Kansas lawmakers are considering a bill that would diminish the state campaign finance laws and the powers of the governmental ethics commission.

Sponsored by the House Committee on Elections, House Bill 2391 would allow candidates to donate money to a third-party, such as a political committee or party, and instruct the funds be routed to another campaign or entity.

The bill would legalize the ability to make a political contribution in the name of another person or entity, meaning an individual could donate the maximum amount allowed to a given candidate and then route funds through additional sources.

House Bill 2391 would end the ethics commission’s subpoena power unless it can establish probable cause and impose a two-year statute of limitations on campaign finance violations, ending any active investigations on activity that took place after 2021.

If passed, the bill would become effective July 1.

Campaign Finance Canada: “Doug Ford’s Campaign Finance Law Struck Down by Court” by Robert Benzie for Toronto Star Massachusetts: “Campaign Finance Regulators Investigating Whether MassGOP Coordinated with Super PAC, in Violation of Law” by Emma Platoff (Boston Globe) for MSN Elections National: “Election Deniers Take Aim at Group That Helps States Maintain Voter Rolls” by Amy Gardner (Washington Post) for MSN Arizona: “Judge Orders Sanctions Against Arizona GOP Candidate Who Refused to Accept Loss” by Amy Wang (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics National: “GOP Bill Would Bar Fellow Rep. George Santos from Profiting from Campaign Lies” by Michael McAuliff (New York Daily News) for Yahoo News Legislative Issues National: “John Fetterman Sponsored a Bill from the Hospital. Here’s What He Can and Can’t Do in the Senate During Treatment.” by Jonathan Tamari (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN Pennsylvania: “A Sexual Harassment Allegation Is Straining Pa. House Democrats’ Narrow Majority” by Andrew Seidman and Gillian McGoldrick (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN Lobbying California: “Nonprofits, Neighborhood Groups Push Back Against Rule That Would Regulate Them as Lobbyists” by Jason Ruiz for Long Beach Post South Dakota: “Bill to Ban South Dakota Lawmakers’ Spouses from Being Private Lobbyists Fails” by Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

California: “Donors Step Up for Mark Ridley-Thomas’ Defense Against Bribery and Corruption Charges” by Matt Hamilton and Katie Licari (Los Angeles Times) for Yahoo News

Virginia: “Virginia General Assembly Adjourns for 2023 After Passing Modest Campaign Finance Reform” by Jimmy Cloutier for OpenSecrets

Ethics

National: “Group Seeks Disbarment of a Trump-Aligned Lawyer for a Key Jan. 6 Witness” by Charlie Savage (New York Times) for DNyuz

Idaho: “The MAGA-fication of North Idaho College” by Charles Homans (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Kansas: “As Special Interests Try to Influence Kansas Lawmakers, Some Want to Loosen the Rules” by Jonathan Shorman and Katie Bernard (Kansas City Star) for MSN

New Jersey: “The Last New Jersey Reporter on Capitol Hill Just Got Laid Off” by Elahe Izadi (Washington Post) for MSN

Pennsylvania: “New Pa. House Rules Expand Who Can File a Sexual Harassment Complaint Against Lawmakers” by Katie Meyer for Spotlight PA

Lobbying

Texas: “Changes to City Lobbying Rules OK’d by Ethics Review Commission” by Chad Swiatecki for Austin Monitor

Campaign Finance Illinois: “Vallas Loans $100,100 to His Bid for Mayor, Lifting State Limits on Campaign Contributions” by Heather Cherone for WTTW Minnesota: “Session Fundraising Lockdown Doesn’t Close Off All Avenues” by Brian Bakst for MPR Texas: “Houston PAC Leaders Face $45K in Fines for Operating Illegally, Not Filing Finance Reports” by Yilun Cheng (Houston Chronicle) for MSN Ethics National: “Trump Can Be Sued by Police Over Jan. 6 Riot, Justice Department Says” by Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) for MSN National: “Met Gala Getup Gets Ethics Review for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez” by Justin Papp (Roll Call) for MSN National: “House Ethics Committee Launches Investigation of Rep. George Santos” by Amy Wang and Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) for MSN Kansas: “Complaint: Kansas agency probing GOP broke open meetings law” by John Hanna (Associated Press) for MSN Lobbying Minnesota: “Tighter Lobbyist Rules Considered at Capitol Would Get at Disclosure of Topics Lobbied, Not Just Paper Clips” by Peter Callaghan for MinnPost

National/Federal

Indian Americans Rapidly Climbing Political Ranks

DNyuz – Maggie Astor and Jill Cowan (New York Times) | Published: 2/27/2023

Despite being one of the largest immigrant groups in the U.S., Americans of Indian descent in 20123 were barely represented in politics. Ten years later, the 118th Congress includes five Indian Americans; nearly 50 are in state Legislatures. Vice President Kamala Harris is Indian American. Nikki Haley’s campaign announcement makes 2024 the third consecutive cycle in which an Indian American has run for president, and Vivek Ramaswamy’s newly announced candidacy makes it the first cycle with two.

Student Loan Case Could Redefine Limits of Presidential Power

DNyuz – Michael Shear and Adam Liptak (New York Times) | Published: 3/1/2023

One of President Biden’s most ambitious proposals, a $400 billion program to forgive student loan debt for 40 million Americans, could become the latest victim of a legal tug of war with the U.S. Supreme Court over the powers of the presidency. The case has the potential to curtail Biden just as newly empowered Republicans in the House have vowed to block his every move in Congress. It will set additional legal precedents, potentially defining new limits for presidential power.

Rep. Scott Perry Fights to Keep Phone from Team Probing Jan. 6 Attack

MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 2/23/2023

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry is asking an appeals court to block a search of his cellphone by the special counsel investigating the insurrection at the Capitol. He is supported by bipartisan House leadership in arguing the speech or debate clause of the Constitution bars the Justice Department from seeing the phone contents. After the 2020 election, Perry pushed the White House and Justice Department to investigate implausible election fraud claims. He was also involved in the effort to install as acting attorney general Jeffrey Clark, who backed plans to block Biden from taking office.

Trump White House Pressured Disney to Censor … Jimmy Kimmel

MSN – Asawin Suebsaeng (Rolling Stone) | Published: 2/26/2023

In early 2018, then-President Trump was so upset by late night host Jimmy Kimmel’s comedic jabs he directed his White House staff to call up one of Disney’s top executives in Washington, D.C., to complain and demand action. Disney owns ABC, on which Jimmy Kimmel Live! has long aired. The following year, Trump directed his staff and attorneys to see whether the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department could retaliate against late night shows critical of him after he was incensed by the jokes about him on SNL.

Murdoch Admits Some Fox Hosts ‘Were Endorsing’ Election Falsehoods

MSN – Jeremy Barr, Sarah Ellison, and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 2/27/2023

Embattled Rep. Ogles Acknowledges Misrepresenting His College Major

MSN – John Wagner (Washington Post) | Published: 2/27/2023

Showdown Before the Raid: FBI agents and prosecutors argued over Trump

MSN – Carol Leonnig, Devlin Barrett, Perry Stein, and Aaron Davis (Washington Post) | Published: 3/1/2023

Months of disputes between Justice Department prosecutors and FBI agents over how best to try to recover classified documents from Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club and residence led to a tense showdown near the end of July last year. It was one of several previously unreported clashes in a tug of war between two arms of the Justice Department over how aggressively to pursue a criminal investigation of a former president. The FBI conducted an unprecedented raid and recovered more than 100 classified items.

