lobbying Archives - Page 7 of 291 - State and Federal Communications

January 20, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Elections Georgia: “Giuliani and Georgia Election Workers Reach Settlement in Defamation Case” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics California: “Sheng Thao and Partner Andre Jones Sought More than $300,000 in Bribes, Feds Allege” by Natalie Orenstein and Darwin BondGraham for Oaklandside National: “CNN […]

January 17, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – January 17, 2025

National/Federal News Outlets Batten Down the Hatches for Trump’s Return DNyuz – David Enrich and Katie Robertson (New York Times) | Published: 1/13/2025 With Donald Trump returning to the White House, media outlets large and small are taking steps to prepare for […]

National/Federal

News Outlets Batten Down the Hatches for Trump’s Return

DNyuz – David Enrich and Katie Robertson (New York Times) | Published: 1/13/2025

With Donald Trump returning to the White House, media outlets large and small are taking steps to prepare for what they fear could be a legal and political onslaught against them from the new administration and Trump’s allies inside and outside the government. While Trump is prone to hyperbole and saber-rattling, many reporters, editors, and media lawyers are taking him seriously. As a result, even before Trump returns to power, he is altering how the press is operating.

Pardoned by Trump, Manafort Is Back and Looking for Foreign Work

DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel, Kim Barker, Constant Méheut, and Michael Schwirtz (New York Times) | Published: 1/12/2025

Four years after receiving a pardon from Donald Trump for crimes related to foreign lobbying, Paul Manafort is again seeking business from political interests abroad. Manafort, who led Trump’s 2016 campaign for a few months, has assembled a team of consultants who helped run Trump’s 2024 effort and is looking to advise campaigns for opposition and far-right political factions in Latin America and Europe, according to documents and interviews.

Trump-Appointed FEC Commissioner to Resign on Inauguration

MSN – Caroline Vakil (The Hill) | Published: 1/13/2025

FEC member Sean Cooksey announced he would be resigning on Donald Trump’s first day in office. Cooksey also said he hoped Trump would nominate new appointees to the FEC for commissioners whose terms had already expired.

Jack Smith, Special Counsel in Trump Cases, Resigns

MSN – Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 1/11/2025

Special counsel Jack Smith resigned from the Justice Department after completing his work overseeing two federal prosecutions of Donald Trump. Though Smith’s departure was expected, official word of the end of his two-year appointment was another step in the winding down of the criminal cases against the former and future president, just over a week before Inauguration Day.

The Trump Company Is Not Banning Private Foreign Deals, a Break with Its First Term Policy

MSN – Bernard Condon (Associated Press) | Published: 1/9/2025

The Trump family business released a voluntary ethics agreement that allows it to strike deals with private foreign companies, a move that could help outside actors try to buy influence with the new administration. The so-called ethics white paper bars the Trump Organization from striking deals directly with foreign governments, but allows ones with private companies abroad, a significant departure from Donald Trump’s first term. The company also announced it would commit to several safeguards designed to stop his private financial interests from shaping policy. That includes hiring an outside ethics adviser to vet deals.

This Group Says Natural Gas Bans Hurt Minorities. It Has Gas Industry Ties.

MSN – Maxine Joselow (Washington Post) | Published: 1/13/2025

Documents show how the fossil fuel industry has relied on advocacy groups to persuade policymakers nationwide that its products benefit communities of color. Critics say these efforts come despite the fact that Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans are disproportionately exposed to deadly air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels, which also is driving climate change. Blue states have advanced more aggressive climate policies for years. The gas industry has responded by hiring Democrats and other advocates who are better positioned to appeal to liberal voters.

Justice Dept. Releases Trump Special Counsel Report on Jan. 6 Case

MSN – Perry Stein, Spencer Hsu, Jeremy Roebuck, and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 1/14/2025

Special counsel Jack Smith released a report detailing the incriminating evidence he says he collected against Donald Trump over his two-year investigation, portraying the incoming president as a man who allegedly wielded his power to deceive state lawmakers, Republican Party activists, and presidential electors to claim victory in the 2020 election he knew he lost. The report serves as the final public record of a historic prosecution that never made it to trial, with the federal government abandoning the case after Trump became the president-elect.

These 5 Former Lobbyists Are Poised to Join Trump’s Cabinet

MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 1/16/2025

Five former lobbyists have been appointed or nominated to Donald Trump’s Cabinet, signaling he may not be as closed off to these hired guns as he appeared on the campaign trail. On the campaign trail, Trump said he is “not a big person for lobbyists” and floated a ban on government and elected officials becoming lobbyists after they leave public service.

Inside Elon Musk’s Plan for DOGE to Slash Government Costs

Seattle Times – Theodore Schleifer and Madeleine Ngo (New York Times) | Published: 1/12/2025

An unpaid group of billionaires, tech executives, and some disciples of Peter Thiel, a powerful Republican donor, are preparing to take up unofficial positions in the U.S. government in the name of cost-cutting. As Donald Trump’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DODGE) girds for battle against “wasteful” spending, it is preparing to dispatch individuals with ties to its co-leaders, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to agencies across the federal government. The structure of DOGE is still amorphous and closely held.

Democratic Senators Say a Campaign Treasurer Stole Their Money

Yahoo News – Dave Levinthal (Rolling Stone) | Published: 1/14/2025

At least four Democratic political committees suspect their former campaign treasurer is behind the “misappropriation” of hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds, according to federal records. They are the latest in a string of high-profile thefts and unauthorized financial transactions that have recently hit federal political committees of all partisan stripes, collectively costing them millions of dollars.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Supreme Court to Weigh Fate of ‘Dark Money’ Disclosure Law

Yahoo News – Jim Small (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 1/9/2025

The Arizona Supreme Court will consider whether Republican legislative leaders have the right to challenge “dark money” disclosure rules created by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission under Proposition 211, which voters approved in 2022. The court will also determine if a provision limiting legislative oversight can be separated from the rest of the law. Proposition 211 requires disclosure of the original sources of contributions exceeding $5,000 used for campaign spending.

California – As Wildfires Burn, a Corruption Probe Left the Senate’s Insurance Committee Chair Vacant

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 1/13/2025

As fires rage through Southern California and exacerbate the state’s insurance crisis, the California Senate has no one in charge of its Insurance Committee due to questions surrounding a federal corruption investigation. Federal officials have not identified Sen. Susan Rubio by name in the case. But there is nobody else matching the description of “Person 20,” who is accused in federal court documents of asking for $240,000 in bribes from a cannabis company and accepting $30,000 in illegal campaign contributions.

California – Republicans Say They Want to Put Conditions on Wildfire Aid to California

MSN – Jacob Bogage and Toluse Olorunnipa (Washington Post) | Published: 1/13/2025

Leading congressional Republicans say they want to place conditions on aid for California’s wildfire victims, trying to force the state to fix what one lawmaker called “bad behavior” on policies ranging from taxes to land management in exchange for billions of dollars in federal help to recover from a natural disaster. Lawmakers typically approve federal aid after natural disasters without requiring states to change policies first.

Florida – Commission on Ethics Chief Describes Rollout of Controversial New Ethics Law

Florida Phoenix – Mitch Perry | Published: 1/14/2025

Last year, the Florida Legislature passed a law that critics claim would allow unethical conduct to continue unchecked. Tina Descovich, vice chair of the Florida Commission on Ethics, said the agency is recommending that state lawmakers pass legislation this year to provide “whistleblower-like protection” for individuals who file ethics complaints.

Florida – Ethics Worries Grow for Florida Democrat as State Sues Over $5 Million Covid Payment

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany and Clara Ence Morse (Washington Post) | Published: 1/14/2025

Questions surrounding a newly reelected Democratic lawmaker deepened in recent weeks as Florida moved to sue the company that she once led in an attempt to recoup a more than $5 million coronavirus overpayment. U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick reported her income increased by more than $6 million between 2020 and 2021, the year of the alleged overpayment to Trinity Health Care Services, which she led, according to her official financial disclosures.

Georgia – Pro-Stacey Abrams Groups Fined $300,000 After Admitting They Broke Georgia Campaign Finance Law

Yahoo News – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 1/15/2025

Two nonprofits settled a complaint with the Georgia Ethics Commission and will pay $300,000 for illegally spending millions of dollars to bolster Stacey Abrams’ gubernatorial bid in 2018. The commission found the New Georgia Project and its affiliated New Georgia Project Action Fund illegally did election work for Abrams and others without disclosing their campaign contributions and spending.

Idaho – After Major Spending in 2024 Elections, Updates to Idaho’s Sunshine Laws Are in the Works

Idaho Press – Laura Guido | Published: 1/14/2025

An unprecedented year of campaign spending has led some officials to consider amendments to Idaho’s campaign finance laws to make it easier to track electioneering messaging. This year, legislation is expected to be introduced to move up deadlines for reporting because currently there is a lag between when large amounts of money are spent and when that spending is publicly accessible through reports. In some cases, spending is not reported until after the election is over.

Illinois – Advisory Referendum Question on Political Contribution Rules Thrown Out by Aurora Electoral Board

MSN – R. Christian Smith (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/13/2025

A non-binding referendum question that was set to ask Aurora voters whether the city should limit the amount of money candidates can receive from those who do business with the city has been thrown out by the Aurora Electoral Board. The referendum would have asked if the city of Aurora should create campaign finance rules that cap at $1,000 political donations to city elected officials and candidates for city office if the business, organization, or person donating to the campaign has previously received or is currently asking for a city contract, tax increment financing district, or any other official action from the city.

Illinois – Former IDPH Chief Fined $150,000 For Breach of Illinois Ethics Act

MSN – Jonah Meadows (Patch) | Published: 1/11/2025

Former Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike accepted a $150,000 fine from a state ethics commission after admitting to violating the “revolving door” prohibition. The settlement and fine from the Executive Ethics Commission stems from Ezike’s acceptance of a position as president and chief executive of Sinai Chicago within a year of her March 2022 departure from state government, during which the hospital operator received substantial funding and oversight from her former agency.

Illinois – Supreme Court Weighs Appeal of Ex-Chicago Alderman’s Corruption Conviction

Yahoo News – Ella Lee (The Hill) | Published: 1/14/2025

The Supreme Court signaled it may send a Chicago political scion’s appeal of his conviction for lying to regulators back to a lower court to flesh out the difference between false and misleading statements. Patrick Daley Thompson was convicted in 2022 of lying to regulators about the amount he borrowed from a now-defunct bank. If the justices rule in Thompson’s favor, it could mark a second case in as many years where the Supreme Court found federal prosecutors overstepped while cracking down on local politicians.

