Ethics Archives - Page 3 of 302 - State and Federal Communications

November 6, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Arizona: “Campaign Finance Laws Make Funding of Election Challenges Murky” by Kiera Riley for Arizona Capitol Times Louisiana: “Private Calls and Campaign Cash: Louisiana regulators’ ties to the utilities they oversee” by Pam Radtke, Mario Alejandro Ariza, and Miranda Green (Floodlight) for […]

November 5, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance California: “Mark Farrell Agrees to $108K Ethics Penalty – Largest in S.F. History” by Jose Rivano Barrs and Kelly Waldron for Mission Local Nevada: “Nevada Politicians Can Spend Donor Cash Outside the Campaign” by Eli Segall for Las Vegas Review-Journal New […]

November 1, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – November 1, 2024

National/Federal An Ethical Minefield Awaits a Possible Second Trump Presidency DNyuz – Ben Protess, Maggie Haberman, and Eric Lipton (New York Times) | Published: 10/29/2024 Days before Donald Trump became president in 2017, he promised to rein in his company’s freewheeling ways, […]

National/Federal

An Ethical Minefield Awaits a Possible Second Trump Presidency

DNyuz – Ben Protess, Maggie Haberman, and Eric Lipton (New York Times) | Published: 10/29/2024

Days before Donald Trump became president in 2017, he promised to rein in his company’s freewheeling ways, assuring the American people his family business would not “take advantage of” his presidency. Nearly eight years later, he is making no such promises. The former and possibly future president is cashing in on a variety of new ventures as he seeks a second term, without offering to reinstate the guardrails from his first, according to financial filings and interviews with people familiar with his finances.

In Election’s Final Days, Dark Money and ‘Gray Money’ Fund Hidden Agendas

DNyuz – Theodore Schleifer and Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 10/30/2024

Across the country, supporters of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are taking advantage of a patchwork of lax laws that allow partisans to funnel millions of dollars through daisy chains of opaque entities into hard-hitting campaign tactics, all to try to sway the tiny slice of swing-state voters who could make the difference. Campaign operatives and donors have long deployed creative accounting to mask the flow of money into politics. But since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, it has become particularly difficult to follow the big-money flow in the weeks before Election Day.

Ethics Office Clears Federal Official for His Project 2025 Involvement

Government Executive – Eric Katz | Published: 10/25/2024

The federal government’s ethics czar said a top official at the Federal Communications Commission did not violate any laws or agreements when he helped write a chapter of Project 2025, the controversial document spearheaded by former Trump administration officials to outline agenda items for the Republican presidential nominee. More than a dozen House Democrats requested a probe into whether Carr violated ethics laws, noting the ties between Project 2025 and Trump and its stated goal of shaping policy decisions by presidential candidates.

The New Dark Money: How influencers get paid big bucks to court your vote

MSN – Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 10/26/2024

Political campaigns and their surrogates are pouring millions of dollars into social media influencers with scant regulatory oversight or public transparency, as they embrace a marketing tactic that has revolutionized the U.S. economy. Online influencers earning thousands of dollars for a single TikTok or Instagram post on behalf of groups backing Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. Political groups that use other forms of advertising are required to disclose their affiliations, but freelance online creators are under no such obligation for political posts, even though federal regulations demand they say so when promoting a commercial product.

Elon Musk’s Pro-Trump PAC Awards More $1 Million Prizes Despite DOJ Warning

MSN – Perry Stein, Trisha Thadani, and Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 10/25/2024

Elon Musk’s pro-Donald Trump political group awarded two additional $1 million prizes to swing-state voters despite warnings from the Justice Department the daily giveaways could violate election laws. The day before, the Justice Department sent a letter to America PAC, warning its contest offering registered voters in swing states a chance to win $1 million for signing a petition supporting free speech and the right to bear arms could be illegal.

