National/Federal

A Spike in Demand, and Fees, for Lobbyists with Ties to Trump

DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel and Kate Kelly (New York Times) | Published: 11/7/2024

In corporate boardrooms and foreign capitals, there is a scramble to sign lobbyists who could help navigate an incoming administration viewed with uncertainty and concern. Companies and foreign countries have long relied on lobbyists to guide them through the shifts in power on Capitol Hill or the White House. But since Donald Trump first upended global politics in 2016, he has continued to confound establishment gatekeepers on K Street. It has led to a delicate dance in which a relatively small group of lobbyists have sought to demonstrate their value to him and to cautious clients, without running afoul of the sensitivities of either.

Nonprofits Vow a New Resistance. Will Donors Pay Up?

DNyuz – David Fahrenthold and Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 11/13/2024

In Donald Trump’s first term as president, some of his toughest opponents were left-leaning nonprofit groups. They bogged down his immigration and environmental policies with lawsuits and protests and were rewarded with a huge “Trump bump” in donations. Some of those groups are promising to do it all over again, but this time it could be a lot harder. Trump’s administration could learn from past mistakes and avoid the procedural errors that made its rules easier to challenge, and the higher courts are seeded with judges appointed by Trump. Nonprofits are also finding some supporters are not energized by another round of resistance.

Gaetz Resigned Days Before Ethics Investigation Report Expected

MSN – Marianna Sotomayor, Jacqueline Alemany, and Marianne Levine (Washington Post) | Published: 11/13/2024

The House Committee on Ethics was set to vote on releasing a report about U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who resigned from Congress after being picked as Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general. Gaetz has been under investigation by the bipartisan ethics panel for allegations that he may have engaged in sexual misconduct and illegal drug use and accepted improper gifts. If a lawmaker is under investigation by the committee and resigns, is expelled, or leaves Congress, the committee immediately ceases any ongoing investigation.

Neera Tanden’s X Posts Violated Ban on Political Fundraising, Government Watchdog Alleges

MSN – Adam Cancryn (Politico) | Published: 11/7/2024

A government ethics watchdog agency formally accused White House domestic policy chief Neera Tanden of repeatedly violating the Hatch Act by soliciting political contributions on social media in the months before the election. It appears to be the first time a White House official has faced such a complaint after Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger warned in May that he would eliminate the custom of sending such accusations to the president to deal with at his discretion.

Some Ethics Experts Raise Concerns Over Musk and Ramaswamy’s Department of Government Efficiency Roles

MSN – Soon Rin Kim (ABC News) | Published: 11/13/2024

Donald Trump’s announcement that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a newly formed advisory Department of Government Efficiency has alarmed some government ethics experts, who say the pair’s deep financial interests could lead to potential conflicts-of-interest. Some ethics experts are particularly alarmed that Musk and Ramaswamy’s roles have been described as “outside of government,” an arrangement that could potentially mean they would not be subject to normal financial disclosure rules.

The Onion Wins Auction to Take Control of Alex Jones’s Infowars

MSN – Kim Bellware (Washington Post) | Published: 11/14/2024

The satirical news site The Onion won a bankruptcy auction to acquire the media company of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. The bid was sanctioned by the families of the victims of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, who in 2022 won a $1.4 billion defamation lawsuit against Jones and his company for claiming the massacre was a hoax. The takeover of comes with a multi-year agreement with the nonprofit group Everytown for Gun Safety, which will serve as the exclusive advertiser during the Onion-led relaunch of Infowars.

Trump Could Pick Government’s Top Ethics Official – After Key Ally Blocked Biden’s Choice

MSN – Fredreka Schouten (CNN) | Published: 11/8/2024

Donald Trump could be in a position to select the government’s top ethics czar when he assumes office in January after a key ally in the Senate blocked President Biden’s pick to head the Office of Government Ethics. Sen. Mike Lee objected to the confirmation of David Huitema to the post, a little more than a year after he was first nominated by Biden. Lee said the vote should be delayed until after the presidential election, citing what he called the “political weaponization of the US government against Donald Trump by the Biden-Harris administration.”

Trump, Allies Signal They Will Try to Call the Shots for Republican-Led Senate

MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 11/10/2024

Donald Trump and his allies signaled they will try to call the shots in the Republican-led Senate, pushing the candidacy of Sen. Rick Scott for GOP leader and demanding that Republicans allow Trump to make appointments to his administration and the courts without Senate approval. Next year, Republicans are on track to have at least 53 senators, a comfortable majority to approve nominations, but Trump seemed to indicate that was not sufficient for his choices for federal jobs and judicial vacancies.

Elon Musk’s $1M Voter Giveaways Were Fixed Lotteries, Lawsuits Say

MSN – Kyle Melnick (Washington Post) | Published: 11/6/2024

When Robert Alvarez heard that Elon Musk was giving away $1 million in a lottery each day to a swing-state voter, he signed a petition from Musk’s super PAC in hopes of winning. But in a lawsuit filed against Musk and America PAC, Alvarez said he never had a chance of winning. America PAC, which Musk created to campaign for Trump, did not select winners by chance, but instead by vetting candidates’ social media presence for pro-GOP values, Alvarez’s lawsuit said.

Minority-Owned Firms Face ‘Crisis’ as Affirmative Action Programs Fall

MSN – Julian Mark (Washington Post) | Published: 11/11/2024

Minority- and women-owned businesses are bracing for the end of affirmative action in federal contracting, and the potential loss of contracts worth at least $70 billion a year, as government programs for “disadvantaged” firms have fallen to legal attack over the past year. A series of court rulings have held some of the federal government’s largest diversity programs violate the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection. As a result, key agencies have dropped race and gender preferences born in the Civil Rights era and intended to level the playing field by setting aside billions each year in contracting dollars for minority- and women-owned firms.

Republicans Win House, Delivering Trump a Trifecta

MSN – Emily Brooks (The Hill) | Published: 11/12/2024

Republicans are projected to keep control of the U.S. House, handing the party total control of Washington with Donald Trump back in the White House in January. Decision Desk HQ projected the GOP would hold the House by winning its 218th seat, the number needed for a majority in the chamber. The final breakdown is uncertain, with ballots still being counted for several races in California. Those exact numbers will matter a lot for Speaker Mike Johnson’s political future, for which policies Republicans can enact, and how the lower chamber will function – or not function.

How ‘Urgent’ Texts Pushed These Donors to Give Thousands of Times to Political Candidates

MSN – Gabrielle LaMarr LeMee (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/12/2024

There is a new kind of political donor: one who gives in fairly small amounts, sometimes as little as a dollar, over and over. More than 13,500 Americans are frequent donors who have made one or more contributions per day, on average, in this cycle. Campaigns do not stop sending fundraising messages to donors, even after they have hit contribution limits. Joint fundraising committees allow for complex ways of shifting money between participating committees to increase the amount that a donor can give after hitting the limit on any individual committee.

Elon Musk’s PAC Spent an Estimated $200 Million to Help Elect Trump, AP Source Says

MSN – Dan Merica (Associated Press) | Published: 11/11/2024

Elon Musk’s super PAC spent around $200 million to help elect Donald Trump, according to a person familiar with the group’s spending, funding an effort that set a new standard for how billionaires can influence elections. America PAC’s work was aided by an FEC ruling that paved the way for super PACs to coordinate their canvassing efforts with campaigns, allowing the Trump campaign to rely on the near-unlimited money of the nation’s most high-profile billionaire to boost turnout.

Four States Reject Ranked-Choice Voting, Approved in District

MSN – Tim Craig (Washington Post) | Published: 11/6/2024

Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon rebuffed efforts to adopt ranked choice voting in their future elections, dealing a setback to those who wanted to dramatically change how Americans choose their elected officials. The one bright spot for advocates of ranked-choice voting was the District of Columbia, where a referendum was approved by a wide margin. The practice is already in use in Alaska and Maine. But Alaska voters, who initially approved ranked choice voting in a 2020 referendum, are considering a referendum to undo the change.

Special Counsel Jack Smith Plans to Quit; Cannon Appeal May Continue

MSN – Perry Stein and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 11/13/2024

Special counsel Jack Smith plans to resign and wrap up his federal prosecutions of Donald Trump before the president-elect takes office and can fire him. Trump’s election victory prompted Smith to start winding down the prosecutions instead of continuing court proceedings until Inauguration Day. Ending the two federal cases could allow Smith to deliver a final report detailing his findings before Trump becomes the 47th president. Smith appears to still be considering how to handle an ongoing appeal in Trump’s classified documents case.

Legal Questions Surround Trump’s Talk of Political Prosecutions

Roll Call – Ryan Tarinelli | Published: 11/8/2024

Donald Trump expressed support for criminal charges to be filed against his political opponents on the campaign trail, but former Justice Department officials and legal experts say there are various guardrails set up to prevent retribution through the criminal process. But former Trump administration officials have warned publicly that people who once aimed to stop Trump’s worst impulses will not be there to rein him in during a second term. Trump will also be immune from federal prosecution for official acts after a Supreme Court decision earlier this year.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Judge Recuses from Arizona Case Over His Email Denouncing Attacks on Harris

MSN – Annabelle Timsit and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 11/13/2024

The judge overseeing the criminal election-interference case in Arizona against some of Donald Trump’s supporters recused himself from the case. Maricopa County Judge Bruce Cohen had emailed colleagues urging them to speak out against conservative attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris’s gender and racial identity. An attorney for one of the defendants said the emails showed the judge “bears a deep-seated personal political bias” against Trump and the defendants.

California – Criminal Prosecutor Tapped to Lead San Diego Ethics Panel, as Voters Hand It More Power

MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 11/8/2024

A committee of the San Diego Ethics Commission selected an outsider to take over the regulatory office after current Executive Director Sharon Spivak steps away early next year. The full commission will now Consider appointing longtime prosecutor Bryn Kirvin to run the department charged with enforcing city campaign finance laws and lobbying rules. Voters approved Measure D, which strengthens the agency’s authority in several important ways, including awarding the commission authority to name its executive director.

California – In a Historic Shift, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors Will Nearly Double in Size

MSN – Rebecca Ellis (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/11/2024

Voters approved a proposal to add four more members to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as part of a massive overhaul of the county government’s structure. Measure G’s passage marks a dramatic reshaping of a government that has not fundamentally changed for over a century, as the county’s population exploded from 500,000 to roughly 10 million. The ballot measure also calls for the creation of an independent ethics commission by 2026.

California – Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Concedes Recall Defeat, Ending Tenure Marked by City’s Struggles

San Jose Mercury News – Shomik Mukherjee | Published: 11/9/2024

Oakland voters have recalled Mayor Sheng Thao. It was a resounding victory for a fierce recall campaign bankrolled almost entirely by a single hedge-fund manager, Philip Dreyfuss, who spent over $1.9 million in Alameda County politics this year. City Council president Nikki Fortunato Bas will serve as the interim mayor until a special election can be held. Thao’s professional future seems uncertain amid a sprawling FBI investigation into Oakland that in June led federal agents to raid her home and several other addresses.

California – Newsom Fined $13,000 for Failing to Report on Time Payments Made at His Request

Yahoo News – Sandra McDonald (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/8/2024

Gov. Gavin Newsome agreed to a $13,000 fine from the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) for not meeting deadlines to report charitable contributions made at his request. State law requires elected officials to report donations made on their behalf within 30 days. The FPPC said on 18 occasions, Newsom and his 2018 campaign committee failed to make those reports on time, often submitting them several months late.

Delaware – Delaware’s Campaign Finance Law Sees Small Changes with a Potential Overhaul on the Horizon

Delaware First Media – Sarah Petrowich | Published: 11/10/2024

Delaware Gov. John Carney signed House Bill 291 into law, requiring the Department of Elections to provide a phone number and online form for reporting alleged campaign financing violations in the state, among other provisions. State Attorney General Kathy Jennings has indicated she is already working on additional reform recommendations to propose to the Legislature in the new year.

