Elections Texas: “Judge Calls New Texas Election Law Unconstitutional but State Says It Will Appeal Ruling” by Juan Lozano (Associated Press) for MSN Ethics California: “Proposed Anaheim Reforms Sputter as City Council Disputes Corruption Probe Findings” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC Illinois: “Former Ald. Brookins Won’t Have to Pay $5,000 For Violating Ethics Ordinance After Lawsuit Against Ethics Board Is Dismissed” by Heather Cherone for WTTW National: “‘Biased.’ ‘Corrupt.’ ‘Deranged.’ Trump’s Taunts Test Limits of Release.” by Maggie Haberman, Jonathan Swan, and Alan Feuer (New York Times) for Buffalo News Virginia: “State Senator Seeks to Lease Land to Dominion for Wind Turbine Project; Ethics Council OKs Move” by Stacy Parker (Virginian-Pilot) for MSN Wisconsin: “Report on Anti-Gay Slur Could Put Local News Site Out of Business” by Jeremy Peters (New York Times) for Yahoo News Lobbying California: “BART President Fined for Failing to Register as San Francisco Bike Lobbyist” by Eddie Sun for San Francisco Standard Procurement South Dakota: “Gov. Noem Orders State Contracts to Include New ‘Conflict of Interest’ Clause” by Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance National: “Sam Bankman-Fried Donated Millions to ‘Weed Out Anti-Crypto’ Politicians, New Evidence Says” by Peter Syme for Business Insider Oregon: “With New Secretary of State, Oregonians Will Get Greater Transparency on Campaign Finance Violations” by Nigel Jaquiss for Willamette Weekly Elections California: “Big Business Is Using the Popular Vote to Bypass California Law” by Jeremy White for Politico Ethics National: “What Judicial Ethics Rules Say About Clarence Thomas’ Lifestyle Bankrolled by His Friends” by Tierny Sneed (CNN) for MSN Florida: “Florida Ethics Chairman Took a New Job That May Create a $400K Ethical Conflict” by Romy Ellenbogen (Miami Herald) for Yahoo News New York: “Judge in Donald Trump’s Hush-Money Case Denies Bias Claim, Won’t Step Aside” by Michael Sisak (Associated Press) for MSN Lobbying Florida: “State Appeals Lobbying Decision” by Jim Saunders (News Service of Florida) for Citrus County Chronicle Procurement New Mexico: “Ethics Commission Reverses Governor’s Decision to Redo Medicaid Contracts” by Daniel Chacón for Santa Fe New Mexican

Campaign Finance National: “FEC Moves Forward Potentially Regulating AI Deepfakes in Campaign Ads” by Ali Swenson (Associated Press) for Yahoo News Tennessee: “Former Sen. Kelsey Nets 21-Month Prison Sentence for Campaign Finance Conviction” by Sam Stockard for Tennessee Lookout Elections Oregon: “Oregon Secretary of State: Senators who walked out can’t run next year” by Dirk VanderHart for Oregon Capital Chronicle Ethics California: “Investigators Find Anaheim Failed to Oversee Free Tickets for Over a Decade” by Noah Biesiada for Voice of OC National: “Trump’s Speech Will Be Limited to Protect Trial, Witnesses, Judge Orders” by Spencer Hsu and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) for MSN Montana: “GOP Senate Candidate Plans to Steer Book Sale Money to a Group That Lobbies for His Industry, Teeing Up Potential Conflict of Interest” by Brian Metzger (Business Insider) for Yahoo News National: “With an Array of Tactics, Conservatives Seek to Oust Progressive Prosecutors” by J.David Goodman (New York Times) for DNyuz Lobbying California: “Oakland Lobbyists Must Pay to Play, Officials Say” by Eli Wolfe for Oaklandside

National/Federal

FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Still Slapped with Campaign Finance Charge, Prosecutors Say

ABC News – Aaron Katersky and Max Zahn | Published: 8/8/2023

Federal prosecutors signaled their intention to hold cryptocurrency executive Sam Bankman-Fried accountable for alleged campaign finance violations despite dropping the charge on a technicality. Prosecutors accused Bankman-Fried of seeking influence in Washington and in state capitals by improperly using customer and investor money to make political donations.

Special Counsel Got a Search Warrant for Twitter to Turn Over Info on Trump’s Account, Documents Say

Associated Press News – Alanna Durkin Richer | Published: 8/9/2023

Special counsel Jack Smith’s team obtained a search warrant in January for records related to Donald Trump’s Twitter account, and a judge levied a $350,000 fine on the company for missing the deadline to comply. Smith’s team repeatedly mentioned Trump’s tweets in an indictment that charges the former president with conspiring to subvert the will of voters and cling to power after he lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden.

From Right-Hand Man to Critical Witness: Pence at heart of Trump prosecution

DNyuz – Shane Goldmacher, Maggie Astor, and Luke Broadwater (New York Times) | Published: 8/7/2023

Former Vice President Mike Pence’s transformation from Donald Trump’s most loyal lieutenant to an indispensable, if reluctant, witness for his prosecution became clear when he emerged as perhaps the central character in an indictment accusing the former president of a criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election. The indictment revealed Pence kept contemporaneous notes on the tumultuous period leading up to January 6, 2021. “You’re too honest,” Trump berated Pence as he refused to go along with the election plot, according to the indictment.

Judge Asks Prosecutors to Justify Use of 2 Grand Juries in Trump Documents Case

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 8/7/2023

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon asked prosecutors to explain the use of grand juries in Florida and Washington in the classified documents case against Donald Trump even though charges were filed in South Florida. For many months, prosecutors questioned witnesses in the Florida case before a federal grand jury in Washington. The proceedings yielded much of the evidence at the crux of the case. But in May, the grand jury activity appeared to continue in Miami. Ultimately, prosecutors filed charges in a West Palm Beach courthouse in the same district as Miami and the area where Trump’s home is located.

New PAC Aims to Elect Young Progressives Running for State Offices, Congress

MSN – Sabrina Rodriguez (Washington Post) | Published: 8/9/2023

A co-founder of March for Our Lives and the campaign manager who helped elect the first Gen Z member of Congress are teaming up to launch a new organization focused on getting more young progressives elected to office, primarily focusing on state lawmakers. Leaders We Deserve aims to help young people running for state Legislatures and Congress by providing candidates they endorse with the campaign knowledge – from fundraising to networking – and money to win.

DeSantis Replaces 2024 Campaign Manager in Continued Shakeup

MSN – Steve Contorno and Kit Maher (CNN) | Published: 8/8/2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis replaced campaign manager Generra Peck, ending speculation about her future leading his struggling White House bid and continuing a shakeup of his presidential campaign. In her place, DeSantis chose James Uthmeier, the chief of staff for his gubernatorial office, a trusted adviser known in Florida as an enforcer of DeSantis’s agenda. The latest move reflects a campaign still grasping for solutions to build support and recapture momentum of when DeSantis was surging after a dominant performance in his gubernatorial reelection.

FEC Commissioner Trey Trainor Cleared of Ethics Violation After Insider Reporting Spurred Investigation

MSN – Madison Hall (Business Insider) | Published: 8/8/2023

The FEC’s inspector general found Commissioner Trey Trainor did not commit any ethics violations after he participated in an “election integrity” event where he was labeled as a member of the “Trump Elections Team.” The inspector general said while it may appear he acted improperly, his billing was written without his knowledge, undermining “any appearance of impropriety.” The report notes Trainor and his counsel refused to cooperate with the government’s investigation.

DeSantis Super PAC Shares Cost for Private Air Travel in Unusual Deal

MSN – Michael Scherer and Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) | Published: 8/5/2023

A super PAC funding much of Ron DeSantis’s presidential effort has become a joint investor with his campaign in a private transportation management company that provides lower-cost airplane leases for the Florida governor. The unusual agreement, which allows both the DeSantis campaign and the Never Back Down to lease planes in a larger volume at lower market rates, is another way DeSantis and his allies have found to use unlimited donations to help cover the cost of activities historically borne directly by official campaigns.

‘Fake’ Elector Plot Raised Concerns Over Legal Peril, Indictment Shows

MSN – Amy Gardner, Patrick Marley, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 8/7/2023

Donald Trump’s defenders have long insisted his false elector scheme was legal because the slates met as mere placeholders, to be activated only if the campaign won in court. Prosecutors now charge that Trump, Rudy Giuliani, and others intended all along to use the electors to falsely claim the outcome of the election was in doubt, facilitating an effort to obstruct the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in Congress on January 6, 2021. Especially important may be the experience in Pennsylvania, where new interviews reveal the extent of discomfort with the plan by Trump electors.

Fight Over Trump Jan. 6 Secrecy Order Marks Start of Race to Trial

MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 8/7/2023

A federal judge ordered a hearing over prosecutors’ demand that former President Trump keep government evidence turned over in his criminal election interference case secret until trial, as the two sides clashed anew over whether permitting Trump to discuss the case would taint potential jurors or intimidate witnesses. Prosecutors said they wanted to turn over evidence to speed the defense’s trial preparations but were concerned about Trump’s history of posting on social media about “witnesses, judges, attorneys and others” associated with cases against him.

Supreme Court Struggling to Agree on Ethics Policy, Justice Kagan Says

MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 8/3/2023

Justice Elena Kagan said the Supreme Court, which has faced criticism over lavish, undisclosed free travel by some of her colleagues, is struggling to devise an ethics policy despite continued discussion. The criticism stems from expensive trips taken years ago by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito Jr. underwritten by wealthy business executives and not disclosed in required annual financial reports. Kagan provided fresh insight into the struggle to craft a policy distinct from the ethics code that applies to other federal judges.