GOP Focus on Rare Noncitizen Voting May Continue Long After Election Day

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 10/26/2024

Eight states, including the swing state of North Carolina, are taking up ballot measures also that would toughen bans on noncitizen voting, part of a broad and concerted Republican effort to stoke fears that hordes of noncitizens will illegally vote for Kamala Harris and deprive Donald Trump of a return to the White House. While that could inspire more Trump supporters to show up to the polls, voting rights activists warn the emphasis on removing noncitizens from the voter rolls could scare away recently naturalized citizens or eligible voters who have family members who are in the country illegally.

Spanish-Language Election Misinformation Has a Mass Audience – and a Long Shelf Life

MSN – Sarah Ellison and Adriana Usero (Washington Post) | Published: 10/29/2024

Latinos are the largest minority group in the U.S. and the fastest-growing segment of the American electorate. They stand to play a crucial role in the coming election for president and control of Congress, particularly in key states such as Florida, Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Latinos face misinformation from political actors at home and abroad. Specific storylines can resonate differently depending on a person’s cultural background. Certain social media habits place Latinos who consume at least some of their news in Spanish, regardless of national origin, in an especially difficult position when confronting efforts to mislead.

At Trump’s Request, Judge Delays Immunity Filing in Jan. 6 Prosecution

MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 10/28/2024

A federal judge granted the request from Donald Trump’s lawyers to push back the deadline for filing their view of whether the former president is immune from prosecution in the2020 election subversion case until two weeks after the presidential election. Trump’s attorneys asked to have until November 21, instead of November 7, to file a brief arguing why Trump’s efforts to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory should be immune from criminal prosecution, citing disruptions caused by Hurricane Milton to the work of several of Trump’s Florida-based attorneys.

Congress Tried to Fix Presidential Transitions. Trump Is Testing the Changes.

MSN – Lisa Rein and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 10/31/2024

After Donald Trump refused to concede the 2020 election, Congress moved to fend off a repeat of the 20 days of chaos that had obstructed the executive branch handover to Joe Biden. But the first test of one little-known change to the presidential transition process is now causing anxiety among government officials as Trump is potentially poised to return to power. If there is no apparent winner within five days of the election, every federal agency will be required on November 11 to open its doors to both Trump’s and Kamala Harris’s campaigns so they can simultaneously begin the sprint to install a new administration.

Election Day Poses Test for Justice Dept. Monitors in GOP-Led States

MSN – David Nakamura (Washington Post) | Published: 10/30/2024

The Justice Department’s ability to monitor local jurisdictions for voting rights irregularities on Election Day, already curtailed by the Supreme Court, is facing a new hurdle: opposition from Republicans who are seeking to block federal authorities from polling sites. While the Justice Department has the legal right to request access to polling sites, inflamed partisanship and ideological extremism has contributed to greater resistance to such activities in some GOP-controlled states, legal experts said. Those states have attempted to politicize the process and cast federal monitors as partisans from the Biden administration who cannot be trusted.

For Jeff Bezos and His Businesses, Washington Has Become More Important

MSN – Isaac Stanley-Becker, Aaron Davis, Josh Dawsey, and Christian Davenport (Washington Post) | Published: 10/30/2024

Jeff Bezos’s interests in Washington have expanded, with the federal government now contracting billions of dollars to Amazon’s cloud-computing subsidiary and Blue Origin, which is competing with SpaceX, the company founded by Donald Trump ally Elon Musk. Bezos has faced backlash since The Washington Post announced its editorial board would not endorse a candidate in this presidential election or in future ones. Commentators and a deluge of readers who canceled their subscriptions said they saw Bezos as upending a decades-old tradition to protect business interests that could be vulnerable in a second Trump administration.

Fires Set in Drop Boxes Destroy Hundreds of Ballots in Washington and Damage 3 in Oregon

Yahoo News – Gene Johnson and Claire Rush (Associated Press) | Published: 10/28/2024

Incendiary devices were set off at two ballot drop boxes, one in Portland and another in nearby Vancouver, Washington, destroying hundreds of ballots in what one official called a “direct attack on democracy” about a week before Election Day. The fire at the drop box in Portland was extinguished quickly and just three ballots were damaged there. The ballot box in Vancouver had a fire suppression system inside, but that failed to prevent hundreds of ballots from burning, said Greg Kimsey, the auditor in Clark County, Washington.