District of Columbia – Trayon White Sr., Facing Bribery Charge, Is Reelected to D.C. Council

MSN – Michael Brice-Saddler and Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) | Published: 11/5/2024

District of Columbia Council member Trayon White Sr. sailed to a third term even as he faces a federal bribery charge. For White, who lacked serious opposition, the outcome is illustrative of the enduring support of his base. While some voters expressed reservations about voting for White, a vast majority made it clear that they still have his back.

Florida – Lobbying Firm Promotes Katie Wiles as Her Mother Becomes Trump’s Chief of Staff

MSN – David Bauerlein (Jacksonville Florida Times-Union) | Published: 11/8/2024

A day after Donald Trump named Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, Continental Strategy promoted Wiles’ daughter Katie to be the director of its lobbying and consulting offices in Jacksonville and the District of Columbia. The announcement said Wiles will continue to provide communications work for Continental Strategy’s federal and state operations while adding lobbying and business development to her role in the firm’s offices.

Florida – Suspended Miami-Dade Commissioner Martinez Convicted of Taking $15K to Help Constituent

MSN – Charles Rabin (Miami Herald) | Published: 11/7/2024

Joe Martinez, whose 17-year law enforcement career led to five terms in elected office as a county commissioner, was convicted of accepting $15,000 in payments in exchange for helping with legislation that would have benefited a constituent. Prosecutors argued Martinez accepted three $5,000 payments in 2016 and 2017 from Extra Supermarket owner Jorge Negrin in exchange for pushing legislation that would have permitted much needed large-refrigerated containers on the property.

Georgia – Supreme Court Squashes Mark Meadows’ Push to Move Georgia Election Charges

Yahoo News – Maureen Groppe and Bart Jansen (USA Today) | Published: 11/12/2024

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows lost his bid to move his Georgia election interference case to federal court, where it might have been easier to avoid prosecution. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a lower court’s rejection of Meadows’ attempt. Meadows, who was charged with Donald Trump and 17 others in what prosecutors say was a conspiracy to reverse Joe Biden’s 2020 victory in Georgia, argued the crimes he is accused of committing involved actions that were part of his federal job at the White House.

Indiana – Police: Shoulders spent thousands in campaign dollars on baseball cards, IU season tickets

Yahoo News – Jon Webb (Evansville Courier & Press) | Published: 11/7/2024

Former Vanderburgh County Commissioner Ben Shoulders used tens of thousands of dollars in campaign money to buy baseball cards and basketball season tickets, among other purchases, and then tried to report the expenditures as fraudulent in an effort to recoup some of the money, Evansville police say. Shoulders spent more than $41,000 on eBay purchases using a debit card assigned to his “Shoulders for Commissioner” account. He would then list the buys on his campaign finance forms as something else.

Kentucky – Grand Jury Declines to Indict Beshear Backer in Investigation of Straw Donations

Yahoo News – Tom Loftus (Kentucky Lantern) | Published: 11/8/2024

A Franklin County grand jury declined to indict prominent Louisville attorney Sam Aguiar in an investigation into whether Aguiar made excessive campaign contributions in the names of straw donors to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s 2019 campaign. Special prosecutor Rob Sanders said Aguiar admitted to doing so but did not know his behavior was a crime. Commonwealth’s Attorney Larry Cleveland recommended the matter be referred to the Kentucky election registry for a civil investigation.

Louisiana – Federal Judge Blocks Louisiana Law That Requires Classrooms to Display Ten Commandments

MSN – Sara Cline and Kevin McGill (Associated Press) | Published: 11/12/2024

A Louisiana requirement that the Ten Commandments be displayed in all public classrooms is “unconstitutional on its face,” a federal judge ruled, ordering state education officials not to take steps to enforce it and to notify all local school boards in the state of his decision. U.S. District Court Judge John deGravelles said the law had an “overtly religious” purpose, and rejected state officials’ claims the government can mandate the posting of the Ten Commandments because they hold historical significance to the foundation of U.S. law.

Louisiana – Judge Agrees to Temporarily Halt Louisiana Ethics Administrator Hiring, Attorney Says

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 11/11/2024

A judge issued a temporary restraining order that blocks the Louisiana Board of Ethics from picking a new administrator. The judge granted the stay at the request of Sens. Regina Barrow and Stewart Cathey. They are suing to halt the board from filling that position over the agency in 2025. Landry and lawmakers have had a fraught relationship with the ethics board in recent years.

Maryland – Former Prince George’s County Councilmember Sentenced 1 Year in Prison for Embezzlement

MSN – Randi Ayala, Samantha Gilstrap, and Matt Pusatory (WUSA) | Published: 11/13/2024

Former Prince George’s County Councilperson Jamel Franklin was sentenced to one year in prison after pleaded guilty to felony theft and perjury. Franklin admitted to stealing $124,450.10 from his campaign committee and using those funds to pay for, among other things, his credit card debt, personal rent, and personal subscriptions. He also admitted to concealing his use of campaign funds and falsifying information on reports he signed under the penalties of perjury and submitted to the State Board of Elections.

Michigan – Baum, Altoon Get Vastly Different Sentences in Taylor Public Corruption Case

MSN – Tresa Baldas (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 11/7/2024

The last two defendants in a public corruption scheme in Taylor, Michigan, involving bribes, a crooked mayor, and perverted housing deals were sentenced recently. Taylor’s former Community Development Manager Jeffrey Baum was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for his role in helping two businesspeople secure contracts in exchange for bribes of all sorts. Real estate developer Haidir Altoon was sentenced to one day in prison followed by two years of supervised release for his role in a scheme that involved him paying bribes to Baum and former Taylor Mayor Richard Sollars.

New Jersey – Murphy Signs Law Allowing Office Holders, Candidates to Use Campaign Funds for Child Care

Bergen Record – Ashley Balcerzak | Published: 11/8/2024

Public officials and candidates running for office in New Jersey will soon be able to use campaign funds to pay for certain childcare expenses, after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law. Under the law, a candidate or officeholder can use money raised by donors to pay for childcare the person would not have needed if they weren’t running for office or in public life.

New York – Emboldened by Re-election, Trump Renews Bid to Overturn His Conviction

DNyuz – Ben Protess, Kate Christobek, and Jonah Bromwich (New York Times) | Published: 11/12/2024

Donald Trump’s lawyers moved in recent days to throw out his criminal conviction in New York in the wake of his electoral victory, hoping to clear his record of 34 felonies before returning to the White House. The Manhattan district attorney’s office, which prosecuted Trump, then asked to pause decisions in the case so it could weigh how to respond. The judge overseeing the case, Juan Merchan, granted the pause, effectively freezing any progress until November 19.

New York – NYC Mayor Adams’ Girlfriend Tracey Collins Retires from DOE Amid Department of Investigation Inquiry Into ‘No-Show’ Job Claim

MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt and Cayla Bamberger (New York Daily News) | Published: 11/8/2024

Tracey Collins, Mayor Eric Adams’ longtime girlfriend retired from her high-ranking position in the New York City public school system. The departure comes as the system’s internal watchdog and the Department of Investigation are probing claims that her position amounted to a “no show” job with a six-figure salary. A former Department of Education employee alleged Collins has rarely shown up in person to work and keeps a light schedule mostly made up of virtual appointments.

New York – Eric Adams Reaped Public Dollar from a So-Called Small-Donor ‘Barbecue.’ Video Shows a Lavish Long Island Soiree Instead.

The City – George Joseph (The Guardian), Alyssa Katz, Yoav Gonen, and Katie Hogan | Published: 11/13/2024

A 2021 fundraiser on Long Island for then-mayoral nominee Eric Adams booked 231 donations, many of them from supermarket cashiers, delivery people, and other low wage workers at the New World Mall in Queens, each listed as having made contributions of $249 or $250. The campaign sought $362,000 in matching funds from New York City on the basis of the $55,000 it raised, entirely in small donations. But a video reveals an event, hosted by New World Mall president Lian Wu Shao and his family at their Long Island mansion, that does not appear to have been a grassroots fundraiser.

Ohio – Ex-FirstEnergy Lobbyist Pleads Fifth in Regulatory Investigation, Citing Self-Incrimination Risk

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealwr) | Published: 11/13/2024

A former FirstEnergy lobbyist who worked closely on the company’s scandal ridden lobbying and self-professed bribery campaign in Ohio invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination roughly 100 times during a recent deposition. Joel Bailey, lobbyist who reported to FirstEnergy’s now-indicted government affairs head Mike Dowling, was questioned under oath in a long-stalled state regulatory investigation into the bribery scheme.

Oregon – City Council Candidate Allegedly Offered Patrons Free Bar Entry in Exchange for Campaign Contributions

Willamette Week – Sophie Peel | Published: 11/13/2024

On a Saturday night at Fortune, a popular Portland bar, a city council candidate Ben Hufford allegedly gave bargoers waiting in line a proposal: donate $10 to his campaign, and they would not have to pay the $20 cover charge. Others recall he said they could not enter the bar unless they donated to his campaign. Hufford is a co-owner of Fortune. Campaign finance records show Hufford received 170 campaign donations that night. Nearly all were $10, or multiples of $10.

South Dakota – South Dakota Breaks Record for Number of Women Elected to the State Legislature

MSN – Makenzie Huber (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 11/8/2024

A record number of women will serve in the South Dakota Legislature in 2025. Thirty-nine female lawmakers plan to arrive in Pierre when the legislative session starts in January, besting the previous record from the 2023-2024 Legislature by eight. The growth in female representation in South Dakota is part of a trend nationally, though most Legislatures do not have gender parity. In 2023, women represented at least half of the lawmakers in two states, Nevada and Colorado.

Texas – Audit: Former Austin city manager paid two consultants $554K in 2023, violating city ethics rules

KUT – Andrew Weber and Luz Moreno-Lozano | Published: 11/8/2024

Former interim City Manager Jesús Garza violated Austin’s ethics rules when he hired two former City Hall staffers to serve as consultants after the 2023 winter storm, a report commissioned by the city auditor found. The report said Laura Huffman and Joe Canales were paid $200 and $190 an hour respectively over their 10 months at City Hall. Garza skirted rules requiring a vote from the city council on contracts over $76,000 a year. The audit found both were effectively full-time assistant city managers.

Campaign Finance

National: “Elon Musk’s $1M Voter Giveaways Were Fixed Lotteries, Lawsuits Say” by Kyle Melnick (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Criminal Prosecutor Tapped to Lead San Diego Ethics Panel, as Voters Hand It More Power” by Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) for MSN

California: “Newsom Fined $13,000 for Failing to Report on Time Payments Made at His Request” by Sandra McDonald (Los Angeles Times) for Yahoo News

Louisiana: “Judge Agrees to Temporarily Halt Louisiana Ethics Administrator Hiring, Attorney Says” by Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) for Yahoo News

New York: “NYC Mayor Adams’ Girlfriend Tracey Collins Retires from DOE Amid Department of Investigation Inquiry Into ‘No-Show’ Job Claim” by Chris Sommerfeldt and Cayla Bamberger (New York Daily News) for MSN

Legislative Issues

National: “Trump, Allies Signal They Will Try to Call the Shots for Republican-Led Senate” by Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Florida: “Lobbying Firm Promotes Katie Wiles as Her Mother Becomes Trump’s Chief of Staff” by David Bauerlein (Jacksonville Florida Times-Union) for MSN

Procurement

National: “Minority-Owned Firms Face ‘Crisis’ as Affirmative Action Programs Fall” by Julian Mark (Washington Post) for MSN

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.

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 (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “L.A. County Wants to Crack Down on Corruption. Is It Worth Up to $21 Million?” by Rebecca Ellis (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

National: “An Ethical Minefield Awaits a Possible Second Trump Presidency” by Ben Protess, Maggie Haberman, and Eric Lipton (New York Times) for DNyuz

National: “At Trump’s Request, Judge Delays Immunity Filing in Jan. 6 Prosecution” by Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Former New York Budget Chief Robert Mujica’s Consulting Sparks Revolving Door Questions” by Chris Bragg for New York Focus

Ohio: “Ex-Columbus Zoo Exec, Dubbed ‘Most Egregious’ Offender in $2.3 Million Theft, Sentenced” by Dean Narciso (Columbus Dispatch) for MSN

Legislative Issues

California: “Some California Legislators Miss Hundreds of Votes, but Even ‘Excused’ Absences Count as a ‘No'” by Sameea Kamal (CalMatters) for MSN

Gov. Mike Parson issued an executive order to rescind executive orders of previous governors.