Clarence Thomas’ 38 Vacations: The other billionaires who have treated the Supreme Court justice to luxury travel

ProPublica – Brett Murphy and Alex Mierjeski | Published: 8/10/2023

During Clarence Thomas’s three decades on the Supreme Court, a cadre of industry titans and ultrawealthy executives have treated him to vacations aboard their yachts, ushered him into the premium suites at sporting events, and sent their private jets to fetch him – including, on more than one occasion, an entire 737. It is a stream of luxury that is both more extensive and from a wider circle than has been previously understood.

Once Rare, Impeachments and Censures Have Become the Norm in Congress

Seattle Times – Carl Hulse (New York Times) | Published: 8/8/2023

Proposals to censure lawmakers and impeach members of the Biden administration are piling up quickly in the U.S. House in an illustration of how once-solemn acts are becoming almost routine as the two parties seize on these procedures as part of their political combat. The proliferation of censures and cries for impeachment is troubling to some who see it as a threat to the standing of the institution as well as diminishing the weight such punishments are supposed to carry. Censure is the congressional penalty just below expulsion.

Trading Places: More lawmakers are swapping political parties

Yahoo News – Liz Champion (Politico) | Published: 8/9/2023

Ten state lawmakers nationwide switched parties in 2023. That includes six who jumped from one of the major parties to the other. In 2022, by contrast, just two state lawmakers changed affiliation between the Democrats and Republicans. The uptick in party transitions this year speaks to the growing polarization and party feuding inside state Capitols. In some states that saw allegiance flips, it had huge bearing on what legislation passed.

DeSantis, with a Subtle Maneuver, Hides His Small-Dollar Donations

Yahoo News – Rebecca Davis O’Brien and Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 8/9/2023

When WinRed, the company that processes nearly all online Republican campaign contributions, recently released its trove of donor data for the first half of the year, contributions were conspicuously absent for one presidential candidate: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. It was no technical glitch. The DeSantis campaign worked with WinRed in a way that prevented the disclosure of donor information, ensuring the campaign’s small donors would remain anonymous.

Clarence Thomas’ $267,230 RV and the Friend Who Financed It

Yahoo News – Jo Becker and Julie Tate (New York Times) | Published: 8/5/2023

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’s Prevost Marathon cost $267,230, according to title history records. Thomas, who has told friends how he scrimped and saved to afford the motor coach, did not buy it on his own. In fact, the purchase was underwritten, at least in part, by Anthony Welters, a close friend who made his fortune in the health care industry. He provided Thomas with financing that experts said a bank would have been unlikely to extend, not only because Thomas was already carrying a lot of debt, but because the Marathon brand’s high level of customization makes its used motor coaches difficult to value.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Top Alaska Officials Facing Ethics Complaints Could Get State Representation Under Proposed Rules

Anchorage Daily News – Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) | Published: 8/3/2023

The Alaska Department of Law is proposing rules that would allow the state to represent a governor, lieutenant governor, or attorney general in complaints against them alleging ethics violations. Currently, they must hire outside attorneys to represent them in such matters. Under the proposed rules, those officeholders could decline representation by the department and hire their own attorneys if they wished.

Arizona – ‘It’s Underway’: Probe begins into $24K mailer deal at Maricopa County Democratic Party

MSN – Mary Jo Pitzl (Arizona Republic) | Published: 8/7/2023

The interim director of the Maricopa County Democratic Party said he launched an investigation into the party’s handling of a $24,000 business deal that has led to accusations of cronyism, altered postal records, and cover-ups. The deal appeared to be intended to benefit the former executive director’s fiancé. The party spent $24,480 for a mass mailing before the November 2022 election. But the mailer never reached the mailboxes of the 118,000 Democrats for whom it was intended, and the money was only refunded months later, after the party’s attorneys demanded repayment.

California – Mayor Aitken Announces Reforms Anaheim City Council Will Start Considering

MSN – Michael Slaton (Orange County Register) | Published: 8/8/2023

Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken announced her plans for the city council to start discussing several new reforms in the wake of the release of an independent investigation into corruption at City Hall, including several changes focused on transparency. “The release of last week’s independent report confirmed the wrongdoing that many suspected was going on for years,” Aitken said in a news release. “… Restoring transparency and public confidence will take time, and reforms will likely come in stages.”

California – Investigators Allege Pattern of Lobbyists Potentially Violating Anaheim Disclosure Rules

MSN – Michael Slaton and Tony Saavedra (Orange County Register) | Published: 8/2/2023

Independent investigators hired by Anaheim said they found numerous potential violations of the city’s lobbying laws in the last decade, in what they described as a “pattern of behavior” by lobbyists. A report on corruption highlighted former Mayor Curt Pringle and Jeff Flint, the former chief executive of Core Strategic Group, saying they failed to report their lobbying activity to the city clerk, which investigators said was potentially a crime of perjury. To combat the issues described in their report, investigators recommended Anaheim create a city ombudsman/ethics officer, whose duties would include monitoring the lobbying reports submitted.

California – San Jose Grants Few Former Employees Lobbying Exemptions

San Jose Spotlight – Jana Kadah | Published: 8/4/2023

In San Jose, when you leave a job working for the city you are barred from lobbying anyone at City Hall for at least two years. But a handful of ex-employees are exceptions to the rule. The latest example is Allie Hughes, a former staffer for San Jose Councilperson David Cohen. She recently left the city to work as a lobbyist for Canyon Snow Consulting. City Attorney Nora Frimann recommended the exemption, citing Hughes’ limited time with the city.

Florida – Florida Says AP Psychology Doesn’t Violate the Law, After All

MSN – Laura Meckler (Washington Post) | Published: 8/9/2023

After days of confusion, the Florida education commissioner said high schools may teach Advanced Placement Psychology without running afoul of Florida law, including material on sexual orientation and gender identity. Commissioner Manny Díaz Jr. had told districts previously that the class could be offered, but only if material on those topics was excluded. Large school districts across Florida responded by dropping the course and began a stressful process of quickly preparing instructors to teach new curriculum.

Florida – Former Kissimmee Commissioner, County Commission Candidate Sentenced for Campaign Finance Violations

Yahoo News – Charles Frazier (WFTV) | Published: 8/9/2023

A former Kissimmee city commissioner who was accused of entering a 2022 race for the Osceola County Commission as a “ghost candidate” was sentenced to jail for campaign finance violations. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, their investigation into Carlos Irizarry’s campaign began when they were notified of allegations that he was offered money to enter the race only to affect the outcome by taking votes from opposing candidate Jackie Espinosa.

Florida – Federal Judge Rules That Ban on Lobbying by Elected Officials Violates Free Speech

Yahoo News – Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) | Published: 8/9/2023

A federal judge struck down a Florida law that restricted state and local officials lobbying other government bodies while in office. U.S. District Court Judge Beth Bloom sided with officials who argued the language in a 2018 ballot measure was too broad and poorly defined to comply with First Amendment protections on free speech. Bloom left intact another portion of the law that bans elected and appointed government officials from lobbying the agencies they represented for six years after leaving them.

Illinois – Former Madigan Chief of Staff Tim Mapes Heading to Trial on Charges He Lied to Federal Grand Jury Investigating His Boss

MSN – Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 8/6/2023

As the federal investigation into then-House Speaker Michael Madigan was heating up two years ago, prosecutors assured Tim Mapes, Madigan’s onetime chief of staff, would not be charged as long as he told the truth to a grand jury. But prosecutors allege Mapes lied repeatedly in his testimony in an ill-fated attempt to protect his longtime boss. Now, Mapes, a key member of Madigan’s inner circle, is on trial on perjury charges. His indictment marked an intriguing power play by the U.S. attorney’s office in what has become one of the biggest political corruption scandals in state history.

Kansas – Kansas Commerce Deputy’s Lucrative Contract May Trigger Stronger Conflict of Interest Laws

Yahoo News – Jason Alatidd (Topeka Capital-Journal) | Published: 8/3/2023

A Kansas lawmaker wants to rewrite conflict-of-interest laws in response to a state employee bidding on and winning a consulting contract. Paul Hughes, the former Commerce Department deputy secretary, formed Catapult Kansas while still employed by the state. He then bid on a consulting contract – he was the only bidder – and was awarded the contract for $180,000 a year.

Maine – Ballot Question Seeks to Ban Foreign Spending

The Center Square – Christian Wade | Published: 8/3/2023

Maine voters will have a say in whether foreign corporations should be allowed to spend money to sway the outcome. Supporters say the ballot question is aimed at eliminating a loophole in state law that allows foreign governments to spend money on referendum campaigns. Foreign entities cannot contribute to political candidates under both federal and state election laws.

Michigan – Pro-Trump Attorney Is Third Indicted in Michigan Vote Machine Probe

Bridge Michigan – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 8/3/2023

Stefanie Lambert Junttila, a pro-Trump attorney who challenged 2020 election results across the country, was charged with four felonies stemming from an alleged plot to illegally access Michigan voting machines. Lambert Junttila is the third suspect indicted by a grand jury in special prosecutor D.J. Hilson’s probe of the alleged tampering scheme. Matthew DePerno, the 2020 Republican nominee for state attorney general, was charged along with former state Rep. Daire Rendon.

Mississippi – Treasurer for Chris McDaniel Lt. Gov. Campaign Under Investigation by MS Attorney General

Yahoo News – Wicker Perlis (Jackson Clarion-Ledger) | Published: 8/4/2023

The treasurer for the lieutenant governor campaign of state Sen. Chris McDaniel is under investigation by the office of Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch. A press release did not mention the McDaniel campaign directly, naming Thomas Datwyler, a Wisconsin-based political consultant who serves as the campaign treasurer, and Invest in Mississippi, a PAC Datwyler created in July. It is against the law for campaigns and PACs to coordinate or communicate with each other.

