donald Trump and some of the charges against his allies in the election inference case but declined to dismiss the entire indictment. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee dismissed six of the 41 counts in the indictment against Trump and his allies, who are accused of conspiring to try to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. All the dismissed charges are related to pressure that Trump or five of his co-defendants allegedly put on state officials to change the results.
Hawaii – Kaneshiro-Mitsunaga Bribery Case Puts ‘Pay to Play’ on Trial
Honolulu Civil Beat – Christina Jedra | Published: 3/12/2024
The prosecution of Laurel Mau in Honolulu was unusual from the start. There was no police investigation of her alleged theft from her former employer, the engineering firm Mitsunaga & Associates. At least two prosecutors determined no crime had occurred. Nevertheless, criminal charges were filed against Mau. What motivated prosecuting attorney Keith Kaneshiro to pursue the case, according to federal prosecutors, was money. Over several years, Dennis Mitsunaga and those connected to him sent Kaneshiro nearly $50,000 in campaign contributions.
Illinois – After Most Illinois Supreme Court Justices Recuse Themselves, Ed Burke Keeps His Law License
WBEZ – Jon Seidel (Chicago Sun-Times) and Dave McKinney | Published: 3/11/2024
An Illinois Supreme Court paralyzed by apparent conflicts-of-interest is letting former Chicago Ald. Edward Burke keep his law license despite his guilty verdict in an illegal shakedown scheme designed to enrich his law firm. A push for an interim suspension of Burke’s license was sidelined by the court because at least four of its seven justices recused themselves from the matter. It is not clear whether a mechanism exists that would allow the state to touch Burke’s law license.
Indiana – Hoosier Political Candidates Can Use Donations for Child Care, Election Officials Say
Indiana Capital Chronicle – Leslie Bonilla Muñiz | Published: 3/11/2024
Candidates in Indiana can use political contributions to pay for childcare expenses incurred while campaigning or in office. A recent advisory opinion from the state Elections Commission came in response to a request from two lawmakers. Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn said she made the request because finding after-school, evening, and weekend care for her then-nine-year-old son while campaigning in 2020 was challenging.
Iowa – Iowa Transgender Musician and Activist Acquitted on Protest Charges
MSN – Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) | Published: 3/13/2024
Tara McGovern, a transgender musician who was arrested last fall after protesting a speaker on the University of Iowa campus, was acquitted of charges they contended went to the heart of the constitutional right to assemble. McGovern had been charged with two misdemeanors in connection with the event. So were six other protesters from a crowd of about 200 people. All of those arrested were transgender. All but two pleaded guilty. McGovern went to trial on principle.
Kansas – Biden Effigy Beaten, Kicked at Kansas County GOP Event, Drawing Outrage
MSN – Annie Gowan (Washington Post) | Published: 3/11/2024
A Republican fundraiser in Overland Park, Kansas, at which attendees beat and kicked an effigy of President Biden sparked bipartisan outrage and calls for the GOP leaders responsible for the event to resign. The “Grand Ol’ Party” fundraising event featured a booth where attendees kicked and swung a foam bat at a mannequin topped with a rubber Biden mask. The state GOP issued a statement that said, “it’s unfortunate the events took place.” But it blamed the incident on an outside exhibitor and a former state party member.
Kentucky – Opponents Say Kentucky ‘Ag Gag’ Bill Could Stifle Free Speech, Limit Whistleblowing
MSN – Rebecca Grapevine (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 3/12/2024
A bill advancing through the Kentucky Legislature pits the state’s meat processing industry against a diverse group of opponents that ranges from photojournalists to animal rights groups. Senate Bill 16 amends Kentucky’s criminal trespass law, which sought to protect “key infrastructure assets” like energy and drinking water facilities from trespass and from surveillance by unauthorized drones. The bill expands on that effort but goes much further, opening the door for stifling free speech, and removing a crucial way for news organizations and advocates to monitor corporate activities, opponents say.
Michigan – Michigan Democrats Eye New Ethics Disclosures, Crackdown on Gifts
Bridge Michigan – Lauren Gibbons | Published: 3/13/2024
Michigan lawmakers are once again making vows to revisit the state’s lax ethics laws, rolling out a wish list of proposals that would give the public more clarity on who is influencing the political process. Many of the provisions, including additional disclosures from nonprofits affiliated with lawmakers and candidates, a temporary ban on former lawmakers becoming lobbyists, and stricter rules about gifts and event tickets given to public officials, have seen bipartisan support from government transparency advocates in years past. But none so far have gained serious traction in the Legislature.
Missouri – Dean Plocher Draws New Scrutiny Over Series of Capitol Meetings with Out-of-State Vendor
Missouri Independent – Jason Hancock | Published: 3/11/2024
Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher arranged a series of meetings in the state Capitol between Republican legislators and an out-of-state technology vendor, inviting renewed criticism as he remains the focus of an ongoing ethics investigation. The unusual arrangement is drawing comparisons to Plocher unsuccessfully pushing last year for the House to spend $800,000 outside the normal bidding process to hire a private company to manage constituent data.
MSN – Andrew Seidman and Jeremy Roebuck (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 3/7/2024
Months into an investigation into New Jersey Democratic power broker, George Norcross, authorities have expanded their focus beyond his involvement in real estate deals in Camden. In recent weeks, investigators with the state attorney general’s office and FBI have begun scrutinizing whether the insurance executive played a role in a state agency’s decision to temporarily stop payments to a contractor after one of the company’s executives reportedly defied Norcross with an endorsement in a local election last year.