Executive Order 24-11 rescinds 177 orders dating back to the 1980s after Parsons determined them to be no longer necessary or applicable.

It is now common practice for executive orders to be issued with a specific date of rescission so they do not linger in effect unnecessarily.

Parson did not rescind Executive Order 18-10, which continues to prohibit executive branch employees from knowingly soliciting or accepting any gift from a lobbyist.

National/Federal

Conservative Activists Are Monitoring, and Filming, Voter Registration Sites

DNyuz – Jack Healy (New York Times) | Published: 10/4/2024

As the ground game intensifies ahead of many state voter-registration deadlines in early October, suspicions of election fraud have turned the normally ho-hum work of registering voters into tense confrontations. Despite the many debunked falsehoods about widespread voting by noncitizens, liberal Latino advocacy groups say they are being trailed by conservative activists with cameras and accused of registering undocumented immigrants. The conservative activists say they are just trying to expose flaws in the voter-registration process.

Democrats Try ‘Trump-Proofing’ Their States Ahead of Election Day

MSN – Reis Thebault (Washington Post) | Published: 10/6/2024

From the West Coast to the East, blue states are preparing for the possibility that Donald Trump wins in November by attempting to shield their policy priorities from the reach of a future Trump administration. This preemptive strategy – “Trump-proofing” – encompasses a wide range of issues and programs that Democratic leaders fear could be targeted in another Trump presidency, based on his previous actions and his current campaign promises.

FBI Probe of Kavanaugh Constrained by Trump White House, Report Finds

MSN – Beth Reinhard (Washington Post) | Published: 10/8/2024

In September 2018, as allegations of sexual misconduct against Brett Kavanaugh threatened his confirmation to the Supreme Court, Donald Trump vowed the FBI would have “free rein” to vet the claims. Trump’s comments came as a surprise to the FBI, according to a new report from U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. FBI officials, directed to conduct a very limited inquiry in a week’s time, requested “additional guidance” from the White House, citing the public remarks by Trump describing a freewheeling investigation. But the White House never authorized the agency to independently probe the allegations, which Kavanaugh staunchly denied.

Lawmakers Spending Even More in 2024 Under Receipt-Free Expense Program

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany and Clara Ence Morse (Washington Post) | Published: 10/10/2024

House lawmakers expensed at least $2.5 million under a program that allows them to be reimbursed for their spending without submitting receipts through the first five months of 2024, over $120,000 more than during the same period last year. The program was intended to help members offset the costs of maintaining two households without requiring them to give themselves a politically toxic raise. Critics have argued that its lack of receipt requirements and reliance on the honor system open it up for abuse.

Trump’s Jan. 6 Role Back in Focus as He Readies New Stolen Election Claims

MSN – Amy Gardner and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 10/3/2024

Donald Trump’s effort to overturn his loss four years ago and his role inciting the violent attack on the Capitol roared onto the 2024 campaign stage even as he continues to suggest he will not accept a defeat if it happens a second time. Special counsel Jack Smith’s recent filing exposed new details about Trump’s lack of concern about the Capitol riot and his push to reverse his loss even as advisers repeatedly told him Joe Biden had legitimately won.

Trump Holds Up Transition Process, Skirting Ethics and Fund-Raising Rules

Seattle Times – Ken Bensinger (New York Times) | Published: 10/9/2024

Donald Trump’s campaign has not yet participated in the government’s official presidential transition process, a break from past practice that could threaten the seamless transfer of power should he win the election. It appears to be guided, at least in part, by Trump’s mistrust of the government he is running to lead. Experts note he may have other incentives. His refusal to sign the documents allows him to circumvent fundraising rules that put limits on private contributions to the transition, along with ethics rules meant to avoid conflicts-of-interest for the incoming administration.

From the States and Municipalities

California – As the Legislature Reaches Towards Gender Parity, the Number of Female Lobbyists Is Also Growing

Capitol Weekly – Brian Joseph | Published: 10/1/2024

There was a time when Sacramento’s female lobbyists were frozen out of meetings, literally not invited to important discussions about their clients’ bills simply because they were women. But female lobbyists say does not happen anymore as gender parity has grown in the lobbying corps alongside that of the Legislature itself and its aides. Female lobbyists attribute the changing culture of the Capitol to a number of factors: Sacramento’s own #MeToo reckoning, and overall society changes when it comes to gender differences and women in the workplace. But one unexpected factor that women lobbyists point to is term limits.

California – S.F. Mayor, City Attorney Broke Law by Deleting Texts, Task Force Says

Mission Local – Joe Rivano Barros | Published: 10/3/2024

The Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, San Francisco’s oversight body responsible for public records and transparency laws, ruled that Mayor London Breed and City Attorney David Chiu both violated city law by deleting text messages dealing with official business. It also referred the mayor’s actions to the San Francisco Ethics Commission for investigation and possible discipline. Public records experts said the practice likely violates California law requiring retaining records for two years.

California – L.A.’s Ex-Deputy Mayor Headed to Prison: ‘Corruption at any level will not be tolerated’

MSN – Brittny Mejia (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 10/4/2024

A federal judge sentenced former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan to 12 years in prison for his role in a sprawling City Hall corruption case. U.S. District Court Judge John Walter said, “corruption at any level will not be tolerated.” A jury found Chan guilty on a dozen counts – including racketeering conspiracy, bribery, honest services fraud, and giving false statements to investigators – in a case focused on financial benefits provided by real estate developers with projects in former city Councilperson Jose Huizar’s district.

California – Supreme Court Declines to Take Up ‘Dark Money’ Case

Yahoo News – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 10/8/2002

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up a challenge to San Francisco’s Sunlight on Dark Money disclosure law, which would have tested the limits of disclosure and free speech in campaign finance. San Francisco voters overwhelmingly approved the initiative in 2019, compelling election ads to include a disclaimer naming the top three donors to the group running the ad. If the donor is another committee, then the committee’s top two donors and the dollar amounts given by both need to be disclosed.

Colorado – Former Colorado Official Sentenced to Prison in Election Data Scheme

MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 10/3/2024

Tina Peters, a former county election official in Colorado, was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of charges connected to efforts to copy election data from her office as Donald Trump and his allies spread false claims that the 2020 election was stolen and searched for evidence to prove it. Prosecutors accused Peters of helping to secretly copy Dominion Voting Systems hard drives by sneaking Conan Hayes, a former professional surfer and purported computer expert, into secure areas of her office in 2021 using someone else’s security badge.

Delaware – Why Delaware Received a Failing Grade for Lobbyist Disclosure Transparency

MSN – Amanda Fries (Delaware News Journal) | Published: 10/3/2024

Delaware received a failing grade for its lack of transparency over lobbyist disclosures, which do not require lobbyists to disclose their salaries or the positions they take on legislation on behalf of their clients, according to the climate group F Minus. The group, formed in 2023 to track fossil fuel lobbyists who also represent clients being harmed by the climate crisis, gave Delaware and 27 other states an “F” for their respective lobbyist disclosure systems.

District of Columbia – Informant in Trayon White Case Bribed Another D.C. Official, Records Say

MSN – Meagan Flynn, Jenny Gathright, and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 10/3/2024

Allieu Kamara, the FBI informant at the center of District of Columbia Council member Trayon White Sr.’s bribery case, secretly pleaded guilty earlier this year to paying an employee at the city’s Child and Family Services Agency hundreds of thousands of dollars to help rig the contracting process and steer lucrative work to his businesses. The revelation deepens the reach of public corruption allegations that have already rocked local government as White campaigns for reelection while under indictment and as city officials and lawmakers examine the potential for “pay-to-play” schemes in critical city programs.

Florida – Florida Threatens to Prosecute TV Stations Over Abortion Ad. FCC Head Calls It ‘Dangerous’

MSN – Claire Healy and Ana Ceballos (Miami Herald) | Published: 10/9/2024

Florida’s health department threatened criminal charges for television stations that run a political ad calling for the repeal of the state’s six-week abortion ban. John Wilson, general counsel for the state agency, says claims made in the ad are “categorically false” and it constitutes a “sanitary nuisance” that could put women’s health and lives at risk if it continues to be broadcast. Attorneys representing a political committee sponsoring the abortion ballot measure have issued a defiant legal letter in which they call the effort an “unconstitutional state action.”

Georgia – Fulton Judges Stay Busy Ruling on Lawsuits Spurred by New Georgia State Election Board Rules

Georgia Recorder – Stanley Dunlap | Published: 10/9/2024

A lawsuit filed by the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections seeks to prevent the State Election Board from appointing several election monitors for the November election. Fulton’s election board claims the state board is pressuring it to appoint multiple additional election monitors. The plaintiffs argue the state panel lacks the statutory authority to force the county to hire and pay for extra election monitors. The lawsuit is one of several filed recently contesting the rules changes approved by three right-wing state election officials who support Donald Trump.

Idaho – Idaho Lawmaker Tells Native American Candidate ‘Go Back Where You Came From’ in Forum

MSN – Associated Press | Published: 10/4/2024

Tensions rose during a bipartisan forum after an audience question about discrimination reportedly led Idaho Sen. Dan Foreman to angrily tell a Native American candidate to “go back where you came from.”  Trish Carter-Goodheart, a Democratic candidate for a state House seat and member of the Nez Perce Tribe, said the blowup left her shaken and thinking about security needs for future public events.

Illinois – After Storied Time as the ‘Velvet Hammer,’ Michael Madigan to Face a Jury

Yahoo News – Ray Long, Jason Meisner, and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 10/6/2024

In one of the most anticipated public corruption trials in Illinois history, former House Speaker Michael Madigan faces a 23-count federal racketeering indictment alleging he ran his government and political operations like a criminal enterprise. Madigan and his co-defendant, Michael McClain, a longtime confidant, former lawmaker, and retired contract lobbyist for Commonwealth Edison, have pleaded not guilty. A protege of former Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, Madigan grew into that rare Illinois politician who both defined and embodied clout.

Indiana – Braun Campaign Releases Attack Ad with Doctored Anti-Gas Stove Photo of McCormick

MSN – Brittany Carloni (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 9/30/2024

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun’s gubernatorial campaign released a television ad showing an image of Democrat Jennifer McCormick’s supporters holding signs behind her declaring “no gas stoves.” But those signs never existed. Braun’s campaign drew criticism for releasing the ad containing the doctored image, along with audio that said McCormick wants to “ban gas stoves.” Braun’s campaign later pulled the ad and replaced it with one containing a disclaimer saying the image had been doctored, which is now required under a new state law.

Indiana – Former Gary Mayor Jerome Prince Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

Yahoo News – Post-Tribune Staff | Published: 10/9/2024

Former Gary Mayor Jerome Prince admitted he used campaign funds to purchase a house as part of a plea agreement. He was familiar with Indiana campaign finance law and its prohibition against using campaign funds for personal use, according to the court filing, having previously established a campaign committee in 2015.

Iowa – Curious Iowa: What does a lobbyist do?

The Gazette – Bailey Cichone | Published: 10/7/2024

For some people, the word “lobbyist” may elicit images of back room deals and corrupt politicians. But talking with lobbyists who work at the Iowa Capitol, a different picture emerges. Barbra Solberg is the public policy strategist who started her career on Capitol Hill. When she moved back to Iowa, the stories of bad actors in Washington, D.C. stuck with her. But when she started working for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, she was surprised at how transparent the system for Iowa lobbyists is. “I realized the lobby in Iowa is a really important cog in the wheel that makes the system work, and in a good way,” Solberg said.