Nevada – Lombardo to Appeal Ethics Board Decision

MSN – Taylor Avery (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 8/9/2023

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo plans to appeal a recent state ethics board decision that found he violated the law by using his sheriff’s badge and uniform during his campaign for governor. Ethics Commission members voted to fine Lombardo $20,000 and censure him for four violations of state law barring the use of government time, property, or equipment for personal use.

New Jersey – It Was $10K in a Paper Bag. But Was It a Bribe Under the Law? It Sure Was, Says N.J.’s Top Court.

MSN – Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 8/7/2023

The New Jersey Supreme Court said candidates who do not hold elected office can be charged under the state’s public official bribery laws. The court sided with state officials by ruling candidates do not need to win elections to be subject to the “plain words” of the bribery statute. The law was challenged by Jason O’Donnell, a former state lawmaker and candidate for mayor of Bayonne, who allegedly accepted $10,000 in cash from an individual in exchange for the promise to appoint them as tax counsel for the city.

New York – Hochul’s Husband Is Leaving Delaware North

Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 8/4/2023

William Hochul Jr., New York’s first gentleman, is departing his position as senior vice president and general counsel at Delaware North, a job that had led to a number of thorny issues for the governor. Hiswork at the high-powered gaming company has led to Gov. Kathy Hochul to recuse herself from matters that veer too close to that sector, including recent negotiations with the Seneca Nation over a contentious gaming compact.

New York – The Secret Hand Behind the Women Who Stood by Cuomo? His Sister.

MSN – Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) | Published: 8/7/2023

We Decide New York, a small but devoted group of mostly older women, banded together online to defend then-Gov Andrew Cuomo from a cascade of sexual misconduct claims that led to his resignation in August 2021. But it turns out the group’s online activity had secretly been ordered by someone even closer to the former governor’s cause: Madeline Cuomo, his sister. Documents give unusual insight into how far members of one of America’s most storied political families were willing to go to rehabilitate a fallen scion and humiliate those they believed had wronged him.

New York – Former De Blasio NYPD Security Chief Howard Redmond Pleads Guilty of Obstructing DOI Probe

MSN – Molly Crane-Newman, Graham Rayman, and Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 8/9/2023

Howard Redmond, who as an New York City Police Department inspector who oversaw for Mayor Bill de Blasio and his family’s around-the-clock security, pleaded guilty to felony charges stemming from his work for City Hall. Assistant District Attorney Samantha Dworken said Redmond admitted to ignoring investigators and then hiding and deleting evidence. The two-year probe found de Blasio’s bodyguards operated like glorified chauffeurs, flying in the face of city ethics laws barring public servants from using city resources for personal benefit.

Ohio – Democrats May Embrace Abortion Rights Even More Tightly After Ohio Win

MSN – Toluse Olorunnipa, Rachel Roubein, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 8/9/2023

Ohio voters rejected a ballot measure that would have made it more difficult to amend the state constitution ahead of a November vote to ensure access to abortion. The issue of abortion has become a rare consistent source of electoral victories for Democrats over the past year. The result in Ohio, coming after voters in other Republican-leaning states like Kentucky and Kansas also rejected GOP efforts to restrict abortion, underscores how the issue has already reshaped the political landscape for 2024, Democratic pollster Celinda Lake said.

Ohio – Money Paid, Favors Done. Messages Detail Relationship Between Ohio Regulator and Energy Executives

Ohio Capital Journal – Marty Schladen | Published: 8/8/2023

In early 2019, news of financial ties between FirstEnergy and the man incoming-Gov. Mike DeWine named to lead the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio began to spread. As it did, FirstEnergy’s top executives feared they would not have a regulator they could control, according to court documents. As it happened, the nominee, Sam Randazzo, ended up being appointed to the commission after being paid $4.3 million by FirstEnergy. He proceeded to help draft a law providing the utility with a $1.3 billion bailout.

Oregon – Impeachment, Elected Official Pay, Ranked-Choice Voting: Lawmakers left big questions to voters

Oregon Capital Chronicle – Julia Shumway | Published: 8/7/2023

Oregon lawmakers will ask voters to weigh in on big questions in 2024, including how voting will work, whether lawmakers should be able to impeach top officials, and whether elected officials should receive raises. Before the legislative session ended in June, lawmakers voted to send three proposed laws to voters on their November 2024 ballots. More referrals could be coming. A majority of Democratic legislators support an effort to change quorum requirements for the House and Senate to prevent future walkouts like the one that just stalled the Legislature for six weeks.

Tennessee – Tennessee Lawmakers Expelled by GOP Win Back State House Seats

MSN – Andrew Jeong (Washington Post) | Published: 8/3/2023

Two Tennessee Democrats who were expelled from the state Legislature in April over their participation in a gun-control protest won back their seats. Reps. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones easily defeated their Republican opponents in districts that lean Democratic. Pearson won more than 90 percent of the votes. Jones received more than 75 percent.

Tennessee – Lawsuit Accuses Tennessee of ‘Racially Discriminatory’ Redistricting

MSN – Meagan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 8/10/2023

A coalition of civil rights organizations and Tennessee residents filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s recently enacted congressional and state Senate redistricting plans, asserting the state violated the U.S. Constitution by diluting the voting power of African Americans and other voters of color in the state. The plaintiffs argue the plan unfairly fractured the power of Black voters and other minority voters in the Nashville and Memphis areas.

Texas – Austin City Council Member’s Husband Named to Ethics Commission That Oversees the Council

MSN – Ella McCarthy (Austin American-Statesman) | Published: 8/5/2023

A recent appointee to the Austin Ethics Review Commission is married to a current city council member. The commission conducts hearings and makes rulings on complaints alleging violations of the provisions within the commission’s jurisdiction, including complaint against city council members. Mayor Kirk Watson does not believe there are any legal or ethical concerns with the appointment, and Councilperson Paige Ellis and Espinoza feel their marriage will not affect Espinoza’s actions on the commission.

U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom of the Southern District of Florida permanently halted a portion of the lobbying ban approved by voters in 2018.

The restriction barred public officials from lobbying, on issues of policy, appropriations, or procurement before governmental bodies or entities while in office.

Bloom determined the amendment language to be too broad and poorly defined, agreeing with the Plaintiffs in the case.

The six-year ban on lobbying pertaining to former state and local officers after leaving office was not blocked by Bloom and will continue to be in effect.

Campaign Finance

National: “DeSantis Super PAC Shares Cost for Private Air Travel in Unusual Deal” by Michael Scherer and Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) for MSN

Maine: “Ballot Question Seeks to Ban Foreign Spending” by Christian Wade for The Center Square

Elections

National: “‘Fake’ Elector Plot Raised Concerns Over Legal Peril, Indictment Shows” by Amy Gardner, Patrick Marley, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN

Oregon: “Impeachment, Elected Official Pay, Ranked-Choice Voting: Lawmakers left big questions to voters” by Julia Shumway for Oregon Capital Chronicle

Ethics

National: “Fight Over Trump Jan. 6 Secrecy Order Marks Start of Race to Trial” by Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

New Jersey: “N.J.’s Top Court Says Unelected Political Candidates Can Be Charged with Bribery” by Nikita Biryukov for New Jersey Monitor

New York: “Hochul’s Husband Is Leaving Delaware North” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union

Lobbying

California: “San Jose Grants Few Former Employees Lobbying Exemptions” by Jana Kadah for San Jose Spotlight

Q: I’ve had a few discussions with legislators in Washington. Do I need to register?

A: Unlike some states that require registration before you begin lobbying, Washington is not a “first toe in the water state.” As a result, there are some activities that you can engage in before or without the need to register as a lobbyist.

Washington requires you to register as a lobbyist once you have either conducted lobbying activities for more than four days, or parts of four days, in a three-month period, or made total expenditures exceeding $35 in a three-month period for or on behalf of public officials. So, if your lobbying activity is extremely sporadic and limited, you may not need to register.

But Washington also has a relatively narrow definition of what constitutes lobbying. Lobbying is defined as an attempt to influence the passage or defeat of any legislation or the adoption or rejection of any rule, standard, rate, or other legislative enactment of any state agency. This definition excludes acts of goodwill lobbying, like small-talk with lawmakers or general relationship-building with public officials. But, be mindful of your activities, because if your small-talk conversation turns to shoptalk about a specific issue or piece of legislation, then that conversation will put you closer to crossing the lobbying registration threshold.

Similarly, the state’s lobbying law carves out several activities that it does not consider lobbying. If you limit your activities to appearing before public sessions of committees of the legislature or public hearings of state agencies, then you will not need to register. Similarly, activities by persons whose participation was solicited by an agency under a negotiated rulemaking or pilot rulemaking agency will not, by themselves, require you to register as a lobbyist.

More information about registration requirements can easily be found on our website in the Registration section of the Lobbying Compliance Guidebook.