New York – As State Plans to Match Campaign Contributions, Elections Heat Up
Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 3/10/2024
New York is planning to spend millions of dollars for matching contributions in an election cycle that are under $250 and from donors who live in a candidate’s district. The intent of the program is to democratize the electoral process and even the playing field in a system that has long favored incumbents with massive campaign accounts. The change in how campaigns are financed appears to have become a boon for insurgent candidates. It has led to primary challengers against incumbents, often involving candidates with minor political parties.
New York – Mayor Adams Campaign Supporters Fined in Straw Donor Scheme
MSN – Molly Crane-Newman (New York Daily News) | Published: 3/12/2024
Two owners of a construction firm were sentenced for their roles in a straw donor scheme to boost New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign account with cash from the city’s public matching funds program. Brothers Shahid Mushtaq and Yahya Mushtaq each paid $500 in fines and completed 35 hours of community service before appearing in court. They pleaded to conspiracy and are cooperating in an investigation by the Manhattan district attorney.
New York – Appeals Court Brings Back Brian Benjamin Bribery Charges
The City – Greg Smith | Published: 3/8/2024
A federal appeals court reinstated bribery charges against former New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, reversing a lower court ruling that found his solicitation of campaign donations after steering state money to a donor was not an explicit case of “pay-to-play.” The three-judge panel found Benjamin’s alleged efforts to seek thousands of dollars in contributions in exchange for allocating state funds to a youth program run by one of his biggest donors cleared the bar for indictable corruption.
North Carolina – North Carolina Judges Block Elections Board Changes Pushed by Republicans That Weaken Governor
Yahoo News – Gary Robertson (Associated Press) | Published: 3/12/2024
North Carolina’s Republican-controlled Legislature unlawfully tried to seize from the governor the power to choose elections board members in the battleground state, trial judges ruled while saying portions of a new election law must be permanently blocked. The three-judge panel sided unanimously with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper in his lawsuit filed days after the General Assembly overrode Cooper’s veto of the measure. The changes would have shifted board appointment powers away from the governor and to the Legislature.
Ohio – Democrats Meddle in Ohio G.O.P. Senate Primary, Pushing Trump’s Choice
DNyuz – Michael Bender (New York Times) | Published: 3/13/2024
A Democratic group is wading into the Republican Senate primary in Ohio with a new television spot aimed at promoting the conservative credentials of Bernie Moreno, businessperson who has been endorsed by Donald Trump. The group Duty and Country is spending roughly $879,000 on the ad. It is funded largely through the Senate Majority PAC, the principal super PAC supporting Democratic efforts to maintain control of the chamber.
Ohio – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Stands Behind Aide While She Stays Mum About Bribery Scandal
Ohio Capital Journal – Marty Schladen | Published: 3/11/2024
Gov. Mike DeWine continues to praise and support an aide who he said knew about a $4.3 million payoff by FirstEnergy to DeWine’s pick to lead the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the entity that decides how much FirstEnergy can charge customers. Laurel Dawson knew about the payment but did not tell DeWine until the FBI searched the regulator’s home nearly two years later, the governor’s office says. In defending the conduct of Dawson and DeWine, the governor’s press secretary said law enforcement had not yet called the payment a bribe.
Oklahoma – New Ethics Commission Executive Director to ‘Renew Our Focus on Education’
NonDoc – Michael McNutt | Published: 3/11/2024
Lee Anne Bruce Boone began her new duties as executive director of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission on January 4. Now tasked with running the agency that tracks activities of lobbyists, candidates, and committees, Bruce Boone has a long history of working in the public sector. In an interview, she discusses her background, her goals for the commission, and the long-standing need for additional funding.
Oregon – Legislature Passes Historic Campaign Finance Bill
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/8/2024
Oregon lawmakers passed a campaign finance reform bill that limits contributions from individuals, corporations, unions, and other groups. Oregon is currently one of only five states that does not limit how much money candidates can accept. The bill’s language came together after weeks of negotiations to get labor unions, business lobbyists, and good government groups on board. As part of the final pact between the groups, no campaign finance measures will be put on the November 2024 ballot.
Pennsylvania – Pa. Game Commission Won’t Renew Controversial Contract with Lobbying Firm Run by Former Top Lawmaker
Spotlight PA – Angela Couloumbis | Published: 3/7/2024
Facing scrutiny from state lawmakers, the Pennsylvania Game Commission said it will not renew a controversial contract with a politically connected lobbying firm. The agency signed a contract last year with Allegheny Strategy Partners, a lobbying firm run by former state Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati. Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans decided to end the contract after fielding concerns from lawmakers about the propriety of a state agency using public dollars on private lobbyists.
South Dakota – South Dakota Legislator Calls for Inquiry into Gov. Noem’s Texas Dental Trip and Promo Video
MSN – Jack Dura and Josh Funk (Associated Press) | Published: 3/13/2024
State Sen. Reynold Nesiba called for an inquiry into South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s trip to Texas for dental work and a promotional video in which she praises the doctors for giving her “a smile I can be proud of and confident in.” He said he initially found the nearly five-minute video to be simply odd. Now, Nesiba wonders whether Noem used a state airplane or public funds for the Texas trip and whether the governor paid for the dental procedure or if it was discounted because of her video.
Tennessee – Republican, Democrat File Bill to Move Sexual Harassment Inquiries Outside the Legislature
Yahoo News – Vivian Jones (Tennessean) | Published: 3/12/2024
In a rare bipartisan effort, state Reps. Aftyn Behn and Todd Warner together filed legislation aimed at moving investigation and resolution of harassment complaints outside the Legislature to the Tennessee attorney general’s office. The bill follows a long line of sexual harassment complaints, including one that led to the resignation of a high-ranking lawmaker last year. Through stringent confidentiality standards aimed at protecting victims, the Legislature’s harassment policy also in some ways shields lawmakers from consequences.
