National/Federal

Gaetz’s Ex-Girlfriend Appears Before Grand Jury in Sex Trafficking Probe
Seattle Times – Matt Zapotosky (Washington Post) | Published: 1/12/2022

The ex-girlfriend of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz appeared before a federal grand jury investigating him for possible sex trafficking of a minor, a signal the probe remains active more than a year after it began. Investigators are exploring whether Gaetz paid for sex in violation of federal sex-trafficking laws and have been interested in his dealings with a 17-year-old girl, people familiar with the matter have said. The appearance of his ex-girlfriend before a federal grand jury is a potentially ominous sign for Gaetz.

Jerome Powell Says the Fed Will Tighten Trading Rules After an Ethics Scandal
New York Times – Jeanna Smialek | Published: 1/11/2022

Jerome Powell, chairperson of the Federal Reserve, told lawmakers at his nomination hearing that the central bank was making changes to rules surrounding financial trades to prevent the kind of eyebrow-raising transactions surrounding three top Fed officials. The Fed has come under fire for allowing officials to trade securities for their own portfolios in 2020, a year in which the Fed was actively saving many asset classes and markets. That included notable trades by two of the 12 regional reserve bank presidents and the Fed’s vice chair.

Judge Mulls Whether Trump’s Silence on Jan. 6 Could Amount to ‘Agreement’ with Rioters
MSN – Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 1/10/2022

Donald Trump’s hours of silence while a violent mob ransacked the Capitol – egged on by his own words and tweets – could be plausibly construed as agreement with rioters’ actions, a federal judge suggested. U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta made the analysis as he pressed Trump’s lawyers about their efforts to dismiss a series of lawsuits against the former president seeking to hold him financially liable for inciting the January 6 insurrection.

Justice Dept. Forms New Domestic Terrorism Unit to Address Growing Threat
MSN – Matt Zapotosky and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 1/11/2022

The Justice Department is forming a new domestic terrorism unit. Matthew Olsen, head of the department’s National Security Division, announced the unit before the Senate Judiciary Committee, noting the number of FBI investigations of suspected domestic violent extremists – those accused of planning or committing crimes in the name of domestic political goals – had more than doubled since the spring of 2020. His testimony comes days after the anniversary of the riot at the Capitol, an event some lawmakers say showed the FBI underestimated the threat posed by domestic extremists and violence-prone members of far-right groups.

Kevin McCarthy Rejects Request by House Jan. 6 Committee for Information About Communications with Trump, Mark Meadows
MSN – Jacueline Alemany and Tom Hamburger (Washington Post) | Published: 1/12/2022

The House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol requested that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy voluntarily provide information about his communications with former President Trump and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Details of those conversations could provide the committee with further insight into Trump’s state of mind at the time, wrote U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, the panel’s chairperson. McCarthy said he will not cooperate, arguing in a statement that its “only objective is to attempt to damage its political opponents.”

Pence and Jan. 6 Committee Engage in High-Stakes Dance Over Testimony
Yahoo News – Michael Schmidt and Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 1/10/2022

Since the House select committee investigating the assault on the Capitol was formed last summer, former Vice President Mike Pence’s lawyer and the panel have been talking about whether he would be willing to speak to investigators. But as Pence began sorting through a complex calculation about his cooperation, he is said to have grown disillusioned with the idea of voluntary cooperation. For the committee, Pence’s testimony would be an opportunity to establish how Donald Trump’s pressuring him to block the certification of the 2020 election helped inspire the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Rep. Jim Jordan Refuses to Cooperate with Jan. 6 Committee Investigating Capitol Attack
MSN – Annabelle Timsit (Washington Post) | Published: 1/10/2022

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan is refusing a request to be interviewed by the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob, calling it an “unprecedented and inappropriate demand.” Jordan declined to comply with the request to appear before the panel to discuss his communication with Trump on the day of the assault. Jordan previously said he could not recall how many times he spoke with Trump on January 6 but they spoke at least once.

Schumer Sets Up Final Senate Confrontation on Voting Rights and the Filibuster
MSN – Mike DeBonis (Washington Post) | Published: 1/12/2022

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer prepared Democrats for the final phase of a year-long push to pass voting rights legislation, sketching out legislative maneuvers that could launch debate on a pair of stalled bills and force a confrontation over the Senate’s rules in the coming days. The details of the next steps come as President Biden has launched his own aggressive push to convince his fellow Democrats to band together and overhaul the filibuster to overcome strict GOP opposition to voting rights bills.

The Battle to Prevent Another Jan. 6 Features a New Weapon: The algorithm
MSN – Steven Zeitchik (Washington Post) | Published: 1/6/2022

For many Americans who witnessed the attack on the U.S. Capitol last year, the idea of mobs of people storming a bedrock of democracy was unthinkable. For the data scientists who watched it unfold, the reaction was different: we have been thinking about this for a long time. The sentiment comes from a group working in a field known as unrest prediction. The group takes a promising if fraught approach that applies the complex methods of machine-learning to the mysterious roots of political violence. Centered on the developing world, its systems are slowly being retooled with a new goal: predicting the next January 6.

When Lobbyists and Legislators Socialize, Lobbyists Are More Likely to Get What They Want
MSN – Sara Sadhwani, Pamela Lopez, Christian Grose, and Antoine Yoshinaka | Published: 1/12/2022

Lobbying often takes place off Capitol Hill. Whether it is dinner at the Charlie Palmer steakhouse in Washington, or the hosting of public officials at receptions and bars, lobbying in social situations is a key tool of professional advocates. To explore the impact of social lobbying, researchers conducted an experiment in the California Legislature. They say they found interest groups are more likely to get what they ask for when they meet legislators or their staff socially. Much like everyone else, public officials are more easily persuaded in such settings.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Cyber Ninjas, the Firm Behind the Audit in Arizona’s Maricopa County, Says It’s Closing and Letting All Its Employees Go
Business Insider – Cheryl Teh | Published: 1/7/2022

Cyber Ninjas, the company behind the 2020 election audit in Maricopa County, Arizona, said it was closing and letting all its staff go as it faces staggering daily fines for refusing to turn over public record related to the audit. A judge in Arizona said Cyber Ninjas would be fined $50,000 a day if it did not immediately turn over the records. It is unclear how many employees Cyber Ninjas has on its payroll, though LinkedIn lists its company size as two to 10 employees.

California – Former High-Level Lawyer with L.A. City Attorney Agrees to Plead Guilty in DWP Scandal
MSN – Dakota Smith and David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 1/10/2022

A former high-level lawyer in Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer’s office agreed to plead guilty in the federal corruption probe of the Department of Water and Power (DWP) billing debacle, becoming the first staffer under Feuer to do so. Thomas Pierce agreed to plead guilty to one count of aiding and abetting extortion. In his plea agreement, Pierce admitted he threatened to fire one of the city’s outside lawyers unless that lawyer paid off a person who was threatening to reveal damaging information about city lawyers’ handling of the DWP case.

California – What’s Behind the ‘Great Resignation’ of California Lawmakers?
MSN – Ben Christopher (CalMatters) | Published: 1/10/2022

Propelled by approaching term limits, new district lines, and a raft of political opportunities outside the state Capitol, 14 California lawmakers have sought employment elsewhere.  That does not include the seven members, all senators, who are barred from seeking reelection in 2022 by term limits. Some incumbents and lobbyists say this year’s changing of the guard has the potential to shake up the Capitol’s policy-making dynamic.

Colorado – Mesa County Clerk Who Embraced Conspiracy Theories Given 3 Days to Accept Election Security Oversight
Denver Post – Saja Hindi | Published: 1/12/2022

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold wants Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters to sign documents saying she will comply with election security protocols that place limits on what she can do before Peters can resume her duties as the county’s designated election official. In October, a judge barred Peters and Deputy Clerk Belinda Knisley from overseeing the 2021 election. Peters has been held up as a prominent figure among election conspiracy theorists who claim the 2020 election was stolen.

Connecticut – Top Prosecutor’s Fate Will Await Completion of Investigation, Judge Says
Connecticut Mirror – Mark Pazniokas | Published: 1/12/2022

The commission with the power to hire and fire top prosecutors in Connecticut is awaiting completion of an investigation of how Chief State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo Jr. came to hire the daughter of a top state budget official while he lobbied the budget office for raises. Colangelo hired Anastasia Diamantis while he was lobbying her father, Kostantinos Diamantis, who was deputy secretary of the Office of Policy and Management before his firing. The state contracted with an outside attorney “to conduct a factual investigation on behalf of the Office of the Governor regarding possible improprieties by state employees and possibly others.”

Delaware – Jury Finds State Sen. Darius Brown Not Guilty of Misdemeanor Charges
Yahoo News – Xerxes Wilson (Delaware News Journal) | Published: 1/6/2022

A jury found Delaware Sen. Darius Brown not guilty of misdemeanor offensive touching and disorderly conduct. The trial saw a woman accuse Brown of hitting her in the head and throwing a glass that shattered in her proximity while they were at a restaurant. Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola said regardless of whether Brown’s conduct was not criminal, “it remains clear” Brown has been involved in “multiple confrontations in public spaces” over the past year. Sokola said the Senate’s Rules and Ethics Committee will review allegations against Brown in the coming weeks.

Florida – Florida Officials Tried to Steer Education Contract to Former Lawmaker’s Company
Yahoo News – Lawrence Mower and Ana Ceballos (Tampa Bay Times) | Published: 1/11/2022

The Florida Department of Education is under fire for trying to steer a multimillion-dollar contract to a company whose chief executive has ties to the state’s education commissioner. Records and interviews show that before the Education Department asked for bids, it was already in advanced talks with the company to do the work, subverting a process designed to eliminate favoritism. The company is MGT Consulting, led by former lawmaker Trey Traviesa, a longtime colleague of the state’s education commissioner, Richard Corcoran.

Florida – Florida Senate Accuses Lawyer Who Submitted Redistricting Map of Violating Rules
Miami Herald – Mary Ellen Klas | Published: 1/6/2022

The Florida Senate accused a staff attorney for the ACLU of Florida of misinformation after he appeared as a private citizen before a redistricting committee to present a map he had drawn but failed to identify his employer, which had no role in the submission. The Senate changed its rules this year regarding map submissions and now requires anyone who attempts to address legislators in a public meeting to submit a disclosure form that indicates if they are a lobbyist or getting expenses paid. The rules also prohibit lawmakers from considering maps submitted by the public unless a legislator explicitly requested the map in writing.

Florida – FPL Makes Unusual Public Attack on Miami Herald After Solar Power Coverage
MSN – David Ovalle (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/6/2022

Florida Power & Light (FPL) launched an unusual public attack on The Miami Herald and its senior Tallahassee reporter over coverage of the utility company’s lobbying on solar power policy, criticism the newspaper’s top editor called “unfair.” FPL published a piece on its own website criticizing the news organization for not publishing the entirety of an editorial written in response to a Miami Herald story co-authored by Mary Ellen Klas about the company’s role in preparing legislation affecting rooftop solar power generation in Florida. FPL’s post was titled: “Truth Matters: Why is the Miami Herald afraid to let its readers hear opposing voices?”

Georgia – Perdue Sues Over New Georgia Fundraising Law
Yahoo News – Joseph Coi (The Hill) | Published: 1/6/2022

David Perdue’s gubernatorial campaign filed a lawsuit challenging a state law that critics say gives Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp an advantage in the race. Last year, Kemp signed Senate Bill 221 into law, allowing those vying for governor, lieutenant governor, and party leadership roles to create “leadership committees” with no caps on individual campaign contributions. The law also does away with limits on when committees can raise money. Critics have argued it gives incumbent candidates an unfair advantage, as nonincumbent candidates must win a party primary before they can establish a leadership committee.

Idaho – Idaho Statehouse Security: Is the ‘people’s house’ a safe place for the people?
KPVI – Clark Corbin (Idaho Capital Sun) | Published: 1/9/2022

Political organizer Alicia Abbott worries that members of the public will not feel comfortable or safe at the Idaho Capitol, whether it is due to the anger or crowds or lack of COVID-19 protocols like masking and distancing. She is concerned that would rob people of their ability to participate in the legislative process and could limit the perspective of public testimony presented to lawmakers during bill hearings. Abbott is not the only one who is worried about the potential for violence and politics to clash.

Iowa – Republican Leadership Bars Journalists from Iowa Senate Floor, Worrying Press Advocates
MSN – Kim Bellware (Washington Post) | Published: 1/8/2022

Republican leaders in the state Senate told journalists they will no longer be allowed to work on the chamber floor, a change that breaks with a more than 140-year tradition in the Iowa Capitol. The move raised concerns among free press and freedom of information advocates who said it is a blow to transparency and open government that makes it harder for the public to understand, let alone scrutinize, elected officials. The new rule denies reporters access to the press benches near senators’ desks, a proximity that statehouse reporters said is crucial for the most accurate coverage.

Kentucky – Senate Bill Would Block State Contracts If Bidders’ Lobbyists Are Convicted of Crimes
Yahoo News – John Cheves (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 1/10/2022

A Kentucky Senate bill would block state contracts from going to companies for five years after their lobbyists are convicted of crimes related to helping those companies win those contracts. If the language in Senate Bill 46 sounds specific, that is because the sponsor has in mind a particular contract and a particular lobbyist and particular crimes. Sen. Stephen Meredith said he objects to a $51.7 million contract renewal awarded by the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet in 2020 to Cannon Cochran Management Services.

Maryland – Howard County Council Member Outraged by Denial of Matching Campaign Funds, Calling It Political Manipulation
MSN – Katie Long (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 1/12/2022

A technicality in the law resulted in Howard County candidates being denied matching campaign funds this election season. To be eligible for up to $85,000 in matching funds, county council candidates must collect at least $10,000 from at least 125 donations. These funds are only available for candidates in contested races, meaning at least two candidates’ names must appear on the ballot. The rules also state the determination date for when a race is “contested” is six months prior to the state filing deadline. This language is what resulted in the withholding of funds from council member Deb Jung.

Michigan – Judge Tosses GOP Challenge to Exception for Recall Donations
MSN – David Eggers (Associated Press) | Published: 1/6/2022

A federal judge dismissed Republicans’ lawsuit challenging the ability of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s reelection campaign to collect excess donations under an exception for recall attempts, saying they lack the standing to sue. U.S. District Court Judge Janet Neff ruled state GOP Chairperson Ron Weiser and the party failed to show they had suffered a “concrete and particularized injury.” She also said they could have given unlimited amounts to recall committees opposing the Democratic governor but did not. Republicans said they would appeal.

Montana – Montana Conservation Voters Action Fund Facing Fine for Campaign Finance Violations
Helena Independent Record – Nolan Lister | Published: 1/12/2022

Montana Conservation Voters Action Fund is facing a fine for failing to file reports on its spending in municipal elections in Helena, Missoula, and Billings last year. As a registered political committee, the group is permitted to engage in these actions. But it failed to report its expenses as required. “Unfortunately, our vendor failed to submit the required reports related to our work …,” said Jake Brown, the organization’s political director.

New Mexico – New Mexico Ethics Commission to Consider Charges Against Dow
Yahoo News – Robert Nott (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 1/10/2022

The general counsel for the State Ethics Commission recommended a public hearing to determine whether New Mexico Rep. Rebecca Dow, a GOP candidate for governor in the June primary, violated government conduct and financial disclosure rules in connection with her work for a nonprofit she founded, AppleTree Educational Center, a faith-based early childhood education provider. A complaint raised questions about whether Dow accurately disclosed details about her position and salary with AppleTree. It also said there is evidence she may have used her legislative position to advocate for the nonprofit.

New Mexico – Public Financing the Common Factor for Winners of ABQ Campaigns in 2021
Albuquerque Journal – Jessica Dyer | Published: 1/9/2022

Whether Republican or Democrat, incumbent or political newcomer, every candidate who won a position in Albuquerque’s municipal government during the 2021 election cycle had at least one thing in common: all ran for office on the city’s public financing system. But the program that has fueled so many recent election wins also continues to fuel controversy and doubt.

New York – Cuomo Lawyer Fires Warning at Ethics Agency
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 1/12/2022

An attorney representing former Gov. Andrew Cuomo notified New York’s ethics oversight panel that it is to preserve “all evidence and documentation” concerning its efforts to force Cuomo to repay $5.1 million in proceeds from a 2020 book deal. The letter appears to be a warning shot to the Joint Commission on Public Ethics that if the panel continues attempts to force Cuomo to repay the funds that he earned from writing the book, Cuomo will sue. Cuomo will also seek to dig into the panel’s own machinations.

New York – Eric Adams Cuts His Brother’s Duties After Giving Him Top Police Job
New York Times – Dana Rubenstein and William Rashbaum | Published: 1/12/2022

When Mayor Eric Adams named a Virginia parking administrator and retired police sergeant to a top position in the New York Police Department, he said the man had one qualification that no one else there possessed: he was the mayor’s brother. Bernard Adams, 56, a former police sergeant who retired from the force in 2006 after 20 years, has been given one of the most elite jobs in city government: overseeing the unit that will protect the mayor’s physical safety. The mayor’s fundraising tactics have, tested the boundaries of campaign finance and law, and the hiring has amplified concerns that Mayor Adams pays too little heed to ethics.

New York – GOP Sues Over Law Letting Noncitizens Vote in NYC Elections
MSN – Marina Vileneuve (Associated Press) | Published: 1/10/2022

Republicans sued to prevent noncitizens from voting in New York City elections under a new local law that allows more than 800,000 noncitizens and “Dreamers” in New York City to vote in municipal elections as early as next year. They still cannot vote for president or members of Congress or in statewide elections. Republicans said the law violates the state constitution, which says, “every citizen shall be entitled to vote at every election” provided a citizen is at least 18 years old and a “resident of this state” and the locality for 30 days before an election.

New York – Hochul Moves to Scrap Much-Criticized Ethics Agency
Buffalo News – Tom Precious | Published: 1/7/2022

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed reforms for the Joint Commission on Public Integrity (JCOPE). She would get rid of the system by which JCOPE board members are selected. Board members are now chosen by the governor and legislative leaders. Hochul wants a rotating five-member panel of law school deans – or, more likely, their designees – from the 15 state-accredited law schools in New York. Hochul also would scrap the special voting system JCOPE can now employ in which a minority of members can end an investigation. The reconstituted agency would still be the reporting and enforcement entity of the lobbying industry in Albany.

New York – Hochul’s Taxpayer-Funded Air Travel May Violate Ethics Rules
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 1/6/2022

On October 4, Gov. Kathy Hochul flew from Albany to New York City on a state-owned airplane. She went to Brooklyn to sign a bill, then held three campaign-related events before flying back to Albany in the evening. Although a major part of the day was dedicated to Hochul winning a full term in November’s election, her campaign did not reimburse taxpayers for any portion of the day’s travel. During Hochul’s first 45 days in office, on at least three separate days, the governor’s use of state aircraft has raised questions about whether there has been any misuse of taxpayer resources, according to a review of public records.

North Carolina – North Carolina Court Declines to Toss Out GOP-Drawn House Map
Yahoo News – Ally Mutnick (Politico) | Published: 1/11/2022

A North Carolina trial court dealt a setback to Democrats when it declined to strike down Republican-drawn congressional and legislative maps that had been challenged as illegal partisan gerrymanders. The ruling is the latest in a flurry of litigation and court orders muddying North Carolina’s 2022 elections and leaving its political future for the next decade in limbo. The Democratic-aligned plaintiffs who brought the suit immediately said they will appeal to the state Supreme Court, where their party has a narrow majority.

Ohio – Campaign Finance Watchdog Sues FEC Over Ohio Dark Money Group
Ohio Capital Journal – Nick Evans | Published: 1/11/2022

Two years ago, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed an FEC complaint against an Ohio-based “dark money” group called Freedom Vote. Attorneys with the FEC investigated and demonstrated violations occurred but the commission deadlocked. CREW has filed a new complaint, this time against the FEC itself. That is because despite an overwhelming set of evidence, commissioners failed to act against Freedom Vote. The commission deadlocked last November on whether to move forward with any kind of punishment.

Ohio – Ohio’s House Bill 6 Scandal Widened in 2021, but More Is Yet to Come in 2022
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/30/2021

Ohio’s House Bill 6 scandal took on a new dimension in 2021, with FirstEnergy Corp. paying a $230 million fine for bribing top state officials, lawmakers passing a partial repeal of the infamous energy law, and ex- House Speaker Larry Householder being kicked out of the Legislature. There is more to come in 2022, as Householder’s upcoming trial on a federal corruption charge, as well as multiple civil lawsuits, are likely to reveal even more scandalous details about the passage of the legislation.

Oregon – Secretary of State Rules Kristof Ineligible to Run for Oregon Governor
Yahoo News – Connor Radnovich (Salem Statesman-Journal) | Published: 1/6/2022

Former New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof cannot run for Oregon governor because he does not meet the residency requirements to hold office, the secretary of state’s office announced. The state constitution requires a candidate for governor to have been a “resident within this state” for three years prior to the general election. Evidence reviewed by elections officials showed Kristof was instead a resident of New York until late 2020 or early 2021.

Tennessee – Nashville Council Member Jonathan Hall Faces 14 Potential Campaign Finance Violations
MSN – Cassandra Stephenson (The Tennessean) | Published: 1/7/2022

Metropolitan Councilperson Jonathan Hall faces more than a dozen potential campaign finance violations that could lead to an audit or civil penalties. Hall failed to file multiple mandatory financial reports on time, or at all, during election cycles in 2018 and 2019, according to a letter sent from Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Executive Director Bill Young. Of the financial reports that Hall’s campaign did file, some lack required donor and vendor information and itemization of expenses. Some contain unexplained discrepancies deemed “troubling” by Assistant District Attorney General Brian Ewald.

Washington – A Rural Washington School Board Race Shows How Far-Right Extremists Are Shifting to Local Power
Seattle Times – Hannah Allam (Washington Post) | Published: 1/8/2022

In recent years, far-right groups have been moving away from national organizing to focus on building grassroots support, harnessing conservative outrage to influence school boards and other local offices. That effort was stepped up after the attack on the U.S. Capitol left much of the militant right under federal scrutiny and in operational disarray. Eatonville, Washington, is among several rural, conservative parts of the West where members of self-styled militias are making inroads through what researchers call a mix of opportunism and intimidation.

Wisconsin – Supreme Court Clears Way for Liberal Group to Depose Assembly Speaker Robin Vos
Yahoo News – Patrick Marley (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 1/11/2022

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ended Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’ attempt to avoid a deposition, setting the stage for him to take questions under oath over whether he has followed the state’s open records law. He sought to avoid answering questions from the liberal group American Oversight, which has been seeking records of a partisan review of the 2020 election ordered by Vos.

National/Federal

Bureau of Prisons Director to Resign After Scandal-Plagued Tenure During Pandemic
MSN – Brian Pietsch and Matt Zapotosky (Washington Post) | Published: 1/6/2022

Michael Carvajal, the director of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons whose tenure at the agency was marred by scandals and pandemic-induced struggles, will resign after nearly two years in the top position. In November, U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to fire Carvajal after an investigation by the Associated Press found the Bureau of Prisons was a “hotbed of abuse, graft, and corruption [that] has turned a blind eye to employees accused of misconduct.”

Complaint Could Roil DOJ Foreign-Agent Prosecutions
Yahoo News – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 12/31/2021

A new legal ethics complaint from a businessperson charged in a prosecution involving unregistered foreign lobbying threatens to roil two major cases in the Justice Department’s effort to crack down on foreign influence in the U.S. political system. The complaint was filed with the Justice Department on behalf of Nickie Lum Davis. The submission alleges Public Integrity Section Principal Deputy Chief John Keller acted unethically by negotiating a plea deal with Davis’ attorney at the time, Abbe Lowell, while Keller was investigating Lowell in a separate inquiry into what a judge called a “bribery for pardon” probe.

Ethics Investigators in Congress Increasingly Run into Walls
San Juan Daily Star – Luke Broadwater (New York Times) | Published: 12/30/2021

As U.S. House ethics investigators were examining four cases this fall detailing a sweeping array of improper financial conduct by lawmakers, they ran into an obstacle: two of the lawmakers under scrutiny refused to meet with them or provide documents. The investigators were not surprised. Over the past decade, fewer and fewer House members have been willing to cooperate with congressional investigations, a development that ethics experts warn could reduce accountability for misdeeds and erode trust in the institution of Congress.