Campaign Finance

Mississippi: “Treasurer for Chris McDaniel Lt. Gov. Campaign Under Investigation by MS Attorney General” by Wicker Perlis (Jackson Clarion-Ledger) for Yahoo News

Elections

Michigan: “Pro-Trump Attorney Is Third Indicted in Michigan Vote Machine Probe” by Jonathan Oosting for Bridge Michigan

Tennessee: “Tennessee Lawmakers Expelled by GOP Win Back State House Seats” by Andrew Jeong (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Alaska: “Top Alaska Officials Facing Ethics Complaints Could Get State Representation Under Proposed Rules” by Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) for Anchorage Daily News

National: “Clarence Thomas’ $267,230 RV and the Friend Who Financed It” by Jo Becker and Julie Tate (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Illinois: “Former Madigan Chief of Staff Tim Mapes Heading to Trial on Charges He Lied to Federal Grand Jury Investigating His Boss” by Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

Texas: “Austin City Council Member’s Husband Named to Ethics Commission That Oversees the Council” by Ella McCarthy (Austin American-Statesman) for MSN

Lobbying

California: “Investigators Allege Pattern of Lobbyists Potentially Violating Anaheim Disclosure Rules” by Michael Slaton and Tony Saavedra (Orange County Register) for MSN

National/Federal

Trump Aide Carlos De Oliveira’s Journey from Failed Witness to Defendant

MSN – Devlin Barrett, Spencer Hsu, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 7/28/2023

Carlos De Oliveira was indicted along with Donald Trump and Walt Nauta, all three accused of seeking to delete security footage at Mar-a-Lago that the Justice Department was requesting as part of its classified documents investigation. De Oliveira’s actions at Mar-a-Lago, and later statements to federal investigators, shows how the longtime Trump employee has become a key figure in the investigation, one whose alleged actions could bolster the obstruction case against the former president.

Trump PAC Has Spent More Than $40 Million on Legal Costs This Year for Himself, Others

MSN – Josh Dawsey, Devlin Barrett, and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 7/29/2023

Former President Trump’s political group spent more than $40 million on legal costs in the first half of 2023 to defend Trump, his advisers, and others, financing legal work that has drawn scrutiny from prosecutors about potential conflicts-of-interest between Trump and witnesses. While interviewing potential witnesses associated with Trump, prosecutors have raised pointed questions about who is paying for their lawyers and why.

Do You Avoid the News? You’re in Growing Company.

MSN – Paul Farhi (Washington Post) | Published: 8/1/2023

Haunted by a sense that the news is relentlessly toxic, once-loyal readers and viewers have been gradually ebbing away, posing a persistent threat to the news business. Researchers say “news avoidance” could be a response to an age of hyper-information. Digital media has made news ubiquitous and instantly available from thousands of sources representing every ideology, geography, and language. Much of it, people say, drives feelings of depression, anger, anxiety, or helplessness.

Judge Throws Out Trump’s ‘Big Lie’ Defamation Lawsuit Against CNN

MSN – Caroline Anders (Washington Post) | Published: 7/29/2023

A federal judge dismissed Donald Trump’s lawsuit against CNN, in which the former president said the network defamed him by associating him with Adolf Hitler. Trump argued by using the phrase the “big lie” in reference to his unfounded claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, the network created an unfair association between him and the Nazi regime. Hitler and Nazi minister of propaganda Joseph Goebbels used the term as a propaganda tool that involved repeating a falsehood until the public started to believe it.

Trump Charged in Probe of Jan. 6, Efforts to Overturn 2020 Election

MSN – Devlin Barrett, Spencer Hsu, Perry Stein, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 8/1/2023

A grand jury indicted former President Trump for a raft of alleged crimes in his brazen efforts to overturn Joe Biden’s election victory, the latest legal and political aftershock stemming from the riot at the U.S. Capitol. The charges represent the third indictment of the former president filed since March, setting the stage for one of the stranger presidential contests in history, in which a major-party front-runner may have to alternate between campaign stops and courtroom hearings over the next year.

Trump Is Charged Under Civil Rights Law Used to Prosecute KKK Violence

MSN – Isaac Stanley-Becker and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 8/1/2023

When Donald Trump was indicted and accused of trying to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election, he found himself in the unenviable company of defendants charged under a criminal statute dating to the Reconstruction era. The statute, Section 241 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, was originally adopted as part of the Enforcement Act of 1870. It was the first in a series of measures known as the Ku Klux Klan Acts designed to protect rights guaranteed by the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments.

Limits of Congressional Power to Regulate Supreme Court Untested

MSN – Michael Macagnone (Roll Call) | Published: 8/2/2023

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Jr. started a flurry of conversation among judicial and congressional experts when he expressed a self-proclaimed “controversial view” that Congress does not have “the authority to regulate the Supreme Court – period.” Those experts generally agree that such a broad comment on its face is not correct, since Congress does have authority to regulate the court’s docket, budget, and even how many justices there are. But the specifics get trickier when it comes to whether Congress has the authority to pass a code of ethics for the Supreme Court, which congressional Democrats have pushed for this year.

The Secret History of Gun Rights: How lawmakers armed the N.R.A.

MSN – Mike McIntire (New York Times) | Published: 7/30/2023

Long before the National Rifle Association (NRA) tightened its grip on Congress and won over the Supreme Court, U.S. Rep. John Dingell Jr. had a plan. It would transform the NRA from an outdated club of sportsmen into a lobbying juggernaut that would enforce elected officials’ allegiance, derail legislation behind the scenes, and redefine the legal landscape. Dingell was one of at least nine senators and representatives who served as leaders of the NRA, often prodding it to action. At seemingly every hint of a legislative threat, they stepped up, documents show, helping erect a firewall that impedes gun control today.

How Is Tim Scott Spending Millions in Campaign Money? It’s a Mystery.

Seattle Times – Rebecca Davis O’Brien, and Alexandra Berzon (New York Times) | Published: 7/28/2023

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott has more campaign money than most of his Republican presidential rivals, and he has not been shy about spending it. Where that money is ultimately going, however, is a mystery. Scott spent about $6.6 million from April through June but most of it cannot be traced to an actual vendor. Instead, roughly $5.3 million went to two shadowy entities: newly formed limited liability companies with no online presence and no record of other federal election work. Their business records show they were set up by the same person in the months before Scott entered the race.

A Senator’s New Wife and Her Old Friends Draw Prosecutors’ Attention

Yahoo News – Tracey Tully (New York Times) | Published: 8/1/2023

U.S. Robert Menendez is under investigation by the Justice Department for the second time in less than a decade, and this time, his wife is also in prosecutors’ sights. The new inquiry appears to be focused at least in part on the possibility that either the senator or his wife received undisclosed gifts from a company run by a friend of Menendez, and those gifts might have been given in exchange for political favors. Unlike her husband, Nadine Menendez has lived a mainly private life.

From the States and Municipalities

California – Why California Cities Use Your Tax Dollars to Lobby the Legislature

CalMatters – Sameea Kamal and Jeremia Kimelman | Published: 8/3/2023

An analysis shows local governments, water districts, and transit agencies in California have spent nearly $24 million on lobbying the state this year, accounting for about 10 percent of the more than $233 million total. Not all local government agencies lobby the state, but those that do tend to want to influence policies. They also seek more money from the state budget. Some national research shows the advocacy pays off as cities that do lobby receive between seven percent and 9 percent more per person in state funding than those that do not.

California – By Several Measures, the FPPC Is Outnumbered

Capitol Weekly – Brian Joseph | Published: 8/1/2023

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) finds violations of the Political Reform Act in a few different ways, through complaints filed with the agency by members of the public, referrals from other agencies, proactive cases agency staff see in the media, and through a limited number of audits of disclosures by staff. Ann Ravel, a former FPPC chairperson, said that in a “perfect world,” the agency would have the resources and staff to proactively review many more disclosures filed with the state.

California – California Lawmakers Would Have to Disclose Lobbyist Meetings Under Sweeping Ballot Proposal

MSN – Christopher Cadelago and Melanie Mason (Politico) | Published: 8/2/2023

A ballot initiative likely to come before California voters next year would overhaul the state’s open records law, forcing unprecedented scrutiny into lobbying activities at the Capitol, and ensuring sexual harassment allegations against lawmakers are public. Bob Stern, who co-authored the state’s political reform law in 1974, reviewed the proposed measure and pointed to support from the public in further scrutinizing lawmakers’ interactions with lobbyists as well as more information into legislative probes.

California – Anaheim Corruption Report Alleges a Criminal Conspiracy, Secret Lobbying and Influence Peddling

MSN – Nathan Fenno and Gabriel San Román (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 7/31/2023

An outside investigation into alleged corruption in Anaheim detailed Disneyland area resort interests improperly steering City Hall policymaking. The report noted numerous lobbyist meetings that were not reported as required and raised concerns about the close relationship between the city and the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce. It characterized former Mayor Harry Sidhu’s Anaheim First initiative as “nothing more than a fig leaf for potential future public corruption and the wrongful diversion of public funds.”

California – Planned Cuts to City Ethics Board Reversed by Legislators

San Francisco Examiner – Adam Shanks | Published: 7/28/2023

San Francisco’s ethics watchdog was spared the significant reductions to its budget first proposed by Mayor London Breed. The budget agreement finalized by the board of supervisors and Breed restored $2.3 million to the commission’s funding. While the money is only a small portion of the city’s budget, supervisors and ethics panel leaders stressed the importance of its work, particularly given that 2024 is a major election year.

Florida – Fort Lauderdale Commissioners Will Pay After All, After Attending Lionel Messi’s Unveiling

Broward.US – Anthony Man (South Florida Sun-Sentinel) | Published: 7/26/2023

The Fort Lauderdale commissioners who welcome Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi are reimbursing the soccer team. The Fort Lauderdale leaders, along with elected officials from Miami-Dade County, were hosted by the team in a VIP area at DRV PNK Stadium for the event. Some were able to talk with and get pictures with the new player and team co-owner David Beckham. City Attorney D’Wayne Spence said those who attended should pay. He also cited state law requiring commissioners to report gifts worth more than $100 and a prohibition on accepting gifts from lobbyists or vendors.

Florida – Florida’s New Black History Standards Have Drawn Backlash. Who Wrote Them?

Seattle Times – Sarah Mervosh (New York Times) | Published: 7/28/2023

When Florida set out to revamp its standards for teaching Black history this spring, a natural place to turn would have been the state’s African American History Task Force. The volunteer task force – a group of Black educators, Democratic politicians, and community leaders, appointed by the commissioner of education – has helped shape African American history instruction in Florida for more than two decades. But in updating educational standards to comply with a new law that limits how racism and other aspects of history can be taught, state officials largely bypassed the task force.

