National/Federal

George Santos’ Campaign Treasurer Gets Probation

Courthouse News Service – Nina Pullano | Published: 5/28/2025

The treasurer for former U.S. Rep. George Santos’s congressional campaign was sentenced to three years of probation after admitting to filing false campaign finance reports. Judge Joanna Seybert handed down the sentence to Nancy Marks about a month after she gave Santos more than seven years in prison under his own guilty plea. Seybert also ordered Marks to pay more than $178,000 in restitution.

Complaints Languished as Johnson’s Delays Hobbled House Watchdog

DNyuz – Michael Gold (New York Times) | Published: 5/30/2025

In the first three months of this year, the independent watchdog that investigates members of the U.S. House received more than 4,000 messages from the public, some accusing lawmakers of serious misconduct. Not one was examined, because Speaker Mike Johnson had yet to constitute the office charged with doing so. Under House rules, the Office of Congressional Conduct cannot start inquiries, hire staff members, or take formal action on public complaints without a board named by the speaker.

Ernst Posts Snarky Reply After Telling Town Hall ‘We All Are Going to Die’

MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 6/1/2025

Sen. Joni Ernst dismissed voters’ concerns in recent days that people could die if Republicans cut Medicaid as they have promised to do in President Trump’s immigration and tax package. Speaking at a town hall, Ernst was explaining how the bill would affect Medicaid eligibility when one audience member yelled out that individuals who lost coverage because of the cuts could die. “Well, we all are going to die,” Ernst replied as the crowd groaned. While outrage at Ernst’s comment was immediate, the senator doubled down with a sarcastic response on Instagram.

Trump’s Law Firm Sanctions, Harshly Rejected in Court, Still Have Impact

MSN – Mark Berman (Washington Post) | Published: 6/1/2025

President Trump’s attempts to punish law firms that employed his perceived foes or handled cases he disliked have been rejected by courts, with three federal judges lambasting them as retaliatory and unconstitutional. But the president’s court losses, with a fourth case pending, are only part of the story. Other firms have struck deals with the administration, hoping to avoid similar punishments. Lawyers say both the sanctions and the negotiated deals have had a chilling effect, with some firms declining to work on issues counter to the administration’s goals.

Trump Administration to Prioritize ‘Patriotic Americans’ for Federal Jobs

MSN – Robin Bravender (Politico) | Published: 5/30/2025

As President Trump moves to slash the size of the federal workforce, his administration unveiled a plan to ensure any new hires are “patriotic Americans” who vow to advance the president’s policy priorities. The White House and the agency that serves as the government’s human resources arm released directives for departments to use when recruiting employees in a memo that represents a dramatic shift in federal hiring procedures.

Discrimination Cases Unravel as Trump Scraps Core Civil Rights Tenet

MSN – Julian Mark and Laura Meckler (Washington Post) | Published: 6/1/2025

For decades, the federal government has used data analysis to ferret out race and sex discrimination, winning court cases and reaching settlements in housing, education, policing, and across American life. Now the Trump administration is working to unwind those same cases. The Justice Department is reviewing its entire docket and has already dismissed or terminated “many” cases that were “legally unsupportable” and a product of “weaponization” under the Biden administration, said Harmeet Dhillon, who heads the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

Trump Pardons Drive a Big, Burgeoning Business for Lobbyists

MSN – Matt Dixon (NBC News) | Published: 6/2/2025

Seeking a pardon from President Trump has become big business for lobbying and consulting firms close to the administration, with wealthy hopefuls willing to spend millions of dollars for help getting their case in front of the right people. Cozying up to a president’s allies or hiring lobbyists to gain access to clemency is not new. But along with a price spike, what is different now is that Trump is issuing pardons on a rolling basis rather than most coming at the end of the administration.

Tester, Weintraub Join Democratic Organization to Counter Corruption

MSN – Filip Timotija (The Hill) | Published: 6/2/2025

Former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and onetime FEC Chairperson Ellen Weintraub are officially joining the nonprofit group End Citizens United to help fight corruption and get big money out of politics. Both Tester and Weintraub will work at End Citizens United, a group that advocates for campaign finance reform, as senior fellows. The pair will be doing press interviews, writing op-eds, helping advise on legislation, and participating in town halls and other public events across the country.

Sharp Spike in Threats to Judges Prompts Calls for More Security

MSN – Derek Hawkins (Washington Post) | Published: 5/29/2025

A spike in threats against federal judges since President Trump took office is prompting calls for new funding and security measures, with current and former jurists, lawmakers, and law enforcement officials saying existing protections are not enough. Experts offer a range of proposals for bolstering safety around the judiciary, including increasing the number of marshals assigned to protect judges. A simpler solution, several former judges said, would be for Trump administration officials to cool their rhetoric, which they believe fuels threats from extremists.

From the States and Municipalities

Arkansas – Trump Pardons Former Arkansas Lawmaker Who Took Bribes from Springfield Nonprofit

Springfield News-Leader – Marta Mieze | Published: 6/2/2025

President Trump pardoned a former Arkansas lawmaker who admitted to taking bribes from a nonprofit organization as part of a large public corruption scheme. Jeremy Hutchinson pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit federal programs bribery and in 2023 was sentenced to 50 months in prison running consecutively to a 46-month sentence for bribery and tax fraud he pleaded guilty to in state district court.

California – ‘That Person Will Absolutely Become the Most Powerful Person’: LA looks for a new king

MSN – Emily Schultheis (Politico) | Published: 6/1/2025

Elected county executives are common around the country but remain a novel concept in California. Since the mid-19th century, local governments across the state’s 58 counties have been led by five-member boards of supervisors without an elected role above them. In 2024, voters in Los Angeles County decided to create a new office to oversee their government. Now the county must determine the scope of a position that will, by representing the nearly 10 million people, become perhaps the most powerful in American local government and immediately reshape California politics.

California – Meals, Hotels, Office Supplies: City leaders want to be able to raise more money for ‘officeholder’ expenses

MSN – Eli Wolfe and Natalie Orenstein (Oaklandside) | Published: 6/2/2025

Local elected officials in California often use money from officeholder accounts to pay for the expenses of holding office, including meals, travel, hotels, and mailers about city events. Officeholder accounts cannot expenditures for a future election or wages for staff. Oakland has put some restrictions on these kinds of committees. Right now, elected officials like council members are not allowed to raise more than $25,000 (or $30,000 for the at-large seat) for their officeholder accounts. But a group of council members believes the limit should be higher.

