March 4, 2024 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Arizona: “Judge Dismisses Challenge to New Arizona Campaign Finance Law Exposing Dark Money Donors” by Sasha Hupka (Arizona Republic) for MSN Maine: “Judge Suspends Enforcement of New Maine Law Barring Foreign Spending on Referendum Elections” by Steve Mistler for Maine Public Ethics […]
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Judge Dismisses Challenge to New Arizona Campaign Finance Law Exposing Dark Money Donors” by Sasha Hupka (Arizona Republic) for MSN
Maine: “Judge Suspends Enforcement of New Maine Law Barring Foreign Spending on Referendum Elections” by Steve Mistler for Maine Public
Ethics
National: “New Jersey Businessman Pleads Guilty and Agrees to Cooperate in Sen. Bob Menendez’s Corruption Case” by Larry Neumeister (Associated Press) for MSN
National: “Appeals Court Ruling Means Over 100 Jan. 6 Rioters May Be Resentenced” by Rachel Weiner and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “In Fla. Court, Trump’s Lawyers Urge Cannon to Hold Trial After Election” by Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN
Illinois: “Civic Groups Call on Mayor, Aldermen to Enact City Council Ethics Reforms” by Jake Sheridan (Chicago Tribune) for MSN
Virginia: “Virginia Senator Who Does Legal Work for Skill Game Industry Will Help Write Skill Game Bill” by Graham Moomaw for Virginia Mercury
Legislative Issues
Oregon: “Ninth Circuit Rejects GOP Senators’ Appeal for Reelection After Walkouts” by Alanna Mayham for Courthouse News Service
February 29, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “Orange County’s Wild West of Campaign Finance: The Board of Education” by Noah Biesiada for Voice of OC Illinois: “Unlimited Funds Can Flow in State’s Attorney, Board of Review, Circuit Court Clerk Races” by A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) for MSN Pennsylvania: “McClelland’s […]
Campaign Finance
California: “Orange County’s Wild West of Campaign Finance: The Board of Education” by Noah Biesiada for Voice of OC
Illinois: “Unlimited Funds Can Flow in State’s Attorney, Board of Review, Circuit Court Clerk Races” by A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) for MSN
Pennsylvania: “McClelland’s Pa. Treasurer Campaign Raised and Spent Money Months Before It Officially Existed” by Peter Hall for Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Rhode Island: “Providence NAACP President Found Guilty of Violating Campaign Finance Laws” by Steph Machado (Boston Globe) for MSN
Elections
Michigan: “Biden Wins Michigan Primary but Faces Notable Showing by ‘Uncommitted'” by Yasmeen Abutaleb and Marianne LeVine (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
Georgia: “‘Star Witness’ Testifies His Claims About Fani Willis Were Only ‘Speculation'” by Holly Bailey and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Lawmakers Across the U.S. Seek to Curb Utility Spending on Politics, Ads and More Extras” by Robert Zullo for Arkansas Advocate
Oregon: “Portland, Businesses Push for Public Records Exemption Amid Pending Release of Which Firms Paid Clean Energy Tax” by Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) for MSN
Legislative Issues
National: “McConnell Will Step Down as the Senate Republican Leader in November After a Record Run in the Job” by Michael Tackett (Associated Press) for Yahoo News
February 23, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 23, 2024
National/Federal The Quiet Way Democrats Hope to Expand Their Power at the State Level DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 2/20/2024 Locked out of power on the U.S. Supreme Court and still playing catch-up against Republicans in the federal […]
National/Federal
The Quiet Way Democrats Hope to Expand Their Power at the State Level
DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 2/20/2024
Locked out of power on the U.S. Supreme Court and still playing catch-up against Republicans in the federal judiciary, Democrats are hoping to gain a political advantage on a less visible but still important playing field: the state courts. Governors have the power to appoint judges in nearly every state. These responsibilities are set to take center stage in political campaigns this year, as the Democratic Governors Association begins a multimillion-dollar effort, called the Power to Appoint Fund, aimed at key governor’s races.
Election Deniers Seek to Rewrite the Law
DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 2/22/2024
More than three years after the 2020 election, the lies and falsehoods about President Biden’s victory persist, and they continue to influence efforts to pass election laws across the country. More than 70 bills in at least 25 states draw some connection to conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. Those theories include falsehoods about the security of ballot drop boxes and voting by undocumented citizens, as well as questions about fraudulent absentee ballots and corrupted election machines, all of which have been debunked.
Mike Lindell Must Pay Man $5M in ‘Prove Mike Wrong’ Challenge, Judge Says
MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Wahington Post) | Published: 2/22/2024
In 2021, MyPillow founder Mike Lindell offered $5 million to anyone who could disprove his claim he had data showing voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Now, he must pay a man from Nevada that award, a federal judge ruled. If someone could “Prove Mike Wrong,” as the challenge was called, and show the data was unrelated to the election, they would get the payout, Lindell said ahead of an August 2021 “cyber symposium.” Robert Zeidman, a computer forensics expert did just that, a federal judge determined, upholding a previous ruling from a private arbitration panel.
Informant Charged with Lies About Bidens Also Claimed Russian Contacts, Feds Say
MSN – Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 2/21/2024
A former FBI informant charged with making up a bribery scheme involving President Biden had contacts with Russian intelligence-affiliated officials, prosecutors said. Alexander Smirnov was charged with lying to the FBI when he claimed to have knowledge of corruption by Biden and his son Hunter. The accusations, memorialized in an FBI document, were championed by congressional Republicans but Smirnov’s indictment and detention memo suggest the allegations were not only false, but possibly a Russian-inspired smear.
Tax Records Reveal the Lucrative World of Covid Misinformation
MSN – Lauren Weber (Washington Post) | Published: 2/21/2024
Four major nonprofits that rose to prominence during the coronavirus pandemic by capitalizing on the spread of medical misinformation collectively gained more than $118 million between 2020 and 2022, enabling the organizations to deepen their influence. The influx of pandemic cash sent executive compensation soaring, boosted public outreach, and seeded the ability to wage legislative and legal battles to weaken vaccine requirements and defend physicians accused of spreading misinformation.
Juul’s Internal Playbook Opens a Rare Window into Influence in Washington
STAT News – Nicholas Florko | Published: 2/15/2024
Juul spent significant sums on registered lobbyists and political donations in 2018 and 2019, when the head of the Food and Drug Administration declared youth vaping an epidemic. Documents show Juul tried everything from orchestrating untraceable campaign contributions to paying think tanks for favorable research, to revamp its image and prevent both Congress and the FDA from taking action that could cost the company financially. The strategies are not necessarily surprising themselves, transparency advocates said. But it is rare to see them laid out like this.
From the States and Municipalities
Arizona – House Bill Would Close ‘Loophole’ Regarding Campaign Finance Reports
Eastern Arizona Courier – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 2/18/2024
Legislation in the Arizona House would amend the law that allows anyone who serves a four-year term to file the required annual reports on who gave them money and how they have spent it once after they get elected, and then not until January of the year they are on the ballot again. The issue arose after it was revealed that Gov. Katie Hobbs, first elected in 2022, did not file reports this January, which is different from what is required of members of the Legislature.
California – Fight Continues Over Whether Nonprofits Should Have to Disclose Lobbying Activity
Long Beach Post – Jason Ruiz | Published: 2/17/2024
The Long Beach Ethics Commission is continuing to revise its proposal to overhaul Long the lobbying disclosure law, something it plans to eventually present to city council, which will have the final say over any changes. The commission met to discuss the most recent draft addressing who must disclose meeting with city officials and attempts to influence policy, but the commission was again met with concerns from nonprofit leaders whose organizations might be included under the new rules.
California – L.A. Ethics Panel Rejects Proposed $11,250 Fine for Leslie Moonves as Too Low
MSN – Dakota Smithand Meg James (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 2/21/2024
The Los Angeles Ethics Commission rejected a proposed settlement between the city and former CBS Chief Executive Officer Leslie Moonves, saying a tougher penalty was warranted for Moonves, who had been accused of interfering with a police investigation into sexual assault allegations against him. Moonves had agreed to pay $11,250 to settle a complaint that accused him of inducing a government official to violate laws so Moonves would have a tactical advantage in a police complaint against him.
California – Anaheim Begins Implementing Changes from Fall of Reform Debates
Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 2/20/2024
A corruption report alleged Disneyland resort interests and lobbyists exert enormous influence on Anaheim’s policy making. Investigators painted a picture of loose oversight on lobbyists, developer favoritism, and influence peddling by Disneyland Resort interests through the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce. Their findings led Mayor Ashleigh Aitken and city Councilperson Natalie Rubalcava to call for a series of reform proposals to be developed and debated, and which are now being implemented.
California – Anaheim Changes How Political Candidates Fundraise in Wake of Corruption Scandal
Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 2/15/2024
Anaheim City Council members are changing campaign finance laws to limit how long candidates can fundraise debt repayment and how much they can loan themselves during elections. Two council members are calling for city staff to explore making it easier for residents to see who is spending in local elections and the financing behind the mailers they receive in their mailbox every election season.
Florida – Orange County Mayor Demings Fires Lobbyist Over Conflict of Interest
MSN – Stephen Hudak (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 2/15/2024
Orange County fired lobbying firm GrayRobinson less than a week after the Orlando Sentinel revealed the lobbyist assigned to represent the county’s interests was behind legislation directly conflicting with its top legislative priority. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings labeled as “disturbing” the involvement of lobbyist Chris Carmody in a bill to limit the county’s authority over the Visit Orlando tourism marketing agency. But Demings moved more quickly than many expected.
Florida – Florida Law Blasted After Permission Slip Sent to Hear Black Author’s Book
MSN – Kim Bellware (Washington Post) | Published: 2/15/2024
A controversial law in Florida is facing renewed scrutiny after a rule about parental permission slips sparked confusion at a Miami elementary school when it asked parents to sign a slip allowing their children to hear a guest speaker read a book “written by an African American.” The state rule in question is an extension of a law Gov. Ron DeSantis touted as a way to help parents combat what he and other conservative figures claimed was “liberal indoctrination” woven through the K-12 and higher education system.
Georgia – Fani Willis’ Testimony Evokes Long-Standing Frustrations for Black Women Leaders
MSN – Matt Brown and Jocelyn Noveck (Associated Press) | Published: 2/17/2024
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is used to prosecuting high-profile, challenging cases. But as she parried questions about her own personal conduct from the witness stand against the legal teams for defendants her office has accused of election interference, many Black women recognized a dispiriting scene. Willis testified during an extraordinary hearing that could result in her office being removed from the state’s case against Donald Trump.
Hawaii – Hawaii Has a Voter Enthusiasm Problem, Could Publicly Funded Campaigns Help?
Yahoo News – Jeremy Yurow (USA Today) | Published: 2/15/2024
Hawaii taxpayers could soon find themselves footing a $30 million bill to fund state political campaigns. Could this initiative breathe new life into local elections by ensuring more diverse candidates? Several lawmakers, activists, and residents say the answer is yes. The current system in Hawaii is seen as favoring a small group of donors, who often gain undue access to candidates and officials, according to the bill. Despite recent reforms, voter turnout is among the nation’s lowest.
Idaho – Support This Bill or Else: Idaho lawmakers cite pressure from ‘wealthy’ campaign donor
MSN – Ian Max Stevenson (Idaho Statesman) | Published: 2/20/2024
As a controversial bill to implement mandatory minimum prison sentences for fentanyl crimes made its way through the House, several key lawmakers reported having uncomfortable experiences with interested parties that amounted to a pressure campaign. They recounted receiving a clear, straightforward threat: vote against this bill, and I will bankroll your next opponent. House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel said Republicans have been threatened by “a very wealthy individual.”
Illinois – In Last-Minute Reversal, Former Sen. Sam McCann Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges
Capitol News Illinois – Hannah Meisel | Published: 2/13/2024
As federal prosecutors were preparing to rest their case in the corruption trial of former state Sen. Sam McCann plead guilty on all counts. In the trial, prosecutors accused McCann of “greed, fraud and arrogance” in illegally using campaign funds for personal expenses, including paying two mortgages, financing multiple vehicles and vacations, fraudulently cutting himself checks for work not performed, and double-dipping on reimbursement for miles driven.
