State senators Rob McColley and Theresa Gavarone introduced Senate Bill 92, a bill to permit special elections to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August under any of the following circumstances:

• For the purpose of submitting a statewide ballot issue to the voters under Section 1 of Article XVI, Ohio Constitution
• When a primary election is required preceding a special election to fill a vacancy in an office
• For the election of a party candidate for U.S. Congress due to the withdrawal, disqualification, or death of a congressional candidate prior to the 19th day before the day of the general election.

August elections for these purposes were eliminated by a law passed in 2021.

Campaign Finance Washington DC: “D.C. Campaign Finance Office Tosses Complaints About Silverman’s Poll” by Michael Brice-Saddler (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics Florida: “Florida Bill Would Shield DeSantis’s Travel Records” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz National: “Schools Forced to Divert Staff Amid Historic Flood of Records Requests” by Hannah Natanson and Karina Elwood (Washington Post) for MSN National: “Indicted Chinese Exile Controls Gettr Social Media Site, Ex-Employees Say” by Joseph Menn (Washington Post) for MSN New York: “NYC Councilwoman Inna Vernikov Used Government Email to Solicit Business” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for MSN Legislative Issues Arizona: “Arizona State Rep. Liz Harris Says Constitution Required Her to Allow Baseless Cartel Bribery Claims” by Ray Stern (Arizona Republic) for Yahoo News Lobbying Canada: “Liberals, Conservatives and Bloc Approve Loosening of Ethical Lobbying Rules” by Lee Harding for Western Standard New Mexico: “Steak Dinners and Ski Passes: As lobbyists spend to influence New Mexico Legislature, 2 lawmakers seek more transparency” by Dan McKay for Albuquerque Journal

Campaign Finance National: “Lindsey Graham Publicly Admonished for Fundraising on Capitol Grounds” by Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) for MSN Colorado: “Millions in Outside Spending Shapes Denver Mayoral Race – and It’s Not Always Clear Where the Money Is Coming From” by Mark Coltrain for Denver Post Elections Arizona: “Arizona Court Declines Most of Lake’s Appeal Over Gov’s Race” by Jacques Billeaud (Associated Press) for MSN Ethics National: “Former Trump Officials Must Testify in 2020 Election Inquiry, Judge Says” by Maggie Haberman and Alan Feuer (New York Times) for DNyuz Florida: “DeSantis Wants ‘Media Accountability.’ A New Bill Makes Suing Journalists Easier.” by Elahe Izadi and Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) for MSN Illinois: “‘ComEd Four’ Trial Offering a Fascinating and Unprecedented Look into the Inner Workings of Madigan’s Political Power” by Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News Oregon: “Port of Morrow Commissioners, Already Under Investigation, Keep Voting on Amazon’s Data Center Tax Deals” by Mike Rogoway (Portland Oregonian) for MSN Legislative Issues Connecticut: “Legislator’s Arrest Places Spotlight on Drinking at Connecticut State Capitol” by Christopher Keating (Hartford Courant) for Yahoo News

National/Federal

As Chatbots Spread, Conservatives Dream About a Right-Wing Response

DNyuz – Stuart Thompson, Tiffany Hsu, and Steven Lee Myers (New York Times) | Published: 3/20/2023

Artificial intelligence has become another front in the political and cultural wars in the U.S. and other countries. Even as companies scramble to join the commercial boom prompted by the release of ChatGPT, they face a debate over the use, and potential abuse, of artificial intelligence. The technology’s ability to create content that hews to predetermined ideological points of view, or presses disinformation, highlights a danger – that an informational cacophony could emerge from competing chatbots with different versions of reality, undermining the viability of artificial intelligence as a tool in everyday life and further eroding trust in society.

Two Gifts to Trump Family from Foreign Nations Are Missing, Report Says

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 3/17/2023

Federal officials cannot find two gifts received by former President Trump and his family from foreign nations, including a life-size painting of Trump from the president of El Salvador and golf clubs from the Japanese prime minister, according to a new report from House Democrats. The gifts are among more than 100 foreign gifts, with a total value of nearly $300,000, that Trump and his family failed to report to the State Department in violation of federal law, according to the report, which cites government records and emails.

Trump Lawyer Must Turn Over Evidence on Classified Documents, Court Rules

MSN – Josh Dawsey, Devlin Barrett, Jacqueline Alemany, and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/22/2023

A federal appeals court ruled that a lawyer for Donald Trump must provide notes, transcripts, and other evidence to prosecutors investigating how classified documents remained at the former president’s Mar-a-Lago home months after a subpoena to return all sensitive files. The order from a panel of three judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ends an emergency hold on a ruling by a lower-court judge. It is possible Trump will seek to carry the fight up to the Supreme Court.

The Jan. 6 Investigation Is the Biggest in U.S. History. It’s Only Half Done.

MSN – Spencer Hsu, Devlin Barrett, and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2023

The District of Columbia’s federal court system is bracing for many years more of trials stemming from the riot at the U.S. Capitol, with new charges possible against as many as 1,000 more people. Prosecutors are hopeful many will be incentivized to plead to help manage the crush of cases, which already have strained the court in the nation’s capital. A Washington Post analysis of the cases so far shows defendants who seek a trial rather than plead guilty end up getting about a year of prison time added to their sentences.

Is Sean Hannity a Journalist? Role of Hosts Is Key in Fox News Lawsuit.

MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2023

FEC Eyes New Rules for Candidates to Draw Pay, Perks from Campaigns

MSN – Kate Ackley (Roll Call) | Published: 3/22/2023

U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost and a slate of former congressional candidates urged the FEC to loosen restrictions on using campaign funds for salaries and benefits for those seeking office. Making it easier for candidates to draw a regular salary, plus health care and other benefits, would help encourage more diversity among House, Senate, and presidential hopefuls, they argued.

Jan. 6 Panel’s Video Depositions Become Tantalizing Tool for Probes

Roll Call – Michael Macagnone | Published: 3/22/2023

Clips from videotaped depositions with allies of Donald Trump were one of the most effective tools employed by the House select committee investigating the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to make the public case against Trump’s role. Experts expect that will change the dynamics of congressional committees this year and beyond. Lawmakers will come around to those technological advancements that grab public attention and allow them to better shape their arguments, and witnesses will recalculate how their answers might later be used at hearings.

Abortion on the Ballot? Not If These Republican Lawmakers Can Help It.

Yahoo News – Alice Mianda Ollstein and Megan Messerly (Politico) | Published: 3/19/2023

After watching the pro-choice side win all six ballot initiative fights related to abortion in 2022, including in red states, conservatives are mobilizing to avoid a repeat. Legislatures in Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oklahoma are debating bills this session that would hike the filing fees, raise the number of signatures required to get on the ballot, restrict who can collect signatures, mandate broader geographic distribution of signatures, and raise the vote threshold to pass an amendment from a majority to a supermajority.

George Santos Never Filed a Key Financial Disclosure. Enforcement Has Been Lax for Years.

Yahoo News – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 3/19/2023

Though it was obvious at the time that George Santos missed the deadline in 2021 to file a financial disclosure report, the issue did not attract much attention until after he had been elected to Congress and a series of resumé fabrications began to surface. Dozens of candidates who should have filed financial disclosures over the past two election cycles avoided doing so or filed the forms late without asking for an extension. The fact that such violations are rarely even flagged, and penalties are essentially non-existent, makes it easy for candidates to avoid disclosing key financial information, ethics experts say.

US Lawmakers Resume Globetrotting Paid by Special Interests

Yahoo News – Billy House (Bloomberg) | Published: 3/18/2023

Members of Congress and their staffers rebounded from pandemic travel anxiety in 2022, accepting more than $6.6 million worth of airline tickets, hotel rooms, and meals paid for by special-interest groups. Destinations included more than 40 foreign countries, including Israel, Spain, and Japan, as well as U.S. cities such as Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Miami. Some lawmakers took spouses and other family members, also free-of-cost, on the excursions.

From the States and Municipalities

Oceania – How Well-Connected Lobbyists Ask For – and Receive – Urgent Meetings, Sensitive Information and Action on Law Changes for Their Corporate Clients

RNZ – Guyon Espiner | Published: 3/22/2023

A media investigation unearthed thousands of emails, text messages, and even encrypted Signal communications, revealing the extent of the lobbying industry in New Zealand. The documents show lobbyists targeting ministerial advisors, inviting them to drinks, dinner, and sports events with text messages addressing them as “brother” and “comrade.” New Zealand has among the weakest regimes in the developed world for regulating lobbying and the industry largely operates in the shadows, with little information about the client lists of many of the major firms.

Arizona – Group Attempts to Quash New Campaign Finance Law

White Mountain Independent – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 3/20/2023

A conservative advocacy group founded by the Koch brothers is asking a federal judge to quash new voter-approved campaign finance laws aimed at exposing “dark money” contributions for political purposes. Attorneys for Americans for Prosperity contend the First Amendment protects the right of individuals to donate to advocacy organizations without fear their identities would be disclosed. But in a new lawsuit, they contend Proposition 211 “trammels that right by subjecting countless Americans nationwide to governmental doxxing for doing nothing more than supporting their chosen non-profit organizations and charities.”