MSN – Robert Downen (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/8/2024
The Texas Supreme Court declined to hear two lawsuits in which a conservative activist and his political advocacy group challenged the state ethics commission’s regulatory powers. The suits were filed by Michael Quinn Sullivan and Empower Texans, a powerful group that was led by Sullivan and pushed state lawmakers to adopt right-wing policies until it was disbanded in 2020. They asked the high court to review rulings in which two appeals courts refused to toss fines imposed on Sullivan by the commission for failing to register as a lobbyist.
March 14, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance New York: “As State Plans to Match Campaign Contributions, Elections Heat Up” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union Elections National: “Biden and Trump Secure Their Parties’ Presidential Nominations” by Hannah Knowles and Toluse Olorunnipa (Washington Post) for MSN Georgia: “Ga. Judge Dismisses […]
Campaign Finance
New York: “As State Plans to Match Campaign Contributions, Elections Heat Up” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union
Elections
National: “Biden and Trump Secure Their Parties’ Presidential Nominations” by Hannah Knowles and Toluse Olorunnipa (Washington Post) for MSN
Georgia: “Ga. Judge Dismisses Six Charges in Trump Election Interference Case” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) for MSN
North Carolina: “North Carolina Judges Block Elections Board Changes Pushed by Republicans That Weaken Governor” by Gary Robertson (Associated Press) for Yahoo News
Ethics
California: “Ex-LA Deputy Mayor on Trial Again Over City Hall Racketeering Charges” by Edward Pettersson for Courthouse News Service
National: “U.S. Courts Require Random Judge Assignments to Avoid ‘Judge Shopping'” by Tobi Raji and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) for MSN
Florida: “Another State Ethics Probe Investigation of Francis Suarez Dropped After ‘No Probable Cause’ Found” by Jesse Scheckner for Florida Politics
Kentucky: “Opponents Say Kentucky ‘Ag Gag’ Bill Could Stifle Free Speech, Limit Whistleblowing” by Rebecca Grapevine (Louisville Courier Journal) for MSN
March 12, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “Recall Campaign Against Alameda County DA Pamela Price Paid Thousands to Security Firm Tied to Its Own Leader, Records Show” by Jakob Rodgers (Bay Area News Group) for San Jose Mercury News Indiana: “Hoosier Political Candidates Can Use Donations for […]
Campaign Finance
California: “Recall Campaign Against Alameda County DA Pamela Price Paid Thousands to Security Firm Tied to Its Own Leader, Records Show” by Jakob Rodgers (Bay Area News Group) for San Jose Mercury News
Indiana: “Hoosier Political Candidates Can Use Donations for Child Care, Election Officials Say” by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz for Indiana Capital Chronicle
Elections
National: “America’s Election Chiefs Are Worried AI Is Coming for Them” by Zach Montellaro (Politico) for Yahoo News
Ethics
Illinois: “After Most Illinois Supreme Court Justices Recuse Themselves, Ed Burke Keeps His Law License” by Jon Seidel (Chicago Sun-Times) and Dave McKinney for WBEZ
National: “Nationwide Review Finds Patchwork, ‘Broken’ Systems for Resolving Open Records Disputes” by Josh Kelety (Associated Press), Eric Scicchitano, and Carson Gerber (CNHI News) for MSN
New Jersey: “George Norcross Probe: Prosecutors have broadened their investigation of the N.J. power broker beyond Camden real estate deals” by Andrew Seidman and Jeremy Roebuck (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN
Ohio: “Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Stands Behind Aide While She Stays Mum About Bribery Scandal” by Marty Schladen for Ohio Capital Journal
Oklahoma: “New Ethics Commission Executive Director to ‘Renew Our Focus on Education'” by Michael McNutt for NonDoc
March 11, 2024 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Oregon: “Legislature Passes Historic Campaign Finance Bill” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN Elections National: “RNC Installs Trump’s Chosen Leaders in Merger with His Campaign” by Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics California: “S.F. Corruption Scandal: Mohammed Nuru’s partner in bribery […]
Campaign Finance
Oregon: “Legislature Passes Historic Campaign Finance Bill” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN
Elections
National: “RNC Installs Trump’s Chosen Leaders in Merger with His Campaign” by Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
California: “S.F. Corruption Scandal: Mohammed Nuru’s partner in bribery scheme sentenced to prison” by St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) for MSN
Florida: “Moms for Liberty Executive’s Job Gets in the Way of Confirmation to Florida Ethics Post” by Ana Ceballos (Miami Herald) for MSN
Florida: “New Limits on Florida Ethics Complaints May Shield Corruption, Critics Warn” by John Kennedy (USA Today) for Tallahassee Democrat
New York: “Appeals Court Brings Back Brian Benjamin Bribery Charges” by Greg Smith for The City
Lobbying
Pennsylvania: “Pa. Game Commission Won’t Renew Controversial Contract with Lobbying Firm Run by Former Top Lawmaker” by Angela Couloumbis for Spotlight PA
Texas: “Texas Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Ethics Lawsuits Brought by Conservative Activist Michael Quinn Sullivan” by Robert Downen (Texas Tribune) for MSN
March 8, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 8, 2024
National/Federal Nikki Haley Suspends Her Campaign and Leaves Donald Trump as the Last Major Republican Candidate Associated Press News – Steve Peoples and Meg Kinnard | Published: 3/6/2024 Nikki Haley suspended her presidential campaign after being soundly defeated across the country on […]
National/Federal
Nikki Haley Suspends Her Campaign and Leaves Donald Trump as the Last Major Republican Candidate
Associated Press News – Steve Peoples and Meg Kinnard | Published: 3/6/2024
Nikki Haley suspended her presidential campaign after being soundly defeated across the country on Super Tuesday, leaving Donald Trump as the last remaining major candidate for the 2024 Republican nomination. Haley challenged Trump to win the support of the moderate Republicans and independent voters who supported her. Haley has made clear she does not want to serve as Trump’s vice president or run on a third-party ticket arranged by the group No Labels.