Iowa – Former Iowa Lt. Gov. Gregg’s New Job Leading Iowa Banking Association Won’t Violate State Lobbying Laws, Officials Say

The Gazette – Erin Murphy | Published: 10/6/2024

Former Iowa Lt. Adam Gregg resigned in September to take a position as head of the Iowa Bankers Association, a statewide organization that advocates for Iowa banks to the state and federal governments. It lobbied on 135 pieces of legislation at the state Capitol over two years. Iowa law prohibits former government officials from lobbying on legislation for two years after leaving their government position. But state officials say he can lead the association without running afoul of the state’s lobbying law.

Louisiana – Landry Attorney, Legislators Slam Louisiana Ethics Board for ‘Abusive’ Investigations

Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 10/9/2024

Stephen Gelé, a personal attorney for Gov. Jeff Landry, delivered sweeping criticism to the Louisiana Board of Ethics for what he called “abusive” investigations into elected officials’ conduct. Gelé joins a growing chorus of political professionals who have criticized the board’s approach and professionalism in recent months. They might feel emboldened to find fault with the board because Landry, who became governor in January, has not been shy about his own frustrations with the board.

Louisiana – Louisiana Health Officials Fly on Hospital Owner’s Plane to Meet Federal Health Care Regulators

MSN – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 10/4/2024

Rock Bordelon, a political donor whose company runs 11 rural hospitals in Louisiana plus behavioral health centers, hospice care, and other medical clinics, offered roundtrip flights on his personal aircraft and paid for “ground transportation” in the Washington D.C., area for state Department of Health officials to meet with federal regulators, according to disclosure forms. Those regulators control how much public money flows to health care facilities like the ones that Bordelon runs.

Maine – State Clashes with CMP, Versant in Federal Court Over Ban on Foreign Spending on Elections

Yahoo News – Rachel Ohm (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 10/9/2024

Attorneys for the state of Maine and two major utility companies argued in federal appeals court over the legality of a state law passed by voters that bans foreign governments from spending money on state and local races and referendum campaigns. A District Court erred when it granted a preliminary injunction preventing the law from being enforced, said Jonathan Bolton, an assistant attorney general. Joshua Dunlap, an attorney for Central Maine Power, argued that  the government should not be able to silence companies and citizens because of a small amount of foreign ownership.

Minnesota – The Minnesota DFL’s Massive, Behind-the-Scenes Political Fundraising Network Explained

Minnesota Post – Michael Nolan and Peter Callaghan | Published: 10/3/2024

The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) has an extensive campaign funding system developed over two decades by the DFL and its affiliated organizations – unions, wealthy donors, the state party, the two legislative caucuses, and a triumvirate of committees that raise and spend millions of dollars each election cycle to help elect members of the party. The potent DFL apparatus might not be such a big factor in Minnesota politics if Republicans and their own affiliated organizations could come close to competing.

Missouri – Missouri Sheriffs’ Pension Donates $30K to Ballot Campaign, Sparking Concerns

Yahoo News – Rudi Keller (Missouri Independent) | Published: 10/9/2024

The Missouri Sheriffs’ Retirement System made a $30,000 investment recently, hoping for a big return if voters approve a ballot measure imposing a three-dollar fee on court cases to fund the system’s pensions. The contribution was to the Committee to Ensure a Future for Sheriffs & Prosecutors, the committee promoting Amendment 6 on the November ballot. The donation is drawing concern from critics who question whether the pension board is using taxpayer dollars to support a political campaign.

Montana – Lawmakers Can Decide If Their Communication with Lobbyists Is Public, Judge Rules

Montana Public Radio – John Hooks | Published: 10/4/2024

Montana lawmakers can now decide if their communication with lobbyists and outside groups is available to the public. State District Court Judge Christopher Abbott ruled that lawmakers’ communications with private individuals were privileged, and therefore not subject to the public’s right to know.

Nebraska – Nebraska Governor’s Roundtables with Business Leaders Double as Campaign Fundraisers

Grand Isle Independent – Chris Dunker (Lincoln Journal Star) | Published: 10/7/2024

Since taking office, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has hosted a series of discussions with business and industry leaders, providing insight into policy debates at the Capitol, previews of upcoming elections, and offering a chance for those individuals to provide feedback. The Governor’s Industry Roundtable program also includes invitations to special events, an annual meeting, and cocktail receptions. Business leaders are also asked to make a minimum contribution of $10,000 to Pillen’s campaign committee.

Nevada – Nevada Republican Convicted of Taking Money Meant for Officer Memorial

MSN – María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) | Published: 10/7/2024

A Nevada politician was found guilty of taking money meant for a memorial honoring a police officer killed in the line of duty and spending it on plastic surgery, rent, and her daughter’s wedding. Michele Fiore, a justice of the peace and former Las Vegas City Council member, faces up to 140 years in prison – 20 for each count.

New Mexico – Jeff Apodaca Campaign Group Collected $143,000

Yahoo News – Colleen Heild (Albuquerque Journal) | Published: 10/3/2024

A political committee aimed at thwarting progressive Democratic influence in this year’s legislative elections appeared to fizzle after the June 4 primary, according to new campaign finance disclosures. The New Mexico Project received a total of $143,220 but reported no contributions after May 28. The organization and its co-founder Jeff Apodaca filed the required reports after defying state campaign reporting laws for months.

New York – Photos Show New York Congressman in Blackface as Michael Jackson

DNyuz – Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) | Published: 10/3/2024

U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler of New York wore blackface as part of a Halloween costume when he was a college student almost two decades ago, according to photographs obtained by The New York Times. The images, taken around October 2006, show a 20-year-old Lawler at a campus social gathering dressed as Michael Jackson. The images may come into play in Lawler’s fight for re-election this fall against Mondaire Jones, a Black former member of Congress, in a suburban swing seat.

New York – Adams Adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin Was Joined on Trip to Japan by Lobbyist, City Hall Staffer

MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt and Graham Rayman (New York Daily News) | Published: 10/4/2024

Ingrid Lewis-Martin, New York City Mayor Eric Mayor Adams’ embattled chief adviser, and former state Sen. Jesse Hamilton were joined on their recent trip to Japan by registered lobbyist Adam Clayton Powell IV and Lisa Lashley, a senior City Hall official overseeing hiring efforts. The trip, which Lewis-Martin characterized as a vacation, burst into the headlines after it was reported both she and Hamilton, now a top real estate official in Adams’ administration, had their cellphones seized by Manhattan district attorney investigators immediately upon returning from Japan.

New York – A Former Aide to New York Mayor Eric Adams Is Charged with Destroying Evidence as Top Deputy Quits

MSN – Michael Sisak and Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 10/8/2024

A former New York City official was charged with witness tampering and destroying evidence in a federal investigation that led to Mayor Eric Adams’ bribery indictment. The arrest came amid yet more high-profile departures from Adams’ administration. Federal prosecutors allege that Mohamed Bahi, who resigned as a community affairs liaison, told a businessperson and campaign donors to lie to the FBI, and deleted the encrypted messaging app Signal from his cell phone as FBI agents arrived to search his home. Bahi had used the app to communicate with Adams, prosecutors said.

North Dakota – North Dakota’s Likely Next Governor Brushes Off Conflict Concerns, Says His Oil and Gas Ties Would Benefit the State

MSN – Jacob Orledge (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 10/6/2024

When Kelly Armstrong filed his federal financial disclosure after being elected to Congress in 2018, he revealed his extensive ties to the oil and gas industry in his home state of North Dakota. It detailed his income from hundreds of oil wells and his financial relationship with two of the state’s largest oil producers. Those ties will matter a great deal if, as is likely, he is elected governor in November. Under North Dakota’s system, he will automatically chair two state bodies that regulate the energy industry, meaning Armstrong would be expected to preside over decisions that directly impact companies in which he has financial or familial ties.

Ohio – Appeals Court: Ohio can ban green card holders from donating to ballot campaigns

MSN – Jesse Balmert (Cincinnati Enquirer) | Published: 10/9/2024

Ohio can ban foreign nationals and green card holders from donating to ballot campaigns, a divided federal appeals court panel ruled. The majority ruled the law was not a violation of the First Amendment. They reinstated a law briefly put on hold by a District Court judge. “If the goal is to prevent foreign influence, extending the ban to all non-citizens (including lawful permanent residents) is the most effective means of advancing that goal,” wrote Judge Amul Thapar.

Oklahoma – State Education Department Seeks Bids for 55,000 Classroom Bibles

MSN – Jennifer Palmer, Paul Monies, and Heather Warlick (Oklahoma Watch) | Published: 10/3/2024

Bids opened for a contract to supply the Oklahoma Department of Education with 55,000 Bibles. The bid documents say vendors must meet certain specifications: Bibles must be the King James Version; must contain the Old and New Testaments; must include copies of the Pledge of Allegiance, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights; and must be bound in leather or leather-like material. A Bible endorsed by Donald Trump and commonly referred to as the Trump Bible is the only one that meets the criteria. They cost $60 each online, with Trump receiving fees for his endorsement.

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania High Court Declines to Decide Mail-In Ballot Issues Before Election

MSN – Associated Press | Published: 10/6/2024

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court declined to step in and immediately decide issues related to mail-in ballots in the commonwealth with early voting already under way in the few weeks before the November 5 election. The court rejected a request by voting rights and left-leaning groups to stop counties from throwing out mail-in ballots that lack a handwritten date or have an incorrect date on the return envelope, citing earlier rulings pointing to the risk of confusing voters so close to the election.

Texas – CenterPoint ‘Reassessing’ Use of The Pond, Its Houston-Area Lobbying Retreat, CEO Says

MSN – Claire Hao (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 10/8/2024

CenterPoint Energy is “reassessing the use” o its private Chambers County retreat, colloquially known as “The Pond,” as a space to entertain Texas lawmakers, the company’s chief executive said. The country lodge has been key to CenterPoint’s lobbying efforts for decades. More than 70 current or former state and local elected officials said they have visited, reported spending campaign funds on trips there, or were shown on the grounds in public images posted on social media. “In light of the criticism, we are reassessing the use of that facility for things like hosting elected officials,” said Chief Executive Officer Jason Wells.

Virginia – Confusion Over Nonprofit Rules Prompts 3 Virginia Beach Candidates to Return $10,000 Donation

Virginian-Pilot – Stacy Parker | Published: 10/5/2024

Two candidates running for Virginia Beach City Council and Mayor Bobby Dyer are returning campaign donations from a local nonprofit at the request of the donor who says she unwittingly did not follow federal tax rules. Dyer, who is running for reelection, council member Michael Berlucchi, and candidate Stacy Cummings each received $10,000 from BHL Community Service in July. BHL Community Service is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Virginia corporation that holds federal tax-exempt status and is therefore barred from giving campaign donations due to IRS regulations.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Grapples with Governor’s 400-Year Veto, Calling It ‘Crazy’

MSN – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 10/9/2024

Justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court said Gov. Tony Evers’ creative use of his expansive veto power in an attempt to lock in a school funding increase for 400 years appeared to be “extreme” and “crazy” but questioned whether and how it should be reined in. The case is the latest flashpoint in a decades-long fight over how broad the governor’s partial veto power should be. The issue has crossed party lines, with Republicans and Democrats pushing for more limitations on the governor’s veto over the years.

Campaign Finance

California: “Supreme Court Declines to Take Up ‘Dark Money’ Case” by Taylor Giorno (The Hill) for Yahoo News

Missouri: “Missouri Sheriffs’ Pension Donates $30K to Ballot Campaign, Sparking Concerns” by Rudi Keller (Missouri Independent) for Yahoo News

Ohio: “Appeals Court: Ohio can ban green card holders from donating to ballot campaigns” by Jesse Balmert (Cincinnati Enquirer) for MSN

Elections

Indiana: “Braun Campaign Releases Attack Ad with Doctored Anti-Gas Stove Photo of McCormick” by Brittany Carloni (Indianapolis Star) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Trump Holds Up Transition Process, Skirting Ethics and Fund-Raising Rules” by Ken Bensinger (New York Times) for DNyuz

New York: “A Former Aide to New York Mayor Eric Adams Is Charged with Destroying Evidence as Top Deputy Quits” by Michael Sisak and Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Supreme Court Grapples with Governor’s 400-Year Veto, Calling It ‘Crazy'” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for MSN

Lobbying

Iowa: “Curious Iowa: What does a lobbyist do?” by Bailey Cichone for The Gazette

Texas: “CenterPoint ‘Reassessing’ Use of The Pond, Its Houston-Area Lobbying Retreat, CEO Says” by Claire Hao (Houston Chronicle) for MSN

National/Federal

As President, Trump Demanded Investigations of Foes. He Often Got Them.