Indiana – Indiana Ethics Commission Approves Waivers for 4 Outgoing Agency Heads

Yahoo News – Leslie Bonilla Muñiz (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 1/10/2025

Indiana’s Ethics Commission approved post-employment waivers for four agency heads moving on from state government as Gov. Mike Braun takes over. That includes David Rosenberg, president of the controversial Indiana Economic Development Corporation. The waivers allow state employees to take their next jobs despite potential conflicts-of-interest.

Kansas – Kansas House Panel Asked to Reform Commission with Oversight of Campaign-Finance Laws

Yahoo News – Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 1/15/2025

A lawyer representing politically active clients dealing with campaign finance disputes at the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission wants the 2025 Legislature to declaw the agency because it allegedly took a hammer to free-speech rights through enforcement of “Keystone Cop” procedures. He complained that unconstitutionally vague statutes were left open to distortion by commission, including Executive Director Mark Skoglund.

Kentucky – KY Ethics Commission Will Investigate a New Complaint Against Rep. Daniel Grossberg

Yahoo News – Austin Horn and Alex Acquisto (Lexington Herald Leader) | Published: 1/14/2025

The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission voted unanimously to move forward in investigating a second complaint filed against state Rep. Daniel Grossberg, combining it with a previous complaint against him. Grossberg has been the subject of scrutiny in the media and by the ethics commission for various issues. There have been calls for his resignation after the media reported his alleged sexually inappropriate behavior with women.

Maine – Maine Legislature Eyes Campaign Finance Reforms as Courts Weigh Voter-Backed Referenda

Yahoo News – Emma Davis (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 1/13/2025

While Maine voters have overwhelmingly passed laws in the past two general elections to place stricter regulations on money in politics, those reforms have so far been blocked as legal battles play out in the courts. Despite those obstacles, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and advocates are planning to introduce new reforms, or kickstart long-standing efforts, though there remains some disagreement on the best path forward for better regulating political spending.

Maryland – Maryland’s Legislative Session Opens Amid Concerns Over $86M Lobbying influence

MSN – Gary Collins (Spotlight on Maryland) | Published: 1/9/2025

A state consumer advocate raised concerns about lobbyist influence as the Maryland General Assembly convened its annual 90-day session in Annapolis. Mollie Woods, an attorney with the Maryland Office of the People’s Counsel, said special interest groups wield significant influence in the General Assembly due to their financial resources and “the size of their lobbying efforts.” Companies and organizations spent over $86 million in the state during the 2024 reporting period. This represents a twenty-eight percent increase in lobbying dollars spent since 2021.

Massachusetts – Boston City Council Kills Ethics Committee Push Amid Fernandes Anderson Corruption Charges

MSN – Gayla Cawley (Boston Herald) | Published: 1/9/2025

The Boston City Council, tarred by federal public corruption charges leveled against Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, overwhelmingly defeated a measure that sought to establish an ethics commission for internal oversight of the body. Fernandes Anderson was indicted on six public corruption charges that allege she pocketed $7,000 of a $13,000 bonus she doled out to one of her staffers. The money was allegedly kicked back to the councilor in an exchange with the staff member that took place in a City Hall bathroom in 2023.

Michigan – Who Funds Michigan Lawmakers? Most Get Cash from PACs, Not Voters They Represent

Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 1/14/2025

Local voters send representatives to the Michigan Capitol, but outside donors are far more likely to send those lawmakers checks. An analysis of campaign finance disclosures shows most lawmakers elected to the state House last year received only a small fraction of their political contributions from their constituents. Instead, most of their donations came from PACs that typically represent industries and other special interests.

New Jersey – New Jersey’s Race for Governor Is Poised to Be One of the Least Transparent

Yahoo News – Matt Friedman (Politico) | Published: 1/12/2025

New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial election could be the least transparent in memory thanks to a new campaign finance law that lets super PACs keep their donors secret until shortly before the primary. It will be the biggest test yet of the financial overhaul, and supporters of a few candidates have already sought to leverage it by forming independent expenditure committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts.

New Jersey – N.J. Corruption Watchdog Leader Abruptly Resigns After Scrutiny

Yahoo News – Jelani Gibson (New Jersey Advance Media) | Published: 1/10/2025

The leader of the state commission that investigates waste, fraud, and abuse in New Jersey government resigned under fire, a day after a published report revealed she claimed residency in two states and had a second, full-time job out of state. State Commission of Investigation Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Williams Brewer handed in her resignation just four days after she was formally appointed to lead the watchdog agency.

New Jersey – Benjie Wimberly Spent Campaign Money for Personal Use on Hotels, Airfare, Complaint Says

Yahoo News – Joe Malinconico (Bergen Record) | Published: 1/9/2025

State Assemblyperson Benjie Wimberly was accused of spending campaign money for his personal use, mostly payments for hotels and airfare, in a complaint filed by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. Wimberly, as speaker pro tempore, is the second-highest ranking member of the Assembly, where he has served since 2012. He is also on the Paterson school district’s payroll as director of recreational programs with a $188,328 salary.

New York – State Investigating Assembly Race Donation Under Lewd Pseudonym

MSN – Wendy Liberatore (Albany Times Union) | Published: 1/14/2025

A $100 contribution to the unsuccessful New York Assembly campaign of well-known local activist Joe Seeman is under review by the state Campaign Finance Board because it appears to have been made under a false name. The donation under the lewd alias “Jack Meehoff” was made through ActBlue using the address and Paypal account of Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran, who denies donating under that name. According to the state Board of Elections, making a contribution under a false name is a violation of the law.

New York – Ex-NYC Mayor de Blasio Still on the Hook for $475K Fine Over Misused Public Funds, Judge Rules

MSN – Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 1/15/2025

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio must pay a $475,000 fine levied against him for misusing public funds on a police security detail during his failed White House bid, a judge ruled, dismissing the ex-mayor’s legal challenge as “entirely baseless.” The decision blocks de Blasio’s latest effort to erase the hefty fine issued against him by the Conflicts of Interest Board. In his motion for dismissal, de Blasio argued the board provided him with murky guidance around the use of public funds for security purposes, then overstepped its authority in imposing the fine.

New York – Turkish Businessman Pleads Guilty in NYC Mayor Adams’ Corruption Case, Could Testify Against Mayor

MSN – Molly Crane-Newman, Josephine Stratman, and Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 1/10/2025

Real estate magnate Erden Arkan pleaded guilty in federal court to funneling thousands of dollars to New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign in coordination with a Turkish government official, setting him up to testify against the mayor. Arkan admitted to orchestrating straw donations to Adams through workers of the construction company he partly owns, KSK, and then reimbursing them. It is the first plea resulting from the ongoing probe of illicit foreign donations to the mayor’s campaign.

New York – Trump Sentenced in Hush Money Case, Will Not Face Jail or Probation

MSN – Shayna Jacobs, Derek Hawkins, and Mark Berman (Washington Post) | Published: 1/10/2025

Donald Trump was sentenced without penalty for his felony conviction in his hush money trial, appearing virtually at what was likely his final court hearing as a criminal defendant before he is sworn in for another term in the White House. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who oversaw the trial and handed down the sentence, gave Trump an unconditional discharge, meaning the president-elect will not face time behind bars, a fine, or probation.

North Dakota – As Governor, Burgum Promised to Manage Conflicts. They Still Cropped Up.

DNyuz – Alexandra Berzon (New York Times) | Published: 1/15/2025

On the day after Doug Burgum became governor of North Dakota in 2016, he addressed questions about what he would do about all of his investments. They included extensive real estate developments benefiting from state programs he was suddenly in a position to oversee. His answer was that he would “manage” his conflicts-of-interest, but he would not divest from his holdings in the state. Since then, however, his range of holdings intersected with his policy decisions as governor, a New York Times review found.

North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Commission Receives Early Pushback in Legislative Hearing

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 1/8/2025

The North Dakota Ethics Commission received pushback from lawmakers on one of its first bills, with a nearly unanimous recommendation to reject it. The commission can issue advisory opinions to help officials under its jurisdiction understand how ethics laws and rules apply in certain circumstances. Currently, the commission may only publish opinions if someone specifically requests it. House Bill 1046 would change this to allow the commission to issue advisory opinions of its own volition.

Ohio – Cleveland Guardians Tried to Give Cuyahoga Council Free Tickets. Ohio Ethics Commission Said No

MSN – Kaitlin Durbin (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/9/2025

Cuyahoga County Inspector General Alexa Beeler sought the Ohio Ethics Commission’s guidance after the Cleveland Guardians twice offered each county council member 100 tickets to distribute or use themselves at up to three games in the 2022 baseball season. This was after the Guardians received a new lease that included upgrades for Progressive Field. The commission blocked them both times.

Ohio – Ohio’s New Voter ID Law Blocked at Least 7,000 Votes from Being Counted in November Election

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/13/2025

Election officials rejected more than 7,000 Ohioans’ provisional ballots in the 2024 elections for lack of proper identification, new state data shows, a record number and massive increase from years past. The spike in rejections comes after Republicans in 2023 enacted one of the strictest voter photo identification requirements in the nation.

Oregon – Gov. Tina Kotek’s Office Dinged for ‘Minor’ Spending on Catered Party, Concert Tickets That May Have Broken Ethics Rules

MSN – Betsy Hammond (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 1/9/2025

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s office spent about $11,000 on a catered employee celebration, concert tickets, and monthly parking passes during her first 16 months in office that may have violated state ethics laws. The findings, reached by state auditors. were forwarded to the state ethics commission, which will determine whether Kotek’s administration in fact broke the rules and, if so, what consequences to impose.

Texas – ‘Obvious Subversion’: Advocates criticize DART director’s lobbying ties to Uber

KERA – Pablo Arauz Peña | Published: 1/14/2025

Plano residents and public transit advocates are criticizing a member of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) board of directors for lobbying for Uber. Plano is among several DART member cities pushing to reduce their funding to the agency, or to restructure some of its services. The criticism arose after a social media post noted that Paul Wageman was advocating for increased on-demand ride services in Plano while also being paid as a lobbyist for Uber.

January 15, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Maine: “Maine Legislature Eyes Campaign Finance Reforms as Courts Weigh Voter-Backed Referenda” by Emma Davis (Maine Morning Star) for Yahoo News Michigan: “Who Funds Michigan Lawmakers? Most Get Cash from PACs, Not Voters They Represent” by Simon Schuster for Bridge Michigan Ethics […]

January 14, 2025 • Written by Marilyn Wesel

Hearing on Lobbyist Gift Disclosures Set for March 18 in Michigan

The Department of State will hold a public hearing on March 18 to receive public comments on proposed changes to the Gifts Under the Lobby Act rules. The proposed changes are intended to codify two interpretive statements issued in 2024 […]

January 14, 2025 • Written by Renae Bomba, Esq.