New Jersey Businessman Pleads Guilty and Agrees to Cooperate in Sen. Bob Menendez’s Corruption Case
MSN – Larry Neumeister (Associated Press) | Published: 3/1/2024
A New Jersey businessperson pleaded guilty to trying to bribe U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, agreeing to a deal with prosecutors that calls for him to testify in the corruption case against the senator and his wife. Jose Uribe was among three businesspeople charged in the corruption case against Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez. Authorities say the couple accepted bribes of cash, gold bars, and a luxury car in exchange for the senator’s influence over foreign affairs.
Appeals Court Ruling Means Over 100 Jan. 6 Rioters May Be Resentenced
MSN – Rachel Weiner and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 3/1/2024
A federal appeals court overturned a sentencing enhancement used against January 6 defendants charged with felony obstruction, a decision that means that over 100 convicted rioters may have to be resentenced. The ruling could have an impact in plea negotiations, eliminating one bargaining chip used by prosecutors when encouraging defendants to plead guilty without a trial.
FEC Allows Candidates to More Easily Pay Themselves from Campaign Funds
MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 3/1/2024
A new rule allowing federal candidates to more easily draw salaries from their campaign funds went into effect on March 1. The new rule aims to remedy a commonly cited barrier to working Americans considering running for office, which is often an all-consuming and expensive endeavor. Incumbent federal officeholders cannot receive compensation from campaign funds under the updated rule.
Supreme Court Keeps Trump on Ballot, Rejects Colorado Voter Challenge
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 3/4/2024
The Supreme Court restored Donald Trump to the Colorado primary ballot, ruling the state lacked authority to disqualify him after his actions during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The justices warned of chaos if a candidate for nationwide office could be declared ineligible in some states, but not others, based on the same conduct. While the decision was unanimous, the court’s three liberal justices also wrote separately, saying the conservative majority went too far and decided an issue that was not before the court to “insulate all alleged insurrectionists from future challenges to their holding office.”
Trump Pulls Closer to GOP Nomination with Super Tuesday Wins
MSN – Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 3/5/2024
Donald Trump won resounding primary victories in more than a dozen states, pulling closer to securing the Republican presidential nomination and catapulting more fully into a rematch with President Biden. More than a third of the delegates who eventually will vote on the GOP’s candidate were up for grabs on Super Tuesday, putting Trump on track to win a majority of delegates by March 19 at the latest, according to his team’s projections. Biden was quickly projected to notch decisive victories in almost every contest.
Sen. Menendez Faces New Charges in Bribery Case
MSN – Praveena Somasundaram and Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) | Published: 3/5/2024
Federal prosecutors charged U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife with extortion and obstruction of justice. Menendez; his wife, Nadine Menendez; and two associates, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were charged in an 18-count indictment that built upon the bribery charges they face in a case accusing them of conspiring to have the senator act as an illegal foreign agent on behalf of the Egyptian government.
The Fed Hates Politics. Now It’s Trying to Cut Rates in an Election Year.
MSN – Rachel Siegel (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2024
The Federal Reserve is eyeing multiple interest rate hikes starting sometime this year. As the months pass, the chances grow that those cuts end up juicing the economy in the run-up to Election Day, just as Republicans and Democrats fight to leverage the economy in their appeals to voters. Decisions about interest rates, Fed officials say, are based solely on how the economy evolves, and whether inflation keeps trending down.
Supreme Court Sets Trump Immunity Claim in D.C. Trial for April 25
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court scheduled argument for April 25 to review Donald Trump’s claim that he is immune from criminal prosecution on charges of trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The case will determine whether and how quickly Trump faces trial in the District of Columbia for allegedly trying to block Joe Biden’s election victory. The court’s decision to consider Trump’s claims, rather than letting stand a lower court decision that he can be prosecuted, drew criticism for further delaying the election obstruction trial.
Foreign Agent Law Faces Sweeping Changes
Yahoo News – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 3/5/2024
The Department of Justice is expected to propose sweeping updates to the Foreign Agents Registration Act. It has been decades since there have been major legislative or regulatory updates to the law, which imposed registration and reporting requirements for individuals and entities seeking to sway U.S. policy or the public on matters of foreign interests. The law has not kept up with societal changes in recent years, including the rise of social media, even as the Justice Department has been more aggressive in its enforcement, practitioners say.
From the States and Municipalities
Arizona – Judge Dismisses Challenge to New Arizona Campaign Finance Law Exposing Dark Money Donors
MSN – Sasha Hupka (Arizona Republic) | Published: 3/1/2024
A Maricopa County judge rejected a lawsuit challenging a new law requiring so-called dark money groups to expose their political donors. Judge Scott McCoy ruled the Center for Arizona Policy and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club are not immune from Proposition 211, which was passed in 2022. The measure garnered wide support with its argument that the public has a right to know who is funding anonymous political messages from vaguely named committees.