DNyuz – Michael Schmidt (New York Times) | Published: 9/21/2024

Donald Trump deployed his power as president against his perceived enemies despite warnings not to do so by top aides. A look back at the cases of 10 individuals brings the pattern into clearer focus. After Trump made repeated public or private demands for them to be targeted by the government, they faced federal pressure of one kind or another. Even without his direct order, Trump’s indirect influence could serve his ends and leave those in his sights facing expensive, time-consuming legal proceedings or other high-stress inquiries.

FEC Forgoes New AI Rulemaking Ahead of Election

MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 9/19/2024

A bipartisan cohort of commissioners on the FEC voted to forgo new rulemaking on Artificial Intelligence (AI), citing a lack of authority to limit or prohibit the use of the developing technology in federal elections. Public Citizen had asked the agency to revise the existing ban on the fraudulent misrepresentation of campaign authority to make clear it prohibits deliberately deceptive campaign ads that use AI.

Smartmatic’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Newsmax Is Headed to Trial. What’s at Stake?

MSN – Stephen Battaglio (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 9/20/2024

Newsmax will go to court to defend itself against a defamation lawsuit filed by Smartmatic, a voting machine technology company. Smartmatic says its reputation was damaged by false statements made on the network regarding voter fraud allegations in the 2020 presidential election. Smartmatic’s suit says Newsmax provided a platform for its hosts, Donald Trump, and the former president’s attorneys and allies to falsely claim the company’s software was manipulated to deliver the election for President Biden.

Latest Strategy in Fighting Election Skepticism: Radical transparency

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 9/24/2024

Donald Trump’s relentless focus on how votes are cast and counted, along with false and fantastical information floated by him and his prominent supporters, has led to a dramatic increase in the number of people who are observing and scrutinizing the process across the nation. In just a few short years, the election process in many states, especially closely watched battlegrounds, has been transformed. Now, many officials around the nation are taking steps to rebuild confidence in elections.

One Judge, One Courthouse: Why judge-shopping is an issue in the U.S.

MSN – Tobi Raji (Washington Post) | Published: 9/23/2024

Leaders of the federal court system and some members of Congress are trying to limit the practice of judge shopping – when a person or group files a lawsuit in a carefully chosen court where they believe the judge will be inclined to rule in their favor. Neither the Democratic nor Republican legislation seems likely to advance in a polarized Congress, however. Guidance from the policymaking body that oversees the courts was greeted with hostility in some court chambers, with chief judges saying it is up to them to decide case-assignment procedures.

Defense Contracting Firm First to Be Sentenced in SPAWAR Bribery Scheme

MSN – Alex Riggins (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 9/24/2024

A judge sentenced a defense contracting firm to pay more than $4.1 million in fines and forfeitures as part of a corruption scandal in which one of the firm’s executives bribed a civilian employee from San Diego’s Naval Information Warfare Center in exchange for millions of dollars in government contracts. Cambridge International Systems was ordered to forfeit more than $1.67 million and pay a fine of $2.5 million after pleading guilty to a bribery conspiracy. The firm admitted to committing the criminal act through a handful of employees.

Judge Allows Lengthy Brief in Trump Case, Rejecting Claim of Election Impact

MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 9/24/2024

A federal judge granted prosecutors’ request to file an up-to-180-page legal brief arguing why Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election should not be immune from criminal prosecution, rejecting the former president’s claims that its timing was unfair or politically motivated with the election approaching. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan agreed with special counsel Jack Smith’s office, which argued the briefing was necessary because the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity required her as trial judge to decide what allegations and evidence against Trump could be admissible.

US Supreme Court Justices, Other Judges Can Stay at Corporate-Owned Homes Without Disclosure

MSN – Nate Raymond (Reuters) | Published: 9/24/2024

Supreme Court justices and federal judges on lower courts do not have to publicly disclose when they dine or stay at someone’s personal residence, even one owned by a business entity, under a revised ethics rule. The Judicial Conference’s Committee on Financial Disclosure said the disclosure regulations were updated to “clarify” the extent to which gifts received at personal residences owned by corporate entities could be deemed “personal hospitality” that judges did not need to list on their disclosure reports.

A New York Republican Flipped His District Red, Then Hired His Mistress and His Fiancé’s Daughter

MSN – Marin Scotten (Salon) | Published: 9/24/2024

A member of Congress could be in breach of House ethics rules after he hired a woman that he was having an affair with and his fiancée’s daughter to work in his office, the New York Times reported. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito got his break in politics thanks in part due to his connections with a group of powerful Republicans in Nassau County, who are famous for hiring their friends and family into local government.

Senate Panel Calls for Changes at the Secret Service and a Budget Evaluation

MSN – Maria Sacchetti and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 9/25/2024

A Senate committee investigating the July 13 shooting at a Donald Trump rally is urging Congress to evaluate the Secret Service’s budget and require the agency provide security to U.S. leaders and political candidates based on the threats they face, and not whether they are in office. The Secret Service has said it is seeking a significant increase to the agency’s $3 billion annual budget to hire more agents, update equipment, and increase training after the Pennsylvania shooting and a potential attack against Trump in Florida.

A New Mystery Firm Enters Trump’s Orbit, Rekindling Criticism of His Presidential Campaign Spending

Yahoo News – Richard Lardner (Associated Press) | Published: 9/26/2024

Launchpad Strategies was incorporated less than a year ago and has since received $15 million from Donald Trump’s election fundraising machine. For what is mostly a mystery. Campaign finance experts said Launchpad Strategies was built for anonymity and is the latest example of how the Trump campaign has used secretive businesses to obscure its spending from the public.

Lobbyists Exploit Massive Loophole to Wine and Dine Lawmakers, Aides at Fancy Getaways

Yahoo News – Adriana Navarro, Caley Fox Shannon, Taylor Nichols, and Heidi Przybyla (Politico) | Published: 9/22/2024

Members of Congress and their staff have taken at least 17,000 trips since 2012 that were paid for by private parties, many of them nonprofits with deep ties to lobbyists and special interests, such as the Congressional Institute. Congressional travel rules generally bar lobbyists from playing a significant role in organizing or participating in trips sponsored by corporate entities. None of these restrictions apply to nonprofits such as the Congressional Institute, which arranges multiday trips to luxury hotels and resorts. There is nothing preventing lobbyists and industry officials from participating as speakers or attendees at the events.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Campaign Funds Can Be Used for Child Care, AG Kris Mayes Says

Arizona Mirror – Caitlin Sievers | Published: 9/17/2024

Arizona candidates for public office can use their campaign funds to pay for childcare needs while they are campaigning, state Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a legal opinion. Just seven weeks out from the general election in November, the opinion is unlikely to have a great impact this election cycle. But supporters hope they can spread the word over the next two years to spur single mothers and fathers, and others who were held back by childcare costs, to run for office.

Arizona – Arizona’s Top Court Says Voters Missing Citizenship Proof Can Receive Full Ballots

MSN – Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 9/20/2024

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled nearly 100,000 voters should receive regular ballots this fall even though there is no record they had submitted documentation to state officials proving they are citizens. The battleground state’s high court issued its ruling three days after officials told the justices they had recently discovered state computer systems had identified some longtime residents as having provided citizenship documents even though they had not.

California – Critics Say Lawmakers Watered Down California’s Lemon Car Law after Secret Lobbyist Negotiations

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 9/23/2024

Californians have relied on the state’s “lemon law” to fight back against car makers that sell them defective vehicles. Now, critics say the state’s ability to recoup their money after buying a clunker could become more difficult, due to a hastily passed bill that lobbyists representing U.S. auto manufacturers and powerful attorneys groups drafted in secret. How the bill came to end up on the governor’s desk is the latest example of how bills are often passed with little time for public input or legislative debate.

California – Should Oakland Allow for Bigger Political Campaign Contributions?

MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 9/20/2024

The amount of money individuals can give to candidates running for Oakland City Council and other positions this November might increase by a couple of hundred dollars, a possibility that some ethics officials and good government advocates oppose. The proposal would essentially restore the higher contribution limits that existed in Oakland before passage of Measure W in 2022. Supporters of the change say the lower contribution amounts has created a financial crunch that has been especially hard for candidates running for the at-large council seat and for city attorney.

California – O.C. Board of Supervisors Censures Embattled Member Andrew Do

MSN – Andrew Campa (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 9/24/2024

The Orange County Board of Supervisors censured Andrew Do, marking another significant, if ceremonial, rebuke of the embattled politician. The board condemned Do “for his failure to abide by the code of ethics and commitment to public service, and for the reckless judgment and favoritism he has demonstrated.” Do, who is in the last year of his final term, has not attended a board meeting since August 13. The censure follows the board’s decision to remove Do from all committee and board appointments.

California – Oakland’s Chief Ethics Investigator Quits

MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 9/25/2024

Simon Russell, the enforcement chief of Oakland’s Public Ethics Commission, is resigning. Russell’s primary reason for leaving is the city’s refusal to give his team more resources, despite his repeated warnings about a staffing crisis. “I can only conclude that this failure is largely deliberate, even despite (or perhaps because of) the considerable public interest in our cases that have been brought partially to light,” Russell wrote.

Georgia – Pro-Trump Georgia Election Board Votes to Require Hand Counts of Ballots

MSN – Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 9/20/2024

Georgia’s State Election Board passed a measure requiring local precincts to conduct hand counts for the November election and confirm the figures match machine counts before certifying election results. The change was led by a pro-Donald Trump majority that has enacted a series of changes to the state’s election rules. Critics accused the board of intentionally injecting chaos and uncertainty into the presidential contest. Election supervisors said hand counts would take too long, cost money, and almost certainly produce counting errors.

Hawaii – Hawaii Lawmaker to Pay $12,500 To Settle Ethics Commission Complaint

Honolulu Civil Beat – Kevin Dayton | Published: 9/19/2024

The Hawaii Ethics Commission agreed to settle a complaint against state Rep. David Alcos over allegations he failed to disclose an array of debts on disclosures that candidates and lawmakers are required to file. Those debts include more than $3.2 million in federal and state tax liens filed against Alcos to collect taxes owed by Alcos’ company, D.A. Builders LLC.

Illinois – With Jury Stuck 11-1, Judge Declares Mistrial in Case of Ex-AT&T Boss Accused of Bribing Speaker Madigan

MSN – Jason Meisner, Rebecca Johnson, and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 9/20/2024

A federal judge declared a mistrial in the bribery case of former AT&T executive Paul La Schiazza after the jury said it was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. La Schiazza was accused of secretly funneling payments to an ally of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for the speaker’s assistance passing key legislation for AT&T in Springfield, allegations that are also included in the racketeering indictment against Madigan and his co-defendant, Michael McClain.

Indiana – Council OKs Revised Elected-Official Pay, Ethics Disclosure Ordinances

Indianapolis Business Journal – Taylor Wooten | Published: 9/24/2024

The Indianapolis City-County Council approved two ordinances at their recent meeting, one that increases long-stagnant countywide elected official pay and the other requiring councilors to fill out more in-depth, publicly available disclosure forms. The ordinance makes councilor financial disclosure, currently available only through a public records request, easily accessible online. It would also expand the amount of information councilors are required to report about their employer and finances.