Ask the Experts – When and Where do Investment Advisors Have to Register as Lobbyists in California?

Flag of California

Q: I am an investment advisor registered as a lobbyist in the state of California because I qualified as a placement agent on the state level. I also want to solicit municipal public investment and retirement systems such as San […]

January 14, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance New Jersey: “New Jersey’s Race for Governor Is Poised to Be One of the Least Transparent” by Matt Friedman (Politico) for Yahoo News New York: “Turkish Businessman Pleads Guilty in NYC Mayor Adams’ Corruption Case, Could Testify Against Mayor” by Molly Crane-Newman, […]

January 13, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Arizona: “Arizona Supreme Court to Weigh Fate of ‘Dark Money’ Disclosure Law” by Jim Small (Arizona Mirror) for Yahoo News Ethics Indiana: “Indiana Ethics Commission Approves Waivers for 4 Outgoing Agency Heads” by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz (Indiana Capital Chronicle) for Yahoo News […]

January 10, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – January 10, 2025

National/Federal Trump Says He’ll Replace Leader of National Archives DNyuz – Maggie Haberman, Michael Gold, and Devlin Barrett (New York Times) | Published: 1/6/2025 Donald Trump said he plans to replace the head of the National Archives, the agency whose leaders’ concerns […]

National/Federal

Trump Says He’ll Replace Leader of National Archives

DNyuz – Maggie Haberman, Michael Gold, and Devlin Barrett (New York Times) | Published: 1/6/2025

Donald Trump said he plans to replace the head of the National Archives, the agency whose leaders’ concerns about Trump’s decision to hang on to boxes of documents after he left office ultimately led to a federal indictment. Colleen Shogan, the current national archivist, was not involved in the criminal investigations into Trump’s handling of classified documents, and a letter expressing concerns about his actions was written by her predecessor. It is common for a national archivist to span across presidential administrations.

Trump Inauguration, Awash in Cash, Runs Out of Perks for Big Donors

DNyuz – Theodore Schleifer, Maggie Haberman, and Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 1/8/2025

Donald Trump’s inaugural committee is no longer selling tickets for major donors to attend his swearing-in and accompanying private events in Washington. The committee has raised over $170 million. The haul is so big that some seven-figure donors have been placed on wait lists or have been told they probably will not receive VIP tickets at all because the events are at capacity.

Meta Ends Fact Checks as It Prepares for Trump Era

MSN – Naomi Nix, Will Oremus, and Aaron Gregg (Washington Post) | Published: 1/7/2025

Meta announced a set of changes to its content moderation policy that would effectively put an end to its longstanding fact-checking program. The company said it would allow its users to add context or debunk claims in notes that appear next to specific posts. Meta will also change its rules more broadly, lifting restrictions on hot-button topics and focusing enforcement on illegal or high-severity violations. The move is a victory for conservatives who have waged a campaign against fact-checking and content moderation.

Justice Dept. Says It Won’t Yet Release Trump Classified Document Report

MSN – Jerermy Roebuck and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 1/8/2025

The Justice Department does not plan to publicly release special counsel Jack Smith’s findings on Donald Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents until litigation against his co-defendants concludes. But prosecutors said Attorney General Merrick Garland does intend to release the portion of Smith’s report outlining his investigation into Trump’s efforts to undo the results of the 2020 election and to permit select members of Congress to review the withheld portions on the classified documents probe.

Congress Counts Electoral Votes, Clearing Path for Trump’s Return to Oval Office

MSN – John Bennett (Roll Call) | Published: 1/6/2025

Congress made Donald Trump’s Electoral College victory official on the anniversary of the January 6, 2021, insurrection. No Democratic lawmakers rose to challenge any state’s electoral results during the joint session of the Senate and House, meaning Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance are set to be sworn in on January 20.

Gold-Plated Watches and Electoral Map Sneakers: Trump’s newest merchandise raises conflict of interest questions

MSN – Fredreka Schouten and Steve Contorno (CNN) | Published: 1/8/2025

In the two months since the election, Donald Trump has urged his nearly 8.5 million followers on Truth Social to buy limited edition guitars that bear his signature and Trump-themed fragrances that “represent winning.” The post-election sales pitches illustrate just how closely Trump’s personal business interests are entwined with his politics. But the president-elect and the Trump Organization have not offered details to the public on how they intend to wall off those varied interests from his job as president.

Trump Speaks with Justice Alito Amid Push to Halt Criminal Sentencing

MSN – Katherine Faulders, Jonathan Karl, and Devin Dwyer (ABC News) | Published: 1/8/2025

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito spoke to Donald Trump by phone to recommend one of his former law clerks for a job in the new administration. The call occurred just hours before Trump’s lawyers filed an emergency request with the justices asking them to block a New York judge from moving forward with sentencing Trump in his criminal hush money case. Alito said he and Trump did not discuss that matter.

Federal Courts Won’t Refer Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to Attorney General Over Ethics

MSN – Lindsay Whitehurst (Associated Press) | Published: 1/2/2025

The federal courts will not refer allegations that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas may have violated ethics laws to the Justice Department. Thomas has agreed to follow updated requirements on reporting trips and gifts, including clearer guidelines on hospitality from friends, the U.S. Judicial Conference wrote to Democratic senators who had called for an investigation into undisclosed acceptance of luxury trips.

House Ethics Panel Recommends Further Review of Campaign Finance Allegations Against 2 Lawmakers

MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 1/2/2025

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) wants to dig deeper into separate campaign finance allegations against two lawmakers, U.S. Reps. Andy Ogles and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. The OCE alleged Ogles may have misrepresented a loan to his 2022 campaign, transferring far less than the amount originally disclosed from an undetermined source. The OCE said Cherfilus-McCormick may have made “impermissible payments” to a state PAC that then paid vendors and her unofficial campaign manager.

Biden Awards Liz Cheney a Presidential Medal for Challenging Jan. 6 Attack

MSN – Maeve Reston (Washington Post) | Published: 1/2/2025

President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney, honoring one of Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics at a White House ceremony less than three weeks before Trump is set to reclaim the presidency. The medal, given to those who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country, is the nation’s second-highest award. Biden also p. Bennie Thompson, who along with Cheney led the House committee that investigated the assault on the Capitol.

Elon Musk Goes Global with His Playbook for Political Influence

MSN – Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 1/4/2025

Last year, Elon Musk dominated U.S. politics, using his money and X microphone to boost Donald Trump and other Republicans in the 2024 elections. In the new year, Musk is flexing his political muscle on the global stage as well. He appears to be applying a playbook similar to the one he used to disrupt American politics, now boosting conservative politicians in the governments of the United States’ top allies. But his disregard for the veracity of his posts and his elevation of far right and extremist figures have alarmed liberal leaders around the world.

These ‘New’ Members Are Boomeranging Back to Congress

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 1/3/2025

The 118th Congress was, by some measures, one of the least productive in recent history. Public opinion remains persistently low, and on their way out the door, lawmakers did not mince words. Death threats and swatting take a toll on members’ families, said Rep. Ann McLane Kuster while in the eyes of Rep. Anna Eshoo, money in politics has become “corrosive.” In spite of all this, some people cannot get enough and a few even decided, after taking a hiatus from Capitol Hill, that now was the perfect time to come back.

‘A Day of Love’: How Trump inverted the violent history of Jan. 6

Seattle Times – Dan Barry and Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 1/5/2025

In the wake of the attack on the Capitol, Donald Trump’s volatile political career seemed over. Myriad factors explain his resurrection, but not least of them is how effectively he and his loyalists have laundered the history of January 6. The inverted interpretation defied what the country had watched unfold, but it neatly fit the persecution narrative that binds Trump to many of his faithful. Once he committed to running again for president, he doubled down on flipping the script about the riot and its blowback, including a congressional inquiry and two criminal indictments against him, as part of an orchestrated victimization.

Cartoon of Jeff Bezos That His Paper Axed Goes Viral

Yahoo News – Liam Archacki (Daily Beast) | Published: 1/4/2025

A Pulitzer-winning editorial cartoonist revealed she quit her job at the Washington Post after management axed her drawing of billionaires – including Jeff Bezos, the paper’s owner – bending the knee to Donald Trump. Ann Telnaes said she drew a cartoon that criticized corporate titans for their efforts to curry favor with the president-elect. Like Amazon, Apple and Facebook also ponied up $1 million for Trump’s inauguration. But for the first time in her career, Telnaes said the paper killed the cartoon because of whom it targeted.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Trudeau Resigns After Nine Years in Power as Liberals Force Him Out

MSN – Brian Platt and Thomas Seal (Bloomberg) | Published: 1/6/2025

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is resigning after more than nine years leading Canada, bowing to sagging approval numbers and a rebellion within his political party. Trudeau will step down as head of the governing Liberal Party within months. He will remain as prime minister until a new leader is selected, and parliament has been suspended until March 24 while that process is underway. The winner of the Liberal leadership contest is set to become Canada’s 24th prime minister and will have to quickly prepare for an election, which the Conservative Party is the clear favorite to win, according to public opinion polls.

Colorado – Election Officials Advance Campaign Finance Complaint Against State Senator Prompted by Colorado Sun Reporting

Colorado Sun – Jesse Paul | Published: 1/3/2025

Colorado elections officials have advanced a campaign finance complaint against state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis. The complaint alleges Jaquez Lewis used campaign contributions for personal purposes not reasonably related to her campaign, made a prohibited donation to another candidate committee, and failed to report contributions and expenditures. It was reported that two of Jaquez Lewis’ Capitol staffers filed a workplace misconduct complaint claiming she used one of them to do chores like yard work and bartending at a party at her home and paid the staffer with a check from her campaign’s bank account.

Florida – A ‘Business-Friendly’ Lawyer’s Rise from Lobbyist to Attorney General Pick

DNyuz – Eric Lipton and Kate Kelly (New York Times) | Published: 1/8/2025

Pam Bondi would not be the first U.S. attorney general who previously served as a lobbyist. But while she was Florida’s attorney general, she became known for what one lobbying firm called her “business-friendly” attitude. She and her staff agreed to meet with a steady stream of lawyers whose clients had been targeted by other states for investigations. Then, in her time as a lobbyist, Bondi represented a long roster of corporate clients. Many of these companies have business with the federal government and could be subject to scrutiny by a Justice Department run by her, raising questions about potential conflicts-of-interest.