Facebook Groups Topped 10,000 Daily Attacks on Election Before Jan. 6, Analysis Shows
Anchorage Daily News – Craig Silverman, Craig Timberg, Jeff Kao, and Jeremy Merrill (Washington Post) | Published: 1/4/2022

Facebook groups swelled with at least 650,000 posts attacking the legitimacy of Joe Biden’s victory between Election Day and the January 6 siege of the U.S. Capitol, with many calling for executions or other political violence. The barrage, averaging at least 10,000 posts a day, turned the groups into incubators for the baseless claims supporters of then-President Trump voiced as they stormed the Capitol, demanding he get a second term. Many posts portrayed Biden’s election as the result of widespread fraud that required extraordinary action, including the use of force, to prevent the nation from falling into the hands of traitors.

Fear, Anger and Trauma: How the Jan. 6 attack changed Congress
MSN – Paul Kane, Mariana Sotomayor, and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 1/3/2022

A year after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the House of Representatives can still look like a crime scene. Five metal detectors ring the outer doors to prevent weapons from getting onto the chamber floor. The trauma and fear from last year’s attack continue throughout the Capitol. Some lawmakers and staff continue to receive help from counselors to deal with post-traumatic stress. Shouting matches are common occurrences, with the potential for actual physical confrontation lingering. Interviews revealed a Congress that remains on edge and where worries about more violence are front of mind for many.

Garland: DOJ will hold those responsible for Jan. 6 riot accountable, whether they were present or committed other crimes
MSN – Matt Zapotosky and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 1/5/2022

Attorney General Merrick Garland vowed to hold all those responsible for the January 6 riot accountable, whether they were at the Capitol or committed other crimes surrounding the day’s events, saying investigators are methodically building more complicated and serious cases and would prosecute people “at any level.” Garland’s remarks came as he faces pressure to do and say more about the investigation, and to focus more acutely on the actions of former President Trump and his associates.

GOP Election Reviews Face Battleground State Legal Tests
Yahoo News – Zach Montellaro (Politico) | Published: 1/6/2022

Republicans running partisan reviews of the 2020 election results and Democrats trying to stop them are barreling toward court showdowns in two key swing states. Republican-led legislative chambers in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are still forging ahead with investigations similar to earlier efforts in states such as Arizona, looking for evidence of fraud or other malfeasance in the vote. Election experts have warned that the reviews are a political vehicle for former President Trump and his followers to launder their conspiratorial beliefs about his loss into the mainstream under the guise of government investigation.

House Panel Asks Sean Hannity of Fox News to Cooperate in Jan. 6 Inquiry
New York Times – Michael Grynbaum and Luke Broadwater | Published: 1/4/2022

The House committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has requested that Sean Hannity, the Fox News host, respond to questions about his communications with former President Donald Trump and his staff in the days surrounding the riot. The committee detailed a series of text messages between the conservative host and senior officials in the Trump White House, illustrating Hannity’s unusually elevated role as an outside adviser to the administration. The texts suggest Hannity was aware of, and concerned about, what Trump was planning for January 6, and bracing for a possible mass resignation of top White House lawyers as a result.

Jan. 6 Committee Slams Trump Bid for Supreme Court Detour on Records Subpoena
Courthouse News Service – Kelsey Reichmann | Published: 12/30/2021

The committee investigating the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol urged the Supreme Court to deny a last-ditch effort from former President Trump to block congressional oversight of his records from the day. The opposition brief notes it was Trump who invited his supporters to the nation’s capital for an event and then encouraged them to march on the Capitol building, after the failure of his other efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Pointing to the landmark 1977 case that forced disclosure of the Nixon tapes, the committee contends Trump has only personal disagreement with the accurate application of precedent by the lower courts.

Nonfungible Tokens the New Fad for Campaign Fundraising
MSN – Gopal Ratnam (Roll Call) | Published: 1/4/2022

Some candidates are offering nonfungible tokens (NFTs) as part of their campaign fundraising. NFTs are a type of digital asset that may include things like posters, book covers, and sports cards and are identified by a unique code. Unlike cryptocurrencies, NFTs cannot be used in commercial transactions. Just as candidates seeking to raise money have always tapped into the hype of new technologies, the fascination with NFTs may be driven by its novelty, said Josh White of Vanderbilt University. If candidates allow donors to pay for NFTs using cryptocurrency, then it could open the door to campaign contributions from unknown donors, White said.

PAC Giving Continues to Give Some Companies Pause
MSN – Kate Ackley (Roll Call) | Published: 1/5/2022

After the violent attack on the Capitol one year ago, dozens of corporate PACs made the unusual move of turning off their political donations. Most resumed their giving within months. But a few will withhold donations to the 147 Republican members of Congress who voted against certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the Electoral College, at least through the 2022 midterm election cycle. The companies may be relying on other avenues of political influence, such as outside lobbyists to build connections with those members and their aides.

They Stormed the Capitol. Now They’re Running for Office.
Politico – Brittany Gibson | Published: 1/5/2022

The Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol is remembered as one of the darkest and most shameful episodes in American history. But at least 57 individuals who played a role in that day’s events – either by attending the rally that preceded the riots, gathering at the Capitol steps, or breaching the Capitol itself – are now running for elected office. Rather than disqualifying them from public service, the events appear to have served as a political springboard for dozens of Republicans who will be on the ballot this year for federal, state, and local offices.

Twitter Permanently Suspends Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Personal Account Over Covid-19 Misinformation
Yahoo Finance – Yelena Dzhanova and John Dorman (Business Insider) | Published: 1/2/2022

Twitter permanently suspended U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s personal account for spreading COVID-19 misinformation. Only weeks after assuming office, Greene was stripped of her committee assignments, an extraordinary move taken by the Democratic-controlled House after Greene promoted a range of conspiracy theories and endorsed political violence on social media.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – 2-Week Campaign Fundraising ‘Blackout’ Starts Tuesday
Alabama Daily News – Mary Shell | Published: 1/6/2022

January 11 is the start of the legislative session in Alabama and a short “blackout” window in which candidates for state office cannot raise funds while lawmakers are meeting in Montgomery. In theory, the window keeps sitting legislators from accepting money while they are voting on bills. In practice, it now only covers about two of the possible 15 weeks of session. “It’s just stupid,” Rep. Mike Ball, chairperson of the House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee, said about the blackout.

Alaska – Alaska Legislative Ethics Committee Tells Eagle River Lawmaker to Stop Blocking Critics on Facebook
Anchorage Daily News – James Brooks | Published: 12/27/2021

An Alaska legislative ethics committee concluded Sen. Lora Reinbold violated state law by blocking a critic from commenting on her legislative Facebook page. In part because the Legislature has not updated its social media policies since 2011, the committee recommended no punishment. The complaint was filed by Rick Sinnott, a retired Fish and Game biologist who challenged Reinbold’s statements about COVID-19 but saw those comments removed and himself banned from her page.

Arizona – Arizona Secretary of State’s Online Signature-Gathering System Breaks After Redistricting
Tucson Sentinel – Jeremy Duda (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 1/5/2022

Voters who want to sign online petitions and the candidates who need those signatures to get their names on the ballot this November are being thwarted by a glitch in the Arizona secretary of state’s system caused by the redistricting process. In counties that are overseeing springtime municipal elections, the glitch likely will not be fixed until nearly the deadline for candidates to file signatures so they can appear on the ballot.

Arizona – GOP Officials in Arizona’s Largest County Confirm 2020 Election Was Secure in Rebuttal to Trump Claims
MSN – Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) | Published: 1/5/2022

The November 2020 election in Arizona’s largest county was administered properly and not marred by fraud, the Republican-led local government concluded in a report. The document debunks, one by one, vague allegations of potential problems previously identified by the GOP-led state Senate and championed by former President Trump and his allies. Maricopa County officials said the rebuttal, released on the eve of the anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, was intended to highlight the ongoing dangers of unfounded claims of mass election fraud.

California – San Diego Publishes a Beginner’s Guide to Participating in City Lawmaking
San Diego Union Tribune – Morgan Cook | Published: 12/31/2021

Do you want to get involved in making and changing laws in San Diego, but are not sure how? There is a brochure for that. The city created “Making a Difference: A Beginners Guide to Affecting Municipal Laws in the City of San Diego” to help residents participate in local government. The pamphlet is available on the city clerk’s website. Included in the guide is information about lobbying rules, making public comments at council and committee meetings, and suggesting ballot proposals.

Colorado – Failed Colorado Congressional Candidates Still Have Lots of Campaign Money. Here’s Why.
Durango Herald – Jesse Paul and Sandra Fish (Colorado Sun) | Published: 12/28/2021

When U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado lost his 2020 reelection bid, his campaign still had $1.2 million in the bank. Nearly a year later, most of the money was still there. Gardner’s leftover campaign cash is not unusual, however. When a candidate ends a congressional bid, they can choose to close their accounts or keep the money with an eye toward the future and sometimes another campaign, which the dollars can be used toward. Political consultant Tyler Sandberg said there is no uniform reason campaigns keep their leftover cash. “But people don’t leave that money out there for no reason – there’s always a strategy behind it,” Sandberg said.

Delaware – New Law Could Give Campaign Finance Scofflaws a Big Break
MSN – Randall Chase (Associated Press) | Published: 12/27/2021

Delaware election officials have failed to act as mandated by law against candidates and committees who have not filed required campaign finance reports, but the scofflaws could escape liability under a new law that became effective January 1. Candidates and committees owed more than $623,000 in fines for failing to file campaign finance reports on time. The Department of Elections appears to have done little to collect the outstanding fines or to enforce the reporting requirements. The new law eliminates the mandatory $50 daily fine and instead says the commissioner “may” issue a citation.

Delaware – Sen. Darius Brown’s Criminal Trial Starts Wednesday After Misdemeanor Arrest in May
Yahoo News – Sarah Garland (Delaware News Journal) | Published: 1/5/2022

The trial of Delaware Sen. Darius Brown began in a case that has revealed inconsistencies in how lawmakers are treated and could end Brown’s legislative career. Delaware State Police charged Brown with offensive touching and disorderly conduct after police said the senator punched an acquaintance and threw a glass of water in a restaurant. In the General Assembly, Brown has faced multiple punishments for the arrest and a separate incident where he allegedly got into a verbal altercation with Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown. The Senate plans to conduct its first ethics inquiry in 35 years into Brown’s behavior.

Florida – Clearwater Art Exhibit Used Trash to Make a Point, Then Questions Arose
Yahoo News – Tracey McManus (Tampa Bay Times) | Published: 1/4/2022

Citizens can visit nine locations throughout Clearwater to see garbage transformed into art. Lina Teixeira, a city council candidate, organized the exhibit, in which she and eight others created artwork using cigarette butts, plastic bottles, and other trash that had been collected during a community-wide cleanup. But the project also created an ethical mess. Teixeira received a $6,000 grant from the Downtown Development Board. She said her portion covered a fraction of her costs to install and market the exhibit. “As a city council candidate, does her request to use city facilities as display sites represent a conflict of interest?” Clearwater cultural affairs coordinator Chris Hubbard asked City Attorney David Margolis in an email.

Florida – Gov. Ron DeSantis Moves Jacksonville News Conference After Protest and Handcuffing of Community Leader
Yahoo News – Dan Scanlan (Florida Times-Union) | Published: 1/4/2022

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had to make new arrangements for his recent news conference in Jacksonville after a handful of people protested and refused to leave the Duval County Department of Health building. Activist Ben Frazier was detained by officers after being warned he was trespassing if he would not leave as asked. He was handcuffed and escorted from his motorized wheelchair to a patrol vehicle. The governor’s staff said the event was private and for credentialed media only.

Florida – Miami-Dade Prosecutors Target Prominent Political Consultants in Sham Candidate Case
Bakersfield Californian – Samantha Gross, Ana Ceballos, and David Ovalle (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/5/2022

Prosecutors appear to be targeting prominent Republican and Democratic operatives in Florida for potential criminal charges stemming from a 2020 Miami-Dade County election scheme marked by sham candidates. The criminal case is focused on whether former Sen. Frank Artiles paid an auto-parts dealer who shared the same surname as the Democratic incumbent more than $40,000 to run as a no-party candidate in the race for Senate District 37 to “confuse voters and influence the outcome” of the 2020 election, according to his arrest affidavit.

Hawaii – Former Solar Executive Will Head Ethics Commission
Honolulu Civil Beat – Stewart Yerton | Published: 1/3/2022

Robert Harris, a former Sierra Club director and corporate lawyer, was selected executive director and general counsel of the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. For the past eight years, Harris has been the director of public policy at Sunrun, a solar energy company.

Illinois – As Federal Case Still Orbits Madigan, What’s Next for the ComEd Bribery Probe?
Bloomington Pantagraph – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/3/2022

It is Illinois’ biggest federal corruption investigation in years, but the most remarkable thing about the Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) bribery probe in 2021 might be what did not happen. At the beginning of the year, Michael Madigan, the then-powerful House speaker whose grip on the General Assembly was exposed as “Public Official A” in the ComEd scandal and again in a postelection indictment of a key player and others alleging ComEd paid bribes to win his influence. With the grand jury investigation still open, 2022 is certain to bring more speculation over whether Madigan will ever be charged. He has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Indiana – These Special Interest Groups Spend the Most on Lobbying Indiana Lawmakers
Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook | Published: 1/3/2022

Special interests spent more than $115 million over the past five years on lobbying to influence the Indiana General Assembly. The biggest spenders have a deeply vested financial interest in what happens at the Capitol. The biggest spender was telecommunications giant AT&T. The phone and internet service provider spent more than $1.7 million on lobbying over the past five years.

Kentucky – Convicted Former Top KY Democrat Makes a Case for U.S. Supreme Court Consideration
Lexington Herald-Leader – Austin Horn | Published: 12/31/2021

A month after he reported to prison, prominent businessperson and former Kentucky Democratic Party chief Jerry Lundergan asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider overturning his conviction for illegally funneling $200,000 to his daughter’s political campaign. The petition states the federal ban on corporate contributions is unconstitutional when applied to donations from a close family member, as Lundergan gave the money to his daughter Alison Lundergan Grimes in her 2014 challenge against U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell.

Maryland – Omicron Scrambles Lawmakers’ Pre-Session Fundraisers
Maryland Matters – Josh Kurtz | Published: 1/3/2022

For Maryland lawmakers, there is always a fundraising scramble in early January leading up to the start of the General Assembly session, when a 90-day blackout on raising money kicks in for state legislators, the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and comptroller. According to lists of political events supplied by three Annapolis lobbying firms, at least 55 fundraisers for state lawmakers are on tap, including one hours before the annual legislative session begins on January 12. But COVID-19 has changed everything.

Michigan – Feds Demand Ex-Detroit Councilman Spivey Get Stiff Prison Sentence
Detroit News – Robert Snell | Published: 1/5/2022

Prosecutors said former Detroit City Councilperson André Spivey should spend more than three years in federal prison for pocketing more than $35,000 in bribes and sacrificing the best interests of city residents. They asked that Spivey be sentenced to 40 months for receiving bribes from a towing industry official who was seeking favors and trying to buy the council member’s vote. He received the money on eight separate occasions during a five-year period. Spivey is the highest-ranking person convicted in an ongoing crackdown on public corruption within city government and the police department.

Michigan – Ungerrymandered: Michigan’s maps, independently drawn, set up fair fight
MSN – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 12/29/2021

One of the country’s most gerrymandered political maps has suddenly been replaced by one of the fairest. A decade after Michigan Republicans gave themselves seemingly impregnable majorities in the state Legislature by drawing districts that heavily favored their party, a new independent commission approved maps that create districts so competitive that Democrats have a chance of recapturing the state Senate for the first time since 1984. The work of the new commission stands in contrast to the type of hyper-partisan gerrymandering that has swept much of the country, and it may highlight a potential path to undoing such gerrymandering.

New Mexico – Ethics Agency Calls for Firmer Disclosure Laws
Yahoo News – Dan McKay (Albuquerque Journal) | Published: 1/2/2022

The New Mexico Ethics Commission is recommending increased transparency requirements for lobbyists, such as disclosure of what bills they are working on and the provisions they are advocating for or against. State lawmakers, a handful of whom are married to lobbyists, would also have to disclose before voting if any family member lobbied on a bill. The commission is also proposing that lawmakers release more information about their sources of income and business relationships. the recommendations are designed to shed more light on potential conflicts at the Capitol.

New York – Hochul Charts New York’s Recovery in First State of State Speech
New York Times – Luis Ferré-Sadurní and Grace Ashford | Published: 1/5/2022

In her first State of the State address, Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined her vision for shepherding New York through its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, while vowing to open a new chapter of ethical, more transparent government. Hochul faces a contested Democratic primary in June, her first election since she unexpectedly ascended to the state’s highest job after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned in August. She positioned herself as a champion of good government, proposing to overhaul the state ethics commission.

New York – Internal Strife Engulfs New York’s Ethics Panel
Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 12/30/2021

The internal strife within the New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) follows years of criticism by many lawmakers, and some commissioners, about its alleged unwillingness to pursue meaningful investigations of top government officials, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Gov. Kathy Hochul has suggested the panel needs to be disbanded and replaced by an ethics body whose members are not appointed by the governor or other top lawmakers.

New York – Over 4 Months, Hochul’s Office Discloses No Meetings with Lobbyists
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 12/28/2021

In the four months since Kathy Hochul became governor of New York, a public database, Project Sunlight, has not listed a single meeting between her administration and interests seeking to influence policymaking. Lobbyists themselves, however, reported having more than 200 instances of directly lobbying Hochul’s office on behalf of various interests in September and October that concerned regulations, rate making, and procurement – all topics covered by a 2011 disclosure law.

New York – Trump, Ivanka, Don Jr. Subpoenaed in New York AG’s Probe
Yahoo News – Michael Sisak (Associated Press) | Published: 1/3/2022

The New York attorney general’s office subpoenaed former President Trump and his two eldest children, Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr., demanding their testimony in an investigation into the family’s business practices. Attorney General Letitia James’ office said the subpoenas are part of a civil probe involving matters including “the valuation of properties owned or controlled” by Trump and his company. Lawyers for the Trumps filed court papers to block the subpoenas, accusing James of attempting to obtain testimony that could then be used against the Trumps in a parallel criminal investigation being overseen by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

North Dakota – AG Opinion Gives Clarification to North Dakota Ethics Panel
Bismarck Tribune – Jack Dura | Published: 12/30/2021

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem concluded that a crucial section of the state constitution’s ethics amendment appears constitutional. His opinion gives clarification to the state Ethics Commission on its path in making rules for conflicts-of-interest. The language deals with state officials avoiding the appearance of bias and disqualifying themselves from “quasi-judicial” proceedings, such as members of the Public Service Commission, when campaign contributions create a perceived bias. It takes effect in 2022.

Ohio – From Pancaking and Coingate to ECOT and House Bill 6: 50 years of Ohio public corruption cases
Yahoo News – Laura Bischoff (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 12/29/2021

Ohio is embroiled in the biggest public corruption case in state history and the largest open inquiry in any statehouse in the country. In June 2021, lawmakers expelled Larry Householder from his legislative seat, nearly a year after he was charged in a federal racketeering case. Householder, who was investigated by federal authorities two decades ago during his first stint as speaker, has pleaded not guilty. The racketeering case is expected to go to trial in 2022. But he is far from the first public official to be embroiled in scandal.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Court Rules Against Former Pittsburgh Councilwoman Darlene Harris in Campaign Finance Case
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Paula Reed Ward | Published: 12/28/2021

A state appellate court ruled former Pittsburgh City Councilperson Darlene Harris must pay fines levied against her for failing to file financial disclosure reports during her campaign in 2019. The Commonwealth Court found the $4,150 fine levied against Harris was not excessive and was properly authorized. The ordinance, enacted by the city in 2015, requires candidates for office to provide a campaign finance report on the first business day of each of three months leading up to Election Day.

Rhode Island – GOP Rhode Island Lawmaker Under Fire for Suggesting She Lost a Black Friend to Critical Race Theory
The Day – Timothy Bella (Washington Post) | Published: 12/29/2021

Rhode Island Rep. Patricia Morgan is facing backlash after suggesting critical race theory cost her a friendship. “I had a Black friend. I liked her and I think she liked me, too,” tweeted Morgan. “But now she is hostile and unpleasant. I am sure I didn’t do anything to her, except be White.” The tweet was met with criticism from state Republicans and Democrats who called her comments “ignorant and embarrassing.” Her message also spawned the hashtag #IHadAWhiteFriend, with commenters giving serious and satirical examples of the gap in shared experiences between Black and White people.

South Carolina – Eyeing Corruption Scandals, Gov. McMaster Puts Ethics on the Agenda for 2022
Greenwood Index-Journal – Avery Wilks (Charleston Post and Courier) | Published: 1/5/2022

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster wants to beef up a pair of watchdogs that investigate government misconduct, make the state’s scandal-scarred sheriffs attend ethics training, and shine more light on special interests that secretly influence city and county councils. The governor will package those proposals into his soon-to-be-unveiled executive budget, calling on lawmakers to spend some $3.4 million more per year on measures meant to repair South Carolinians’ faith in their government.

National/Federal

A Retired Colonel’s Unlikely Role in Pushing Baseless Election Claims
MSN – Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 12/21/2021

After President Biden’s inauguration, a former Army colonel with a background in information warfare appeared on a Christian conservative podcast and offered a detailed account of his monthslong effort to challenge the validity of the 2020 vote count. Phil Waldron told a story that was almost inconceivable: how a cabal of bad actors, including Chinese Communist officials, international shell companies, and the financier George Soros, had conspired to hack into U.S. voting machines in a “globalist/socialist” plot to steal the election. The postelection period gave fringe players an opportunity to find an audience in the White House.

Black Lawmakers Threaten to Cut Off K St Unless It Diversifies
Yahoo News – Hailey Fuchs and Laura Barrón-López (Politico) | Published: 12/19/2021

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are calling on the lobbying industry to diversify its offices in Washington, D.C. or risk losing their support. K Street has found itself scrambling in recent years to up its representation of employees of color. But the threats from Black lawmakers to stop meetings with certain firms represents one of the most aggressive attempts to force K Street to change from within. The increasing power and sheer size of the Congressional Black Caucus in the Democratic Party makes it a formidable political force on and off Capitol Hill.

Democratic Push on Voting Rights Becomes More Urgent as Midterms Approach
MSN – Theodoric Meyer (Washington Post) | Published: 12/22/2021

Senate Democrats not only failed to push their social spending bill over the finish line before the Christmas holidays. They also fell short on another of the party’s top priorities this year: approving a landmark package of voting rights measures. While Democrats argue the changes are critical to safeguarding democracy, strategists in both parties say the package could also reshape the battle for control of the House next year, potentially bolstering Democrats’ chances of hanging onto their majority in a year when Republicans have the edge.

GOP Agrees to Pay Up to $1.6 Million of Trump’s Legal Bills in N.Y. Probes
MSN – David Fahrenthold and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 12/16/2021

The Republican Party agreed to pay up to $1.6 million in legal bills for former President Trump to help him fight investigations into his business practices in New York. Paying Trump’s legal bills is a highly unusual move, longtime party observers and members say, because the spending has nothing to do with promoting the GOP’s policy agenda or political priorities, dealing with ongoing party business or campaigning – and relates to investigations that are not about Trump’s time as president or his work in the White House.

House Jan. 6 Committee Requests Information from and Meeting with GOP Rep. Jim Jordan About His Contact with Trump
MSN – Felicia Sonmez and Eugene Scott (Washington Post) | Published: 12/22/2021

The House committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob is seeking information from U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, one of former President Trump’s staunchest allies on Capitol Hill. Jordan has previously said he cannot recall how many times he spoke with Trump on January 6 but that they spoke at least once. In addition, a federal judge denied a motion by Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser, for a temporary restraining order against the select committee over subpoenas it has issued against him.

Judge Rejects Fox News Request to Dismiss Dominion Voting’s Defamation Lawsuit Over Election Claims
MSN – Timothy Bella (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2021

A judge rejected a request from Fox News to dismiss a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems over baseless claims made against the company during the 2020 presidential election, allowing the suit to move forward. Superior Court Judge Eric Davis said it was “reasonably conceivable” for the voting-machine company to have a defamation claim. Dominion claims some of its highest-profile on-air talent helped elevate false charges that the company had changed votes to favor Joe Biden over then-President Trump.

Lead Capitol Riot Charge Is Constitutional, Judges Find
MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 12/20/2021

Three federal judges agreed that the most serious charge faced by those accused of participation in the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, obstruction, is constitutional, a victory for the Justice Department and a blow to the defendants fighting those accusations. Without that felony charge, prosecutors would be left with only minor charges against many they view as playing a major role in the riot. The Justice Department has avoided charges of sedition, a rarely used law, and not all those accused of acting as key instigators were seen assaulting police officers.