Dark Money and Special Deals: How Leonard Leo and his friends benefited from his judicial activism

MSN – Heidi Przybyla (Politico) | Published: 3/1/2023

A network of political nonprofits formed by judicial activist Leonard Leo moved at least $43 million to a new firm he is leading, raising questions about how his conservative legal movement is funded. Leo’s own personal wealth appeared to have ballooned as his fundraising prowess accelerated since his efforts to cement the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority helped to bring about its decision to overturn abortion rights. Most recently, Leo reaped a $1.6 billion windfall from a single donor in what is likely the biggest single political gift in U.S. history.

Judge Won’t Unseal Details of Trump’s Privilege Fight Over Jan. 6 Grand Jury

MSN – Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 2/23/2023

U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell rejected a bid to obtain access to details of former President Trump’s efforts to block testimony by aides to a grand jury investigating his effort to derail the transfer of power after the 2020 election. Howell said a federal court rule mandating grand jury secrecy precluded the release of court opinions and other filings about disputes she has ruled on behind closed doors. The New York Times and Politico petitioned Howell to unseal portions of the grand jury proceedings in October, citing the historic nature of the secret rulings she had issued. The Justice Department opposed the unsealing, prompting Howell’s decision.

New Indictment Details Bankman-Fried’s Illegal Campaign Contributions

Yahoo News – Declan Harty and Sam Sutton (Politico) | Published: 2/23/2023

Yahoo News – Lisa Lerer and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 3/1/2023

For decades, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) occupied a center ring in Republican politics. This year, Donald Trump will be back at the four-day gathering, joined by a long list of right-wing media provocateurs, culture-war activists, and a smattering of senators. Missing from the agenda: many of the Republicans seen as the future of the party. Some Republicans say the CPAC gathering has increasingly become more like a sideshow than a featured act, one that seems made almost exclusively for conservative media.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – AG Steve Marshall Accuses Alabama Ethics Director Tom Albritton of ‘Self-Dealing’ from Charitable Trust

AL.com – Mike Cason | Published: 3/1/2023

State Attorney General Steve Marshall accused Alabama Ethics Commission Director Tom Albritton of improperly benefiting from a charitable trust for which Albritton was a board member because Albritton’s children received more than $100,000 in scholarship money from the fund. The accusation came in a civil case and is not a criminal allegation. Marshall alleged Albritton and two other members of the board breached their duties by engaging in “self-dealing” or by failing to prevent it.

Arizona – Pro-Lake PAC Didn’t Fabricate Its Source of $2.1 Million, Officials Concluded Last Year

Arizona Mirror – Jim Small | Published: 2/27/2023

A campaign finance complaint accusing a super PAC that spent $2.1 million boosting Kari Lake’s bid for Arizona governor of inventing the source of its funding was quietly dismissed last year after elections officials determined a media report questioning the money’s origin was inaccurate. In July 2022, the Arizona Republic reported on the mysterious source of more than $2 million that had been spent on television ads to help Lake win her Republican primary contest against wealthy developer Karrin Taylor Robson.

Arizona – Arizona Governor Seeks Ethics Review of Former Attorney General

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) | Published: 2/25/2023

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is seeking a review of what her office alleges was “likely unethical conduct” by the state’s former attorney general, Mark Brnovich. A letter sent from the governor’s office to the State Bar of Arizona follows the disclosure of records showing Brnovich, a Republican, withheld findings by his own investigators refuting claims of fraud in the 2020 election and mischaracterized his office’s probe of voting in the state’s largest county. The letter signed calls the conduct “harmful to our democracy, our State, and the legal profession itself.”

California – California Business Groups File Lawsuit Seeking to Block New Campaign Finance Law

MSN – Theresa Clift (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 2/24/2023

A new lawsuit seeks to block a state law that requires city and county elected officials to recuse themselves from certain decisions that would financially benefit any entity or person that donated over $250 to that official’s campaign in the past year. It allows the official to return the money to cast a vote. The law applies to permits, licenses, and contracts, and might also be expanded to things like rezoning for development projects, said the bill’s author. The suit alleges lawmakers never had the authority to amend the Political Reform Act of 1974 in such a significant way.

California – Anaheim Officials Reverse Course and Fully Fund an Independent City Corruption Probe

Voice of OC – Spencer Custodio and Hosam Elattar | Published: 3/1/2023

The Anaheim City Council decided to fully fund an independent, city-commissioned corruption probe after hesitating earlier in February, which fueled outcry amongst many residents and activist groups. Council members also voted to allow investigators to share information about possible criminal misconduct with the district attorney’s office. The investigation was launched in August after revelations of an FBI corruption probe, in which federal agents allege Disneyland resort area interests and the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce wielded outsized influence on policy making at City Hall. They help fund city council campaigns.

Colorado – A Piece of Colorado Capitol History Is for Sale on eBay for $9,000. State Officials Want It Back.

Colorado Sun – Jessie Paul | Published: 3/1/2023

Sage Naumann, a former staffer at the Colorado Legislature, was conducting his occasional nerd search of state relics on eBay when an item caught his eye: “ORIGINAL BRONZE WALL SCONCE FROM THE COLORADO STATE CAPITOL BLDG. IN DENVER COLO.” The list price was $8,995. The Capitol Building Advisory Committee determined it wants the sconce – a decorative light fixture – back. The eBay listing has prompted a larger discussion about how to get missing Capitol relics back when they are discovered.

Florida – Jason Brodeur Wants Pay-to-Play Blog Posts About Elected Officials Reported with the State

Florida Politics – Jacob Ogles | Published: 3/1/2023

Florida could require blogs paid to produce content about elected officials to register and report that activity. Senate Bill 1316 requires reporting with the state “if a blogger posts to a blog about an elected state officer and receives, or will receive, compensation for that post.” Under the bill, bloggers must file monthly reports that list what posts mention those officials, along with disclosing any individual who paid for the posts and the amount paid.

Florida – DeSantis Takes Over Disney District, Punishing Company

MSN – Anthony Izaguirre (Associated Press) | Published: 2/27/2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that gives him control of Walt Disney World’s self-governing district, punishing the company over its opposition to the “Don’t Say Gay” law. The bill requires DeSantis to appoint a five-member board to oversee the government services the Disney district provides in its theme park properties in Florida. The signing came as DeSantis gears up for an expected presidential run and marks a high-profile legislative victory for a governor whose leveraging of cultural and political divides has pushed him to the front of national Republican politics.

Florida – Federal Judge Blocks Part of Florida Law Banning Elected Officials from Lobbying Other Governments

MSN – Anthony Man (South Florida Sun Sentinel) | Published: 2/28/2023

U.S. District Court Judge Beth Bloom struck down part of Florida’s ban on paid lobbying by elected officials. The temporary injunction prohibits enforcement of the provision that bars elected officials from paid lobbying on behalf of clients before any other government entity. The judge let stand a six-year ban on certain lobbying activities by former government officials once they leave office. The law has already had an impact. Some elected officials who have worked as lobbyists stopped. Others resigned their government posts.

Florida – DeSantis Wants to Roll Back Press Freedoms – with an Eye Toward Overturning Supreme Court Ruling

Yahoo News – Matt Dixon (Politico) | Published: 2/23/2023

At the Gov. Ron DeSantis’s urging, Florida’s Republican-dominated Legislature is pushing to weaken state laws that have long protected journalists against defamation suits and frivolous lawsuits. The proposal is part DeSantis’s ongoing feud with media companies he claims are biased against Republicans as he prepares for a likely 2024 presidential bid. The proposal is being positioned to spark a larger legal battle with the goal of eventually overturning New York Times v. Sullivan, the landmark 1964 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that limits public officials’ ability to sue publishers for defamation.