California – San Francisco Will Allow City Officials to Fundraise for Safe-Consumption Sites

KQED – Sydney Johnson | Published: 3/21/2023

San Francisco leaders are making an exception to their own ethics policy so city officials can solicit donations for safe-consumption sites. The Board of Supervisors passed a resolution on that allows Mayor London Breed, her officers, and officials at the Department of Public Health to seek out contributions for nonprofits, which would then use the private funds to operate safe-consumption sites, where medical staff can supervise people using drugs and respond if there is an overdose.

California – City Blacklists 4 More Firms Tied to Mohammed Nuru Scandal

San Francisco Standard – Michael Barba | Published: 3/22/2023

The federal cases against two Bay Area executives accused of bribing former San Francisco Public Works head Mohammed Nuru with a $40,000 tractor are about to cost them more city business. A city investigation digging deeper into the corruption cases against Alan Varela and William Gilmartin of ProVen Management, a construction and engineering firm behind major infrastructure projects, has revealed new links between the executives, their firm, and four other companies. Now City Attorney David Chiu is suspending the firms from bidding on city contracts.

California – Should San Jose Require Nonprofits to Register as Lobbyists?

San Jose Spotlight – Jana Kadah | Published: 3/16/2023

Like corporate lobbyists, nonprofit leaders meet regularly with San Jose officials to influence policy decisions. But nonprofits, which are often awarded millions in city contracts, do not have to disclose their meetings like other lobbyists. Ethics experts say more transparency is needed, while nonprofit leaders worry changing the rules will make it harder for them to advocate for policies and discourage smaller nonprofits from working with the city.

California – Stockton Councilman Files Restraining Order Against 209 Times Founder, Cites Threats, Harassment

Yahoo News – Ben Irwin and Aaron Leathley (Stockton Record) | Published: 3/22/2023

A temporary restraining order was granted protecting Stockton City Councilperson Brando Villapdua, who accused the 209 Times founder, Motecuzoma Sanchez, of harassing the lawmaker. Court documents say Sanchez harassed and threatened Villapudua into supporting the removal of City Manager Harry Black “and others.” After a closed meeting of the council, Sanchez began verbally attacking and threatening Villapudua and became “physically aggressive in such a quick manner” that the 209 Times founder had to be physically restrained at Valley Brewin the city, according to court documents.

California – State Launches Probe of Cannabis Licensing to ‘Clean House’ of Corruption

Yahoo News – Adam Elmahrek (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/23/2023

Corruption in California’s cannabis industry has become widespread and brazen. There have been “pay-to-play” schemes, including a demand for cash in a brown paper bag for a marijuana license, threats of violence against local officials, and city council members accepting money from cannabis businesses even as they regulated them. Those problems and more were uncovered by a Los Angeles Times investigation. Now state officials are launching an audit aimed at curtailing bribery, conflicts-of-interest, and other misdeeds.

Colorado – Kelly Brough’s Partner Has Long Influenced City Politics on Behalf of Businesses Like Frontier Airlines, Kroenke and Large Developers

Denverite – Ben Markus | Published: 3/21/2023

Before Kelly Brough decided to run for mayor of Denver, she had a conversation with her partner, David Kenney. Brough said she has been in a relationship for about 10 years with Kenney, a longtime political consultant and city and state lobbyist, whose clients make up some of the largest developers in Denver. He has exercised his connections in the current administration, meeting with Mayor Michael Hancock and several of his top deputies at least 31 times between 2011 and 2022. His firm has been involved in a series of successful ballot issue campaigns on behalf of business interests.

Connecticut – Former West Haven Employee Sentenced to Prison for Fraud

Connecticut Mirror – Andrew Brown | Published: 3/22/2023

John Bernardo, a former West Haven employee, was sentenced to 13 months in prison for participating in a scheme to steal federal relief funds that were meant to help the city and its residents weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Bernardo was the first defendant to be sentenced as part of a federal probe, which uncovered more than $1.2 million that was embezzled through a network of bogus companies and a stream of fake invoices paid by the city’s Finance Department.

Florida – Randy Fine Pulls $2 Million Request as Brevard Zoo Considers Ban on Campaign Events

Yahoo News – Eric Rogers and Dave Berman (Florida Today) | Published: 3/16/2023

Florida Rep. Randy Fine pulled a $2 million state funding request for the Brevard Zoo’s aquarium project at Port Canaveral. The move came after Brevard Zoo Executive Director Keith Winsten said the zoo’s board would consider halting rentals for political campaign events after the 2024 election cycle in the wake of controversy over a fundraiser held at the zoo’s Nyami Nyami River Lodge for Fine’s 2024 state Senate run.

Georgia – Grand Jury Heard Audio of Another Trump Call Seeking to Overturn Election

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 3/16/2023

An Atlanta-area special grand jury that investigated efforts by Donald Trump and his allies to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia heard audio of another phone call in which Trump pressed a top state official to help overturn Joe Biden’s victory in the state. Five members of the special grand jury said they listened to a recording of a 2020 phone call between Trump and the Georgia House speaker at the time, David Ralston, in which Ralston resisted Trump’s requests to convene a special session of the legislature to overturn Biden’s narrow election win.

Hawaii – Why This Hawaii Lawmaker’s Job with a Major Construction Company Raises Concern

Honolulu Civil Beat – Kevin Dayton | Published: 3/20/2023

In a state in which construction and development interests wield strong influence, first-term Rep. Micah Aiu’s job outside the Hawaii Legislature could be seen as problematic. Aiu works as an in-house lawyer for Nan Inc., a major construction company that competes for state jobs. Since last summer, Nan was awarded eight contracts worth $325 million. Aiu also sits on the House Finance Committee, which plays an outsized role in developing the state budget and the list of construction projects the state will fund each year. Freshmen lawmakers are routinely assigned to that committee to help them absorb the nuances of the budget process.

Illinois – Suburb Tries New Tack, an Elected Ethics Board, to Nip Illinois-Style Corruption; Critics Say It May Not Have Enough Teeth

Yahoo News – Caroline Kubzansky (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/21/2023

Critics note most or all ethics boards in Illinois, which range throughout the state, are limited because they have only advisory powers. They can investigate wrongdoing by officials but then must refer their findings to that same board so its members can consider whether to take action. Niles, a town shaken by an ethics scandal in which the mayor was convicted on federal corruption charges in 2010, floated a different approach. On April 4, voters there will elect the members of their ethics board, creating what may be the first entity of its kind in Illinois.

Indiana – Numerous Indiana Lawmakers Do Private Consulting. But Who Are They Working For?

Indiana Capital Chronicle – Casey Smith | Published: 3/13/2023

At least 15 legislators in the Indiana General Assembly provide professional advice and guidance to private businesses outside of the Capitol. Other lawmakers have outside limited liability companies that do not specifically reference consulting work but still could provide that service. While some lawmakers choose to list individual clients in their financial disclosure forms, they are not required to do so unless they are a significant income source, leaving the public in the dark about who they are affiliated with.

Kansas – Kansas Lawmakers Are Among Worst Paid in Nation. Some Say It Impedes True Representation

MSN – Ketie Bernard (Kansas City Star) | Published: 3/20/2023

Since 2009, Kansas lawmakers have been paid $88.66 per day. Assuming an eight-hour workday, lawmakers make roughly $11.08 per hour, not including the per diem received for travel and living expenses in Topeka. But oftentimes the hours far exceed the traditional eight-hour day once constituent services on unpaid days, evening meetings, and late-night debates are factored in. Lawmakers are expected to continue serving their constituents year-round even though they are only paid for the 90-day legislative session. Kansas may be paying below the federal minimum wage to the officials tasked with determining the policies and laws of the state.

Kansas – Kansas Lawmakers Back Off Aggressive Campaign Finance Overhaul. Here’s What They Will Do.

Yahoo News – Andrew Bahl (Topeka Capital Journal) | Published: 3/22/2023

Kansas lawmakers backed off a more aggressive overhaul of the state’s campaign finance laws, instead opting for a more limited set of changes that focuses on the Governmental Ethics Commission’s administrative procedures. The initial bill was criticized as an attempt to eviscerate limits on campaign donations and effectively render the commission powerless. It raised eyebrows at the Capitol as it came amid an investigation into prominent legislators and state Republican Party officials, despite arguments from GOP lawmakers that the bill was unrelated to the high-profile investigation.

Maryland – Baltimore Council President Nick Mosby Complies with Ethics Order on Legal-Defense Fund

MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/21/2023

Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby closed a nearly yearlong saga over a legal-defense fund formed in his name by complying with a Board of Ethics order. A judge upheld the board’s findings that Mosby violated the law by indirectly soliciting donations for the fund and by failing to disclose its existence on his ethics filing in 2022, which covered activity in 2021. The fund was established for the defense of the council president and also his wife, former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, as federal authorities investigated their financial dealings.

Massachusetts – Residents’ Right to Be Rude Upheld by Massachusetts Supreme Court

Yahoo News – Jenna Russell (New York Times) | Published: 3/17/2023

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reaffirmed the right to be rude at public meetings. Stemming from a lawsuit filed against the town of Southborough by a resident who said members of the Select Board had silenced her unlawfully, the decision pushed back against attempts to mandate good manners. Many local public officials experienced fierce disputes over masks, vaccines, and remote learning during the coronavirus pandemic that erupted at meetings.