Arizona – Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona Says She Won’t Seek Reelection, Avoiding 3-Way Race
MSN – Jonathan Cooper (Associated Press) | Published: 3/5/2024
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona announced she will not run for a second term after her estrangement from the Democratic Party left her politically homeless and without a clear path to reelection. Sinema’s decision avoids a three-way contest in one of the most closely watched 2024 Senate races, a hard-to-forecast scenario that spawned debate among political operatives about whether one major party would benefit in the quest for the Senate majority. Most analysts agreed Sinema had faced significant, likely insurmountable hurdles if she had decided to run.
Arizona – Arizona’s Trump Electors Subpoenaed in Grand Jury Investigation
MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2024
A grand jury issued subpoenas to Republicans who took part in the attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election by signing and transmitting paperwork that falsely purported to show Donald Trump had won Arizona’s 11 electoral votes. The subpoenas request each of the Republicans testify before the grand jury about their involvement in the elector plan. They are part of an investigation by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, who has indicated her office would soon conclude the criminal probe.
California – Billionaire Flynn Says He Met Newsom Staff in Lobbying Effort Against Wage Bill
MSN – Eliyahu Kamisher, Daniela Sirtori-Cortina, and Josh Eidelson (Bloomberg) | Published: 3/1/2024
Billionaire Greg Flynn, who owns two dozen Panera Bread franchises in California, said he suggested excluding fast-casual restaurants from a bill raising minimum wages for fast-food workers in the state, but was surprised when chains that make and sell bread were specifically exempted from the final legislation. Flynn, a long-time Newsom campaign donor and one of the world’s largest restaurant-franchise operators, said he never met with the governor over the bill, though he “did meet with his staff in a group meeting with other restaurant owners.”
California – Ethics Overhaul Looks to Be Heading to Easy Victory
San Francisco Examiner – Troy Wolverton | Published: 3/5/2024
Voters approved Proposition D, a measure to overhaul San Francisco’s ethics laws, which was prompted by the corruption scandal involving former Department of Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru. It broadens the definition of people who are prohibited from giving gifts to city officials. The measure also greatly increases the number of city officials who would be required to undergo annual ethics training, among other provisions.
California – San Francisco Commissioner Resigns After City Says She OK’d Nonprofit’s Fake Invoices
San Francisco Standard – Jonah Owen Lamb | Published: 2/29/2024
The chairperson of the commission that oversaw a new community center in San Francisco resigned after facing allegations she approved false invoices for a nonprofit that bilked the city for at least $100,000. Susan Murphy resigned after the city attorney’s office announced the findings of an investigation that alleged Murphy approved the invoices for a nonprofit called J&J Community Resource Center, which provides services for low-income families and youth. Murphy used to be the nonprofit’s secretary, according to tax filings.
Connecticut – CT Election Regulators Want More Oversight of Local Town and City Political Campaign Finances
CT Insider – Ken Dixon | Published: 3/5/2024
Local political candidates including mayors, selectmen, and school boards would be required to file their campaign finance statements electronically with the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) under legislation supported by Connecticut’s top election regulator. Michael Brandi, executive director and general counsel of the SEEC, said the current system, in which candidates for local office file their reports in local city and town halls, is hard to monitor by the SEEC, the public, and the news media.
Florida Bulldog – Dan Christensen | Published: 3/5/2024
Tina Descovich, co-founder of the controversial political group Moms for Liberty, awaits a confirmation vote before the state Senate for a seat on the Florida Commission on Ethics, even as a newly filed complaint could well lead to her ouster. Descovich is not registered to lobby in Tallahassee, or apparently anywhere else. But she has been an outspoken advocate pushing a variety of conservative public policy positions with Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislators. “Members [of the commission] are prohibited from lobbying state and local governments,” according to the commission’s rules.
Florida – Deegan’s Chief of Staff Says Questions About Consultant Are ‘Political Shenanigans’
MSN – David Bauerlein (Florida Times-Union) | Published: 3/7/2024
Jacksonville City Council members questioned how a consultant working on a city grant-writing contract got a badge for entry to City Hall and a cubicle in the mayor staff’s office without going through a background check since he had a misdemeanor conviction in 1989. At issue is how the city handles background checks for contract employees and what the policy is for providing entry badges to them so they are able to enter City Hall and designated offices within the building.
Florida – Appeals Court Blocks Fla. ‘Stop Woke Act,’ Says It’s a ‘First Amendment Sin’
MSN – Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) | Published: 3/4/2024
A federal appeals court upheld a ruling that blocked Florida from enforcing a law, backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts how private companies teach diversity and inclusion in the workplace. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled the Stop Woke Act “exceeds the bounds” of the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment right to freedom of speech and expression in its attempts to regulate workplace trainings on race, color, sex, and national origin.
Illinois – Ex-Illinois State Sen. Terry Link Gets Probation for Campaign-Cash Tax Conviction
MSN – Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/6/2024
Former Illinois Sen. Terry Link, who wore a secret FBI wire in a sting against a colleague in the Legislature, was sentenced to three years of probation on tax evasion charges stemming from the withdrawal of campaign funds for personal use. Link pleaded guilty to failing to report income on his tax returns to the IRS and spending more than $73,000 in campaign funds on personal expenses.
Kansas – Wichita City Council Lifts Ban on Corporate Political Donations, with One Requirement
MSN – Matthew Kelly (Wichita Eagle) | Published: 3/4/2024
The Wichita City Council voted to lift a short-lived ban on corporate campaign contributions to city candidates. The rollback of the campaign finance reform was approved as council members supported an amendment requiring candidates to report the name of the principal owner of the company that gave to their campaign. Another amendment that would have banned the practice of giving multiple donations through different companies failed.