They Were Lobbying on Legislation Before His Committee. They Were Also Employing His Son.

Yahoo News – Benjamin Guggenheim (Politico) | Published: 10/24/2024

Rep. Richard Neal became chairperson of the House Ways and Means Committee in January 2019. A year later, his son Brendan Neal launched a one-person public affairs firm. Then the payments started from Richard E. Neal for Congress Committee to Brendan Neal Strategies for “strategic consulting services,” which now total more than $196,000. Brendan Neal’s cash haul from working for his father’s campaign while representing others with interests before the committee heightens concerns for liberal tax policy advocates and led some to publicly voice their concerns about Richard Neal.

AIPAC Has Paid for Hundreds of Lawmakers to Visit Israel – to Grow Support for Its Far-Right Government

Yahoo News – Aidan Hughes, Cait Kelley, and Daryl Perry (Politico) | Published: 10/30/2024

The nonprofit arm of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has hosted hundreds of trips to Israel for U.S. lawmakers. AIPAC is one of the most influential lobbyist organizations on K Street and promotes the Israeli government’s agenda. Now, as lawmakers face pressure from both sides on U.S. aid to Israel.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Campaign Finance Watchdog Recommends $85K in Fines Against Opponents of Alaska’s Ranked Choice Voting System

Yahoo News – Iris Samuels (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 10/24/2024

The Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) found backers of a ballot initiative to alter the state’s voting system repeatedly violated campaign finance law by funneling their money through a church and inaccurately reporting their income and spending. The commission fined the backers more than $94,000 in January. APOC staff said the groups and individuals failed to pay the full fines levied against them and have not fulfilled the campaign reporting requirements spelled out by the commission.

Arizona – Arizona’s Ballot Is So Long It Could Create Election Day Problems

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Blair Guild (Washington Post) | Published: 10/29/2024

The ballot in Arizona this year is long. Very long. In Maricopa County, home to a majority of voters, there are full lists of the presidential electors from four parties, judges seeking to retain their seats, and 13 statewide ballot questions on abortion, taxes, illegal immigration, and a host of other issues. Election officials across the state worry this unusually long ballot could lead to a host of problems on and after Election Day in the key state that could determine the outcome of the presidential election.

California – California Mental Health Agency Director to Resign Following Conflict of Interest Allegations

California Healthline – Molly Castle Work (KFF Health News) | Published: 10/25/2024

California’s mental health commission announced its executive director would resign amid revelations he traveled to the United Kingdom courtesy of a state vendor while he sought to prevent a budget cut that would have defunded the company’s contract. Documents show Toby Ewing tried to protect state funding for Kooth, a London-based digital mental health company with a contract to develop a virtual tool to help California tackle its youth mental health crisis.

California – State Watchdog Agency Is Investigating Donations to Kevin de León’s Reelection Campaign

Los Angeles Times – Dakota Smith | Published: 10/26/2024

The California Fair Political Practices Commission is investigating donations received by Los Angeles City Councilperson Kevin de León’s reelection campaign. The investigation was prompted by allegations involving a nonprofit that distributes food to homebound seniors and low-income families in De León’s district through a contract with the city. The complaint alleged contributions to De León’s campaign from employees of the nonprofit, as well as its founder’s wife and daughter, may have violated a law that aims to prevent “pay to play practices.”

California – L.A. County Wants to Crack Down on Corruption. Is It Worth Up to $21 Million?

MSN – Rebecca Ellis (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 10/28/2024

The city and county of Los Angeles each moved forward this election season with ballot measures to try to crack down on unethical behavior by public officials. The city wants to bolster its nearly 35-year-old ethics commission with Charter Amendment ER, which would give the watchdog body a minimum yearly budget of $7 million. The county wants to create its first ethics commission with Measure G, which could cost as much as $21.9 million a year, with salaries and employee benefits making up most of the price. The cost estimates have left supporters and detractors with sticker shock.