Georgia – Judge Overseeing Trump Georgia Grand Jury Speaks After Foreperson’s Controversial Interviews

Yahoo News – Olivia Rubin (ABC News) | Published: 2/27/2023

After the foreperson of the grand jury investigating former President Trump and a push to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia spoke out in several headline-making interviews, the judge overseeing the case said jurors “can talk about the final report.” But Judge Robert McBurney noted the matter can get “problematic” if jurors start to “synthesize the testimony” and the group’s thoughts on it. The foreperson, Emily Kohrs, gave interviews to news outlets regarding her work as a juror, including that the panel had recommended indictments against multiple people.

Illinois – In 4 Years, Lori Lightfoot Went from Breakout Political Star to Divisive Mayor of a Chicago Beset by Pandemic and Crime

MSN – Gregory Pratt and Alice Yin (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/1/2023

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s failure to advance to a runoff election represents an astonishing fall from power four years after she was ushered into City Hall with a promise of reform. Instead, Lightfoot struggled through a storm of skyrocketing crime, the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of personality conflicts that left her labeled as a divisive leader who was unable to build political coalitions or maintain relationships.

Massachusetts – Several Thorny Political Corruption Cases Await New Attorney General Andrea Campbell

MSN – Samantha Gross (Boston Globe) | Published: 2/26/2023

Among the many different types of crimes that the Massachusetts attorney general’s office investigates, none present quite the minefield as the prosecution of another politician. Some previous state prosecutors pursued such cases with vigor. Others, less so. And either way, they usually got criticized, for being too zealous or too timid. The newly elected attorney general, Andrea Campbell, inherited several high-profile political cases, including allegations of illegal campaign finance activity by a sitting state senator and the former head of the Massachusetts GOP and pending criminal charges against a former state senator and congressional candidate.

Montana – Lawmakers Look to Define Investigative Authority After Judicial Conflict

Helena Independent Record – Seaborn Larson | Published: 3/1/2023

After the Montana Legislature’s investigation into the judiciary last session was blocked by the courts’ finding they had lacked authority to do so, Republicans worked to fill that gap. Senate Bill 490 would provide a scope and use of the Legislature’s “investigative powers.” The state Supreme Court in 2021 found lawmakers needed a legislative purpose to investigate the judiciary.

New Jersey – Assembly Postpones Vote on Bill That Could Gut Some NJ Campaign Finance Rules

MSN – Ashley Balcerzak (Bergen Record) | Published: 2/27/2023

The New Jersey Assembly postponed a vote on an overhaul of the state’s campaign finance system that would eviscerate “pay-to-play” rules, give the governor more control over the agency that polices election law, and increase what individuals and companies can donate. Assemblyperson Carol Murphy confirmed the chamber did not have enough votes to pass the measure and pulled the bill to take a closer look at the last-minute amendments.

New Mexico – Bill to End Gag on Ethics Complainants Clears Committee

NM Political Report – Susan Dunlap | Published: 2/25/2023

The Senate Rules Committee passed a bill that would allow someone who files an ethics complaint in New Mexico to speak publicly on the matter. The current law prohibits both the complainant and committee staff from speaking publicly about a complaint. House Bill 169 generated a discussion around the constitutional right to free speech.

New Mexico – Trump Cowboy Found Not Guilty of Campaign Finance Charge

Yahoo News – Associated Press | Published: 3/1/2023

Cowboys for Trump co-founder Couy Griffin was found not guilty of a misdemeanor charge of failing to register a political committee in New Mexico. Cowboys for Trump staged horseback parades to spread Donald Trump’s conservative message on issues. Griffin invoked free speech protections in declining to register and disclose donors the group, while expressing concern that contributors might be harassed.

New York – Democrats Seek to Close Lobbying Loophole on Nominations Exposed by LaSalle Fight

Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 2/27/2023

New York Senate Democratic leaders are seeking to close an apparent lobbying loophole for nominations to statewide positions that require confirmation. The loophole allows for individuals or groups seeking to influence the vote of senators on a nominee without having to report their activities to the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government. “The danger in people trying to influence judicial appointments is just as great, if not greater, than for those trying to influence legislation,” said Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris. “To somehow allow that influence to be exerted in secrecy makes absolutely no sense.”

New York – Could Public Campaign Finance Unlaunch in New York?

City & State – Rebecca Lewis | Published: 2/28/2023

It has been reported that despite the new statewide public campaign finance system’s official launch in November, legislative leaders in New York may push to postpone payouts for two years even as lawmakers and other candidates have begun to sign up. Good government advocates have touted the program as a way to reduce corruption by reducing the influence of big-dollar donors. Opponents have argued that taxpayer money should not pay for lawmakers’ elections.

North Carolina – Federal Court of Appeals Rules NC’s Ag-Gag Law Is Unconstitutional, Signals a Win for Whistleblowers

NC Policy Watch – Lisa Sorg | Published: 2/24/2023

A federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling that North Carolina’s “ag-gag law” is unconstitutional and infringes on free speech. The Property Protection Act allows courts to assess civil fines on employees who took videos or photos, or even took handwritten notes, of a business’s non-public areas to document alleged wrongdoing, and then passed that information to anyone besides the employer or law enforcement. The fines were $5,000 per day, plus attorney’s fees.

Ohio – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Ohio Enacted the Most Restrictive Voter Photo ID Law in America

Ohio Capital Journal – Zurie Pope | Published: 3/1/2023

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 458 in January, enacting what has been called one of the most restrictive voter-ID laws in the country. Public records show how the law moved through the process, with lawmakers often ignoring moderation suggestions proposed by the secretary of state’s office and a law firm that lobbied on the measure. Republican leaders insist the new voting restrictions were necessary, despite no evidence of significant voter fraud.

Ohio – Norfolk Southern Plied Ohio Politicians with Campaign Cash, Extensive Lobbying

WSYX – Darrell Rowland | Published: 2/23/2023

Almost exactly a month before a Norfolk Southern train derailed and spewed hazardous materials in East Palestine, Ohio, the company gave the maximum $10,000 to help bankroll Gov. Mike DeWine’s inaugural festivities. The railway company contributed about $98,000 during the past six years to Ohio statewide and legislative candidates. It also filed more than 200 quarterly reports disclosing the lobbying of state officials or legislators in the same period. Most of the lobbying was on generic transportation issues. Some efforts were devoted to defeating legislation that would have established tougher safety standards for train operations.

Pennsylvania – Shapiro Admin Contends Taking Super Bowl Tickets Didn’t Violate Governor’s Own Gift Ban

MSN – Kate Huangpu and Stephen Caruso (Spotlight PA) | Published: 2/22/2023

Under a policy instituted in January, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and executive branch employees are not allowed to accept tickets to recreational events such as football games. The ban states these employees cannot accept such a gift from any “person or entity” that “has financial relations with the Commonwealth.” But Team Pennsylvania – a public-private partnership that works to improve the state’s “competitiveness and economic prosperity” – paid for Shapiro and his staff’s flights, lodging, and tickets for the Super Bowl in Arizona this year. The state has given the group over $17.2 million in contracts since 2007.

Pennsylvania – Ex-Philly Councilmember Bobby Henon Sentenced to 3 1/2 Years in Union Bribery Case

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck and Oona Goodin-Smith (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 3/1/2023

A federal judge sentenced former city council member Bobby Henon to three-and-one-half years in prison, calling his conviction on bribery charges a case that “exposed the dirty underbelly of how Philadelphia politics works.” U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Schmehl said Henon deserved his prison term for essentially selling his office to labor leader John Dougherty in exchange for a $70,000-a-year union salary.