Georgia – Giuliani Is Held in Contempt of Court, But Avoids Jail

MSN – Erica Orden (Politico) | Published: 1/6/2025

A federal judge held Rudy Giuliani in civil contempt of court twice for failing to adequately respond to requests for documents and information sought by two Georgia women who won a $148 million defamation verdict against him in 2023. U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Liman declared Giuliani can no longer present the central legal defense that could have allowed the former New York City mayor to avoid handing over his Palm Beach condo to the two women, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss.

Illinois – Board of Ethics Said It Did Not Give Mayor Brandon Johnson an Opinion About CPS Leave

MSN – Nell Salzman, Alice Yin, and Gregory Royal Pratt (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/8/2025

Despite City Hall’s claims, the Board of Ethics said it did not provide Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration with an opinion about whether he should resign from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to avoid a conflict-of-interest. It was reported that Ben Felton, a high-ranking CPS staffer, called on the mayor to resign from CPS after his election in 2023, but City Hall shrugged off the concerns.

Illinois – Back on the Witness Stand, Michael Madigan Rejects Bribery and Quid Pro Quo Allegations in Corruption Trial

WTTW – Matt Masterson | Published: 1/8/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Madigan, who is charged alongside his longtime right-hand man Michael McClain, is alleged to have orchestrated multiple corruption schemes, wielding his political power to reward loyal allies and enrich himself. Madigan’s testimony in his trial seeks to discredit one of the main points federal prosecutors made in their case against him, that the speaker was seeking to use his public position to benefit his private tax law firm.

Indiana – Former Indiana Congressional Candidate Agrees to Plead Guilty in Campaign Finance Fraud Case

Yahoo News – Casey Smith (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 1/8/2025

Former Indiana congressional candidate Gabriel Whitley is admitting he falsified campaign finance records, saying he lied about raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions ahead of the May 2024 primary. The U.S. attorney’s office said Whitley admitted he lied to the FEC in three separate reports about hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions from supporters and loans from himself.

Kansas – Overland Park Lawsuit Leads Judge to Narrow Kansas’ Definition of Political Action Committee

Yahoo News – Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 1/7/2025

A federal court sided with a group that supported candidates, allowing it to remain a local advocacy group rather than become a political committee. The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission had ordered Fresh Vision OP to file as a PAC following the group’s expenditure of more than $100 to champion the 2021 mayoral candidacy of an Overland Park mayoral candidate with mailers and a website. Rather than comply with the commission’s directive and disclose its donors, Fresh Vision’s leadership suspended operations and filed a lawsuit.

Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board Withheld Information on Landry Staff’s Financial Interests from Public

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 1/7/2025

For seven months, the Louisiana Board of Ethics kept private documents about the financial interests of a handful of Gov. Jeff Landry’s staff that are supposed to be public under state law. The documents Landry’s top staff members filled out reveal information about all their personal income sources, their spouses’ jobs, investment holdings, property ownership, and ties to charities.

Minnesota – GOP Sues Over Timing of Special Election Crucial to Minnesota House Power Balance

MPR News – Clay Masters | Published: 1/6/2025

Minnesota Republicans are suing over the timing of a late-January special election that could determine if the state House moves back into a tie or remains in Republican hands deeper into the new legislative session. Gov. Tim Walz invoked a seldom used state law to schedule the special election for January 28 even before the House convened with 133 members instead of the full complement of 134. The outcome of the case is crucial because Republicans will come into the 2025 session with 67 seats to 66 for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party; the race for a seat favoring Democrats could push the House into a tie. fFor now

Montana – New Montana Legislative Website Has Problems, Legislative Services Working on Fixes

Yahoo News – Keila Szpaller (Daily Montanan) | Published: 1/8/2025

The chief information officer for the Legislative Services Division said a technology team is addressing problems with the Montana Legislature’s website, and the goal is to have a top-notch system once again. In the meantime, however, legislators, lobbyists. and members of the public are running into roadblocks in trying to follow lawmakers’ work.

New York – New York’s High Court Weighs Constitutionality of State Ethics Panel

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 1/7/2025

The New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, heard arguments on whether the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government was formed in violation of the state constitution. The case stems from a yearslong battle between Andrew Cuomo and the state’s ethics commission, as well as its embattled predecessor agency, that stems from the former governor’s efforts to thwart an investigation of a $5 million deal he received for writing a book about his administration’s handling of the pandemic.

New York – Treasurer for Brooklyn Boro Prez Candidate Anthony Jones Pleads Guilty in Straw Donor Scheme

MSN – John Annese (New York Daily News) | Published: 1/7/2025

The treasurer for an unsuccessful Brooklyn borough president candidate pleaded guilty to charges she tried to scam the city out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in public matching funds. Erlene King tried to take advantage of the New York City’s matching campaign funds program with a straw donor scheme. She submitted $25,000 in straw donations to Jones’ campaign, along with five corresponding “fictitious records,” in the hopes of getting $400,000 in matching funds, prosecutors said.

New York – Judge Upholds Trump’s Felony Conviction, but Does Not Plan to Order Jail Time

MSN – Shayna Jacobs and David Nakamura (Washington Post) | Published: 1/3/2025

Donald Trump will be sentenced on 34 counts of falsifying business records ahead of his swearing-in January 20 but is not expected to face jail time, a judge ruled. The decision to uphold Trump’s conviction and schedule the sentencing for January 10 almost certainly means Trump will be the first felon to serve as a U.S. president. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan said he plans to order an “unconditional discharge,” a designation in New York criminal courts for a non-jail and non-probation sentence that carries no other obligations.

New York – Board of Elections Director Made Racial and Sexual Remarks to Female Employees, City Probe Finds

The City – Greg Smith | Published: 1/7/2025

A Department of Investigation probe documented evidence that Michael Ryan, executive director of the New York City Board of Elections, routinely made racially insensitive and sexually suggestive remarks to two top-level minority female staffers, prompting the independent watchdog agency to recommend he resign. Both employees felt they had little recourse to confront Ryan about his comments because of his position according to the report.

North Carolina – North Carolina Justices Block Certification of Election Outcome in Race for One of Its Own Seats

MSN – Associated Press | Published: 1/7/2025

The North Carolina Supreme Court blocked the certification of a November election result for one of its own seats so it can review legal arguments by a trailing candidate who contends over 60,000 ballots that were cast should not be counted. The decision by the Republican-dominated state Supreme Court to issue the temporary stay is a setback for Democratic Associate Justice Allison Riggs. Election results show Riggs ahead of GOP challenger Jefferson Griffin by just 734 votes from over 5.5 million ballots cast.

North Dakota – Voters Created an Ethics Commission in North Dakota. Then the Legislature Limited Its Power.

Yahoo News – Jacob Orledge (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 1/6/2025

The North Dakota Ethics Commission has achieved less than the advocates had hoped in the six years since its inception, undermined in large part by the Legislature the commission is charged with overseeing. The commission has not substantiated any of the 81 complaints it has received. It has dismissed 47, most because it lacked the authority to investigate them. Thirty complaints are pending, some for more than a year. Numerous tips do not get investigated because the agency cannot proceed without a formal complaint, and complainants have said they fear retaliation if they file one, the commission’s executive director said.

Ohio – An Ohio Mayor’s Company Hired a Lobbyist to Weaken a State Ethics Law. The Legislature Passed It During Lame Duck.

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/5/2025

In a massive bill passed late on the final lawmaking day of 2024, Republicans slipped in an unvetted amendment creating an ethics exemption for small town mayors. The idea came from an Ohio mayor, who also serves as chief executive of a water treatment supply company. Under current law, businesses owned by public officials generally cannot accept public contracts unless the government gets the best treatment and the lowest cost, and the public official takes no part in the town’s decision. The change would have exempted village mayors’ businesses from the law under certain conditions.

Pennsylvania – Governor’s Office Forced to Reveal Why It Spent $368K on Private Law Firms

MSN – Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 1/8/2025

The administration of former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf spent tens of thousands of public dollars to hire private law firms for an ethics investigation, federal and state grand jury probes, and advice on taxes. In response to a public records request, the governor’s office originally released documents that showed which firms it hired and how much those firms charged, but it blacked out the reasons the private law firms were hired.

Rhode Island – R.I. Ethics Panel Postpones Vote on Reforming Gifts from Lobbyists

Yahoo News – Alexander Castro (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 1/7/2025

Government watchdogs will have to wait and see whether the Rhode Island Ethics Commission pursues proposed changes to state rules regulating who can give public officials gifts. After an hourlong discussion, the commission voted to delay a vote until all nine of its members have had a chance to review the proposal’s origins, which were prompted by a less-than-pristine education consulting contract forged in the early days of Gov. Dan McKee’s administration.

South Dakota – Regulator Stays on New Carbon Pipeline Case After Prior Recusal, with No Explanation This Time

Yahoo News – Joshua Haiar (South Dakota Searchlight) | Published: 12/30/2024

A trust controlled by a South Dakota regulator’s relatives still owns land along a proposed pipeline route, but the regulator has not recused herself from the project’s second permit application after recusing herself from the first one. Two years ago, Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen disqualified herself from Summit Carbon Solutions’ first carbon dioxide pipeline application. She cited state law prohibiting commissioners from participating in hearings or proceedings when they have conflicts-of-interest.

Texas – Republicans Prepare Fresh Effort to Ban Local Governments from Using Public Funds for Lobbying

Houston Public Media – Andrew Schneider | Published: 1/1/2025

Republican lawmakers will make another push to bar local governments from spending public funds on lobbying. A ban is all but certain to pass the Senate, but its prospects in the House are less clear. Asked whether he would support a similar ban on corporate lobbying to protect shareholders and customers from having their money used for lobbying against their wishes, state Sen. Mayes Middleton said there was no comparison.

Utah – Utah Legislature Could Explore Switching Authors of Ballot Initiatives

Yahoo News – Alixel Cabrera (Utah News Dispatch) | Published: 1/7/2025

After the description of a proposed amendment to the Utah Constitution sparked controversy, Democratic lawmakers are seeking more neutrality in future drafts. The Senate president and House speaker of are in charge of writing titles and questions submitted by the Legislature, summarizing the subject, and explaining any laws that could become effective if voters approve. But after the language of Amendment D prompted a successful court challenge by critics that left the question voided on voters’ ballots, Democrats want legislative attorneys, part of a nonpartisan body, to take over the job of drafting future ballot questions.