Meadows Contempt Vote Poses Thorny Questions for DOJ
MSN – Rebecca Beitsch and Harper Neidig (The Hill) | Published: 12/20/2021

The House vote to hold Mark Meadows in contempt has presented the Department of Justice with the question of whether to prosecute the former White House chief of staff, forcing it to weigh the major legal and political consequences that could come with breaking from longstanding executive branch policy. The department’s stance has been to support testimonial immunity for the president’s close advisers when faced with congressional subpoenas. Charging Meadows with contempt would represent a departure from that historical trend and poses more complicated considerations for the department than its decision to prosecute Steve Bannon.

Proud Boy Pleads Guilty to Felony Charge in Capitol Riot
MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 12/22/2021

A New York man who was a member of the Proud Boys pleaded guilty to obstructing Congress and conspiring to obstruct law enforcement during the January 6 riot. The plea to the felony charge is significant because Matthew Greene admitted coordinating with other New York-based members of the extremist group at the front of the Capitol mob, although there is no evidence that he entered the building. Greene is the first self-admitted member of the Proud Boys to plead guilty in a felony conspiracy case stemming from the riot.

Rep. Scott Perry Calls Jan. 6 Panel ‘Illegitimate,’ Refuses to Cooperate
MSN – Chris Marquette (Roll Call) | Published: 12/21/2021

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry Rep. said he would not cooperate with the January 6 select committee’s investigation, a move that forces the panel to grapple with how it will extract information it seeks from a sitting member of Congress. The panel said it was interested in the role Perry played in an unsuccessful attempt to install Jeffrey Clark as acting attorney general. Clark, a former assistant attorney general for environment and natural resources, met with Trump and other White House officials to consider ways the election results could be overturned.

Senate GOP Feels Another Trump Effect: The rise of celeb candidates
Yahoo News – Marianne Levine and Sarah Ferris (Politico) | Published: 12/23/2021

The most reliable springboard to the U.S. Senate used to be House experience – before Donald Trump vaulted from reality television to the White House. Some Republicans see his path as a blueprint for winning back the Senate. This campaign cycle, the GOP is coalescing around former football star Herschel Walker in Georgia and signaling an openness to surgeon and TV host Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania. Many in the GOP are welcoming the development.

You Can Draw Your Own Congressional District
Politico – Ally Mutnick | Published: 12/22/2021

In a quirk of the decennial redistricting season, state legislators, who are in charge of drawing new maps, can draw a district for themselves or for their friends. The process is already inherently self-interested as lawmakers routinely draw maps for the benefit of their party, but in some cases, these politicians are working in their literal self-interest. Such moves can spur accusations of foul play from political rivals, and do not always work out as expected. And with more scrutiny than ever on the process, these acts are possibly becoming harder to pull off.

From the States and Municipalities

California – Ex-S.F. Public Works Director Nuru Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charge
MSN – Michael Cabanatuan (Sam Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 12/17/2021

Mohammed Nuru, San Francisco’s former public works director whose tenure was ended by a federal corruption probe that snowballed into numerous prosecutions against city officials and contractors, pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud. In the plea agreement, Nuru admitted to an extensive list of instances in which he accepted money, international trips, expensive jewelry and wine, and other goods and services from city contractors and developers in exchange for preferential treatment and confidential information about city business.

California – LA Commissioner Lobbied CAO to Support His Company’s $3 Million COVID-19 Testing Contract
Los Angeles Daily News – Scott Schwebke | Published: 12/16/2021

An embattled Los Angeles fire and police pensions commissioner who rejected allegations he improperly lobbied city officials to approve a $3 million COVID-19 testing contract for his company pitched his proposal directly to City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo, who signed off on the no-bid contract in September. Dr. Pedram Salimpour maintained he was not engaged in the review or vetting process for the testing contract awarded to PPS Health, which does business as Bluestone Safe. But more than a dozen emails obtained by the Southern California News Group paint a different picture of Salimpour’s efforts to win the contract for Bluestone.

Colorado – Hawaiian Fundraiser Prompts Campaign Finance Complaint against Attorney General
Colorado Public Radio – Bente Birkeland | Published: 12/22/2021

A complaint alleging Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser broke the state’s campaign finance laws will move forward, after the secretary of state’s office deemed it to be non-frivolous and said the allegations show one or more potential violations. The complaint argues Weiser failed to properly document a fundraiser he attended in Hawaii at the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea Maui Resort.

Colorado – Unite for Colorado Bankrolled Almost Every Major GOP Effort Last Year
ReInvestment News – Sandra Fish and Jesse Paul (Colorado Sun) | Published: 12/22/2021

A conservative political nonprofit that does not disclose its donors funded almost every major Republican political group and effort in Colorado last year, according to a tax document that for the first time reveals the breadth of the organization’s influence. The document also now ties Unite for Colorado to some of the state’s most well-known and active conservative political consultants and operatives. The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office recently fined Unite for Colorado $40,000 and ordered it to disclose its 2020 donors after it spent $4 million to support or oppose three statewide ballot initiatives.

Florida – Documents Show FPL Wrote Bill to Slow Rooftop Solar’s Growth by Hampering Net Metering
MSN – Mary Ellen Klas and Mario Ariza (Miami Herald) | Published: 12/20/2021

Rooftop solar power generation in Florida is still a nascent industry, but Florida Power & Light (FPL), the nation’s largest power company, is pushing to hamstring it by writing and hand-delivering legislation the company asked state lawmakers to introduce. FPL, whose work with “dark-money” political committees helped to secure Republican control of the state Senate in the 2020 elections, asked Sen. Jennifer Bradley to sponsor its top-priority bill: legislation that would hobble rooftop solar by preventing homeowners and businesses from offsetting their costs by selling excess power back to the company, an arrangement known as net metering.

Florida – Two Education Department Leaders Resign After Investigation, Conflict of Interest
Florida Politics – Jason Delgado | Published: 12/22/2021

Two Florida Department of Education employees resigned in November after an investigation unearthed a plan to pursue a state contract for a company they managed. Vice Chancellor of Strategic Improvement Melissa Ramsey and State Board Member Richard Tuck sent a proposal to the Education Department after it asked 25 vendors for quotes on a bid to take over operations at Jefferson County Schools. Ramsey and Tuck applied to the request under the banner of Strategic Initiative Partners, though not among the 25 vendors solicited by the department.

Illinois – ComEd Offers $21 Million Refund to Customers to Confront ICC Probes into Bribery Scheme. Watchdog Calls It ‘Chump Change.’
MSN – Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/17/2021

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) is proposing a one-time $21 million refund to ratepayers for lobbying misconduct associated with its efforts to influence former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and advance its Springfield agenda. The amount of the refunds is mostly tied to pay and benefits received by former ComEd executives whose misconduct was outlined in the deal struck with federal prosecutors last year in which the utility agreed to pay a $200 million fine. Watchdog Abe Scarr called the proposed refund “chump change” for a company that is soon expected to collect $1 billion a year in profits and may not offer the credit until 2023.

Illinois – Cook County Ethics Ordinance Slated for Biggest Overhaul in 15 Years, but Some Experts Want More
MSN – Alice Yin (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/15/2021

Cook County supervisors approved changes to its ethics ordinance that some experts on best practices say falls short on eradicating “pay-to-play” politics. The bill would make strides in tightening up rules on sexual harassment and nepotism as well as bolstering powers of the body that enforces the code. But it would double the cap on political contributions from those who do business with the county. Ethics experts also raised concerns over how a two-year delay in passing a new ordinance allowed Springfield to preempt the county from enacting stricter rules, particularly around lobbying.

Kentucky – A Handful of Companies Dominate Road Work in Kentucky. The State Looks the Other Way.
Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting – Jacob Ryan and Jared Bennett | Published: 12/21/2021

Kentucky officials awarded nearly 2,300 road work contracts between 2018 and 2021. The transportation cabinet is exempt from following the state’s procurement code, instead following a bidding system experts say allows a few large companies to avoid competition for jobs. As a result, more than $2 billion in current work is controlled by a dozen companies, who often are the sole bidder on the contracts they are awarded. More than half of the 782 single-bid contracts were awarded for a price above the state estimate, whereas 85 percent of multiple-bid contracts were below state estimates.

Maryland – Baltimore County Council Greenlights Fair Election Fund with Spending Caps
Yahoo News – Taylor DeVille (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 12/20/2021

Candidates for local office in Baltimore County will now have a new financing tool at their disposal after the county council passed an amended bill authorizing a public financing program. The council amended the bill to impose caps on how much candidates using the fund may spend and to revise requirements for qualifying candidates. The legislation would require candidates for council and county executive to meet different eligibility qualifications and seeks to encourage candidates to ask more donors to give smaller amounts of money.

Maryland – Maryland’s New Congressional Map Draws First Legal Challenge
Yahoo News – Pamela Wood (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 12/22/2021

Maryland’s new map of congressional districts is facing its first legal challenge, a lawsuit brought by a dozen Republicans, including two who are hoping to be elected to Congress. In the lawsuit, they argue the new districts meander around the state in ways that divide communities to give Democrats an advantage at the ballot box. They are asking the state courts to throw out the new map and substitute a map drawn by a commission appointed by Gov. Larry Hogan, at least temporarily until the General Assembly can adopt a better map.

Michigan – FBI Arrests Retired Detroit Cop Amid Corruption Crackdown
Detroit News – Robert Snell | Published: 12/16/2021

FBI agents arrested a former Detroit Police detective in connection with a bribery, extortion, and fraud investigation targeting Detroit City Hall, law enforcement, and municipal towing operations. The arrest of Mike Pacteles marks the latest expansion of “Operation Northern Hook,” a broader FBI investigation of public corruption within Detroit city government. The investigation and prosecution  led to criminal charges against four Detroit police personnel and former city Councilperson André Spivey, who pleaded guilty to bribery charges.

Michigan – Whitmer Campaign Complaints on Plane Flights, Fundraising Dismissed
Detroit News – Beth LeBlanc | Published: 12/21/2021

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer did not violate campaign finance laws when she accepted contributions above the state fundraising limit because she was facing recall efforts, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s office said. But the Michigan Bureau of Elections said it would welcome a request to revisit and potentially revise the policy. Benson’s office also ruled Whitmer’s use of campaign funds to charter a private flight to visit her father in Florida this spring was not a campaign finance violation because it was for her physical safety.

Missouri – Free Speech Violation? Ex-Missouri Rep Sues Because He’s Banned from Being a Lobbyist
MSN – Jeanne Kuang (Kansas City Star) | Published: 12/17/2021

A former lawmaker is suing the Missouri Ethics Commission over the state’s two-year ban on lawmakers becoming lobbyists, arguing the law prohibits his freedom of speech and requesting it be blocked. Former Rep. Rocky Miller alleges his inability to register as a lobbyist to serve a prospective client was denying him income. He also argues that because the two-year restriction “bans (him) from saying certain things, backed by the threat of criminal prosecution,” it is unconstitutional.

New York – Attorney General Cites Problems with Ethics Panel’s Order to Cuomo
Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 12/16/2021

The state attorney general’s office sent a letter to the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) contending the panel did not issue a valid order when it voted to have former Gov. Andrew Cuomo surrender the $5.1million he was paid to write a book last year about his administration’s early handling of the coronavirus pandemic. JCOPE had directed the governor to turn over the proceeds of his publishing deal to the attorney general’s office, which the panel said could then redistribute the funds according to law, including potentially returning the money to the publisher.

New York – Hochul Ready to Rev Up Ethics Overhaul to Clean Up After Cuomo, Senate Ally Says
The City – Josepha Velasquez | Published: 12/15/2021

State Sen. Liz Krueger said she has been working with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office to revamp the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE), an effort she expects the governor to announce in her annual State of the State address. Krueger is the sponsor of a bill that would replace the largely governor controlled JCOPE with a more independent government integrity commission that would have the power to initiate investigations and even remove non-elected officials from their jobs. Hochul has not yet hinted at her gameplan, which could include measures short of a total teardown.

New York – Lobbyists Helped Hochul Raise $10M. What Are They Getting Back?
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 12/23/2021

After becoming governor of New York in late August, Kathy Hochul has raised campaign money at among the fastest clips in state history – $10 million in three months. When major lobbying firms have sought to have fundraisers, the governor’s campaign has requested they commit to raise $250,000 for events where Hochul appears in person. The lobbying firms raise the money from their clients, who then attend the events. They are often exclusive to the lobbying firm and those clients, who gain a few minutes interacting with the governor.

North Carolina – Appeals Court: Rev. Barber removed from General Assembly in 2017 for his volume, not words
WRAL – Staff | Published: 12/21/2021

Former state NAACP leader Rev. William Barber’s defense that he used free speech during a 2017 protest at the Legislative Building is not relevant to his conviction for second-degree trespassing, and the verdict will stand, according to the court of appeals for North Carolina. Barber and others were charged with second-degree trespassing for refusing to leave the Legislative Building after they were told to go by General Assembly Police. Barber defended himself, saying the constitution says citizens have a right to assemble and instruct their lawmakers. But the appeals court ruled the case was not about free speech.

North Dakota – Environmental Group Calls Out Conflicts of Interest on North Dakota Energy Board as $160M Funding Approved
Fargo Forum – Adam Willis | Published: 12/20/2021

An environmental group is calling out a new arm of the North Dakota government for allegedly mismanaging its conflicts-of-interest when it convened to recommend more than $160 million in state funds for fossil fuel-sector grants and loans. The Dakota Resource Council raised concerns about the handling of conflicts on the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority in a letter sent to the state Ethics Commission and Gov. Doug Burgum, in which the organization asked for more stringent rules regulating such conflicts in the future.

Ohio – Cuyahoga County’s Consultant in Search for New Jail Is Also Listing Agent for Preferred Site
MSN – Kaitlin Durban (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/20/2021

Cuyahoga County’s real estate consulting firm, tapped to identify locations for the site of its new jail, is also the listing agent for one of the final properties under consideration. The relationship raises concerns about conflicts-of-interest in a multimillion-dollar project that members of a committee meant to oversee the process worry is now devolving into “chaos” and unilateral decisions that could undermine their work.

Ohio – Ex-Ohio Legislative Candidate Fined $50,000 for Failing to Report Campaign-Finance Expenses
MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/16/2021

The Ohio Elections Commission fined an ex-legislative candidate $50,000 for failing to report more than $290,000 in campaign-related expenses. Allen Freeman, a township trustee from Clermont County, tried to get the case dismissed after he liquidated his account, arguing that because the committee had been dissolved, it could not be found liable. But the commission found Freeman misstated his campaign finances by reporting spending just $14,000 on his failed 2020 campaign for state representative, even though public records show his campaign bought roughly $118,000 in television ads.

Ohio – Ohio Job and Family Services Employee Cut Off Relative’s Unemployment Benefits After Fight
MSN – Jessie Balmert (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 12/16/2021

A Department of Job and Family Services employee cut off her relative’s unemployment benefits following a fight, according to an Ohio Inspector General’s report. Customer service representative Quenise Barnes improperly accessed a relative’s pandemic unemployment assistance 10 times in May and eventually cut off that person’s benefits. The relative reported a fight had occurred with Barnes on May 7 and she subsequently turned off the person’s benefits, citing “fraud.”

Oklahoma – The Jump from Political Staffer to Lobbyist Isn’t a Far One, at Least in Oklahoma
Yahoo News – Ben Felder (Oklahoman) | Published: 12/19/2021

It is not uncommon for elected officials in Oklahoma to become paid lobbyists once they leave office and there is no state law that prevents it. But there is also no ban on former state employees from becoming lobbyists, which is another pathway for public officials to take their knowledge to the private sector. The state Ethics Commission voted twice in recent years to establish “cooling off” laws that would ban public officials from moving straight into a lobbying job. But each time those rules were voted down by the state Legislature.

Oregon – Competing Measures Could Muddy Oregon’s Campaign Finance Debate
OPB – Dirk VanderHart | Published: 12/20/2021

After they came to an impasse over how Oregon should crack down on money in politics, left-leaning organizations are signaling they might just fight it out at the ballot box. Two groups that are often aligned filed dueling ballot measure proposals for how to place limits on the state’s permissive campaign finance laws. Six separate ideas for cracking down on political giving in the state have now been floated for the November 2022 ballot. Many, if not most, will die before they reach voters, but even two competing measures next year could create confusion that advocates have been hoping to avoid.

Oregon – How Much Did Interest Groups Shape Oregon’s New Legislative Districts? Here’s Why It’s Tough to Say
MSN – Hillary Borrud (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 12/16/2021

Lobbyists for unions and at least one industry-affiliated group used sophisticated data analysis to calculate how proposed legislative districts in Oregon would impact Democrats’ and Republicans’ chances in future elections and shared that information with lawmakers. Other outside groups did the same, according to testimony in a redistricting lawsuit, and practically none of that is required to be disclosed to the public. The lack of transparency around the forces at play in shaping how Oregonians’ votes will count during the next decade is a result of both how the state handles redistricting, and the state’s limited lobbying disclosure requirements.

Pennsylvania – ‘Glaring Giant Loophole:’ Philly Council members have to report who pays them, but not their spouses
MSN – Sean Collins Walsh (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 12/23/2021

Unlike lawmakers in other cities and states, as well as members of Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration, Philadelphia City Council members are not required to disclose their spouses’ sources of income. The issue of paying members’ spouses is expected to be central in the corruption trial of Councilperson Kenyatta Johnson. Prosecutors have accused him of accepting a bribe in the form of charter school consulting work for his wife in exchange for helping a group in his district secure a zoning change. The potential for Johnson to take official action to secure work for his wife also surfaced in the corruption trial this fall of Councilperson Bobby Henon.

South Carolina – Former Richland County Recreation Director Facing Ethics Charges Over Raises, Promotions
Charleston Post and Courier – Stephen Fastenau | Published: 12/16/2021

South Carolina’s Ethics Commission will decide whether a former Richland County recreation chief broke the law by signing off on family members’ raises and promotions. A hearing on the ethics charges was held after James Brown III was cleared of criminal charges related to his tenure. Brown, the head of the Richland County Recreation Commission until his resignation in 2016 amid allegations of nepotism and sexual harassment, faces six counts of violating state ethics laws meant to ensure public officials do not use their position for personal gain.

Texas – Former Houston Schools Trustee Kept a ‘Bribe Ledger’ Listing $20,000 in Illegal Payoffs, Feds Say
Houston Public Media – Paul DeBenedetto | Published: 12/17/2021

A former Houston Independent School District trustee and board president agreed to cooperate with the federal government for her role in an alleged scheme in which prosecutors say she kept a “bribe ledger” to keep track of $20,000 in payments from a contractor, part of an investigation that also led to the indictment of the district’s former chief operating officer. Rhonda Skillern-Jones used her role at the district to push for the hiring of a landscaping contractor who was later at the center of an alleged illegal kickback scheme.

Washington – Tim Eyman in Default, Assets to Be Sold to Satisfy $5.4 Million Debt
Seattle Times – David Gutman | Published: 12/23/2021

Tim Eyman, the serial initiative filer and conservative provocateur who owes the state of Washington more than $5 million after years of “particularly egregious” campaign finance violations, is in default and staring at the court-ordered sale of his assets. Eyman is under a court-ordered plan requiring him to make monthly $10,000 payments to pay down his fine and other fees. He has missed his last four monthly payments. A judge ordered his bankruptcy case shifted to Chapter 7, which means the court appoints a trustee who will be responsible for selling Eyman’s assets and distributing the proceeds to his debtors.

Wisconsin – ‘A Real Conflagration’: Wisconsin emerges as front line in war over the 2020 vote
MSN – Rosalind Helderman and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 12/16/2021

A legislative-backed investigation into the 2020 election results in Wisconsin headed by a former state Supreme Court justice has picked up steam in recent weeks. The inquiry makes little pretense of neutrality and is being led by figures who have shown allegiance to Donald Trump or embraced false claims of fraud. In a state that is likely to see some of the nation’s most competitive races in 2022 for governor and U.S. Senate, there are now multiple efforts underway to scrutinize how the last election was run, including a recommendation by a county sheriff to prosecute and jail state election officials.

National/Federal

A New Lawsuit Accuses the FEC of Failing to Investigate Russia’s ‘Coordination’ with the 2016 Trump Campaign
Yahoo News – C. Ryan Barber (Business Insider) | Published: 12/8/2021

A pair of advocacy groups sued the FEC, alleging the agency has failed to act on a complaint against the Russian government and the 2016 Trump presidential campaign alleging violations of campaign finance law. They argue the FEC’s delay has potentially deprived the American public of information that was not revealed during Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference. They noted Mueller’s work and separate congressional investigations but said those inquiries, “pursuing different angles for different purposes and with different mandates, have not focused on bringing transparency to campaign financing – the FEC’s mandate.”

Agency Overseeing Trump’s D.C. Hotel Lease Failed to Examine Ethical, Constitutional Conflicts, Report Says
NBC News – Rebecca Shabad | Published: 12/15/2021

The federal agency managing the government’s lease of the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. failed to examine ethical conflicts and constitutional issues posed by then-President Trump’s refusal to divest from the property. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s report found the General Services Administration did not track foreign government payments to the hotel or identify the origins of more than $75 million in loans made by Trump and his family to shore up its troubled finances.

Big Law Firms Promised to Punish Republicans Who Voted to Overthrow Democracy. Now They’re Donating to Their Campaigns
Yahoo News – Andy Kroll (Rolling Stone) | Published: 12/9/2021

In the aftermath of the January 6 insurrection, some of the country’s biggest law firms joined blue-chip corporations and other industry trade groups by halting all political donations and rethinking their giving strategy. But major law firms in Washington have resumed donations to those Republicans whose support for election-fraud theories and refusal to certify posed a threat to democracy. The law firms donated through their in-house PACs, which allow the firm to donate to a candidate’s campaign, a party-wide political committee, or a leadership committee that politicians use to raise money they can later spend to help reelect their allies.

Congress and Top Capitol Hill Staff Have Violated the STOCK Act Hundreds of Times. But the Consequences Are Minimal, Inconsistent, and Not Recorded Publicly.
MSN – Camila DeChalus, Kimberly Leonard, and Dave Levinthal (Business Insider) | Published: 12/15/2021

Congress has an inconsistent method for collecting fines from members and top staff who break a law designed to stop insider trading and conflicts-of-interest. Business Insider’s investigation of financial disclosures found 49 members of Congress and at least 182 of the highest-paid Capitol Hill staffers were late in filing their stock trades during 2020 and 2021. The lack of transparency makes it impossible to independently determine whether STOCK Act lawbreakers truly face consequences, and if so, to what degree. It is a situation that ethics experts say leaves the public in the dark, lets Congress off the hook, and renders the law toothless.

Democrats Introduce Bill to End Political Spending by Foreign-Owned Corporations
MSN – Karl Evers-Hillstrom (The Hill) | Published: 12/14/2021

House Democrats reintroduced a bill that would block foreign-owned corporations from spending company funds to influence U.S. elections. The bill would extend the federal ban on political donations from foreign nationals to multinational companies that are at least partially owned by foreign nationals. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision that allowed corporations to spend unlimited sums to influence elections, some American subsidiaries of foreign-owned companies have made large donations to super PACs.

House ‘Democracy’ Bill Would Cap Executive Power, Expand Disclosure
MSN – Kate Ackley (Roll Call) | Published: 12/9/2021

Seeking to avoid a repeat of the scandal-plagued Trump presidency, House Democrats approved a bill almost entirely along party lines that would put new limits on executive branch power and subject presidential candidates to more disclosure. The Protecting Our Democracy Act would require presidents, vice presidents, and anyone running for those offices from a major political party to disclose their tax returns. It also would toughen the fines for executive branch officials who violate the Hatch Act, which prohibits nearly all such employees from engaging in campaign activities in their official capacity, among other provisions.

House Votes to Hold Meadows in Contempt for Refusing to Comply with Jan. 6 Committee Subpoena
MSN – Mariana Alfaro and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 12/14/2021

The House voted to hold former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows in criminal contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena issued by the bipartisan committee investigating the deadly January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob.  The resolution was approved with just two Republicans, Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, joining Democrats in voting “yes.” The matter now goes to the Justice Department, which will decide whether to pursue the contempt referral. Contempt of Congress is a misdemeanor criminal offense that can result in up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Luxembourg Adopts Watered-Down Lobby Register
Luxembourg Times – John Monaghan | Published: 12/13/2021

Luxembourg adopted a register which will show which lobbyists have been meeting parliamentarians after years of discussion and pressure from the European Commission to act, although the bill contains several exemptions and no apparent system of checks. The legislation requires anyone wishing to meet a deputy to register their intention to do so, regardless of the location of the meeting. Responsibility for registration falls to the lobbyist, not the deputy.