California – Lurie Campaigned as an Ethics Crusader. Now He’s Gutting SF’s Top Watchdog

San Francisco Standard – Fitzgerald Rodriguez and Gabe Greschler | Published: 6/3/2025

On the campaign trail, Daniel Lurie vowed to vanquish City Hall corruption, promising to fully fund the San Francisco Ethics Commission. Now, as mayor, Lurie just blew a gaping hole in the department’s budget, sparking an outcry from its leader. The cuts may include axing the roles of four staffers in the 28-person department who identify loopholes in ethics rules and train city officials on the law. They are crucial to curbing corruption before it takes hold, said Patrick Ford, executive director of the Ethics Commission.

Connecticut – Lamont Aide Jonny Dach Misused State Vehicle, Investigation Finds

MSN – Mark Pazniokas (Connecticut Mirror) | Published: 6/2/2025

An investigation commissioned by Gov. Ned Lamont concluded that his former chief of staff and current senior advisor, Jonathan Dach, chronically violated state rules by using a state vehicle as his personal car for nearly two years and driving at speeds constituting reckless driving under Connecticut law. A referral to the Office of State Ethics for disciplinary action is mandatory.

Florida – Judge Orders J.C. Planas to Pay First-Ever Fine for Filing ‘Frivolous’ Miami-Dade Ethics Complaint

Florida Politics – Jesse Scheckner | Published: 5/29/2025

A Miami-Dade County court has ordered lawyer and former Rep. Juan-Carlos Planas to pay the legal expenses former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora incurred while defending a “frivolous” ethics complaint in 2023. Planas, who specializes in ethics and elections law and last year ran unsuccessfully for Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections, contends the ruling is out of order, literally and figuratively.

Illinois – Responding to Supreme Court, Lawmakers Look to Expand Lawsuit Protections for Press

WTTW – Bridgette Fox (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 5/23/2025

Illinois lawmakers are seeking to extend lawsuit protections to regular news reports following a recent ruling by the state Supreme Court that allowed a defamation suit against the Chicago Sun-Times to progress. Senate Bill 1181 would explicitly name the press in an existing state law that aims to protect against “strategic lawsuits against public participation,” otherwise known as SLAPP lawsuits.

Louisiana – Mortgages, Mardi Gras and Country Clubs: Louisiana campaign funds could soon cover these expenses

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 5/29/2025

Louisiana politicians would be able to use money they raise to run for elected office on a much broader group of expenses, including their home mortgages, country club fees, and gym memberships under legislation Gov. Jeff Landry is pushing. House Bill 693 loosens dozens of restrictions placed on the people and political groups who raise and spend money on state and local elections.

Maryland – Maryland’s Primary Elections Are Unconstitutional, Lawsuit Alleges

MSN – Kate Mettler (Washington Post) | Published: 5/29/2025

Maryland residents who register as unaffiliated with a political party are not allowed to vote in primary elections. A lawsuit alleges the state’s partisan, or closed, primary process is unconstitutional and violates the rights of registered voters who are not affiliated with a political party. Maryland is one of 14 states that closes its primaries to unaffiliated registered voters. If a state judge was to find Maryland’s election process illegal, it could force lawmakers and party leaders to overhaul how they run primaries.

Massachusetts – Ex-Massachusetts State Police Union President, Lobbyist Get Some Convictions Reversed

MSN – Rick Sobey (Boston Herald) | Published: 6/2/2025

Dana Pullman, the former president of the State Police Association of Massachusetts, and lobbyist Anne Lynch were sentenced in 2023 for racketeering, fraud, obstruction of justice, and tax crimes. The federal convictions for the former trooper and the ex-head of the political lobbying firm Lynch Associates arose out of alleged kickback schemes between the two. But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit reversed some of the convictions.

New York – NYC Campaign Finance Board Withholds $1.3M in Matching Funds from Cuomo, Awards Adrienne Adams $2M

Yahoo News – Josephine Stratman and Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 5/30/2025

New York City’s Campaign Finance Board dealt a blow to mayoral frontrunner Andrew Cuomo, withholding $675,419 in matching funds from him, but gave a lifeline to his opponent Adrienne Adams, clearing her for $2 million in critical public money as the Democratic mayoral primary election looms weeks away. The board withheld the money from Cuomo due to their suspicion his campaign improperly coordinated with Fix the City, a super PAC boosting his run. That comes on top of more than $620,000 it earlier denied Cuomo for the same reason.

North Carolina – NC Lawmakers Leave Controversial Kentucky Distillery Tour Off Disclosure Reports

MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 5/30/2025

Last year, two North Carolina nonprofits took lawmakers on expensive trips outside of the state. One took them on a distillery tour near Louisville, Kentucky, and the other to the Summer Olympics in Paris. But what the public can learn about who paid is incomplete, due to limitations in the state’s ethics and lobbying laws. The nonprofit behind the Paris trip disclosed the legislators and other officials who went and how much it cost. The nonprofit behind the distillery tour has not. A review of financial disclosures by officials known to have gone on the trips shows nearly the same pattern.

Oregon – Oregon Sen. Lisa Reynolds Mulls Conflict of Interest Declaration After Ethics Report

Yahoo News – Shaanth Nanguneri (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 5/30/2025

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission referred a state lawmaker to the Legislature for clarity over whether a bill she authored that could benefit her medical practice raises a substantial conflict-of-interest. The commission said Sen. Lisa Reynolds’ decisions regarding votes and bill introductions were within the purview of the Legislature and its legal counsel. Senate Bill 28 would mandate commercial insurers reimburse independent primary care clinics at rates equal to those of clinics owned by hospital systems.

Texas – U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear GOP Activist’s Lawsuit Challenging Texas Ethics Commission’s Lobbying Fine

MSN – Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) | Published: 6/2/2025

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider a lawsuit from conservative activist Michael Quinn Sullivan against the Texas Ethics Commission, serving another blow to his more than decade-long challenge against the state agency that enforces Texas’ campaign finance and lobbying laws. Sullivan, who used to lead a powerful advocacy group called Empower Texans, challenged an Ethics Commission decision to fine him $10,000 for failing to register as a lobbyist in 2010 and 2011.

Texas – Failure of Texas Proof-of-Citizenship Law Is Not the End

MSN – Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 6/3/2025

A bid in Texas to establish one of the most unwieldy voting laws in the nation flamed out, but a broader effort backed by President Trump to demand that voters throughout the country provide proof of citizenship is hardly dead. Not only could the Texas bill resurface, but three other states over the past nine months have adopted similar laws requiring voters to provide proof of citizenship, and a raft of others are considering them.