Virginia – Democrats Retain Control of Virginia Legislature in Special Elections

MSN – Laura Vozzella (Washington Post) | Published: 1/7/2025

Democrats retained control of Virginia’s General Assembly in special election on January 7, dimming Glenn Youngkin’s prospects for a big legislative legacy. Republicans could have upset the balance of power in Richmond and given Youngkin the chance to advance his conservative agenda in the final year of his term had they flipped two Loudoun County seats on the ballot. But Democrats held on to the Loudoun House and Senate seats, while Republicans retained a Senate post in central Virginia.

West Virginia – Senate President Craig Blair to Take Up Leadership Position Within a Leading Lobbying and Government Relations Firm

West Virginia MetroNews – Katherine Skeldon | Published: 1/2/2025

Soon-to-be former West Virginia Senate President Craig Blair says his new job is not of a lobbyist but a consultant in government relations. Blair announced he will begin serving as Senior Advisor of West Virginia for the LNE Group, a lobbying and government relations firm starting January 8. “I’ve learned a lot of things over the years and I’m going to be able to help us continue on the path to prosperity for the people of West Virginia, but I’m going to be for hire for being able to do that,” Blair said.

Wisconsin – Gov. Evers Wants to Let Wisconsin Voters Propose Statewide Ballot Measures

Yahoo News – Baylor Spears (Wisconsin Examiner) | Published: 1/6/2025

Gov. Tony Evers is proposing the Legislature create a way for Wisconsin residents to directly create ballot measures that make statutory and constitutional changes through the referendum process. State law currently permits lawmakers to place proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot, after they pass two consecutive legislative sessions. But Wisconsin does not have a way for voters themselves to introduce initiatives or place a binding referendum on the statewide ballot.

January 9, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Kansas: “Overland Park Lawsuit Leads Judge to Narrow Kansas’ Definition of Political Action Committee” by Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) for Yahoo News Elections Virginia: “Democrats Retain Control of Virginia Legislature in Special Elections” by Laura Vozzella (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics National: “Justice […]

January 6, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “House Ethics Panel Recommends Further Review of Campaign Finance Allegations Against 2 Lawmakers” by Taylor Giorno (The Hill) for MSN Ethics National: “Federal Courts Won’t Refer Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to Attorney General Over Ethics” by Lindsay Whitehurst (Associated Press) […]

January 3, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – January 3, 2025

National/Federal Social Media Companies Face Global Tug-of-War Over Free Speech DNyuz – Cecilia King and Adam Satariano (New York Times) | Published: 12/30/2024 Donald Trump and his allies have vowed to squash an online “censorship cartel” of social media firms they say […]

National/Federal

Social Media Companies Face Global Tug-of-War Over Free Speech

DNyuz – Cecilia King and Adam Satariano (New York Times) | Published: 12/30/2024

Donald Trump and his allies have vowed to squash an online “censorship cartel” of social media firms they say targets conservatives. Trump’s newly chosen regulators at the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission outlined plans to stop social media platforms from removing content the companies deem offensive and punish advertisers that leave less restrictive platforms like X in protest of the lack of moderation. Trump’s return to the White House is expected to widen the speech divide that has long existed between the U.S. and Europe, setting up parallel regulatory systems.

The Big Companies Funding Trump’s Inauguration Despite Denouncing Jan. 6

MSN – Rebecca Ballhaus, Dana Mattioli, Shalini Ramachandran, and Maggie Severn (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 12/25/2024

The Wall Street Journal identified at least 11 companies and trade associations that are backing Donald Trump’s inauguration after earlier pledging to suspend or reconsider PAC donations after January 6, 2021. Now, as corporate executives hurry to make inroads with an incoming president whose agenda will have sweeping ramifications for the business world, many of those pledges are a thing of the past. Donors who give $1 million or raise $2 million from others receive six tickets to a series of events, including a reception with cabinet appointees, a “candlelight dinner” with Trump and Melania Trump, and a black-tie ball.

Senate Review of Supreme Court Ethics Finds More Luxury Trips and Urges Enforceable Code of Conduct

MSN – Lindsay Whitehurst (Associated Press) | Published: 12/24/2024

A nearly two-year investigation by Democratic senators of Supreme Court ethics details more luxury travel by Justice Clarence Thomas and urges Congress to establish a way to enforce a new code of conduct. Any movement on the issue appears unlikely as Republicans prepare to take control of the Senate in January, underscoring the hurdles in imposing restrictions on a separate branch of government even as public confidence in the court has fallen to record lows.

House Ethics Report Says Matt Gaetz Paid for Sex, Possessed Drugs

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Justine McDaniel, and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 12/23/2024

Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz regularly paid for sex, possessed illegal drugs, and paid a 17-year-old girl for sex in 2017, according to a report released by the House Committee on Ethics on Donald Trump’s former pick for attorney general. The committee also investigated a 2018 trip Gaetz made to the Bahamas where the panel found he accepted transportation and lodging in violation of the House rules and laws on gifts.

Foreign-Company Lobbyists Would Need to Register Under Proposed DOJ Regulation

National Law Review – Dan Novak | Published: 12/27/2024

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires certain lobbyists and organizations to register as foreign agents if they have ties to foreign governments. Under the current law, individuals working on behalf of commercial businesses are largely exempt from disclosing foreign ties under FARA. But for some entities, such as state-owned enterprises, the line between economic and political interests is thin. Under proposed changes to the law, completely private companies could no longer claim an exemption in certain situations, said Murad Hussain, an attorney who advises clients on FARA compliance and investigations.

House Member in Assisted Living Draws Fresh Scrutiny to an Aging Congress

Seattle Times – Katie Edmondson (New York Times) | Published: 12/23/2024

A conservative outlet in Texas revealed U.S. Rep. Kay Granger had not voted in the House since July and has been living in an independent living facility, an arrangement her office had not disclosed. Granger, who is 81, stepped down as the top Republican on the Appropriations Committee in March and said she would not seek reelection, but she continued to serve out the rest of her term. The episode brought renewed attention to how Capitol Hill is powered by a crop of septuagenarians and octogenarians, including some who refuse to relinquish power even far past their primes.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Alabama Ethics Bill Cited in Report on Attempts to Reduce Ethics Commission Powers

Yahoo News – Ralph Chapoco (Alabama Reflector) | Published: 12/31/2024

A new report from the Campaign Legal Center found a number of efforts to reduce the power of ethics commissions, legislatively or legally, to investigate the conduct of public officials and gauge misconduct. The report comes after an attempt in the Alabama Legislature earlier this year to reclassify some ethics offenses and limit the ability of the state Ethics Commission to impose penalties. Of the 12 states included in the report, the report cited nine, including Alabama’s, as challenging ethics commissions, while two, Washington and Vermont, have strengthened ethics commissions.

Alaska – Alaska Ranked-Choice System Threatened with Fresh Repeal Efforts

MSN – Caroline Vaki and Jared Gans (The Hill) | Published: 12/30/2024

Opponents of Alaska’s ranked-choice system are renewing their efforts to overhaul the voting method ahead of 2026 after an effort to undo the system narrowly failed in November. Two groups submitted petitions that would get rid of ranked-choice voting and open primaries. One of those groups is also seeking to undo a provision aimed at offering greater transparency in campaign finance disclosures.

California – Number of Registered Lobbyists Jumps to a Record High in California

MSN – Sameea Kamal (CalMatters) | Published: 12/26/2024

California saw its biggest increase in registered lobbyists last session since at least 2011, when a change in the law caused the number to more than double. There was a roughly 10 percent increase in the number of lobbyists who registered for the 2023-24 session compared to the previous one for a record of 3,245 people. Longtime lobbyist Chris Micheli sees it as the result of the high turnover in the Legislature, leading to an “exodus of legislative staff” who went into advocacy.

Georgia – Court Rules Georgia Lawmakers Can Subpoena Fani Willis for Information Related to Her Trump Case

MSN – Kate Brumback and Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 12/27/2024

A judge ruled the Georgia Senate can subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Lewis as part of an inquiry into whether she has engaged in misconduct during her prosecution of Donald Trump but is giving Willis the chance to contest whether lawmakers’ demands are overly broad. Willis has until January 13 to submit arguments over whether the subpoenas seek legally shielded or confidential information.

Georgia – Fani Willis Disqualified from Trump Election Case by Georgia Appellate Court

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 12/19/2024

A Georgia appellate court overturned a judge’s ruling allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to remain in charge of the criminal racketeering case against Donald Trump and several allies charged with conspiring to overturn Trump’s 2020 election loss in the state, a decision that could doom the high-profile prosecution. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee had rejected a motion to disqualify Willis and her office after she was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with an outside attorney she hired to lead the election interference case.

Hawaii – Legislature May Take a Stand Against Decades of Pay-To-Play Politics

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 12/26/2024

Hawaii lawmakers said they plan to revisit the ban on campaign contributions from state contractors when the legislative session convenes in January. There is also momentum building in other areas meant to combat public corruption. A bigger budget is proposed for the office that monitors political donations and new ethics rules seek to crack down on the relationship between contractors and state workers.

Illinois – Mayor Brandon Johnson Faced Ethics Concerns Over Ties to Chicago Public Schools and Teachers Union, According to Memo

MSN – Nell Salzman, Alice Yin, and Gregory Royal Pratt (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/25/2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson declined to resign his position with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) after a high-ranking CPS official raised ethics concerns about a potential conflict-of-interest, according to a memorandum. CPS Chief Talent Officer Ben Felton wrote a memo less than two months after the mayor’s May 2023 inauguration documenting conversations Felton had with Johnson’s deputy mayor for education, Jen Johnson, about their leaves from the Chicago Teachers Union. Members of the union can sometimes take leaves of absence to take other jobs and return later.

Illinois – Former AT&T Illinois Executive Accused of Bribing Mike Madigan Gets New Trial Date

WBEZ – Tina Sfondeles and Jon Seidel (Chicago Sun-Times) | Published: 12/19/2024

Former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza will face trial again on June 3 after his first trial ended in September with a hung jury. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Gettleman shot down La Schiazza’s bid for an acquittal, so the former executive still faces charges he bribed former House Speaker Michael Madigan in 2017 by paying $22,500 to former state Rep. Edward Acevedo after Acevedo left the Illinois General Assembly.