Illinois – Illinois Democratic PAC Loses Appeal of Massive Fines for Not Timely Reporting Campaign Spending
MSN – Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/21/2024
The State Board of Elections rejected a request to reconsider or lower more than $100,000 in fines levied against a PAC that helped expand the Democratic Party’s majority on the Illinois Supreme Court. The board’s unanimous vote followed a request by All for Justice, an independent expenditure PAC backed by Senate President Don Harmon, after it was fined $108,500 last year for failing to timely file detailed expenditure reports in spending $7.3 million. The fines were among the largest ever levied by the election board.
Illinois – As Corruption Trials Continue, Illinois Lobbyist Reform Effort Pushed in General Assembly
Yahoo News – Ray Long and Dan Patella (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/19/2024
As the Illinois General Assembly begins its spring session, legislation is being proposed that aims to tackle two key issues around lobbying – requiring statehouse lobbyists to report the compensation they receive from their clients and giving the secretary of state’s office the power to boot bad actors. Following a string of corruption trials, including a bribery scandal involving Commonwealth Edison and lobbyists trying to influence ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said, “The timing is ripe for this legislation to be acted on and passed.”
Indiana – Four Goshen School Board Members Criminally Charged with Campaign Finance Violations
WVPE – Mark Mazurek | Published: 2/21/2024
A campaign mailer for the 2022 Goshen School Board elections resulted in criminal charges against five candidates. The mailer endorsed Jose Elizalde, Mario Garber, Roger Nafziger and Andrea Johnson in the general election and denigrated an opposing slate of candidates. The candidates were fined by the election board last year, but now they face felony criminal charges for not disclosing the names of their donors.
Louisville Public Media – R.G. Dunlop | Published: 2/16/2024
State Rep. Jared Bauman asked the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission if he could sponsor and vote on legislation that could benefit his employer. Commission Executive Director said because his proposed bill would affect “other, similarly situated businesses in the same way” it applied to Lubrizol Corp., there was no conflict-of-interest. Ethics experts said while Bauman’s involvement in the bill may not violate state law, it nevertheless highlights questions that arise when the perception of a conflict exists.
Maine – Special Funds Let Maine Lawmakers Raise and Spend with Few Limits
centralmaine.com – Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 2/18/2024
While restrictions remain for campaign contributions to a legislative candidate in Maine, businesses and individuals can donate unlimited amounts to PACs run by candidates after they are elected. More than a dozen lawmakers who have their own committees do not appear to have broken any rules. But disclosures highlight the widely diverging uses of the money and the loose regulations around so-called leadership PACs, which traditionally have been used by lawmakers to help elect political allies and build influence.
Maryland – Ethics Board Won’t Require Last Names of Mayor Scott’s Baby Registry Donors
Baltimore Brew – Mark Reutter | Published: 2/16/2024
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and fiancée Hana Pugh will not be required to fully identify the people or organizations that donated more than $12,000 worth of baby merchandise, gift cards, and cash to an online baby registry they set up, the city Ethics Board decided. Many of the people who sent presents and cash through the Babylist.com portal were identified only by their first names or nicknames, such as Weasel, Garfield, and Aunt Fuff. Others had untraceable organization names.
Michigan – Nessel Levels Charges Against Two GOP Political Fundraisers in Campaign Against Whitmer
Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 2/21/2024
State Attorney General Dana Nessel charged two political operatives connected to the group Unlock Michigan, which protested COVID-era health orders, for their part in a “dark money” scheme. Heather Lombardini faces multiple criminal charges for allegedly violating Michigan campaign finance law by soliciting contributions for the petition drive utilizing two nonprofits to skirt disclosure requirements. Sandy Baxter was charged with perjury for allegedly lying about her involvement in the scheme.
Michigan – Sidney Powell and Other Trump-Aligned Lawyers Will Face Legal Penalties
DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 2/22/2024
Sidney Powell, L. Lin Wood, and several other lawyers who advanced Donald Trump’s false claims of a stolen election will face legal penalties after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up their appeal. The penalties, upwards of $130,000 in legal fees incurred by the election officials they sued, plus referrals to their state bar associations for potential discipline, stem from a lawsuit the lawyers filed in Michigan in November 2020.
Missouri – Missouri Treasurer Under Fire Over Ads on Slot Machines
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kurt Erickson | Published: 2/21/2024
The chairperson of a House budget panel said the state treasurer is refusing to appear before his committee to answer questions about links he may have to one of the top gas station gambling companies in Missouri. Rep. Scott Cupps had requested that Treasurer Vivek Malek appear before his House Budget subcommittee but was told the treasurer would not be available. Photos and videos taken by Cupps show payout kiosks for the slot machines now include advertisements for the state’s unclaimed property program, which is operated by Malek’s office.
New Mexico – Lawmakers for Second Year Kick Ethics Fixes Down the Road
New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 2/16/2024
An effort to fix the state’s anti-corruption statute after the New Mexico Supreme Court barred prosecutors from bringing criminal charges under several of its provisions was defeated in the Senate. The court ruled that three of the statute’s four provisions used by prosecutors were too vaguely written to result in criminal charges. The lack of action comes at a time when former Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton is reportedly negotiating a plea deal after being indicted on numerous criminal counts, including racketeering, money laundering, and fraud.
New Mexico – Lobbyists Spent Tens of Thousands of Dollars Wining, Dining Lawmakers
Yahoo News – Daniel Chacón | Published: 2/20/2024
Lobbyists spent close to $150,000 entertaining New Mexico lawmakers during this year’s 30-day legislative session. The spending is almost certainly much higher. Not only does the secretary of state’s office rely on voluntary compliance, but lobbyists are only required to report single expenditures of $500 or more during a legislative session.
New York – Appellate Court Hears Cuomo’s Challenge to Fledgling Ethics Agency
Albany Times Union – Dan Clark | Published: 2/16/2024
Judges on a state appellate court tasked with deciding the constitutionality of New York’s fledgling ethics agency expressed skepticism during a hearing on whether its investigative and enforcement powers should be restored. The case brought by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, centers on the constitutionality of the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, which was formed in 2022 and tasked with regulating and enforcing ethics rules in state government.
New York – New York Congressional Map Would Make Modest Tweaks to Swing House Seats
MSN – Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) | Published: 2/15/2024
A congressional map for New York would make it easier for Democrats to flip at least one seat this year in a state critical to Democrats’ hopes of retaking the U.S. House majority. But an independent commission otherwise left the lines similar to those used in 2022 when Republicans picked up four House seats in New York. Democratic leaders in Albany can choose to instead advance a map that is more favorable to their party but would almost certainly face legal challenges.
New York – Judge Orders Trump to Pay More Than $350 Million after Civil Fraud Trial
MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Mark Berman (Washington Post) | Published: 2/16/2024
A judge ordered Donald Trump to pay more than $350 million in penalties, plus interest, following a civil fraud trial, finding he and others had carried out a years-long scheme to use “blatantly false financial data” to borrow money at lower rates. New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron issued a deluge of punishments, including years-long bans on Trump and his adult sons taking top jobs in companies in the state.
New York – A Family Affair: Carones give to legal defense fund in the nick of time
MSN – Irie Sentner (Politico) | Published: 2/20/2024
Employees of a firm run by Mayor Eric Adams’ former chief of staff registered as lobbyists weeks after he and his relatives gave $15,000 to Adams’ legal defense fund. The arrangement highlighted the murky ethics of contributing to a politician’s attorney fees. People in the city database, along with their spouses, are barred from giving to legal defense trusts. But because the Carones donated before appearing on the list, they were able to evade the prohibition.
Ohio – Summer Homes and (Attempted) Florida Trips. FirstEnergy Bribery Case Puts Millionaires on Trial
MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/18/2024
Former FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones, the company’s former top lobbyist Mike Dowling, and former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo sat at the defense tables in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas at a recent hearing. They face charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. The defense arguments previewed what the state of Ohio is up against in a white-collar prosecution alleging a corrupt pipeline between FirstEnergy’s C-suite and Ohio’s top utility regulator: the kind of legal firepower that wealthy defendants can buy from well-heeled law firms.
Oklahoma – Bill Preventing Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiatives, Now Going to Ethics Commission
Yahoo News – M. Scott Carter (Oklahoman) | Published: 2/21/2024
House Bill 3815 in Oklahoma prevents foreign contributions to ballot initiatives. After the state Ethics Commission expressed concern, the bill was withdrawn from the House Rules Committee and is now being considered by the commission. Since the legislation created a new rule for the commission, its staff asked the sponsor to make the measure a rule request instead of going through the legislative process.
Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules That GOP Subpoena for Voter Information Cannot Be Enforced
MSN – Megan Lebowitz (NBC News) | Published: 2/21/2024
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that Republicans’ subpoena of voter information after the 2020 election was unenforceable, overturning a previous court ruling. The justices said the subpoena was unenforceable because the 2021-2022 legislative session had already ended. The move is the latest legal defeat for Republicans who took to courts nationwide over the 2020 election.
Pennsylvania – Mayor Cherelle Parker Racked Up a $1 Million Campaign Payroll – but It’s Not Clear Who Got Paid
MSN – Ryan Briggs and Anna Orso (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 2/20/2024
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s campaign and transition committee took advantage of a gray area in campaign finance laws by filing financial reports that list staff costs as withdrawals by third-party payroll services, rather than payments to specific people. Those companies then cut paychecks to the staffers. Lauren Cristella, president of the Committee of Seventy, said the growing practice of campaigns reporting payments to third-party services instead of to individuals undermines the intent of the rules by obfuscating the recipients of the funds.
Tennessee – New TN House Ticketing Policy Allowable Under State Constitution, Attorney General Says
MSN – Melissa Brown (Tennessean) | Published: 2/19/2024
The Tennessee House’s new ticketing policy for its public galleries is permissible under the state constitution, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said. House Republican leadership began enforcing an unwritten, surprise rule in January requiring tickets to access the west gallery of the House chamber. The east gallery remains open on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Texas – Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Paid Campaign Money to Firm Tied to His New Republican Group
MSN – Everton Bailey Jr. (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 2/21/2024
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson woman reelection in May, then started paying a consulting firm run by his former chief of staff thousands of dollars a month in campaign funds. Adept Strategies, which was registered with the state on the same day the mayor reported making his first payment to it, is also tied to a group created by Johnson to promote Republican mayors.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Signs His New Legislative Maps into Law after Republicans Pass Them
Yahoo News – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 2/19/2024
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed new legislative district maps into law that were passed by Republicans who control the Legislature to avoid having the liberal-controlled state Supreme Court draw the lines. Democrats are almost certain to gain seats in the Assembly and Senate under the new maps, which be in place for the November election. Republicans have been operating since 2011 under maps they drew that were recognized as among the most gerrymandered in the country.
Wyoming – Legislative Housing Task Force Member Denies Conflict of Interest
WyoFile – Angus Thuermer Jr. | Published: 2/21/2024
A member of a legislative housing task force who has plans for an accessory housing unit on his own lot says he does not have a conflict-of-interest, even after recommending the state strip local government control over such developments. Former Jackson Mayor Mark Barron voted last year to remove local control over accessory residential units, essentially making their construction a state-guaranteed right.