Texas – Las Vegas Sands Lobbyist’s Contact Appears in Filings for ‘Dark Money’ Group in Irving

MSN – Chase Rogers (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 5/29/2025

A phone number tied to a “dark money” group that spent more than $160,000 to influence a recent Irving City Council election also appears on lobbying disclosures filed in Dallas by a registered lobbyist for Las Vegas Sands Corp. The phone number, listed in both city and state filings, suggests a potential link between Las Vegas Sands and the Lone Star Conservative Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, which is not required to disclose its donors under state law.

Washington – Seattle Councilmember Cathy Moore Pulls Her Ethics Bill

Seattle Times – David Kroman | Published: 5/30/2025

The Seattle City Council is dropping an effort to change the city’s ethics code after intense public blowback and facing an uncertain political path. Councilmember Cathy Moore, who sponsored the bill to make it easier for members to vote on matters in which they may have financial interest, announced she was pulling her legislation. She stood by the contents of the bill but seemed to acknowledge it lacked enough support.

Washington – New Rules for WA Lawmakers with Conflicts of Interest

Seattle Times – Shauna Sowersby | Published: 6/2/2025

Washington lawmakers passed important changes to the Ethics in Public Service Act. The bill, signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, allows lawmakers to have up to a 10 percent stake in corporations or properties before they are considered “beneficial interests” and must be reported. It does not require lawmakers to recuse themselves on votes that might present a conflict-of-interest. Senate Bill 5143 also increases the maximum value of a gift that lawmakers can accept to $100.

The 89th Texas Legislature adjourned sine die on June 2. Lawmakers passed various bills related to lobbyists.  House Bill 119 requires registration for lobbying on the behalf of a foreign adversary and prohibits compensation for lobbying activities on the behalf of a foreign adversary. Another passed bill, Senate Bill 2781, establishes a penalty for political contributions or political expenditures made or authorized in violation of the prohibition on lobbyist contributions. If approved by Gov. Abbott both bills will be effective September 1.

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Campaign Finance

California: “Meals, Hotels, Office Supplies: City leaders want to be able to raise more money for ‘officeholder’ expenses” by Eli Wolfe and Natalie Orenstein (Oaklandside) for MSN

National: “Tester, Weintraub Join Democratic Organization to Counter Corruption” by Filip Timotija (The Hill) for MSN

Elections

Texas: “Failure of Texas Proof-of-Citizenship Law Is Not the End” by Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Lurie Campaigned as an Ethics Crusader. Now He’s Gutting SF’s Top Watchdog” by Fitzgerald Rodriguez and Gabe Greschler for San Francisco Standard

Connecticut: “Lamont Aide Jonny Dach Misused State Vehicle, Investigation Finds” by Mark Pazniokas (Connecticut Mirror) for MSN

National: “Discrimination Cases Unravel as Trump Scraps Core Civil Rights Tenet” by Julian Mark and Laura Meckler (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “Responding to Supreme Court, Lawmakers Look to Expand Lawsuit Protections for Press” by Bridgette Fox (Capitol News Illinois) for WTTW

Massachusetts: “Ex-Massachusetts State Police Union President, Lobbyist Get Some Convictions Reversed” by Rick Sobey (Boston Herald) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Trump Pardons Drive a Big, Burgeoning Business for Lobbyists” by Matt Dixon (NBC News) for MSN

Ethics

Arkansas: “Trump Pardons Former Arkansas Lawmaker Who Took Bribes from Springfield Nonprofit” by Marta Mieze for Springfield News-Leader

California: “‘That Person Will Absolutely Become the Most Powerful Person’: LA looks for a new king” by Emily Schultheis (Politico) for MSN

National: “Ernst Posts Snarky Reply After Telling Town Hall ‘We All Are Going to Die'” by Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Trump’s Law Firm Sanctions, Harshly Rejected in Court, Still Have Impact” by Mark Berman (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Trump Administration to Prioritize ‘Patriotic Americans’ for Federal Jobs” by Robin Bravender (Politico) for MSN

Florida: “Judge Orders J.C. Planas to Pay First-Ever Fine for Filing ‘Frivolous’ Miami-Dade Ethics Complaint” by Jesse Scheckner for Florida Politics

Washington: “New Rules for WA Lawmakers with Conflicts of Interest” by Shauna Sowersby for Seattle Times

Lobbying

Texas: “U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear GOP Activist’s Lawsuit Challenging Texas Ethics Commission’s Lobbying Fine” by Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Louisiana: “Mortgages, Mardi Gras and Country Clubs: Louisiana campaign funds could soon cover these expenses” by Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) for Yahoo News

New York: “NYC Campaign Finance Board Withholds $1.3M in Matching Funds from Cuomo, Awards Adrienne Adams $2M” by Josephine Stratman and Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for Yahoo News

Elections

Maryland: “Maryland’s Primary Elections Are Unconstitutional, Lawsuit Alleges” by Kate Mettler (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Complaints Languished as Johnson’s Delays Hobbled House Watchdog” by Michael Gold (New York Times) for DNyuz

National: “Sharp Spike in Threats to Judges Prompts Calls for More Security” by Derek Hawkins (Washington Post) for MSN

Washington: “Seattle Councilmember Cathy Moore Pulls Her Ethics Bill” by David Kroman for Seattle Times

Lobbying

North Carolina: “NC Lawmakers Leave Controversial Kentucky Distillery Tour Off Disclosure Reports” by Dan Kane (Raleigh News and Observer) for MSN

Texas: “Las Vegas Sands Lobbyist’s Contact Appears in Filings for ‘Dark Money’ Group in Irving” by Chase Rogers (Dallas News) for MSN

The Maine Legislature passed a bill increasing contribution limits for unenrolled candidates nominated by petition. Currently, both unenrolled candidates and party candidates nominated by election have the same contribution limits. Under Legislative Document 390, contribution limits for candidates who are unenrolled are doubled, while contribution limits for candidates nominated by primary elections remain the same. If approved by Gov. Mills, the bill will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

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National/Federal

Trump Wants an Investigation of Democrats’ Fundraising. His Own Campaign Has Issues

MSN – Brian Slodysko and Steve Peoples (Associated Press) | Published: 5/27/2025

When President Trump directed his attorney general to investigate online fundraising, he cited concerns that foreigners and fraudsters were using elaborate “schemes” and “dummy accounts” to funnel illegal contributions to politicians and causes. Trump identified just one potential target: ActBlue, the Democrats’ online fundraising juggernaut, which has acknowledged receiving over 200 potentially illicit contributions last year from foreign internet addresses. Trump’s announcement contained a glaring omission – his political committees also received scores of potentially problematic contributions.