Michigan – Can ‘Deradicalization’ Reform Extremists? Michigan Program to Find Out in Limbo

Bridge Michigan – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 3/22/2023

Michigan’s experiment in deradicalizing young extremists may be over before it begins, after the second arrest of a man who had agreed to participate in the program. In a first-of-its kind arrangement, Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office last fall agreed to pay up to $10,000 for a pair of consultants to help Andrew Nickels disengage “from extremist organizations” and avoid violence through counseling and support, according to a contract.

Michigan – Former Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Marrocco Sentenced to 3 Months in Prison in Corruption Probe

Detroit News – Anna Liz Nichols | Published: 3/16/2023

Former Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Anthony Marrocco was sentenced to three months in prison followed by two years of supervised release in connection with a long-running federal corruption probe. Marrocco was sentenced for trying to extort a developer into buying tickets to a campaign fundraiser and threatening to delay or withhold a county permit. He agreed to plead guilty to attempted extortion in exchange for prosecutors dropping three other extortion-related charges that each carried a 20-year possible prison sentence.

Montana – Lawmakers Opt to Keep ‘Clean Campaign Act’ Despite Judge Striking It Down

Helena Independent Record – Sam Wilson | Published: 3/22/2023

A campaign finance law struck down by a federal judge last year will live on in Montana’s law books after legislators from both parties voted down a proposal to repeal the defunct statute. The state’s requirement that candidates give their opponent a heads-up on attack ads published or broadcast in the last 10 days before an election was ruled unconstitutional. The judge found the disclosure requirement violated the free-speech rights of a conservative political committee.

Nebraska – Filibuster Over Transgender Bill Jams Nebraska Legislature for Weeks

MSN – Maham Javaid (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2023

The Nebraska Legislature has been unable to pass a single bill this year. One senator’s distaste with the advancement of a bill seeking to ban gender-affirming care for Nebraskans under 19, coupled with the state’s unique filibustering rules, has brought the session to a standstill. While filibustering is not rare for Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature, state Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh is the first lawmaker to filibuster every bill introduced to the floor. Senators opposing the bill seeking to restrict gender-affirming care say this is the first time their Legislature has become a part of the national culture war around transgender rights.

New Jersey – Independent Election Watchdog Sues Murphy for Trying to Force Him Out. ‘It’s Political Thuggery.’

MSN – Susan Livio, Matt Arco, and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 3/16/2023

Election Law Enforcement Commission Executive Director Jeff Brindle filed a lawsuit against New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and three of his top aides, alleging a conspiracy to force Brindle from his job. The suit alleges the Murphy administration sought to remove Brindle over a satirical op-ed he wrote that was critical of groups that engage in political activity but do not publicly disclose their donors. Brindle says he has been the subject of a “concerted and joint action and conspiracy to extort and coerce” him to resign by citing a homophobic email he allegedly sent and a racist statement he allegedly made. Brindle has denied the allegations.

New Jersey – NJ Senate Passes Money-in-Politics Overhaul That Would Give Phil Murphy Sway Over Election Watchdog

Yahoo News – Ashley Balcerzak (Bergen Record) | Published: 3/20/2023

The New Jersey Senate passed an amended campaign finance overhaul critics say continues to gut “pay-to-play” laws, weakens the watchdog agency overseeing all elections in the state, and contains a second attempt to give the governor more power to choose who leads that agency. The Elections Transparency Act includes substantial changes to how money flows in New Jersey elections, including increasing the amounts that individuals and corporations can donate to politicians and parties; illuminating certain “dark money” donors; and cutting down the time accounts can be investigated for violations.

New York – New York Is Overhauling Campaign Finance. But Not the Loophole That Makes Party Fundraising Stronger

Buffalo News – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/21/2023

Soon after Gov. Kathy Hochul was elected last year, 43 members of her campaign staff received a total of $363,000 in payments from the New York State Democratic Party’s so-called called housekeeping account, a type of fundraising allowed under state election law but long criticized by reform groups. Housekeeping accounts can receive unlimited contributions from donors, including corporations. Watchdogs argued that, in practice, donations to housekeeping accounts have been used to subsidize favored candidates backed by political parties, permitted by loopholes and lackluster election law enforcement.

North Carolina – Biden Administration Suggests Supreme Court Drop Election Case

Bloomberg Law – Greg Stohr | Published: 3/20/2023

The Biden administration suggested the U.S. Supreme Court drop a closely watched election case after an unusual twist raised fresh questions about the court’s jurisdiction. The dispute centers on the “independent state legislature theory,” which would oust state judges and other officials from longstanding roles in shaping the rules for federal elections. The case, argued in December, centers on the North Carolina Supreme Court’s rejection of a Republican-drawn congressional map.

Ohio – Cuyahoga County Gave No-Bid, $120,000 Lobbying Contract to Ronayne Campaign Donor

MSN – Lucas Daprile (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/18/2023

A company whose president donated $10,000 to Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne’s campaign later received a $120,000 no-bid lobbying contract from the county. The year-long contract to McCaulley&Company was approved by the Board of Control following a recommendation from the county executive’s office. The board also approved an exemption from competitive bidding on the contract, even though the county interviewed multiple firms before approving its last federal lobbying contract.

Tennessee – Nashville Sues State Over New Council-Slashing Law

MSN – Cassandra Stevenson (Tennessean) | Published: 3/15/2023

Days after Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill that will slash Nashville’s metro council in half, the city filed a lawsuit against the state claiming the law violates the Tennessee Constitution and the rights of Davidson County voters. The new law requires city and metropolitan governments to cap their councils at 20 members. In practice, Nashville’s 40-member council is the only body in the state immediately impacted by the legislation. No other city or metropolitan government has a council larger than 20 members.

Texas – The Justice Department’s Fight Against Judge Shopping in Texas

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 3/19/2023

The Justice Department challenged three high-profile lawsuits filed in Texas against Biden administration policies, accusing state politicians of choosing small, conservative federal court divisions that have little relevance to their cases but nearly guarantee them a sympathetic judge. It is part of the administration’s first concerted effort to fight what some legal experts say is a growing problem of “forum shopping” – a strategy in which plaintiffs are alleged to cherry-pick judges they want to hear their cases, bucking the random assignment of judges that is considered a tenet of the American legal system.

Utah – Got an Ethics Complaint Against an Elected Official? You’ll Need Insider Knowledge and Email Address.

MSN – Emily Anderson Stern (Salt Lake Tribune) | Published: 3/20/2023

The Executive Branch Ethics Commission was created one decade ago after Utah was rattled by two major scandals that led to the FBI investigating a state attorney general and his predecessor, as well as a lieutenant governor. Annual reports indicate the commission has heard just two complaints, none of which seemingly have been found to have merit and referred to the Legislature for potential action. In that time, the governor-appointed volunteer panel’s operations have been supplemented with nearly $50,000 from the Legislature.

Campaign Finance

Maryland: “Baltimore Council President Nick Mosby Complies with Ethics Order on Legal-Defense Fund” by Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) for MSN

New Jersey: “NJ Senate Passes Money-in-Politics Overhaul That Would Give Phil Murphy Sway Over Election Watchdog” by Ashley Balcerzak (Bergen Record) for Yahoo News

New York: “New York Is Overhauling Campaign Finance. But Not the Loophole That Makes Party Fundraising Stronger” by Chris Bragg for Buffalo News

Elections

North Carolina: “Biden Administration Suggests Supreme Court Drop Election Case” by Greg Stohr for Bloomberg Law

Ethics

Hawaii: “Why This Hawaii Lawmaker’s Job with a Major Construction Company Raises Concern” by Kevin Dayton for Honolulu Civil Beat

Illinois: “Suburb Tries New Tack, an Elected Ethics Board, to Nip Illinois-Style Corruption; Critics Say It May Not Have Enough Teeth” by Caroline Kubzansky (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

National: “Is Sean Hannity a Journalist? Role of Hosts Is Key in Fox News Lawsuit.” by Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Kansas: “Kansas Lawmakers Are Among Worst Paid in Nation. Some Say It Impedes True Representation” by Katie Bernard (Kansas City Star) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Group Attempts to Quash New Campaign Finance Law” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for White Mountain Independent

Ethics

National: “Judge Rules Trump Lawyer Corcoran Must Testify, People Familiar Say” by Josh Dawsey, Jacqueline Alemany, and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “George Santos Never Filed a Key Financial Disclosure. Enforcement Has Been Lax for Years.” by Jessica Piper (Politico) for Yahoo News

Michigan: “Former Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Marrocco Sentenced to 3 Months in Prison in Corruption Probe” by Anna Liz Nichols for Detroit News

Texas: “The Justice Department’s Fight Against Judge Shopping in Texas” by Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN

Utah: “Got an Ethics Complaint Against an Elected Official? You’ll Need Insider Knowledge and Email Address.” by Emily Anderson Stern (Salt Lake Tribune) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Nebraska: “Filibuster Over Transgender Bill Jams Nebraska Legislature for Weeks” by Maham Javaid (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Ohio: “Cuyahoga County Gave No-Bid, $120,000 Lobbying Contract to Ronayne Campaign Donor” by Lucas Daprile (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Campaign Finance Florida: “Randy Fine Pulls $2 Million Request as Brevard Zoo Considers Ban on Campaign Events” by Eric Rogers and Dave Berman (Florida Today) for Yahoo News New Jersey: “Independent Election Watchdog Sues Murphy for Trying to Force Him Out. ‘It’s Political Thuggery.'” by Susan Livio, Matt Arco, and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) for MSN Elections Georgia: “Grand Jury Heard Audio of Another Trump Call Seeking to Overturn Election” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics National: “Two Gifts to Trump Family from Foreign Nations Are Missing, Report Says” by Jacqueline Alemany and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN Indiana: “Numerous Indiana Lawmakers Do Private Consulting. But Who Are They Working For?” by Casey Smith for Indiana Capital Chronicle Massachusetts: “Residents’ Right to Be Rude Upheld by Massachusetts Supreme Court” by Jenna Russell (New York Times) for Yahoo News Legislative Issues Tennessee: “Nashville Sues State Over New Council-Slashing Law” by Cassandra Stevenson (Tennessean) for MSN Lobbying California: “Should San Jose Require Nonprofits to Register as Lobbyists?” by Jana Kadah for San Jose Spotlight

National/Federal

No Rest Between Censuses for Congressional Mapmakers

DNyuz – Reid Epstein (New York Times) | Published: 3/10/2023

For just about all of the nation’s history, politicians would fight over redistricting for a short period after each once-a-decade census, then forget about congressional maps until the next reapportionment. Now, a string of lawsuits and in-the-works state referendums are poised to redefine the battles over state legislative and congressional lines and leave the country in a state of perpetual redistricting. Not since 2012 and 2014 have all 50 states’ congressional lines remained constant for consecutive elections, a streak unlikely to be broken next year.

Social Media Threats Exploded after Tucker Carlson’s Jan. 6 Claims, Analysis Finds

MSN – Jessica Guynn and Will Carless (USA Today) | Published: 3/13/2023

Tucker Carlson’s portrayal of the deadly January 6 attack as a largely peaceful event on his  Fox News show set off a new wave of social media chatter that includes death threats against Capitol police officers and Democratic leaders, according to experts who monitor extremism and a report from Advance Democracy. The segment downplayed the violence, falsely recasting the mob that breached the Capitol as an “orderly and meek” gathering of “sightseers.”

GOP Rep. Andy Ogles Seems to Have Kept $25,000 From a GoFundMe for a Child Burial Garden

New Republic – Tori Otten | Published: 3/15/2023

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles appears to have kept money raised through a charitable GoFundMe event. A media investigation found Ogles set up a GoFundMe in 2014 after his son was stillborn. Ogles said he wanted to build a garden where families could bury their stillborn children and sit on benches by the gravestones. It raised almost $25,000, but the garden was never built. GoFundMe confirmed that Ogles received the money.

Sold: Yacht with a waterfall. Price: $19 million. Broker: George Santos.

Yahoo News – Rebecca Davis O’Brien and William Rashbaum (New York Times) | Published: 3/15/2023

A $19 million luxury yacht deal brokered by U.S. Rep. George Santos between two of his wealthy donors has captured the attention of federal and state authorities investigating his campaign finances and personal business dealings. Even if Santos broke no laws, the deal serves as further evidence of an emerging narrative given by people in his political orbit, that Santos seemed to use his campaign not only to win elected office but also as a networking exercise to ingratiate himself with rich donors and enrich himself from those contacts.

House Republicans Quietly Halt Inquiry into Trump’s Finances

Yahoo News – Luke Broadwater and Jonathan Swain (New York Times) | Published: 3/13/2023

House Republicans halted a congressional investigation into whether Donald Trump profited improperly from the presidency, declining to enforce a court-supervised settlement agreement that demanded that Mazars USA, his former accounting firm, produce his financial records to Congress. Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairperson James Comer professed ignorance about the inquiry Democrats opened when they controlled the House, and was instead focusing on whether President Biden and members of his family were involved in an influence-peddling scheme.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Commissioner Will Change Response to Ethics Complaint Following 12News Reports

MSN – Joe Dana (KPNX) | Published: 3/10/2023

A prominent association representing utility commissioners across the country said its name was falsely used to promote a two-day event hosted by the American Gas Association in New York in January. The revelation contradicts a statement filed by Arizona Corporation Commission member Kevin Thompson in response to an ethics complaint. Thompson, a former manager and lobbyist at Southwest Gas, said the meetings were beneficial to the public because it’s the job of commissioners “to reassure there’s regulatory stability in Arizona.”

California – Ethics Commission Wants More Time to Decide If Nonprofits, Other Groups Will Have to Register as Lobbyists

Long Beach Post – Jason Ruiz | Published: 3/9/2023

The Long Beach Ethics Commission said it will continue to work on its recommendations for changes to the city’s lobbying law after dozens of nonprofit leaders turned out to its meeting to demand their current exemption from the law remain intact. There are over 600 nonprofits with a location in Long Beach, according to Michelle Byerly, executive director of The Nonprofit Partnership, who told the commission its proposal to add “advocacy” to the law and treat advocates the same as lobbyists would put a great burden on nonprofits.

California – Inside the Financial Ties Between a Controversial Housing Nonprofit and Kevin de León

MSN – Liam Dillon, Benjamin Oreskes, and Doug Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/13/2023

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation in 2020 was pursuing a lawsuit alleging Los Angeles illegally denied funding for an affordable housing project the nonprofit was proposing. Kevin de León, the area’s incoming city council member who had been elected but not yet taken office, contacted an aide to then-Mayor Eric Garcetti. The aide arranged a video call for De León with city department heads and high-ranking mayoral staffers. But those in the meeting did not know De León was a consultant working for the foundation, a job that would pay him more than $100,000 in the six months prior to his taking office.

California – Lawyers Make Opening Statements in Mark Ridley-Thomas Corruption Trial

MSN – Matt Hamilton (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/8/2023

At the start of the corruption trial of suspended Los Angeles City Councilperson Mark Ridley-Thomas, jurors heard conflicting portraits of the onetime power broker. Defense attorneys cast him as a lifelong public servant who represented the poorest communities of Los Angeles. Prosecutors said Ridley-Thomas was a conniving operator eager to “monetize” his position and conceal a sexual harassment investigation into his son, then a state Assembly member. To preserve the family’s political brand, the elder Ridley-Thomas helped engineer his son’s abrupt resignation from the Legislature, supposedly for medical reasons, and leaned on the University of Southern California for favors to benefit his son.

Colorado – Former Trump Lawyer Jenna Ellis Censured by Colorado Judge for False Statements

MSN – Matthew Brown (Washington Post) | Published: 3/9/2023

A Colorado judge censured Jenna Ellis, a former senior legal adviser to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign who admitted in state disciplinary proceedings that she made at least 10 false statements about the 2020 election as part of an effort to mislead the public. Ellis is the latest of Trump’s legal aides to face scrutiny for their conduct in the aftermath of the 2020 election. She is the first of the cohort to acknowledge in public that comments she made surrounding the election were false.

Florida – Florida Scoured Math Textbooks for ‘Prohibited Topics.’ Next Up: Social Studies.

DNyuz – Sarah Mervosh (New York Times) | Published: 3/16/2023

In Florida, textbooks have become hot politics, part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s campaign against what he describes as “woke indoctrination” in public schools, particularly when it comes to race and gender. Last year, his administration made a splash when it rejected dozens of math textbooks, citing “prohibited topics.” Now, the state is reviewing curriculum in what is perhaps the most contentious subject in education: social studies. A prominent conservative education group, whose members volunteered to review textbooks, objected to a slew of them, accusing publishers of “promoting their bias.” At least two publishers declined to participate altogether.

Florida – Inside Ron DeSantis’s Politicized Removal of an Elected Prosecutor

Yahoo News – Alexandra Berzon and Ken Bensinger (New York Times) | Published: 3/11/2023

As he travels the country promoting a new book and his expected presidential campaign, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis repeatedly points to his ouster of Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren as an example of the decisive way he has transformed Florida and could remake the nation. He casts Warren as a rogue ideologue whose refusal to enforce the law demanded action. But an examination of the episode reveals a different picture: a governor’s office that seemed driven by a preconceived political narrative, bent on a predetermined outcome, and focused on maximizing media attention for DeSantis.

Georgia – Little-Known Lawyer, a Trump Ally, Draws Scrutiny in Georgia

Yahoo News – Danny Hakim and Richard Fausset (New York Times) | Published: 3/11/2023

At a Georgia Senate hearing after Donald Trump lost his bid for reelection, attorney Robert Cheeley presented video clips of election workers handling ballots at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Cheeley spent 15 minutes laying out specious assertions the workers were double- and triple-counting votes. The fact that Cheeley was called to appear before the special grand jury investigating election interference by Trump adds to the evidence that the false claims made by his allies at legislative hearings have been of significant interest.

Hawaii – Hawaii’s New Deputy Economy Chief Has a Powerful Business Partner in The Senate

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 3/15/2023

The business partner of a powerful state senator is on his way to being confirmed as deputy director for Hawaii’s economic development agency. Dane Wicker, a former chief of staff to Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and co-owner of Kilani Brew with Dela Cruz, cruised through a Senate committee hearing on his nomination. Senate rules on conflicts-of-interest apply to legislation in which a senator has a “direct financial interest.” The rules do not have any provisions on nominees before the Senate.