Pennsylvania – Lobbyist Says She Was Sexually Harassed by Pa. Lawmaker Mike Zabel, Calls on Him to Resign

Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 3/1/2023

Andi Perez a lobbyist for the Service Employees International Union 32BJ, says Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Zabel sexually harassed her and called for him to resign. Perez did not name Zabel when she publicly shared her story in January. She said an unnamed lawmaker harassed her while they discussed a bill outside of the Capitol. Spotlight PA spoke to a woman who was with Perez at the time of the incident and corroborated Perez’s story. Spotlight PA also viewed a text message Zabel sent to Perez the day after she said the harassment occurred, in which he confirmed the two met and apologized for his “bad manners at times.”

Pennsylvania – McClinton Voted Pa. Speaker; First Black Woman to Win Post

Yahoo News – Mark Scolforo (Associated Press) | Published: 2/28/2023

State Rep. Joanna McClinton became the first woman to serve as speaker of the Pennsylvania House, ascending to the chamber’s top position on the strength of a fresh one-vote Democratic majority. The leadership reshuffling came nearly two months after Rep. Mark Rozzi became the surprise choice for speaker. Democrats flipped a net of 12 seats in November to retake majority control by the narrowest of margins after more than a decade, but their control did not become effective until their candidates won three special elections in February.

South Carolina – SC House Freedom Caucus Takes Colleagues to Federal Court on Free Speech Grounds

MSN – Joseph Bustos (The State) | Published: 2/28/2023

The South Carolina House Freedom Caucus is taking its colleagues to federal court. The caucus, an ultra-conservative wing of House Republicans, filed a lawsuit against Ethics Committee members over free speech grounds. The group is asking the court to equal the playing field for legislative caucuses, allowing them, most importantly, to solicit donations similar to the two main party caucuses in the lower chamber. State ethics law only allows the Republican, Democratic, Legislative Black Caucus, and Women’s caucuses to raise money, openly advocate for candidates and hire staff.

Tennessee – Gov. Bill Lee Will Sign Drag Bill, Reacts to Yearbook Photo Showing Him Dressed as a Woman

MSN – Josh Keefe (Tennessean) | Published: 2/27/2023

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said he intends to sign an antidrug show bill into law when it reaches his desk, the first time he has publicly taken a position on the legislation. Lee also said comparisons between the performances targeted in the bill and an old yearbook picture of him dressed in woman’s clothes were “ridiculous.” In 2019, Lee said he regretted attending “Old South” parties while an undergraduate student at Auburn University after a yearbook photo showed him dressed as a Confederate soldier.

Texas – Two GOP Legislators in Harris County Want to Let the State Replace Local Elections Administrators

Texas Tribune – Natalia Contreras (Votebeat) | Published: 2/27/2023

Bills filed by Republican lawmakers in response to Harris County’s mismanagement of its recent elections could give the Texas secretary of state the authority to step in, suspend county election administrators when a complaint is filed and appoint a replacement administrator. Election administration experts said the legislation was an overreaction to the desire to hold Harris County accountable for years of election mismanagement and would disrupt the state’s ability to help county election offices improve and address systemic problems.

Wyoming – Bouchard Reprimanded by Senate Leadership; Lawmaker Doubles Down on Social Media

Wyoming Tribune Eagle – Jasmine Hall | Published: 3/1/2023

Wyoming Senate leaders issued a formal letter of reprimand against Sen. Anthony Bouchard for his behavior that led to a second ethics complaint in less than a year. The most recent complaint was filed by nurse practitioner Jennifer James, who had testified in the House Appropriations Committee on a bill sponsored by Bouchard. He used an obscenity in a text message to James for her comments on the bill regarding the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

Campaign Finance National: “Dark Money and Special Deals: How Leonard Leo and his friends benefited from his judicial activism” by Heidi Przybyla (Politico) for MSN Elections Illinois: “In 4 Years, Lori Lightfoot Went from Breakout Political Star to Divisive Mayor of a Chicago Beset by Pandemic and Crime” by Gregory Pratt and Alice Yin (Chicago Tribune) for MSN Ethics California: “Anaheim Officials Reverse Course and Fully Fund an Independent City Corruption Probe” by Spencer Custodio and Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC National: “Showdown Before the Raid: FBI agents and prosecutors argued over Trump” by Carol Leonnig, Devlin Barrett, Perry Stein, and Aaron Davis (Washington Post) for MSN Pennsylvania: “Lobbyist Says She Was Sexually Harassed by Pa. Lawmaker Mike Zabel, Calls on Him to Resign” by Stephen Caruso for Spotlight PA Pennsylvania: “Ex-Philly Councilmember Bobby Henon Sentenced to 3 1/2 Years in Union Bribery Case” by Jeremy Roebuck and Oona Goodin-Smith (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN Legislative Issues Colorado: “A Piece of Colorado Capitol History Is for Sale on eBay for $9,000. State Officials Want It Back.” by Jessie Paul for Colorado Sun Lobbying Florida: “Federal Judge Blocks Part of Florida Law Banning Elected Officials from Lobbying Other Governments” by Anthony Man (South Florida Sun Sentinel) for MSN Florida: “Jason Brodeur Wants Pay-to-Play Blog Posts About Elected Officials Reported with the State” by Jacob Ogles for Florida Politics

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Pro-Lake PAC Didn’t Fabricate Its Source of $2.1 Million, Officials Concluded Last Year” by Jim Small for Arizona Mirror

Elections

National: “Murdoch Admits Some Fox Hosts ‘Were Endorsing’ Election Falsehoods” by Jeremy Barr, Sarah Ellison, and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) for MSN

Georgia: “Judge Overseeing Trump Georgia Grand Jury Speaks After Foreperson’s Controversial Interviews” by Olivia Rubin (ABC News) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “Embattled Rep. Ogles Acknowledges Misrepresenting His College Major” by John Wagner (Washington Post) for MSN

Florida: “DeSantis Takes Over Disney District, Punishing Company” by Anthony Izaguirre (Associated Press) for MSN

Tennessee: “Gov. Bill Lee Will Sign Drag Bill, Reacts to Yearbook Photo Showing Him Dressed as a Woman” by Josh Keefe (Tennessean) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Pennsylvania: “McClinton Voted Pa. Speaker; First Black Woman to Win Post” by Mark Scolforo (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

South Carolina: “SC House Freedom Caucus Takes Colleagues to Federal Court on Free Speech Grounds” by Joseph Bustos (The State) for MSN

Campaign Finance New Jersey: “Assembly Postpones Vote on Bill That Could Gut Some NJ Campaign Finance Rules” by Ashley Balcerzak (Bergen Record) for MSN Elections National: “Indian Americans Rapidly Climbing Political Ranks” by Maggie Astor and Jill Cowan (New York Times) for DNyuz Texas: “Two GOP Legislators in Harris County Want to Let the State Replace Local Elections Administrators” by Natalia Contreras (Votebeat) for Texas Tribune Ethics National: “Trump White House Pressured Disney to Censor … Jimmy Kimmel” by Asawin Suebsaeng (Rolling Stone) for MSN Florida: “DeSantis Wants to Roll Back Press Freedoms – with an Eye Toward Overturning Supreme Court Ruling” by Matt Dixon (Politico) for Yahoo News Massachusetts: “Several Thorny Political Corruption Cases Await New Attorney General Andrea Campbell” by Samantha Gross (Boston Globe) for MSN North Carolina: “Federal Court of Appeals Rules NC’s Ag-Gag Law Is Unconstitutional, Signals a Win for Whistleblowers” by Lisa Sorg for NC Policy Watch Lobbying New York: “Democrats Seek to Close Lobbying Loophole on Nominations Exposed by LaSalle Fight” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union