Indiana – Indiana Sen. Greg Taylor Out as Democratic Leader Despite Denying Sexual Harassment

Yahoo News – Tony Cook, Kayla Dwyer, and Hayleigh Colombo (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 12/18/2024

Indiana Sen. Greg Taylor is out as the chamber’s Democratic leader a day after three more women accused the lawmaker of sexual harassment. Taylor categorically denied allegations of sexual harassment, distancing himself from a previous statement in which he apologized and accepted some responsibility. In all, six women – former legislative staffers, interns, and a lobbyist – have accused Taylor of sexual harassment or misconduct.

Maine – Maine Delays Enforcement of Campaign Donor Limits

Yahoo News – Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 12/20/2024

Maine agreed to temporarily suspend the enforcement of a new law limiting contributions to super PACs until May 30, 2025, in response to a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new requirements. The Institute for Free Speech says the $5,000 contribution limit directly contradicts the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling. That decision said the First Amendment allows PACs to spend as much money as they want in elections.

Maryland – New Year, Same Old Scramble for Campaign Cash in Annapolis

Maryland Matters – Josh Kurtz | Published: 1/2/2025

Thanks to the way the 2025 calendar is aligned, this year’s General Assembly session in Maryland is opening on the earliest date possible, January 8, which means the annual pre-session scramble by lawmakers and statewide elected officials to raise money before a three-month fundraising ban goes into effect is more condensed and intense than ever. Every year, between New Year’s Day and the session kickoff, there are a mind-numbing number of fundraising events on tap as politicians scurry to fill their campaign coffers just as lobbyists, special interest groups, and political donors begin to pay attention to the policymakers’ work.

Michigan – Michigan Transparency Plans Die Again, Keeping Public in the Dark

Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 12/20/2024

The state House adjourned without taking up a Senate-approved plan to expand Michigan’s open records law to the Legislature and governor, which remains one of only two states with such broad exemptions. House leadership also never took up a package of ethics reforms aimed at curbing conflicts-of-interest and strengthening the implementation of a voter-approved personal financial disclosure system that shed little light on politicians’ entanglements.

Missouri – Missouri Ethics Commission Fines ‘Truth In Politics’ $250K for Defying Campaign Laws

Yahoo News – Claudette Riley (Springfield News-Leader) | Published: 12/28/2024

The Missouri Ethics Commission imposed a penalty of almost $250,000 against Truth In Politics, a group which primarily sought to influence the outcome of Springfield school board races. The commission found that for a two-year period, while taking in more than $127,000, Truth In Politics failed to register as a committee, report contributions and spending, and file the required campaign finance reports.

New York – Mayor Adams’ Campaign Faces Potential ‘Breach of Certification’ Finding Over Federal Corruption Case

MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 12/20/2024

Citing New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ federal corruption indictment, the Campaign Finance Board is weighing the possibility of finding his campaign in “breach of certification,” the panel’s most severe penalty that could potentially cost the campaign as much as $10 million. Danielle Willemin, the board’s auditing director, said Adams’ indictment “establishes probable cause” he committed wire fraud to illicitly obtain public matching funds for his 2021 and 2025 campaigns and solicited illegal donations from foreign nationals for both his mayoral runs.

New York – Trump Loses Appeal in $5 Million E. Jean Carroll Defamation, Sexual Abuse Case

MSN – Perry Stein and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 12/30/2024

A federal appeals court upheld a $5 million New York civil trial jury verdict that found Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. In May 2023, jurors determined Carroll had sufficiently proved she was sexually abused in a dressing room at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in the mid-1990s after a chance encounter with Trump. The jury also found Trump defamed Carroll years later on social media, after she publicly accused him of rape. The jury awarded Carroll a total of $5 million.

North Carolina – A North Carolina Supreme Court Candidate’s Bid to Overturn His Loss Is Based on Theory Election Deniers Deemed Extreme

MSN – Doug Bock Clark (ProPublica) | Published: 12/23/2024

A novel theory is now at the center of a legal challenge by North Carolina Judge Jefferson Griffin, who lost a race for a state Supreme Court seat to the Democratic incumbent, Allison Riggs, by 734 votes and is seeking to have the result overturned. The state election board dismissed a previous version of the challenge, which is now being considered in federal court. Before the election, judge denied an attempt by the Republican National Committee to remove 225,000 voters from the roles based on the same theory.

Ohio – Ohio Lawmakers Pass Surprise Law Letting Police Charge Public Up to $75 Per Hour for Body Cam Videos

MSN – Cory Shaffer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/20/2024

First Amendment and government transparency advocates said they were blindsided by a law the Ohio Legislature passed that lets police departments make it harder for the public to keep tabs on them. An amendment to the state’s sunshine laws that was slipped into the 441-page bill that was introduced and passed in an hour would give state and local law enforcement departments the power to charge up to $75 for each hour of video released in response to a public records request. The proposal, which is not mandatory, would cap the charge at $750 per request for copies of records that most departments currently provide for little to no cost.

Ohio – Ohio Secretary of State’s Office Moves to Keep Little-Known Law from Tripping Up Transgender Candidates’ Campaigns

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/30/2024

Nearly a year after a transgender Ohioan was kicked off the ballot for not putting her “deadname” on her campaign form, Secretary of State Frank LaRose altered candidate paperwork to prevent such issues from happening in the future. The Stark County Board of Elections disqualified Vanessa Joy from running for an Ohio House seat for violating a little-known state law requiring candidates filing to run for elected office to disclose any other names they have gone by in the past five years (except those who changed their last name because of marriage).

Ohio – No Trial Dates. Endless Disputes. Here’s Why the FirstEnergy Bribery Cases Are Mired in Delay

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/29/2024

Those waiting for a resolution on the bribery cases against FirstEnergy’s chief executive officer and vice president are going to have to wait. A review of the remaining action – the criminal cases against the executives accused of orchestrating the public corruption scheme, the lawsuit against the company brought by its investors, and the regulatory investigations from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and the Securities and Exchange Commission – suggest three of the four remain mired in early stage legal squabbles unlikely to resolve quickly or easily. The cases are increasingly intersecting, with one hampering or slowing down the other.

Ohio – Former Cleveland City Councilman Basheer Jones Pleads Guilty to Federal Corruption Charges

MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/18/2024

Former Cleveland City Councilperson Basheer Jones admitted to using his influence as a first-term council member to bank money for himself and his girlfriend through nonprofits and real-estate schemes. The plea agreement calls for a recommended prison term that ranges from two years and nine months to three years and five months. Jones also agreed to pay restitution. Jones is the sixth city council member in the last two decades to be convicted of crimes in office.

Oregon – New Lobbying Regulations Introduced in Portland Aim to Enhance Transparency and Oversight

Hoodline – Samuel Hanson | Published: 12/13/2024

The city auditor’s office finalized new lobbying regulations in Portland. The adopted administrative rules pertaining to lobbying entities’ registration and reporting requirements, as well as the stipulations for city officials and enforcement protocols. One rule defines the responsibilities of lobbying entities in registering and reporting their activities, emphasizing indirect lobbying activities such as those conducted through third parties.

Pennsylvania – Are Lobbyist Emails to Lawmakers Public Records? A Pa. Court Will Decide.

MSN – Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 12/20/2024

A court case in Pennsylvania could, for the first time, result in the public gaining access to emails between the state legislators and the lobbyists who try to influence them. The case pits the news organization against the Pennsylvania Senate, which last year denied a request for emails between lawmakers and a group of lobbyists. The Senate asserted that emails do not fall under one of the 19 categories of records the Legislature must make public under the law. Those categories, which largely encompass financial records, are unique to the Legislature.

Rhode Island – RI Advocacy Group Files Complaint Over McKee’s ILO Controversy. What to Know.

MSN – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 12/19/2024

Though state Attorney General Peter Neronha found insufficient evidence to file a criminal charge against anyone connected to the award of a $5.2 million education consulting contract to ILO, Common Cause Rhode Island filed a complaint with the secretary of state against Michael Magee, a political ally of Gov. Dan McKee. Common Cause alleged Magee aggressively lobbied the executive branch to award a contract to the newly created ILO Group without officially registering as a lobbyist.

Texas – Ex-Harris County Health Director Charged with Three New Felonies in Awarding $40M-Worth of Contracts

MSN – Eric Dexheimer and Dylan McGuinness (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 12/27/2024

Barbie Robinson, the former head of the Harris County Public Health Department, was charged with three more crimes for allegedly funneling inside information to help companies she had previous connections to secure lucrative county contracts. The new allegations relate to $40 million worth of contracts given to IBM and DEMA Management & Consulting, two companies Robinson worked with previously in California. The Houston Chronicle in August reported on potentially improper connections between Robinson and DEMA. Harris County’s lead administrator, Diana Ramirez, fired her from her job just days later.

Virginia – Former Virginia Sheriff Convicted of Bribery in Badges-for-Dollars Scheme

MSN – Paul Duggan (Washington Post) | Published: 12/18/2024

Scott Jenkins, the former rural Virginia sheriff accused of deputizing wealthy untrained civilians who authorities said paid him tens of thousands of dollars for badges, was convicted of federal bribery and fraud charges. Prosecutors said Jenkins enriched himself and his campaigns by swearing in business owners from the Washington area as unpaid auxiliary deputies, giving them police powers for bribes ranging from $5,000 to $25,00, more than $60,000 in all, often in cash-stuffed envelopes.

West Virginia – Jim Justice to Delay Senate Swearing-In to Avert Knotty Succession in West Virginia

MSN – Daniela Altimari (Roll Call) | Published: 12/27/2024

When newly elected U.S. senators are sworn in January 3 at the Capitol, one member will not be there. Jim Justice says he will serve out his term as West Virginia governor and postpone joining the Senate until his gubernatorial successor is inaugurated on January 13. Justice said he wanted to avoid a scenario under which the state would shuffle through four different governors over a 10-day span.

December 31, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Hawaii: “Legislature May Take a Stand Against Decades of Pay-To-Play Politics” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat Missouri: “Missouri Ethics Commission Fines ‘Truth In Politics’ $250K for Defying Campaign Laws” by Claudette Riley (Springfield News-Leader) for Yahoo News Elections Georgia: “Court Rules […]

December 23, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance New York: “Mayor Adams’ Campaign Faces Potential ‘Breach of Certification’ Finding Over Federal Corruption Case” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for MSN Elections Georgia: “Fani Willis Disqualified from Trump Election Case by Georgia Appellate Court” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) […]

December 20, 2024 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – December 20, 2024

National/Federal A Constitutional Convention? Some Democrats Fear It’s Coming. DNyuz – Heather Knight and Katr Selig (New York Times) | Published: 12/16/2024 As Republicans prepare to take control of Congress and the White House, among the many scenarios keeping Democrats up at […]

National/Federal

A Constitutional Convention? Some Democrats Fear It’s Coming.