Illinois – ‘ComEd Four’ Bribery Trial to Put Focus on Ex-Speaker Madigan’s Power, State’s Blurry Line Between Politics and Crime

MSN – Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/12/2023

Four former Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) officials – ex-Chief Executive Officer Anne Pramaggiore, onetime utility lobbyist Mike McClain, retired ComEd executive John Hooker, and ex-City Club of Chicago president and former ComEd consultant Jay Doherty – are on trial in federal court, accused of scheming to influence indicted ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Prosecutors alleged the four defendants tried to bribe Madigan, who controlled what proposals the House would consider and approve, from 2011 until 2019 to advance legislation favorable to ComEd and defeat bills the company opposed.

Illinois – As ComEd Bribery Trial Gets Underway, Judge Reverses Course and Will Allow Secret Recordings to Be Released to the Media

WBEZ – Jon Seidel and Tina Sfondeles (Chicago Sun-Times) | Published: 3/14/2023

The federal judge presiding over the Commonwealth Edison bribery trial reversed course and ruled secret recordings made of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his allies may be released to the media after they are played for jurors. That means people across the state will finally have an opportunity to hear the evidence at the core of the corruption investigation that ended Madigan’s record-breaking tenure as the leader of the state House and landed him under indictment.

Kansas – Kansas Republicans Push Forward with Changes to Ethics Rules Amid Ongoing Investigations

Kansas Reflector – Sherman Smith | Published: 3/15/2023

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s chief of staff urged Republican lawmakers to spend more time studying proposed changes to campaign finance law before moving forward with legislation inspired by ongoing investigations. The House Elections Committee amended and advanced a version of House Bill 2391, which was written by attorneys who represent a GOP political operative. The executive director of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission warned lawmakers the revised bill still contains numerous changes that would limit his agency’s authority.

Kansas – Wichita Council Member Frye’s Vote Buys time for Wife’s Company on City Contract

Yahoo News – Chance Swaim and Matthew Kelly (Wichita Eagle) | Published: 3/15/2023

Wichita City Council member Bryan Frye cast a decisive vote related to a city contract with his wife’s employer, Copp Media Services. Frye’s action raises questions about whether his vote ran afoul of the city’s ethics rules that aim to prevent council members from voting on friend-and-family deals. Frye did not disclose the potential conflict-of-interest or recuse himself from the vote. Mayor Brandon Whipple and council members who knew about it did not raise any public objections during the meeting, citing confusion over who actually voted.

Louisiana – New Orleans Mayor Fights Lowered Recall Signature Threshold

Yahoo News – Kevin McGill (Associated Press) | Published: 3/14/2023

A court settlement that significantly lowered the number of petition signatures New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s opponents need to force a recall election was challenged in two state courts by Cantrell and one of her supporters. The settlement came after recall organizers sued election officials saying New Orleans voter rolls still list hundreds of dead people and thousands of voters who should be placed on an “inactive” list because they have likely moved. Questions have been raised about Cantrell’s travel expenses and her personal use of a city-owned apartment, among other issues.

Maine – Portland City Council Begins Developing State’s First Municipal Clean Elections Program

Yahoo News – Rachel Ohm (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 3/13/2023

The Portland City Council began developing a new clean elections program the city plans to have in place for the November election. The state in 1996 established the Maine Clean Elections Act, a voluntary program for public campaign funding for state level offices including governor and legislators, but Portland is the state’s first community to establish such a program at the municipal level.

Maryland – Judge Issues Warrant for Roy McGrath, Hogan’s Former Chief of Staff

MSN – Ovetta Wiggins (Washington Post) | Published: 3/13/2023

A federal judge issued a bench warrant for Roy McGrath, once a top aide to former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, after he did not appear in court for the first day of trial on wire fraud and embezzlement charges. McGrath was charged in federal and state court in 2021 with dozens of charges stemming from his time working for a quasi-governmental agency he led before serving as Hogan’s chief of staff. He became the subject of an investigation shortly after it was publicly revealed he was given a severance package of nearly $250,000 when he left the Maryland Environmental Service.

Minnesota – Revolving Door at Minnesota Capitol Creates Windstorm

Minnesota Reformer – Michelle Griffith | Published: 3/15/2023

State lawmakers becoming lobbyists in Minnesota is not a new phenomenon, but heavy turnover at the Capitol has clients turning to legislators-turned-lobbyists. Sen. Matt Klein said lobbyists who recently left office have an advantage in information and relationships, and questioned the propriety of the arrangement. David Schultz, a political science professor at Hamline University said that special access for clients who can afford to hire a former lawmaker could mean less access for average Minnesotans.

Minnesota – Former House Majority Leader, Key Player in THC Law, to Start THC Beverage Company

Minnesota Reformer – Michelle Griffin | Published: 3/15/2023

Former Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler is starting a THC beverage company after playing a key role in the passage of the law that legalized the THC edible industry. Winkler said he had no intentions of starting a company last year when he led the effort to legalize low-dose THC products. He only decided to go into the business after he lost the primary election for Hennepin County attorney last August.

Missouri – ‘It Forces You to Be More Creative’: How lobbyists kept their grip on Missouri politics

MSN – Jonathan Shorman and Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) | Published: 3/12/2023

Missouri voters in 2018 approved an amendment to the state constitution that effectively eliminated lobbyist gifts to state legislators, tightened campaign contribution limits, and further restricted the “revolving door” of lawmakers becoming lobbyists. It was a striking achievement for good government advocates, who had voiced outrage for years over the state’s cozy Capitol scene. But as the fifth anniversary of the Clean Missouri vote approaches, a strong lobbying culture remains as Jefferson City has learned to adapt.

New Jersey – Why Is New Jersey the Only State That’s Never Had a State Song?

Philadelphia Inquirer – Alfred Lubano | Published: 3/14/2023

New Jersey is the only state that has never had a state song. It has a state mollusk shell (the knobbed whelk); a state dance (the square dance); and a state microbe (Streptomyces griseus), and a state animal, flower, fruit, bug, reptile, and dinosaur. “It’s a political hot potato,” said Tom Cunningham, host of the “Springsteen on Sunday” radio program. “You’ve got North, Central, and South Jersey – unique areas with their own ideas about music. Hopefully, one day the twain shall meet. But not now.”

New Mexico – Money in Politics Transparency Nears Finish as Legislative Session Winds Down

New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 3/14/2023

An effort to close a loophole in New Mexico’s campaign disclosure laws and bar campaign contributions from lobbyists and political committees to lawmakers during legislative sessions has a tailwind heading into the final week of the legislative session. New additions to Senate Bill 42 would require more timely reporting of political contributions so the public has more complete information just before elections and just before the legislative session each year.

New Mexico – Lobbyists Had Safety Plans and Trainings for NM’s 2023 Session, Fearing Misconduct by Lawmakers

Source New Mexico – Megan Gleason | Published: 3/9/2023

This year, the Center for Civic Policy created a safety plan for New Mexico’s 2023 legislative session and shared it with other lobbying organizations around the state. It lays out measures such as staying with colleagues, understanding who to confide in, knowing the surroundings, and taking notes of any incidents that happen. The group also held safety training sessions before and midway through the legislative session with other advocacy organizations. Lan Sena policy director for the Center for Civic Policy, said the Capitol is an unsafe work environment for many people working with advocacy and nonprofit organizations.

New York – NY Troopers PBA Removes Political Director Amid FBI Investigation

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 3/13/2023

The board of directors for the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (PBA) voted to part ways with the union’s longtime political director, Gordon Warnock, amid an ongoing investigation of the organization’s finances and business dealings. The departure comes after it was reported that the investigation includes examining hundreds of thousands of dollars paid through the years to individuals or companies with connections to the union. A lobbying firm operated by Warnock has done extensive work for the union and subcontracted some of its national work to a limited liability company formed by the PBA’s former president.

New York – Former State Sen. Jeff Klein Loses Appeal Seeking to End Ethics Probe

Albany Times Union – Staff | Published: 5/10/2023

A New York appellate court rejected former state Sen. Jeffrey Klein’s efforts to shut down an ethics panel’s investigation into allegations he violated the law when he allegedly forcibly kissed a female staff member outside an Albany bar in 2015. Documents show that the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) found there was a substantial basis to proceed with a case despite a hearing officer’s recommendation it should be dismissed. Klein’s 2020 petition alleged JCOPE exceeded its authority when it rejected the recommendations of hearing officer Richard Rifkin.

New York – NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Thousands in Fines for Potential Campaign Finance Violations

Gothamist – Gwynne Hogan | Published: 3/15/2023

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing tens of thousands of dollars in fines for three alleged violations of campaign finance law based on issues stemming from his 2021 Transition and Inauguration Entity, a fund that recently elected candidates use to cover expenses after they win an election and before they officially take office. The Campaign Finance Board accused Adams of accepting prohibited donations, failing to respond to requests for information and documentation, and failing to close the fund once Adams became mayor in 2022.

New York – Prosecutors Signal Criminal Charges for Trump Are Likely

Seattle Times – William Rashbaum, Ben Protess, and Jonah Bromwich (New York Times) | Published: 3/9/2023

The Manhattan district attorney’s office recently signaled to Donald Trump’s lawyers that he could face criminal charges for his role in the payment of hush money to a porn star, the strongest indication yet prosecutors are nearing an indictment of the former president. The prosecutors offered Trump the chance to testify before the grand jury that has been hearing evidence in the potential case. Such offers almost always indicate an indictment is close; it would be unusual for the district attorney, Alvin Bragg, to notify a potential defendant without ultimately seeking charges against him.