Manchin Cites a Blind Trust to Justify Climate Votes. But Much Income from His Family’s Coal Company Isn’t
MSN – Michael Kranish and Anna Phillips (Washington Post) | Published: 12/13/2021

In U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s West Virginia home county, his family’s business has made millions of dollars by taking waste coal from long-abandoned mines and selling it to a power plant that emits air pollution at a higher rate than any other plant in the state. That enterprise could have taken a hit under a key part of President Biden’s climate agenda. But Manchin played a central role in killing that proposal. Contrary to his public statements, documents filed by the senator show his blind trust is too small to account for all his reported earnings from the coal company, as of his latest financial disclosure report.

Members of Congress Play Campaign Pundit All the Time. But Are They Any Good at It?
MSN – Jim Saska (Roll Call) | Published: 12/16/2021

A fundamental question in American politics is how a candidate can convince some of their neighbors and a lot of strangers to vote for them. Roll Call asked members of Congress who had eked out a narrow win or flipped a seat what the factors were that led to their victories. Several trend lines emerged. In an era where seemingly everything is viewed through partisan lenses, party affiliation did not seem to influence anyone’s responses. Most focused on convincing voters they were all on the same side.

Now in Your Inbox: Political misinformation
Yahoo News – Maggie Astor (New York Times) | Published: 12/13/2021

Lawmakers’ statements on social media and cable news are now routinely fact checked. But email – one of the most powerful communication tools available to politicians, reaching up to hundreds of thousands of people – teems with unfounded claims and largely escapes notice. Politicians have always exaggerated and dissemble, including in their email dispatches. But the volume, the baldness, and the reach of the false claims have increased. Both parties delivered heaps of hyperbole in their emails, but Republicans included misinformation in about 15 percent of their messages, compared with about two percent for Democrats.

Redistricting Is Drying Up Competitive Congressional Races
MSN – Michael Macagnone (Roll Call) | Published: 12/15/2021

Advancements in data science and long-term shifts in how Americans vote are making swing districts increasingly rare. State Legislatures and commissions control the redistricting process for most of the country. So far, 20 states have finished redrawing their congressional maps, which have produced only a handful of competitive U.S. House seats. Political parties burned by recent wave elections may have gotten skittish about drawing risky seats. Ken Kollman, a political science professor at the University of Michigan, said a House map with many competitive seats would mean a party could win a few from the other side, or totally wipe out.

Text Messages to Meadows Renew Focus on Trump’s Inaction During Jan. 6 Attack
MSN – Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 12/14/2021

Newly released text messages that were sent on January 6 to Mark Meadows, a former chief of staff in the Trump White House, have put a renewed focus on President Trump’s failure to act quickly to stop the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol as it was unfolding, despite real-time pleas from lawmakers, journalists, and even his eldest son. At least half a dozen people reached out during the riot to Meadows to ask – in some cases, beg – Trump to intervene.

The Judges Drawing America’s Political Maps
Yahoo News – Ally Mutnik (Politico) | Published: 12/13/2021

Between reforms aimed at reducing politics in redistricting, dysfunction in states where both parties have some control and the reduced role of the federal judiciary in policing gerrymandering, state Supreme Courts are playing a greater role than ever as mapmakers or traffic cops that could swing the fortunes of some 120 congressional seats in next year’s midterms. Across the country, these courts are poised to be outsized political players. While some of these judges campaign for their position, many of them are appointed, meaning the decisions come from the hands of unelected arbiters.

Trump Tax Records Can Be Released by Treasury Department to House, Judge Rules
MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 12/14/2021

A federal judge rejected former President Trump’s long-running effort to block the Treasury Department from turning over his tax records to the House Ways and Means Committee but put the ruling on hold pending an expected appeal. U.S. District Court Judge Trevor McFadden, a former Trump Justice Department official appointed to the court in 2017, said even if the former president’s attorneys were correct that House Democrats wanted his records only to expose them for political gain, they were “wrong on the law.”

Trump White House Records Can Be Released in Jan. 6 Probe Pending Supreme Court Review, Appeals Court Rules
MSN – Spencer Hsu and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 12/9/2021

A federal appeals court rejected former President Trump’s bid to keep his White House documents secret from a congressional committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol, setting up an emergency U.S. Supreme Court review. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld a lower court’s opinion, which said in a dispute between a current and past president over whether to release White House records, the sitting president must prevail.

Canada

Canada – Judge Upholds Ontario Rules Limiting Third-Party Election Advertising Spending
Global News – Paola Loriggio (Canadian Press) | Published: 12/8/2021

An Ontario judge upheld the province’s restrictions on third-party election advertising, ruling the measures do not infringe on voters’ right to meaningfully participate in the election process. The Working Families Coalition challenged the rules on grounds that they infringe on the right to vote by limiting the ability of third parties to share information on matters of public policy for a year before an election. But Ontario Superior Court Justice Ed Morgan found the rules meet the legal requirement to allow for broad and egalitarian participation in the campaign.

From the States and Municipalities

California – City Employees Solicit Funds for Garcetti-Backed Charity. Ethics Experts Have Concerns
Yahoo News – Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/15/2021

Employees in Eric Garcetti’s office play a key role in creating programs for the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, a charity that pays for civic programs. They also seek funding during the course of their jobs and use their city emails – in some cases from companies that do business with the city. Such solicitations are allowed because they are made in support of a charity and not a political campaign. Some ethics experts, however, say the city needs to be more transparent about solicitations sought by city employees, or restrict them altogether.

California – Former DWP Chief Information Security Officer Agrees to Plead Guilty to Lying to Authorities
MSN – Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/13/2021

A top executive who worked on security operations at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) agreed to plead guilty to one felony charge of making false statements. Former Chief Information Security Officer David Alexander lied to the FBI about a job offer that he “secretly solicited” in return for helping pass contract money to a lawyer, prosecutors said. Alexander used his role at Southern California Public Power Authority, a group of several utilities, including the DWP, to help give a $17-million contract focused on cybersecurity work to three companies.

Colorado – Major ‘Dark Money’ Nonprofit Ordered to Reveal Its Donors in Colorado
Colorado Public Radio – Andrew Kenny | Published: 12/9/2021

Unite for Colorado, a “dark money” group that spent $4 million on signature gathering and digital advertisements for statewide ballot measures in 2020 was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine and to divulge their donors. Critics argued Unite for Colorado crossed the line between nonprofits and political groups by spending so heavily – and was so closely involved in politics – that it should have registered as a political issue committee and reported more detail on its financial activities.

Colorado – Weiser’s Fundraiser in Hawaii Draws Complaint
Denver Gazette – Christopher Osher | Published: 12/9/2021

Following a fundraiser at an exclusive resort in Hawaii, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is facing a complaint accusing him of violating the state’s campaign finance laws. Defend Colorado filed a formal complaint alleging the Democratic attorney general did not pay the full cost of his campaign’s use of the Grand Wailea Grand Dining Room at the Grand Wailea Maui. The group also accused him of using the event to cozy up to corporate lobbyists.

Florida – Nikki Fried Mired in Ethics Dispute Over Her Finances
MSN – Gary Fineout (Politico) | Published: 12/9/2021

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, one of the leading Democratic nominees for governor, is coming under fire for her failure to promptly report how much lobbying money she made prior to taking office. The Florida Commission on Ethics voted unanimously that there is probable cause Fried, who was an attorney and lobbyist, violated state law by failing to properly disclose income from her lobbying business. Just days before she began her campaign for governor this year, she amended two separate financial disclosure forms, including one showing previously unreported earnings of $351,480.

Florida – The Coffee Shop at This Non-Profit Florida Hospital Pours Cash into Political Coffers
Miami Herald – Kirby Wilson | Published: 12/14/2021

For the past three years, the Starbucks at Tampa General Hospital’s main campus has been making large campaign contributions to a select group of Florida candidates. It does this even though Tampa General operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Federal law prohibits it from giving money to candidates. House of Coffee Tampa, which owns the coffee shops inside two Tampa General properties is a for-profit corporation. That means it can make campaign contributions.

Georgia – Georgia Appeals Judge Agrees to $25,000 Fine in Ethics Case
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 12/9/2021

A suspended Georgia Court of Appeals judge agreed to pay a $25,000 fine to settle ethics charges he spent campaign funds for personal use. The Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission voted to approve a consent decree with Judge Christian Coomer. A complaint accused Coomer, a former state House member, of transferring money from his old legislative campaign account to financially prop up his former law firm between 2015 and 2019. Commission staff said it was the largest fine ever against a Georgia judge in an ethics case.

Illinois – Illinois Moves to Prohibit ‘Dark Money’ in Judicial Races, but It’s Unclear What Effect That Will Have on State’s Free-Spending Campaigns
MSN – Dan Petrella (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/8/2021

With the balance of power on the Illinois Supreme Court at stake in next year’s election, Democrats who control Springfield took steps this fall aimed at curbing the influence of outside money in a state that holds the record for the nation’s most expensive judicial race. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill that bans judicial candidates from receiving campaign money from out-of-state contributors and groups that do not disclose their donors. One of the state’s leading campaign finance experts said the new law likely will do little to stem the tide of cash from powerful interests trying to influence who sits on the state’s highest court.

Kansas – Kansas AG’s Natural Gas Well Presents Possible Conflict of Interest as He Investigates Industry
Kansas Reflector – Alison Kite | Published: 12/14/2021

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has a financial interest in the sale of natural gas, prompting calls for him to disclose more information about his earnings as he investigates gas companies. Schmidt is investigating whether companies raised natural gas prices, which increased by as much as 200 times almost overnight in February, in violation of Kansas consumer protection law and will consider whether to pursue litigation. At the same time, Schmidt, who is running to unseat Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, could be receiving thousands of dollars a year in income from his own natural gas well in the state.

Maryland – Maryland Gov. Hogan’s Campaign Pays Fine for Accepting Excess Donations
MSN – Pamela Wood (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 12/15/2021

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s campaign paid a $2,500 fine for accepting political donations above the state’s limits. The campaign did not immediately provide a total number and dollar amount of the excess contributions, but it has been sending money back to donors and updating prior campaign finance reports for the last few years. Under Maryland law, donors may not give more than $6,000 to a candidate over each four-year election cycle.

New York – Cuomo Advisors Used Campaign Aide to Dig Up Dirt on an Accuser Who Was Running for Office, Records Show
CNBC – Brian Schwartz | Published: 12/9/2021

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s closest advisors used a campaign aide to seek potentially damaging information on Lindsey Boylan, who has accused him of sexual harassment. Melissa DeRosa, who was the top aide to the governor, told investigators about the effort to find the information and potentially plant a negative story about Boylan during a probe into Cuomo’s alleged sexual harassment of former aides and associates. DeRosa told investigators she believed Boylan was working together with other prominent New York politicians to bring down Cuomo.

New York – De Blasio Violated Fundraising Ethics Rules Even After Warning – Yet Mayor Faced No Penalty
The City – Yoav Gonen | Published: 12/8/2021

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio violated ethics rules twice by hitting up real estate industry players for donations to a nonprofit he created to boost pet projects, but he got away with just warning letters. The Conflicts of Interest Board cited de Blasio in 2014 for personally soliciting $150,000 in donations from people or entities with business before the city. He kept making similar fundraising calls, asking for contributions from James Capalino, a lobbyist who had helped his campaign for mayor. The board noted de Blasio also failed to provide a disclaimer to potential donors that their giving would not influence any decision making.

New York – Ethics Panel Demands Cuomo Repay $5M
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 12/14/2021

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) will require former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to return the proceeds from his book about his response to the coronavirus pandemic. The order came after JCOPE voted to rescind the approval it had given Cuomo before he entered into the $5.1 million book deal. JCOPE staff approved the deal when his counsel told the commission that Cuomo agreed to not use any state personnel or resources to produce his book and he would write it “entirely on his own time.” But complaints surfaced that state property, resources, and personnel were used to prepare, write, edit, and publish the book.

New York – Trump Fraud Inquiry’s Focus: Did he mislead his own accountants?
Yahoo News – William Rashbaum, Ben Protess, and Jonah Bromwich (New York Times) | Published: 12/14/2021

As prosecutors in Manhattan weigh whether to charge Donald Trump with fraud, they have zeroed in on financial documents he used to obtain loans and boast about his wealth. The documents, compiled by Trump’s longtime accountants and known as annual statements of financial condition, could help answer a question at the heart of the long-running criminal investigation into the former president: did he inflate the value of his assets to defraud his lenders?

North Carolina – North Carolina Delays 2022 Primaries to Give Redistricting Challenges More Time
National Public Radio – Steve Harrison | Published: 12/8/2021

The North Carolina Supreme Court ordered that the state’s March 2022 primary be delayed until May 17 so it can settle two lawsuits challenging Republican-drawn maps for Congress and the state’s Legislature. The nonpartisan Princeton Gerrymandering Project has rated the recent North Carolina congressional map a grade of “F” for fairness, calling it one of the most gerrymandered maps in the nation, along with a Republican-drawn congressional map in Texas and a Democratic-drawn map in Illinois.

Pennsylvania – Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez Wants to Ban Lawmakers from Making More Than $25,000 from Side Jobs
MSN – Sean Collins Walsh (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 12/15/2021

Philadelphia City Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez introduced legislation prohibiting city lawmakers from making more than $25,000 from side jobs and requiring them to disclose more information about outside employment. It would be the most significant ethics reform proposal since the convictions of council member Bobby Henon and former union leader John Dougherty on federal corruption charges.

Pennsylvania – DA Larry Krasner’s Campaign and Real Justice PAC Have Admitted to Breaking Philly’s Campaign Finance Law, Again
MSN – Sean Collins Welch (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 12/9/2021

For the second time in as many elections, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s campaign and a political group that supports him have admitted to violating the city’s campaign finance law. The Krasner campaign agreed to pay $10,000 in penalties and admitted making misstatements and omissions in its campaign finance reports during the prosecutor’s successful reelection bid this year. The Real Justice PAC agreed to pay $30,000 in penalties after admitting to making omissions in its reports.

South Carolina – Orangeburg Coroner Marshall Gets $17K Fine After Neglecting Ethics Forms for Years
Charleston Post and Courier – Avery Wilks | Published: 12/15/2021

A chronic failure to file her required financial disclosures will cost Orangeburg County’s elected coroner $17,000. That is even after the State Ethics Commission reduced Samuetta Marshall’s original fine by $5,000 following her appeal for leniency. Marshall has a long history of failing to file reports detailing her campaign fundraising and spending, as well as forms disclosing her sources of income. She also ignored the Ethics Commission’s repeated efforts to reach her about those forms and the late-filing fees she was accumulating. She did not attend her ethics hearing to defend herself.

South Dakota – Ex-Official Says She Felt ‘Intimidated’ in Meeting with Kristi Noem That Led to Daughter’s Appraiser License
MSN – Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 12/14/2021

A former state official testified she felt “intimidated” at a meeting last year with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, and it resulted in an unusual third chance for the governor’s daughter to get her real estate appraiser license. Noem has claimed her daughter “went through the exact same process that others did in South Dakota to become an appraiser” and denied seeking “special treatment” for her. But the governor’s meeting last year with officials overseeing the state’s licensing process sparked allegations of nepotism and led state Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg to launch a review.

Tennessee – Tennessee Republican Leaders Agree to Drop Judges from Mandatory Candidate Fees for Now Amid Ethics Ruling
Yahoo – Andy Sher (Chattanooga Times Free Press) | Published: 12/15/2021

Tennessee Republican Party leaders have decided for now to drop judges and judicial candidates from a rule they adopted earlier this year that requires GOP candidates running for office to pay the party a fee to run in primary elections. The decision came as judges have worried for months over paying the fee because of an advisory opinion issued by the Administrative Office of the Court’s Judicial Ethics Committee. The panel wrote said one of the rules of judicial conduct “generally prohibits a judge from paying an assessment to a political organization.”

Texas – Dallas Approves New Office to Investigate City Corruption Claims
Dallas Morning News – Everton Bailey, Jr. | Published: 12/8/2021

Dallas will create a new office to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by city officials and make other changes to ethics rules that are meant to cut down on corruption. A key part of the reform is the creation of an inspector general division in the city attorney’s office, which would receive and investigate all internal fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption complaints. It will also prohibit anyone seeking a public subsidy, such as tax credits, from lobbying a council member about the matter before it is decided, and will increase training for city officials, staff, and registered lobbyists on Dallas’ ethics code.

Texas – Texas Appeals Court Throws Out Indictment of Groundbreaking Black Sheriff
Courthouse News Service – Cameron Langford | Published: 12/15/2016

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals dismissed a campaign finance and records tampering indictment spearheaded by state Attorney General Ken Paxton against the state’s first Black female sheriff. While state law allowed an unusual choice of venue – though Stephens’ alleged crime occurred in Jefferson County, she was indicted in neighboring Chambers County – the court ruled the prosecution had violated the separation of powers clause in the state constitution. The court determined the Legislature had unconstitutionally granted the attorney general independent authority to prosecute election law offenses in the election code.

Washington DC – D.C. Attorney General Sues Proud Boys, Oath Keepers Over Jan. 6 Attack
MSN – Devlin Barrett, Tom Hamburger, and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 12/14/2021

District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine sued the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers over the January 6 attack on Congress, seeking to use a law written to cripple the Ku Klux Klan to exact stiff financial penalties from the far-right groups Racine alleges were responsible for the violence. Racine’s lawsuit is the first effort by a government agency to hold individuals and organizations civilly responsible for the violence at the U.S. Capitol on the day Congress ceremonially confirmed President Biden’s 2020 election victory.

Wisconsin – US Supreme Court Rejects Appeal from MacIver Institute Over Press Access in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Public Radio – Shawn Johnson | Published: 12/13/2021

The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear an appeal of a lower court ruling that sided with Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers in a dispute with a conservative think tank over media access. The John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy sued after the governor’s office denied the MacIver News Service access to a media briefing. MacIver argued the governor had violated its First Amendment right to freedom of the press based on the institute’s editorial stances. MacIver was denied access, according to the governor’s office, because its lobbying activity, policy advocacy, and self-described status as a “think tank” did not meet the criteria for a news organization.

National/Federal

Challenges to the Voting Rights Act Far from Over
Center for Public Integrity – Carrie Levine | Published: 12/1/2021

When the U.S. Supreme Court decided an important voting rights case earlier this year, its ruling made it more difficult for voters to challenge restrictive state voting laws. Now, Texas is making an argument that, if adopted, would further hobble use of what remains of the Voting Rights Act. In a brief filed in a redistricting case, lawyers for the Texas argued it is not clear that Section 2 of the act allows private challenges to state laws at all, an argument that flies in the face of how the landmark civil rights-era statute has been interpreted by federal courts for decades.

Chris Cuomo Fired by CNN After Aiding Governor Brother and Other ‘New Allegations’
MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 12/4/2021

Four days after announcing he would be indefinitely suspended from the network, CNN terminated its host Chris Cuomo following an investigation conducted by a law firm that it said had turned up “additional information” about him. Cuomo was suspended a day after documents released by New York Attorney General Letitia James showed he was more extensively involved in helping to defend his brother, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, against allegations of sexual misconduct than he had acknowledged, either publicly or to CNN management.

Courts May Play Outsize Role in Redistricting Fights
MSN – Michael Macagnone (Roll Call) | Published: 12/7/2021

The delayed release of 2020 census data has seen states sprinting to finish redistricting, but with control of the U.S. House hanging by a handful of seats, litigants are looking to courthouses to challenge the mapmaking effort. Several states, such as South Carolina and Pennsylvania, face lawsuits without having even finished their redistricting process. Challenges elsewhere have already played out: Republicans dropped a lawsuit against Oregon’s new congressional map recently.

Far Right Is Using Twitter’s New Rule Against Anti-Extremism Researchers
Washington Post – Drew Harwell | Published: 12/3/2021

Neo-Nazis and far-right activists are coaching followers on how to use a new Twitter rule to persuade the social media platform to remove photos of them posted by anti-extremism researchers and journalists who specialize in identifying episodes of real-world hate. Advocates said they worry the new policy will suppress efforts to document the activities of the far right and will prove to be a gift to members of hateful movements eager to keep their identities concealed.

Jan. 6 Committee Says It Will Move to Hold Former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows in Criminal Contempt
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 12/8/2021

The U.S. House select committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol said it is preparing to hold Mark Meadows, former President Trump’s chief of staff, in criminal contempt for not complying with the panel’s subpoena as it is ramping up efforts to force former Trump administration officials to cooperate with its inquiry. Committee Chairperson Bennie Thompson said in a letter sent to Meadows the panel’s patience had run out and dismissed his argument that much of the information the committee sought was covered by executive privilege because it involved his duties as an aide to Trump at the White House.

Pro-Trump Scam PAC Operator, PPP Fraudster Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Prison
MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 12/6/2021

A Las Vegas man behind both a pro-Trump scam PAC and a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan scheme was sentenced to 46 months in prison and ordered to repay $1.4 million to his victims, including federal taxpayers. James Bell stole government pandemic relief aid while also conning supporters of both President Trump and eventual victor Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Bell, prosecutors said, was the first scam PAC operator to be sentenced in federal court in Washington, as well as the first PPP loan fraud defendant.

Rep. Devin Nunes to Leave Congress to Become Trump Media Company CEO
MSN – Amy Wang and David Weigel (Washington Post) | Published: 12/6/2021

U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes plans to leave his seat at the end of December to become chief executive officer at a new media company founded by former President Trump. Nunes represents a historically Republican district that was growing more competitive even before the current round of redistricting. Early drafts of California’s next map put Nunes in a less Republican district in the Fresno area, one that backed Joe Biden by nine points. The Trump Media and Technology Group has not yet released any products to the public and missed its self-imposed deadline to roll out a beta-test version of its social media service in November.

Sidney Powell Group Raised More Than $14 Million Spreading Election Falsehoods
MSN – Emma Brown, Rosalind Helderman, Isaac Stanley-Becker, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 12/6/2021

Records show Defending the Republic, a nonprofit founded by attorney Sidney Powell to fight the results of the 2020 presidential election, has raised more than $14 million, a sum that reveals the reach and resonance of one of the most visible efforts to fundraise using baseless claims about the election. Previously unreported records also detail acrimony between Powell and her top lieutenants over how the money, now a focus of inquiries by federal prosecutors and Congress, was being handled. As head of Defending the Republic, Powell controlled $9 million as recently as this summer.

Ted Cruz Has Never Recouped More Than $500,000 He Loaned His First Campaign. He’s Working to Overturn the Law That’s Blocked Him.
Texas Tribune – James Polard | Published: 12/8/2021

Ted Cruz loaned his campaign over $1 million in 2012, which helped him win election to the U.S. Senate. Cruz has never been able to recoup $545,000 of that loan. A 2002 law bans victorious federal candidates from using more than $250,000 raised after an election to pay back loans they gave their own campaigns prior to Election Day. A lawsuit the campaign filed against the FEC will soon reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Cruz’s campaign lawyers are expected to argue the limit is unconstitutional, arbitrarily limits political speech, and deters candidates from loaning money to their campaigns.

The Troubling New Void in Local Journalism – and the Nonprofits Trying to Fill It
MSN – Elahe Izadi (Washington Post) | Published: 12/6/2021

States Newsroom is a network of nonprofit newsrooms covering state government across the country. These outlets keep close tabs on state Legislatures and regulatory agencies where decisions are being made that affect many aspects of daily life for citizens. With funding from foundations and a variety of donors, States Newsroom formed two years ago to attempt to fill a void in what many government watchdogs and civil-society experts believe is one of the biggest manifestations of the local journalism crisis: the dire shortage of reporters covering state government.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Lawmaker’s Bill Would Make Arizona School Board Elections Partisan
Arizona Daily Star – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 12/5/2021

State Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita believes she has a way of helping Arizona voters identify who they want to run their school boards: make candidates run with their party affiliation. The proposal would scrap the current system where people interested in the unpaid position submit nominating papers and then run against each other in a general election. Instead, all the registered candidates from each party would compete in an August primary, with the winners then facing off in November. it would put Arizona in the minority of states with a similar system, following only Louisiana and Pennsylvania.