Campaign Finance California: “California Business Groups File Lawsuit Seeking to Block New Campaign Finance Law” by Theresa Clift (Sacramento Bee) for MSN National: “New Indictment Details Bankman-Fried’s Illegal Campaign Contributions” by Declan Harty and Sam Sutton (Politico) for Yahoo News Elections Arizona: “Arizona Governor Seeks Ethics Review of Former Attorney General” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics National: “Rep. Scott Perry Fights to Keep Phone from Team Probing Jan. 6 Attack” by Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) for MSN National: “Judge Won’t Unseal Details of Trump’s Privilege Fight Over Jan. 6 Grand Jury” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) for MSN New Mexico: “Bill to End Gag on Ethics Complainants Clears Committee” by Susan Dunlap for NM Political Report Ohio: “Norfolk Southern Plied Ohio Politicians with Campaign Cash, Extensive Lobbying” by Darrell Rowland for WSYX Pennsylvania: “Shapiro Admin Contends Taking Super Bowl Tickets Didn’t Violate Governor’s Own Gift Ban” by Kate Huangpu and Stephen Caruso (Spotlight PA) for MSN

National/Federal

Trump Spent $10 Million From His PAC on His Legal Bills Last Year

DNyuz – Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 2/21/2023

Former President Trump spent roughly $10 million from his PAC, Save America, on his own legal fees last year. The money that went to Trump’s legal bills was part of more than $16 million that Save America spent for legal-related payments in 2021 and 2022. Some campaign finance experts are raising questions about whether, as an announced candidate for president, Trump can continue to use the PAC to pay for his personal legal bills.

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump Subpoenaed in Jan. 6 Investigation

DNyuz – Maggie Haberman and Michael Schmidt (New York Times) | Published: 2/22/2023

Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, have been subpoenaed by the special counsel to testify before a federal grand jury about Trump’s efforts to stay in power after he lost the 2020 election and his role in a pro-Trump mob’s attack on the Capitol. The decision by the special counsel, Jack Smith, to subpoena Ivanka Trump and Kushner underscores how deeply into the former president’s inner circle that Smith is reaching and is the latest sign no potential high-level witness is off limits.

Months After Her Trump Indignity, U.S. Judge Aileen Cannon Catches Another Political Hot Potato

Florida Bulldog – Dan Christensen | Published: 2/19/2023

Former U.S. Rep. Rivera was ordered to pay a $456,000 civil penalty to the FEC after the agency showed he secretly financed the primary campaign of another candidate to “weaken” his likely 2012 general election opponent. Rivera has a motion pending before U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon asking her to declare the penalty enhancement provision of the Federal Election Campaign Act as unconstitutional. Cannon’s ruling in the case of missing classified documents found at Donald Trump’s residence was vacated on appeal and questions are likely to arise about her ability to impartially handle another politically charged case.

McCarthy Gives Tucker Carlson Exclusive Access to Jan. 6 Riot Video

MSN – Meryl Kornfield and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 2/21/2023

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy provided exclusive access to a trove of U.S. Capitol surveillance footage from the insurrection to Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who has played down the deadly violence that occurred and claimed it was a “false flag” operation. The decision by McCarthy to provide the video to Carlson raised serious questions about whether the release of the footage would force U.S. Capitol Police to change the location of security cameras and why the speaker would give the material to a Fox News host who has peddled conspiracy theories about the attack and not share it with other news organizations.

50 Years Ago, Depression Ended a Campaign. That’s Changed, Politicians Say.

MSN – Jonathan Edwards and Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 2/17/2023

When it was revealed that U.S. Sen. Thomas Eagleton, a vice-presidential nominee in 1972, had been hospitalized three times for depression and undergone electroshock therapy, it derailed his chance to be on the Democratic ticket that year. Fifty years later, when U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s office announced he had voluntarily sought treatment for clinical depression, the reaction was far different, signaling a shift in the way those holding public office talk about mental health.

When Chiefs Play, Lobbyists Pay to Get Missouri and Kansas Politicians into Big Games

MSN – Jonathan Shorman, Kevin Hardy, and Katie Bernard (Kansas City Star) | Published: 2/17/2023

Public officials in Missouri and Kansas have accepted more than $30,000 in football tickets from special interests to Kansas City Chiefs games and related gifts, like parking, since 2017 when the Patrick Mahomes era began, a period capped by the team’s Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Missouri voters in 2018 voted to ban most gifts to state lawmakers. But other public officials like mayors and city council members were not included, leaving lobbyists free to continue giving them tickets, meals, and other items.

Before Ohio Derailment, Norfolk Southern Lobbied Against Safety Rules

MSN – Ian Duncan, Luz Lazo, and Michael Laris (Washington Post) | Published: 2/18/2023

Three months before one of his railroad’s trains derailed and burned in Ohio, Norfolk Southern chief executive Alan Shaw shared a picture of him and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg smiling together after a meeting in Washington. It was an opportunity for Norfolk Southern to raise concerns about a proposed federal rule that would require trains, in most cases, to have two crew members. Federal regulators have argued that two workers could better respond to derailments and other emergencies. Labor leaders say Norfolk Southern resists proposed regulation, opposing new safety standards while searching for loopholes through existing rules.

Fox News Hosts, Execs Privately Doubted 2020 Conspiracy Claims Shared on Air

MSN – Jeremy Barr and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 2/16/2023

George Santos Reported Spreading Campaign Cash to Other Republicans. The Money Never Showed Up.

Yahoo News – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 2/22/2023

One of George Santos’s first acts as a candidate for Congress in 2019, according to his campaign finance filings, was making a series of four-figure contributions from his campaign to a pair of local Republican groups and former President Trump’s reelection committee. But according to those groups’ own filings, the contributions were never received and may not have been donated. The purported donations included $2,800 to Trump’s campaign that is not reflected in his campaign finance disclosures and would have exceeded contribution limits if it did happen as Santos’s campaign reported it.

International

Canada – Lobbying Commissioner Proposes New Rules – but Critics Aren’t Happy

MSN – Darren Major (CBC) | Published: 2/19/2023

Canada’s lobbying commissioner is proposing a new set of guidelines on how lobbyists should conduct themselves when engaging with public officials. Some critics say the changes would eviscerate the guidelines, while others say they go too far. The proposed changes would set monetary limits on what lobbyists should offer officials in the way of gifts and food. They would also reduce the period of time after a person leaves a politician’s employ when they are not supposed to lobby that politician.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Alaska House Censures Rep. Eastman for Comments About the Economic ‘Benefit’ of Child Abuse Deaths

KTOO – James Brooks (Alaska Beacon) | Published: 2/22/2023

The Alaska House voted to reprimand state Rep. David Eastman for speculating the state could financially benefit if child abuse victims died of their abuse. Eastman’s remarks, which he said were intended to criticize some arguments in favor of abortion rights, spread on social media, contributing to the public outcry. A censure has no consequences other than putting a formal statement of disapproval or reprimand on the record. But some lawmakers said their vote should be considered an action, not mere words.