North Carolina – N.C. High Court Mulls Throwing Out Rulings on Redistricting, Voter ID

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 3/14/2023

The North Carolina Supreme Court, now controlled by Republicans following the November midterms, weighed reversing a three-month-old decision aimed at ensuring election maps are drawn fairly. Ahead of oral arguments, critics excoriated the justices for reexamining the redistricting case and a voter ID decision so soon after ruling on them, contending the justices were doing so for partisan reasons instead of legal ones. In December, when Democrats controlled the court, a four-to-three majority issued decisions that went against Republicans on redistricting and threw out the voter ID law.

Ohio – What’s Next in Ohio Corruption Probe After Guilty Verdicts?

ABC News – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 3/14/2023

The largest corruption case in Ohio history culminated with guilty verdicts for ex-House Speaker Larry Householder and lobbyist Matt Borges, the former head of the Republican Party. But state Attorney General Dave Yost said it is “only the beginning of accountability” for the now-tainted $1 billion bailout of two aging nuclear power plants. There have been no charges against the FirstEnergy executives who were fired in the wake of the scandal. They include former Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and former Vice President for External Affairs Michael Dowling, whose texts, emails, and travel itineraries factored heavily into the case against Householder.

Ohio – Guilty: Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, ex-Ohio GOP chairman Matt Borges convicted in $60M bribery scheme

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/9/2023

A jury found former House Speaker Larry Householder and ex-Ohio Republican Party Chairperson Matt Borges guilty in the largest public corruption case in the state’s history. Prosecutors accused Householder and Borges of being part of a scheme to funnel nearly $61 million in “dark money” from First Energy Corp. and its subsidiary to elect Householder as speaker, solidify his power base, secure enough votes to pass a ratepayer-funded bailout of two nuclear plants that benefitted a FirstEnergy subsidiary, and ensure the law survived a ballot campaign to overturn it.

Oklahoma – Okla. Lawmaker Says Bible Endorses Corporal Punishment of Disabled Children

MSN – María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) | Published: 3/15/2023

Oklahoma Rep. John Talley thought his bill to bar schools from spanking children with disabilities would find little to no opposition in the Legislature. What seemed like a rare bipartisan moment quickly came crashing down as other Republican lawmakers invoked the Bible to argue against Talley’s House Bill 1028, claiming in some instances that “God’s word is higher than all the so-called experts,” as Rep. Jim Olsen said during debate. The bill wound up six votes short of the 51 it needed to pass.

Pennsylvania – ‘Ya Fav Trashman’ Mishandled Campaign Funds and Bilked Staffers. He Says He Wants to Make Things Right.

MSN – Mike Martin (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 3/10/2023

Terrill Haigler, a former city sanitation worker who gained Instagram fame under his alter ego “Ya Fav Trashman,” ended his campaign for Philadelphia City Council, telling his thousands of social media followers he did not get enough signatures to appear on the ballot. But behind the scenes, financial problems plagued his campaign. Haigler has not paid his staffers, used campaign funding for personal expenses in a possible violation of Pennsylvania law, and could face penalties from the city’s Board of Ethics for failing to account for the money.

Tennessee – Tennessee Governor OKs Bill to Cut Nashville Council in Half

Yahoo News – Jonathan Mattise and Kimberlee Kruesi (Associated Press) | Published: 3/9/2023

Republican lawmakers and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed off on cutting Democratic-leaning Nashville’s metro council in half, a move that follows the council’s rejection of efforts to host the 2024 Republican National Convention. The move drew an immediate outcry and is expected to spark legal challenges. Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s administration and others say the change will throw this year’s council elections into chaos, spurring the need to redraw districts after more than 40 candidates already launched campaigns.

Tennessee – Lt. Gov. Randy McNally Faces Criticism for Comments on Young Man’s Mature Instagram Photo

Yahoo News – Melissa Brown (Tennessean) | Published: 3/9/2023

Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally is facing controversy after reports revealed his Instagram account liked half-nude photos of a gay man whose account he follows despite McNally’s support for anti-LGBTQ legislation. Screenshots show McNally’s official account posting emojis of red hearts, fire, hands clapping, and a smiling face with hearts for eyes. The state Senate, with McNally as its leader, advanced and passed bans this year on gender-affirming care for transgender youth and restrictions on where certain drag shows can take place.

Texas – Legislature Has Little Appetite to Fund Ken Paxton’s Settlement with Whistleblowers

Texas Tribune – James Barragán | Published: 3/13/2023

Texas lawmakers are facing a choice: approve $3.3 million in state funds to end a lawsuit accusing Attorney General Ken Paxton of improperly firing four whistleblowers or reject an out-of-court settlement – potentially adding millions of dollars in costs while leaving the outcome of the lawsuit to fate in a long-shot attempt to make Paxton pay. The settlement would resolve a lawsuit that alleges Paxton fired former high-ranking deputies in retaliation for accusing him of using his office to benefit a friend and political donor. But lawmakers have shown little appetite to use state funds to help Paxton settle the case.

Texas – Ken Paxton’s Campaign Against Election Crimes Ensnared a Texas Justice of the Peace Three Times Before Judges Thwarted the Efforts

Texas Tribune – Alejandro Serrano | Published: 3/15/2023

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office in 2021 pursued criminal election fraud charges Tomas Ramirez III, a justice of the peace in Medina County. An indictment accused Ramirez of illegally possessing absentee ballots of 17 voters during the 2018 GOP primary in which he toppled a Republican incumbent by nearly 100 votes. Ramirez said he never had any voter’s absentee ballots. The indictment did not explain how the alleged scheme worked or the role Ramirez was accused of playing.

 

Elections Colorado: “Former Trump Lawyer Jenna Ellis Censured by Colorado Judge for False Statements” by Matthew Brown (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics New Mexico: “Lobbyists Had Safety Plans and Trainings for NM’s 2023 Session, Fearing Misconduct by Lawmakers” by Megan Gleason for Source New Mexico New York: “Prosecutors Signal Criminal Charges for Trump Are Likely” by William Rashbaum, Ben Protess, and Jonah Bromwich (New York Times) for Seattle Times Ohio: “Guilty: Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, ex-Ohio GOP chairman Matt Borges convicted in $60M bribery scheme” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN Legislative Issues Tennessee: “Tennessee Governor OKs Bill to Cut Nashville Council in Half” by Jonathan Mattise and Kimberlee Kruesi (Associated Press) for Yahoo News Lobbying California: “Ethics Commission Wants More Time to Decide If Nonprofits, Other Groups Will Have to Register as Lobbyists” by Jason Ruiz for Long Beach Post Missouri: “‘It Forces You to Be More Creative’: How lobbyists kept their grip on Missouri politics” by Jonathan Shorman and Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) for MSN Redistricting National: “No Rest Between Censuses for Congressional Mapmakers” by Reid Epstein (New York Times) for DNyuz

National/Federal

Group Seeks Disbarment of a Trump-Aligned Lawyer for a Key Jan. 6 Witness

DNyuz – Charlie Savage (New York Times) | Published: 3/6/2023

In appearing before the January 6 committee last year, Cassidy Hutchinson, the former White House aide who recounted Donald Trump’s conduct in the lead-up to the attacks on the Capitol, shared how her original lawyer had tried to influence her testimony. While represented by Stefan Passantino, Cassidy told the committee she remembered little. But after hiring a different lawyer, she provided damaging details about Trump and disclosed Passantino pressured her to protect Trump. Now, several dozen prominent legal figures are seeking to revoke Passantino’s license to practice law.

Election Deniers Take Aim at Group That Helps States Maintain Voter Rolls

MSN – Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2023

At a time of hyperpolarization over voting and elections, Democrats and Republicans had largely managed to agree on one thing – that a little-known data-sharing consortium of more than 30 states has helped keep voter rolls updated and free of opportunities for fraud. But the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) has been straining lately under the weight of accusations and misinformation from election deniers. Now, ERIC’s survival is in jeopardy. Should ERIC collapse, its boosters say the country would lose one of its most powerful tools for keeping ballot fraud at bay just as states are beginning to prepare for the 2024 elections.

John Fetterman Sponsored a Bill from the Hospital. Here’s What He Can and Can’t Do in the Senate During Treatment.

MSN – Jonathan Tamari (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 3/7/2023

Despite remaining hospitalized while undergoing treatment for depression, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman cosponsored a bill to avert future crises like the one unfolding after a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Fetterman’s office says it is one example of how he is staying engaged with his job. In the face of scrutiny on his recovery, and questions about his long-term health after a stroke in May, Fetterman’s team points to the early activity to argue he is still able to fulfill key aspects of his new job.

Trump Can Be Sued by Police Over Jan. 6 Riot, Justice Department Says

MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/2/2023

Former President Trump can be held liable in court for the actions of the mob that overtook the Capitol January 6, 2021, the Justice Department said. Two officers with the U.S. Capitol Police, joined by 11 Democratic House members, are seeking to hold Trump liable for physical and psychological injuries they suffered during the riot. Trump has argued he is protected from the lawsuit by the absolute immunity conferred on a president performing his official duties.