Trump’s Contract-Cutting Blitz Rattles a Once-Flourishing DC Industry

MSN – Danny Nguyen and Jessie Blaeser (Politico) | Published: 5/25/2025

A Trump administration project to revisit thousands of federal agreements is starting to sink a vast ecosystem of contractors that deploy jobs across the Washington economy. At least 2,775 out of more than 20,000 contracts for consulting and investment advice under review have been cut, worth $3.1 billion in claimed savings. But the reach of the review is nonetheless unprecedented. It has frozen hiring, triggered layoffs and sparked chaos across the consulting industry, a vast shadow workforce across Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland.

Supreme Court Allows Trump to Fire Independent Regulators for Now

MSN – Anne Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/22/2025

The Supreme Court refused to immediately reinstate a pair of independent regulators fired by the Trump administration, saying the president may have the power to summarily oust the board members and calling into question a legal precedent that has protected the independence of key regulatory bodies. The order did not decide the underlying merits of the case, which will continue to play out in the lower courts. But it was an endorsement of presidential authority at a time when Donald Trump is trying to seize greater control of the federal bureaucracy.

Trump Oversight Picks Include Scandal-Hit Ex-Lawmaker, Antiabortion Lawyer

MSN – Meryl Kornfield and Lisa Rein (Washington Post) | Published: 5/28/2025

After firing inspectors general at 19 agencies in an unprecedented purge, President Trump has named six replacements in recent weeks, including three with clearly partisan backgrounds. Two of those have controversial histories and two have ties to the agency they would be responsible for investigating. Government ethics experts expressed concerns about the qualifications of several of the nominees, warning the positions require independence and installing loyalists would erode public trust.

Elon Musk Leaves Trump Administration After Contentious Tenure

MSN – Niha Masih and Trisha Thadani (Washington Post) | Published: 5/29/2025

Elon Musk said he is leaving the administration after leading a contentious effort to reshape the federal bureaucracy and slash government spending. Musk said his “scheduled time” as a special government employee had come to an end. That designation, which exempts him from financial disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules that apply to full-time government workers, also means he is not permitted to work more than 130 days in a 365-day period.

Supreme Court Upholds Fraud Conviction of Government Contractor

MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/22/2025

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the conviction of a government contractor found guilty of defrauding a state transportation program designed to promote diversity. The unanimous decision reversed a trend in which the justices have pushed back on how prosecutors pursue white-collar fraud. The case involved Alpha Painting & Construction and a project manager, Stamatios Kousisis, who was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to 70 months in prison for obtaining a multimillion-dollar contract under false pretenses.

Trump Dines with Top Meme Coin Holders, Shrugging Off Ethics Concerns

MSN – Cat Zakrzewski and Drew Harwell (Washington Post) | Published: 5/22/2025

President Trump dined with the top purchasers of his meme coin at a black-tie gala, demonstrating his willingness to cross what was once seen as an ethical red line: profiting off the presidency while in office. Presidents of both parties have long granted special access to wealthy political donors and participated in private dinners to raise funds for their parties or their own campaigns. Trump’s crypto venture is different. He and his family profit personally when people buy his meme coin, and crypto transactions are often shrouded in anonymity.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – At Adjournment, Alaska Legislature Leaves Elections Overhaul, Campaign Finance Bills Undone

Alaska Public Media – James Brooks (Alaska Beacon) | Published: 5/27/2025

The Alaska Legislature adjourned its regular session without finishing work on a major elections bill or a bill reimposing limits on donations to candidates. House Bill 16, the campaign finance bill, and Senate Bill 64, the elections reform legislation, are expected to return when the Legislature resumes work in January, and they could be part of a wave of major legislation that advances through the Capitol early next year.

Arizona – AZ Campaign Finance Complaints Can Disappear After 180 Days Under New Law

USA Today – Stacey Barchenger (Arizona Republic) | Published: 5/16/2025

Arizona lawmakers and Gov. Katie Hobbs created a new timeline to resolve campaign finance complaints that are filed against them, after which the allegations are dismissed. Hobbs signed House Bill 2667 into law, which says complaints that politicians violated state campaign finance law are “deemed dismissed” if they are not resolved within 180 days after they are filed. It allows the government official who receives the complaint to extend that deadline if needed.

Connecticut – Trump Pardons ‘Humbled’ John G. Rowland, Former CT Governor

MSN – Mark Pazniokas (Connecticut Mirror) | Published: 5/28/2025

John Rowland, a twice-convicted former governor of Connecticut, said he was “humbled and appreciative” after learning he was the recipient of a pardon from President Trump. Facing impeachment and a federal investigation into bid-rigging involving gifts and favors from state contractors, Rowland resigned, pleaded guilty to a corruption charge, and was sentenced to a year and a day in prison. He was indicted a second time for soliciting congressional candidates to secretly pay him as a consultant in campaigns.

Connecticut – CT Bill Limiting Elections Watchdog Independence Gets Full Passage

MSN – Mark Pazniokas (Connecticut Mirror) | Published: 5/22/2025

Connecticut lawmakers passed a bill that places restrictions on the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC). Under the bill, the SEEC will nominate an executive director, but the choice will be subject to three layers of approval by legislators – the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee and the House and Senate. Other provisions were intended to streamline fundraising, especially for candidates who participate in the Citizens’ Election Program, which imposes spending limits in return for public financing of campaigns.

Illinois – Former ComEd Officials on Track for Sentencing After Judge, Feds Resolve Legal Challenges

WBEZ – Jon Seidel (Chicago Sun-Times) | Published: 5/28/2025

Four former Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) executives and lobbyists are on a clear path to sentencing for their conspiracy aimed at ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, despite a last-minute challenge to their convictions and President Trump’s review of a key law in the case. Madigan ally Michael McClain, former ComEd Chief Executive Officer Anne Pramaggiore, ex-ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and onetime Chicago City Club President Jay Doherty are all set to be sentenced this summer. A jury found them guilty more than two years ago.

Illinois – Ex-Assessor’s Office Employee Gets 3 Years’ Probation in Bribery Case

Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 5/27/2025

Basilio Clausen, a former Cook County assessor’s office employee, was sentenced to three years’ probation for conspiring to accept golf outings at country clubs from two businesspeople in exchange for helping reduce assessments on their properties and save thousands of dollars in taxes. In handing down the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kennelly said the “corrosive and erosive effect” of such cases increase the level of distrust in citizens. “It’s part of the sorry state of affairs we find ourselves in these days where nobody trusts government,” Kennelly said.

Kansas – Kansas Judges Order State to Pay $214K in Attorney Fees Tied to Flawed Ethics Investigations

Yahoo News – Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 5/27/2025

A judge directed the state to pay $115,700 in attorney fees to a law firm representing clients who received subpoenas amid a state investigation targeting Republican-affiliated political organizations and individuals. The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission’s probe centered on whether campaign violations occurred through coordination of election spending among individuals, political parties, and PACs. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers revised the definition of making a “contribution in the name of another” to affirm the legality of certain campaign transactions common to Republican and Democratic operatives.