Kansas – ‘A Breakdown’: Kansas missed signs dead ex-official worked both sides of $425k grant

Yahoo News – Chance Swaim and Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) | Published: 9/20/2024

A former Kansas Department of Commerce official suspected of embezzling public funds handled money for a community foundation that received a $425,000 grant while he oversaw the same grant at the state agency that awarded it, an apparent conflict-of-interest now coming under scrutiny. Two top Commerce officials – Lt. Gov. David Toland, who leads the agency, and Robert North, the agency’s general counsel – signed off on the grant amid warning signs that the official was working on both sides of the grant.

Michigan – Lobbyist Sold His Condo to a Lawmaker at a Loss While Another Rents Rooms to Legislators

MSN – Alex Walters and Jack Armstrong (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 9/25/2024

A lobbyist sold his Lansing condominium to a state representative at a financial loss in the largest-ever financial transaction between a lobbyist and a Michigan legislator over the last 20 years. Nathan Piwowarski, while registered as a lobbyist, disclosed he sold his condo to then-state Rep. Phil Potvin. Piwowarski bought the condo for $106,900 in 2003 and sold it to Potvin for $79,000 in 2011. Piwowarski said he sold the condo for fair market value. Michigan law does not require an independent evaluation of that claim.

Michigan – Michigan Lawmakers Feast and Fly for Free, but the System for Tracking Freebies Is Broken

Yahoo News – Eye on Michigan | Published: 9/23/2024

Lobbyists spend millions of dollars entertaining state officials in Michigan, but it is difficult to determine what lawmakers accept because the state’s system for tracking influencers’ gifts to legislators is flawed, rife with loopholes, and relies on the honor system, according to a media investigation. Nearly two-thirds of all spending was classified as “group food & beverage,” making it impossible to determine how much each lawmaker received in free meals.

Mississippi – Late-Arriving 2024 Ballots Challenged by GOP at Appeals Court

MSN – Zoe Tillman (Bloomberg) | Published: 9/24/2024

A federal appeals court weighed a Republican challenge to Mississippi counting mail ballots that arrive within five days of an election as long as they are postmarked by that date, in a showdown that could wind up at the U.S. Supreme Court. While Mississippi is not a battleground state in the presidential race, the case could fuel other 2024 legal challenges in states with similar rules four years after the pandemic made absentee voting an election flashpoint.

Nebraska – State Sen. Mike McDonnell Deflates GOP Hopes for Nebraska Winner-Take-All in 2024

Nebraska Examiner – Aaron Sanderford | Published: 9/23/2024

The Republican push to change how Nebraska awards its Electoral College votes and boost Donald Trump ran into political reality as a key lawmaker, state Sen. Mike McDonnell, announced he would not support the change. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that award a single Electoral College vote to the winner in each congressional district, plus two votes to the statewide winner of the presidential popular vote. McDonnell’s “no” on winner-take-all leaves Republicans in Nebraska’s Legislature with no path to overcoming a promised filibuster unless a Democrat or nonpartisan senator defects.

New Jersey – Party Boss George Norcross’ Indictment Details a Web of Corruption Across South Jersey

Gothamist – Nancy Solomon | Published: 9/22/2024

The indictment of New Jersey political boss George Norcross provides new evidence of how he wielded political power in Camden, creating a patronage pipeline that placed his allies in well-paying, influential jobs. George Norcross, his brother Philip, former Camden Mayor Dana Redd, and three others are charged with running a criminal enterprise that used political power to steal property and development rights along the Camden waterfront from the rightful owners.

New Mexico – Settlement Reached on Disclosure of Donors, Expenditures of Latino Election Group

Yahoo News – Colleen Heild (Albuquerque Journal) | Published: 9/23/2024

New Mexicans will find out the identities of the individuals and organizations that contributed to a political committee aimed at combating the influence of progressive Democrats in this year’s legislative elections. The New Mexico Project, and one of its founders, Jeff Apodaca, agreed to settle a legal battle over the project’s failure to comply with state campaign reporting laws. In a settlement, The New Mexico Project registered with the state and promised to disclose its contributions and expenditures by October 2.

New York – NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on 5 Federal Public Corruption Charges, Including Bribery and Wire Fraud

MSN – Evan Perez, Mark Morales, Kara Scannell, Brynn Gingras, and Gloria Pazmino (CNN) | Published: 9/26/2024

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on corruption charges following a federal investigation. Adams, the first mayor of New York City to ever be charged with a crime while in office, faces, five charges related to bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals. The indictment alleges illegal actions stretching back to 2014, from when he was Brooklyn Borough president.

North Carolina – N.C. Republican Vows to Continue Campaign for Governor Amid Fallout of CNN Story

MSN – Patrick Svitek, Amy Gardner, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 9/19/2024

Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor in North Carolina, vowed to continue his campaign amid the fallout over a CNN story about comments he made on a pornographic website’s message board more than a decade ago. CNN reported Robinson called himself a “black NAZI!” on the forum in 2010 and voiced support for bringing back slavery the same year. Robinson, who has expressed hostility toward transgender people in his campaign, also said on the message board that he liked to watch transgender pornography.

North Dakota – Ethics Commission to Seek Legislation to Bolster Transparency, Investigative Authority

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 9/25/2024

The North Dakota Ethics Commission is planning to propose legislation during next year’s session that would overhaul how it investigates potential violations. Staff say the changes would bring the panel more in line with the original vision for the Ethics Commission approved by voters. The proposed changes would also give the commission more control over when and how it conducts investigations. The commission would also for the first time have the freedom to dismiss or informally resolve allegations before an official investigation is launched.

Ohio – Ohio’s Controversial Ban on Foreign Contributions to State Ballot-Issue Campaigns Takes Effect, at Least for Now

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 9/25/2024

Ohio’s ban on non-citizens contributing money to state ballot-issue campaigns is now in force, at least for the time being, as a federal appeals court panel lifted a temporary freeze on the new law. A District Court judge had ruled that authorities could not enforce the ban because it unconstitutionally restricted free-speech rights of lawful permanent residents, also known as green-card holders.

Ohio – Ohio Sheriff Barred from Working Elections After Posts about Harris Signs

MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 9/24/2024

The Portage County, Ohio, elections board barred its sheriff’s office from providing security during early voting after Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski urged people to collect the addresses of residents displaying yard signs for Vice President Kamala Harris. The messages sparked concerns among local residents, civil rights groups, and regional politicians about voter intimidation during the presidential election.

Oregon – Oregon Is the Only State Where Lawmakers Can’t Impeach Statewide Office Holders. Will Voters Change That with Measure 115?

MSN – Aimee Green (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 9/24/2024

Measure 115 on the November ballot would amend the constitution to make Oregon the final state to allow lawmakers to oust statewide officials of some sort. In Oregon’s case, it would be elected officials in five statewide positions: governor, secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general, and labor commissioner. Currently, the only mechanism the state has for removing elected officials from office is a recall. But the process is long, complicated, and expensive, and critics say relying on recalls to keep in check high-level state officials is not a realistic option.

Pennsylvania – Court Takes ‘Naked Ballots’ Case Over Pennsylvania Mail-in Voting

MSN – Mark Scolforo (Associated Press) | Published: 9/20/2024

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will consider whether counties must accept provisional ballots cast on election day at polling places by voters whose mail-in ballots lacked secrecy envelopes or were rejected for other flaws. It could determine the fate of thousands of votes that could otherwise be canceled in the November 5 election, when Pennsylvania is considered a critical state in the presidential contest.

Rhode Island – RI’s Part-Time Legislators Do Not Go Hungry. Here’s Where They Eat – and Who Pays the Tab

Yahoo News – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 9/20/2024

Legislative leaders spent $235,739.55 in taxpayer dollars this past session making sure Rhode Island’s part-time lawmakers did not go hungry. Some of the food was provided for legislators and staff on the nights House and Senate leaders anticipated long committee meetings or floor sessions, while some of the really big spending begins when the gavels drop each night.

Tennessee – Tennessee Registry Reports Cothren Attorney to Disciplinary Board

Yahoo News – Sam Stockard (Tennessee Lookout) | Published: 9/25/2024

Tennessee’s Registry of Election Finance is reporting the attorney for a former House speaker’s chief of staff to the Board of Professional Responsibility for a potential ethics violation after an encounter between a private investigator and the state’s campaign finance chief. Registry board members voted to notify the board that a private investigator for attorney Cynthia Sherwood went to the home of Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Executive Director Bill Young on and tried to talk to him about a case. It was reported that the private investigator went to several lawmakers’ homes too.

Texas – Jury Clears All but One Defendant in Texas ‘Trump Train’ Trial

MSN – Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) | Published: 9/23/2024

A jury cleared all but one of six Donald Trump supporters who were accused of breaking federal law when they surrounded a Joe Biden campaign bus driving down a Texas highway days before the 2020 election. Jurors said just one of the defendants, Eliazar Cisneros, violated the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 when the so-called Trump Train, a monicker for caravans to show support for the former president, drove up to the bus as it traveled on Interstate 35. The group, which included dozens of vehicles on the highway that day, forced the bus to slow to a crawl.

Wisconsin – Investigation Launched into Wisconsin Mayor Who Removed Ballot Drop Box

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 9/25/2024

A fight over voting rules in Wisconsin sparked a criminal investigation after Wausau Mayor Doug Diny, wearing a hard hat and Department of Public Works jacket, carted off a ballot drop box the city clerk was about to make available to voters. Officials in the battleground are considering with whether to use drop boxes after the state Supreme Court gave them that ability. Officials in Milwaukee, Madison, and other Democratic strongholds have embraced them, while their counterparts in some of Milwaukee’s suburbs and other Republican areas have banned them.

Campaign Finance

California: “Should Oakland Allow for Bigger Political Campaign Contributions?” by Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) for MSN

New Mexico: “Settlement Reached on Disclosure of Donors, Expenditures of Latino Election Group” by Colleen Heild (Albuquerque Journal) for Yahoo News

Elections

National: “Latest Strategy in Fighting Election Skepticism: Radical transparency” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Indiana: “Council OKs Revised Elected-Official Pay, Ethics Disclosure Ordinances” by Taylor Wooten for Indianapolis Business Journal

National: “One Judge, One Courthouse: Why judge-shopping is an issue in the U.S.” by Tobi Raji (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “U.S. Inquiry into N.Y. Mayor’s Foreign Ties Said to Include 6 Countries” by William Rashbaum, Dana Rubinstein, and Michael Rothfeld (New York Times) for DNyuz

Texas: “Jury Clears All but One Defendant in Texas ‘Trump Train’ Trial” by Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Oregon: “Oregon Is the Only State Where Lawmakers Can’t Impeach Statewide Office Holders. Will Voters Change That with Measure 115?” by Aimee Green (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Elections

Arizona: “Arizona’s Top Court Says Voters Missing Citizenship Proof Can Receive Full Ballots” by Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN

Nebraska: “State Sen. Mike McDonnell Deflates GOP Hopes for Nebraska Winner-Take-All in 2024” by Aaron Sanderford for Nebraska Examiner

Pennsylvania: “Court Takes ‘Naked Ballots’ Case Over Pennsylvania Mail-in Voting” by Mark Scolforo (Associated Press) for MSN

Ethics

National: “As President, Trump Demanded Investigations of Foes. He Often Got Them.” by Michael Schmidt (New York Times) for DNyuz

New Jersey: “Party Boss George Norcross’ Indictment Details a Web of Corruption Across South Jersey” by Nancy Solomon for Gothamist

Legislative Issues

California: “Critics Say Lawmakers Watered Down California’s Lemon Car Law after Secret Lobbyist Negotiations” by Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Lobbyists Exploit Massive Loophole to Wine and Dine Lawmakers, Aides at Fancy Getaways” by Adriana Navarro, Caley Fox Shannon, Taylor Nichols, and Heidi Przybyla (Politico) for Yahoo News

Michigan: “Michigan Lawmakers Feast and Fly for Free, but the System for Tracking Freebies Is Broken” by Eye on Michigan for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Campaign Funds Can Be Used for Child Care, AG Kris Mayes Says” by Caitlin Sievers for Arizona Mirror