Florida – New Law Shields DeSantis’ Use of State Vehicles to Campaign

Yahoo News – Jeffrey Schweers (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 7/28/2023

If it had not been for a fender bender on Interstate 75 near Chattanooga, Tennessee, most folks would not know Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was using state government vehicles for his 2024 run for president. The collision draws a curtain back on the campaign’s use of state resources. But finding out who is paying for it is nearly impossible thanks to a new law passed by the Legislature to protect the governor’s travel records from public view.

Florida – Number of Registered Lobbyists Plummets at City Hall; Ethics Watchdogs Worried

Yahoo News – Jeff Burlew (Tallahassee Democrat) | Published: 8/3/2023

Last year, 29 individuals registered to lobby city commissioners and staff in Tallahassee. They paid their annual $25 registration fees and disclosed their clients and interests. But so far this year, only six lobbyists have signed up, marking a 77 percent year-to-date drop and an all-time low in registration numbers since the city’s lobbying ordinance was enacted in 2011. The anemic registration numbers raise questions about the effectiveness of the city’s lobbying ordinance and point to the possibility of unregistered lobbyists skirting requirements.

Georgia – Judge Rejects Trump’s Effort to Short-Circuit Georgia Election Case

DNyuz – Richard Fausset and Danny Hakim (New York Times) | Published: 7/31/2023

A Georgia judge forcefully rejected an effort by former President Trump to throw out evidence collected by a special grand jury and to remove the current prosecutor from the investigation into Trump’s attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney seemed to have little patience for the arguments from Trump’ legal team and suggested Trump’ lawyers were gumming up the legal process with frivolous filings.

Hawaii – Ban On Fundraisers? Hawaii Legislators Continued to Rake in Campaign Cash During Session

Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair and Patti Epler | Published: 8/2/2023

Despite a new law banning fundraising during the legislative session in Hawaii, it did not halt the flow of campaign donations to many state senators and representatives. A review of the latest campaign finance disclosures illustrates major special interests continue to give generously to lawmakers, especially those who wield a lot of power.

Kansas – Kansas $180K Megaproject Consulting Job Went to Deputy Secretary’s LLC

Yahoo News – Jason Alatidd (Topeka Capital-Journal) | Published: 7/30/2023

A top economic development employee at the Kansas Department of Commerce bid on and won a $180,000 a year contract to consult for the agency. State officials maintain there was no conflict-of-interest in awarding the consulting contract to Paul Hughes, whose contract went into effect two weeks before he left his government job. While Hughes was still employed by the state, he formed his own company, Catapult Kansas LLC. He then bid on and was awarded a contract to consult for the Commerce Department on megaprojects.

Kansas – Kansas Ethics Regulators Can Waive Fines – but Some Think They Aren’t Consistent

Yahoo News – Andrew Bahl (Topeka Capital-Journal) | Published: 7/28/2023

Often, if a person incurs a low-level violation of the state’s campaign finance or lobbying laws such as filing the required reports late, they will ask the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission to waive or lower the fine associated with that offense. While some factors, such as an illness or an inability to pay the fine, almost always result in a waived or reduced fee, other times relatively similar cases see disparate outcomes. Now, the agency is taking a look at its policies to ensure it remains fair.

Maryland – Treasurer for Baltimore County Campaign Committees Sentenced for Stealing Funds

Maryland Daily Record – Madeleine O’Neill | Published: 7/31/2023

The onetime treasurer for a Baltimore County political slate who admitted to embezzling tens of thousands of dollars in campaign funds will serve six months in jail. William McCollum stole money from the Baltimore County Victory Slate and the finance committee of former Baltimore County Councilperson Cathy Bevins. He was accused of stealing funds through direct payments to pay his personal credit card bill and by depositing checks made out to the fund or to vendors into his personal bank account.

Michigan – Michigan Republicans Charged in Connection with 2020 Voting Machine Tampering

MSN – Patrick Marley and Aaron Schaffer (Washington Post) | Published: 8/1/2023

A former Michigan lawmaker and a losing candidate for state attorney general were charged with felonies as part of an investigation into the improper acquisition of voting machines. Special prosecutor D.J. Hilson has been looking into efforts by a group of conservatives to persuade election clerks to give them voting machines as they attempted to prove the 2020 presidential election had been wrongly called for Joe Biden. The group never turned up any proof, and courts in dozens of cases across the country ruled the election was properly decided.

Montana – Montana GOP Senate Candidate Keeps His CEO Job – But His Company Won’t Say How He Avoids Conflicts

MSN – Henry Gomez (NBC News) | Published: 8/3/2023

Tim Sheehy is running in one of the country’s most competitive U.S. Senate races while also running an aerial firefighting company that is heavily dependent on federal contracts. Bridger Aerospace has explicit rules about political contributions and activities. Employees are not permitted to engage in politics while on company time. There are also rules requiring legal reviews and approval before company funds can be spent on behalf of candidates or campaigns. Officials with Bridger and the Sheehy campaign did not directly address questions about how the candidate is complying with corporate accountability measures.

Nebraska – Hunter Hired as New Director of Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission

Nebraska Examiner – Paul Hammel | Published: 7/28/2023

The Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission hired a long-time staffer as its new executive director. David Hunter, who has worked for the commission since 2000, will succeed Frank Daley, who is retiring in September.

Nevada – Indy Explains: How does the Nevada Commission on Ethics work?

Nevada Independent – Carly Sauvageau | Published: 7/30/2023

The Nevada Commission on Ethics was thrust into the spotlight when it decided Gov. Joe Lombardo violated state ethics laws by wearing a sheriff’s badge in campaign ads and was issued a $20,000 fine – the largest ever since the commission’s creation in 1975 – as well as a censure. City councils to county commissions, public officers, and employees in the executive branch are overseen and occasionally investigated by the commission.

New Jersey – Brindle Will Retire from Top ELEC Post

New Jersey Globe – David Wildstein | Published: 7/31/2023

Jeff Brindle, the executive director of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, will retire. Brindle’s decision comes more than five months after Gov. Phil Murphy had sought to oust Brindle from his post earlier this year over an email sent to a staffer last fall that mocked National Coming Out Day. He will leave at the end of the year. Brindle is suing Murphy and some top aides over their bid to force him out.

New Mexico – Ethics Agency Reaches Settlement with PAC Active in 2022 Legislative Race

Yahoo News – Dan McKay (Albuquerque Journal) | Published: 8/1/2023

A PAC agreed to pay a $1,000 civil penalty and disclose its financial activity in a new report after New Mexico’s independent ethics agency accused it of violating campaign finance laws in a 2022 legislative race. The New Mexico Values PAC disclosed just $2,500 in contributions and spending. But the ethics panel said it is unlikely the PAC fully disclosed its activity.

New York – N.Y. Republican Lawmakers File Suit to Overturn Outside Income Limit

Spectrum News – Nick Reisman | Published: 7/27/2023

Republicans in the New York General Assembly are challenging a pending limit on the amount of money state lawmakers can earn outside of their jobs as elected officials. The lawsuit seeks to strike down the $35,000 cap, set to take effect in early 2025. Lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul approved a legislative pay raise from $110,000 to $142,000 last year.

North Carolina – Inside the Party Switch that Blew Up North Carolina Politics

Seattle Times – Kate Kelly and David Perlmutt (New York Times) | Published: 7/30/2023

Rep. Tricia Cotham’s win in the November general election for the North Carolina House helped Democrats lock in enough seats to prevent, by a single vote, a Republican supermajority in the chamber. Three months after Cotham took office in January, she delivered a mortal shock to Democrats and abortion rights supporters. She switched parties and then cast a decisive vote to enact a 12-week limit on most abortions, the state’s most restrictive abortion policy in 50 years.

North Carolina – ‘Sophisticated Scam’ Nabs $50k from Stein’s Gubernatorial Campaign

WRAL – Travis Fain | Published: 7/31/2023

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein’s gubernatorial campaign was the victim of a “sophisticated scam” that cost the candidate’s operation about $50,000. A campaign finance filing, breaking down donations and expenses from the first six months of 2023, lists a $50,438.77 expense in January identified as a “fraudulent wire transfer payment.”

North Carolina – Idea Exchange or Corporate Lobbying Front? A Look into ALEC’s Influence in NC

Yahoo News – Jazper Lu (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 7/30/2023

Some North Carolina lawmakers attended the 50th annual meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). The politically conservative organization regularly convenes state legislators from around the U.S., mostly Republicans, with private sector representatives to write and publish “model bills,” draft legislation that can then be used by anyone. Historically, some North Carolina policies have gone on to form the building blocks for ALEC model legislation. Several of the state’s lawmakers have served in top ALEC leadership positions.

Ohio – Ohio Voters Are Deciding If It’s Too Easy to Pass Ballot Measures. Other States Are Watching.

Missouri Independent – Zachary Roth and Morgan Trau | Published: 8/2/2023

Ohioans over the last century have used the state’s ballot initiative process to pass constitutional amendments that raised the minimum wage, integrated the National Guard, and removed the phrase “white male” from the constitution’s list of voter eligibility requirements. Now, lawmakers want to make it much tougher for an initiative to be approved. Opponents of the effort, who are leading in the polls, say doing so would undermine democracy. Whoever prevails, the verdict could reverberate far beyond the Buckeye State, as other states eye limits on ballot initiatives.