Kentucky – Secrecy Sets the Pace When It Comes to This Beshear’s Kentucky Derby Guest List

Yahoo News – Tom Loftus (Kentucky Lantern) | Published: 5/27/2025

Gov. Andy Beshear refused to identify friends and political supporters who bought tickets to the Kentucky Derby made available by Churchill Downs for the governor’s entourage. The governor’s office said it has no records of who got the tickets or who was invited to a party at the Old Governor’s Mansion in Frankfort. The office referred questions to a nonprofit Beshear created to act as broker for his Derby tickets and manage the party. But First Saturday in May Inc. is not covered by the Open Records Act.

Louisiana – Louisiana Lawmakers Put Some Limits Back in Place on Gifts to Public Officials

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 5/29/2025

Louisiana lawmakers are no longer looking to lift restrictions on gifts to elected officials and public employees. Rep. Beau Beaullieu removed language from House Bill 674 that would have allowed public servants to receive $200 worth of gifts annually. Besides the gift policy changes, the bill contains ethics law modifications that would make it harder for the state ethics board to investigate and charge people with misconduct. Beaullieu said many elected officials feel the board has been too aggressive when pursuing allegations.

Maine – Maine PACs Say Campaign Finance Lawsuit Is About Free Speech. The State Says It’s About Corruption

Yahoo News – Emily Allen (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 5/22/2025

Lawyers for two of Maine’s conservative PACs were in federal court recently, asking a judge to stop the state from enforcing a new law that caps PAC contributions at $5,000. The law was approved in a referendum last fall, but state officials agreed to delay its implementation until May 30. The plaintiffs’ attorneys argue the law is a serious threat to the First Amendment. The state’s lawyers pointed to the popularity of the new law and suggested voters are concerned with corruption.

Missouri – Ethics Panel Says Source of Funds for Mayor’s Trips Deserved More Transparency

MSN – Mike Hendricks (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/27/2025

Kansas City should amend its ethics code to address the transparency issues that arose when a nonprofit group under Mayor Quinton Lucas’s control paid for his trip to the 2023 Super Bowl, according to a new report. The Mayors Corps of Progress for a Greater Kansas City covered the nearly $24,000 cost of sending Lucas, an aide, and his security detail to Phoenix for the game between the Chiefs and Eagles. The Mayors Corps was under no obligation to disclose the source of its funding.

New York – Eric Adams Sues Campaign Finance Board for Denying Him Millions in Matching Funds

MSN – Joe Anuta (Politico) | Published: 5/27/2025

New York City Mayor Eric Adams filed a lawsuit challenging the Campaign Finance Board’s decision to deny him millions of dollars in public matching funds. The board first denied Adams matching funds in December, citing the now dismissed bribery indictment against the mayor, in addition to his team’s refusal to provide campaign finance regulators with requested information. The lawsuit argues the board adopted an illegally vague standard by saying it “had reason to believe” Adams violated state and city laws based on the indictment without offering specifics.

Ohio – House Bill 6 Was Ohio’s Biggest Public Corruption Scandal. So Why Haven’t the Laws Changed?

MSN – Anna Staver (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 5/22/2025

To prevent another scandal like House Bill 6 in Ohio, Democratic lawmakers introduced a three-part reform package. House Bill 250 would mandate the disclosure of dark money donors. A second, forthcoming bill would target petition-blocking tactics used to stifle citizen-led ballot campaigns. The third proposal would stop individuals and companies who donate to candidates from receiving state contracts.

Ohio – P.G. Sittenfeld Pardoned by President Donald Trump

MSN – Jennifer Edwards Baker (WXIX) | Published: 5/28/2025

Former Cincinnati City Councilperson P.G. Sittenfeld is one of several people recently pardoned by President Trump. Sittenfeld was sentenced to 16 months in prison after a jury convicted him on corruption-related charges of bribery and attempted extortion in 2022. SIttenfeld served about four months before an appeals court released him pending their decision on his appeal. He lost the appeal earlier this year.

Oregon – State Rep. Bobby Levy Weighs in on Bills Close to Family Business While Lawmakers Weigh Regulations

Yahoo News – Alex Baumhardt (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 5/27/2025

Although state Rep. Bobby Levy named seven businesses in the statement of economic interest she submits annually to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, she is not barred from sponsoring, testifying on or voting on bills that would directly benefit the family businesses that she receives income from. In fact, by Oregon law, Levy said she and other legislators are required to vote on bills even when they have declared a conflict-of-interest.

Rhode Island – Elections Board Prepares to Revamp R.I.’s Aging Campaign Finance Software. It Just Needs the Money.

Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 5/27/2025

Rhode Island election administrators are pushing to rejuvenate the technology used to collect and share information about campaign finance donations and spending. But the makeover to the Rhode Island Board of Elections’ Electronic Reporting and Tracking System requires extra money from state lawmakers, and how to store the last 23 years of reports from 1,300 candidates and committees in a way that people can still access and search remains in question.

Rhode Island – Rhode Island Ethics Code Gift Giving Rules Might Be Getting a Refresh

Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 5/20/2025

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission is contemplating changes to the state ethics code for the first time in over a decade. The commission voted to start the rulemaking process to explicitly ban lobbyists from giving gifts other than campaign donations to public officials, and to increase the maximum value of “insubstantial” gifts that can be accepted to account for inflation.

Texas – Once Again, Texas Legislature Unlikely to Pass Ethics Legislation This Year

MSN – Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) | Published: 5/28/2025

The Texas Legislature is on track to pass essentially no meaningful ethics legislation this year as the calendar ticks closer to the end of the session. Lawmakers filed dozens of bills that would increase transparency around spending in elections and strengthen penalties for campaign and lobbying violations. Their proposals would specify what candidates, lawmakers, and political groups need to disclose about their campaigning, streamline and clarify the ethics complaint processes, and keep up with changing technology that is increasingly used to deceive voters in elections.

Texas – Prove Citizenship to Vote? For Some Married Women, It Might Not Be So Easy.

MSN – Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 5/25/2025

Some Republican-led states are moving to require voters to prove their citizenship, as Texas advances a controversial measure that could make it harder for eligible voters to get on the rolls because of changed names, mislaid paperwork, or database errors. Voting rights advocates warn the plans could prove particularly tricky for people who change their names, including women who do so when they get married or divorced, because their legal names do not match the ones on their birth certificates. Supporters call the criticism overblown, saying most Americans can readily show they are citizens.