DNyuz – Heather Knight and Katr Selig (New York Times) | Published: 12/16/2024

As Republicans prepare to take control of Congress and the White House, among the many scenarios keeping Democrats up at night is an event that many Americans consider a historical relic: a constitutional convention. The 1787 gathering in Philadelphia to write the Constitution was the only time state representatives have convened to work on the document. But a line in the Constitution allows Congress to convene a rewrite session if two-thirds of state Legislatures have called for one. Most states have long-forgotten requests that could be enough to trigger a new constitutional convention, some scholars and politicians believe.

New Watchdog Group Seeks Records About Efficiency Department’s Talks with Agencies

DNyuz – David Fahrenthold (New York Times) | Published: 12/18/2024

A watchdog nonprofit said it was asking 16 federal agencies to detail any interactions they have had with Elon Musk’s new budget-cutting effort. The State Democracy Defenders Fund was founded by Norman Eisen, who was an ethics official during the Obama administration. The group says its initial focus during the Trump administration will be the Department of Government Efficiency Department, which is not a government department, but a loosely organized effort run by Musk and another wealthy entrepreneur, Vivek Ramaswamy.

Justice Dept. Is Examining Special-Counsel Team That Investigated Trump

MSN – Perry Stein and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 12/18/2024

The Justice Department is conducting an internal review to determine whether special counsel Jack Smith and his team of prosecutors ran afoul of any agency regulations when prosecuting Donald Trump. The Office of Professional Responsibility opened the review after a prosecutor reported a defense attorney in one of Trump’s cases had accused him of misconduct. It is standard procedure for Justice Department prosecutors to make such reports when wrongdoing is alleged. The initiation of an internal review does not suggest the Justice Department believes any wrongdoing occurred.

More Former Members of Congress Win Election for Lower Office This Year

MSN – Nathan Gonzales (Roll Call) | Published: 12/18/2024

While hundreds of candidates spend tens of millions of dollars trying to get to Capitol Hill, a handful of lawmakers willingly leave Congress each cycle and run for state or local office. Inside the Beltway, the move is often portrayed as a demotion, but some of these former members find themselves representing more people in their new roles, along with having more influence and a better quality of life than when they served in Washington.

Opaque Nonprofit Donation to Shadowy Super PAC Raises ‘Several Red Flags’

MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 12/12/2024

The super PAC Save Western Culture drew scrutiny ahead of the election as it spent nearly $1.4 million on controversial ads, mailers, and robocalls that boosted libertarian candidates and attacked Republicans in battleground Senate and House races, helping Democrats clinch some key seats. A $1.6 million donation the super PAC’s sole source of funding, from a newly formed nonprofit called Stop China Now Inc. was not disclosed until after Election Day.

Thirteen 2020 Fake Electors Will Cast Real Electoral College Votes for Trump on Tuesday

MSN – Marshall Cohen (CNN) | Published: 12/17/2024

Thirteen Republicans who participated in the 2020 fake electors plot, including some who are facing criminal charges, cast real Electoral College votes for President-elect Donald Trump, as electors in the states finalize his victory. The voting is largely ceremonial, but serving as an elector is an honor often bestowed upon party leaders and respected community members, not alleged criminals.

Judges Punt Retirement Plans After Trump Win, Raising Ethics Questions

MSN – Ella Lee (The Hill) | Published: 12/18/2024

A handful of federal judges appointed by Democrats have put off retirement plans in the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory, raising questions about the ethics of their decisions as judicial vacancies for the next administration dwindle. Legal experts said judges have discretion to decide when to retire, and while walk-backs are rare, it has become increasingly common to hinge those decisions on who is in the White House to pick their successors and in the Senate to confirm them.

House Ethics Committee Set to Release Investigation Report on Matt Gaetz

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 12/18/2024

The House Committee on Ethic is set to release its report on former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a reversal for the panel that previously voted along party lines not to release the results of a long-running investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. The committee’s turnaround was the culmination of a contentious debate over whether to release the report after Gaetz had resigned from Congress and withdrawn from consideration for attorney general.

New Charges Target Ex-Miami Congressman for Lobbying on Behalf of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tycoon

MSN – Joshua Goodman (Associated Press) | Published: 12/18/2024

A federal grand jury returned an indictment against former David Rivera for failing to register as a foreign agent of a sanctioned Venezuelan media tycoon on whose behalf the former member of Congress allegedly lobbied the Trump administration. The indictment is the second set of criminal charges to examine Rivera’s relationship with Raúl Gorrín, a billionaire businessperson charged in 2018 and again in 2024 with bribing senior Venezuelan officials in corrupt deals to embezzle state funds from Nicolas Maduro’s administration.

Trump and His Picks Threaten More Lawsuits Over Critical Coverage

Seattle Times – David Enrich (New York Times) | Published: 12/15/2024

A flurry of threatened defamation lawsuits is the latest sign the incoming Trump administration appears poised to do what it can to crack down on unfavorable media coverage. Before and after the election, Trump and his allies have discussed subpoenaing news organizations, prosecuting journalists and their sources, revoking networks’ broadcast licenses, and eliminating funding for public radio and television.

Massages and Country Clubs: Customer bills may be funding power companies’ lavish perks

Yahoo News – Mario Alejandro Ariza (Floodlight) | Published: 12/12/2024

Power companies across the country have been quietly trying to charge their customers for millions of dollars’ worth of luxury expenses, including access to exclusive country clubs and private jet travel, according to a new report from the Energy and Policy Institute , a utility watchdog. The regulated companies are only supposed to charge for expenses that directly benefit customers, such as upgrades to the electric grid. But the regulatory system allows gas and electric companies to also charge nonessential lobbying and advertising costs into customers’ electric bills, the report found.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – GOP-Linked Groups Want Court to End Voter-Approved Campaign Finance Requirements

Arizona Daily Star – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 12/16/2024

Two groups that support Republicans are making a last-ditch effort to have the Arizona Supreme Court end campaign finance requirements that voters have approved. The goal of their legal effort is to let them keep secret who really is funding their efforts to influence elections. Lawyers for the Arizona Free Enterprise Club and the Center for Arizona Policy argue Proposition 211, adopted by voters in 2022, violates the free speech clause in the state constitution.

California – Los Angeles Times Owner Wades Deeper into Opinion Section

DNyuz – Katie Robinson (New York Times) | Published: 12/12/2024

After Donald Trump announced a cascade of cabinet picks, the Los Angeles Times prepared an editorial arguing the Senate should follow its traditional process for confirming nominees, particularly given the editorial board’s concerns about some of his picks and ignore Trump’s call for recess appointments. But the newspaper’s owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, told the opinion department’s leaders the editorial could not be published unless the paper also published an editorial with an opposing view.

California – Sales Tax Hike May Head to Special Election in April. Oakland Public Watchdog Funding Will Not

MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 12/16/2024

The Oakland City council voted down a proposal to increase funding for the city’s oversight bodies, which carry out duties ranging from monitoring the police department to enforcing campaign finance rules. The tax would have raised $23.2 million yearly to fund the Public Ethics Commission, the city auditor, and two arms of the Oakland Police Commission. Good government advocates said these groups would be better shielded from political meddling if they had funding from dedicated tax dollars instead of relying on money from the general purpose fund, which the council has significant control over.

California – New Stanton City Council Nixes Tightest Campaign Finance Rules in OC

Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 12/17/2024

The Stanton City Council decided to get rid of an ordinance before it went into effect that would have been the strongest campaign finance law in Orange County minutes after two new council members were sworn into office. Mayor David Shawver, who earlier voted in support of the ordinance, argued it was contrary to state law and would leave the city liable to lawsuits.

California – California Lawmaker Questioned in Sprawling Cannabis Corruption Investigation

Yahoo News – Anabel Sosa (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/12/2024

Documents made public by federal prosecutors allege a public official who fits the profile of California Sen. Susan Rubio was part of sprawling bribery scheme when she served on the Baldwin Park City Council and campaigned for state office in 2018. The information was revealed in a plea agreement in which former Baldwin Park City Attorney Robert Tafoya admitted his role in a cannabis bribery scheme and agreed to cooperate in ongoing public corruption investigations.

Colorado – Ethics Complaint Filed Against Embattled State Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis Over Alleged Aide Mistreatment

Colorado Sun – Jesse Paul | Published: 12/18/2024

A constituent of embattled Colorado Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis lodged an ethics complaint, alleging Jaquez Lewis has failed to uphold her office with integrity and the public interest by mistreating her Capitol aides. The complaint could lead to the most serious consequences yet for Jaquez Lewis, who has already been stripped of her committee assignments and barred from having state-paid staffers because of the aide allegations.

Colorado – Denver Gave $8M to Political Candidates in 2023. Now, It’s Considering Changes

Denverite – Kyle Harris | Published: 12/18/2024

The Denver City Council is considering changes to the city’s Fair Election Fund, a voter-approved program that gives public money to political candidates. The program has been praised for allowing more people to be competitive in fundraising, but it also has raised concerns as the city has awarded millions of taxpayer dollars to dozens of candidates.

District of Columbia – D.C. Council Committee Recommends Expelling Trayon White Over Rules Violations

MSN – Meagan Flynn and Jenny Gathright (Washington Post) | Published: 12/16/2024

A District of Columbia Council ad hoc committee voted to recommend that council member Trayon White Sr. be expelled from the council after an investigative report found “substantial evidence” he violated ethics rules when he allegedly accepted tens of thousands of dollars in bribes involving government contracts. The vote means the council may vote to expel White in early 2025. White, who has pleaded not guilty in a federal bribery case, will have at least 30 days to prepare a defense to his proposed expulsion.

Florida – Questions of ‘Pay to Play’ Linger Over Santa Rosa GOP Candidate Forum

MSN – Jim Little (Pensacola News Journal) | Published: 12/16/2024

Some candidates in the special election to fill the congressional seat vacated by Matt Gaetz felt like they had no choice but to donate $1000 to the Santa Rosa County Republican Executive Committee to participate in a candidate forum which has raised allegations of pay-to-play from one local lawmaker. State Rep. Alex Andrade said he is looking into the situation to decide whether to notify the Florida Division of Elections about the donation request he believes violated the law.

Illinois – Judge Denies Acquittal Bid for Ex-AT&T Boss Accused of Bribing Madigan

MSN – Jason Meisner and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/12/2024

Three months after his trial ended in a hung jury, ex-AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza’s bid for acquittal was denied by a federal judge, who ruled prosecutors had shown ample evidence of a quid pro quo scheme to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. The ruling not only sets the stage for a potential retrial for La Schiazza, but also comes as jurors in Madigan’s own corruption trial are hearing the same evidence of the alleged scheme to steer a do-nothing contract to ex-state Rep. Edward Acevedo to help win the powerful speaker’s support on key legislation in Springfield.