Pennsylvania – Judge Rules Trump False Election Claims While in Office Covered by Presidential Immunity

Yahoo News – Zach Schonfeld (The Hill) | Published: 8/1/2023

A state judge in Pennsylvania ruled an election worker cannot sue former President Trump over statements he made sowing doubt in the 2020 election results while in office, finding the statements are protected by presidential immunity. Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael Erdos said Trump was immune for a tweet he issued and comments he made remotely from the White House during a Pennsylvania Senate committee hearing. The statements, made without evidence, claimed fraud in Pennsylvania’s election count.

Texas – 1 in 5 Houston City Hall Candidates Skipped Campaign Finance Reports, Violating State Ethics Laws

MSN – Dylan McGuinness (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 8/2/2023

A dozen candidates running for elected positions in Houston failed to file required campaign finance reports in July, continuing a sloppy reporting period for the slate of candidates hoping to lead the city. The omissions account for nearly one in five of candidates running in the November elections, after about 25 percent failed to file the mandatory reports in January as well. Top mayoral contenders also had to refund contributions from those who exceeded the city’s cap and from prohibited city contractors.

Texas – Texas Environmental Regulators Are Using an Unwritten Rule to Squash Pollution Challenges

MSN – Dylan Baddour (Inside Climate News) | Published: 8/1/2023

When an oil company sought pollution permits in Texas to expand its export terminal beside Lavaca Bay, a coalition produced an analysis alleging the company, Max Midstream, underrepresented expected emissions to avoid a more rigorous permitting process and stricter pollution control requirements. In response, Max Midstream claimed the groups and citizens involved had no right to bring forth a challenge because they lived more than one mile from the Seahawk Oil Terminal. But the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality says the one-mile test cited by the company’s lawyers does not exist.

Washington – State Ethics Board Cites Rep. Simmons for Speaking Engagement Compensation

MSN – Kai Uyehara (Kitsap Sun) | Published: 7/28/2023

Washington Rep. Tarra Simmons was cited by a state legislative ethics board for accepting pay for speaking at Vanderbilt University about her experience as an incarcerated woman, an inspiring personal history that has been widely documented but ran afoul of rules when it was entwined with Simmons’ role as an elected official. Simmons said she was unaware of the state rules before accepting $1,000 for a 2021 speech. She was ordered to return the money and fined $250, which was waived by the state ethics board.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Lawsuit Asks New Liberal-Controlled Supreme Court to Toss Republican-Drawn Maps

ABC News – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 8/2/2023

A lawsuit asks Wisconsin’s newly liberal-controlled state Supreme Court to throw out Republican-drawn legislative maps as unconstitutional, the latest legal challenge of many nationwide that could upset political boundary lines before the 2024 election. The lawsuit asks that all 132 state lawmakers be up for election that year in newly drawn districts. In Senate districts that are midway through a four-year term in 2024, there would be a special election with the winner serving two years. Then the regular four-year cycle would resume in 2026.

Campaign Finance

Hawaii: “Ban On Fundraisers? Hawaii Legislators Continued to Rake in Campaign Cash During Session” by Chad Blair and Patti Epler for Honolulu Civil Beat

New Mexico: “Ethics Agency Reaches Settlement with PAC Active in 2022 Legislative Race” by Dan McKay (Albuquerque Journal) for Yahoo News

Elections

Michigan: “Michigan Republicans Charged in Connection with 2020 Voting Machine Tampering” by Patrick Marley and Aaron Schaffer (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “Ohio Voters Are Deciding If It’s Too Easy to Pass Ballot Measures. Other States Are Watching.” by Zachary Roth and Morgan Trau for Missouri Independent

Ethics

California: “By Several Measures, the FPPC Is Outnumbered” by Brian Joseph for Capitol Weekly

National: “Trump Is Charged Under Civil Rights Law Used to Prosecute KKK Violence” by Isaac Stanley-Becker and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

Texas: “Texas Environmental Regulators Are Using an Unwritten Rule to Squash Pollution Challenges” by Dylan Baddour (Inside Climate News) for MSN

Lobbying

California: “California Lawmakers Would Have to Disclose Lobbyist Meetings Under Sweeping Ballot Proposal” by Christopher Cadelago and Melanie Mason (Politico) for MSN

On July 27, legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate that would implement a lifetime ban on Members of Congress from ever becoming lobbyists.

The Close the Revolving Door Act, introduced by Sen. Jon Tester, aims to provide greater controls and restrictions on revolving door lobbying.

Additionally, the bill would ban lobbyists from working for members of Congress and Committees with whom they had a substantial lobbying contact in the previous six years; create a website entitled lobbyists.gov for searchable disclosures on lobbying activities; and increase penalties for violating the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) from $200,000 to $500,000.

Lobbying firms paying former members of Congress or senior congressional staff as employees, contractors, or for consulting services would have increased disclosure requirements under the LDA.

“I came to the Senate to fight for working families and defend our Montana way of life, and I don’t think any Member of Congress should cash out on the privilege of public service,” said Tester in his press release.

Campaign Finance National: “The Mystery of How Tim Scott’s Campaign Is Spending Its Millions” by Rebecca Davis O’Brien, and Alexandra Berzon (New York Times) for DNyuz Elections Florida: “New Law Shields DeSantis’ Use of State Vehicles to Campaign” by Jeffrey Schweers (Orlando Sentinel) for Yahoo News Ethics California: “Planned Cuts to City Ethics Board Reversed by Legislators” by Adam Shanks for San Francisco Examiner National: “Trump Aide Carlos De Oliveira’s Journey from Failed Witness to Defendant” by Devlin Barrett, Spencer Hsu, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN Kansas: “Kansas Ethics Regulators Can Waive Fines – but Some Think They Aren’t Consistent” by Andrew Bahl (Topeka Capital-Journal) for Yahoo News Nebraska: “Hunter Hired as New Director of Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission” by Paul Hammel for Nebraska Examiner Lobbying National: “The Secret History of Gun Rights: How lawmakers armed the N.R.A.” by Mike McIntire (New York Times) for DNyuz North Carolina: “Idea Exchange or Corporate Lobbying Front? A Look into ALEC’s Influence in NC” by Jazper Lu (Raleigh News and Observer) for Yahoo News

National/Federal

Senate GOP Leader McConnell Briefly Leaves News Conference After Freezing Up Midsentence

Associated Press News – Mary Clare Jalonick | Published: 7/26/2023

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell briefly left his own press conference after stopping his remarks midsentence and staring off into space for several seconds. McConnell was out of the Senate for almost six weeks earlier this year after falling and hitting his head. He was hospitalized for several days, and suffered a concussion and fractured a rib. His speech has sounded more halting in recent weeks, prompting questions among some of his colleagues about his health.

Prosecutors Drop Campaign Finance Charge Against Sam Bankman-Fried

DNyuz – David Yaffe-Bellany and Matthew Goldstein (New York Times) | Published: 7/27/2023

Federal prosecutors pursuing the criminal case against the cryptocurrency mogul Sam Bankman-Fried said they were dropping a charge that he violated campaign finance rules. Bankman-Fried was charged with fraud and campaign finance violations after the collapse of his company, FTX. He was extradited to the U.S. from the Bahamas, where FTX was based. But prosecutors said they had been informed by officials in the Bahamas the nation’s government had not intended to extradite Bankman-Fried on the campaign finance charge.

More Income for the Supreme Court: Million-dollar book deals

DNyuz – Steve Eder, Abbie Van Sickle, and Elizabeth Harris (New York Times) | Published: 7/27/2023

In recent months, media reports have highlighted a lack of transparency at the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as the absence of a binding ethics code for the justices. The reports included Justice Clarence Thomas’s travels and relationships with wealthy benefactors. The justices’ book deals are not prohibited under the law, and income from the advances and royalties are reported on annual financial disclosure forms. But the deals have become lucrative for the justices, including for those who have used court staff members to help research and promote their books.

How George Santos Used Political Connections to Fuel Get-Rich Schemes

DNyuz – Grace Ashford (New York Times) | Published: 7/26/2023

In the years since U.S. Rep. George Santos first ran for the House in 2020, he has become adept at finding ways to extract money from politics. He founded a political consulting group that he marketed to other Republicans. He sought to profit from the Covid crisis, using campaign connections. He also solicited investments for and from political donors, raising ethical questions. A review of his political career found several previously unreported examples of how he sought to use the connections he made as a candidate for public office to enrich himself.

How Right-Wing News Powers the ‘Gold IRA’ Industry

MSN – Jeremy Merrill and Hanna Kozlowska (Washington Post) | Published: 7/25/2023

While the legitimacy of the gold retirement investment industry is the subject of numerous lawsuits, including allegations of fraud by regulators, its advertising has become a mainstay of right-wing media. The industry spends millions of dollars a year to reach viewers of Fox, Newsmax, and other conservative outlets. For years, gold IRA industry advertising has echoed accusations against Democratic politicians commonly found in news segments on conservative outlets. The ads tout the coins as a safe haven from economic uncertainty and social upheaval.

Many Redistricting Redos Pending, but ’24 Election Outlook Unclear

MSN – Michael Macagnone and Mary Ellen McIntire (Roll Call) | Published: 7/25/2023

There is a series of courtroom redistricting battles playing out in about a dozen states. Some new maps could be drawn in time to change the electoral landscape in 2024, when Democrats need a net gain of five seats to take control of the House. But others may still be facing challenges as that election goes forward. One attorney said drawing new districts just once a decade after the census comes out is almost passé, and ongoing litigation is the new normal.

Supreme Court Ethics Measure Advances on Party-Line Vote

MSN – Michael Macagnone (Roll Call) | Published: 7/20/2023

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill that would place new transparency rules on U.S. Supreme Court filings, place new recusal standards on the justices, and require the court to adopt a code of ethics. The party-line vote came as Democrats said Congress must act because reports about undisclosed gifts and travel received by justices had stained the institution. Republicans called the measure an attack on the legitimacy of a conservative-controlled court that has ruled in ways Democrats do not like.