Washington – Seattle City Council Advances on Controversial Ethics Bill

Seattle Times – David Kroman | Published: 5/23/2025

A Seattle City Council committee approved a controversial revision to the city’s ethics code, allowing members to vote on matters in which they may have a financial interest so long as they make a public disclosure. The change, recommended by the head of the city’s ethics commission, is a shift away from the current practice requiring members to recuse themselves and has stirred up the city’s politics months before several of the body’s members are up for reelection.

Campaign Finance

Connecticut: “CT Senate Moves to Curb Independence of Elections Watchdog” by Mark Pazniokas for Connecticut Mirror

National: “Trump Wants an Investigation of Democrats’ Fundraising. His Own Campaign Has Issues” by Brian Slodysko and Steve Peoples (Associated Press) for MSN

Elections

Texas: “Prove Citizenship to Vote? For Some Married Women, It Might Not Be So Easy.” by Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Supreme Court Allows Trump to Fire Independent Regulators for Now” by Anne Marimow (Washington Post) for MSN

Missouri: “Ethics Panel Says Source of Funds for Mayor’s Trips Deserved More Transparency” by Mike Hendricks (Kansas City Star) for MSN

Ohio: “House Bill 6 Was Ohio’s Biggest Public Corruption Scandal. So Why Haven’t the Laws Changed?” by Anna Staver (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Lobbying

Rhode Island: “Rhode Island Ethics Code Gift Giving Rules Might Be Getting a Refresh” by Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) for Yahoo News

Procurement

National: “Trump’s Contract-Cutting Blitz Rattles a Once-Flourishing DC Industry” by Danny Nguyen and Jessie Blaeser (Politico) for MSN

On May 27, the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists for British Columbia released updates for several of its guidance documents to reflect the changes to the Lobbyists Transparency Act’s (LTA) filing requirements brought in by the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, which came into force on the same day.

One updated guidance, Government Funding, is intended to help lobbyists understand what is meant by the term government funding and the associated reporting obligations.

A guidance previously called Coalitions is now entitled Working Together for the Purpose of Lobbying. It outlines the reporting requirements under the LTA. It outlines designated filers’ obligations to report the name and business address of any other client or organization with whom they work for the purpose of lobbying and who has a direct interest in the outcome of the lobbying activities. When a consultant lobbyist or an organization ceases lobbying, a designated filer has 30 days after the month in which lobbying stops to end their registration return in the registry.

Other released guidance documents include Sample Questionnaire for Consultant Lobbyists’ Clients, Sample Questionnaire for Organizations that are Lobbying, Non-Profit Organizations, Getting Started – Reference Guide, Registration Returns – New and Reactivations, Monthly Returns – Registration Return Updates and Lobbying Activity Reports, Quick Reference Guide for Representatives, and Funding Returns.

On July 1, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission is scheduled to officially launch a modernized, custom-built filing and disclosure system. The system, called Guardian 2.0, will serve as the online platform for all required disclosures by lobbyists and liaisons, candidate committees, political party committees, PACs, special function committees, and certain state officers and employees.

The commission announced all existing data and filings will be securely migrated to the new system. Current users will be prompted to create new login credentials upon their first login with the new system.

The commission also plans to introduce additional tools and user experience enhancements beginning in late 2025 and into early 2026.

On June 27, at 5:00 p.m. CDT, the current disclosure system will be shut down. After that time, no filings or updates can be made in the old/legacy system.

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On May 27, 2025, Elections Canada published the updated limits on expenses for regulated activities of third parties involved in federal elections in Canada. The Canada Elections Act imposes a limit on expenses a third party can incur for regulated political activities.

For an election called on or after April 1, 2025, and before April 1, 2026 , a third party is prohibited from incurring overall election advertising expenses of a total amount of more than $617,400 during a general election. The previous limit was $602,700. For the same period of April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, a third party is prohibited from incurring election advertising expenses in a given electoral district of a total amount of more than $5,292 during a general election. The previous limit was $5,166.

Adjustments are made annually based on a formula of a base amount multiplied by the inflation adjustment factor in effect for the period.

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National/Federal

With Comey Questioning, the Trump Administration Again Targets Speech

MSN – Mark Berman, Patrick Marley, and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 5/17/2025

After James Comey posted a photograph of shells on a beach arranged to spell “86 47” – a reference to President Trump, the 47th president – the former FBI director said he believed the image was a political message. But Trump administration officials said Comey had committed a crime and should be jailed. Legal experts said they doubted Comey’s post would qualify as a genuine threat. Instead, they said the incident appeared to mark the latest attempt by the administration to criminalize or otherwise punish people for speech, protests, and other actions traditionally viewed as legally protected in the United States.

Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer

MSN – Naftali Bendavid, Mariana Alfaro, Joel Achenbach, and Matt Viser (Washington Post) | Published: 5/18/2025

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office said, adding that Biden’s family is deciding on treatment options for a condition it said can be managed. The publication of new books this year has reopened impassioned debate among prominent Democrats about Biden’s decision to run for reelection, his mental and physical fitness as he served and sought a second term, and whether his inner circle hid health news from the party and the public.

Trump Justice Dept. Considers Removing Key Check on Lawmaker Prosecutions

MSN – Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 5/18/2025

Federal prosecutors across the country may soon be able to indict members of Congress without approval from lawyers in the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section, according to three people familiar with a proposal. Under the proposal, investigators and prosecutors would also not be required to consult with the section’s attorneys during key steps of probes into public officials, altering a long-standing provision in the Justice Department’s manual that outlines how investigations of elected officials should be conducted.

Retired 4-Star Navy Admiral Found Guilty in Bribery Case

MSN – Ellen Mitchell (The Hill) | Published: 5/19/2025

Retired Admiral Robert Burke, a former Navy vice chief of naval operations, was found guilty of bribery and other counts related to steering work to a company in exchange for a job after leaving the service. His conviction makes him the senior-most member of the U.S. military ever found guilty of committing a federal crime while serving on active duty. The Navy in the past several years has struggled with a loss of confidence in numerous top officers, command failures, and bribery scandals.

Supreme Court Recusals in Book Publisher Case Affect Quorum

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 5/19/2025

Four Supreme Court justices recused themselves from a decision over whether to hear a case involving the parent company of their book publisher, the most significant action of its kind since the court adopted a new ethics code in 2023. An expert in court ethics said the recusals were probably because a German conglomerate that is a party in the case owns Penguin Random House, which has paid the justices millions in advances and royalties for their published works.

Will Federal Funding Cuts Spell the End for History Documentaries?