Met Gala Getup Gets Ethics Review for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 3/2/2023

The House ethics committee published findings from an Office of Congressional Ethics investigation into U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on allegations she failed to pay in a timely manner for rental clothes, accessories, and services related to her attendance at the 2021 Met Gala. The report states Ocasio-Cortez may have “accepted impermissible gifts” in connection with the September 2021 event in violation of House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law.

House Ethics Committee Launches Investigation of Rep. George Santos

MSN – Amy Wang and Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 3/2/2023

The House Committee on Ethics will investigate U.S. Rep. George Santos, who has admitted to fabricating large swaths of his biography and who has been accused of breaking campaign finance laws. The committee voted to establish an investigative subcommittee to look into a litany of claims about the freshman congressman, including about his past business practices, campaign finance expenditures, and an allegation of sexual misconduct.

Trump Spurred ‘Existential Crisis’ at Fox News, Lawsuit Exhibits Show

MSN – Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) | Published: 3/7/2023

For years, Fox News executives and hosts cultivated a close relationship with Donald Trump. But after he lost the 2020 presidential election and turned his back on the network – inspiring many once-loyal viewers to do the same – the relationship curdled. The ensuing pressure caused tension, second-guessing, and infighting within Fox on the scale of an “existential crisis,” as one senior executive called it, a cache of internal communications released as part of a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit indicates.

‘Just a Lie’: Senate Republicans blast Tucker Carlson’s Jan. 6 narrative

MSN – Paul Kane, Marianna Sotomayor, Liz Goodwin, and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) | Published: 3/7/2023

Senate Republicans blasted Fox News for airing a show that twisted details of the attack on the U.S. Capitol into a conspiracy-fueled narrative, breaking ranks with House GOP colleagues who cheered on the show. From Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to rank-and-file lawmakers, Republican senators largely rejected Fox personality Tucker Carlson’s vision of the deadly insurrection as a mostly peaceful protest that involved little violence. The criticism from left House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on the defensive following his decision to grant Carlson exclusive access to 41,000 hours of video from Capitol Police security cameras that day.

Trump-Endorsed Congressional Candidate Admits Taking Illegal Donation

MSN – Paul Duggan (Washington Post) | Published: 3/8/2023

A failed congressional candidate pleaded guilty to committing a felony campaign finance violation during her bid to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, a political ally and family friend, after Meadows chose not to seek reelection. Lynda Bennett admitted she borrowed $25,000 from a family member in 2019 and illegally funneled the money, in her own name, into her Republican campaign in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.

New Democratic Digital Firm Wants to Make Candidate Fundraising Less Annoying

MSN – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 3/8/2023

As 2024 Race Begins, Special Counsel Advances with Focus on Trump Lawyers

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Josh Dawsey, Spencer Hsu, and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 3/3/2023

The actions of federal prosecutors investigating efforts to overturn the 2020 election highlight the ways in which the probes are unusual and complex – turning some of Donald Trump’s many current or former attorneys into witnesses or potential investigative targets. Special counsel Jack Smith’s pace appears to be quickening as the 2024 presidential election starts to take shape, with Trump once again a candidate. Legal experts say if Smith brings criminal charges against Trump, they would likely be pending when the GOP primary debates begin in August.

More Black Women Run for Office, but Prospects Fade the Higher They Go

Yahoo News – Jazmine Ulloa (New York Times) | Published: 3/8/2023

Black women have made tremendous gains: Kamala Harris broke barriers as the nation’s first Black, Asian American and female vice president. More Black women are leading major cities, and many more have sought U.S. Senate seats and governorships. But winning those offices still poses enduring challenges for women of color, and Black women in particular. Many confront both blatant racism and sexism, along with subtler forms of racial and gender bias that, candidates said, make it more difficult for them to raise money to pay for the costly work of hiring staff and buying advertising in expensive markets.

GOP Bill Would Bar Fellow Rep. George Santos from Profiting from Campaign Lies

Yahoo News – Michael McAuliff (New York Daily News) | Published: 3/7/2023

U.S. Rep. George Santos should not be able to cash in on his infamy, a group of Republican lawmakers declared. They introduced a pair of bills that they said would block him from profiting from his web of lies. Santos’ notoriety soared after reports revealed much of his life story that he campaigned on could not be confirmed. Among other things, he claimed to be the descendent of Jews who fled the holocaust, that he worked for Goldman Sachs, and that his mother died in the Twin Towers on September 11, none of which appears to be true.

International

Canada – Doug Ford’s Campaign Finance Law Struck Down by Court

Toronto Star – Robert Benzie | Published: 3/6/2023

The Ontario Court of Appeal struck down Premier Doug Ford’s controversial campaign finance law that limits spending by unions and other third parties. The court gave Ford’s government “12 months to allow Ontario to fashion Charter-compliant legislation.” The coalition of plaintiffs argued their members’ rights were unfairly hindered by the law preventing third-party PACs from spending more than $600,000 on advertising and other activities in the 12 months before an election.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Sues After County Puts an Election Skeptic in Charge of Voting

DNyuz – Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 3/8/2023

An Arizona county is being sued by the state’s attorney general after it transferred voting oversight to the county’s Republican recorder, who has cast doubts about past election results in a place where former President. Trump won nearly 60 percent of the vote in 2020. It is the latest clash between Democrats in statewide office and Cochise County, a deeply Republican area in southeastern Arizona, where conspiracy theories about voter fraud and irregularities still swirl.

Arizona – Judge Orders Sanctions Against Arizona GOP Candidate Who Refused to Accept Loss

MSN – Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2023

A judge ordered sanctions against Mark Finchem and his attorney over false claims they made about election fraud after Finchem, the Republican candidate for Arizona secretary of state, lost his race in November and refused to accept the results. Weeks after the election, Finchem sued his Democratic opponent, Adrian Fontes, and then-Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, challenging the results of the vote and requesting that a new election be held. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Melissa Iyer Julian tossed his suit in December, saying it was groundless.

California – Ninth Circuit Upholds San Francisco Initiative Donor Disclosure Rules

Courthouse News Service – Eric Burkett | Published: 3/8/2023

A federal appeals court panel affirmed a lower court ruling that said providing the public with information about donors of ballot measures is in the public interest. San Franciscans Supporting Prop B sued in 2022, protesting the city’s requirement that committees must run a message disclosing their campaign’s top three donors of $5,000 or more at the top of campaign ads.

California – Nonprofits, Neighborhood Groups Push Back Against Rule That Would Regulate Them as Lobbyists

Long Beach Post – Jason Ruiz | Published: 3/6/2023

As the Long Beach Ethics Commission readies its recommendations for changes to the city’s lobbying ordinance, community groups, nonprofits, and others are apprehensive over what it could mean for the future of their ability to engage with city officials. The law has exempted nonprofits, neighborhood organizations, and business improvement districts. But that could soon change, according to proposed amendments that could be sent to the city council.

California – Ex-SF Department Head to Get $4K Fine After City Hall Scandal

San Francisco Standard – Michael Barba | Published: 3/7/2023

Yahoo News – Matt Hamilton and Katie Licari (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/6/2023

When a federal grand jury indicted Mark Ridley-Thomas on corruption charges, the veteran Los Angeles politician protested his innocence and vowed to fight. There was one problem: how would he pay his lawyers? The lifelong civil servant lost his income after the city council suspended him, and the city controller halted his salary and benefits. Then a network of supporters opened their wallets. These donors helped him amass nearly $1.5 million in two defense funds and allowed him to retain an elite legal team.

Georgia – Ga. Republicans Push for Prosecutorial Oversight Amid Trump Election Probe

MSN – Matthew Brown (Washington Post) | Published: 3/7/2023

Georgia’s Republican legislators are pushing bills that would make it easier to remove local prosecutors from office, an effort that prominent Democratic prosecutors have decried as “dangerous” overreach. The move comes as Atlanta-area prosecutor Fani Lewis considers bring charges against former President Trump and his allies over 2020 election interference. GOP lawmakers have said the measures are needed to rein in reform-minded prosecutors and crack down on crime.

Idaho – Rape Victim Sues Idaho Lawmakers for Outing and Harassing Her

Courthouse News Service – Edvard Pettersson | Published: 3/8/2023

A woman who was raped by former Idaho Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger sued him and state Rep. Priscilla Giddings for allegedly outing and harassing her after she came forward with her allegations. Jane Doe reported the rape, and the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into her allegations. This prompted von Ehlinger to provide unredacted copies of his confidential response to the committee, which contained intimate details about Doe, and to the media. The conservative online publication Redoubt News then ran a story that included a photo of Doe when she was a minor.

Idaho – The MAGA-fication of North Idaho College

Yahoo News – Charles Homans (New York Times) | Published: 3/6/2023

For most of the past two years, North Idaho College’s (NIC) governing board has been a volatile experiment in turning grievances into governance. Trustees backed by the county Republican Party hold a majority on the board. They have denounced liberal “indoctrination” by the college faculty and vowed to bring the school administration’s “deep state” to heel and “Make N.I.C. Great Again.” The injection of such sweeping political aims into the routine administration of a community college of 4,600 students, one better known locally for its technical training programs than the politics of its faculty, has devolved into a full-blown crisis.

Illinois – Vallas Loans $100,100 to His Bid for Mayor, Lifting State Limits on Campaign Contributions

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 3/2/2023

Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson can now raise nearly unlimited amounts of cash for their campaigns for mayor of Chicago after Vallas loaned $100,100 to his campaign. Had Vallas not contributed more than $100,000 to his campaign, state-imposed donation limits would have been in place for the April 4 runoff. Caps on contributions imposed by city law remain in place.