California – Some California Legislators Miss Hundreds of Votes, but Even ‘Excused’ Absences Count as a ‘No’

MSN – Sameea Kamal (CalMatters) | Published: 10/21/2024

Seven California Assembly members missed more than a quarter of their votes this year, most involving illness or family matters. When it comes to voting on bills, however, the Legislature does not distinguish between a lawmaker who is absent, excused or not, and a legislator who is present but does not vote. They all count the same as a legislator who casts a “no” vote, but they are categorized as “No Vote Recorded” or NVR.

California – No ‘Pattern of Corruption’ in Contracts Inked During Ridley-Thomas’ Tenure, Probe Finds

MSN – Rebecca Ellis (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 10/30/2024

The bulk of contracts Los Angeles County signed during the 12-year tenure of former Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was convicted last year on corruption charges, were untainted by fraud, according to an outside investigation. But the report said the county’s contracting process, closely scrutinized during the nearly three-year forensic audit, is full of holes.

California – What Does Another Corruption Scandal Mean for Orange County?

Voice of OC – Spencer Custodio | Published: 10/24/2024

Former county Supervisor Andrew Do will plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in a scheme that enriched his family anywhere from $550,000 to $730,000. The scandal comes a little more than two years after a federal corruption probe rocked Anaheim City Hall, one that saw former Mayor Harry Sidhu plead guilty to obstruction of justice for lying to federal investigators about trying to ram through the Angel Stadium sale for $1 million in campaign support.

Florida – Red Lights, Green Cash: How a Florida legislator boosted school bus cameras and benefited her family

MSN – Nandhini Srinivasan (The Tributary) | Published: 10/27/2024

Personal connections, aggressive lobbying, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions fueled the rapid rise of an obscure school bus camera vendor, BusPatrol, which quickly became a major player in a niche industry that did not exist in Florida until last year. BusPatrol’s fortunes echoes the comeback of Florida Rep. Vicki Lopez, with whom BusPatrol is inextricably linked. Last year, Lopez co-sponsored a bill allowing cameras on school buses statewide. Within months, her family had cashed in on the new industry through a web of connections built with BusPatrol, which stands to make millions of dollars from traffic tickets.

Florida – Long-Delayed Public Corruption Trial of Suspended Miami-Dade Commissioner Set to Begin

MSN – Charles Rabin (Miami Herald) | Published: 10/24/2024

After repeated delays since last Thanksgiving, the public corruption trial of one of Miami-Dade County’s longest-serving public servants began. Former Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe Martinez was suspended from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis in September 2022. Martinez is alleged to have collected $15,000 from a shopkeeper in his district in exchange for sponsoring a law that would have benefited the owner of the shopping plaza. The charges could land Martinez in prison for as many as 20 years.

Illinois – Hazy World of Springfield Politics at Center of Ex-Speaker Madigan’s Trial

MSN – Ray Long, Jason Meisner, and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 10/27/2024

In the rapidly unfolding federal corruption trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, Illinoisans are getting a close-up view of how the longtime-Democratic chieftain lorded over the insider world of Springfield politics. Madigan and his lobbyist ally Michael McClain may be the center of the case. But in many ways, so is the opaque manner in which Springfield does business.

Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board Plans to Pick New Administrator Before Landry Appointees Sworn In

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 10/29/2024

The Louisiana Board of Ethics plans to hire its new ethics administrator in December, just before Gov. Jeff Landry’s overhaul of the board membership takes place in January. The current administrator, Kathleen Allen, is leaving her job at the end of the year. Earlier this year, Landry pushed through a new law to give himself, as governor, more control over the board.

Mississippi – Court Rules Ballots That Arrive Late Shouldn’t Be Counted Despite Postmarks

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 10/15/2024

A federal appeals court ruled invalid a Mississippi law that allows election officials to count mail ballots that arrive after Election Day as long as they are postmarked by then. The ruling came less than two weeks before the presidential election and could have implications for other states with similar laws. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit did not rule on how the state should handle ballots for this election, saying that matter should be addressed later by a trial court judge.