Arkansas – State Officials Look to Replace Arkansas’ ‘Clunky,’ ‘Antiquated’ Electronic Campaign-Finance System
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Lisa Hammersly | Published: 12/5/2021

Lawmakers and the Arkansas secretary of state’s office are taking steps to procure a new computerized campaign finance system at an estimated cost of $750,000 to $1 million in hopes it will be easier to use. The planned new system, however, is not expected to be in place until after the November 2022 general election. That means candidates and the public have more than a year to coexist with the current system’s flaws. Those include errors and omissions in data, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette found in examining more than 650,000 campaign contribution and expenditure reports over the past four years.

California – Former Head of DWP Agrees to Plead Guilty to Bribery Charge
MSN – Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/6/2021

The former top executive of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) agreed to plead guilty to a bribery charge in a widening corruption case involving the utility. David Wright accepted bribes from a lawyer in exchange for supporting a $30 million, no-bid DWP contract. Wright also admitted in the plea agreement he participated in several other corrupt schemes while serving as head of the DWP. Paul Paradis, the attorney whose company received the contract, agreed to plead guilty in a scheme that involved him receiving a $2.2-million kickback from another attorney.

California – Lavish Gifts, Expensive Trips: Was California state worker union leader’s spending justified?
MSN – Wes Ventiecher (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 12/3/2021

Records show former Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1000 President Yvonne Walker spent nearly $7,000 on gifts for top union officers and thousands of dollars on international travel for union purposes. That included $4,500 to Disney Resorts in the largest gift to an outgoing officer, along with $5,700 for a flight to Tel Aviv for a labor event and $159 for a celebration at Sacramento’s Device Brewing Company, and other expenditures. IRS rules require the tax-exempt organization to spend its money in ways that benefit members, not themselves. But all the spending potentially was justifiable, according to a tax expert.

California – San Francisco’s City Hall Works to Restore Tarnished Reputation
San Francisco Examiner – Jeff Elder | Published: 12/7/2021

A corruption scandal has spurred ethics reform efforts in San Francisco. The Board of Supervisors voted to prohibit elected officials and city department heads from requesting donations to charities from “interested parties,” including lobbyists, and those seeking contracts and permits from the city. Supervisors cited the federal case in which companies admitted to conspiring to bribe former Public Works Department Director Mohammed Nuru. The San Francisco Ethics Commission is expected to discuss a ballot measure that would lay out broad guidelines on prohibited behavior and ethics training.

California – Wahl Legal Team Agrees to Deposition Date in Ash Street Litigation
San Diego Union Tribune – Jeff McDonald | Published: 12/4/2021

Christopher Wahl, the Southwest Strategies lobbyist who has been meeting privately with San Diego city officials to try to settle litigation over the city’s lease of a high rise, agreed to appear for a deposition in January. San Diego resident John Gordon claimed in his lawsuit that the 20-year lease-purchase deal is illegal. If the interview happens, it comes three months after Wahl was first served a subpoena and some seven weeks after he was initially scheduled to appear for a deposition.

Connecticut – Inquiry Underway into Top Connecticut Prosecutor’s Hiring of Lamont Administration Official’s Daughter. A Former U.S. Attorney Will Investigate.
Hartford Courant – Mark Pazniokas (CT Mirror) | Published: 12/3/2021

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration retained attorneys to investigate “possible improprieties by state employees and possibly others.” Chief State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo Jr. said a focus of the inquiry is the circumstances surrounding his hiring of Anastasia Diamantis, the daughter of Kostantinos Diamantis, one of the budget officials whom Colangelo had been lobbying for help in securing raises. Emails show Anastasia Diamantis was hired as Colangelo unsuccessfully pressed state officials, including her father, for help securing raises for prosecutors.

Florida – House Victory Senior Adviser Resigns Following ‘Ghost Candidate’ Reports
Florida Politics – Renzo Downey | Published: 12/3/2021

Political consultant and fundraiser Dan Newman resigned from the Florida Democrats’ House campaign operation following reports of his ties to a “ghost candidate” scheme. Florida Power and Light (FPL) executives worked with consultants behind the sham candidate scheme currently under investigation for undercutting Senate Democratic candidates last year using Republican strategies. Documents show Newman, who previously lobbied for FPL and has publicly stated he donated to the ghost campaign committee, received a $1.25 million check from FPL for his consulting firm in September 2020. An accompanying text message sent by Newman to consultants read, “The eagle has landed.”

Illinois – Center of ‘Rape Email’ Denies Knowledge of Alleged Illinois Government Coverup
Belleville News-Democrat – John O’Connor (Associated Press) | Published: 12/1/2021

The former campaign worker for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker who is at the center of an email in which a one-time statehouse lobbyist alleged government coverups of a rape and illegal state hiring says he is completely unaware of the purported incidents that have dogged him since the email became public last year. Forrest Ashby, a longtime state employee who worked on the Pritzker’s 2018 campaign, said he never got a direct answer when he confronted the author of the email, Michael McClain – an ex-lobbyist now under indictment in an alleged bribery scheme that tarnished his confidante, former House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Michigan – Sidney Powell, L. Lin Wood Among Attorneys Ordered to Pay $175,000 Over Michigan ‘Kraken’ Suit
MSN – Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) | Published: 12/2/2021

A federal judge ordered a group of lawyers who brought a failed lawsuit challenging the 2020 election results to pay about $175,000 in legal fees to the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit, the latest in a series of rulings from federal judges seeking to hold lawyers accountable for trying to use the courts to overturn a democratic election. U.S. District Court Judge Linda Parker had already ordered that the group of nine lawyers, including Sidney Powell and L. Lin Wood, be disciplined for their role in the suit, which in August she called “a historic and profound abuse of the judicial process.”

Missouri – Controversial Bill Would Have Aided Missouri Company Under Scrutiny for Contamination
Missouri Independent – Alison Kite | Published: 12/6/2021

Two years ago, a company led by an influential Republican businessperson faced off with the Missouri’s environmental regulators over whether it needed to do additional testing for a chemical that health officials worried could pose a cancer risk to the company’s workers. The company argued the Department of Natural Resources was overzealously enforcing federal hazardous waste testing guidance that was not required by law or regulation. Soon the company’s complaints were reflected in legislation criticized as an attack on the state’s environmental regulation.

New Hampshire – Members of Public Who Attended Legislative Hearings Say They Were Not Contact Traced
Concord Monitor – Ethan DeWitt | Published: 12/4/2021

When Beverly Cotton got the call telling her of a potential COVID-19 exposure at a legislative committee session, it did not come from the New Hampshire House. It came from a fellow audience member. Cotton had joined a dozen other lobbyists, advocates, and reporters to watch the proceedings of the House Election Law Committee. Two days later, she was told someone in the room had later tested positive for COVID-19. The alert was worrying for Cotton, who has an underlying health condition. But the manner in which she received the news was unusual.

New York – New York City Poised to Give Voting Rights to Noncitizens
Yahoo News – Bobby Caina Calvin (Associated Press) | Published: 12/7/2021

Under a bill nearing approval, some 800,000 legally documented, voting-age noncitizens in New York City would be allowed to cast ballots in elections to pick the mayor, city council members, and other municipal officeholders. Noncitizens still would not be able to vote for president or members of Congress in federal races, or in the state elections that pick the governor, judges, and legislators. The move is a counterpoint to restrictions being enacted in some states, where Republicans have espoused unsupported claims of rampant fraud by noncitizens in federal elections.

New York – NY Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin Changes Answers on Background Check After News’ Expose
New York Daily News – Michael Gartland | Published: 12/6/2021

New state records revealed New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin changed his answers on state background check forms, two weeks after it was reported he provided incorrect information on his original disclosure before being sworn in as Gov. Hochul’s second-in-command. Benjamin refers several times to an addendum on his latest background check form. In it, he concedes that as a candidate, he has “had many interactions with regulatory bodies that oversee elections and campaign finance matters.”

Oregon – Good Government Groups Are Pushing Campaign Finance Limits in Oregon. They Might Have Competition.
OPB – Dirk VanderHart | Published: 12/7/2021

A coalition of good government groups filed three potential ballot measures with the state that would shake up Oregon’s permissive system of funding campaigns. The group says it will decide on one to put forward to voters in 2022, once polling shows which is most popular. While differing in their specifics, each of the proposals would create new limits on what individuals, advocacy groups, corporations, and political parties can contribute to candidates and causes. The proposals also include requirements that political advertisements prominently display top donors, and “dark money” groups disclose their funding sources if they engage in campaigning.

Pennsylvania – PA Senate Election Probe Contract Doesn’t Say If the Public Will See the Results, Among Other Things
WSKG – Sam Dunklau | Published: 12/7/2021

Multiple federal investigations as well as court rulings and state-mandated audits and of ballots from every Pennsylvania county have turned up no evidence of election problems that were out of the ordinary. The Department of State has said the last several election cycles ran smoothly. Even so, Pennsylvania Senate Republicans are paying over $2500,000 in taxpayer money to an Envoy Sage LLC to investigate those elections. Details of the agreement between the two are now public. Democratic senators as well as voter advocates say the document raises more questions than it answers.

Pennsylvania – Philadelphia Gas Works Emails Show Involvement in Drafting Bill That Runs Counter to Climate Goals
StateImpact Pennsylvania – Susan Phillips | Published: 12/3/2021

Philadelphia has as a climate goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. But the city owns a large fossil fuel utility, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), which represents a major hurdle. Philadelphia is on the verge of releasing a study aimed at figuring out how to transform PGW to cut the city’s carbon emissions. Meanwhile, legislation is making its way through Harrisburg that would tie the hands of municipalities across the state when it comes to electrification. The city opposes the legislation, but emails obtained show PGW executives engaged in crafting, and potentially strengthening, a measure that would block efforts to promote electrification.

Pennsylvania – Philly City Council President Wants to Tweak Ethics Rules. But He Says It’s Not Related to Bobby Henon’s Conviction
MSN – Laura McCrystal (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 12/2/2021

Two weeks after Philadelphia City Councilperson Bobby Henon was convicted of bribery, council President Darrell Clarke proposed a modest tweak of city ethics rules: that council members must provide written notice when they recuse themselves from votes due to a conflict-of-interest. Clarke’s spokesperson denied the new measure was a response to the criminal case. A federal jury found inion leader John Dougherty bought Henon’s loyalty with a $70,000 annual union salary.

Pennsylvania – The Pa. Politicians Who Got Local 98 Campaign Money Aren’t Having Second Thoughts, Even After Johnny Doc’s Conviction
MSN – Jonathan Tamari and Andrew Seidman (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 12/8/2021

Convicted of bribery, the powerful Philadelphia labor leader John Dougherty has resigned from the union he led for almost three decades and is likely headed to federal prison. But prominent Pennsylvania politicians who’ve benefited from the union’s largesse are not renouncing its campaign money or saying much of anything about the trial that illustrated the city’s sometimes toxic mix of money and politics. Only one major recipient expressed any qualms about the contributions, which ranged from thousands of dollars to more than $1 million.

Texas – Justice Dept. Sues Texas Over Redistricting, Citing Discrimination Against Latinos
MSN – David Nakamura and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 12/6/2021

The U.S. Justice Department sued Texas for the second time in a month over voting-related concerns, this time alleging Republican state lawmakers discriminated against Latinos and other minorities when they approved new congressional and state legislative districts that increased the power of White voters. Attorney General Merrick Garland’s announcement marked the Biden administration’s first major legal action on redistricting. While the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to put limits on partisan gerrymandering, it is illegal to draw lines that are unfair to racial and ethnic minorities.

Utah – Proposed Ballot Initiative Would Return Utah to In-Person Paper Balloting on Election Day
Salt Lake Tribune – Brian Schott | Published: 12/7/2021

A group called Secure Vote Utah is hoping to get enough signatures to put an initiative on the 2022 ballot to do away with the state’s mail-in elections in favor of all paper ballots. The proposal also scraps early voting and most absentee balloting and makes it more difficult to register to vote. As it stands, every registered voter in the state is sent a ballot through the mail. If voters approve the initiative, nearly all voting would use paper ballots, marked by a pen or pencil, at neighborhood polling places. The only exceptions are for disabled individuals who need a mechanical method for voting.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Family Action Sues to Strike Down Campaign Finance Rule to Shield Names of Its Donors
Yahoo News – Patrick Marley (Milwaukee Journal-Gazette) | Published: 12/6/2021

Wisconsin Family Action filed a lawsuit saying it was reluctant to spend money in two congressional races because it feared the FEC would try to force it to disclose the names of its donors. It is asking U.S. District Court Judge William Griesbach to declare some of the FEC’s regulations unconstitutional. The lawsuit alleges the agency is trying to require groups like Wisconsin Family Action to disclose the names of donors who give more than $200 even if the money is not intended for political efforts.

National/Federal

Appeals Court Scrutinizes Trump Bid to Keep Jan. 6 White House Records Secret from Congress
MSN – Spencer Hsu and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 11/30/2021

An appeals court scrutinized former President Trump’s effort to keep White House documents secret from a congressional committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit expressed skepticism about the role of the courts in settling a dispute in which a former president and the sitting president are at loggerheads over the release of records. The hearing probed the limits of the separation of powers, U.S. Supreme Court precedent over the ownership of presidential records, and a statute governing their release.

CNN Suspends Chris Cuomo ‘Indefinitely’ After Documents Detail Help He Gave His Brother
MSN – Sarah Ellison and Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 11/30/2021

CNN suspended Chris Cuomo a day after the release of documents that detailed his efforts to help his brother, then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, fend off allegations of sexual misconduct. Transcripts from the New York attorney general’s office showed the cable television host was far more involved in the ex-governor’s crisis-management efforts than the younger Cuomo had previously acknowledged. The network and its president, Jeff Zucker, had backed Chris Cuomo for months, even as details accumulated about his role advising his brother, who eventually resigned in the wake of the sexual harassment allegations.

Congress Closes in on Sexual Misconduct Reform, 4 Years After Its #MeToo Moment
MSN – Marianne Levine (Politico) | Published: 12/1/2021

The Senate and House Judiciary Committees recently approved bipartisan legislation that would put an end to private employers’ use of forced arbitration – mediation between alleged victims and perpetrators that operates outside the traditional legal system – by allowing victims to decide whether they want to take their sexual harassment or assault claims to court instead. Proponents of the sexual misconduct reform bill are planning to see whether it can pass unanimously in the coming weeks without a time-consuming roll-call vote, or alternately whether it can hitch a ride on another legislative vehicle.

Dark-Money Group Paid Former Trump AG to Ask for Pardons – and He Never Registered as a Lobbyist
Yahoo News – Roger Sollenberger (Daily Beast) | Published: 12/1/2021

Matthew Whittaker held various posts at the Justice Department during the Trump administration. When he left the government, the nonprofit FreedomWorks brought him on to head an initiative that “aims to recommend deserving individuals to the Trump administration for pardons and commutations.” A federal filing shows Freedom Works paid Whitaker $400,000 last year in unspecified “consulting” fees. He was directly involved in White House clemency negotiations, but never registered as a lobbyist while advocating for pardons and FreedomWorks never named clemency issues in any of its 2020 lobbying reports.

Facebook’s Race-Blind Practices Around Hate Speech Came at the Expense of Black Users, New Documents Show
MSN – Elizabeth Dwoskin, Nitasha Niku, and Crag Timberg (Washington Post) | Published: 11/21/2021

A two-year effort by a large team of researchers at Facebook urged executives to adopt an aggressive overhaul of its software system to remove hateful posts before any users could see them. But Facebook’s leaders balked at the plan. According to two people familiar with the internal debate, top executives including Vice President for Global Public Policy Joel Kaplan feared the new system would tilt the scales by protecting some vulnerable groups over others. A policy executive prepared a document for Kaplan that raised the potential for backlash from “conservative partners,” according to the document.

Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows Cooperating with Jan. 6 Committee
MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 11/30/2021

Mark Meadows, former President Trump’s chief of staff at the time of the January 6 attack on the Capitol, is cooperating with the House committee investigating the insurrection. Meadows is the highest-profile member of Trump’s inner circle who is known to be cooperating or who the committee has publicly acknowledged is cooperating. Committee members have previously said many people with connections to the events of that day have voluntarily engaged with investigators, but they have not specified who those individuals are or how high up they were in the Trump administration.

House Jan. 6 Committee Votes to Hold Former Trump DOJ Official in Criminal Contempt
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 12/1/2021

The House select committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol voted unanimously to hold former Trump Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark in criminal contempt for failing to cooperate with its inquiry. If it is adopted by the House, it would be up to the Justice Department to determine whether to indict Clark for not complying with a congressional subpoena. Clark’s lawyer presented the committee with a letter that objected to answering any questions or providing any records, arguing Clark did not have to because Trump has asserted they are protected by executive privilege.

K St. on Capitol Hill: Lobbyists look to leverage prime real estate near Congress as in-person events return
Yahoo News – Hailey Fuchs and Emily Birnbaum (Politico) | Published: 11/23/2021

The popular conception of a lobbying shop usually involves an office on K Street, an expense account at a popular restaurant, and a small army of operatives that regularly hit the fundraising circuit. But lobbyists have long explored other venues to twist the arms of members of Congress and the Capitol Hill townhouse is chief among them. Groups use these homes, often registered with the city as residential property, most notably as a fundraising venue for members of Congress. These townhouses provide companies, trade associations, and lobbying shops with a chance to rub shoulders with lawmakers outside of government property.

More Companies Disclose Political Spending After Jan. 6 Attack
MSN – Ellen Meyers (Roll Call) | Published: 12/2/2021

New research shows companies are increasing their disclosure of political spending. Corporations are under pressure from shareholders, customers, employees, and regulators to align their political influence with their stated values. Direct corporate donations to candidates are illegal, but employees and executives can pool their contributions through PACs, which must disclose donors and expenditures and are subject to limits. Companies can also give unlimited amounts to groups that spend money to influence politics, some of which disclose their donors and some which do not.

New Rules for MPs Proposed in Wake of Lobbying Scandal
Sky News – Alan McGuiness | Published: 11/29/2021

The Standards Committee has unveiled its interim report into reform of the standards system in the wake of the furor generated by the Owen Paterson scandal, as well as an updated code of conduct for members of Parliament (MP). The former Conservative member was found to have broken the United Kingdom’s lobbying rules with his private sector work. Labour MP Chris Bryant, chairperson of the committee, said it had laid out a “package of reforms to bolster the rules around lobbying and conflicts-of-interest.”

Prosecutors Demanded Records of Sidney Powell’s Fundraising Groups as Part of Criminal Probe
MSN – Isaac Stanley-Becker, Emma Brown, and Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) | Published: 11/30/2021

Federal prosecutors demanded the financial records of multiple fundraising organizations launched by attorney Sidney Powell after the 2020 election as part of a criminal investigation. The grand jury subpoena sought communications and other records related to fundraising and accounting by groups including Defending the Republic, a group claiming 501(c) 4 nonprofit status and a PAC by the same name. The federal investigation highlights the intensifying legal quandaries facing Donald Trump-allied attorneys and other figures who promoted false claims that the election was rigged.

State Redistricting Commissions Get Mixed Reviews
MSN – Michael Macagnone (Roll Call) | Published: 12/2/2021

Most state Legislatures control the map-drawing process, but a handful now have redistricting commissions of varying construction and independence with a say in line drawing. Advocates expected redistricting commissions to take partisan favoritism out of the process, but some maps have favored one party over the other while others have shortchanged growing minority communities. Experts have argued some bias is unavoidable in a political environment in which most Democratic voters are packed in urban areas and most Republicans live in more rural ones.

Trump Allies Work to Place Supporters in Key Election Posts Across the Country, Spurring Fears About Future Vote Challenges
MSN – Amy Gardner, Tom Hamburger, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 11/29/2021

A year after local and state election officials came under pressure from Donald Trump to subvert the results of the 2020 White House race, he and his supporters are pushing an ambitious plan to place Trump loyalists in key positions across the administration of U.S. elections. The effort goes beyond the former president’s public broadsides against well-known Republican state officials who certified President Biden’s victory. Citing the need to make elections more secure, Trump allies are also seeking to replace officials across the nation, including volunteer poll watchers, paid precinct judges, elected county clerks, and state attorneys general.

U.S. House Approves Bipartisan Judicial Financial Disclosure Bill
Reuters – Mike Scarcella | Published: 12/1/2021

The U.S. House voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bipartisan bill imposing more stringent public financial reporting requirements on federal district and appellate court judges. The Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act would set a 45-day window for judges to report stock trades of more than $1,000 and require the judiciary to post disclosure forms online. A Wall Street Journal report in September revealed 131 judges had failed to recuse themselves in hundreds of cases since 2010 involving companies in which they or a family member had a financial interest.

From the States and Municipalities

California – Accusations Against a California Campaign Finance Watchdog Went Undisclosed for Months
Yahoo News – John Meyers (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/22/2021

A campaign finance investigation against a top official at the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) sat in limbo and hidden from public view for months, raising questions about whether the government organization holds its own members to the same standard as candidates and campaigns across the state. A complaint against Catharine Baker, a former state legislator, was filed in April with the agency’s enforcement division. On November 12, the same day The Los Angeles Times requested information regarding the case, the FPPC enforcement division recused itself from the investigation and asked state Attorney Gen. Rob Bonta to assume control.

California – Former California Union Official Filed $44,000 Worth of Fraudulent Time Sheets, CalPERS Says
MSN – Wes Venteicher (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 11/29/2021

A former SEIU Local 1000 official was suspended from his California Public Employees’ Retirement System IT job without pay for six months after the pension system determined he did not do any work while claiming he was on a coronavirus contact tracing assignment. Tony Owens, who was elected vice president of bargaining in 2018, submitted about $44,000 worth of fraudulent time sheets in the second half of 2020. Owens is contesting the discipline, saying he was supporting state workers during the time in question even though the Department of Public Health did not formally issue him a pandemic contact tracing assignment.

California – Lobbyist in Ash Street Settlement Doesn’t Appear for Deposition but Reports More Meetings with City Officials
San Diego Union Tribune – Jeff McDonald | Published: 11/24/2021

A lobbyist involved in settlement talks between the city of San Diego and the owners and lenders of the vacant high rise did not appear for a deposition that was scheduled by lawyers suing the city. Christopher Wahl delayed answering questions even as he filed a new lobbying disclosure showing he continued to meet with City Attorney Mara Elliott and Mayor Todd Gloria’s chief operating officer to try and resolve lawsuits over the lease. Wahl is a partner at Southwest Strategies, which has reported raising tens of thousands of dollars in support of Elliott, Gloria, some city council members and the Democratic Party.

Connecticut – Gov. Lamont Says His Wife Will Pull Back on Investments in Connecticut and Blames Politics for Ethical Questions
Yahoo News – Christopher Keating and Stephen Singer (Hartford Courant) | Published: 11/30/2021

Gov. Ned Lamont said his wife’s investment firm is pulling back in Connecticut after critics questioned the move to Stamford of a New York financial technology company, Digital Currency Group (DCG), that negotiated $5 million in state aid. The governor said Annie Lamont is finding it difficult to invest in Connecticut because the combination of her work as an investor and his role as governor are dogged by ethical questions. Gov. Lamont has said little publicly until recently about his wife’s investments through Oak HC/FT, a venture capital firm she founded.

Florida – Legislative Ball Starts Rolling on Additional Lobbying Restrictions for Former Officials
Florida Politics – Renzo Downey | Published: 11/30/2021

Florida lawmakers moved legislation to further restrict public officials from lobbying in the years after leaving office. The House Public Integrity and Ethics Committee approved two proposed bills to implement Amendment 12, which places business and lobbying restrictions on former lawmakers. Penalties under the measures include fines up to $10,000 and forfeiting money earned from illegally lobbying. People could also receive public censure or reprimand for violating the law.

Maine – Maine Lawmaker Who Flouted Pandemic Rules Resigns After Wife’s COVID-19 Death
Yahoo News – Edward Murphy (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 11/30/2021

State Rep. Chris Johansen, a staunch opponent of pandemic-related restrictions who was stricken with COVID-19 this summer and whose wife died after contracting the virus, resigned from the Maine Legislature. He said his wife, who had asthma, had taken care of the farm, allowing him to serve in the state House. A few weeks after Cindy Johansen died, Chris Johansen attended a rally against the state’s vaccination mandate for health care workers.