MSN – Sonia Rao (Washington Post) | Published: 5/20/2025

It is notoriously difficult for documentaries to find financing, especially those outside of the celebrity or true-crime genres. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has for decades been one of the most reliable sources of funding. But hundreds of NEH grant recipients were told their funding was being terminated because it “no longer effectuates the agency’s needs and priorities.” Filmmakers and executives at leading documentary organizations were alarmed by the sudden terminations. Some worry that history documentaries, which can take years to produce, could become a long-term casualty of the cuts.

U.S. to Pay Nearly $5 Million to Family of Jan. 6 Rioter Ashli Babbitt

MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 5/19/2025

The Trump administration will pay nearly $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, the Trump supporter who was shot and killed while in the mob breaching the House Speaker’s Lobby on January 6, 2021. Babbitt’s family filed the wrongful death lawsuit in 2024, seeking $30 million. The settlement comes after Trump returned to office casting Babbitt as a martyr and seeking to rewrite the history of the assault as a heroic act of collective patriotism. It reverses the Justice Department’s earlier opposition in the case, which had been set for trial next year.

FBI Folds the Public Corruption Squad That Aided Jack Smith’s Trump Investigations

MSN – Ryan Reilly (NBC News) | Published: 5/15/2025

The FBI is folding its public corruption squad, the same unit which aided Jack Smith’s special counsel investigation into Donald Trump. That investigation ultimately resulted in one of the two federal criminal cases against Trump, both of which were dropped after the 2024 election. Earlier this year, the Justice Department slashed its Public Integrity Section, which had also worked on public corruption cases.

A Federal Agency Goes Full Trumpist

Politico – John Hendel (Politico) | Published: 5/19/2025

Four months into his tenure as head of America’s top communications regulator, Brendan Carr appears to be running a Trumpian playbook to transform a long-independent agency. Immediately after being promoted to lead the Federal Communications Commission. As he picks norm-busting fights with the mainstream media, Carr is more quietly delivering on big deregulation promises to business interests. These moves are less headline-grabbing, but possibly more transformational.

Bondi Sold Millions in Trump Media Stock the Day He Imposed Vast Tariffs

Seattle Times – Glenn Thrush (New York Times) | Published: 5/15/2025

Attorney General Pam Bondi sold $1 million to $5 million worth of shares in President Trump’s media company last month on the same day he announced expansive tariffs that led to a stock market rout, according to disclosure filings. Federal officials are barred from using inside information about government or private-sector actions to enrich themselves. In practice, such cases are rare and difficult to prove and while Bondi’s timing was notable, Trump had made it clear he intended to impose strict tariffs to address the nation’s trade imbalances.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Ford’s Former Top Staffer Broke Lobbying Rules: Integrity commissioner

CBC – Allison Jones | Published: 5/16/2025

Ontario’s integrity commissioner says a former top staffer to Premier Doug Ford broke lobbying rules. Amin Massoudi now runs Atlas Strategic Advisors but previously served as Ford’s principal secretary until 2022. Integrity Commissioner Cathryn Motherwell’s office said Massoudi failed to comply with lobbying rules during a phone call in 2023.

Canada – City of Winnipeg’s Voluntary Lobbyist Registry Sees Declining Enrolment Since Launch

CBC – Cameron MacLean | Published: 5/16/2025

Fewer people are adding their names to Winnipeg’s lobbyist registry, a tool created to increase transparency around who is trying to influence decision-makers at City Hall. The city launched its lobbyist registry in 2017 to track who is meeting with city council members and staff, but the council lacked the power to make registration mandatory for lobbyists.

Arizona – Arizona Bid to Light Up Political Dark Money Blasted as Invasion of Privacy

Courthouse News Service – Joe Duhownik | Published: 5/15/2025

A conservative advocacy group told a federal appeals court that an Arizona law intended to shed light on dark money in campaign finance violates donor privacy. The Voters Right to Know Act requires statewide campaigns that spend more than $50,000 in advocacy to disclose the names of donors who gave more than $5,000, even if that contribution is not directly connected to the cause.

Arizona – Judge Deals Blow to Arizona Case Over 2020 Republican Electors

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 5/19/2025

An Arizona judge ordered state prosecutors to send back to a grand jury a case in which Republicans were charged last year for their alleged roles in trying to overturn the 2020 election, potentially jeopardizing the high-profile indictments. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Sam Myers sided with the Republicans and found prosecutors failed to provide the grand jury with the text of an 1887 federal law that is central to the defense. The law, known as the Electoral Count Act, spells out how presidential electoral votes are to be cast and counted.

California – Google’s $125 Million Deal with California for Local News Is Already Shrinking

MSN – Jeanne Kuang (CalMatters) | Published: 5/16/2025

A controversial $125 million deal California struck with Google last year to prop up the state’s struggling journalism industry is already on track to shrink before any of the money has been delivered to news outlets. The deal committed California and Google to each put tens of millions of dollars into a fund to be distributed to local news outlets over five years. In exchange, lawmakers scrapped two proposals that sought to force Google and its tech counterparts to pay outlets for using their published content.

Kansas – Kansas Abortion Rights Advocacy Group Sues State Officials Over Law Banning Foreign Contributions

Yahoo News – Anna Kaminski (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 5/19/2025

A Kansas reproductive rights advocacy group sued state officials A Kansas reproductive rights advocacy group sued state officials over a new law banning contributions from “foreign nationals” to support or oppose constitutional amendments. Kansans for Constitutional Freedom argued House Bill 2106, which is set to go into effect July 1, is broad, vague, and unconstitutional. The group said the bill inhibits its ability to advocate for or against future constitutional amendments. Kansans for Constitutional Freedom and its donors have received contributions from foreign nationals, the lawsuit said.

Michigan – Lawmakers Extend Their Financial Disclosure Deadline Due to Benson’s Buggy Website

MSN – Michael Kransz (MLive) | Published: 5/14/2025

Because of technical hiccups with Michigan’s new campaign finance portal, state lawmakers approved giving themselves a one-month deadline extension to file their financial disclosures this year. The legislation will also allow financial forms to be submitted via email rather than the new portal, require additional disclosures around a politician’s assets and create a new form for these disclosures. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the changes into law.

Michigan – AG: Benson gubernatorial announcement in public building violated campaign finance act

Yahoo News – Ben Solis (Michigan Advance) | Published: 5/19/2025

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s use of a government building – one that houses the department she oversees – to announce her candidacy for governor violated Michigan’s campaign finance laws, the state attorney general’s office said. But the department noted it did not have the authority to impose any civil or criminal penalties outlined in the law.