Mississippi – How an FBI Corruption Probe in Tallahassee Is Similar to the Jackson, MS Bribery Scandal

Yahoo News – Charlie Drape (Jackson Clarion-Ledger) | Published: 10/29/2024

In 2015, two undercover FBI agents posed as crooked developers and infiltrated Tallahassee City Hall by offering bribes to elected officials in exchange for their support in favor of the developers for coveted real estate projects. That undercover FBI investigation into the city government in Tallahassee, Florida, offers striking similarities to Jackson’s ongoing bribery scandal. Both concern alleged bribes from “developers” to elected officials. Like Jackson, Tallahassee is a state capital.

New York – Harlem Woman Charged by Bragg in Adams Campaign Straw Donor Scheme Pleads Guilty

Gothamist – Samantha Max | Published: 10/29/2024

A woman accused of recruiting elderly residents of her housing complex to give illegal donations to New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. Millicent Redick is not expected to face any jail time, as long as she follows the court’s conditions, the plea agreement states. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Redick and five other people with allegedly conspiring to collect donations from people who would later be reimbursed, also known as straw donations.

New York – Former New York Budget Chief Robert Mujica’s Consulting Sparks Revolving Door Questions

New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 10/29/2024

Former state budget director Robert Mujica’s consulting work for a powerful hospital lobbying group this year raised questions about his adherence to a law seeking to limit the “revolving door” between public servants and outside interests. New financial disclosures show Mujica began consulting for the Greater New York Hospital Association two months ahead of its multimillion-dollar lobbying campaign to pressure Gov. Kathy Hochul to increase Medicaid spending, and before the group held multiple lobbying meetings with Mujica’s former agency, the Division of the Budget.

New York – A New York Medical Group Fills Politicians’ Coffers. This House Republican Is Helping to Promote Them.

Yahoo News – Emily Ngo (Politico) | Published: 10/28/2024

U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota, who is facing a tough reelection fight, starred recently in a promotional video for a cancer treatment practice around the same time he took in a generous batch of campaign donations from its doctors. LaLota praised the “upbeat spirit” at the New York Cancer & Blood Specialists in a spot posted within days of affiliated physicians and a related PAC contributing $18,000 to his reelection bid. They also gave $130,000 to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Grow the Majority committee, half of which then went to LaLota.

Ohio – Ex-Columbus Zoo Exec, Dubbed ‘Most Egregious’ Offender in $2.3 Million Theft, Sentenced

MSN – Dean Narciso (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 10/28/2024

The last of five former employees of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was sentenced to five years in prison, ending a four-year investigation into a nearly $2.3 million theft scheme. A judge also ordered restitution of $639,297 and a $10,000 fine from Peter Fingerhut, the zoo’s former marketing director. Fingerhut was considered one of the masterminds of a decade-long theft spree. He set up VIP ticket contracts for himself and his family at sports and entertainment venues intended for zoo promotional use, among other schemes.

Ohio – Cincinnati Paid $11.5K for Signs Crediting Biden-Harris for Road Projects. Critics Say They’re Political

WCPO – Paula Christian | Published: 10/29/2024

Cincinnati officials spent $11,500 on five signs that critics say are political and were initially proposed to come down the day after Election Day. The signs credit President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris with upcoming road projects that received funding from a bipartisan infrastructure law. They were originally supposed to credit only Biden. But before the signs were installed, city officials decided to add Harris’s name after she became the Democratic presidential candidate.

Ohio – Ohio Supreme Court: Attorney general can’t reject proposed constitutional amendments based on title

Yahoo News – Susan Tebben (Ohio Capital Journal) | Published: 10/30/2024

The Ohio Supreme Court spelled out the authority the state attorney general has when it comes to approving or rejecting constitutional amendment initiatives in a new ruling. The court ruled unanimously that Attorney General Dave Yost should not have rejected the Ohio Voters Bill of Rights proposal based on the title of the initiative.

Pennsylvania – Judge Strikes Down GOP Effort to Change Rules Over Military, Overseas Ballots

MSN – Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) | Published: 10/29/2024

A federal judge in Pennsylvania threw out a lawsuit brought by six Republican members of Congress from the state that sought stricter scrutiny of ballots from overseas, including from members of the military stationed abroad. The lawmakers claimed that because local election officials in Pennsylvania are not required to verify the identity or eligibility of voters who register overseas, those ballots are vulnerable to fraud.