Risky Business: Top lobbying firms navigate uncertainty in tumultuous second quarter

MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 7/21/2023

K Street’s top lobbying firms reported strong earnings in a quarter marked by uncertainty. Lobbyists said they have been hard at work on some of the must-pass bills in the 118th Congress, including the National Defense Authorization Act, the Federal Aviation Authorization, and the Farm Bill reauthorization. Against the backdrop of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the narrowly avoided debt ceiling crisis, the Biden administration has pushed for new regulations. Lobbyists say Biden’s regulators push is driving a significant amount of their work.

Trial Date in Trump Documents Case Set for May 2024

MSN – Melissa Quinn (CBS News) | Published: 7/21/2023

The federal judge in Florida overseeing the Justice Department’s case against former President Trump over his alleged mishandling of sensitive government documents has set a date for his trial to begin in May 2024. The Justice Department had requested the trial start by mid-December of this year, but Trump’s legal team pushed back, arguing instead for the proceedings to begin after the 2024 presidential election. The May 20 date means the trial will take place toward the end of the Republican presidential primaries.

Smithsonian Literary Fest Flagged ‘Sensitive’ Topics Before Cancellation

MSN – Sophia Nguyen (Washington Post) | Published: 7/22/2023

Less than a month before the Smithsonian’s Asian American Literature Festival was to begin, staffers prepared what they considered to be a routine memo discussing programs involving “potentially sensitive issues” they knew the host institution would want to be aware of in advance. Among the matters cited in the mem: a panel about book bans, and two events featuring queer, trans, and nonbinary writers. Hours later, the acting director of the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American Center, Yao-Fen You, informed organizers she decided to cancel the entire festival because of “unforeseen circumstances.”

Vaccine Politics May Be to Blame for GOP Excess Deaths, Study Finds

MSN – David Ovalle (Washington Post) | Published: 7/24/2023

The political maelstrom swirling around coronavirus vaccines may be to blame for a higher rate of excess deaths among registered Republicans in Ohio and Florida during the coronavirus pandemic. The new study underscores the partisan divide over coronavirus vaccines that have saved lives but continued to roil American politics even as the pandemic has waned. Yale University researchers found registered Republicans had a higher rate of excess deaths than Democrats in the months following when vaccines became available for all adults in April 2021.

‘This Is a Really Big Deal’: How college towns are decimating the GOP

Yahoo News – Charlie Mahtesian and Madi Alexander (Politico) | Published: 7/21/2023

In state after state, fast-growing, traditionally liberal counties with colleges are flexing their electoral muscles, generating higher turnout and ever greater Democratic margins. They have already played a pivotal role in turning several red states blue and they could play an equally decisive role in key swing states next year. Name the flagship university and the story tends to be the same. If the surrounding county was a reliable source of Democratic votes in the past, it is a landslide county now.

Fearing Trump’s Wrath, GOP Lobbyists Stay on the ’24 Primary Sidelines

Yahoo News – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 7/25/2023

Republican lobbyists on K Street are not rushing to back Donald Trump in his third run for the White House. But they are not rallying in full force behind an alternative either. While some lobbyists are doling out cash, others are fearful any type of public opposition to the former president could make them persona non grata in Washington should he get back to the White House.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Google, Meta Fight with Canada Over Law Forcing Them to Pay for News

MSN – Amanda Coletta (Washington Post) | Published: 7/22/2023

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government is in a high-stakes showdown with Google and Meta, accusing them of unfairly profiting at the expense of Canadian news outlets and of using “bullying tactics” to intimidate officials. At issue Canada’s Online News Act, which aims to shore up a struggling media industry by requiring tech firms to compensate domestic news publishers for the content shared on their platforms.

Alabama – Alabama Lawmakers Refuse to Create a 2nd Majority-Black Congressional District

National Public Radio – Jeff Amy and Kim Chandler (Associated Press) | Published: 7/21/2023

Alabama refused to create a second majority-Black congressional district, a move that could defy a recent order from the U.S. Supreme Court to give minority voters a greater voice and trigger a renewed battle over the state’s political map. State lawmakers faced a deadline to adopt new district lines after the Supreme Court in June upheld a three-judge panel’s finding that the current state map, with one majority-Black district out of seven in a state that is 27 percent Black, likely violates the Voting Rights Act.

Arizona – Two Organizations Trying to Influence State Politics Attempting to Get Exemptions for Prop 211 Disclosures

Arizona Capitol Times – Howard Fischer (Arizona Capitol Services) | Published: 7/25/2023

Rebuffed in their bid to totally quash a voter-approved ban on “dark money,” two organizations involved in trying to influence Arizona politics are now trying to at least get themselves and their donors exempted from its provisions. In new legal filings, attorney Scott Freeman again argues Proposition 211 and its requirement for disclosure of the true source of campaign money violates state constitutional provisions guaranteeing free speech and privacy. Those claims, first filed last year, were rejected by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott McCoy.

California – A Politician’s Downfall Reveals a Disney Exec and a Secret ‘Cabal’s’ Power Over Anaheim

MSN – Adam Elmahrek, Gabriel San Román, and Nathan Fenno (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 7/25/2023

The role of powerful business interests in Anaheim – home to Disneyland Resort and Angel Stadium – has come under renewed scrutiny amid an ongoing federal corruption investigation that became public last year. FBI affidavits detail strong alliances between city leaders and several unelected power brokers. Jordan Brandman provided an insider’s look at how Anaheim was run from when he became a city council member in 2012 to when he stepped down in disgrace two years ago. His account and records describe relationships that went deeper than the typical transactional ties that often bind lobbyists and government officials.

California – Real Estate Developer in Huizar Bribery Case Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

MSN – David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 7/21/2023

A federal judge sentenced a Los Angeles real estate developer to six years in prison for providing cash bribes to former city council member Jose Huizar, then attempting to hide the transaction from investigators. Dae Yong Lee was found guilty of giving $500,000 in bribes in exchange for the approval of a 20-story residential tower. He was also convicted of wire fraud and obstruction of justice.

California – Oakland’s Democracy Dollars Delayed, But Not Dead

Oaklandside – Eli Wolfe | Published: 7/26/2023

Oakland residents will not receive Democracy Dollars to spend in the 2024 general election due to the budget. But the program’s supporters are determined to see a successful launch in 2026. Democracy Dollar, an initiative to level the campaign finance playing field, was overwhelmingly approved by voters last November. The measure called for giving every registered voter $100 in vouchers they could use to support candidates for city council, mayor, and other city offices.

California – Marilyn Flynn, Ex-USC Dean in Corruption Case with Ridley-Thomas, Sentenced to 3 Years Probation

Yahoo News – Matt Hamilton (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 7/24/2023

Marilyn Flynn, the former dean of the University of Southern California’s (USC) social work program who admitted to bribing Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas in exchange for his help securing the renewal of a county contract, was sentenced to 18 months of home confinement. Flynn admitted she agreed to send $100,000 from USC to the United Ways of California, which was sponsoring a new nonprofit led by Ridley-Thomas’ son. The money from USC coincided with the donation of $100,000 to USC’s social work program from a political campaign associated with Mark Ridley-Thomas.

Colorado – 7-Year Saga: Millions in legal fees in fight between ethics commission and Glendale mayor

Colorado Politics – Marianne Goodland | Published: 7/22/2023

In 2016, the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission decided a complaint against Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon warranted an investigation. Seven years later, Dunafon said he still does not know what he is being charged with. In the meantime, the Colorado Court of Appeals decided the commission’s efforts to assert jurisdiction over the city government in the Dunafon case had no basis in law. While it is unclear when the case might be resolved, the battle between the commission and the city and its mayor has so far cost Glendale taxpayers more than $2 million.

Florida – DeSantis Doubles Down on Claim That Some Blacks Benefited from Slavery

MSN – Kevin Sullivan and Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) | Published: 7/22/2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is intensifying his efforts to de-emphasize racism in his state’s public school curriculum by arguing some Black people benefited from being enslaved and defending the new African American history standards that civil rights leaders and scholars say misrepresents centuries of reality. “They’re probably going to show that some of the folks that eventually parlayed … being a blacksmith into doing things later in life,” DeSantis said while standing in front of a nearly all-White crowd of supporters.

Florida – Politicians Got Spots in a VIP Suite for Lionel Messi’s Big Unveiling. Was It Official Duty or a Perk?

MSN – Anthony Man (South Florida Sun-Sentinel) | Published: 7/18/2023

Among the thousands of fans who packed Fort Lauderdale’s professional soccer stadium recently were prominent elected officials, who were hosted in a secure VIP area, where some were able to talk with and get pictures with Inter Miami’s new superstar player, Lionel Messi, and team co-owner David Beckham. The presence of the elected officials raised questions about what they were doing at the event. One Fort Lauderdale commissioner said it was improper for his colleagues to attend.

Florida – Failed Miami-Dade Commission Candidate Faces Long List of Campaign-Finance Charges

Yahoo News – Grethel Aguila (Miami Herald) | Published: 7/26/2023

Sophia Lacayo, a failed Miami-Dade Commission candidate, spent more than a million dollars challenging one of the county’s longest-serving politicians last year. Now, prosecutors allege some of that money was mishandled. State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said the violations were “deliberate steps” to sidestep campaign finance laws.

Georgia – Giuliani Not Contesting Making False Statements About Georgia Election Workers

MSN – John Wagner and Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 7/26/2023

Rudy Giuliani, who served as a lawyer for former President Trump, is no longer contesting as a legal matter that he made false and defamatory statements about two former Georgia election workers – but argues in a new court filing what amounted to false claims about vote-rigging in the 2020 presidential election was constitutionally protected speech and did not damage the workers. The filing is the latest twist in a lawsuit brought by Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Shaye Moss, who counted ballots in Fulton County during the November 2020 election.