February 21, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Maine: “Special Funds Let Maine Lawmakers Raise and Spend with Few Limits” by Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) for centralmaine.com Pennsylvania: “Mayor Cherelle Parker Racked Up a $1 Million Campaign Payroll – but It’s Not Clear Who Got Paid” by Ryan Briggs […]
Campaign Finance
Maine: “Special Funds Let Maine Lawmakers Raise and Spend with Few Limits” by Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) for centralmaine.com
Pennsylvania: “Mayor Cherelle Parker Racked Up a $1 Million Campaign Payroll – but It’s Not Clear Who Got Paid” by Ryan Briggs and Anna Orso (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN
Ethics
California: “Anaheim Begins Implementing Changes from Fall of Reform Debates” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC
Georgia: “Fani Willis’ Testimony Evokes Long-Standing Frustrations for Black Women Leaders” by Matt Brown and Jocelyn Noveck (Associated Press) for MSN
Idaho: “Support This Bill or Else: Idaho lawmakers cite pressure from ‘wealthy’ campaign donor” by Ian Max Stevenson (Idaho Statesman) for MSN
Ohio: “Summer Homes and (Attempted) Florida Trips. FirstEnergy Bribery Case Puts Millionaires on Trial” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Tennessee: “New TN House Ticketing Policy Allowable Under State Constitution, Attorney General Says” by Melissa Brown (Tennessean) for MSN
Redistricting
New York: “New York Congressional Map Would Make Modest Tweaks to Swing House Seats” by Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) for MSN
February 16, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 16, 2024
National/Federal Chief Witness Against Gaetz Is Cooperating with House Ethics Investigation DNyuz – Robert Draper and Michael Schmidt (New York Times) | Published: 2/9/2024 A lawyer for the chief witness against U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz said the witness was cooperating with a […]
National/Federal
Chief Witness Against Gaetz Is Cooperating with House Ethics Investigation
DNyuz – Robert Draper and Michael Schmidt (New York Times) | Published: 2/9/2024
A lawyer for the chief witness against U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz said the witness was cooperating with a House ethics committee investigation into whether Gaetz had sex with an underage girl while he was serving in Congress. Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to charges including sex trafficking, is serving an 11-year prison sentence. He had previously cooperated with a Justice Department investigation into whether Gaetz had engaged in sex trafficking of a minor.
AI Companies Agree to Limit Election ‘Deepfakes’ but Fall Short of Ban
MSN – Gerrit De Vynck (Washington Post) | Published: 2/13/2024
Leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies are planning to sign an “accord” committing to developing tech to identify, label, and control AI-generated images, videos, and audio recordings that aim to deceive voters ahead of crucial elections in multiple countries this year. It does not ban deceptive political AI content. X, previously Twitter, was not a signatory to the agreement.
House Republicans Impeach Alejandro Mayorkas by a Single Vote
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 2/13/2024
House Republicans moved in historic fashion and impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by a single vote, succeeding on their second try in punishing the steward of President Biden’s immigration policy. The unprecedented and partisan resolution may not go very far in the Senate, as some Republicans in the upper chamber do not believe Mayorkas’s actions clear the bar as the “high crimes and misdemeanors” necessary for conviction. Some bipartisan and legal observers worry the most serious tool the U.S. Constitution provides to rein in a public official is being misused as partisan weapon.
Families Using Re-Created Voices of Gun Violence Victims to Call Lawmakers
MSN – Terry Spencer (Associated Press) | Published: 2/14/2024
The families of six young people killed by guns are using artificial intelligence to create messages in their loved ones’ voices and robocalling them to U.S. senators and House members who support the National Rifle Association and oppose tougher gun laws. Manuel and Patricia Oliver, parents of Joaquin Oliver, who was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, say the campaign is based on the oft-cited idea that if someone wants laws changed, the first step is calling elected representatives.
The Mystery Behind $10 Million of ‘Bridge Funding’ Supporting RFK Jr.’s Presidential Bid
MSN – Brittany Gibson (Politico) | Published: 2/14/2024
The super PAC supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. padded its account with millions of dollars in contributions from one of the best-known private security executives in the country, Gavin de Becker. Then it did something remarkable: it returned nearly all of the funds, making his donations effectively a loan. Campaign finance watchdogs said they have never seen such an arrangement before. The contributions helped the PAC report a high fundraising total that can, in turn, be seen as a sign of legitimacy for the committee. All told, de Becker made $10 million in donations to the super PAC; $9.65 million of which was returned.
Trans Adults on Edge as Legislatures Broaden Focus Beyond Children
MSN – Casey Parks (Washington Post) | Published: 2/15/2024
A record number of bills introduced across the country significantly reshape the way transgender people live their lives. Republican-dominated Legislatures have already enacted more than 100 laws to limit LGBTQ+ rights over the past few years, but most affected adolescents and schools. Now, policymakers are increasingly turning their focus to adults. The lawmakers pushing the bills universally contend there should be limits on how far society goes to embrace transgender adults.
Special Counsel Asks Supreme Court to Let Trump’s D.C. Trial Proceed
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 2/14/2024
Special counsel Jack Smith asked the Supreme Court to clear the way for the prosecution of Donald for his efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election, pushing back against the former president’s claim that he should be shielded from standing trial as he again seeks the White House. The Supreme Court’s response will have a significant impact on whether and when Trump goes on trial in Washington, where the presiding judge has already postponed a planned March 4 start date.
County Election Officials Call for More Funding, Better Security Ahead of 2024 Elections
MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 2/12/2024
Threats and harassment are causing a crisis for election workers and could endanger the integrity of upcoming elections, speakers said at an annual gathering of local officials from around the country. The problem is personal for Bill Gates, a member of Maricopa County’s board of supervisors who has repeatedly shared his own experience with threats in Arizona. But it goes beyond any one county and reflects “a time today very different than what we had in the past,” Gates said.
From the States and Municipalities
Oceania – Lobbyists Are Back at Parliament – with a New Privacy Measure Hiding Their Identities
RNZ – Guyon Espiner | Published: 1/21/2024
The identities of people allowed to freely come and go from the New Zealand Parliament have been made secret by the new speaker. Gerry Brownlee said he did not agree with the blanket ban on lobbyists having swipe card access and some discretion was needed. He had approved swipe card access for about four new people, who he said could be described as having lobbying roles. But they were not employed by professional lobbying firms and largely had jobs assisting parties in Parliament.
Alabama – Rep. Simpson on New Ethics Bill: We want you to know where the line is
Alabama Daily News – Mary Sell | Published: 2/9/2024
State Rep. Matt Simpson is circulating a draft of legislation that would make several significant changes to Alabama’s ethics laws. The proposal revises multiple sections of code dealing with the rules about 300,000 elected officials and state and local government employees, and sometimes their family members, must obey. Simpson plans to file the bill soon, but said he first wants to give his colleagues and anyone else a chance to “poke holes in” his attempt to clean up ethics law revisions made in 2010 and some of the unintended consequences they created.
Arizona – To Avoid Election Crisis, Arizona Lawmakers Try Bipartisanship
MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 2/9/2024
Alarmed that Arizona’s 11 electoral votes might not be counted in the process for selecting the next president, Republicans and Democrats in this political battleground state did something rare: they found consensus. After months of warnings and a frantic series of negotiations, the narrowly divided Legislature passed a bill aimed at giving election officials more time to run the 2024 primary and general elections.
Arizona – Arizona Congressional Candidate’s 3 Young Children Gave Almost $10K to His Campaign
MSN – Laura Gersony (Arizona Republic) | Published: 2/12/2024
It is standard for candidates to draw on their personal connections to raise funds, asking for buy-in from family members, friends, or work colleagues. But Conor O’Callaghan, a Wall Street executive running in the crowded Democratic primary in Arizona’s First Congressional District, has accepted money from an unusual network: his young children, who are minors.
California – Can Judges Endorse Political Candidates? Competitive Bay Area Races Are Testing Boundaries
MSN – Bob Egelko (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 2/14/2024
Candidates for Superior Court judge generally look for endorsements wherever they can find them. But endorsements by a judicial candidate can trigger ethical concerns, an issue that has been raised in upcoming votes in Alameda County and San Francisco. In Alameda County, Court Commissioner Mark Fickes’ opponent in the March 5 election, Michael Johnson, filed a formal complaint against Fickes for publicly supporting District Attorney Pamela Price, whose office regularly argues cases in Superior Court.
California – San Francisco’s New Ethics Watchdog Hates This Election Loophole
San Francisco Standard – Josh Koehn | Published: 2/12/2024
As the new leader of the San Francisco Ethics Commission, Patrick Ford has one of the most important roles in the city, especially in an election year. The commission is tasked with processing and publishing a huge volume of campaign records, investigating reports of violations, proposing improvements in local ethics laws, and rooting out corruption. Ford has his hands full with the upcoming Democratic County Central Committee race, where some candidates for the little-known body are raising six-figure sums.
Delaware – Supreme Court Rules in Former State Auditor Kathy McGuiness’ Criminal Conviction Appeal
Yahoo News – Xerxes Wilson (Delaware News Journal) | Published: 2/13/2024
The Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the misdemeanor conflict-of-interest conviction of former state Auditor Kathy McGuiness while overturning her other misdemeanor conviction, remanding that charge for a potential second trial. McGuiness was the first sitting, statewide public office holder in Delaware to be convicted of criminal charges when a jury found her guilty of two misdemeanors, tied to her hiring her daughter as a part-time employee in the auditor’s office. A third guilty verdict based on state purchasing rules was tossed by the trial judge after the verdicts.
Florida – Lobbyist Wrote Bill to Protect Visit Orlando but Sought to Hide His Role
MSN – Stephen Hudak (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 2/11/2024
Senate Bill 1594, filed by Florida Sen. Linda Stewart at a time Orange County commissioners were eyeing cuts to Visit Orlando’s $100 million county subsidy, was written by the county’s own lobbyist, Chris Carmody, not the lawmaker. The bill would have required a supermajority of five of the seven commissioners to make such cuts. Carmody sought to hide his role in the legislation, which is now stirring anger among commissioners who believe he was undermining the county’s interests when he is paid to defend them.
Florida – Florida Senate Committee Advances Lobbying Transparency Bill
MSN – Andrew Powell (The Center Square) | Published: 2/10/2024
Florida lawmakers advanced legislation that would add transparency to lobbying in the state. Senate Bill 734 would make various changes to ethics rules for local governments and prohibit state and local officials from accepting or soliciting anything from a foreign country of concern. Under the bill, individuals would be required to register as a lobbyist with the Florida Commission on Ethics if they plan to lobby a municipality, county, or special district.
Florida – Jacksonville Ethics Commission: Florida House amendments would ‘handcuff local watchdogs’
Yahoo News – Hanna Holthaus (Florida Times-Union) | Published: 2/12/2024
Changes to a Florida ethics bill would “dismantle” government oversight efforts, the Jacksonville Ethics Commission said in a letter. The commission joined with offices of four other municipalities to oppose the changes. The amendment would eliminate the ability of state and local ethics commissions to research the informal complaints or tips they receive for their independent investigations into government offices and employees.
Georgia – What Happens if Fani Willis Is Disqualified from the Trump Case?
DNyuz – Richard Fausset and Danny Hakim (New York Times) | Published: 2/15/2024
A judge in Georgia seeks to determine whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be disqualified from leading the prosecution of former President Trump on election interference charges. If Judge Scott McAfee finds Willis has a conflict-of-interest because of her romantic relationship with the prosecutor she hired to manage the case, and that it merits disqualification, his decision would disqualify her entire office. The case would be reassigned to another prosecutor, who would have the ability to continue with the case as it is, make major changes, or to even drop the matter.
Georgia – Black Churches in Georgia Unite to Mobilize Voters in a Key Battleground
Seattle Times – Nick Corasaniti and Maya King (New York Times) | Published: 2/11/2024
Two of the largest Black church groups in Georgia are formally uniting for the first time to mobilize Black voters in the battleground state before the November presidential election. The two congregations, the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, plan to combine their resources and their more than 140,000 parishioners in the state for the get-out-the-vote program.
Illinois – Feds Accuse Ex-Lawmaker of ‘Greed, Fraud and Arrogance’ in Misusing Campaign Funds
Capitol News Illinois – Hannah Meisel | Published: 2/13/2024
Former Illinois Sen. Sam McCann is accused of illegally using campaign funds for personal expenses, including paying two mortgages, financing multiple vehicles and vacations, and double-dipping on reimbursement for miles driven. His trial finally got underway after a week of delays stemming from McCann’s sudden hospitalization. U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless ordered him arrested and detained for violating her direct orders to communicate with the federal probation office after being discharged from the hospital.
Chicago Sun-Times – Jon Seidel | Published: 2/12/2024
Former Illinois Sen. Annazette Collins was convicted in federal court of cheating on her taxes, in a case tied to the larger corruption investigation that led to the indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Prosecutors said used Collins used money from her lobbying firm to make car, tuition, and mortgage payments, and to fund a trip to Punta Cana, all while filing income tax returns that made it seem she earned sums of as little as $11,000 a year after leaving public office.