National: “FEC Forgoes New AI Rulemaking Ahead of Election” by Taylor Giorno (The Hill) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “Pro-Trump Georgia Election Board Votes to Require Hand Counts of Ballots” by Amy Gardner (Washington Post) for MSN

North Carolina: “N.C. Republican Vows to Continue Campaign for Governor Amid Fallout of CNN Story” by Patrick Svitek, Amy Gardner, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Hawaii: “Hawaii Lawmaker to Pay $12,500 To Settle Ethics Commission Complaint” by Kevin Dayton for Honolulu Civil Beat

Illinois: “With Jury Stuck 11-1, Judge Declares Mistrial in Case of Ex-AT&T Boss Accused of Bribing Speaker Madigan” by Jason Meisner, Rebecca Johnson, and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

Kansas: “‘A Breakdown’: Kansas missed signs dead ex-official worked both sides of $425k grant” by Chance Swaim and Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) for Yahoo News

Legislative Issues

Rhode Island: “RI’s Part-Time Legislators Do Not Go Hungry. Here’s Where They Eat – and Who Pays the Tab” by Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) for Yahoo News

National/Federal

In New York Case, Signs of a Familiar China Playbook

DNyuz – David Pierson (New York Times) | Published: 9/16/2024

Before Linda Sun, a former senior aide in the New York governor’s office, was charged with using her position benefit the Chinese government, suspected cases of Chinese foreign meddling had been on the rise in Western democracies. The intelligence work is focused on influencing political discourse so that it leans more favorably toward China’s positions on contentious issues like the status of Taiwan. China’s attempts to interfere with Western democracies are likely to grow more acute as relations between Beijing and the West fray, said Anne-Marie Brady, a political scientist at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

How Roberts Shaped Trump’s Supreme Court Winning Streak

DNyuz – Jodi Kantor and Adam Liptak (New York Times) | Published: 9/15/2024

In a momentous trio of January 6-related cases last term, the U.S. Supreme Court found itself more entangled in presidential politics than at any time since the 2000 election, even as it was contending with its own controversies related to that day. Chief Justice John Roberts responded by deploying his authority to steer rulings that benefited Donald Trump, according to a New York Times examination that uncovered new information about the court’s decision making.

Violent Threats and Attacks Escalate Tensions in Trump-Harris Race

MSN – Hannah Knowles and Hannah Allam (Washington Post) | Published: 9/17/2024

The 2024 election season has been repeatedly marked by extraordinary acts and threats of violence that have become a more contentious issue in the presidential race, escalating tensions in an already heated political environment and prompting heightened security measures at events with seven weeks of campaigning left to go. While the country’s history includes examples of violence upending campaigning and governance, this year’s race stands out from others in recent memory, experts said, with some long-simmering fears of violent acts breaking into the open.

The Rush to Get Close to Kamala Harris and Her Inner Circle Is On

MSN – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 9/19/2024

Lobbyists are scrambling to figure out Kamala Harris. Lobbyists spent decades cultivating ties with President Biden’s inner circle; Harris has spent less than eight years in Washington. During her time as a U.S. senator, Harris’ office was seen as either ambivalent to or dismissive of the requests of corporate interests. During her years as vice president, she was seen as superfluous to the core policymaking process. But K Street is now setting its sights on the new Democratic ticket-leader and rushing to catch up on years of relationship-building.

Abortion Foes Use Government Power to Fight Red-State Ballot Measures

MSN – Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Lori Rozsa, and Annie Gowan (Washington Post) | Published: 9/12/2024

An unprecedented number of abortion initiatives are on state ballots this November, nearly all seeking to protect reproductive rights, but opponents are trying to defeat them even before the start of voting through legal challenges, administrative maneuvers, and critics say, outright intimidation. In part, the intensity reflects what is at stake. Since the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022, every ballot measure put before voters has been approved, including in red states like Ohio. Those seeking to restrict abortion access have failed, even in conservative Kansas.

Vance Amplifies False Claims About Haitian Migrants in Ohio

MSN – Sarah Ellison, Mariana Alfaro, and Lisa Rein (Washington Post) | Published: 9/15/2024

Soon after his unsubstantiated comments on Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, sparked a national firestorm and spurred violent threats in the town, U.S. Sen. JD Vance doubled down on his baseless claims that Haitians are eating their neighbors’ pets “to draw attention to the Biden-Harris immigration policies.” In a contentious interview on CNN, Vance said if he has to “create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

How This Lawsuit Against the IRS Aims to Allow Churches a Greater Role in Politics

MSN – Angele Latham (Nashville Tennessean) | Published: 9/16/2024

A federal rule bans tax-exempt organizations organized under 501(c)(3) of the tax code from “directly or indirectly” participating in politics, specifically in endorsing or opposing candidates. A lawsuit filed by Chistian groups challenges the rule by alleging their speech has been “wrongfully silenced.” Although the IRS often sets churches to 501(c)(3) status by default, the churches in the complaint would likely receive the political benefits they are seeking if they switched registration to 501(c)(4) but the move would mean losing their tax benefits, said Jennifer Safstrom, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Affordable Housing Advocate Penalized for Not Registering as a Lobbyist with City of Hamilton

CBC – Samantha Beattie | Published: 9/18/2024

One of Hamilton’s most vocal affordable housing advocates is being penalized for not registering as a lobbyist with the city before contacting officials on dozens of occasions and in some instances requesting land or money for projects. Graham Cubitt is not allowed to lobby with any city staff or elected officials for 30 days, said lobbyist registrar David Boghosian, who is also the city’s integrity commissioner.

Arizona – Chandler Council Member, Accused of Corruption, Seeks Millions … from Chandler

Bears Wire – Sam Kmack (Arizona Republic) | Published: 9/14/2024

A sitting Chandler City Council member is suing the city she represents, seeking millions of dollars for slander because the city falsely divulged the FBI was investigating her for political corruption. Jane Poston claims former police Chief Sean Duggan and current Assistant Chief Dave Ramer defamed her, caused her emotional distress, and harmed her private public relations company.

Arizona – Court May Decide If Arizonans with Missing Citizenship Records Can Vote in State Races

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 9/17/2024

A key election official in Arizona’s Maricopa County asked the state’s highest court to prohibit nearly 100,000 longtime residents from voting in state and local races this fall after discovering the state has no record of asking them for documents proving their U.S. citizenship. Like other states, Arizona requires voters to swear they are citizens when they register to vote. But for 20 years, Arizona law has gone further and required residents to show birth certificates, naturalization papers, or other documents proving citizenship to vote in state and local elections.

California – Oakland Ethics Commission Declines Proposed Settlement with Libby Schaaf

MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 9/17/2024

The Oakland Public Ethics Commission rejected the advice of its staff by refusing to settle a sprawling set of campaign finance cases involving violations by former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. Several commissioners said they feel the proposed settlement negotiated by commission staff and Schaaf’s attorney does not transparently show how much Schaaf and others will be fined for breaking multiple election rules. The commission met to consider five cases that involved Schaaf and others ranging from the Oakland Chamber of Commerce’s PAC, the Oakland police union, contractors, campaign consultants, and political groups.

California – California Legislature’s Unwritten Rule: Negotiate in secret with lobbyists, not in public

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 9/18/2024

An analysis of every vote cast in the past five years shows Democrats who control the California Legislature vote “no” on average less than one percent of the time, suggesting the fates of most bills are decided before votes are cast. The original language in almost all bills that navigate the legislative process is usually changed through amendments added in committees. That can be a high-stakes discussion done in secret between legislators and staff and lobbyists. When there are political consequences or money is involved, the governor’s office or legislative leaders can also shape bills behind the scenes.

California – California Passes Package of Laws to Combat Election Deepfakes

MSN – Felix Ng (Cointelegraph) | Published: 9/17/2024

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law bills to crack down on politically themed Artificial Intelligence (AI) deepfakes during elections. It comes only weeks after Elon Musk re-posted a parody of a Kamala Harris campaign ad on X that garnered millions of views and used AI-powered voice manipulation to make it seem Harris called herself an incompetent presidential candidate.

California – San Jose Councilmembers Team Up to Lobby City

San Jose Spotlight – Brandon Pho | Published: 9/16/2024

San Jose City Councilperson Sergio Jimenez is jumping into the elected official to lobbyist pipeline. He has formed a new consulting firm before terming out of his council seat at the end of this year. Joining him is former Councilperson Raul Peralez, a San Jose police officer who started his own consulting business after leaving office. It is the latest instance of the city’s “revolving door” through which government officials become paid lobbyists, which has prompted concern over the years about unfair deal making advantages.

California – Silicon Valley Political Groups Fail to Meet Transparency Requirements

San Jose Spotlight – Brandon Pho | Published: 9/14/2024

Nearly 40 campaign committees in Santa Clara County failed to file transparency reports by legal deadlines since 2018, in many cases even after receiving two written warnings. Nearly 30 of those committees have been flagged to county prosecutors and state watchdogs for investigation. For candidates who are new to politics, missed deadlines are an inevitable learning curve. But experts argue more experienced elected officials and candidates who should be well acquainted with the rules are likely ignoring them.

Colorado – Utilities Have to Itemize Some Political Spending in Other States. They Want Regulators to Keep It Secret in Colorado

Colorado Public Radio – Ishan Thakore | Published: 9/17/2024

Colorado lawmakers passed the Utility Regulation Act following a spike in energy bills. The law prevents investor-owned utilities from charging customers for a broad set of political activities, including meetings with lawmakers to influence legislation, some types of advertising, and membership dues to lobbying groups. The law requires utilities to submit an annual report about their spending. But lawmakers left it to regulators to determine much of the law’s fine print, including how much detail utilities must include in the report. Consumer advocates and utilities are now fighting over the scope of the law.

Florida – Ethics Commission: Lobbyist never cashed Baxter’s reimbursement checks for trip, VIP dinner

Austin American-Statesman – Mike Diamond (Palm Beach Post) | Published: 9/18/2024

The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics cited lobbyist Ron Book for failing to cash checks totaling $600 from county Commissioner Sara Baxter for a ride on his private jet to Tallahassee to attend the inauguration of Gov. Ron DeSantis in January 2023. Sitting on the checks after 90 days of receiving them turned the trip and the dinner into gifts, which means Baxter had to report them as such, and she did not. The commission has not charged Baxter with any wrongdoing but the ethics agency is investigating her, too.

Florida – Trial Begins in Alleged Florida Election Conspiracy That Tilted a Miami Senate Race

MSN – Charles Rabin (Miami Herald) | Published: 9/15/2024

A criminal case that opened a window to a plot to help Republicans win important 2020 Florida Senate races by propping up fake progressive candidates with shadowy money is finally headed to trial, with a political operative fighting the charges. State prosecutors are expected to claim in court that former state Sen. Frank Artiles, a Republican, masterminded a scheme to tilt the results of a tight race in Miami by recruiting and paying a straw candidate to siphon votes away from the Democratic incumbent.

Georgia – Georgia Lieutenant Governor Won’t Face Charges Connected to 2020 Election

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 9/13/2024

A special prosecutor concluded criminal charges should not be brought against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for his role in helping Donald Trump overturn his election loss in Georgia. Jones faced scrutiny because he was one of 16 state Republicans who signed a certificate falsely claiming Trump won Georgia in 2020 and declaring themselves to be the “duly elected and qualified electors from Georgia.” As a state senator, Jones also sought to convene a special session of the Legislature aimed at reversing Joe Biden’s narrow victory in the state.

Georgia – Judge in Georgia Election Case Knocks Out 2 Charges Against Trump

MSN – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 9/12/2024

A judge overseeing the Georgia case charging Donald Trump with conspiring to interfere in the 2020 election tossed out three more of the prosecution’s charges, two of which involve the former president. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said the three counts were legally flawed because they involved claims that Trump or his allies violated state law by submitting fraudulent documents to a federal court in Atlanta.