Kansas – As Special Interests Try to Influence Kansas Lawmakers, Some Want to Loosen the Rules

MSN – Jonathan Shorman and Katie Bernard (Kansas City Star) | Published: 3/6/2023

In response to a sprawling campaign finance investigation by the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission, Republican lawmakers authored a bill that would expand the ability of legislators to seek campaign contributions during the legislative session. It would also substantially weaken the commission’s investigatory powers, including its authority to issue subpoenas. Collectively, the changes could shift the balance of power between lawmakers and special interests, campaign finance experts and other critics of the legislation argue.

Louisiana – Council Opens Investigation of Cantrell Mailer and Lobbying Firm Connected to Vitter, Scalise

NOLA.com – John Stanton | Published: 3/8/2023

The New Orleans City Council opened an investigation into a mailer touting Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s work in office and whether she hired a public relations firm represented by former U.S. Sen. David Vitter and a former top aide to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. The mailer was sent to thousands of city voters at taxpayer expense as organizers of a campaign to recall the mayor faced a February 22 deadline. The mailer appears to violate several state laws, including a prohibition of using public funds to produce ads that feature an elected official’s name or likeness.

Maryland – Baltimore Bought $30,000 in Tickets to CIAA Tournament; Officials Strike Deal for Lower Price Amid Questions

MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/8/2023

As Baltimore makes a play to continue as host for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament, the pressure has been on city officials to show their enthusiasm. Visit Baltimore President Al Hutchinson appeared at a city council meeting to encourage council members and their families to attend. He also said Visit Baltimore, the city’s nonprofit marketing group, would give each council member a free ticket to the final games of the tournament. Visit Baltimore’s offer, however, proved not to be aligned with the city’s ethics ordinance.

Massachusetts – Campaign Finance Regulators Investigating Whether MassGOP Coordinated with Super PAC, in Violation of Law

MSN – Emma Platoff (Boston Globe) | Published: 3/6/2023

State campaign finance regulators are investigating whether the Massachusetts Republican Party coordinated with an outside super PAC, in a potential violation of state law. E-mails show Jim Lyons, the former state GOP chairperson, sent multiple messages last fall to Antoine Nader, chair of the Mass Freedom Independent Expenditure PAC, referring to opposition research Lyons had solicited on Maura Healey during her bid for governor.

Minnesota – Tighter Lobbyist Rules Considered at Capitol Would Get at Disclosure of Topics Lobbied, Not Just Paper Clips

MinnPost – Peter Callaghan | Published: 3/2/2023

Three years of negotiations between the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board and people who lobby the Legislature has produced an agreement to tighten disclosure rules. The deal is found in Senate File 2121 that has bipartisan sponsorship. It would update decades-old rules that required lobbyists to disclose how much they spent on phones and postage but did not require them to disclose many details about which issues they were trying to influence. The bill requires more specifics in twice-a-year lobbyist reports and the annual reports by the companies and organizations that hire lobbyists.

Minnesota – Session Fundraising Lockdown Doesn’t Close Off All Avenues

MPR – Brian Bakst | Published: 3/2/2023

A long-standing law in Minnesota restricts certain political donations during the regular legislative session but it is not the barrier to influence that it has been held up to be. Major political groups and state parties remain open for contributions. They also can rely on the same officials restricted by law, such as registered lobbyists or associations with matters before the Legislature, to draw donors to fundraisers as long as the lawmakers are not called hosts.

New Jersey – The Last New Jersey Reporter on Capitol Hill Just Got Laid Off

MSN – Elahe Izadi (Washington Post) | Published: 3/4/2023

As Washington, D.C. correspondent for the Newark Star-Ledger and several affiliated media outlets, Jonathan Salant combed through campaign finance reports, monitored voting patterns, and cornered members of Congress in Capitol hallways to answer his questions – until he was laid off. Even at a time of mass layoffs across the news industry, Salant’s recent dismissal caused alarm in both Washington and New Jersey, with the same politicians he so closely scrutinized protesting the decision and imploring the newspaper’s parent company to reverse it.

New Mexico – Lawmakers Pass Legislation Through the Senate Specifying Standards of Political Conduct

Source New Mexico – Megan Gleason | Published: 3/8/2023

Bills to ensure professionalism and safety at the Capitol are making their way through the New Mexico Legislature. Rep. Kathleen Cates said the legislation was spurred because the state Supreme Court held that New Mexico’s main anti-corruption provisions are not specific enough to be criminally enforceable.

Oregon – Oregon Democrats Say They’re Serious About Capping Political Donations, but Their Proposals Include Loopholes

MSN – Hillary Borrud (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/8/2023

Oregon – Portland Cop-Stacked Firm Loses City’s Truth-and-Reconciliation Contract After No-Bid Process

MSN – Maxine Bernstein (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/8/2023

City officials were set last year to award a $200,000 contract for a truth and reconciliation project to a firm stacked with retired Portland police officers as advisers until a tip revealed that the city failed to seek competitive bids. TrustLab had no track record of doing the kind of restorative justice work the project demanded: improving trust between Portland police and city residents, the city auditor’s office found. The city has since put bids on indefinite hold.

Pennsylvania – Pa. House Lawmaker Accused of Sexual Harassment Says He Will Resign

Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 3/8/2023

Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Zabel, who is accused of sexually harassing multiple people including two sitting state lawmakers, said he will resign. His decision comes a week after union lobbyist Andi Perez publicly accused him of sexually harassing her, and the same day that state Rep. Abby Major made a similar accusation. At least two other people have accused Zabel of similar harassment. One is a sitting lawmaker who has requested anonymity; the other is Zabel’s former campaign manager, Colleen Kennedy, who wrote a public essay about his behavior.

Rhode Island – Can a Firefighter Preside Over Firefighter Bills? Here’s What the RI Ethics Commission Said

Yahoo News – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 3/7/2023

State Rep. Stephen Casey, a Woonsocket firefighter, won Rhode Island Ethics Commission clearance to preside over hearings and vote on a package of bills sought by the state’s firefighter lobby. While the Ethics Code bars public officials from taking part “in any matter in which he has an interest, financial or otherwise, which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his duties in the public interest,” there is what is broadly called “a class exception.”

South Dakota – Bill to Ban South Dakota Lawmakers’ Spouses from Being Private Lobbyists Fails

Yahoo News – Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 3/6/2023

Texas – Changes to City Lobbying Rules OK’d by Ethics Review Commission

Austin Monitor – Chad Swiatecki | Published: 3/6/2023

The Ethics Review Commission approved a series of amendments to Austin’s lobbying regulations. The city clerk’s office suggested them to clarify issues regarding lobbyists’ registration and renewal fees and quarterly activity reports, as well as how the city levies the $50 late fees when filings and payments are late. The changes are set to be voted on by the city council on March 23.

Texas – Houston PAC Leaders Face $45K in Fines for Operating Illegally, Not Filing Finance Reports

MSN – Yilun Cheng (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 3/2/2023

The state Ethics Commission issued a $45,000 fine for Terrence Shanks and Damella Wilkerson, the president and the director of finance of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats – Harris County for operating without a campaign treasurer, failing to file required reports, and possibly selling endorsements to local candidates. PACs are required to submit semiannual reports. The last time the PAC filed a report was in 2014. Since then, however, it has continued to carry out political activities, including publishing endorsements lists that included candidates who have donated to the group, commission investigators found.

Virginia – Virginia General Assembly Adjourns for 2023 After Passing Modest Campaign Finance Reform

OpenSecrets – Jimmy Cloutier | Published: 2/28/2023

The Virginia General Assembly ended the 2023 legislative session having passed only one campaign finance bill to the dismay of activists who say the state’s election laws need reform. Virginia’s laws governing political spending are among the least restrictive in the country. Under this system, total state-level fundraising in legislative races more than tripled over the last two decades. The legislation that passed, Senate Bill 1427, would expand disclosure laws by creating new filing deadlines and require PACs to report large donations more frequently.

The Wyoming State Legislature adjourned sine die March 3, after passing 196 bills during the 37-day session.

Among the passed bills, the legislature ratified Senate Bill 40. Senate Bill 40 closed an exemption for federal political action committees (PACs) active in Wyoming elections.

Under the new law, federal PACs must file state campaign finance reports unless they are solely making contributions or expenditures to federal candidates or issues.

Other major bills passed during the quick session include universal tax-relief and an omnibus bill focusing on rehabilitating the state’s water infrastructure.

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

National/Federal

Indian Americans Rapidly Climbing Political Ranks

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

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

Student Loan Case Could Redefine Limits of Presidential Power

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

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

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

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

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

Trump White House Pressured Disney to Censor … Jimmy Kimmel

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

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

Murdoch Admits Some Fox Hosts ‘Were Endorsing’ Election Falsehoods

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

Embattled Rep. Ogles Acknowledges Misrepresenting His College Major

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Indictment Details Bankman-Fried’s Illegal Campaign Contributions

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

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

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

From the States and Municipalities

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arizona – Arizona Governor Seeks Ethics Review of Former Attorney General

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Florida – DeSantis Takes Over Disney District, Punishing Company

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Montana – Lawmakers Look to Define Investigative Authority After Judicial Conflict

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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