Kentucky – Appeals Court Sides with GOP Constitutional Officers on Ethics Commission Power
Kentucky Lantern – McKenna Horsley | Published: 3/1/2024
A ruling from a three-judge panel of the Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld a law allowing the state’s constitutional officers to each appoint a member of the Executive Branch Ethics Commission. Gov. Andy Beshear, whose office has said it will ask the state Supreme Court to hear the case, filed a lawsuit block the law that reduced his authority over appointments to the commission. The governor had been responsible for appointing the five commission members.
Maine – Judge Suspends Enforcement of New Maine Law Barring Foreign Spending on Referendum Elections
Maine Public – Steve Mistler | Published: 3/1/2024
A federal judge delayed the implementation of a voter-approved law in Maine that aimed to close an election law loophole by stopping foreign government spending on state referendum races. U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Torresen issued a preliminary injunction on the day before the new law was to go into effect. Torresen suggested she viewed significant portions of the law could include domestically held corporations and, as a result, is unconstitutional.
Maine – Measure to Limit PAC Contributions in Maine Could Be Headed for November Ballot
Portland Press Herald – Eric Russell | Published: 2/22/2024
An effort to limit individual and business contributions to PACs in Maine is likely headed for the November ballot. Although the proposal only applies to Maine-based PACs, the measure is seen as a test case for national supporters of campaign finance reform whose broader goal is to regulate PACs that have operated unchecked, and often in secret, for years. The citizen initiative as written would limit annual contributions to PACs from individuals, business, and other PACs to $5,000 in a calendar year. Right now, there are no limits.
Mississippi – Campaign Finance Reform Bill Gets Cold Response; Lawmakers Axe Transparency Component
Mississippi Today – Geoff Pender | Published: 3/6/2024
Campaign finance reform legislation in Mississippi would add transparency, increase penalties and fines, and allow the secretary of state to sidestep the attorney general office’s office if it refuses to go after alleged violations of the law. But lawmakers on the Senate Elections Committee were skeptical of the bill. They removed its main transparency component, and added a “reverse repealer,” ensuring it cannot be passed into law as is. Only then did they send it along to the full Senate.
Nevada – New Ethics Standards Coming to Clark County Government
MSN – Taylor Avery (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 3/5/2024
Clark County commissioners and some county employees have some new ethics rules to follow. Commissioners unanimously approved a handful of changes to the ethics law, including revisions to how conflicts-of-interest are disclosed, clarifications to language about waiting periods, and changes to required training on ethics standards.
Nevada – As CSN Taps Ex-Rep. Ruben Kihuen for Lobbyist Job, Some Lawmakers Question the Move
Nevada Independent – Jacob Solis | Published: 3/1/2024
Soon after the College of Southern Nevada announced it would hire former U.S. Rep. Ruben Kihuen, who left Congress amid an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations, as its top lobbyist, some lawmakers signaled concerns about working with him. As the college’s new executive director of government affairs, Kihuen’s job would require frequent, sometime one-on-one meetings with lawmakers and lobbyists. “To put us in a position where we’re making women uncomfortable in the building, I think, is unacceptable,” said a female lawmaker.
New Jersey – N.J. Was Once Heralded for Its Tough Pay-to-Play Laws. Not Anymore.
MSN – Riley Yates and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 3/4/2024
The Elections Transparency Act reworked New Jersey’s campaign finance system. While the reforms injected more money into politics, raising overall contribution limits for the first time in two decades, it also required “dark money” groups to disclose their major donors. Supporters of the new law insist the old rules were confusing, difficult to enforce, and rife with workarounds that made them ineffective. But critics maintain the changes only made things worse, all but dismantling “pay-to-play” rules once heralded as the strongest in the nation.
New York – Former Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg Pleads Guilty to Perjury in Deal That Doesn’t Require Cooperation
MSN – Jake Offenhartz and Michael Sisak (Associated Press) | Published: 3/4/2024
Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of Donald Trump’s company, pleaded guilty to lying under oath during his testimony in the ex-president’s New York civil fraud case. His plea deal will send him back to jail but does not require that he testify at Trump’s hush-money criminal trial. In pleading guilty, Weisselberg found himself caught again between the law and his loyalty to Trump.
New York – Meet the New York City Hall Community Liaison Whose House Was Raided by the FBI
MSN – Joe Anuta and Jeff Coltin (Politico) | Published: 3/4/2024
The FBI searched the two homes of Winnie Greco, a longtime aide to Ner York City Mayor Eric Adams, making her the second community liaison in the administration caught up in a federal probe. Greco is the administration’s director of Asian Affairs. Neither she nor anyone in the Adams administration has been accused of a crime, though the New York Post reported federal officials suspect Greco of potentially orchestrating straw donors who gave to the mayor’s campaign.
Ohio – Ohio AG to PUCO: HB6 subpoenas could let Randazzo, FirstEnergy execs escape prosecution
MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/1/2024
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) significantly narrowed its investigations into the alleged bribery schemes of FirstEnergy, blocking subpoenas of its former chairperson and the two corporate executives accused of bribing him. The order from Attorney Examiner Megan Addison, came within 24 hours of a request from a top lawyer with the attorney general’s office to stop the subpoenas. She warned failure to do so could imperil the state’s criminal bribery cases against former FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones, company lobbyist Mike Dowling, and PUCO Chairperson Sam Randazzo.
Ohio – Alicia Reece’s Convention Center Votes Raise Conflict of Interest Question
MSN – Sharon Coolidge and Scott Wartman (Cincinnati Enquirer) | Published: 3/6/2024
Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece has twice cast the lone “no” vote in matters related to the Duke Energy Convention Center’s renovation. In February, she abstained on a vote to spend $10 million in county money on the expansion. Her father, Steve Reece Sr., has been paid nearly $200,000 by the firm that runs the center, Oak View Group, to book events there. Any decisions the commissioners make about the convention center, including votes related to renovation, could impact her father’s contract.