MSN – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/12/2024
Tim Mapes, who spent decades in Michael Madigan’s inner circle while serving as the ex-Illinois House speaker’s chief of staff, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after he was convicted of lying under oath to protect his former boss. The hearing punctuated a stunning downfall for Mapes, who in addition to his role as Madigan’s chief gatekeeper was also the executive director of the Illinois Democratic Party and clerk of the House before he was forced to resign in 2018 amid a sexual harassment scandal.
Indiana – Indiana AG’s Site to Report School Content Ignites Fear for Teachers
MSN – Praveena Somasundaram and Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) | Published: 2/14/2024
Teachers’ unions in Indiana are calling for the state attorney general to shut down a new website that invites parents to report “potentially inappropriate materials” in schools, describing the measure as a “blatant attack” on educators. Attorney General Todd Rokita recently launched the Eyes on Education website, which he said is a “transparency portal” for parents to see “real examples of socialist indoctrination from classrooms.” Its implementation follows attempts by conservative politicians across the country to restrict how students learn about race and gender.
Kansas – Senate Bill Aims to Stop Government Entities in Kansas from Using Tax Dollars for Lobbying
Kansas Reflector – Tim Carpenter | Published: 2/13/2024
A bill in the Kansas Senate would prohibit the use of public dollars for direct or indirect lobbying, to pay membership dues of associations engaged in lobbying, or for gifts or campaign contributions to elected officials or government workers. Violations would leave public employees – those working for a county, township, city, school district, or state agency, authority, or institution – open to disciplinary action ranging from suspension to termination.
Michigan – Michigan House Disciplines Lawmaker Over His Tweets on Racist Theory
MSN – Daniel Wu (Washington Post) | Published: 2/13/2024
The Michigan House stripped Rep. Josh Schriver of his staff members and a committee positions, days after Schriver posted online about a racist conspiracy theory. Schriver sparked furor when he shared a post on social media of an image captioned, “The great replacement!” The image referenced the far-right conspiracy theory that non-White immigrants are deliberately brought into White-majority countries to undermine the political power and cultures of White people.
New Mexico – Ivey-Soto Bill Raises Conflict of Interest Questions
Source New Mexico – Justin Horwath (New Mexico In Depth) | Published: 2/14/2024
A bill meant to modernize New Mexico’s marriage laws would increase the money people pay to the state’s county clerks for a marriage license. Meanwhile, the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, is paid by numerous county clerks on a contract basis for technical, legal, and training services. The State Ethics Commission investigates complaints that accuse Ivey-Soto, in part, of using his position as a lawmaker to curry favor with his clients.
New York – Suozzi Wins New York Special Election, Replacing George Santos
MSN – Hannah Knowles and Julie Zauzmer Weil (Washington Post) | Published: 2/13/2024
Democrat Tom Suozzi won a hotly contested special election for Congress, retaking a seat in suburban New York to replace George Santos. National issues dominated the campaign, making the vote this year’s first high-profile test of the parties’ messages on abortion, the economy, and immigration. Suozzi represented the area for six years previously and campaigned as a moderate.
New York – New York Hush Money Case Will Be First Trump Criminal Trial, Set for March
MSN – Devlin Barrett and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 2/15/2024
A judge said jury selection for Donald Trump’s trial in New York will begin on March 25, setting a date with history for what would be the first criminal prosecution of an ex-president, one who also leads the Republican field of 2024 candidates for the White House. State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan said he will go forward with the trial on charges that Trump falsified business records during the heat of the 2016 political campaign to keep secret a past sexual liaison with an adult-film star.
New York – Top NYCHA Chiefs Repeatedly Rejected New Rules to Curb Corrupt Contracts
The City – Greg Smith | Published: 2/12/2024
When law enforcement officials arrested 70 mid-level New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) bureaucrats on bribery charges, they touted the sweep as a very public splash meant to send a clear anti-corruption message. It appears that NYCHA’s top managers received and rejected a similar message years earlier when the city Department of Investigation looked into the same issue: bribes paid to superintendents and assistant superintendents to obtain small contracts of less than $10,000 for repairs without competitive bidding.
North Dakota – North Dakota Legislature’s Conflict Rules Span Decades of Controversy
North Dakota Monitor – Mary Steuer | Published: 2/8/2024
In 1968, the North Dakota Supreme Court struck down a law aimed at curbing corruption in the statehouse, ending a 14-year tug-of-war between lawmakers and voters. Under the law, no lawmaker nor their spouse, nor any business either one had more than a five percent stake in, could do greater than $10,000 worth of business with the state in a year. North Dakota Ethics Commission Executive Director Rebecca Binstock said the history of the 1954 statute may shed light on why, at least in the opinion of the commission, today’s Legislature remains at odds with the state’s conflict-of-interest regulations.
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer and Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/12/2024
Two former executives with FirstEnergy, Charles Jones and Michael Dowling, face state charges in what has been called the largest corruption scandal in Ohio history. Former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo was also indicted. While the related federal prosecution that sent ex-House Speaker Larry Householder to prison focused on the passage of House Bill 6, the legislation tailor made to benefit FirstEnergy, the state charges focus on a broader picture of a corporation’s corrupt relationship with the helm of state power.
Ohio – Some College Students Find It Harder to Vote Under New Republican Laws
MSN – Maddie Kasper (Washington Post) | Published: 2/7/2024
Legislation signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine last January introduced significant changes to Ohio’s election laws, most notably establishing a photo ID requirement that is considered among the most restrictive in the nation. A federal judge shot down a Democratic attempt to block it, saying the law “imposes no more than a minimal burden, if any, for the vast majority of voters.” But some Ohio college students say they are the exception, and the legislation fits within a nationwide Republican effort in recent years to restrict their voting rights.
Ohio – Judge Denies GOP Lawmakers’ Request to Block House Speaker Jason Stephens’ Access to Campaign Cash
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/14/2024
A judge denied a request by a group of Ohio House Republicans to prevent Speaker Jason Stephens and his allies from accessing the GOP caucus’s multi-million-dollar campaign bank account. Rep. Derek Merrin and legislative allies are trying to wrest control over the House GOP’s campaign arm, the Ohio House Republican Alliance (OHRA) from Stephens. It remains to be seen how the judge will rule on the larger lawsuit over who should be given control of the OHRA.
Oregon – Oregon Power Players in Business, Labor Are Negotiating a Campaign Finance Package
OPB – Dirk VanderHart | Published: 2/9/2024
Oregon business and labor groups have quietly begun negotiating a deal that could result in campaign contribution limits in state races for the first time in decades. The surprising development is an attempt to avoid a potentially costly ballot fight in November. If the two sides can find a workable proposal – a tall order in the compressed timeline of a five-week short session – it could be an opportunity for lawmakers to act. Oregon is one of just five states with no limits on political giving.
Pennsylvania – Former Top Pa. Lawmaker’s Lobbying Firm Paid $41K by Game Commission in Unusual Arrangement
Spotlight PA – Angela Couloumbis | Published: 2/8/2024
The state agency that promotes hunting in Pennsylvania has hired a lobbying firm run by a former top lawmaker using tens of thousands of dollars in public funds, an unusual arrangement that at least one legislator has tried to ban. The Pennsylvania Game Commission entered into a contract with Allegheny Strategy Partners. Joe Scarnati, who once held the top leadership post in the state Senate, is one of three partners in the firm. Though a handful of cities and regional authorities that rely on state aid deploy lobbyists to Harrisburg, state-level government agencies rarely employ these firms to gain influence with people who are essentially colleagues.
Pennsylvania – Josh Shapiro Accepted $1,650 in ‘Event Tickets’ from Powerful Pa. Lobbyist
Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 2/13/2024
Under a policy that Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro instituted in January 2023, the governor and other executive branch employees are not allowed to accept tickets to recreational events from people or entities that have “financial relations” with or are “seeking to obtain business or an outcome” from the state. But Shapiro accepted $1,650 in tickets from a Harrisburg lobbyist last year. The governor’s office did not disclose the tickets as a gift. Rather, it was Shapiro’s campaign committee that reported the tickets as a political contribution.
South Dakota – State Supreme Court Clarifies Conflicts of Interest; Noem Pledges to Fill Legislative Seats
MSN – Seth Tupper and John Hult (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 2/9/2024
A South Dakota Supreme Court ruling enables state legislators to enter into contracts with the government, provided the funds come from the annual budget bill. Language in the state constitution has been a subject of debate since last year, when it was revealed Sen. Jessica Castleberry’s business received federal pandemic relief funds through a state contract. Castleberry resigned and agreed to repay approximately $500,000 to the state.
MSN – Natalie Anderson (Virginian-Pilot) | Published: 2/8/2024
The city of Chesapeake is exploring a potential change that would disclose on public planning documents the names of companies and individuals paid to lobby city leaders for project approval. If the city council eventually votes to approve the change, it could be a first for Virginia municipalities.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Republicans Vote to Weaken Their Lock on the Legislature
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 2/13/2024
Wisconsin Republicans approved maps that would weaken their grip on the state Legislature, backing new district lines supported by the Democratic governor out of fears the state Supreme Court could impose ones that are even worse for them. If approved by Gov. Tony Evers, the package would jettison what experts consider one of the country’s most gerrymandered set of maps in a state that has been one of the most competitive in presidential and other statewide races.