Illinois – City Council Cracks Down on Lobbyist Campaign Donations to Mayor after Johnson Took Contributions

WBEZ – Tessa Weinberg | Published: 9/18/2024

The Chicago City Council passed an ethics ordinance aimed at sanctioning lobbyists for contributions to mayoral candidates after Mayor Brandon Johnson dropped his opposition to the plan. The penalties close an enforcement gap in a 13-year-old ethics rule put in place by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel that prohibits lobbyists from donating to a mayor’s political fund. The reform broadens the original ban by expanding the restrictions to contributions made to mayoral candidates’ political committees, not just the incumbent mayor’s.

Kentucky – Complaint Filed Against a Top Kentucky Democrat for Condo Purchase. She Says It’s Ethical.

Yahoo News – Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 9/16/2024

An ethics complaint was filed against House Minority Caucus Chairperson Cherlynn Stevenson for jointly purchasing a Frankfort condominium with a lobbyist. But Stevenson has copies of correspondence with the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission, the body that handles such complaints, clearing her to purchase the condo with Sarah Bowling earlier this year.

Nebraska – Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission Seeks New Director as Hunter Steps Back

Nebraska Examiner – Aaron Sanderford | Published: 9/16/2024

The Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission needs a new executive director about a year after promoting a leader from within. David Hunter asked to return to his previous job as deputy director for personal reasons, officials said. Hunter succeeded Frank Daley, who retired after a quarter century as executive director.

New Jersey – Atlantic City Mayor and Wife Indicted for Alleged Child Abuse

MSN – Daniel Han (Politico) | Published: 9/18/2024

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his wife, who is the city’s superintendent of schools, face criminal charges for allegedly abusing their teenage daughter. According to prosecutors, Small Sr. and La’Quetta Small physically assaulted their daughter, who was 15 to 16 years old during the time of the alleged abuse. Small Sr. is the latest Atlantic City elected official to face criminal charges.

New Mexico – Judge Orders ‘Dark Money’ Group Back to Court for Failure to Register, Disclose Donors

Yahoo News – Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 9/16/2024

A judge is considering holding a “dark money” group in contempt for failing to comply with an order to register as a political committee and disclose its donors. The New Mexico Project aims to “empower the moderate Latino electorate,” according to its website, and supported a slate of legislative candidates in the Democratic primary. Judge Joshua Allison issued a preliminary injunction requiring the group to register no later than September 4 and report its expenditures and contributions no later than September 9. The group has done neither.

New York – Ex-FDNY Chiefs Indicted on Federal Bribery Charges in ‘Pay-to-Play Corruption’ Scheme

Gothamist – Matt Katz and Elizabeth Kim | Published: 9/16/2024

Two former New York Fire Department chiefs accepted at least $190,000 in bribes in exchange for fast-tracking approvals of buildings’ fire alarm systems, according to an indictment. Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco were the top two chiefs at the department’s bureau of fire prevention, which issues approvals for alarm and suppression systems in businesses and buildings. According to the indictment, from 2021 to 2023 they worked through a retired firefighter who, acting as a middleman, promised to expedite reviews and inspections in exchange for cash.

New York – Mayor Adams’ Team Asked Campaign Watchdog for More Time – Citing Federal Investigation

Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 9/12/2024

Mayor Eric Adams’ team wrote in a letter to New York City’s campaign finance watchdog that the campaign needed more time to respond to questions about apparent sloppy recordkeeping because its lawyer was too busy dealing with a federal inquiry. The Campaign Finance Board granted multiple deadline extensions to respond to an audit of Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign. The audit sought additional documentation for $2.3 million in expenses.

New York – Mayor Adams’ Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg Resigned Over Rebuffed Advice to Fire Officials Amid Probe

MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 9/16/2024

Lisa Zornberg, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ former chief counsel, resigned after the mayor rejected her advice to fire several top administration officials ensnared in federal corruption investigations, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Zornberg presented Adams with the recommendation for firings after concluding an internal review of Ray Martin, a lower-level aide in the mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, the sources said.

New York – New York City Police Commissioner Resigns After His Phone Was Seized in Federal Investigation

Yahoo News – Jake Offenhartz and Michael Sisak (Associated Press) | Published: 9/12/2024

New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned, one week after it emerged his phone was seized as part of federal investigation that touched several members of Mayor Eric Adams’ inner circle. Federal authorities are also investigating Caban’s twin brother, James Caban, a former police sergeant who runs a nightclub security business, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Ohio – SEC Sues Ex-FirstEnergy CEO Jones; Conspiracy Charge Brought Against Him, Ex-Exec Dowling

MSN – Patrick Williams (Akron Beacon Journal) | Published: 9/13/2024

Two former FirstEnergy executives were indicted \on an additional conspiracy charge for their alleged roles in a “pay-to-play” scheme. The indictment also included amended charges against former Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and former Senior Vice President of External Affairs Michael Dowling. As part of a separate lawsuit, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a complaint against Jones, alleging he misled investors about the utility’s payments to former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder in a “pay-to-play” scheme.

Ohio – Ohio Sheriff Says to ‘Write Down’ Addresses of Homes with Harris Signs

MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 9/16/2024

A sheriff in Ohio who made disparaging remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris and immigrants on social media is suggesting local residents compile a list of addresses where they see yard signs in support of the Democratic presidential nominee. Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski’s Facebook posts sparked tension across Portage County, which Donald Trump carried by 12 points in the 2020 election. Some residents accused Zuchowski of voter intimidation ahead of November’s election.

Ohio – Ohio Supreme Court Clears Ballot Language Saying Anti-Gerrymandering Measure Calls for the Opposite

MSN – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 9/16/2024

The Ohio Supreme Court let stand ballot language that will describe this fall’s Issue 1 as requiring gerrymandering, when the proposal is intended to do the opposite. The bipartisan proposal calls for replacing Ohio’s troubled political map-making system with a citizen-led commission of Republicans, Democrats, and independents. The proposal emerged after seven different versions of congressional and legislative maps created after the 2020 Census were declared unconstitutionally gerrymandered to favor Republicans.

Oklahoma – Ethics Questions Swirl as Oklahoma Lawmaker Stands to Profit from Potential Solar Farm in His District

KOSU – Lionel Ramos | Published: 9/17/2024

Oklahoma Rep. Justin Humphrey met with about a dozen landowners in his district to discuss a deal. He said a company was looking to buy 5,000 of land to build a solar farm.  Humphry also acknowledged he and his brothers were selling land they owned in the proposed deal. State ethics rules say lawmakers cannot negotiate business deals in their district that they or their family would benefit from, especially if there is legislation involved. The same state rules prohibiting Humphrey’s behavior also protect officeholders from formal complaints during an election season.

Oklahoma – Campaign Funds Can Now Be Used by Oklahoma Candidates to Pay for Caregiving Expenses

Oklahoma Voice – Emma Murphy | Published: 9/16/2024

Oklahoma joined 33 other states in allowing candidates running for office to use campaign funds for dependent care, effective immediately. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission issued an advisory opinion permitting candidates who are primary caregivers to use campaign funds to pay for care of dependents such as children, people with disabilities, or elderly relatives.

Oregon – ‘Exceedingly Close Call’ of Illegality in Gonzalez’s Wikipedia Edits, Portland Auditor Says; Calls for State Investigation

MSN – Zane Sparling (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 9/16/2024

A sitting Portland commissioner who tapped public funds to clean up his Wikipedia page walked the razor’s edge of breaking city campaign finance laws, but the evidence is insufficient to prove a violation, the city auditor’s office ruled. Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, a top candidate in the mayoral race, spent $6,400 earlier this year while seeking to remove an errant reference to an apparent Patriot Prayer member he interacted with on social media and highlight his status as a Democrat.

Oregon – Oregon Secretary of State Opens Investigation into Portland City Council Candidates Who Traded Contributions

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 9/11/2024

Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade will investigate Portland City Council and mayoral candidates who agreed to reciprocate campaign contributions to obtain matching funds from the city. At least 13 Portland candidates explicitly agreed to give money to other candidates this summer in exchange for incoming contributions, according to emails and texts. Candidates for city council were trying to gather donations from at least 250 Portland residents to qualify for up to $40,000 in matching taxpayer funds before the August 27 deadline.

Pennsylvania – Protesters Rally Against Dark Money after 35-Mile March from Lancaster to Harrisburg

Lancaster Online – Sarah Nicell | Published: 9/12/2024

After a three-day, 35-mile walk from Lancaster to Harrisburg, protesters demanding changes to Pennsylvania’s campaign finance laws held a rally at the state Capitol against dark money. Several members of the group attended a meeting with representatives for Senate President Kim Ward to discuss their current priority: an anti-dark money bill authored by Free Speech for People that has yet to move in the Republican-majority state Senate.

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Supreme Court Tosses Lower Court’s Decision on Mail-In Ballot Dating Requirement

Yahoo News – Peter Hall (Pennsylvania Capital-Star) | Published: 9/13/2024

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court threw out a lower court’s decision finding the requirement for voters to write the date on mail-in ballots to have them counted unconstitutional. The state’s highest court said the Commonwealth Court lacked jurisdiction to hear a challenge of the dating provision by voters’ rights groups. The lower court concluded the dating requirement violates the fair and equal elections clause of the state constitution because it restricts the right to vote but does not serve a compelling governmental purpose.

Tennessee – Lee Seeks Ethics Panel Advice on Travel Payments, Will Repay Expense If Found Inappropriate

MSN – Vivian Jones (Nashville Tennessean) | Published: 9/13/2024

Following threats of an ethics complaint over his travel to Florida paid by an outside group, Gov. Bill Lee is asking the Tennessee Ethics Commission to clarify whether accepting such payments is allowed under state law. If the panel finds Lee’s travel payments were illegal or unethical, he is pledging to repay the funds. Lee traveled to Marco Island, Florida, to be a keynote speaker of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a group behind a handful of controversial new state laws. ADF, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and its partner 501(c)4 organization both employ Matthew Lorimer, a registered lobbyist in Tennessee.

Washington – Let’s Go Washington Accused of Violating Campaign Finance Law

Yahoo News – Jerry Cornfield (Washington State Standard) | Published: 9/18/2024

A 14-month investigation has led to charges against the political committee founded by businessperson Brian Heywood for allegedly violating campaign finance laws in the course of gathering signatures for six initiatives last year. Staff of the state Public Disclosure Commission filed administrative charges alleging Let’s Go Washington did not “accurately and timely” report its spending on signature-gathering for each of the measures. Staff also assert the committee failed to obtain and disclose information from vendors on their spending on subcontractors for signature-gathering.

Campaign Finance

California: “Oakland Ethics Commission Declines Proposed Settlement with Libby Schaaf” by Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) for MSN

Oregon: “‘Exceedingly Close Call’ of Illegality in Gonzalez’s Wikipedia Edits, Portland Auditor Says; Calls for State Investigation” by Zane Sparling (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Washington: “Let’s Go Washington Accused of Violating Campaign Finance Law” by Jerry Cornfield (Washington State Standard) for Yahoo News

Elections

Arizona: “Court May Decide If Arizonans with Missing Citizenship Records Can Vote in State Races” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Violent Threats and Attacks Escalate Tensions in Trump-Harris Race” by Hannah Knowles and Hannah Allam (Washington Post) for MSN

Legislative Issues

California: “California Legislature’s Unwritten Rule: Negotiate in secret with lobbyists, not in public” by Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) for MSN

Lobbying

Illinois: “City Council Cracks Down on Lobbyist Campaign Donations to Mayor after Johnson Took Contributions” by Tessa Weinberg for WBEZ

Redistricting

Ohio: “Ohio Supreme Court Clears Ballot Language Saying Anti-Gerrymandering Measure Calls for the Opposite” by Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) for MSN

Gov. Newsom signed a bill with disclosure requirements for political committees creating, originally publishing, or originally distributing a qualified political advertisement.

A qualified political advertisement is an advertisement containing any image, audio, or video generated or substantially altered using artificial intelligence.

Assembly Bill 2355 requires the disclosure of a qualified political advertisement to be appear at the top of the disclosure area and to be separated from the other required disclosures by a blank line.

The bill becomes effective January 1, 2025.