Arizona – Arizona’s Top Prosecutor Concealed Records Debunking Election Fraud Claims

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) | Published: 2/22/2023

An investigation found virtually all claims of error and malfeasance in Maricopa County, Arizona, in the 2020 election were unfounded, according to documents. Then-state Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican who launched the probe, kept the findings private. He released an “Interim Report” claiming his office had discovered “serious vulnerabilities.” He left out edits from his own investigators refuting his assertions. The innuendo and inaccuracies, circulated not just in the far reaches of the internet but with the imprimatur of the state’s attorney general, helped make Arizona an epicenter of distrust in the democratic process.

Arizona – ‘Dark Money’ Opponents Want to Block Effort to Quash Law

Sierra Vista Herald Review – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 2/15/2023

The group that convinced voters last year to outlaw “dark money” in Arizona is asking a judge to block a bid by two special interest groups to keep the law from taking effect. In new legal filings, attorney Chanele Reyes told a Superior Court judge there is nothing unconstitutional about ensuring that voters know who is trying to influence elections. Approved by voters in November by a wide margin, Proposition 211 says any organization that spends more than $50,000 on a statewide race – half that for other contests – must publicly disclose anyone who has given at least $5,000.

California – Family Business: Meet the legacy caucus in the California Legislature

CalMatters – Ben Christopher | Published: 2/8/2023

Of the 120 state lawmakers in California, twelve have current or former members in their immediate family. At least 10 percent of the Legislature has been related to at least one current or former state lawmaker since 2001. The ubiquity of political families can shape the culture at the Capitol. At best, it provides a way for institutional knowledge to pass from one generation to the next despite term limits. At worst, it can provide fodder for cynics who believe that political power is only available to those who know the right people.

California – Ethics Commission Set to Recommend Tougher Lobbying Rules

Long Beach Post – Jason Ruiz | Published: 2/19/2023

The Long Beach Ethics Commission could propose dramatic changes to the city’s lobbying rules that would redefine who has to register their activities with the city, lower the threshold for when activity needs to be reported, and require politicians and other officials to self-report contacts with people advocating for policies or projects. The commissioners could formally refer them to the city council for approval at its March 8 meeting.

California – Trial Begins for Former LA Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan on Corruption Charges

Los Angeles Daily News – Fred Shuster (City News Service) | Published: 2/21/2023

A former Los Angeles deputy mayor played a key role in a complex City Hall-based bribery scheme run by ex-city council member José Huizar designed to “get money, keep power, and avoid the feds,” a prosecutor told jurors in Raymond Chan’s trial on corruption charges. Chan is accused of being a member of what prosecutors dubbed the Council District 14 “enterprise,” a conspiracy which operated as a “pay-to-play” scheme in which Huizar, assisted by others, unlawfully used his office to give favorable treatment to real estate developers who financed and facilitated bribes and other illicit benefits.

California – San Jose Mayor’s Chief of Staff Accused of Conflict of Interest

San Jose Spotlight – Jane Kadah | Published: 2/17/2023

While working in the top offices of city government, Jim Reed helped raise six figures to elect San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Then he went to work for him. Many say that could be considered a conflict-of-interest. Some in are considering a call to demand Reed step down as Mahan’s chief of staff or at least be investigated by the city’s ethics commission. Government employees such as Reed cannot intermingle official resources with political campaigns, or use public resources including their time or city offices for lobbying or political activities.

Colorado – Denver City Councilmember Forced to Crawl onto Debate Stage Due to Lack of Wheelchair Access

Denver Gazette – Alex Andrews | Published: 2/15/2023

A Denver City Council member who relies on a wheelchair says he was humiliated after being forced to crawl onto a stage to take part in an election debate because the venue did not have a ramp. Hinds participates in the city’s Fair Election Fund program, in which candidates who agree to raise money in lower amounts get a matching disbursement from the city. The program requires candidates to participate in debates or forfeit the funding. Hind’s campaign said he stands to lose $125,000. “People often think that the [Americans with Disabilities Act] solved accessibility problems, but here is a stark reminder that serious issues still persist,” Hinds said.

Florida – Mayor Jane Castor’s Partner Vowed Not to Lobby the City. How’d That Go?

MSN – Charlie Frago and Sue Carlton (Tampa Bay Times) | Published: 2/22/2023

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor’s partner, lobbyist Ana Cruz, has helped run Florida campaigns for Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. On Twitter, she goes by Tampa’s 1st Lady. When Castor announced she would run for mayor, questions were raised about her connection to Cruz, who is a managing partner at Ballard Partners. The firm, which specializes in governmental and public affairs, has represented clients to the city of Tampa.

Georgia – Georgia Grand Jury: ‘Perjury may have been committed’ in Trump election probe

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 2/16/2023

An special grand jury investigating efforts by Donald Trump and his allies to overturn Trump’s 2020 election loss in Georgia concluded some witnesses may have lied under oath during their testimony and recommended charges be filed. But those witnesses were not identified in the excerpt of the grand jury report that was made public. The unsealed document offered no major clues about the grand jury’s other findings, although the panel noted it unanimously agreed that Georgia’s 2020 presidential vote had not been marred by “widespread fraud,” contrary to what Trump and many of his allies have claimed.

Hawaii – Should Hawaii’s Legislature Meet Year-Round?

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 2/21/2023

When Sen. Stanley Chang was elected to the Hawaii Senate in 2016 after serving for four years on the Honolulu City Council, he was surprised by the pace of the legislative session. The council’s schedule of weekly committee hearings and twice-monthly council meetings throughout the year “permitted time for deliberation, consultation with stakeholders and accessibility for the public,” Chang said. On the other hand, “[the Legislature is] just four months of chaos …,” he said. Chang introduced a bill that would eliminate the current 60-day limit on legislative sessions and require lawmakers to meet at least once monthly instead.

Illinois – Lightfoot’s Campaign Sent 9,900 Emails Seeking Support from CPS and City Colleges Staff, Documents Show

WBEZ – Nader Issa (Chicago Sun-Times), Sarah Karp, Tessa Weinberg, and Mariah Woelfel | Published: 2/21/2023

When news broke in January that Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s reelection campaign had solicited help from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and City Colleges of Chicago educators to recruit student volunteers, the incumbent candidate apologized, calling the effort a “bad mistake” by one young staffer. But the campaign had for months been sending CPS and City Colleges staff thousands of other emails unrelated to the student volunteer solicitation, some from multiple campaign staffers. The emails ranged from generic fundraising appeals to invitations to private town halls and requests for help gathering petitions.

Illinois – How Admittedly Corrupt Ex-Illinois Lawmakers Get to Keep Their Pensions

WBEZ – Dave McKinney | Published: 2/16/2023

A media investigation found nearly $2 million in state retirement checks sent to a mix of federally charged, convicted, and self-admitted felons who once served at the Illinois Legislature. In some cases, loved ones were the beneficiaries. All these cases won sign-off from an obscure state panel, often on the advice of Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. His office found the criminal wrongdoing did not disqualify them from their pensions because it was not linked to their work as public officials. That is a legal standard Illinois pension boards rely on to decide who gets a pension.

Illinois – Chicago Board of Ethics Cracks Down on Use of City Property in Campaign Ads

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 2/20/2023

The Chicago Board of Ethics determined there is probable cause to believe a candidate running in the February 28 election violated the ethics ordinance by using city property in their campaign advertisements. The candidate, who was not named, will have a chance to challenge the board’s determination in March. The board voted to give eight other candidates for city offices 10 days to refute allegations they also violated the city’s ethics law by using city property in their campaign ads.