February 14, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “San Francisco’s New Ethics Watchdog Hates This Election Loophole” by Josh Koehn for San Francisco Standard Elections National: “AI Companies Agree to Limit Election ‘Deepfakes’ but Fall Short of Ban” by Gerrit De Vynck (Washington Post) for MSN New York: “Suozzi Wins […]
Campaign Finance
California: “San Francisco’s New Ethics Watchdog Hates This Election Loophole” by Josh Koehn for San Francisco Standard
Elections
National: “AI Companies Agree to Limit Election ‘Deepfakes’ but Fall Short of Ban” by Gerrit De Vynck (Washington Post) for MSN
New York: “Suozzi Wins New York Special Election, Replacing George Santos” by Hannah Knowles and Julie Zauzmer Weil (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
Alabama: “Rep. Simpson on New Ethics Bill: We want you to know where the line is” by Mary Sell for Alabama Daily News
Florida: “Jacksonville Ethics Commission: Florida House amendments would ‘handcuff local watchdogs'” by Hanna Holthaus (Florida Times-Union) for Yahoo News
Illinois: “Ex-Lawmaker Convicted of Cheating on Taxes, in a Case Tied to Corruption Probe That Led to Madigan Indictment” by Jon Seidel for Chicago Sun-Times
Legislative Issues
National: “House Republicans Impeach Alejandro Mayorkas by a Single Vote” by Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) for MSN
Lobbying
Pennsylvania: “Josh Shapiro Accepted $1,650 in ‘Event Tickets’ from Powerful Pa. Lobbyist” by Stephen Caruso for Spotlight PA
February 8, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Louisiana: “Campaign Cash Covers Louisiana Officials Tabs at Washington Mardi Gras” by Julie O’Donoghue for Louisiana Illuminator Elections Georgia: “Larry David Breaks Georgia’s Voting Law in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz Ethics National: “DOJ Report on Biden […]
Campaign Finance
Louisiana: “Campaign Cash Covers Louisiana Officials Tabs at Washington Mardi Gras” by Julie O’Donoghue for Louisiana Illuminator Elections Georgia: “Larry David Breaks Georgia’s Voting Law in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm'” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz Ethics National: “DOJ Report on Biden Classified Documents Coming Soon; No Criminal Charges” by Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN Illinois: “Ex-State Legislator Going on Trial on Tax Counts Stemming from Madigan Probe” by Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News New York: “Scores of N.Y. Public Housing Workers Charged in Record Corruption Case” by Jesse McKinley, Mihir Zaveri, and Corey Kilgannon (New York Times) for DNyuz Pennsylvania: “Philly Sheriff’s Campaign Takes Down Bogus ‘News’ Stories Posted to Site That Were Generated by AI” by Maryclaire Dale and Ali Swenson (Associated Press) for Yahoo News Legislative Issues National: “In Stunning Vote, House Republicans Fail to Impeach Secretary Mayorkas” by Jacqueline Alemany, Amy Wang, Marianna Sotomayor, and Paul Kane (Washington Post) for MSN Ohio: “Battle Over the Ohio House: Speaker could be saddled with convicted Householder’s $1.6M debt” by Jake Zuckerman and Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN |
February 7, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Maryland: “Baltimore Mayoral Candidate Thiru Vignarajah Could Access Up to $1.7M in Public Money for Campaign” by Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) for Yahoo News Elections New Hampshire: “New Hampshire Opens Criminal Probe into AI Calls Impersonating Biden” by Cat Zakrzewski and […]
February 6, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance New York: “Eric Adams’ Former NYPD Colleague Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating Straw Donations” by Joe Anuta (Politico) for Yahoo News Elections Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Supreme Court Grants Ballot Access to Presidential Candidate Dean Phillips” by Jessie Opoien (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) for MSN Ethics […]
Campaign Finance
New York: “Eric Adams’ Former NYPD Colleague Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating Straw Donations” by Joe Anuta (Politico) for Yahoo News
Elections
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Supreme Court Grants Ballot Access to Presidential Candidate Dean Phillips” by Jessie Opoien (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) for MSN
Ethics
National: “The Wild Probe into Investors of DWAC, Trump Media’s Proposed Merger Ally” by Drew Harwell (Washington Post) for MSN
Florida: “Government Watchdogs Warn Florida Legislation Would Have Chilling Effect in Ethics Cases” by Ana Ceballos and Joey Flechas (Miami Herald) for Yahoo News
National: “Oversight Board Rebukes Meta’s Policies After Altered Biden Video Spreads” by Naomi Nix (Washington Post) for MSN
Rhode Island: “Records Show ‘Not Adequate’ Vetting of R.I. Ethics Commission Appointee” by Edward Fitzpatrick (Boston Globe) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Tennessee: “Tennessee’s Legislature Can’t Move Past the Bitter Clashes of 2023” by Emily Cochrane (New York Times) for DNyuz
Lobbying
National: “Luxury Spending, Internal Strife Leave NRA Staggering Into 2024 Election” by Beth Reinhard and Sylvia Foster-Frau (Washington Post) for Anchorage Daily News
February 2, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 2, 2024
National/Federal Biden Super PAC Plans a Historic $250 Million Ad Blitz DNyuz – Reid Epstein and Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 1/30/2024 The main Democratic super PAC supporting President Biden’s re-election bid, Future Forward, is beginning to reserve $250 million […]
National/Federal
Biden Super PAC Plans a Historic $250 Million Ad Blitz
DNyuz – Reid Epstein and Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 1/30/2024
The main Democratic super PAC supporting President Biden’s re-election bid, Future Forward, is beginning to reserve $250 million in advertising across the most important battleground states. It is the largest single purchase of political advertising by a super PAC in the nation’s history. The ads, which are to be split between $140 million on television and $110 million on digital and streaming platforms, will start the day after the Democratic National Convention concludes in August and will run through Election Day.
Voting Is Bewildering This Primary Season. That Worries Experts.
DNyuz – Maggie Astor (New York Times) | Published: 1/29/2024
As voters enter an election year in which many feel democracy itself is on the ballot, they face a bewildering set of dates and procedures to choose their presidential nominees. That is without even getting into the longtime snag of some states’ scheduling separate primaries for president and other offices, as well as special elections, all of which adds up to some voters having as many as five Election Days. A large body of research suggests that the morass could reduce participation.
Ex-IRS Contractor Who Leaked Trump’s Tax Returns Sentenced to 5 Years
MSN – Salvador Rizzo (Washington Post) | Published: 1/29/2024
A former government contractor who leaked confidential tax records filed by the wealthiest Americans, including those of Donald Trump was sentenced to the maximum of five years in prison. Charles Littlejohn pleaded guilty last year to one count of unauthorized disclosure of income tax returns. He admitted leaking Trump’s confidential tax information to the New York Times in 2019 and then replicated his work the next year, filtering the tax returns and financial data of thousands of wealthy Americans to ProPublica.
Congresswoman Cori Bush Under Investigation for Alleged Misuse of Security Funds
MSN – Marianna Sotomayor, Perry Stein, and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 1/30/2024
The Justice Department is investigating U.S. Rep. Cori Bush for allegedly misusing money intended for members of Congress to spend on private security. Bush has come under fire for using campaign money to hire her husband, Cortney Merritts, as her security. But the Office of Congressional Ethics dismissed a complaint filed against Bush last fall alleging her campaign’s employment of Merritts was a violation of federal election law.
Republicans Advance Mayorkas Impeachment as Democrats Decry Process as a Sham
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany and Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 1/30/2024
House Republicans voted to advance an impeachment case against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the full chamber, moving one step closer to impeaching the first Cabinet member in almost 150 years. Members of the House Homeland Security Committee advanced two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, accusing him of “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” and breach of the public trust. Democrats repeatedly asserted that Republicans have no constitutional basis to impeach Mayorkas.
‘Delusions of Immortality’: These lawmakers want Congress to get real about continuity
MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 1/30/2024
According to the Constitution, only directly elected representatives can serve in the U.S. House, which means a special election is called for every vacancy. But that process can take a while, and if a catastrophe struck, it could kill many lawmakers at once. Rep. Derek Kilmer sees an opening to talk about continuity planning – not the well-known practice of designating a survivor who could replace the commander in chief but the lesser-known ways of the legislative branch.
Who Are No Labels’ Donors? Democratic Groups File Complaints in an Attempt to Find Out
MSN – Brian Slodysko and Jonathan Cooper (Associated Press) | Published: 1/24/2024
For months, the centrist group No Labels has stockpiled cash and diligently worked to secure ballot access for a potential third-party presidential bid, striking fear among allies of President Biden that the effort could siphon away votes and hand the White House to Donald Trump. Now, two Democratic-aligned groups filed campaign finance complaints, hoping to crimp No Labels’ pipeline of campaign money and force it to follow the same rules as formal political parties.
Peter Navarro Sentenced to 4 Months for Contempt of Congress in Jan. 6 Probe
MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 1/25/2024
Peter Navarro, a White House aide to then-President Trump who claimed credit for devising a plan to overturn the 2020 election, was sentenced to four months in prison for ignoring a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Capitol attack. Navarro became the second senior Trump aide sentenced for stonewalling Congress’s investigation, joining Stephen Bannon, a former Trump political adviser with whom Navarro said he worked on a plan to delay and ultimately change the outcome of the formal count of the presidential election results.
Does Your Congress Need Fixing? Call These Former Staffers
MSN – Jim Saska (Roll Call) | Published: 1/25/2024
There are a few well-trod career paths for a congressional staffer. Many decide to trade their hard-earned institutional knowledge for fat paychecks on K Street, while others put their experience to use working on some political passion project at an interest group. Others still leave politics behind entirely, and an increasingly rare few are lifers who never want to leave. But then there are some staffers who love Congress so much, they had to let it go. They left Congress so they could try to fix it.
OpenSecrets – Anna Massoglia | Published: 1/26/2024
Federal lobbying spending skyrocketed to over $4.2 billion in 2023, a nominal record, a new OpenSecrets analysis found. The report said lobbyists reported over $46 billion in combined federal and state lobbying expenditures since 2015. Influential corporations and other special interest groups wanting a say in policy decisions beefed up their lobbying game, and not just on K Street. Amid congressional gridlock, many moved to sidestep the chaos on Capitol Hill by realigning their influence operations to include state-level officials.
GOP Legislatures in Some States Seek Ways to Undermine Voters’ Ability to Determine Abortion Rights
Yahoo News – Christine Fernando (Associated Press) | Published: 1/28/2024
Legislative efforts in Missouri and Mississippi are attempting to prevent voters from having a say over abortion rights, building on anti-abortion strategies seen in other states, including last year in Ohio. Democrats and abortion rights advocates say the efforts are evidence that Republican lawmakers and abortion opponents are trying to undercut democratic processes meant to give voters a direct role in forming state laws.
Republican Lawsuits Challenge Mail Ballot Deadlines. Could They Upend Voting Across the Country?
Yahoo News – Christie Fernando, Emily Wagster Pettus, and Jack Dura (Associated Press) | Published: 2/1/2024
Republicans are challenging extended mail ballot deadlines in at least two states in a legal maneuver that could have widespread implications for mail voting ahead of this year’s presidential election. Democratic and voting rights groups are concerned about the potential impact beyond those two states if a judge rules that deadlines for receiving mailed ballots that stretch past Election Day violate federal law.
From the States and Municipalities
Canada – Trudeau’s Holiday Travel Didn’t Break the Rules, Ethics Commissioner Tells MPs
CBC – Elizabeth Thompson | Published: 1/30/2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s trip to Jamaica did not break the rules that govern gifts and travel for elected officials because the stay was a gift from a longtime family friend, Interim Ethics Commissioner Konrad Von Finckenstein told Members of Parliament (MP). Von Finckenstein said the rules governing the gifts and travel that MPs can accept makes an exception for gifts or travel given by parents or friends. But the rules on MPs’ travel could be about to change.
Canada – Fundraising Scandal: CAQ says it’s ready to end donations to political parties
CTV News – Canadian Press | Published: 1/31/2024
The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) said it is prepared to end contributions to political parties, after several CAQ members were accused of soliciting $100 donations from mayors hoping to meet with ministers. Under Quebec’s Election Act, only citizens, not legal entities such as companies or unions, can give to political parties. The law specifies that contributions cannot be given to gain a favor or an advantage.
Alaska – Dunleavy Reelection Backers Ordered to Comply with Subpoenas in Campaign Finance Case
Yahoo News – Sean Maguire (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 1/27/2024
A judge ordered backers of Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s reelection campaign to respond to subpoenas that seek to find whether they violated state law in the lead-up to the 2022 election. Two Alaska watchdog groups filed a complaint alleging the Republican Governors Association created A Stronger Alaska as a shell entity to improperly spend money in Alaska in violation of campaign finance laws.
Arizona – Rep. Leezah Sun Resigns from the Arizona House
KJZZ – Wayne Schutsky | Published: 1/31/2024
Minutes before the Arizona House was set to vote on expelling her from the chamber in the wake of an ethics probe that found she engaged in “disorderly behavior,” including threatening to kill a lobbyist, Rep. Leezah Sun resigned. An investigation determined Sun behaved inappropriately on multiple occasions while acting in her official capacity. That includes when she allegedly told several attendees at a conference that she wanted to slap Pilar Sinawi, a lobbyist for the city of Tolleson, and throw her over a balcony.
Arizona – Scottsdale Mayor Nixed New Old Town Restaurant but Denies Any Favor to Campaign Donors
MSN – Sam Kmack (Arizona Republic) | Published: 2/1/2024
Scottsdale’s mayor received nearly half of his campaign contributions over the past two years from employees of the prominent local development company that successfully fought to defeat a competitor’s plan to build a new restaurant in the city. Employees of Riot Hospitality Group, owned by Shawn Yari, donated $36,000 to Mayor David Ortega. The mayor cast a deciding vote to block the development of a proposed upscale restaurant that would have competed with Yari’s properties and plans.
Arkansas – Federal Appeals Court Won’t Revisit Ruling That Limits Scope of Voting Rights Act
MSN – Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) | Published: 1/31/2024
A federal appeals court declined to reconsider its decision that would prevent private groups from suing under a key section of the Voting Rights Act, prompting a potential fight before the U.S. Supreme Court over a ruling that civil rights groups say erodes the law aimed at prohibiting racial discrimination in voting. An Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled that only the U.S. attorney general can enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
California – California Lawmakers, Raising Fears of Political Violence, Want to Shield Their Properties
CalMatters – Alexei Koseff | Published: 1/30/2024
Citing safety threats, California lawmakers are advancing a bill that would keep the property they own and other personal information from annual financial disclosures off the internet. Assembly Bill 1170 would shift to an electronic filing system for the statement of economic interest that elected officials and some public employees in California are required to complete each year. But a provision proposes to expand the redactions on publicly available versions of the form, shielding the addresses of filers’ real property interests and businesses, though they would still be available upon request.