Massachusetts – Organizers Seek Up to $25,000 from Donors to Fund Mayor Wu’s Inauguration
MSN – Meghan Irons (Boston Globe) | Published: 11/25/2021

Organizers for Michelle Wu’s inauguration are asking businesses and individuals for thousands of dollars to help bankroll her inauguration in January, putting her on track with previous Boston mayors who have marked their ascension to political power with a lavish affair. Boston Inaugural Fund 2021, responsible for raising cash for Wu’s inauguration, has been asking donors for $10,000 to $25,000, promising them different tiers for “sponsorship opportunities” for the inauguration.

Michigan – Benson’s Bid to Make Permanent Absentee Voter Rules Draws Opposition
Detroit News – Beth LeBlanc | Published: 11/28/2021

Rules that would change Michigan’s absentee ballot application and verification protocol are working their way through the state administrative process amid protests from legislative election leaders. The rules would require local clerks to start with a presumption of validity when examining signatures for absentee voter applications and ballots and allow for online absentee ballot applications. The rules, which went through a public comment process, implement to some extent practices Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson put in place during the pandemic ahead of the November 2020 presidential election.

Michigan – Federal Judge Slams Michigan GOP Suit Against Whitmer Fundraising
Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 12/1/2021

U.S. District Court Judge Janet Neff repeatedly criticized the Michigan Republican Party’s effort to challenge Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s reelection fundraising. Neff rejected a motion for an emergency restraining order to prevent the governor’s campaign from distributing millions of dollars in excess contributions she raised through a so-called recall exception. The judge said she had “questions” about whether GOP Chairperson Ron Weiser had legal standing to bring the lawsuit. She also said the GOP might be feeling “remorse” the party did not think of the idea earlier when one of its members held the governor’s office.

Michigan – Taylor Mayor’s Aide Guilty, Leaving Sollars Solo for Bribery Trial
Detroit News – Robert Snell | Published: 12/1/2021

An aide and campaign treasurer for indicted Taylor Mayor Rick Sollars admitted to pocketing bribes with the politician and faces up to five years in federal prison. Taylor community development manager Jeffrey Baum is the third person to strike a plea deal with federal prosecutors, moves that leave Sollars scheduled to stand trial alone on corruption charges in January. The criminal case comes amid a broader federal focus on public corruption in Metro Detroit. In the last dozen years, more than 110 labor leaders, politicians, police officers, and bureaucrats have been charged with federal corruption-related crimes.

Minnesota – Jan Malcolm’s Horse, and Other Things We Learned About from Minnesota Financial Disclosures
MinnPost – Walker Orenstein and Greta Kaul | Published: 11/30/2021

Minnesota law requires a wide range of public officials to disclose some of their economic interests, including properties, investments, and speaking fees. The disclosures, available on the Campaign Finance Board’s website, can give insight into the financial holdings of public officials, while providing a safeguard against self-dealing in government, experts say. Officials even have to say whether they or a family member have a financial stake in horse racing, though only one top state official has reported such an investment: Jan Malcolm, commissioner of the Department of Health.

Missouri – Campaign Fund Linked to Stenger Fined by Missouri Ethics Regulators
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kurt Erickson | Published: 11/26/2021

A once-obscure campaign committee that helped fund former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger’s 2018 reelection bid was fined more than $10,000 for violations of state ethics rules. The penalty was levied against the Missouri Association of Career Fire Protection District’s PAC after the Missouri Ethics Commission audited the account amid news reports about potential money laundering.

New Jersey – Is a Bribe a Bribe If You Can’t Deliver? Former Morris Freeholder Asks Judge to Toss Indictment
Morristown Green – Kevin Coughlin | Published: 12/1/2021

Is a bribe a bribe if there is no way you can deliver the goods? Former Morris County Freeholder John Cesar asked a judge to dismiss a six-count indictment against him. Cesaro was one of five public figures charged in a state bribery sting. At its center is attorney Matt O’Donnell, who secretly recorded audio and video of his conversations. Authorities say recordings captured Cesaro discussing and accepting illegal campaign donations in exchange for promises of tax appeals work for the county. But Cesaro had no authority to deliver, and O’Donnell knew it, contended Cesaro’s attorney.

New York – Former Buffalo Deputy Mayor’s Company Sentenced to Pay Restitution, Tiny Fine
Buffalo News – Matthew Spina | Published: 12/1/2021

Former Buffalo Deputy Mayor Steven Casey’s political consulting company is broke, so it will not have to pay a big fine, a federal judge ruled. LSA Strategies was sentenced to pay $8,283 restitution, a $400 court fee, and a fine of $69 to settle a single count of wire fraud. While moonlighting as a campaign strategist, Casey diverted the money to his company without the knowledge of a state Senate candidate he was serving in 2012. The restitution and court fee nearly depleted the company’s bank account.

New York – In the ‘New Albany,’ State Senate Regularly Outpaces Assembly on Reform
Gotham Gazette – Ethan Geringer-Sameth | Published: 12/1/2021

For years the Democratic majority in the New York State Assembly advanced bills its members knew the Republican-controlled Senate would not pass. Still other legislation, especially related to government ethics, transparency, and elections, stewed on the backburner with neither majority moving it forward. Those were the days of two-party rule in Albany, of a group of breakaway Democrats who buoyed Republicans, and a governor happy to straddle the middle. Since Democrats took over the Senate in 2019 those dynamics have shifted.

New York – NY Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin Submitted Incorrect Information on Background Check
Yahoo News – Michael Gartland (New York Daily News) | Published: 11/22/2021

New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin provided incorrect information on a background check he submitted to the governor’s office and state police as part of the vetting process he had to undergo to take on his current role. According to the background check form, which was signed by Benjamin, he answered “no” to an inquiry about whether he had ever been contacted by “a regulatory body concerning any possible legal, regulatory, ethical, or campaign finance, infraction or violation or investigation.” But Benjamin was contacted by at least two regulatory bodies over two campaign finance issues before the date he provided on the form.

New York – Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin Arraigned in State Probe
Albany Times Union – Kenneth Crowe and Brendan Lyons | Published: 12/1/2021

Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin stands accused of misusing campaign funds and falsifying campaign finance filings after a judge unsealed an indictment emerging from a long-running investigation by the state attorney general’s office and the FBI. The probe began as an investigation of his campaign for county executive and examined his financial dealings when he was a member of the New York Assembly. McLaughlin allegedly stole $5,000 from his campaign account in 2017 then falsely reported the expense in campaign documents filed with the state Board of Elections.

New York – Senate and Assembly Sexual Harassment Policies Are Not Strong Enough, Some Say
Albany Times Union – Michelle Del Rey | Published: 11/28/2021

Despite revisions to the New York Senate’s sexual harassment policy and state Assembly rules that lawmakers have touted as among the strongest in the nation, some say neither chamber’s policies go far enough to protect the employees that need it. The policies include provisions that some observers believe could discourage survivors from filing complaints, including a lack of transparency, and giving the Assembly speaker autonomy over final decisions once a complaint has been investigated and sustained.

North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Measure Group Considers Complaint About Commission’s Transparency
Bismarck Tribune – Jack Dura | Published: 11/30/2021

Leaders of a 2018 ballot measure that created North Dakota’s Ethics Commission will consider filing a complaint about the board’s openness. The commission’s chairperson said he thinks the panel has been accessible to the public but acknowledged room for improvement. Members of North Dakotans for Public Integrity attended a public hearing intended to take public comment on proposed conflict-of-interest rules for state officials involved in “quasi-judicial” proceedings, such as members of the state Industrial Commission and the Public Service Commission.

Ohio – Big Questions Remain in Huge Medicaid Procurement
Ohio Capital Journal – Marty Schladen | Published: 11/29/2021

A Franklin County judge recently dismissed a lawsuit over the largest public procurement in Ohio history. But important questions remain about potential corruption and conflicts-of-interest among key players who had a say in how the contracts were awarded. The Ohio Department of Medicaid announced it was awarding a set of contracts worth $22 billion to six managed-care companies. A seventh got a $1 billion contract to set up and manage a program for children with complex behavioral needs. All the contracts but one went to huge, out-of-state companies, several of which have been accused by the state of fraud, price-gouging, or other issues.

Oregon – Redistricting Reduces Indigenous Voting Power in NW Legislative Races, Advocates Say
Portland Oregonian – Chris Aadland (Indian Country Today) | Published: 11/26/2021

As voting-rights advocates in Indian Country look to boost Indigenous representation in politics, some say redrawn political maps in Oregon will dilute the power of many Native American voters to elect the candidates who best understand their communities. At issue is how the state legislative maps were drawn for some Oregon tribal communities. Tribal advocates say the new districts will make it nearly impossible to elect candidates that are representative of those communities at a time when voter-engagement efforts were beginning to make that a possibility.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Commissioners Called LGBTQ Gathering a ‘Hate Group’ and Denied Funds to Library Where It Was to Meet. So Citizens Stepped In.
MSN – Sydney Page (Washington Post) | Published: 11/29/2021

The Fulton County Commission decided not to approve an additional $3,000 in funding for the local library, which has received $12,000 annually since 2016.Two commissioners on the three-member board said they denied the money because the library agreed to host a biweekly LGBTQ support group. Both commissioners claimed the LGBTQ community is considered a “hate group,” according to the Fulton County News. “If we support them, we have to support Proud Boys and Black Lives Matter,” Commissioner Randy Bunch is quoted as saying at a meeting.

South Carolina – SC Democrat Repeatedly Broke Ethics Law, Used Campaign Money to Pay for Netflix, Hulu
MSN – Caitlin Byrd (The State) | Published: 11/30/2021

Businessperson Phil Noble violated South Carolina law in 2018 when he spent thousands of campaign dollars on personal expenses, including Netflix and Hulu subscriptions, gourmet popcorn, and clothes from a Calvin Klein outlet store, all while his campaign failed to report details about who was contributing to his gubernatorial bid. One of Noble’s own campaign aides filed a complaint in October 2018 about insufficient and delinquent fundraising reports.

Texas – Reports Detail Texas Railroad Commissioners’ Ties to Oil and Gas Industry
Dallas Morning News – Philip Jankowsky | Published: 11/27/2021

A series of reports from an advocacy group has made broad allegations that all three elected members of the Texas Railroad Commission are too closely tied to the oil and gas industry they regulate. The nonprofit group Commission Shift in a series of reports undertaken with Texans for Public Justice alleges the Railroad Commission is a “captured” agency, one that has become so entwined with the industry it regulates that it can no longer effectively oversee it.

Virginia – Roanoke Councilman’s Magazine Refunds Money to City After Questions
Roanoke Times – Jeff Sturgeon | Published: 12/1/2021

Roanoke City Councilperson Robert Jeffrey Jr. engaged in a prohibited business transaction for $850 with the city earlier this year, according to an opinion of the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council. Jeffrey, who accepted payment from the city for an advertisement in his magazine, has refunded the city’s money. Virginia law prohibits elected officials from receiving a financial benefit from any contract between their own governmental entity and themselves or their business.

Washington DC – For a City Still Struggling to Revitalize Its Downtown, Protests Become an Economic Lifeline
MSN – Emily Davies and Ellie Silverman (Washington Post) | Published: 11/29/2021

A subset of the local economy has become increasingly vital to the nation’s capital. With offices downtown still largely vacant and business travel to reach pre-pandemic levels, protests have become one of the most consistent draws to the District of Columbia – when out-of-towners come to exercise their First Amendment rights and then, maybe, go out to dinner. The National Park Service issued more than 245 demonstration permits from January through July of this year. City officials have embraced protest tourism in their attempts to revitalize downtown Washington.

Wisconsin – Panel Rules No Ethics Violation for Madison Assessor Who Gave Candy Bars to Review Body
Wisconsin State Journal – Logan Wroge | Published: 12/1/2021

The Madison Ethics Board dismissed a complaint against Chief City Assessor Michelle Drea. Developer Terrence Wall accused Drea of attempting to sway the Board of Review by giving out candy to members before a hearing on his objections to the assessment of two properties. Wall argued state and city ethics law prohibit providing “anything of value” to members of a public body if it could reasonably be expected to influence a vote or decision. “The candy is provided to ensure folks are not hungry and able to focus,” Drea said. “I just find it implausible to believe our ordinances disallow simple acts of kindness.”

National/Federal

Appeals Court Temporarily Bars Release of Trump White House Records to House Jan. 6 Committee
MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 11/11/2021

A federal appeals court blocked the imminent release of records of former President Trump’s White House calls and activities related to the January 6 Capitol attack after a lower court found President Biden can waive his predecessor’s claim to executive privilege. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit granted a temporary injunction while it considers Trump’s request to hold off any release pending appeal, and fast-tracked oral arguments for a hearing November 30.

House Censures Rep. Gosar for Violent Video in Rare Rebuke
Kansas City Star – Kevin Freking and Brian Slodysko (Associated Press) | Published: 11/17/2021

The U.S. House voted to censure Republican Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona for posting of an animated video that depicted him killing Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez with a sword, an extraordinary rebuke that highlighted the political strains testing Washington and the country. Calling the video a clear threat to a lawmaker’s life, Democrats argued Gosar’s conduct would not be tolerated in any other workplace and should not be in Congress. The vote to censure Gosar and strip him of his committee assignments was approved almost entirely along party lines.

How a Cure for Gerrymandering Left U.S. Politics Ailing in New Ways
New York Times – Nick Corasaniti and Reid Epstein | Published: 11/17/2021

Partisan gerrymandering is as old as the republic, but good-government experts thought they had hit on a solution with independent commissions, advisory groups, and outside panels. Taking the map-drawing process out of the hands of lawmakers under pressure to win elections, the thinking went, would make American democracy more fair. But in some states, commissions with poorly designed structures have fallen victim to political divisions, leading the process to be handed to courts. In others, the panels’ authority has been subverted by state lawmakers, who have either forced the commissioners to draft new maps or chosen to make their own.

Left-Wing Midwest Media Outlet Launching with Backing from Dem Donor
MSN – Elena Schneider (Politico) | Published: 11/17/2021

A major Democratic donor is funding a new media outlet aimed at covering state and local races in the Midwest as the latest entrant into the growing partisan-media landscape. It is part of a recent trend of explicitly Democratic-backed digital news projects that have popped up in the last several years, as candidates and movements across the political spectrum try to speak directly to supporters, drive viral attention, and shape the media ecosystem by creating their own content instead of working through legacy outlets.

Liberal ‘Dark-Money’ Behemoth Funneled More than $400M in 2020
MSN – Scott Bland (Politico) | Published: 11/17/2021

A liberal group spent $410 million in 2020, aiding Democratic efforts to unseat then-President Trump and win back control of the U.S. Senate. The Sixteen Thirty Fund financed attack ads and funded massive get-out-the-vote and issue advocacy campaigns amid the coronavirus pandemic. It exploded in size during the Trump administration, going from tens of millions of dollars per year to raising and spending hundreds of millions. Its 2020 fundraising and spending illustrates the extent to which the left embraced the use of “dark money” to fight for its causes in recent years.

‘QAnon Shaman’ Jacob Chansley Is Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison
Politico – Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney | Published: 11/17/2021

Jacob Chansley, whose shirtless image on the U.S. Senate rostrum and menacing note to Vice President Mike Pence came to symbolize the January 6 assault on the Capitol, was sentenced to 41 months in prison, matching the harshest sentence handed down yet in the prosecution effort. U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth acknowledged Chansley had not engaged in physical violence but said his role as a leader among those who went into the Senate chamber and disrupted the electoral vote tally compelled a serious prison sentence.

Sen. Braun’s Campaign Accused by FEC of Breaking Campaign Finance Laws
MSN – Kaitlin Lange (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 11/11/2021

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun’s 2018 campaign has been accused of accepting millions of dollars of potentially improper loans in an FEC memorandum and draft audit. Braun’s campaign argues in all the loans and contributions were legal. The FEC auditors were concerned because it appeared Braun accepted bank loans that did not require collateral. The auditors also found two checks worth $1.5 million from Meyer Distributing, a corporation Braun founded, that they say were incorrectly reported as a loan, according to the report.

Steve Bannon Indicted After Refusal to Comply with Jan. 6 Committee Subpoena
MSN – Devlin Barrett, Jacqueline Alemany, and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 11/12/2021

Former White House adviser Stephen Bannon was charged with two counts of contempt of Congress after refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was indicted by a grand jury in Washington, D.C., a rare move by the Justice Department to escalate the consequences of a dispute involving Congress. Court records indicate only three such cases have been filed since 1990. The charges against Bannon each carry a maximum sentence of one year in jail and may serve as a warning to others seeking to avoid or defy the select committee.

The FEC Relies on Candidates’ ‘Good Faith’ When It Comes to Foreign Donations. But the Agency’s Inspector General Says That’s ‘Insufficient Oversight’ and Poses a ‘National Security Risk.’
Yahoo News – Bryan Metzger (Business Insider) | Published: 11/10/2021

A report by the FEC’s internal watchdog found the agency’s current system of handling potential foreign contributions by largely relying on candidates and political action committees to certify that they haven’t received foreign money “poses a national security risk and provides insufficient oversight of possible illegal foreign donations.” The report also lists the ongoing growth in campaign spending, remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, issues with senior leadership staffing, and cybersecurity to be among the biggest challenges the FEC faces.

This Was Supposed to Be a Big Year for Hill Pay. Staffers Aren’t Holding Their Breath
MSN – Chris Ciofi (Roll Call) | Published: 11/18/2021

For a while it seemed as if this would be the year that Congress tackled its long-standing staff retention issues, but aides say that hope is waning. The prospect of higher pay soared this summer after House leadership decoupled member and staffer salary caps, and as appropriators proposed a 20 percent increase in the money members can spend on their offices and payroll. But as fall turns to winter, the two parties remain far apart on how to fund the government for fiscal 2022 beyond a series of stopgaps.

UK Govt Vows to Toughen Rules for Lawmakers After Ethics Row
Yahoo News – Jill Lawless (Associated Press) | Published: 11/16/2021

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson proposed a ban on lawmakers acting as “paid consultants” and promised to tighten ethics rules in response to scandals over lobbying and outside jobs that have tarnished politics in the United Kingdom. Johnson said lawmakers should be investigated if they were “neglecting their duties to their constituents and prioritizing outside interests,” and should be banned from acting as “paid political consultants or lobbyists.” He promised to seek cross-party support for changes to the House of Commons’ code of conduct.

Why Facebook Won’t Let You Control Your Own News Feed
Yahoo News – Will Oremus (Washington Post) | Published: 11/13/2021

In at least two experiments, Facebook explored what happens when it turns off its news feed ranking system, the software that decides for each user which posts they see and in what order. Both tests appear to have taught the researchers that users are better off with Facebook’s software calling the shots. In testimony to Congress, whistleblower Frances Haugen pointed to the algorithm as central to the social network’s problems, arguing it amplifies and rewards hateful, divisive, misleading, and sometimes false content by putting it at the top of users’ feeds.

Why GOP Leaders Can’t Keep Paul Gosar in Line
Mother Jones – Russ Choma | Published: 11/17/2021

While there were always party factions or caucuses pursuing their own interests, party leadership in Congress expected members to cooperate. Unnecessary controversy and self-serving provocations were not in the playbook. A key motivator was campaign finance. To secure reelection, members almost always needed help from party leaders who hold the purse strings in the House, those at the helm of the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The present scandal featuring Rep. Paul Gosar shows how the old methods of financial control no longer work.

Why Governors Keep Snubbing the Senate
Yahoo News – Marianne Levine and Burgess Everett (Politico) | Published: 11/15/2021

Republicans could not convince high-profile GOP governors Chris Sununu of New Hampshire and Phil Scott of Vermont to run for the U.S. Senate and help them win back the majority in 2022. Two more GOP governors, Doug Ducey of Arizona and Larry Hogan of Maryland, have also resisted running in those states’ Senate races next year. It is the latest chapter in congressional leaders’ bipartisan struggle to lobby popular candidates to come to Washington. That is no shock to those who have made the leap from executive to legislator. Coming to Washington these days just does not hold much appeal.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – State: Former House speaker tried to influence prison legislation from prison
Alabama Political Reporter – Josh Moon | Published: 11/15/2021

Even from prison, former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard, who is serving time after being convicted of several felonies related to ethical violations, was attempting to use his remaining political power to coerce lawmakers to insert language into a recently passed prison bill that would have allowed him to go free. The filing from the state attorney general’s office, which is an objection to Hubbard’s request for an early release, cites more than 600 personal phone calls the state monitored between Hubbard and various associates, and dozens of emails.

California – Emails Show LA Commissioner Used Influence to Help Win $3 Million COVID-19 Contract, Union Alleges
Los Angeles Daily News – Scott Schwebke (Orange County Register) | Published: 11/14/2021

An embattled Los Angeles fire and police pensions commissioner accused of ethics violations by a law enforcement union over a $3 million contract to test unvaccinated city employees for COVID-19 began lobbying Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office nearly a year ago on behalf of his company, raising questions from critics about potential influence peddling, emails show. The Los Angeles Police Protective League is suing the city and demanding an investigation, alleging it failed to disclose that testing contractor PPS Health is partly owned by Dr. Pedram Salimpour, who was reappointed by Garcetti to the pension commission in 2017.

California – Lobbyists Weren’t Eligible for PPP Money, but California Firms Got Millions
San Diego Daily Tribune – Alexei Koseff (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 11/12/2021

Dozens of California lobbying firms received millions of dollars in emergency federal assistance meant for small businesses to ride out the coronavirus pandemic, though some were ineligible for the program. The low-interest Paycheck Protection Program loans were subject to long-standing eligibility requirements that included a prohibition on lending to firms “primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities,” meaning they derived more than half of their revenue from that business.

Colorado – FBI Raids Home of Lauren Boebert’s Ex-Campaign Manager in Colorado Election Tampering Probe
Salon – Igor Derysh | Published: 11/16/2021

The FBI raided the home of Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters and three others in an investigation into a voting system security breach. Peters was accused by state officials in August of helping to leak voting system passwords to a right-wing blog. The FBI also searched the home of Sherronna Bishop, who served as U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert’s campaign manager. Bishop has been one of Peters’ most prominent allies in stoking unfounded allegations of voting machine problems in the election and hinted at a rally she was privy to unreleased data from Mesa County.

Idaho – Rep. Priscilla Giddings Censured, Removed from Legislative Committee by Idaho House
Idaho Statesman – Hayat Norimine | Published: 11/15/2021

Idaho Rep. Priscilla Giddings will be removed from a legislative committee over her actions when a sexual assault allegation came forward against a former lawmaker. House members vote to censure Giddings after she shared a far-right outlet’s article that identified a 19-year-old legislative intern who accused former Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger of rape. Giddings will be removed from the House Commerce and Human Resources Committee, which oversees laws around state employees.

Illinois – Businessman Pleads Guilty to Bribing Ex-State Sen. Martin Sandoval for Help with IDOT Land Sale
Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 11/17/2021

Businessperson Vahooman Mirkhaef pleaded guilty to federal charges alleging he paid at least $15,000 in bribes to then-Illinois Sen. Martin Sandoval to secure the purchase of state-owned property near his company. Mirkhaef admitted he also provided cash and other benefits over a three-year period to another elected official, identified only as “Public Official A,” in return for the official “using his position to attempt to benefit and not interfere with the operation” of Mirkhaef’s business.

Illinois – Director Fired After Improper Law Certificate Given to Donor
Yahoo News – John O’Connor (Associated Press) | Published: 11/17/2021

The director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board was fired this fall after an investigation found he improperly issued a law enforcement certificate to an unqualified local philanthropist who is also the son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett. The Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Governor determined Brent Fischer, executive director of the standards board since 2015, issued the certificate to Howard Buffett, who had served a 14-month appointment as Macon County sheriff and in 2016 donated land and $15 million for a law enforcement training academy.

Illinois – Ethics Board Says Aldermen Who Violate Code of Conduct Should Face Harsher Punishments as Gardiner Retaliation Claims Investigated
Book Club Chicago – Ariel Parrella-Aureli and Alex Nitkin (The Daily Line) | Published: 11/16/2021

The Chicago Board of Ethics is calling for harsher punishments for city council members who violate the council’s code of conduct after Ald. Jim Gardiner allegedly retaliated against constituents who criticized him. The board said it wants the city council to create an ordinance that would make the body’s code of conduct enforceable by law, not just “aspirational” as it is currently. This means officials caught flouting campaign finance rules or abusing their power in another way would be subject to sanctions such as fines, suspension, and termination.