Illinois – Red-Light Camera Officials Caught on FBI Wire Talking About Giving Perks to Suburban Mayor, Unsealed Document Shows

Yahoo News – Jason Meisner and Joe Mahr (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/17/2023

An unsealed court document reveals for the first time that two top officials at a red-light camera company were caught on undercover FBI recordings talking about giving a suburban Chicago mayor campaign contributions and other perks at the same time their firm was pressuring the mayor to increase ticket revenue. The search warrant was part of an investigation into corruption surrounding cameras operated by SafeSpeed LLC, a probe that has netted charges against more than half a dozen public officials, businesspeople, and political operatives.

Indiana – Indiana Secretary of State Hires Brother-in-Law for Top Post

MSN – Associated Press | Published: 2/16/2023

New Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales has hired his brother-in-law for a top position paying a six-figure salary, in a move that has drawn criticism as crossing an ethical line. Shawn Grady is now the co-director of the office’s Auto Dealer Services Division. Grady previously worked as a sales consultant at a car dealership and is married to Morales’ sister. While critics raised questions of nepotism, state law does not prohibit state employees from hiring brothers-in-law or sisters-in-law.

Kansas – Kansas Legislature Considers Bill to Overhaul Ethics Commission as It Probes GOP Officials

MSN – Andrew Bahl (Topeka Capital-Journal) | Published: 2/17/2023

Amid a Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission probe into activities of prominent legislators and state Republican Party officials, lawmakers are considering a massive overhaul of the agency that could limit its ability to conduct future investigations. The agency’s leader said the bill would make Kansas’ ethics laws among the weakest in the nation. House Bill 2391, which was debated in committee would end the agency’s subpoena power unless it has already established probable cause. Its consideration comes after revelations that subpoenas had been issued to prominent interest groups, Republican Party officials and lawmakers.

Maine – Maine Lawmaker Pleads Not Guilty to Fraud Charges, Says He’ll Resign

Yahoo News – Edward Murphy (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 2/16/2023

Maine Rep. Clinton Collamore Sr., who pleaded not guilty to charges he defrauded the state’s clean elections program, announced he is resigning from his seat. His attorney said Collamore filled in the signatures of donors to qualify for matching campaign funds from the state after he neglected to get them to sign, but he did not intend to defraud the program. Collamore also said he will return to the state the salary he has collected since being sworn into office and would reimburse the more than $14,000 in public campaign funding he received.

Maryland – Former Baltimore County Official Charged with Stealing $140k from Campaign Accounts for Councilmember, Slate

Maryland Matters – William Zorzi | Published: 2/16/2023

A former Baltimore County official was charged with stealing more than $140,000 from two campaign accounts, one for a former county councilmember and the other a slate controlled by a former county executive, while he served as their treasurer. William McCollum was charged with felony theft, embezzlement, and perjury. McCollum allegedly took money to pay his personal credit card bill and to travel with a “romantic partner” in Puerto Rico and for flights to Palm Beach.

Massachusetts – The Mass. GOP May Have $600,000 in Debts, Misreported Hundreds of Thousands in Spending, Memo Says

MSN – Matt Stout (Boston Globe) | Published: 2/22/2023

The Massachusetts Republican Party misreported hundreds of thousands of dollars to state campaign finance officials, and may owe vendors more than $600,000, a sum that would far eclipse what party officials had previously disclosed, according to a memo its new leader, Amy Carnevale, sent to party officials. Carnevale, who was recently elected to replace Jim Lyons as party chair, described a party that had fallen in fiscal disarray under her predecessor, telling Republican State Committee members in a letter she and others are trying “get our financial house in order.”

Michigan – New Landlord for Michigan Lawmakers Surfaces, Raising Questions About Secret Deals

GNT News – Craig Mauger (Detroit News) | Published: 2/17/2023

A Michigan lobbyist rented a house across the street from the Capitol to six lawmakers, according to amended disclosures the lobbyist filed weeks after The Detroit News revealed a separate interest group had been former House Speaker Lee Chatfield’s landlord. In less than three months, two different rental arrangements involving lobbyists and seven lawmakers have come to light in Lansing, raising questions about the enforcement of the state’s lobbying requirements and the possibility of other deals between advocates and policymakers remaining hidden.

Mississippi – Miss. Bill Would Create Unelected Court System in Majority-Black Jackson

MSN – Emmanuel Felton (Washington Post) | Published: 2/16/2023

The Washington Post found Jackson, Mississippi, had the highest murder rate in the country. About a quarter of its residents live in poverty, among the highest rates for American cities with more than 100,000 residents. Local officials recently warned the periodic water outages residents have been suffering through for years could continue for another decade. Republicans are now pushing legislation they say is designed to provide needed resources by giving the state more control of an affluent part of the city. But leaders of this majority-Black city are calling it a power grab, rather than a helping hand.

New Jersey – Morristown Mayor’s Wife Stripped of Real Estate License for Her Role in Bribery Scandal

Yahoo News – Kyle Morel (New Jersey Herald) | Published: 2/20/2023

The wife of Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty has been banned from practicing real estate for at least a year after accepting illegal campaign funds during her 2018 run for county office. Mary Dougherty, who eventually pleaded guilty to a charge of falsifying campaign records, will be subject to a two-year probationary period if she obtains another license, and her employer must notify the commission within 72 hours if there is reason to believe she violated the law again.

New York – How Public Money Goes to Support a Hasidic Village’s Private Schools

DNyuz – Jay Root (New York Times) | Published: 2/19/2023

Kiryas Joel, a village near New York City, is populated almost entirely by Hasidic Jews. The village’s unique public school system immediately drew concerns that a school district created for members of a single faith could never separate itself from their religious institutions. In 2009, state auditors found two of the school district’s board members voted to use tens of millions of tax dollars to lease a building from a private religious school organization they also helped run. Since then, the conflicts have grown, with millions in public education dollars continuing to flow into the same religious school organization and its affiliates.

North Dakota – North Dakota House Backs Bill That Would Shine Light on Burgum-Funded Campaign Group

Grand Forks Herald – Jeremy Turley (Forum News Service) | Published: 2/21/2023

The North Dakota House passed legislation that would require multicandidate committees to disclose how they spend their money. House Bill 1441 now moves to the Senate. Multicandidate committees must report their donor list, but they are not legally required to reveal which candidates they support or oppose. The majority of the groups registered under the designation are affiliated with a political party or a series of candidates, but the Dakota Leadership PAC, which derives nearly all of its funding from Gov. Doug Burgum, is a notable exception.

Oklahoma – Pro-Cockfighting Group Has Spent More Than $70K on Effort to Decriminalize Sport in Oklahoma

Yahoo News – Ben Felder (The Oklahoman) | Published: 2/22/2023

A pro-cockfighting organization has donated more than $70,000 to Oklahoma lawmakers in a push to decrease penalties for participating in the illegal sport, although the group does not report the source of its funds. The Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission, a PAC, has donated to dozens of state lawmakers. But because some individuals associated with the organization have been accused of fighting and breeding roosters for cockfighting, which is illegal, opponents of the sport say lawmakers should be skeptical about where the money is coming from.

Oregon – Gunshot Detection Company Investigated for Possible Violations of Portland Lobbying Laws

OPB – Jonathan Levinson | Published: 2/17/2023

The city auditor in Portland has opened an investigation into ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection technology company, for possibly violating lobbying laws. Portland requires private companies to register as a lobbyist once they have spent a minimum of either $1,000 or eight hours on lobbying within a quarter. The law defines lobbying as “attempting to influence the official action of City Officials.” There are a number of exceptions, including the time it takes to submit a bid, respond to information requests, and negotiate the terms of a contract. Much of ShotSpotter’s activity over the past 15 months appears to fall outside those carveouts.