California – State Auditors: Anaheim hasn’t properly managed tourism money
MSN – Michael Slaton (Orange County Register) | Published: 1/30/2024
State auditors said Anaheim has not properly managed its tourism contracts and millions of dollars in related funding, and some of that public money was used for political purposes. The audit put public money sent by the city to Visit Anaheim and the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce under a microscope for potential misuse of funds. The auditors are recommending the city implement additional oversight of its contracts and of the millions in tourism district funds that come from hotel stays each year.
California – Former L.A. Councilman Jose Huizar Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison in Corruption Case
MSN – Dakota Smith and David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 1/26/2024
Former Los Angeles City Councilperson Jose Huizar was sentenced to 13 years in prison for using his position to shaker down real estate developers for at least $1.5 million in cash and benefits in exchange for help driving projects through the city’s approval process. Huizar was the prime architect of a criminal enterprise that relied on bribery, extortion, obstruction of justice, and other crimes to achieve its goals of enriching himself and his associates, and expanding their political power, U.S. District Court Judge John Walter said.
Florida – Miami Mayor Pushed for No-Bid City Contract Benefiting His Private Employer’s Partner
MSN – Sarah Blaskey, Joey Flechas, Alex Harris, and Tess Riski (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/30/2024
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and his top aides spent months last year advocating for a no-bid city contract for a little-known software company that was simultaneously negotiating a partnership with a firm paying the mayor a $20,000-a-month salary. The mayor advocacy on behalf of the software company, NZero and the behind-closed-doors discussions involving its partnership with Suarez’s private employer, Redivider, were laid out in dozens of emails. The emails raise new questions about conflicts-of-interest involving Suarez, whose outside work for a local developer is already the subject of a federal investigation.
Florida – Federal Judge Throws Out Disney’s Lawsuit against DeSantis
Yahoo News – Gary Fineout (Politico) | Published: 1/31/2024
Disney lost a battle in its struggle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis after a federal judge tossed out the company’s lawsuit against the governor and his handpicked board that now oversees the land around Disney World. U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor said Disney lacked standing and jurisdiction in arguing that actions pushed by DeSantis were retaliatory and violated the First Amendment rights of the company. Disney said it intends to appeal.
Florida – Florida Supreme Court Will Consider Challenge to DeSantis’ Redistricting Map
Yahoo News – Gary Fineout (Politico) | Published: 1/24/2024
Florida’s contested congressional map that helped Republicans capture the U.S. House may get left in place for the 2024 elections after the state Supreme Court signaled it could be months before it rules on a lawsuit challenging the current districts. Gov. Ron DeSantis urged the Supreme Court to keep in place an appeals court ruling that upheld a map that dismantled the seat that former Democratic Rep. Al Lawson held, and which led to a net gain of four seats for Republicans during the 2022 election cycle. That map was muscled into law by DeSantis.
Hawaii – Hawaii Legislators Target Deepfake Political Messaging
Yahoo News – Dan Nakaso (Honolulu Star Advertiser) | Published: 1/30/2024
To keep artificial intelligence – or deepfake – messaging out of Hawaii elections, two bills would ban false information of a candidate or party, and a third would make it a petty misdemeanor to distribute, or conspire to distribute, fake political messages. A winning House or Senate candidate often needs only 3,000 votes or so. The outcome could be determined by “a handful of votes that could very easily be swayed by deepfake messaging in the critical hours before the vote …,” Rep. Trisha La Chica said.
Indiana – An Indiana State Senator Could Benefit from Her Bill Easing Child Labor Laws. Here’s How
MSN – Brittany Carloni and Rachel Fradette (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 1/30/2024
A bill by state Sen. Linda Rogers would expand work hours and time restrictions for young people and allow 18-year-olds to serve alcohol in restaurants and hotels. Rogers and her husband own Juday Creek Golf Course, which is registered as a business that employs minors. The potential connection between the bill and Rogers’ business points to the challenge, or benefit some might say, of having a part-time Legislature, where lawmakers have other sources of income or jobs in their home communities, ethics experts said.
Nevada – Court Dismisses Lombardo Ethics Case on ‘Technicality,’ Attorneys Intend to Appeal
Nevada Independent – Tabitha Mueller | Published: 1/31/2024
A Carson City judge in early January dismissed a lawsuit filed by Gov. Joe Lombardo challenging a decision from the Nevada Commission on Ethics to censure and fine the governor for using his Clark County sheriff uniform and badge on the 2022 campaign trail, but attorneys for Lombardo said they were unaware of the court’s order until recently and plan to appeal. Judge James Russell’s order, which ethics commission attorneys were also unaware of, dismissed the appeal on procedural grounds.
New York – The Secretive Court Fight Roiling New York’s Democratic Socialists
DNyuz – Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) | Published: 1/25/2024
As New York socialists looked to expand an electoral beachhead in 2022, they steered supporters to a special campaign committee set up to advance not just a single candidate, but a socialist slate. The group, DSA for the Many, allowed the fledgling movement to act something like a major political party, pooling resources and coordinating directly with a dozen candidates. Eight socialists ultimately won seats in the state Legislature. But a state elections official found the group never filed the authorizations needed to raise and spend candidate funds.
New York – ‘Full of Loopholes’ – Mayor Adams’ 2021 Fundraising Shows Weaknesses in Campaign Finance Law
Gothamist – Charles Lane | Published: 1/25/2024
Campaign finance regulators overseeing New York City’s matching funds program for campaigns flagged nearly 400 donations to Eric Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign as possibly bundled and requiring disclosure the campaign never provided, according to records. People familiar with the audit say it has been paused while the FBI investigates if the mayor’s campaign collected foreign and straw contributions. But the federal probe has also made clear that rules and enforcement around campaign finance in New York need improvement.
New York – Jury Orders Trump to Pay E. Jean Carroll More Than $83 Million for Defaming Her
MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Mark Berman (Washington Post) | Published: 1/26/2024
A civil jury ordered Donald Trump to pay the writer E. Jean Carroll more than $83 million for defaming her, a financial penalty that doubled as a denunciation of his rhetoric. The verdict delivered a stinging courtroom loss to the former president as he closes in on another Republican presidential nomination. At the same time, it illustrated the degree to which Trump’s year could be defined as much by courtrooms as the campaign trail.
New York – Justice Dept. Says Cuomo Created ‘Sexually Hostile Work Environment’ as Governor
MSN – Azi Paybarah abd Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 1/26/2024
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo “subjected female employees to a hostile work environment” and “retaliated against employees who spoke out about the harassment,” the Justice Department announced, after reaching a settlement with the state. The report is based on an investigation into allegations against Cuomo, who resigned after a state investigation found he sexually harassed 11 women and oversaw an unlawful attempt to exact retribution against one of his accusers.
North Carolina – North Carolina Redistricting Lawsuit Tries ‘Fair’ Election Claim to Overturn GOP Lines
MSN – Gary Robertson (Associated Press) | Published: 1/31/2024
Another lawsuit challenging district lines for Congress and the Legislature in North Carolina seeks a new legal route to strike down the maps that are to be used this year. Plaintiffs ask judges to declare there is a right in the state constitution to “fair” elections. They also want at least several congressional and General Assembly districts they say violate that right struck down and redrawn.
Ohio – Every Politician Has Got to Have Somebody That’s the Hit Man
DNyuz – Ian MacDougall (New York Times) | Published: 1/25/2024
In July 2020, the FBI arrested then-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, lobbyist Neil Clark and three others on corruption charges. They were accused of taking tens of millions of dollars in donations from an energy company in exchange for passing a law that awarded the company $1.3 billion in subsidies. Householder was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Clark pleaded not guilty but committed suicide before a trial date could be set.
Ohio – Ohio Rep. Dobos Drops Reelection Bid Following Revelations of MIT Degree Misstatements
MSN – Billy Bush (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 1/30/2024
Ohio Rep. Dave Dobos, who drew scrutiny when it was discovered he had not earned a college degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as he had long claimed, dropped out of his reelection bid ahead of the March primary, where he faced two opponents. Just before the November 2022 election, Dobos said he was “in error” when he did not include on a required report that two creditors claimed he owed them $1.3 million as the result of a business dispute.
Ohio – The Comeback Bid Is On: Ohio Supreme Court allows former lawmaker to appear on ballot
Ohio Capital Journal – Nick Evans | Published: 1/31/2024
The Ohio Supreme Court cleared the path for Steven Kraus to run for the state House, sidestepping difficult questions about the former state lawmaker’s comeback bid. Kraus was removed from office in 2015 after a felony theft conviction, but he has since gotten that case sealed by the court. State law bars ex-felons from holding office unless their conviction is “reversed, expunged or annulled.” Kraus insisted his sealed case is the same as an expunged case, because sealing the conviction was the only option available to him.
Pennsylvania – Former Mayoral Candidate Jeff Brown and Super PAC Sue Philly Ethics Board
Billy Penn – Meir Rinde | Published: 1/31/2024
Former Philadelphia mayoral candidate Jeff Brown and a super PAC that spent millions of dollars to back his unsuccessful bid have sued the city’s Board of Ethics, alleging the agency used its power to undermine his candidacy. The board sued the super PAC and a related nonprofit, both called For A Better Philadelphia, during last year’s Democratic primary campaign, alleging its staff illegally coordinated with Brown and his campaign. Following the board’s allegations and a series of unrelated campaign missteps, Brown finished in fifth place.
Tennessee – GOP Ex-Lawmaker Using Old Campaign Cash to Bankroll Law School Bearing His Name
MSN – Mark Alesia (Raw Story) | Published: 1/30/2024
When Lincoln Memorial University received a $5,000 donation in October, it came from a familiar source, the old campaign committee account of former U.S. Rep. John Duncan, who last served in Congress five years ago. Over the past 19 years, Duncan has given more than $48,000 in leftover campaign funds to the university. That money has helped sustain the university and the law school that bears Duncan’s name. Campaign finance experts consider the practice as ethically murky when political donations enhance former lawmakers’ legacies with “monuments to me.”
Texas – Proposed Changes to the City’s Ethics Commission Falter
Austin Monitor – Elizabeth Pagano | Published: 1/26/2024
A proposal to remake Austin’s ethics panel as an independent entity appears to be on hold at the Charter Review Commission after a motion to form a working group to look into the issue failed without any support. Commissioner Betsy Greenberg, who made the motion to form a working group, presented her research on the topic at the commission’s most recent meeting. Most of her presentation centered on a 2018 recommendation from the previous incarnation of the commission.
Utah – Parents Claim SLC District Official Had a Conflict of Interest with School Closures
KUER – Martha Harris | Published: 1/26/2024
Some parents in the Salt Lake City School District are asking the school board to redo its recent school closure study over claims the district official overseeing much of the process had a conflict-of-interest. Brian Conley, the district’s director of boundaries and planning, was often the public face of this effort. Critics note Conley’s spouse, who is the principal of an elementary school within the district, and that his stepchild attends a separate elementary school. Both schools were not recommended for closure.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Promises to Veto Last-Ditch Republican Redistricting Effort
MSN – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 1/25/2024
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers promised to veto a redistricting proposal the Republican-controlled Assembly passed and that largely mirror maps he proposed, but with changes that would reduce the number of GOP incumbents who would have to face one another in November. Evers’ veto will leave it to the Wisconsin Supreme Court to install the state’s new maps.