Illinois – Paper Tigers

MSN – Dan Petrella and Gregory Royal Pratt (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/15/2024

A key factor in Illinois’ pervasive political corruption is that public officials create systems of oversight that often thwart accountability for elected officials and government employees. A review of Illinois and Chicago ethics laws found consistent weaknesses, including restrictions on the types of misconduct watchdogs are permitted to probe, a lack of transparency when wrongdoing is uncovered because of limitations on how the results of investigations can be made public, and limited ability to impose sanctions on those found to have broken laws or ethics rules.

Iowa – Trump Sues Des Moines Register and Iowa Pollster, Escalating Attacks on Media

MSN – Elahe Izadi, Laura Wagner, and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2024

Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register newspaper and its highly respected former pollster, adding to his ongoing legal attacks against news media companies. The suit – which names the newspaper’s parent company, Gannett, its former pollster J. Ann Selzer, and her polling firm – centers on a Selzer poll released three days before the presidential election that showed trailing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Maine – Maine Sued Over New Voter-Approved Campaign Finance Limits

Yahoo News – Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 12/13/2024

A national conservative group is suing to overturn new campaign finance limits approved by Maine voters in November. The Institute for Free Speech argues the initiative violates the Constitution by limiting free speech and forcing groups to disclose their donors, including those who donate less than $50. The Institute says the new law would prevent PACs from spending money they have already raised and unfairly excludes PACs controlled by political parties and those campaigning for ballot questions.

Massachusetts – Boston Considers Ethics Committee After City Councilor’s Arrest on Corruption Charges

MSN – Tréa Lavery (MassLive) | Published: 12/11/2024

At the first Boston City Council meeting since Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested by federal authorities and accused of running a kickback scheme, fellow Councilor Ed Flynn proposed creating a new committee focused on ethics. The charges are not the first scandal, or even the first arrest, to hit the city council in recent years.

Massachusetts – Fed Subpoena Revealed: Investigators wanted Fernandes Anderson’s notes, chats, images and more

MSN – Gayla Cawley and Joe Dwinell (Boston Herald) | Published: 12/17/2024

The federal grand jury subpoena sent to Boston City Hall in September set forth wide-ranging demands for detailed copies of now indicted Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson’s emails, drafts, and “Lotus notes” in a kickback probe that left no stone unturned. It also lists 22 secretaries and administrative assistants who have served under Fernandes Anderson in some capacity. The subpoena suggests they were at the crossroads of “electronic communications: of Fernandes Anderson’s alleged $7,000 kickback scheme.

Michigan – Lobbyists Spend Millions Wining and Dining Michigan Lawmakers, But Flawed System Prevents Public from Knowing Specifics

Deadline Detroit – Jack Armstrong, Miranda Dunlap, Lily Guiney, Andrew Miller-Thomas, Sarah Moore, and Chloe Trofatter (Eye on Michigan) | Published: 12/17/2024

A media investigation found Michigan’s system for tracking what lobbyists give to lawmakers is flawed, rife with loopholes, and relies on the honor system. Problems with the state’s attempt to bring transparency to officials’ interactions with lobbyists are compounded because many of the lawmakers who took the most gifts refuse to discuss why they accepted hundreds of free meals and trips. Despite the flaws in the system, Eye On Michigan found lobbyists spent more than $6.3 million on state lawmakers and officials between 2001 and 2023.

New York – $100,000 Loan for Porsche at Center of Charges Against Former Adams Aide

DNyuz – William Rashbaum, Dana Rubenstein, and Michael Rothfeld (New York Times) | Published: 12/18/2024

Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former chief adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, is expected to surrender on bribery charges involving two businesspeople who gave her son a $100,000 loan to buy a Porsche, several people with knowledge of the matter said. Her son, Glenn Martin II, and the other two men were also expected to surrender for arraignment on the charges, which are being brought by the Manhattan district attorney. The accusations grew out of a broad corruption investigation focused on Lewis-Martin, who recently announced her resignation hours before it was reported a grand jury was hearing evidence against her.

New York – US Supreme Court Leaves Former New York Lieutenant Governor’s Corruption Case Alive

MSN – Luc Cohen (Reuters) | Published: 12/16/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear former New York Lieutenant Gov. Brian Benjamin’s challenge to corruption charges in a case that involves the scope of federal bribery law, allowing the case to proceed. The Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office in 2022 charged Benjamin with funneling a $50,000 state grant to developer Gerald Migdol in exchange for the campaign contributions.

New York – N.Y. Judge Denies Trump’s Motion to Throw Out Hush Money Conviction

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 12/16/2024

A judge denied a motion by Donald Trump’s lawyers to throw out the president-elect’s 34-count felony conviction based on a broad U.S. Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan ruled the high court’s expansion of presidential immunity did not negate Trump’s conviction for falsifying business records connected to a hush money payment to an adult-film actress.

New York – New York City Mayor’s Campaign Denied Millions in Public Matching Funds

MSN – Joe Anuta and Jeff Coltn (Politico) | Published: 12/16/2024

The New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) announced it was withholding public matching money from Mayor Eric Adams’ reelection campaign, citing a federal criminal case against Adams involving straw donors and his campaign’s noncompliance with the board’s inquiries. The mayor had asked for $4.5 million. CFB Chairperson Frederick Schaffer noted Adams’ campaign would be able to appeal the decision.

New York – GOP Accuses Democrats of Rigging NY Public Campaign Finance System

MSN – Brendan Lyons (Albany Times Union) | Published: 12/13/2024

State Republican lawmakers are accusing Democrats on the New York Public Campaign Finance Board of ramming through a resolution that changed the rules governing campaign funds to retroactively benefit multiple Democratic candidates who had transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee. Republicans contend the resolution had not been on the board’s agenda. Democrats approved a resolution that allows transfers using non-public matching funds to be included in a surplus calculation for the total campaign expenditures.

North Carolina – NC Settlement with Robinson Campaign Over Errors Revealed

Carolina Public Press – Sarah Michels | Published: 12/18/2024

Nearly four years after it began, an investigation into the financial reporting of North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s campaign in 2020 has been completed, leading to fines and a settlement. Robinson’s campaign committee agreed to pay the State Board of Elections $35,000. In return, the board will not pursue any action against Robinson in court or require his committee to pay for the costs of the multi-year investigation.

North Carolina – NC Groups Host Desirable Trips Where NC Lawmakers, Lobbyists Can Mingle. Who Pays?

MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 12/13/2024

Lobbyists and their clients are generally prohibited from taking North Carolina lawmakers on trips, or even buying them a meal. Legislative scandals 20 years ago pushed state legislators to pass a ban on most gifts from lobbyists and their clients. The law allows for exceptions, such as travel for some educational meetings. But social welfare nonprofits, labeled 501(c)(4)s in the federal tax code, have close ties to some state politicians. This year, two of the nonprofits were found to have hosted out-of-state trips with influential state lawmakers.

Ohio – Jimmy Dimora’s Sentence Commuted by President Joe Biden

MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/12/2024

President Biden commuted the sentence of disgraced former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, ending his punishment for widespread corruption that landed him in prison for more than a decade and caused a complete overhaul of the county’s government. Dimora’s 2010 arrest exposed a corrupt scheme that he orchestrated with Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo. The duo gave county contracts to companies in exchange for money, trips, gifts, and favors.

Ohio – Republicans Stoked Fears of Noncitizens Voting. Ohio Shows How Rhetoric and Reality Diverge.

MSN – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 12/15/2024

Before the November presidential election, Ohio’s secretary of state and attorney general announced investigations into potential voter fraud that included people suspected of casting ballots even though they were not U.S. citizens. It coincided with a national Republican messaging strategy warning that potentially thousands of ineligible voters would be voting. The outcome and the stories of some of those now facing charges illustrate the gap between the rhetoric about noncitizen voting and reality. It is rare, is caught and prosecuted when it does happen, and does not occur as part of a coordinated scheme to throw elections.

Oregon – Portland Public Campaign Finance Deputy Slams Program Head in Searing Resignation; Director Fires Back

MSN – Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 12/17/2024

The deputy director of Portland’s public campaign finance program resigned abruptly in November, accusing his boss of bullying behavior and widespread mismanagement. Daniel Lewkow alleged Small Donor Elections head Susan Mottet fostered a toxic work environment that made his job untenable. Mottet characterizing her former deputy as a disgruntled subordinate who repeatedly failed “to perform his job competently.” The allegations mark the latest in a series of setbacks that have dogged the program.

Pennsylvania – Campaign Funds, Secretive Nonprofit Pay for Josh Shapiro’s Sports Tickets

Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 12/17/2024

Gov. Josh Shapiro viewed a Villanova University basketball recently alongside a coach who has won two national championships. A few days later, he watched the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shapiro paid for neither ticket out of pocket. He attended the Villanova game on the dime of Team PA, a nonprofit that spent at least $12,000 last year on sports tickets for Shapiro. Its donors are anonymous. The NFL ticket was “covered with campaign funds,” said Shapiro spokesperson Manuel Bonder, who did not answer a question about whether the governor used money from his campaign fund to buy the ticket or if the ticket itself was donated.

South Carolina – ‘Questionable’ Transactions and Bowl Games. USC Office Misspent $1.7M in Public Funds, Audit Says

MSN – Alexa Jurado (The State) | Published: 12/11/2024

Using public funds for trips to the 2022 Gator Bowl, consistent overspending, and “questionable” financial transactions by a University of South Carolina office and its affiliates, are among findings in a critical new report by the state;s Legislative Audit Council. An investigation spanning 26 months found that the university’s Office of Economic Engagement misspent $1.7 million of grant money and potentially violated state ethics codes.

Texas – Watson, Greco Ethics Complaints Dismissed a Month after Austin’s Mayoral Election

Yahoo News – Kate Winkle (KXAN) | Published: 12/13/2024

The Austin Ethics Review Commission ruled Mayor Kirk Watson and mayoral candidate Doug Greco did not break campaign finance rules during the recent election. Watson and Greco were accused of exceeding the amount of money they can accept from those outside the city: $46,000. Because there is no requirement for donors to tell campaigns their home address, tracking whether campaigns are in compliance can be a challenge, according to James Cousar, who represented Watson in his preliminary hearing.

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News You Can Use Digest – December 20, 2024

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