Illinois – Chicago Watchdog Vows to Ramp Up Enforcement of Ethics Laws, Address ‘Deficit of Legitimacy’

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 7/25/2023

Inspector General Deborah Witzburg said her office’s decision to declare two high-profile Chicago politicians violated the city’s ethics laws should put elected officials on notice that she plans to step up efforts to hold rule breakers accountable. Witzburg vowed to pursue enforcement of Chicago’s ethics rules with “greater frequency and rigor than ever before – paying down the deficit of legitimacy at which the city operates by ensuring that people who break the rules are held accountable, regardless of their positions.”

Louisiana – Bid-Rigging, Ethics Violations Found in Unreleased New Orleans ‘Smart Cities’ Investigation

Louisiana Illuminator – Michael Isaac Stein (Verite) | Published: 7/23/2023

Investigators hired by the New Orleans City Council last year to look into the now-abandoned “smart cities” project found evidence of potential contract-rigging, ethics violations, and perjury by city officials. The final product concluded that the consortium of businesses that was selected for the proposed contract, Smart+Connected NOLA, had an unfair advantage in the public bidding process, and undisclosed financial relationships compromised the integrity of the process.

Massachusetts – Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson Admits to Ethics Violation, Pays Penalty in Connection to Hiring Relatives

MSN – Sean Cotter (Boston Globe) | Published: 7/25/2023

Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson admitted to an ethics violation and agreed to pay a $5,000 fine for hiring and then giving raises to her sister and son. Fernandes Anderson said both of her family members were “amazing” employees who she would happily hire again if it were allowed.

Michigan – ‘Cover-Up’ Alleged as Michigan Redistricting Member Cleared of Ethics Violation

MLive – Ben Orner | Published: 7/20/2023

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission cleared Commissioner Anthony Eid of any ethics violations after he left a position as deputy director of Michigan Voices, a nonprofit that had lobbied the commission. With questions of a conflict-of-interest dogging Eid, Commissioner Rebecca Szetela asked for a ruling regarding his employment. But at a recent meeting, Szetela’s item was pulled from the agenda after commission Chairperson Doug Clark announced Eid and Michigan Voices had mutually parted ways and the matter should be deleted from the agenda because it “has been taken care of.”

Minnesota – Minnesota Legalizes Crypto Contributions for State Campaigns

MSN – Torey Van Oot (Axios) | Published: 7/27/2023

Cryptocurrency contributions to state campaign committees are now explicitly allowed under a law that took effect recently in Minnesota. Under the new rules, campaigns must convert donations made via virtual currency to U.S. dollars within five days. The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board asked legislators to address crypto to get ahead of any potential issues as digital currencies grow in popularity, Executive Director Jeff Sigurdson said.

Nevada – Lombardo Fined $20K for Ethical Lapses in Nevada Governor Campaign

Las Vegas Sun – Casey Harrison | Published: 7/25/2023

The Nevada Commission on Ethics voted to censure and fine Gov. Joe Lombardo $20,000 for using his Clark County Sheriff uniform and badge while running for governor in 2022 but declined to levy the proposed fine. Commission Executive Director Ross Armstrong said each of the 34 social media posts in question violated two provisions of state law, or 68 violations in total, which left Armstrong to recommend the commission order Lombardo to pay a record $1.67 million civil fine, be censured by the body, and be compelled to establish an ethics officer within the governor’s office.

New Jersey – New Jersey’s Election Watchdog Dumps 107 Cases After Controversial Law Cuts Investigative Time

New Jersey Monitor – Dana DiFilippo | Published: 7/26/2023

The state’s election watchdog dismissed almost half its active investigations into reported campaign finance violations after legislators passed a controversial new law critics warned would weaken enforcement. The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) held its first meeting since its former commissioners resigned in protest over the new law, which Gov. Murphy signed in April. With four new commissioners appointed by Murphy recently, ELEC tossed 107 cases.

New Jersey – Former Top Aide to NJ Senate Leader Avoids Prison Time in Tax Evasion, Wire Fraud Case

Yahoo News – Ashley Balcerzak (Bergen Record) | Published: 7/24/2023

Tony Teixeira, former chief of staff to the New Jersey Senate president, was sentenced to eight months of house arrest and three years of probation after pleading guilty to tax evasion and wire fraud. Teixeira admitted he conspired with political operative Sean Caddle to overcharge campaigns, PACs, and nonprofits for work done by Caddle’s consulting firms and split the proceeds. Kickbacks to Teixeira were concealed through cash and checks made out to Teixeira’s relatives.

New Mexico – Calls for a More Independent Harassment Review Process in NM Legislature Remain Unmet

Source New Mexico – Megan Gleason | Published: 7/24/2023

Lawmakers are gathering all over New Mexico to discuss priorities for the next legislative session. Much like the 2023 Legislature, some lobbyists still feel unsafe at these meetings around the state’s public servants. Very little has changed since the last session, despite calls for more safety and accountability measures for lawmakers. After a senator who has had allegations against him in the past for sexual misconduct presented all day long at an interim committee meeting, lobbyists are raising their voices again for change in the Legislature.

New York – Restaurateur Who Paid Off New York Politicians Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison

DNyuz – Karen Zraick (New York Times) | Published: 7/26/2023

A restaurateur who was a key witness in a public corruption investigation was sentenced to four years in prison, ending an episode that churned up allegations of endemic wrongdoing that stretched across New York City and one of its most populous suburban areas. Harendra Singh pleaded guilty to charges he bribed a former Nassau County executive, Edward Mangano. Singh also admitted trying to bribe former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, to get favorable treatment for a restaurant in Queens.

North Carolina – Are NC Legislators Allowed to Date Staff Members? Here’s What Their Rules Say.

MSN – Jazper Lu (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 7/24/2023

In a recent interview, North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore defended his years-long relationship with a state official, noting the employee in question does not report to him. Moore also pointed out that rules allow legislators to date members of their own staff. This does not mean such conduct does not come under scrutiny, however.

Oregon – For One Democrat, the Price of Bucking Her Party Is a Flood of Bad Reviews

Seattle Times – Annie Karni (New York Times) | Published: 7/22/2023

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez was elected to Congress last year as a Democrat and became one of only a small number of lawmakers in her party who periodically crosses over to vote with Republicans. Now, Gluesenkamp Pérez is one of the most vulnerable Democrats in Congress, and Dean’s Car Care – the family business named for her husband – has become the target of vicious online trolling from the left. Negative online reviews of the business excoriate her for siding with Republicans on a bill to repeal President Biden’s student loan relief initiative.

Rhode Island – RI Ethics Panel to Investigate Gov. McKee’s Free Lunch with Lobbyist

WPRI – Eli Sherman | Published: 7/25/2023

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission opened an investigation into whether Gov. Dan McKee violated state law when a lobbyist treated him to lunch at a high-end restaurant. The state Republican Party called into question a meal where statehouse lobbyist Jeff Britt and his clients – executives of Scout Ltd. – met with McKee and his fundraising chairperson, Jerry Sahagian. Britt said the meal cost $228, and he picked up the tab after Sahagian told him he “did not have the campaign credit card.”

Tennessee – Tennessee Now Requires Court Order or Proof of Pardon to Restore Felon Voting Rights

Associated Press News – Jonathan Matisse and Travis Loller | Published: 7/21/2023

Tennessee has begun requiring felons who want their voting rights back to first get their full citizenship rights restored by a judge or show they were pardoned. Election officials say the step is required after a recent court ruling. But attorneys representing the state’s disenfranchised felons accuse officials of searching for ways to suppress Black voters.

Tennessee – What Happens When a Cash-Poor Billionaire Wants a New Sports Stadium? Lobbying.

Tennessee Lookout – Adam Friedman | Published: 7/26/2023

Amy Adams Strunk and her family own the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. The family is wealthy by almost every standard except one – among sports owners. When they were almost two billion dollars shy of the cash needed for a new stadium in Nashville, the family turned to a strategy common for Tennessee businesses wanting help with a project. They hired a deep roster of lobbyists to convince lawmakers to raise taxes and fund their proposal with public dollars that those opposed to the stadium say could have been spent elsewhere.

Campaign Finance

California: “Oakland’s Democracy Dollars Delayed, But Not Dead” by Eli Wolfe for Oaklandside

New Jersey: “New Jersey’s Election Watchdog Dumps 107 Cases After Controversial Law Cuts Investigative Time” by Dana DiFilippo for New Jersey Monitor

Elections

Georgia: “Giuliani Not Contesting Making False Statements About Georgia Election Workers” by John Wagner and Amy Wang (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “How George Santos Used Political Connections to Fuel Get-Rich Schemes” by Grace Ashford (New York Times) for DNyuz

Florida: “Politicians Got Spots in a VIP Suite for Lionel Messi’s Big Unveiling. Was It Official Duty or a Perk?” by Anthony Man (South Florida Sun-Sentinel) for MSN

Illinois: “Chicago Watchdog Vows to Ramp Up Enforcement of Ethics Laws, Address ‘Deficit of Legitimacy'” by Heather Cherone for WTTW

Nevada: “Lombardo Fined $20K for Ethical Lapses in Nevada Governor Campaign” by Casey Harrison for Las Vegas Sun

Lobbying

National: “Fearing Trump’s Wrath, GOP Lobbyists Stay on the ’24 Primary Sidelines” by Hailey Fuchs (Politico) for Yahoo News

Tennessee: “What Happens When a Cash-Poor Billionaire Wants a New Sports Stadium? Lobbying.” by Adam Friedman for Tennessee Lookout