February 1, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Pennsylvania: “Former Mayoral Candidate Jeff Brown and Super PAC Sue Philly Ethics Board” by Meir Rinde for Billy Penn Elections Hawaii: “Hawaii Legislators Target Deepfake Political Messaging” by Dan Nakaso (Honolulu Star Advertiser) for Yahoo News Ohio: “The Comeback Bid Is On: Ohio […]
Campaign Finance
Pennsylvania: “Former Mayoral Candidate Jeff Brown and Super PAC Sue Philly Ethics Board” by Meir Rinde for Billy Penn
Elections
Hawaii: “Hawaii Legislators Target Deepfake Political Messaging” by Dan Nakaso (Honolulu Star Advertiser) for Yahoo News
Ohio: “The Comeback Bid Is On: Ohio Supreme Court allows former lawmaker to appear on ballot” by Nick Evans for Ohio Capital Journal
Ethics
Arizona: “Rep. Leezah Sun Resigns from the Arizona House” by Wayne Schutsky for KJZZ
California: “State Auditors: Anaheim hasn’t properly managed tourism money” by Michael Slaton (Orange County Register) for MSN
Canada: “Trudeau’s Holiday Travel Didn’t Break the Rules, Ethics Commissioner Tells MPs” by Elizabeth Thompson for CBC
Legislative Issues
National: “Republicans Advance Mayorkas Impeachment as Democrats Decry Process as a Sham” by Jacqueline Alemany and Amy Wang (Washington Post) for MSN
Redistricting
Florida: “Florida Supreme Court Will Consider Challenge to DeSantis’ Redistricting Map” by Gary Fineout (Politico) for Yahoo News
January 30, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance New York: “The Secretive Court Fight Roiling New York’s Democratic Socialists” by Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) for DNyuz Elections National: “Voting Is Bewildering This Primary Season. That Worries Experts.” by Maggie Astor (New York Times) for DNyuz Ethics California: “Former L.A. Councilman […]
Campaign Finance
New York: “The Secretive Court Fight Roiling New York’s Democratic Socialists” by Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) for DNyuz
Elections
National: “Voting Is Bewildering This Primary Season. That Worries Experts.” by Maggie Astor (New York Times) for DNyuz
Ethics
California: “Former L.A. Councilman Jose Huizar Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison in Corruption Case” by Dakota Smith and David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) for MSN
New York: “Justice Dept. Says Cuomo Created ‘Sexually Hostile Work Environment’ as Governor” by Azi Paybarah and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN
Ohio: “Every Politician Has Got to Have Somebody That’s the Hit Man” by Ian MacDougall (New York Times) for DNyuz
Texas: “Proposed Changes to the City’s Ethics Commission Falter” by Elizabeth Pagano for Austin Monitor
Utah: “Parents Claim SLC District Official Had a Conflict of Interest with School Closures” by Martha Harris for KUER
Legislative Issues
National: “GOP Legislatures in Some States Seek Ways to Undermine Voters’ Ability to Determine Abortion Rights” by Christine Fernando (Associated Press) for Yahoo News
January 29, 2024 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Alaska: “Dunleavy Reelection Backers Ordered to Comply with Subpoenas in Campaign Finance Case” by Sean Maguire (Anchorage Daily News) for Yahoo News National: “Who Are No Labels’ Donors? Democratic Groups File Complaints in an Attempt to Find Out” by Brian Slodysko and […]
Campaign Finance
Alaska: “Dunleavy Reelection Backers Ordered to Comply with Subpoenas in Campaign Finance Case” by Sean Maguire (Anchorage Daily News) for Yahoo News
National: “Who Are No Labels’ Donors? Democratic Groups File Complaints in an Attempt to Find Out” by Brian Slodysko and Jonathan Cooper (Associated Press) for MSN
New York: “‘Full of Loopholes’ – Mayor Adams’ 2021 Fundraising Shows Weaknesses in Campaign Finance Law” by Charles Lane for Gothamist
Ethics
Arizona: “Witnesses Agree Arizona Lawmaker Made ‘Balcony’ Death Threat; Leezah Sun’s ‘Personal Attacks’ Cut Off” by Ray Stern (Arizona Republic) for MSN
National: “Peter Navarro Sentenced to 4 Months for Contempt of Congress in Jan. 6 Probe” by Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN
New York: “Jury Orders Trump to Pay E. Jean Carroll More Than $83 Million for Defaming Her” by Shayna Jacobs and Mark Berman (Washington Post) for MSN
Legislative Issues
National: “Does Your Congress Need Fixing? Call These Former Staffers” by Jim Saska (Roll Call) for MSN
Redistricting
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Promises to Veto Last-Ditch Republican Redistricting Effort” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for MSN
January 26, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 26, 2024
National/Federal Billionaires Wanted to Save the News Industry. They’re Losing a Fortune. DNyuz – Benjamin Mullin and Katie Robertson (New York Times) | Published: 1/18/2024 There is an old saying about the news business: If you want to make a small fortune, […]
National/Federal
Billionaires Wanted to Save the News Industry. They’re Losing a Fortune.
DNyuz – Benjamin Mullin and Katie Robertson (New York Times) | Published: 1/18/2024
There is an old saying about the news business: If you want to make a small fortune, start with a large one. As the prospects for news publishers waned in the last decade, billionaires swooped in to buy some of the country’s most fabled brands. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, bought The Washington Post in 2013 for about $250 million, for example. But it increasingly appears that the billionaires are struggling just like nearly everyone else.
No Labels Sued by New York Donors Claiming ‘Bait and Switch’
DNyuz – Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 1/23/2024
Two members of the powerful Durst real estate family in New York sued the centrist group No Labels, accusing it of pulling a “bait and switch” by seeking donations for a bipartisan governing group and then moving to fund a third-party presidential candidacy. The lawsuit seeks damages and reimbursements after the Dursts donated $145,000 years ago, when No Labels was founded on the promise of finding governing solutions.
Once Professor and Student, These Lawmakers Are Out to Protect Journalists’ Secret Sources
MSN – Megan Mineiro (Roll Call) | Published: 1/19/2024
Bipartisan legislation to protect journalists from government surveillance passed the U.S. House recently. The Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act would block federal law enforcement agencies from subpoenaing journalists’ emails, phone records, recordings, and photographs to nail down the identity of confidential sources in their reporting. It includes tailored exceptions for terrorism or threats of imminent violence or harm.
These Lawmakers Are Still Invested in Banning Congressional Stock Trades
MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 1/18/2024
Scrutiny of members’ trading has been building since the pandemic, when some lawmakers raised eyebrows by selling stocks soon before the market crashed. That prompted investigations from the Department of Justice, though no charges were filed. Reports from the media followed, highlighting a litany of questionable deals coming from the Capitol. Advocates say a ban on individual trades would curb worries about conflicts-of-interest and insider trading in Congress. But lack of buy-in from leadership has been a sticking point.
Here’s How ChatGPT Maker OpenAI Plans to Deter Election Misinformation in 2024
MSN – Ali Swenson (Associated Press) | Published: 1/16/2024
ChatGPT maker OpenAI outlined a plan to prevent its tools from being used to spread election misinformation as voters in more than 50 countries prepare to cast their ballots in national elections this year. It will ban people from using its technology to create chatbots that impersonate real candidates or governments, to misrepresent how voting works, or to discourage people from voting. It said until more research can be done on the persuasive power of its technology, it will not allow its users to build applications for the purposes of campaigning or lobbying.
Lobbying Spending by Top Interest Groups Dipped Amid 2023 Gridlock
MSN – Caitlin Reilly (Roll Call) | Published: 1/24/2024
A year of gridlock amid divided government and Republican infighting on Capitol Hill drove down spending by the biggest interest groups by about 13 percent in 2023 from the previous year. Tax policy, artificial intelligence, and China, along with perennial issues like health care and defense, drove interest and revenue on K Street last year, lobbyists said. Those trends are expected to hold this year.
How Many of Your State’s Lawmakers Are Women? If You Live in the Southeast, It Could Be Just 1 in 5.
ProPublica – Jennifer Berry Hawes | Published: 1/11/2022
The United States saw a record number of women elected to statehouses last year. Nationally, one-third of legislators are women, the most in history. In recent years, three states – Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado – achieved parity. But much of the Southeast lags far behind. Women constitute fewer than one in five state lawmakers across much of the region. This leaves large majorities of men controlling policy, including laws that most impact women, at a time when the U.S. Supreme Court is sending more power to statehouses.
‘We Don’t Have a Clear Path to Victory’: DeSantis exits presidential race
Yahoo News – Gary Fineout and Alez Isenstadt (Politico) | Published: 1/21/2024
Gov. Ron DeSantis ended his presidential campaign after he was unable to convince Republicans to set aside their allegiance to the man who helped his own political career. DeSantis’s run came to a halt following a dispiriting second-place finish in Iowa, a state where he and allies poured millions of dollars into an aggressive get-out-the-vote effort that featured the governor visiting all 99 counties. He spent week after week in the state instead of establishing a presence in other early voting states like New Hampshire and South Carolina.
Pro-Biden PAC Launches $1 Million Campaign to Pay Social Media Influencers
Yahoo News – Rebecca Kern (Politico) | Published: 1/23/2024
Priorities USA, a super PAC supporting President Biden, is spending $1 million for its first-ever “creator” program, enlisting about 150 influencers to post on social media in the 2024 election cycle. The effort is part of a larger Democratic strategy to lure young voters in battleground states. Priorities USA plans to transition all its spending to digital communications in 2024 and sees the influencer campaign as key to reaching people who do not see typical campaign ads on television.
Appeals Court Declines Further Review of Trump Jan. 6 Gag Order
Yahoo News – Rebecca Beitsch and Zach Schonfeld (The Hill) | Published: 1/23/2024
A federal appeals court declined an effort by Donald Trump to have his challenge to a gag order in his election interference case heard by the full court, teeing up a likely U.S. Supreme Court battle over restrictions to his speech. A three-judge panel of the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals had largely upheld a lower court ruling restricting Trump’s speech in the case.
From the States and Municipalities
Arizona – Arizona GOP Lawmaker Targets ‘Conflict of Interest’ in Donations to City Bond Projects
KJZZ – Wayne Schutsky | Published: 1/19/2024
Arizona Rep. Laurin Hendrix is pushing a bill that would bar construction companies that donate to local bond elections from then benefitting from the array of city projects funded by those bonds, a move that could drain hundreds of thousands of dollars out of the campaigns that push for passage of those bonds every election cycle. In the lead up to those elections, voters are often inundated with advertising and marketing efforts backed by local politicians and PACs that support passage of the bond questions. A lot of the money that pays for those efforts come from businesses or individuals with ties to the construction industry.
Arizona – Arizona Republican Party Chair Resigns After Kari Lake Recording Is Made Public
MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 1/24/2024
Arizona Republican Party Chairperson Jeff DeWit announced his resignation after a recording was made public that appeared to show him attempting to entice Kari Lake to sit out the 2024 election for the state’s U.S. Senate seat. The recording and DeWit’s resignation mark major challenges for a state GOP struggling to bounce back from years of tough election losses. What happens politically in Arizona, a swing state, could have broader consequences for both the presidency and the Senate majority in 2024.
California – She Went to Prison for Bribing Nuru with a Rolex. Now She Has to Pay S.F. $750,000
MSN – St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 1/23/2024
Businessperson Florence Kong has already spent a year in prison for pleading guilty to bribing Mohammed Nuru with a Rolex watch and other gifts and lying to FBI agents about her relationship with the former head of San Francisco’s Public Works Department. Now she is on the hook to pay the city $750,000 to resolve civil penalties related to the matter, according to a settlement proposal.
California – SoCalGas Billed Customers Millions to Fight Clean Energy, The Bee Found. This Bill Could Stop That
MSN – Ari Plachta (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 1/17/2024
New legislation in California strengthens laws that prevent energy utilities from passing on the costs of lobbying to their customers. It comes in response to a media investigation that found the nation’s largest gas provider, Southern California Gas Company, booked at least $36 million to ratepayers since 2019 to oppose clean energy policies. The bill explicitly defines “political influence activity,” prevents the use of customer money for membership dues to trade groups, and requires utilities to disclose whether advertising campaigns are paid for by customers or shareholders.
California – OC Supervisor Quietly Routed Millions More to His Daughter’s Group
MSN – Nick Gerda (LAist) | Published: 1/22/2024
Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do directed an additional $6.2 million in taxpayer dollars to his 22-year-old daughter’s nonprofit group. Records show a total of $13.5 million in county funding that Do is now known to have played a major role awarding to Viet America Society since late 2020, all without publicly disclosing the relationship. The newly discovered grants were awarded by Do to his daughter Rhiannon Do’s nonprofit outside of public meetings. Details of these grants were also not included in public meeting agendas.