Ohio – J.R. Majewski, Embattled Congressional Candidate, Exits Ohio House Race
Yahoo News – Ally Mutnick (Politico) | Published: 3/2/2024
J.R. Majewski announced he will bow out of the GOP primary for a key Ohio congressional seat after a week of waffling on his future in the race. His departure before the March 19 primary is welcome news for the House Republicans leaders who have maneuvered behind the scenes to nudge him out of the primary out of fear that he would lose the general election to U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat.
Oregon – Ninth Circuit Rejects GOP Senators’ Appeal for Reelection After Walkouts
Courthouse News Service – Alanna Mayham | Published: 2/29/2024
Two Republican state senators who boycotted Oregon’s Legislature in 2023 lost an appeal after a three-judge panel ruled legislative walkouts are not a form of free speech. The lawsuit followed an order from Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade that upheld a voter-backed measure barring lawmakers from reelection if they accrued over 10 unapproved absences during a legislative session.
Oregon – Oregon House Passes Compromise Campaign Finance Reform Bill
Yahoo News – Dianne Lugo (Salem Statesman-Journal) | Published: 3/6/2034
The Oregon House passed a campaign finance bill that would establish new contributions limits. Oregon is one of five states without caps on campaign donations and one of 11 without limits on individual candidate contributions. Lawmakers adopted final amendments on House Bill 4024 after discussions during the session between labor unions, business groups and good-government advocates. If the bill is signed into law, backers of ballot initiative efforts said they would withdraw petitions that would bring reform to November’s ballot.
South Dakota – State House Bans Senator for Breach of Decorum
South Dakota Searchlight – Joshua Haiar and Makenzie Huber | Published: 3/4/2024
A state senator has been banned from the South Dakota House floor and lobby for the last week of the 2024 legislative session after placing a bottle of syrup on another lawmaker’s desk. Sen. Tom Pischke placed the bottle of syrup on Rep. Kristin Conzet’s desk days after Conzet motioned to defeat a commemoration celebrating the late Nancy Green, whose likeness was used to create the Aunt Jemima advertising character.
Tennessee – Another Tennessee Legal Battle Brews Over Bill Preventing Challenge of House Rules in State Court
Tennessee Lookout – Sam Stockard | Published: 2/29/2024
A Tennessee House committee passed legislation removing state courts from challenges of House rules despite the threat of another court battle. House Bill 1652 says circuit, chancery, and other lower state courts would no longer have jurisdiction over cases involving House and Senate rules. Rep. Gino Bulso contends the First Amendment does not apply to House rules and argues the Constitution allows the Legislature to hold floor sessions in secret without judicial review.
Virginia – Virginia Senator Who Does Legal Work for Skill Game Industry Will Help Write Skill Game Bill
Virginia Mercury – Graham Moomaw | Published: 2/29/2024
A state senator whose law firm has helped the skill game industry fight Virginia’s ban on the slots-like gambling machines is among the handful of senators picked to write legislation behind closed doors that could determine whether the industry remains profitable or ceases to exist in the state. Many members of the Virginia General Assembly are lawyers, and it is not uncommon for them to vote on legislation that could conceivably impact a client. Tangential associations are not usually enough to trigger the conflict-of-interest law.
Wisconsin – Pro-Trump Lawyers Central to Alternate-Elector Plot Settle Wisconsin Lawsuit
MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 3/4/2024
Two attorneys who advanced a strategy to try to overturn the 2020 presidential election by organizing rosters of Republicans to falsely portray Donald Trump as the winner of several states, have reached a legal settlement in Wisconsin with the state’s two rightful electors and a Democratic voter, ending a lawsuit. As part of the settlement, James Troupis, a former Dane County judge who oversaw Trump’s legal efforts in Wisconsin, and Kenneth Chesbro, an architect of the plan to try to invalidate Joe Biden’s win by convening Republican electors in seven states, released a trove of their communications about their work after the 2020 election.