Illinois – Pritzker Signs Law Banning Dark Money, Out-of-State Contributions in Judicial Campaigns
NPR Illinois – Hannah Meisel | Published: 11/15/2021

A new law in Illinois aims to ban out-of-state contributions and “dark money” in judicial campaigns by requiring all candidates to disclose the sources of their contributions. Gov. JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 536, which makes other changes to the way elections are conducted. Under the bill, no judicial campaign committee is allowed to accept contributions from any out-of-state source or any person or entity that does not disclose the identity of those making the donation, except for contributions that are below the threshold for itemizing. It also raises the threshold for itemizing contributions to $1,000.

Illinois – State’s Top Fiscal Watchdog Cleared After Six-Year Battle Over Campaign Finance Violations Finally Resolved – for Now
NPR Illinois – Hannah Meisel | Published: 11/16/2021

The State Board of Elections voted unanimously to end years-long dispute over campaign finance violations committed by Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino’s campaign committee before he became the state’s top fiscal watchdog. The board ruled Mautino and his now-defunct campaign committee did not knowingly violate campaign finance law during his two-decade tenure in the Illinois House. “Knowingly” was the key word the Illinois Supreme Court asked the board to concentrate on as it once again considered the what is left in a complaint first filed with the board nearly six years ago.

Iowa – Audit: Governor improperly used COVID funds for salaries
Yahoo News – David Pitt (Washington Post) | Published: 11/15/2021

A state audit on government spending accused Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds of using nearly $450,000 in federal coronavirus relief funds to pay salaries for 21 staff members for three months last year and concealing the spending by passing it through the state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Reynolds has said the federal coronavirus relief law allowed salaries to be paid for workers whose job requirements were significantly changed due to the pandemic.

Maryland – Baltimore County Executive Proposes Public Campaign Finance Legislation
MSN – Taylor DeVille (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 11/15/2021

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. announced a bill creating public financing that candidates for the county council and county executive could start using in 2026. The legislation would require candidates for council and county executive to meet different qualifying thresholds for eligibility. For qualifying candidates, the county would match every dollar on a sliding scale. The legislation would also establish a Fair Election Fund Commission.

Massachusetts – After 600 Days, the Massachusetts State House Remains Closed to the Public. It Appears to Be the Only State Capitol Still Shut on This Continent
Boston Globe – Matt Stoudt | Published: 11/14/2021

Steeped in history, the Massachusetts statehouse stands alone for many reasons among the country’s state Capitols: Its iconic dome was constructed with copper from Paul Revere’s foundry and Samuel Adams laid its cornerstone. The seat of the state’s executive and legislative branches now has another: The statehouse appears to be the only state Capitol on the continent where the public remains barred from entering. The pandemic-induced closure has now stretched past 600 days, and legislative leaders in charge of the building say they are juggling how to safely reopen a building that typically receives some 100,000 visitors each year.

Michigan – Retired Detroit Police Officer Involved in Vehicle Auctions Pleads Guilty to Taking Bribes
Yahoo News – Joe Guillen (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 11/17/2021

Alonzo Jones, a retired Detroit police officer who ran the department’s vehicle auctions for more than 10 years, pleaded guilty in federal court to accepting $3,200 in bribes. The bribe payments came from a confidential FBI source involving in the towing industry and an undercover agent. In exchange for the money, Jones falsified paperwork that transferred ownership of abandoned vehicles without a public auction as required by law to the confidential source and the undercover agent.

Minnesota – Senate GOP Gets OK to Create Private Club for Legislators, Lobbyists During Session
Minnesota Reformer – Ricardo Lopez | Published: 11/12/2021

State Senate Republicans received approval from the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board to create a private meeting space for legislators and lobbyists and other dues-paying members, raising concerns about transparency and undue influence and access. The Senate Victory Fund, the Senate GOP’s campaign committee, sought the opinion on its proposal to lease meeting space accessible to lawmakers and members who pay a fee.

Missouri – Parson PAC Hit with Second Fine from Missouri Ethics Regulators
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kurt Erickson | Published: 11/17/2021

The campaign fund that raises money to push Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s agenda illegally accepted a significant contribution from an out-of-state group last year. The Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC) said the Uniting Missouri PAC received a $150,000 contribution in October 2020 from a PAC associated with the Republican Attorney Generals Association. The contribution was deemed illegal because the attorney general association’s PAC was not registered with the MEC.

New York – AG Releases Interview Transcripts in Cuomo Harassment Probe
ABC News – Michael Hill, Jennifer Peltz, and Michael Sisak (Associated Press) | Published: 11/11/2021

Over an 11-hour interview with investigators last July, then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo defiantly denied allegations he sexually harassed women and sparred with the lawyers questioning him, accusing one of being out to get him, according to a transcript. State Attorney General Letitia James made public hundreds of pages of transcripts of interviews conducted by two independent lawyers, hired by her office, during their monthslong probe of sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo.

New York – Cuomo’s Book Approval Rescinded by Ethics Panel, Jeopardizing Millions
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 11/16/2021

The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) voted to rescind approval of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s book deal, paving the way for commissioners to potentially claw back millions of dollars in proceeds paid to the ex-governor. In July 2020, JCOPE Deputy Counsel Martin Levine approved Cuomo’s request to write the book about his early handling of the pandemic. But it has since emerged that Cuomo used government staff to help edit and produce the book, something his government attorney at the time, Judith Mogul, had explicitly stated would not occur as she sought the staff’s approval that summer.

New York – How Small-Dollar Public Financing Helped NYC Elect Its Most Diverse City Council Ever
The City – Ese Olumhense | Published: 11/16/2021

Ninety-seven percent of the record-breaking 39 women and Black, Latino, and Asian New Yorkers elected to the city council in November raised money through the public financing program, which enables participating candidates to have their small-dollar donations matched eight-to-one with public money, according to a new analysis by the Brennan Center. The “robust” public matching funds program is partially responsible for the dramatic shift in representation in the incoming council, the report’s authors said. The new council will be the most racially diverse it has ever been, and women are expected to increase their representation to at least 59 percent.

New York – State Ethics Panel Issues Fines to Lobbyists in Secret
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 11/15/2021

The secrecy surrounding the New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) issuing fines to lobbyists for late reports makes it difficult to know whether the agency is enforcing the rules evenhandedly, a relevant question for an entity often accused of favoring the administration of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. JCOPE has assessed $250,000 in fees this year from lobbyists who have missed deadlines to disclose activities before state government. But officials will say little else about the program, including which lobbyists have faced penalties, why they have been fined, or why their staff chooses to forgive certain fines.

Ohio – Who Knew About Bribes Paid During FirstEnergy Solutions’ Bankruptcy and House Bill 6 Bailout Campaign?
Energy and Policy Institute – Dave Anderson | Published: 11/16/2021

FirstEnergy Solutions’ (FES) management, board, and some top consultants for the utility and its creditors knew about plans to spend over $40 million on political contributions during the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Federal prosecutors said the money was part of a nearly $60 million bribery scheme at the Ohio Capitol. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Alan Koschik recently granted final approval for the $68 million in fees and expenses that FES accumulated with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. Akin Gump served as co-counsel to FES during the company’s restructuring and lobbied for bailout proposals on behalf of the utility.

Pennsylvania – John Dougherty and Bobby Henon Convicted of Conspiracy in Federal Corruption Trial
WHYY – Meir Rinde | Published: 11/15/2021

A powerful Philadelphia labor leader and a city council member were found guilty of conspiracy charges in a corruption trial. Prosecutors said John Dougherty kept Bobby Henon, a union electrician-turned-Philadelphia City Council member, on the payroll to help his union keep a tight grip on construction jobs. Dougherty still faces at least one more federal trial based on charges in the sweeping 2019 indictment. U.S. Attorney Jennifer Williams called the verdict “a strong message to the political power players of this city … that the citizens of Philadelphia will not tolerate public corruption as business as usual.”

Pennsylvania – New Limits Would Curtail Lobbyist Perks for Pa. Lawmakers, but One Leader Could Stand in the Way
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 11/11/2021

Pennsylvania lawmakers and other elected officials have been able to pocket almost anything sent their way by lobbyists, special interests, and others with a stake in government. Yet bills to end a system criticized as the “Wild West” for influence peddling have died with little or no debate. A coalition of Republican leaders has publicly backed placing limits on gifts to elected officials and public employees, though one key leader has so far refused to endorse the change, a potentially fatal roadblock.

South Dakota – South Dakota Legislature Moves for Subpoenas on Noem Meeting
MSN – Stephen Groves (Associated Press) | Published: 11/15/2021

South Dakota lawmakers moved to subpoena a document and a former state employee at the center of questions about whether Gov. Kristi Noem used her influence to aid her daughter’s application for a real estate appraiser license. The Legislature’s Government Operations and Audit Committee is pressing for details about a meeting the governor called last year that included her daughter, Kassidy Peters, and key decision-makers in a government agency that had moved days earlier to deny Peters’ application for an upgrade to her appraiser certification.

Tennessee – Tennessee GOP Primary Fee Creates Ethical Dilemma for Judge Candidates
Yahoo News – Andy Sher (Chattanooga Times Free Press) | Published: 11/18/2021

The Tennessee Republican Party’s approval of a plan to require that candidates for federal, state, and county elected offices pay a fee to run in a GOP primary is generating a case of ethical, as well as political, heartburn for state judges and judicial candidates. The legal angst stems from a recent opinion from the state’s judicial ethics committee about the issue. The panel stated in an advisory opinion that Tennessee’s Rules of the Code of Judicial Conduct bar the practice of paying the fee.

Washington DC – Trayon White Files Paperwork for D.C. Mayoral Bid Amid Campaign Finance Inquiry
MSN – Micahel Brice-Saddler (Washington Post) | Published: 11/12/2021

District of Columbia Council member Trayon White Sr. officially filed paperwork for his 2022 mayoral campaign about one month after he first announced via Instagram he was running. The delay is now the subject of an “internal inquiry” by the Office of Campaign Finance to determine whether White may have improperly engaged in campaign activities without having filed paperwork. City law states individuals must register as a candidate within five days of accepting a contribution or making any campaign-related expenditures.

National/Federal

Big Bird Got ‘Vaccinated’ Against COVID-19, Drawing Outrage from Republicans
National Public Radio – Rachel Treisman | Published: 11/8/2021

Big Bird ruffled some feathers when he tweeted that he was vaccinated against COVID-19, which is now available for children between the ages of five and 11. The Muppet has been a fixture of children’s television since 1969 but is officially six years old. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz decried the character’s tweet as “government propaganda.” Others denounced Big Bird as a puppet (literally) and communist. Many noted the irony of the criticism, given Big Bird is both a fictional character and one known for spreading messages of kindness and curiosity.

Clash With Corruption Watchdog Has Boris Johnson Retreating, Again
New York Times – Stephen Castle | Published: 11/4/2021

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson intervened to stop the suspension from Parliament of Owen Paterson, a fellow Conservative Party lawmaker found to have broken rules on lobbying. The government also pushed through contentious plans to change the system that investigated Paterson, who resigned following a backlash from politicians, news organizations, and others. Some neutral observers think that Mr. Johnson walked into a minefield of his own making.

Donors Threatened to Shun the GOP After Jan. 6. Now, Republicans Are Outraising Democrats.
MSN – Josh Dawsey, Isaac Stanley-Becker, and Michael Scherer (Washington Post) | Published: 11/9/2021

One day after rioters ransacked the Capitol in a bid to overturn the 2020 election, Republican lobbyist Geoff Verhoff sent an email to top GOP officials. Verhoff, a bundler who works at the lobbying firm Akin Gump, wrote he was resigning as co-chair of the Republican National Committee’s finance committee because he could no longer associate himself with Donald Trump and his movement. But when Trump spoke to some of the party’s top donors recently, Verhoff was one of the attendees. He has also recently given sizable sums to Republican candidates, including members who voted to overturn the results of the election.

FEC Eases Federal Contractors-Turned-Political Donors’ Path
Bloomberg Government – Kenneth Doyle | Published: 11/5/2021

The first $100,000 contribution to a pro-Donald Trump super PAC by an affiliate of the corrections company GEO Group came in 2016, a day after the Obama administration announced it would end federal use of private prisons. GEO’s stock price dropped but shot back up when Trump reversed the policy. Since then, affiliates of GEO have contributed over $2 million to Republican super PASCs. GEO’s contributions violated a decades-old ban on campaign money from government contractors, the Campaign Legal Center complained. But in a move that could have a wide impact on other contractors, the FEC dismissed the complaint.

GOP Lobbyists Say Corporate America Is Coming Back into the Tent
Yahoo News – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 11/8/2021

Republican lawmakers appear more likely to take back Congress in 2022 and corporate America is taking notice. A host of Republican lobbyists say the elections in Virginia and New Jersey have ignited interest from their corporate clients on making inroads with GOP officials on Capitol Hill. They also suspect cash will soon start flowing from corporate PACs to their party’s lawmakers. Corporate America’s potential embrace of the congressional GOP is notable for what preceded it.

GOP-Appointed Judges Freeze Biden Vaccine Requirement After Federal Lawsuit
MSN – Eli Rosenberg (Washington Post) | Published: 11/6/2021

A federal appeals court suspended the Biden administration’s new vaccine requirement for private companies, delivering a major blow for one of the White House’s key attempts to increase the number of vaccinations to corral the pandemic. The decision was issued by a panel of three judges appointed by Republican presidents in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The judges wrote there was “cause to believe there are grave statutory and constitutional issues with the mandate,” staying the order while the court assesses it.

House Jan. 6 Committee Issues Subpoenas to 6 Top Trump Advisers, Including Pair Involved in Willard Hotel ‘Command Center’
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Tom Hamburger, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 11/8/2021

The U.S. House select committee investigating the January 6 insurrection issued subpoenas to six top advisers to former President Trump, including two who were active in the Willard Hotel “command center” where Trump’s loyal backers oversaw efforts in January to overturn the 2020 election. Those actions included blocking or delaying the counting of electoral votes from battleground states where results were in dispute. Those states became the focus of the effort inside the hotel command center to find evidence of fraud that might compel state legislators to challenge Biden’s victory.

Igor Danchenko Arrested, Charged with Lying to FBI About Information in Steele Dossier
MSN – Devlin Barrett and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) | Published: 11/4/2021

An analyst who was a primary source for a 2016 dossier of allegations against Donald Trump has been arrested on charges he repeatedly lied to the FBI about where and how he got his information. Igor Danchenko’s role in providing information to British ex-spy Christopher Steele, who compiled the accusations about Trump in a series of reports, has been a subject of scrutiny from internal Department of Justice investigators and special counsel John Durham. A 2019 report by the Justice Department inspector general found major problems with the accuracy of Danchenko’s information.

Pelosi Calls for Investigations of Gosar’s Video That Depicts Him Killing Ocasio-Cortez
MSN – Felicia Sonmez and John Wagner (Washington Post) | Published: 11/9/2021

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for multiple investigations into the posting of an animated video by U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar that depicts him killing U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and swinging two swords at President Biden. Gosar has long drawn criticism for his extremist views, including his spreading of conspiracy theories about the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob and the deadly white-nationalist rally in Charlottesville in 2017. In February, he appeared at an event whose organizer called for white supremacy.

Pharmaceutical Industry Likely to Shatter Its Lobbying Record as It Works to Shape Democrats’ Spending Bill
MSN – Yeganeh Torbati and Jonathan O’Connell (Washington Post) | Published: 11/5/2021

Ads targeting lawmakers who supported allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices were one strand of a massive, months-long advertising, lobbying and political donation campaign undertaken by the pharmaceutical industry and its allies, perhaps the strongest of all corporate voices on Capitol Hill, to defeat a Democratic proposal to lower the cost of prescription drugs. The measure was in, then out, then watered down, going through a fierce ping-pong of backroom negotiations that is likely to continue once the Senate considers the bill in coming weeks.

Probe Finds Trump Officials Repeatedly Violated Hatch Act
MSN – Jill Colvin (Associated Press) | Published: 11/10/2021

At least 13 former Trump administration officials, including Jared Kushner and Mike Pompeo, violated the law by intermingling campaigning with their official government duties, according to a federal investigation. The report from the Office of Special Counsel says the officials broke the law without consequence and with the administration’s approval as part of a “willful disregard for the Hatch Act,” which prohibits government officials from using their official roles to influence elections, including supporting candidates while acting in their official capacities.

They Raised Millions for Trump. Spent Barely Any of It on Him. Now They’re Indicted.
Yahoo News – Caitlin Oprisko (Politico) | Published: 11/10/2021

Federal prosecutors charged Matt Tunstall and Robert Reyes with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to lie to the FEC. Prosecutors allege that of the roughly $3.5 million raised by the PACs they ran during the 2016 election, “only approximately $19 were distributed to any candidate’s authorized campaign committee or to any political cause, while a total of more than $1.5 million was used to benefit” the PAC operators. “Scam PACs” have proliferated over the last decade. The FBI has urged would-be donors to be on the lookout for such schemes.

Trump Loses Bid to Keep Jan. 6 Records from House Committee Investigating Riot
NBC News – Pete Williams | Published: 11/9/2021

A federal judge sided with the congressional committee investigating the January 6 insurrection by refusing to block the release of scores of White House documents from the Trump administration. The ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan means the first batch of disputed documents is set to be turned over to the House select committee. Lawyers for Donald Trump filed an appeal. President Biden has said executive privilege should not be invoked to block the select committee’s document requests.

USC Gave Rep. Karen Bass a Full Scholarship Worth $95,000 While She Served in Congress
MSN – Dakota Smith and Matt Hamilton (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/10/2021

U.S. Rep. Karen Bass received approval from the House ethics committee to accept a scholarship worth $95,000 from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Social Work. Bass said the program increased her understanding of child welfare policy. Now, USC’s efforts to connect with local politicians have become the subject of scrutiny. Bass was offered the scholarship by Marilyn Flynn, then the dean of USC’s social work school. Flynn was indicted for allegedly giving the son of then-Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas a scholarship and job in return for USC being awarded government contracts.

Voting Technology Firm Smartmatic Sues Newsmax and One America News, Alleging Defamation
MSN – Annabelle Timsit (Washington Post) | Published: 11/4/2021

The voting technology firm Smartmatic filed lawsuits against Newsmax and the parent company of One America News, alleging the right-wing outlets knowingly spread disinformation during the 2020 U.S. presidential election and defamed the company by telling viewers, without evidence, that its technology was used to steal votes from then-President Trump. The lawsuits are the latest chapter in a legal battle that has pitted firms that sell electronic voting machines and software in the U.S. against Trump-friendly news outlets.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Board with Close Ties to Landlord Group Oversees Constables Who Serve Eviction Writs
Yahoo News – Jessica Boehm, Catherine Reagor, and Ralph Chapoco (Arizona Republic) | Published: 11/8/2021

When renters are evicted, constables deliver the court orders – sought by landlords – that demand the tenants move out. But the board that trains and disciplines Arizona’s elected constables has close ties to the most powerful landlord group in the state. The relationship drew new scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic, when constables played an even more important role in the eviction process, sometimes deciding whether tenants qualified for eviction moratoriums.

California – SoCal Public Officials Targeted in Broadening Federal Investigation into Pot Licensing
MSN – Ruben Vives and Robert Lopez (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/7/2021

A federal grand jury issued subpoenas seeking information about cash and other payments to public officials and cannabis consultants as part of a criminal investigation into pot licensing in Baldwin Park and nearby cities in California. Federal authorities, including agents from the FBI and IRS, have been interviewing witnesses and are seeking a wide range of records regarding Baldwin Park city officials who approved cannabis licenses and consultants who helped businesses obtain the permits.

Colorado – Denver’s Top Parking Enforcer ‘Fixed’ 21 of His Own Tickets
KESQ – Brian Maas | Published: 11/5/2021

Denver’s Director of Right of Way Enforcement, Jonathan Featherston, received 21 parking citations on his personal car in 2020 and 2021. He ordered every one of the citations canceled, with Featherston now explaining he received the tickets while he was engaging in a secret “mystery shop” campaign to test how well parking agents were doing in handing out parking tickets. The curious practice came to light when a whistleblower noticed what Featherston was doing and filed a complaint with the city Board of Ethics, suggesting Featherston was engaged in “questionable ethical conduct,” using his public position for private gain.

Colorado – State Files Lawsuit Over Peters Campaign Fundraising
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel – Charles Ashby | Published: 11/8/2021

The Colorado attorney general’s office filed a lawsuit against Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters over her fundraising efforts and failure to report contributions and expenses for nearly three years. The lawsuit says Peters clearly is running for re-election next year, and is soliciting donations, but has not filed a campaign finance report since terminating her previous account in January 2019, a few months after she was first elected to office.

Florida – J.T. Burnette Gets 3 Years in Federal Prison, $1.25M Fine in City Hall Public Corruption Case
Yahoo News – Jeff Burlew (Tallahassee Democrat) | Published: 11/9/2021

Businessperson J.T. Burnette was sentenced to three years in federal prison and a $1.25 million fine for his role in a corruption scheme. Burnette, a wealthy entrepreneur, was convicted for his role in a long-running City Hall bribery ring involving former city Commissioner Scott Maddox and his accomplice and girlfriend Paige Carter-Smith. Peter Nothstein, deputy director of the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section, noted Burnette never admitted “what he did was wrong.” He said for Burnette, bribery was just the cost of doing business.

Florida – Opa-locka Mayor Abruptly Resigns During Commission Meeting, Citing ‘Corruption’
MSN – Aaron Leibowitz (Miami Herald) | Published: 11/10/2021

Opa-locka Mayor Matthew Pigatt abruptly announced his resignation during a city commission meeting, marking the latest twist of fate for a city trying to overcome years of corruption and political chaos. Following a public comment period, he rose from his seat at the dais to deliver a prepared statement. Pigatt’s resignation was not on the agenda. Pigatt won a commission seat in 2016, pledging reform and transparency amid an FBI corruption probe at City Hall and state oversight of the city’s finances. He became mayor in 2018 on a similar platform.

Florida – Professors Sue University of Florida, Claiming Free Speech Restraints
MSN – Lori Rozsa and Susan Svrluga (Washington Post) | Published: 11/6/2021

Three professors filed a lawsuit against the University of Florida, claiming school officials violated their right to free speech by trying to prevent them from offering testimony in a voting rights case. The case further inflames a heated debate over academic freedom, one that has brought national attention and criticism to the state’s flagship university. It was filed on the same day school officials reversed course and said the three political science professors should not be barred from testifying in a voting rights lawsuit against the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Indiana – Ex-Indiana House Speaker Bosma Registers as Paid Lobbyist
Yahoo News – Associated Press | Published: 11/8/2021

Former Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma registered as a paid statehouse lobbyist a little more than a year after he left elected office. Bosma is working with 1816 Public Affairs Group, a lobbying firm headed by Michael O’Brien, who was Gov. Eric Holcomb’s 2016 campaign manager. Bosma said he joined the firm last year as a consultant and carefully followed the state’s one-year ban before a former lawmaker can legally deal directly with old colleagues on legislative business.

Maine – Foreign Company’s Subsidiary Poured Millions into Influencing Maine Ballot Referendum
Center for Responsive Politics – Anna Massoglia | Published: 11/9/2021

A Maine ballot referendum to halt the construction of a $1 billion cross-border corridor of electric transmission lines from Canada attracted more than $89 million in funds through ballot campaigns. Top donors pouring $63 million into opposing the referendum included HQ Energy Services, the U.S. affiliate of Hydro Quebec. The Canadian company’s role sparked debate about whether companies with foreign government ownership should be allowed to spend on ballot referendums. The FEC ruled foreign donors can finance U.S. ballot measure committees under federal campaign finance law.

Michigan – Detroit Police Chief Looks to Computer Software to Root Out Towing Corruption
Yahoo News – Christine MacDonald (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 11/10/2021

The Detroit Police Department announced new measures aimed at clamping down on corruption in vehicle towing, an area at the center of an ongoing federal public corruption investigation. Police Chief James White said the department wants to buy computer software that will divvy up jobs to tow companies, taking the “human element” out of the process and reducing the chances someone could steer work to a favored outlet. He said the department also will launch an investigative unit staffed by civilians to ensure towing rules are followed.

Missouri – Firefighters Union Chief Collects City Salary While Working Other Full-Time Job in DC
MSN – Mike Hendricks (Kansas City Star) | Published: 11/10/2021

Kansas City Manager Brian Platt signed a previously undisclosed agreement last summer allowing the fire captain who then headed the local firefighters’ union to remain on the city payroll and collect his $86,000 a year salary while working full time in Washington, D.C. The unprecedented arrangement also exempts Tim Dupin from the city’s residency rules while earning more than $150,000 annually from his new job as the International Association of Fire Fighters’ director of political action at the union’s Washington headquarters.