Rhode Island – Investigation Finds Insufficient Evidence to Prosecute McKee for Influencing Award of ILO Contract

Yahoo News – Alexander Castro (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 10/29/2024

State Attorney General Peter Neronha rebuked Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee over a state contract awarded to ILO Group but found there was not enough evidence to file criminal charges in the matter. ILO was one of the top two bidders seeking a federally funded contract to help schools meet COVID-19 safety protocols. The attorney general’s investigation centered around state bribery law, which requires prosecutors to show a quid pro quo occurred and benefited a state official in a personal or political capacity.

Tennessee – State Campaign Finance Agency Demands Transparency from Nashville’s Pro-Transit Campaign

Yahoo News – Evan Mealins (Nashville Tennessean) | Published: 10/30/2024

The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance sent a letter to Nashville Moves Action Fund ordering them to register as a referendum committee by Election Day and submit financial disclosure reports as soon as possible. Nashville residents will decide on November 5 whether to establish a dedicated source of funding for transit improvements. The pro-transit campaign registered with the state under the Green Lights for Nashville PAC. Green Lights for Nashville filings show all of its cash donations came from one place: Nashville Moves Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit. These sorts of nonprofits usually do not have to identify their donors.

Virginia – Supreme Court Allows Virginia Effort to Strike Possible Noncitizen Voters

MSN – Ann Marimow and Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 10/30/2024

A divided U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for Virginia officials to remove about 1,600 voters from the state’s registration rolls less than one week before the presidential election. Gov. Glenn Youngkin asked the justices to intervene after two lower courts blocked his efforts to cancel the registrations of voters who could be noncitizens, an issue that Republican officials have seized on nationally to energize supporters even though noncitizen voting is extremely rare.

Virginia – Lack of Investigation by Local, State Officials into Richmond Campaign’s Finance Reporting Raises Concern

WTVR – Tyler Lane | Published: 10/24/2024

The campaign for a Richmond City Council candidate has reported thousands of dollars in donations from people who said they have never contributed any money, but no government official or agency said they were investigating the situation. The responses from local and state officials are raising questions about the role of finances in politics and the mechanisms for accountability, and some advocates and experts believe Virginia’s campaign reporting laws are not strong enough.

Washington – Campaign Watchdog Won’t Reconsider Penalty Against Let’s Go Washington

Yahoo News – Jerry Cornfield (Washington State Standard) | Published: 10/25/2024

Let’s Go Washington will not get another shot at convincing the state Public Disclosure Commission it did not violate campaign finance laws. Commissioners said they would not reconsider their October 9 ruling that the political committee failed to obtain and disclose information on payments to subvendors used by firms it hired to gather signatures for a slate of initiatives, including the four on the November ballot.

October 31, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

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

October 30, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Elections Arizona: “Arizona’s Ballot Is So Long It Could Create Election Day Problems” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Blair Guild (Washington Post) for MSN National: “Spanish-Language Election Misinformation Has a Mass Audience – and a Long Shelf Life” by Sarah Ellison and Adriana Usero […]

October 29, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

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

October 28, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

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

October 25, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – October 25, 2024

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

National/Federal

How Elderly Dementia Patients Are Unwittingly Fueling Political Campaigns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A New Washington Influence Industry Is Making Millions from Sanctions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appendix of Source Materials Unsealed in Trump Jan. 6 Prosecution

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

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

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

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

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

From the States and Municipalities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Dakota – Ethics Commission May Seek More Protections for Whistleblowers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 24, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

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

October 23, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

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

October 22, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

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

October 21, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

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

October 18, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – October 18, 2024

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

National/Federal

Trump Leans on Creative Bookkeeping to Keep Up in Cash Race

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the States and Municipalities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Georgia – Georgia Judge Rules That Counties Must Certify Election Results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nebraska – Wealthy Governor, Billionaire Family Changed Nebraska Elections

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

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

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

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

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

New York – New Adams Administration Inquiry Focuses on City Leases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 17, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

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

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