March 7, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Connecticut: “CT Election Regulators Want More Oversight of Local Town and City Political Campaign Finances” by Ken Dixon for CT Insider Elections National: “The Fed Hates Politics. Now It’s Trying to Cut Rates in an Election Year.” by Rachel Siegel (Washington Post) […]
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “CT Election Regulators Want More Oversight of Local Town and City Political Campaign Finances” by Ken Dixon for CT Insider
Elections
National: “The Fed Hates Politics. Now It’s Trying to Cut Rates in an Election Year.” by Rachel Siegel (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Nikki Haley Suspends Her Campaign and Leaves Donald Trump as the Last Major Republican Candidate” by Steve Peoples and Meg Kinnard for Associated Press News
Ethics
California: “Ethics Overhaul Looks to Be Heading to Easy Victory” by Troy Wolverton for San Francisco Examiner
Florida: “Appeals Court Blocks Fla. ‘Stop Woke Act,’ Says It’s a ‘First Amendment Sin'” by Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) for MSN
New York: “Former Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg Pleads Guilty to Perjury in Deal That Doesn’t Require Cooperation” by Jake Offenhartz and Michael Sisak (Associated Press) for MSN
National: “Sen. Menendez Faces New Charges in Bribery Case” by Praveena Somasundaram and Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Tennessee: “Another Tennessee Legal Battle Brews Over Bill Preventing Challenge of House Rules in State Court” by Sam Stockard for Tennessee Lookout
March 6, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Kansas: “Wichita City Council Lifts Ban on Corporate Political Donations, with One Requirement” by Matthew Kelly (Wichita Eagle) for MSN Maine: “Measure to Limit PAC Contributions in Maine Could Be Headed for November Ballot” by Eric Russell for Portland Press Herald Elections […]
Campaign Finance
Kansas: “Wichita City Council Lifts Ban on Corporate Political Donations, with One Requirement” by Matthew Kelly (Wichita Eagle) for MSN
Maine: “Measure to Limit PAC Contributions in Maine Could Be Headed for November Ballot” by Eric Russell for Portland Press Herald
Elections
Arizona: “Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona Says She Won’t Seek Reelection, Avoiding 3-Way Race” by Jonathan Cooper (Associated Press) for MSN
National: “Trump Pulls Closer to GOP Nomination with Super Tuesday Wins” by Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) for MSN
Wisconsin: “Pro-Trump Lawyers Central to Alternate-Elector Plot Settle Wisconsin Lawsuit” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
Ohio: “Ohio AG to PUCO: HB6 subpoenas could let Randazzo, FirstEnergy execs escape prosecution” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “Foreign Agent Law Faces Sweeping Changes” by Taylor Giorno (The Hill) for Yahoo News
Florida: “Moms for Liberty’s Descovich Hit with Ethics Complaint as She Awaits Confirmation to Ethics Commission” by Dan Christensen for Florida Bulldog
March 5, 2024 •
Disagree Differently — Can We Make That Happen
I saw these two videos [below] last week at the National Governors Association meeting in DC… and, I have been thinking about it. How can I disagree differently this election year? It’s a big deal in my household. My husband […]
I saw these two videos [below] last week at the National Governors Association meeting in DC… and, I have been thinking about it. How can I disagree differently this election year?
It’s a big deal in my household. My husband is a diehard Ohio State fan. I was born in Ann Arbor. My immediate family members still wear the maize and blue when the teams play together.
Truth be told, I don’t have a reason not to be an Ohio State fan but it does keep disagreements lively. Our daughter went to Ohio State Law School and I was talking to our grandson, James (or Jackpot as I affectionately call him) about Michigan’s beauty when he screamed out loud, “Mom, I want to go to Michigan!”
Okay, let’s get back to disagreeing differently. I heard from former Congressman J.C. Watts [right] at the State Government Affairs Council Leaders Policy Conference in November. He had a great comment. Maybe there would not be as much divisiveness if people watched more Andy Griffith than FOX News. I ran up to tell him after my sisters and I watch Andy Griffith with our father every night (I even saw the episode when Aunt Bee arrived.) We could go back to my household where my husband and I are of different political sides. I have not been nice about it. When President Obama won, I blocked FOX News from the main television. I hated hearing it blaring in the television when I returned home. I also did not remind him to vote on one Primary Election, but I felt guilty and told him 10 minutes before the polls closed. He did have time to speed to the local school and vote.
Most of the time we watch television on different floors during a presidential election year. I want to do it differently this year—especially after the ridiculous issues Ohio Secretary of State allowed on our 2023 ballots about changing the constitution and women’s reproductive health. Our daughter, Nicole, and I had old conversations with John about why both would severely affect women in the state. I was also afraid Nicole and her family would move to Colorado with her in-laws and I would NOT be happy—about the move, not the in-laws. 
I will TRY the same thing this year. We need to get over the things we are both concerned with and that is the age of our candidates for president. At this point there is nothing we can do about it. Will I ever change his mind and vote for my candidate? Probably not. But maybe on November 5th, we can watch election coverage together.
It’s important we know why we want to vote for a specific candidate. Take the time to learn. There are so many ways than FOX or MSNBC. Read books, magazine articles, put it in your Open AI. Take the time because we have the time. Then VOTE.
Governor Mike Parson (R) Missouri and Governor Laura Kelly (D) Kansas
Governor Wes Moore (D) Maryland and Mayor Jack Coburn (R) Lonaconing, MD
March 5, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “FEC Allows Candidates to More Easily Pay Themselves from Campaign Funds” by Taylor Giorno (The Hill) for MSN New Jersey: “N.J. Was Once Heralded for Its Tough Pay-to-Play Laws. Not Anymore.” by Riley Yates and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) for […]
Campaign Finance
National: “FEC Allows Candidates to More Easily Pay Themselves from Campaign Funds” by Taylor Giorno (The Hill) for MSN
New Jersey: “N.J. Was Once Heralded for Its Tough Pay-to-Play Laws. Not Anymore.” by Riley Yates and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) for MSN
Elections
National: “Supreme Court Keeps Trump on Ballot, Rejects Colorado Voter Challenge” by Ann Marimow (Washington Post) for MSN
Ohio: “J.R. Majewski, Embattled Congressional Candidate, Exits Ohio House Race” by Ally Mutnick (Politico) for Yahoo News
Ethics
California: “Billionaire Flynn Says He Met Newsom Staff in Lobbying Effort Against Wage Bill” by Eliyahu Kamisher, Daniela Sirtori-Cortina, and Josh Eidelson (Bloomberg) for MSN
New York: “Meet the New York City Hall Community Liaison Whose House Was Raided by the FBI” by Joe Anuta and Jeff Coltin (Politico) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Kentucky: “Appeals Court Sides with GOP Constitutional Officers on Ethics Commission Power” by McKenna Horsley for Kentucky Lantern
Lobbying
Nevada: “As CSN Taps Ex-Rep. Ruben Kihuen for Lobbyist Job, Some Lawmakers Question the Move” by Jacob Solis for Nevada Independent
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