California – OC Board of Supervisors Deadlock on Conflict of Interest, Discretionary Spending Policy Updates
Orange County Register – Destiny Torres | Published: 1/23/2024
Orange County supervisors deadlocked on a proposal to require leaders and their top staffers to broaden the instances involving family connections that would require disclosure when approving contracts or spending money. Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento proposed the reform following reports that Supervisor Andrew Do voted for subcontracts with the Warner Wellness Center, a mental health program, without publicly disclosing that his daughter was part of the organization’s leadership.
MSN – Seth Klamann (Denver Post) | Published: 1/24/2024
State Rep. Mike Lynch, the embattled Colorado House Republican and congressional candidate whose 2022 drunken driving arrest was revealed recently, said he was stepping down as minority leader. Lynch’s position as the top Republican in the House has been on the brink of collapse for several days amid fallout from the news about his arrest.
Connecticut – Conn. Mayor Wins Do-Over Race After GOP Seized on Democratic Ballot-Stuffing
MSN – Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) | Published: 1/25/2024
A Connecticut mayor whose September primary election win was invalidated after ballot-fraud allegations won a do-over primary, months after his case became a flash point in conservative arguments about debunked theories of voter fraud. Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, whose supporters allegedly stuffed absentee ballots on his behalf in September, won reelection over John Gomes in the primary held on January 23.
Florida – Lubby Navarro Had Other Jobs. At Least One of Them Is Probing Her Spending After Her Arrest
MSN – David Goodhue (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/24/2024
Lubby Navarro, the former Miami-Dade County School Board member accused of stealing more than $100,000 from taxpayers by way of her district-issued credit cards, is under investigation by a hospital chain that put her on unpaid leave after she was arrested. Yanet Obarrio Sanchez, a spokesperson for the South Broward Hospital District, where Navarro works as a registered lobbyist, said an internal investigation was launched “as a standard protocol” right after Navarro’s arrest.
Florida – Split City Council Approves Legislation in Reaction to Deegan Using Single Source Contract
Yahoo News – David Bauerlein (Florida Times Union) | Published: 1/25/2024
Any future no-bid selection of a firm to do lobbying or grant writing for Jacksonville will have to get city council approval, a reaction to Mayor Donna Deegan awarding a contract to a campaign supporter. The bill was filed after Deegan awarded a $300,000 no-bid contract to Langton Consulting to do federal lobbying, grant writing, and public policy development. The city did not invite proposals from any other firm.
Georgia – Georgia Secretary of State Says It’s Unconstitutional for Board to Oversee Him, but Lawmakers Differ
Yahoo News – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 1/24/2024
An attempt to state that Georgia’s State Election Board has the legal power to investigate Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s handling of elections blossomed into a constitutional showdown, with a lawyer for Raffensperger saying board members cannot legally oversee him. But the Senate Ethics Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 358. The proposal would remove Raffensperger from his nonvoting post on the board, allow the board to hire election investigators instead of solely relying on those working for Raffensperger, and clearly give the board power to investigate the secretary of state.
Illinois – Paul Vallas Facing $10,500 Fine from City’s Ethics Board
Yahoo News – A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/24/2024
Recent mayoral runner-up Paul Vallas is being fined $10,500 for violating Chicago’s campaign finance law. In November, the Board of Ethics found probable cause that Vallas, who lost to Brandon Johnson in the April 2023 runoff election, violated a rule that limits campaign contributions from entities doing business with the city.
Kentucky – Why Are KY Legislators Fleeing Frankfort? Blame Trump, Low Pay and Nasty Politics
MSN – Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 1/25/2024
Seventeen senators and representatives in Kentucky are not seeking reelection this year. The numbers are growing relative to years past. Virtually all the elected officials in Frankfort will tell you that serving in the Kentucky General Assembly is an honor and a privilege. But is it a good job?
Kentucky – How Much Could Be Spent on Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg’s Ethics Complaint Defense?
Yahoo News – Josh Wood and Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 1/24/2024
Outside counsel hired to defend Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg against an ethics complaint signed a contract to receive up to $25,000 in city funds for their services but the actual cost passed on to taxpayers could be much higher. Jefferson County Attorney’s Office spokesperson Josh Abner said the office does not limit the amount it spends on legal representation, despite the ordinance.
Louisiana – Louisiana Legislature Approves New Congressional Map with Second Majority-Black District
MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 1/19/2024
The Louisiana Legislature approved a new congressional map that includes two majority-Black districts after being ordered to do so by a federal court that found the existing map illegally diminished Black voting power. Previously, Black voters in Louisiana had a majority in just one of the state’s six congressional districts, despite making up nearly a third of the statewide population.
Minnesota – You Might Be a Lobbyist Now
Minnesota Reformer – Madison McVan | Published: 1/19/2024
A change to the lobbying law in Minnesota is expected to mandate a bevy of new people register as lobbyists under the rule’s wide umbrella, said Jeff Sigurdson, executive director of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Now, anyone making or spending more than $3,000 to influence decisions by governmental bodies across the state must register. The new law applies to all the state’s political subdivisions. Previously, lobbying rules did not apply to local governments except those in the Twin Cities metro area.
New Hampshire – Trump Beats Haley Decisively in N.H., Closing in on Nomination
MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf, Colby Itkowitz, Sabrina Rodriguez, and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 1/23/2024
Donald Trump marched closer to the Republican nomination for president by defeating Nikki Haley in New Hampshire’s primary. Trump’s victory dealt another blow to critics in his party who saw the vote as perhaps the last best chance to stop or slow him. Haley’s strength with independents exposed weaknesses for Trump in a potential rematch with President Biden, as moderate Republicans and right-leaning independents sent a message that the party’s internal divisions will not disappear quickly.
New Mexico – Leader of New State Office Faces Ethics Complaint Over Lobbying Request
Yahoo News – Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 1/22/2024
Beth Gillia, head of the New Mexico Office of Family Representation and Advocacy, is facing an ethics complaint after using her government email to encourage employees to lobby legislators on the office’s behalf but without specifically instructing them to disclose their roles. Maralyn Beck, founder of the New Mexico Child First Network, said she will be filing a formal complaint with the State Ethics Commission and sharing her concerns with members of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee.
New Mexico – Changes to New Mexico Employees’ and Politicians’ Anti-Corruption Law Clear First Committee
Yahoo News – Robert Nott (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 1/24/2024
Public employees and elected officials could find themselves facing fines of up to $10,000 if they violate the state’s Governmental Conduct Act under a new bill that cleared its first committee. House Bill 8 would not only raise the ceiling for fines but provide more clarity regarding prohibited activities under the law.
New York – State GOP Officials Took Trip Backed by Chinese Communist Party
Albany Times Union – Raga Justin | Published: 1/21/2024
Four members of the New York Assembly traveled to China in December. The group that funded the trip, the American Chinese Commerce Association, has been described as linked to an arm of the Chinese Communist Party known as the “united front work” department. According to U.S. security agencies, united front work seeks to influence American individuals and institutions, especially state-level lawmakers, through various overtures that include sponsored trips to meet Chinese officials.
North Carolina – NC Confidential: Keeping voters in dark about campaign finance probes
Carolina Public Press – Mehr Shur | Published: 1/22/2024
Campaign finance investigations are confidential in North Carolina. While candidates are innocent until proven otherwise, the confidentiality provision passed by state lawmakers in 2018 can also keep voters from making informed decisions, according to ethics experts. The public is barred from finding out any details about a complaint or an ongoing State Board of Elections investigation and can only have access to information once an investigation has concluded and it proceeds to a hearing.
North Carolina – From Lobbying to Congress? NC Candidate’s Fundraiser Draws Questions About His Support
Yahoo News – Danielle Battaglia (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 1/24/2024
When a lawmaker leaves office, there is a good chance they will become a lobbyist. Sometimes, though, the “revolving door” swings in the other direction. Addison McDowell resigned as a lobbyist on December 13, the same day he announced he would run for Congress. McDowell, a former lobbyist for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, highlighted his ties to the people he lobbied when he announced a January 30 fundraiser that is being hosted by some of the biggest names in North Carolina politics, including both lawmakers and lobbyists.
Ohio – Trans Candidates Face Challenges to Get on Ohio Ballots Over ‘Deadnames’
MSN – Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) | Published: 1/22/2024
Vanessa Joy is one of three transgender women whose candidacies for Ohio House seats have been challenged under a little-known state law that requires disclosure of previous legal names on election documents. While the law is not new, some advocates fear it is being used to hinder transgender candidates, and regardless of intent, it has ensnared several such contenders this election cycle in Ohio, raising concerns that trans candidates elsewhere might face similar hurdles when running for public office.
Oklahoma – New Ethics Commission Director Gets Guardian System Extended for 2024 Election
NonDoc – Tres Savage | Published: 1/22/2024
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission’s new director said its Guardian System, a database used for reporting and tracking campaign financial information and lobbyist registrations, will be extended through February 2025. The Guardian System had been scheduled to lose functionality after July 1 because a software and services firm decided to shelve the underlying software used to operate Oklahoma’s reporting system.
Oregon – Oregon Voters Likely to Decide on Dueling Campaign Finance Measures This Fall
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 1/24/2024
Gov. Tina Kotek said campaign finance limits will not come up this legislative session, so Oregon voters will almost certainly decide the issue through a ballot measure in November. Voters will likely face two similar-looking measures, each of which would limit how much individuals and groups can donate to candidates. But one of the proposed measures, backed by labor unions, contains several loopholes that would allow unions to continue pouring millions of dollars into campaigns.
Rhode Island – R.I. Ethics Commission Dismisses Complaint Against Governor McKee
MSN – Edward Fitzpatrick (Boston Globe) | Published: 1/23/2024
The Rhode Island Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint filed against Gov. Dan McKee alleging he violated state ethics law after a lobbyist picked up a tab for lunch. The state Republican Party accused McKee of participating in a “pay-to-play political culture” by accepting a lunch with a lobbyist and executives from a Philadelphia firm, Scout Ltd., who were seeking $55 million to redevelop the Cranston Street Armory.
South Carolina – How Nikki Haley’s Lean Years Led Her into an Ethical Thicket
Seattle Times – Sharon LaFraniere and Alexandra Berzon (New York Times) | Published: 1/21/2024
Nikki Haley had been serving in the South Carolina Legislature for less than two years when she applied for a job as an accounting clerk at Wilbur Smith Associates, an engineering and design firm with state contracts. Because of her wide-ranging network. The firm put Haley on a retainer, asking her to scout out new business. That contract, and a subsequent, more lucrative one as a fundraiser for a hospital in her home county, allowed Haley to triple her income in three years. But they also led her into an ethical gray area that tarnished her first term as governor.
Tennessee – Campaign Finance Exec: Former Sen. Kelsey can’t use PAC funds on legal fees
Tennessee Lookout – Sam Stockard | Published: 1/24/2024
Bill Young, executive director of the Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance, advised former state Sen. Brian Kelsey he cannot use his PAC to pay attorneys as he tries to reverse a conviction for violating federal campaign finance law. Kelsey transferred $196,833 from his state campaign account to his Red State PAC last summer.
Tennessee – Tennessee Will No Longer Pursue Nearly a Million Dollars in Unpaid Fines Against Former Candidates
WTVF – Jennifer Kraus | Published: 1/24/2024
Over the last 30 years, hundreds of fines for campaign finance violations, totaling more than $2.5 million, have never been paid in Tennessee. Now the state has decided to no longer pursue nearly $1 million of those fines. Bill Young, executive director of the Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance, said when he took the job in 2019, he discovered unpaid fines dated back to 1991. So last year, the Legislature agreed to update the law to allow the bureau to declare certain fines “uncollectible.”
Washington – The Failed Promise of Independent Election Mapmaking
MSN – Marilyn Thompson (ProPublica) | Published: 1/17/2024
In most states, lawmakers draw new districts every 10 years to accommodate changes in population and ethnic makeup. They are usually exercises of raw political power allowing lawmakers to, in essence, choose their voters instead of the other way around. As the nation grapples with ever-more-aggressive battles over access to voting, a review of what unfolded in Washington state shows that independent commissions, still reformers’ best hope for fixing this problem nationwide, have not always succeeded in taking this central democratic function out of politicians’ hands.
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