Mississippi – In Mississippi’s Capital City, Indicted District Attorney Flouts Campaign Disclosure Laws

Marshall Project – Caleb Bedillion | Published: 5/12/2025

Jody Owens, the district attorney in Mississippi’s capital city who faces trial on federal corruption charges, has been fined for failing to disclose his most recent campaign fundraising and spending. But the state’s weak and much-criticized campaign finance enforcement system may spare him from the strongest sanctions, the loss of his government salary. Owens was charged with disguising bribes to city officials as campaign donations to buy favors and steer influence over a fictitious real-estate development project for which he was working as a consultant.

New Jersey – Rep. LaMonica McIver to Be Charged in New Jersey ICE Clash, Justice Dept. Says

MSN – Perry Stein, Jeremy Roebuck, and Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) | Published: 5/19/2025

The Justice Department said it would charge a Democratic member of Congress whom authorities have accused of assaulting law enforcement officials during a confrontation outside an immigration detention center in Newark. Rep. LaMonica McIverwill be charged with assaulting, resisting, and impeding law enforcement officers, said Alina Habba, the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey. In a statement, Habba also announced her office would dismiss the trespassing charge it filed against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka over the same incident.

New York – Mysterious New Group’s Likely Mission: Restoring Cuomo to office

DNyuz – Dana Rubinstein and Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) | Published: 5/16/2025

An informal adviser to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo formed a new outside group that appears designed to boost his campaign for New York City mayor. Restore Sanity NYC is registered as a nonprofit that claims to be engaged primarily in issue advocacy. That legal status means the group cannot directly campaign for a candidate without running afoul of the law. But it can still raise and spend unlimited sums influencing public opinion, all without disclosing its donors until after the election.

North Carolina – Guilty Pleas Revealed in Sons of Confederate Veterans Campaign Finance Case

MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 5/20/2025

The State Board of Elections revealed its first criminal convictions – two guilty pleas to a misdemeanor charge – in the six years after North Carolina lawmakers made campaign finance investigations secret.  That outcome drew little praise from a campaign finance watchdog whose complaint to the elections board prompted the case. He says it took too long and resulted in too little.

North Dakota – North Dakota Governor Issues 7 Line-item Vetoes, Including Lawmaker ‘Immunity’ Provision

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer, Amy Dalrymple, and Michael Achterling (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 5/19/2025

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong issued seven line-item vetoes on six bills, with many objections focused on policies he felt lawmakers “shoehorned” into budget bills or encroached on executive authority. One line-item veto was of a section of the state Ethics Commission’s budget bill meant to protect lawmakers from being prosecuted for conflicts-of-interest, though he let a similar clause in the bill become law.

Pennsylvania – Top Pa. Lawmakers Took $119K in Gifts, Trips, and More from Those Seeking to Influence Them in 2024

Centre Daily Times – Stephen Caruso and Katie Meyer (Spotlight PA) | Published: 5/19/2025

Top Pennsylvania politicians accepted roughly $119,000 in gifts and hospitality from groups seeking to influence government last year, including several pricey trips to Israel and Taiwan. State law places no limits on what lobbyists and other interested parties can give to commonwealth employees or holders of public office. The only requirement is that they report any gift worth more than $250, and any travel, meals, and lodging worth more than $650.

Rhode Island – Ciccone Can Vote on Assault Weapons Ban, Other Gun Bills, R.I. Ethics Panel Says

Rhode Island Current – Nancy Lavin | Published: 5/20/2025

Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone’s side business selling guns out of his house does not prevent him from discussing and voting on an assault-style weapons ban or other gun legislation, the Rhode Island Ethics Commission decided. The advisory opinion invoked the class exemption within the state ethics code, reasoning that Ciccone does not stand to benefit, or suffer, any more or less from state gun laws than the other 98 federally licensed firearms dealers in the state, including the other 79 with a Class 1 license.

Tennessee – Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada, Ex-Aide, Guilty in Federal Corruption Case

Yahoo News – Sam Stockard (Tennessee Lookout) | Published: 5/16/2025

A jury found former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada guilty on 17 of 19 charges and his former chief of staff Cade Cothren guilty on all charges in a high-profile corruption case. Casada and Cothren were accused of setting up a company called Phoenix Solutions that tapped into the state’s postage and printing program that provides House members $3,000 a year for constituent mailers. Casada and former Rep. Robin Smith steered lawmakers’ business to the company, which was secretly run by Cothren.

Texas – Texas Lawmakers Push to Enforce Election Transparency Law After Newsrooms Found School Districts Failed to Comply

ProPublica – Lexi Churchill | Published: 5/16/2025

Texas lawmakers are pushing to impose steep penalties on local governments that do not post campaign finance reports online, after an investigation by ProPublica and the Texas Tribune found some school districts were not doing so. The initial posting requirements, designed to make election spending more transparent, went into effect nearly two years ago. Most of the school district leaders said they had no idea they were out of compliance until the newsrooms contacted them.

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Earlier this month, the Commissioner of Lobbying for Canada, Nancy Bélanger, reiterated some of her office’s proposed modifications to Canada’s current lobbying law. Speaking at a webinar on May 13 for the Public Affairs Association of Canada, Saskatchewan Chapter, Bélanger reportedly talked about a proposal to remove the “significant part of duties” registration threshold, known as the 20% rule, for in-house lobbyists and replace it with an obligation to register lobbying activities by default, with limited exceptions. Other proposals being considered by Bélanger’s office include making reporting requirements the same for all in-house lobbyist registrations; deeming paid members of boards of directors to be employees of corporations and organizations; and harmonizing the registration deadline for consultant and in-house lobbyists to 15 days.

Bélanger has stated that she intends to issue new guidance on how the Lobbying Act should be interpreted.

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Campaign Finance

New York: “Mysterious New Group’s Likely Mission: Restoring Cuomo to office” by Dana Rubinstein and Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) for DNyuz

Ethics

California: “Google’s $125 Million Deal with California for Local News Is Already Shrinking” by Jeanne Kuang (CalMatters) for MSN

National: “Trump Justice Dept. Considers Removing Key Check on Lawmaker Prosecutions” by Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “A Federal Agency Goes Full Trumpist” by John Hendel (Politico) for Politico

National: “U.S. to Pay Nearly $5 Million to Family of Jan. 6 Rioter Ashli Babbitt” by Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

Pennsylvania: “Top Pa. Lawmakers Took $119K in Gifts, Trips, and More from Those Seeking to Influence Them in 2024” by Stephen Caruso and Katie Meyer (Spotlight PA) for Centre Daily Times

Tennessee: “Former TN House Speaker Glen Casada, Aide Cade Cothren Found Guilty of Corruption, Face 20 Years in Prison” by Evan Mealins and Kelly Puente (Nashville Tennessean) for MSN

Lobbying

Canada: “City of Winnipeg’s Voluntary Lobbyist Registry Sees Declining Enrolment Since Launch” by Cameron MacLean for CBC

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