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Lawmaker Proposes Campaign, Lobbying Reform Bills

WHTM – George Stockburger | Published: 2/21/2023

State Rep. Joe Webster is proposing a new ethics package in the Pennsylvania House focused on campaign and lobbying reform. Webster said current state laws allow for unlimited donations for state and local candidates, the ability for lawmakers to accept gifts, and just a one year prohibition on former lawmakers becoming lobbyists. “Current ethics laws are riddled with loopholes, which leads to corruptive influences controlling our state government,” said Webster.

Pennsylvania – Top Gaming Regulators in Pa. Met with Industry Lobbyists Before Coming Out Against a Casino Competitor

Yahoo News – Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 2/16/2023

Lobbyists for Parx Casino met privately with top officials at the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board about unregulated slots-like machines called skill games that were a major competitor. Within weeks, the board shed its neutral stance and aligned with Parx and others in a court fight to declare skill games illegal. Emails and other documents provide a glimpse into the lobbying of public officials in Pennsylvania that the public rarely sees. State law requires lobbyists to disclose only a bare minimum of information about their activities. The emails raise questions about whether the Gaming Control Board should have disclosed the meeting to the public.

Texas – State Rep. Chris Paddie to Stop Lobbying After Regulators Crack Down on Loophole He Used

Texas Tribune – Patrick Svitek | Published: 2/16/2023

Former Texas Rep. Chris Paddie said he will stop lobbying after the state Ethics Commission cracked down on a “revolving-door” loophole in the lobbying law he was using, potentially exposing him to fines. The law says a former lawmaker cannot register to lobby until two years after they last used campaign funds to donate to another politician. Paddie sought to get around that earlier this year by reimbursing his campaign account with personal money to cover political donations that were implicated by the law.

Wisconsin – Strong Democratic Showing in Wisconsin Court Race Sets Up a Frenzied Finish

DNyuz – Reid Epstein (New York Times) | Published: 2/22/2023

The Wisconsin Supreme Court primary election was a triumph for the state’s liberals. Janet Protasiewicz, a liberal Circuit Court judge in Milwaukee County, will face off against Daniel Kelly, a conservative former State Supreme Court justice who lost a 2020 election for his seat by nearly 11 percentage points. With an opportunity to retake a majority on the state Supreme Court that could undo Wisconsin’s ban on nearly all abortions and throw out the state’s gerrymandered legislative maps, Democrats have the general election matchup they wanted.

Campaign Finance National: “George Santos Reported Spreading Campaign Cash to Other Republicans. The Money Never Showed Up.” by Jessica Piper (Politico) for Yahoo News Massachusetts: “The Mass. GOP May Have $600,000 in Debts, Misreported Hundreds of Thousands in Spending, Memo Says” by Matt Stout (Boston Globe) for MSN Elections Arizona: “Arizona’s Top Prosecutor Concealed Records Debunking Election Fraud Claims” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) for MSN Wisconsin: “Strong Democratic Showing in Wisconsin Court Race Sets Up a Frenzied Finish” by Reid Epstein (New York Times) for DNyuz Ethics California: “Trial Begins for Former LA Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan on Corruption Charges” by Fred Shuster (City News Service) for Los Angeles Daily News National: “McCarthy Gives Tucker Carlson Exclusive Access to Jan. 6 Riot Video” by Meryl Kornfield and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) for MSN Illinois: “Lightfoot’s Campaign Sent 9,900 Emails Seeking Support from CPS and City Colleges Staff, Documents Show” by Nader Issa (Chicago Sun-Times), Sarah Karp, Tessa Weinberg, and Mariah Woelfel for WBEZ New Jersey: “Morristown Mayor’s Wife Stripped of Real Estate License for Her Role in Bribery Scandal” by Kyle Morel (New Jersey Herald) for Yahoo News Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Lawmaker Proposes Campaign, Lobbying Reform Bills” by George Stockburger for WHTM Legislative Issues Hawaii: “Should Hawaii’s Legislature Meet Year-Round?” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat

Campaign Finance

National: “Months After Her Trump Indignity, U.S. Judge Aileen Cannon Catches Another Political Hot Potato” by Dan Christensen for Florida Bulldog

National: “Trump Spent $10 Million From His PAC on His Legal Bills Last Year” by Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for DNyuz

Elections

Illinois: “Chicago Board of Ethics Cracks Down on Use of City Property in Campaign Ads” by Heather Cherone for WTTW

Ethics

Indiana: “Indiana Secretary of State Hires Brother-in-Law for Top Post” by Associated Press for MSN

New York: “How Public Money Goes to Support a Hasidic Village’s Private Schools” by Jay Root (New York Times) for DNyuz

Legislative Issues

California: “Family Business: Meet the legacy caucus in the California Legislature” by Ben Christopher for CalMatters

Lobbying

Canada: “Lobbying Commissioner Proposes New Rules – but Critics Aren’t Happy” by Darren Major (CBC) for MSN

Texas: “State Rep. Chris Paddie to Stop Lobbying After Regulators Crack Down on Loophole He Used” by Patrick Svitek for Texas Tribune

Campaign Finance

Maryland: “Former Baltimore County Official Charged with Stealing $140k from Campaign Accounts for Councilmember, Slate” by William Zorzi for Maryland Matters

Elections

National: “Fox News Hosts, Execs Privately Doubted 2020 Conspiracy Claims Shared on Air” by Jeremy Barr and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Illinois: “Red-Light Camera Officials Caught on FBI Wire Talking About Giving Perks to Suburban Mayor, Unsealed Document Shows” by Jason Meisner and Joe Mahr (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

Kansas: “Kansas Legislature Considers Bill to Overhaul Ethics Commission as It Probes GOP Officials” by Andrew Bahl (Topeka Capital-Journal) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Maine: “Maine Lawmaker Pleads Not Guilty to Fraud Charges, Says He’ll Resign” by Edward Murphy (Portland Press Herald) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

National: “Before Ohio Derailment, Norfolk Southern Lobbied Against Safety Rules” by Ian Duncan, Luz Lazo, and Michael Laris (Washington Post) for MSN

Michigan: “New Landlord for Michigan Lawmakers Surfaces, Raising Questions About Secret Deals” by Craig Mauger (Detroit News) for GNT News

Oregon: “Gunshot Detection Company Investigated for Possible Violations of Portland Lobbying Laws” by Jonathan Levinson for OPB

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “‘Dark Money’ Opponents Want to Block Effort to Quash Law” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Sierra Vista Herald Review

Elections

Georgia: “Georgia Grand Jury: ‘Perjury may have been committed’ in Trump election probe” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “50 Years Ago, Depression Ended a Campaign. That’s Changed, Politicians Say.” by Jonathan Edwards and Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) for MSN

Colorado: “Denver City Councilmember Forced to Crawl onto Debate Stage Due to Lack of Wheelchair Access” by Alex Andrews for Denver Gazette

Illinois: “How Admittedly Corrupt Ex-Illinois Lawmakers Get to Keep Their Pensions” by Dave McKinney for WBEZ

Mississippi: “Miss. Bill Would Create Unelected Court System in Majority-Black Jackson” by Emmanuel Felton (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “When Chiefs Play, Lobbyists Pay to Get Missouri and Kansas Politicians into Big Games” by Jonathan Shorman, Kevin Hardy, and Katie Bernard (Kansas City Star) for MSN

Pennsylvania: “Top Gaming Regulators in Pa. Met with Industry Lobbyists Before Coming Out Against a Casino Competitor” by Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) for Yahoo News