Missouri – PACs Tied to Missouri Lobbyist Scramble to Account for Funds
Yahoo News – Jason Hancock (Missouri Independent) | Published: 11/10/2021

A pair of PACs connected to a Missouri lobbyist under FBI scrutiny have begun taking steps to account for nearly $170,000 in cash that went unreported on disclosures to the state Ethics Commission. The discrepancies with PACs connected to Steve Tilley, a former state lawmaker and longtime adviser to Gov. Mike Parson, were first documented by The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It found the PACs reported cash balances in early 2021 that were significantly lower than the total reported at the end of 2020 without any corresponding spending to explain the decrease.

New Jersey – Surprise NJ Senate Winner Says Sorry Amid Scrutiny of Posts
Yahoo News – Associated Press | Published: 11/5/2021

A truck driver who ousted the powerful New Jersey Senate president in the election previously posted online calling Islam “a false religion,” comparing vaccine mandates to the Holocaust, and defending rioters at the U.S. Capitol. Republican Edward Durr apologized after media outlets highlighted the posts. His victory over Steve Sweeney, widely regarded as the second-most powerful Democrat in state government, in the November 2 shocked the state’s political establishment. Durr spent a paltry sum on his campaign.

New Jersey – ‘This Sentence Will Go on Forever’: Morristown lawyer gets probation in corruption case
Morristown Green – Kevin Coughlin | Published: 11/6/2021

A lawyer who pled guilty to records tampering to secure municipal contracts avoided prison, receiving three years’ probation and community service. Elizabeth Valandingham was charged in connection with a state political corruption investigation that centered on her boss, attorney Matt O’Donnell. He pled guilty to corporate misconduct and conspiracy to tamper with records. Between 2013 and 2017, authorities charged, Valandingham helped secure at least $600,000 in legal work for O’Donnell’s now-shuttered firm by falsely representing to Mt. Arlington and Bloomfield officials, and to the state Election Law Enforcement Commission, that the firm had made no political contributions in those towns.

New York – De Blasio Defends Leaving $300K Legal Bill Unpaid
Politico – Erin Durkin | Published: 11/10/2021

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio does not plan to dip into his own pocket to pay any of the $300,000 in outstanding legal bills he owes from a corruption investigation, saying he will rely on donors to pay the tab. De Blasio has owed the money to the law firm Kramer, Levin, Naftalis and Frankel since 2017, after lawyers there represented him in a probe into whether the mayor and his aides did special favors for campaign donors. The outstanding debt has raised conflict-of-interest concerns since the firm represents many clients with business before the city.

New York – Millions in Secret Ballot Spending Raises Legal Question
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 11/4/2021

The public had no know way to immediately know who had funded the multi-million-dollar campaign by the state Conservative Party against three proposed constitutional amendments in New York, including attack ads. The origin of the funding may not be known until January because the ads were paid for by a political spending vehicle that critics have long derided as a major loophole in the law. Both the Conservative Party and Senate Democrats maintain the practice was legal, though the language of state law is not clear on the subject.

Ohio – Ohio Medicaid: It’s not a conflict if you only own stock in the parent company
Ohio Capital Journal – Marty Schladen | Published: 11/9/2021

Ohio Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran did not have a conflict-of-interest when she signed multi-billion-dollar contracts earlier this year, her department’s attorneys are arguing. That is because she only owns stock in parent corporations, not their Ohio subsidiaries to whom she awarded contracts. The department made the argument in a court case in which a disappointed bidder is trying to overturn a process that resulted in the award of $22 billion worth of managed-care business to six corporations.

Ohio – Ohio Utility Regulator Lobbied for Legislation to Save FirstEnergy Millions, Texts Show
Ohio Capital Journal – Jake Zuckerman | Published: 11/9/2021

Ohio’s top utility regulator quietly lobbied lawmakers to include a provision in the state budget that saved tens of millions for FirstEnergy Corp., text messages from company executives show. FirstEnergy admitted in court it paid Sam Randazzo more than $4.3 million in the weeks before Gov. Mike DeWine appointed him in February 2019 as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, which regulates power companies. The texts suggest Randazzo helped convince lawmakers to slip into the 2019 budget a few sentences worth millions of dollars to FirstEnergy.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Lobbyists Disclose Some Financial Interests for First Time But Details Are ‘Very Nebulous’
Lancaster Online – Sam Janesch (The Caucus) | Published: 11/10/2021

Lobbyists and principals in Pennsylvania are now required to disclose their financial interests in companies for which they advocate. The disclosures are billed as a step toward transparency. But their format is haphazard and, arguably, useless, according to an analysis and interviews with advocates and others who have reviewed the filings. Amid a narrow reporting period and few guidelines, lobbyists interpreted the new requirement in a variety of ways. There are more than 1,230 registered lobbyists and firms in the state. More than 130 of them disclosed equity in their clients.

Texas – Dallas Real Estate Developer Ruel Hamilton Sentenced To 8 Years in Prison For Bribing 2 Former City Council Members
MSN – Staff | Published: 11/9/2021

A real estate developer was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for bribing two former Dallas City Council members. Ruel Hamilton was also ordered to pay a $150,000 fine. From 2013 to 2015, Hamilton shelled out tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to Carolyn Davis, who was then serving as chairperson of the council’s Housing Committee. In return, Davis, who pleaded guilty to her role in the scheme prior to her death in 2019, supported Hamilton’s housing project. To disguise the bribe payments, Hamilton funneled payments to Davis through a not-for-profit intermediary.

Virginia – Va. Senate Democrats Ask State Supreme Court to Disqualify Republicans’ Nominated Map Drawers
MSN – Meagan Flynn and Teo Armus (Washington Post) | Published: 11/8/2021

The Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus asked the state Supreme Court to disqualify all three nominees tapped by Republican leadership to help it draw the state’s new congressional and legislative maps, calling them “political operatives” with conflicts-of-interest. The state Supreme Court is redrawing the maps after the bipartisan Virginia Redistricting Commission, approved by voters in a constitutional amendment last year, did not reach agreement on new congressional and General Assembly districts.

Virginia – White Supremacists Find a New Platform to Spread Hate: A federal courtroom in Charlottesville
MSN – Ellie Silverman (Washington Post) | Published: 11/10/2021

White supremacists are weaponizing the federal civil trial about the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville into a spiteful stage. Some of the defendants have been ousted from social media such as Facebook but in this courtroom, they have found a new platform to amplify their racist views, put on performances they boast about on podcasts, radio shows, and in live during-the-trial chats, and to attack their opponents. The defendants are some of the most notorious white supremacists and hate groups in the country, and the plaintiffs allege they engaged in a conspiracy to commit racially motivated violence.

Washington – PDC: ‘Washougal Moms’ must register as political action committee
The Columbian – Doug Flanagan (Camas-Washougal Post-Record) | Published: 11/5/2021

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has called out the Washougal Moms group for failing to register as a PAC. In a formal warning, the PDC said the organization had also failed to identify its financial sponsors and had not reported required financial contributions and expenditures. Formed in May to defend three mothers accused of disrupting a Washougal School Board meeting, the group has since hosted a “tribunal” to elect a shadow school board, posted opposition to at least one school board incumbent running for reelection, and called for current school board officials to be removed and arrested.

Washington DC – A D.C. Elected Official, Who Holds Office While Incarcerated, Was Almost Moved to Pennsylvania Prison
MSN – Julie Zauzmer Weil (Washington Post) | Published: 11/9/2021

Political leaders in the District of Columbia successfully scrambled to prevent an elected official who holds his position while incarcerated in the city jail from being transferred to a federal prison more than 100 miles outside Washington. Joel Castón’s narrowly averted transfer to a federal prison in Pennsylvania underscores the situation of hundreds of city inmates who are being transferred far from their families and communities. By staying in the city, Castón says, he will be able to keep fulfilling the duties of his office: representing those inmates who will be transferred, his constituents.

Washington DC – As Bowser Launches Reelection Bid, Her High-Profile Appointee Is Under Fire
MSN – Paul Schwartzman (Washington Post) | Published: 11/6/2021

Neil Albert abruptly resigned recently as chairperson of the District of Columbia Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. His exit followed a published report that he failed to reveal he was in a relationship with Paola Moya before approving her architectural firm for lucrative authority contracts. Federal prosecutors served the authority with a criminal subpoena, seeking documents related to Albert, Moya, and her firm. In addition, members of the city council asked the inspector general to conduct a broad investigation into what they called “a pattern of misconduct” at the agency.

Washington DC – Judge Lets Claim Against Trump’s Inaugural Committee and Private Business Move Forward
Yahoo News – Myah Ward (Politico) | Published: 11/8/2021

The lawsuit against former President Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee and his private business could potentially go to trial after a judge allowed some of the local attorney general’s claims to move forward. The lawsuit filed by District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine alleges the Trump International Hotel in Washington illegally received more than $1 million by charging the Presidential Inaugural Committee inflated prices to use ballrooms and other event spaces, violating the city’s laws governing nonprofit organizations.

National/Federal

A Year Out, Political Groups Prepare for What Could Be the Most Expensive Midterms Ever
MSN – Kate Ackley (Roll Call) | Published: 11/2/2021

Next year’s midterm elections, which will determine control of the House and Senate for the second half of President Biden’s first term, are on pace to shatter previous records, thanks largely to big money outside groups. Super PACs – more than a decade old, with an infrastructure and stream of donors to rival the political parties – and other outside organizations already have begun to invest heavily to influence the outcome of the 2022 elections. An infusion of millions of dollars into a race can upend the previous dynamics. Outside organizations will rely on polling and other cues for where to put their money.

At Least Seven Jan. 6 Rallygoers Won Public Office on Election Day
MSN – Amy Wang and Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 11/3/2021

At least seven people who attended the pro-Trump rally on January 6 in Washington, D.C. that preceded the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol were elected to public office on November 2. None were charged with crimes, and all denied being part of the pro-Trump mob that stormed the Capitol to stop the certification of President Biden’s electoral college win. The attack resulted in five deaths and left some 140 members of law enforcement injured.

Burr’s Brother-in-Law Called Stock Broker, One Minute After Getting Off Phone with Senator
ProPublica – Robert Faturechi | Published: 10/28/2021

After U.S. Sen. Richard Burr dumped more than $1.6 million in stocks in February 2020, a week before the coronavirus market crash, he called his brother-in-law, according to a new Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing. They talked for 50 seconds. Burr, according to the SEC, had material nonpublic information regarding the incoming economic impact of coronavirus. The very next minute, Burr’s brother-in-law, Gerald Fauth, called his broker. It was previously unknown that Burr and Fauth spoke that day, and their contact came just before Fauth began the process of dumping stock himself.

Cases Show Foreign Donors Secretly Funnel Money Through Straw Donors, Shell Companies, ‘Dark Money’
Center for Responsive Politics – Anna Massoglia | Published: 10/28/2021

Lev Parnas, a Soviet-born former business associate of Rudolph Giuliani, was recently convicted for campaign finance crimes. His case exposed the ways secret donors, including foreign nationals, can hide their identities from the American public while currying influence with politicians through straw donors, shell companies, and other forms of “dark money.” While Parnas’ case ended with a conviction, other prosecutions in similar cases are just beginning.

Foreign Nationals Can Finance Ballot Initiatives, FEC Affirms
MSN – Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) | Published: 11/3/2021

The FEC affirmed that foreign nationals can legally spend money on ballot measures in states that do not otherwise forbid the practice. Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions in connection with federal, state, or local elections but is silent on spending related to ballot initiatives. The decision is consistent with established interpretations of federal election law, campaign finance experts said. But it does not address whether certain types of ballot initiatives that explicitly involve a candidate or bear directly on elections, such as redistricting measures, might trigger the federal ban on foreign money, said FEC member Ellen Weintraub.

Gun Control Group Alleges Campaign Finance Violations in Lawsuit Against NRA
MSN – Mychael Schnell (The Hill) | Published: 11/2/2021

The gun control group Giffords filed a lawsuit against the National Rifle Association, alleging the advocacy group violated campaign finance laws by illegally contributing tens of millions of dollars to Republican U.S. Senate and presidential candidates, including Donald Trump in 2016, through shell corporations. “Over the past seven years, the National Rifle Association has engaged in an ongoing scheme to evade campaign finance regulations by using a series of shell corporations to illegally but surreptitiously coordinate advertising with at least seven candidates for federal office,” the complaint states.

‘Last Stop’ House Committee Takes Its Turn in the Limelight
MSN – Lindsey McPherson (Roll Call) | Published: 11/3/2021

After 13 committees spent countless hours in September preparing a $3.5 trillion-plus partisan budget reconciliation package, the House Rules Committee – “the most powerful committee that people haven’t heard of,” according to its chairperson, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern – is going to cut the measure almost in half. It is the panel’s job to tweak bills so they ultimately have the votes to pass. The committee has no original legislative jurisdiction, but the policy areas it can influence are endless.

Lobbying Firms Connected to Biden White House Are Flourishing Under New Administration
Yahoo News – Soo Rin Kim (ABC News) | Published: 11/3/2021

Lobbying firms with ties to President Biden and his administration are thriving, with some doubling and quadrupling their lobbying revenues from last year, disclosure filings show, but overall lobbying revenues have not increased much over the last year. Three firms led by former Biden aides and others with close ties to key members of the administration have brought in far more in lobbying revenues in just the first three quarters of 2021 than the amount they brought in during the entire previous year.

Perfect Attendance: Susan Collins racks up 8,000th vote in the Senate
MSN – Chris Cioffi (Roll Call) | Published: 11/1/2021

Even a global pandemic could not stop Susan Collins from keeping up her perfect U.S. Senate attendance, a consecutive voting streak that has stretched nearly a quarter-century. She reached the 8,000-vote mark recently, voting to confirm Elizabeth Prelogar to be U.S. solicitor general. Since her arrival in the chamber in 1997, Collins has not missed a single vote. Collins is still a couple of thousand votes away from breaking the record for longest streak ever, held by William Proxmire.

Senate Republicans Block Debate on a Third Major Voting Rights Bill
MSN – Mike DeBonis (Washington Post) | Published: 11/3/2021

Republican senators voted to block debate on the third major voting rights bill that congressional Democrats have sought to pass this year in response to the state-level GOP push to restrict ballot access following former President Trump’s false claims of a stolen 2020 election. Only one Republican, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, voted to advance it. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act seeks to empower the Justice Department and federal courts to review state election laws, restoring provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that have been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Stunning Survey Gives Grim View of Flourishing Anti-Democratic Opinions
The Hill – Reid Wilson | Published: 11/1/2021

A recent poll from the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute paints a troubling portrait of a growing segment of the public that is increasingly unmoored from reality as it embraces conspiracy theories about child abduction and stolen elections. It found a deep divide between those who trust right-wing media outlets and the rest of the nation, and even a divide between those who trust Fox News and those who trust outlets like One America Network and Newsmax. Eighteen percent say they agree with the statement that America has gotten so far off track that “true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country.”

Trump Campaign Payments for ‘Command Centers’ at D.C. Hotels Could Undermine Executive Privilege Claim in Jan. 6 Investigation
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Josh Dawsey, Emma Brown, and Tom Hamburger (Washington Post) | Published: 11/2/2021

More than $225,000 in Trump campaign payments went to firms owned by Bernard Kerik and Rudolph Giuliani, including more than $50,000 for rooms and suites at the Willard hotel in Washington, D.C. that served as a “command center” for efforts to deny Joe Biden the presidency in the days leading up to the attack on the Capitol on January 6. The fact that campaign funds were used to finance efforts to subvert Biden’s victory could complicate the Donald Trump’s ongoing attempt to use claims of executive privilege to shield documents and testimony from the congressional committee investigating the insurrection.

Trump Seeking to Block Hundreds of Pages of Documents from Jan. 6 Committee, Court Filing Shows
MSN – Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 10/30/2021

Former President Trump is trying to withhold nearly 800 pages of documents from the House select committee investigating the January 6 insurrection. The filing was in response to and shed more light on a lawsuit Trump filed seeking to block the disclosure of records related to his whereabouts, communications, and activities that day. Exerting additional pressure on Trump, 66 former members of Congress, including 44 Democrats and 22 Republicans filed a brief opposing Trump’s attempt to shield documents from the select committee.

Two Democratic Senators Take Aim at ‘Zombie’ Campaigns
Yahoo News – Roger Sollenberger (Daily Beast) | Published: 11/4/2021

U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and Elizabeth Warren introduced legislation to prohibit former politicians from holding on to their campaign money forever. The bill would outlaw so-called zombie campaign accounts for any politician who does not file for the next election six months after they leave office and would require any former politician who wishes to register as a lobbyist to shut down their campaign account immediately.

UK Needs a Lobbying Regulator, Review Author Recommends
Financial Times – Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe | Published: 11/2/2021

The United Kingdom should create a regulator able to “impose severe sanctions” on individuals who break lobbying rules, the author of an independent review into the issue suggested. Nigel Boardman, who published a review into lobbying following a scandal involving former Prime Minister David Cameron, told the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee the lobbying industry needed to move away from “self-regulation.”

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – After Federal Court Ruling, Alaska Campaign Regulators Propose Higher Donation Limits
Anchorage Daily News – James Brooks | Published: 11/3/2021

The staff of the Alaska Public Offices Commission set the state’s campaign contribution limit at $1,500 from an individual to a candidate, now that the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has thrown out the previous $500 cap. A group would be limited to $3,000 in donations per candidate or group per year. Campaigns and candidates are required to follow the new caps until the commission votes on the proposal and could be subject to an official complaint and investigation if they violate its limits.

California – City Report: SF officials got free tickets to pricey outside Lands Fest through ethically questionable loophole
KQED – Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez | Published: 10/29/2021

According to a recent San Francisco Ethics Commission report, city officials have been given at least $430,950 in free tickets to the Outside Lands festival through a loophole, that although technically legal, is ethically dubious. The Recreation and Parks Department, which is the agency accepting the tickets from Another Planet Entertainment, which puts on the festival, is also in charge of the contract for the event space. That makes them a “restricted source” for officials involved in the contract, which means accepting any gifts from entities they are doing business with poses a potential conflict-of-interest.

California – How Local Independent Commissions Are Changing California Redistricting
CalMatters – Sameea Kamal | Published: 10/26/2021

California has a dozen new local independent commissions in this round of redistricting, a process that will create districts for elections from 2022 to 2030. These new panels are coming up with districts that in some places have never been redrawn, or have not been altered significantly, despite changing populations. Taking redistricting power away from officeholders could mean changes in representation and city priorities.

California – Is It Too Easy to Hold a Recall in California? Lawmakers Raise Changes After Newsom Victory
MSN – Lara Korte (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 10/29/2021

Both Democrats and Republicans said they are open to tweaking California’s 108-year-old recall laws, but they are far from consensus on what those changes should look like. Lawmakers gathered for the first formal discussion of the state’s recall process following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s victory against a recall. Democrats are concerned it is too easy to qualify a recall in California. Republicans said they are open to changing the recall in a way that makes it more efficient or conducts it in a better manner, but they are cautious about diluting an avenue of direct democracy.

Connecticut – A $375,000 Kentucky Derby Trip, Personalized Golf Balls and Luxury Swag Bags. Federal Jury Set to Determine When High-Priced Corporate Retreats Are Illegal Junketeering
MSN – Edmund Mahoney (Hartford Courant) | Published: 10/31/2021

Five former Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC) officials are on trial over their involvement in multiple trips that cost more than $800,000 in total. The men planned or participated in trips that sent scores of friends, family, colleagues, and customers on utility-paid trips to the Kentucky Derby and golf outings at The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia. The defendants say the travel was legal under state law. “The evidence … will prove that the five defendants used hundreds of thousands of dollars of money belonging to CMEEC … for their personal benefit …,” prosecutors wrote in a pre-trial memorandum.

Delaware – Can Delaware Lawmakers Legally Oust an Indicted State Auditor? State Law Isn’t Clear
WHYY – Mark Eichman | Published: 11/2/2021

The Delaware General Assembly has never voted to have the governor oust another elected official. As a result, there is some confusion about how the process works. After a grand jury indicted state Auditor Kathy McGuiness on fraud charges, resolving that confusion has taken on increased urgency. The felony charges accuse McGuiness of hiring her daughter to a no-show job, giving her 2018 campaign consulting firm an illegal state contract, and intimidating employees who complained.

Florida – Candidates Fail to Turn in Mandatory Financial Reports
MSN – Corbin Bolies (Fresh Take Florida) | Published: 10/30/2021

Scores of challengers running for Congress across Florida have failed to successfully file financial reports in Washington that would publicly reveal key details about their personal wealth, debts, and jobs, as required by the U.S. House. The missing paperwork means voters have few clues so far about where these candidates have earned their money, where they invested, or to whom they owe personal debts. Candidates’ explanations included reports being lost in the mail, forgetting they were due, technical glitches, and confusion over what Congress required.

Florida – Florida Blocks Professors from Testifying Against Voting Law Pushed by DeSantis
Politico – Gary Fineout and Marc Caputo | Published: 10/30/2021

The University of Florida blocked three professors from testifying on behalf of plaintiffs in a lawsuit seeking to overturn the state’s new restrictive voting law. University officials asserted it was a conflict-of-interest for professors to testify in the lawsuit because they are state employees. It is a turnaround in university policy, which for years allowed professors to testify in lawsuits against the state, including one that unsuccessfully challenged the state law that restricted voting rights for convicted felons. Critics contend the action imperils academic freedom and raises concerns about the First Amendment.

Illinois – Ex-State Rep. Luis Arroyo Pleads Guilty in Bribery Case Tied to Sweepstakes Machines
MSN – Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 11/3/2021

Former Illinois Rep. Luis Arroyo pleaded guilty in a bribery scheme involving a shadowy lobbying effort to expand the use of sweepstakes gaming machines. He acknowledged offering a member of the state Senate monthly payments of $2,500 to back a bill supported by a sweepstakes firm that hired Arroyo as a lobbyist. Prosecutors said Arroyo accepted $7,500 in bribes from James Weiss, the owner of sweepstakes firm Collage LLC, with the understanding he would vote for the legislation supported by Weiss and lobby members of the executive branch and the Illinois Senate.

Massachusetts – Michelle Wu Makes History as First Person of Color and Woman to Be Elected Boston Mayor
MSN – Joanna Slater and Adela Suliman (Washington Post) | Published: 11/3/2021

Democrat Michelle Wu is the first woman and person of color to be elected Boston mayor. The campaign largely focused on housing costs, education, and the city’s opioid crisis. But the race also highlighted Boston’s growing diversity, with all the leading candidates being women of color. It is the first time in nearly 200 years that the city’s next mayor will not be a White man.

Missouri – Many Redistricting Commissioners Have Close Ties to Lawmakers
Columbia Missourian – Rudi Keller (Missouri Independent) | Published: 11/4/2021

The 40 people chosen to draw new legislative districts for Missouri include political consultants, former candidates, and political party officers. They have until January to design 163 Missouri House and 34 state Senate districts that would be used next year. The commissions are billed as independent, and members are prohibited from running for a legislative seat for four years. Many commissioners, however, have close ties to the state legislators whose districts they will be redrawing.

Montana – Legislative Counsel Requests AG’s Documents in St. Peter’s Dispute
Missoula Current – Arren Kimbeil-Sannit (Daily Montanan) | Published: 11/1/2021

A special counsel tasked with probing allegations that state officials in the Montana attorney general’s office harassed doctors at St. Peter’s Health in Helena have formally requested documents related to the incident. Democratic legislative leadership requested their counterparts in the majority investigate the allegations on the heels of media reports in which St. Peter’s said unnamed state officials threatened doctors at the hospital for not prescribing a COVID-19 patient ivermectin, an unapproved treatment for the virus. The patient, an activist in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party politics, has since passed away.

New Jersey – Former Owner of Morristown Law Firm Admits Directing Bold Straw Donor Scheme
MSN – Lori Comstock (Morristown Daily Record) | Published: 10/27/2021

Attorney Matthew O’Donnell pleaded guilty to “pay-to-play” charges in connection with a bribery scheme in New Jersey. O’Donnell admitted his firm submitted proposals for legal services to municipalities but failed to disclose the firm made campaign contributions to officials in those locations. Using straw donors allowed the firm to donate to campaigns and evade laws that would otherwise disqualify them from winning contracts. He faces a maximum three-year prison sentence and will be required to pay restitution to the victims of the scheme. The plea also calls for him to be banned from doing any business in the state for 10 years.

New Jersey – Murphy Reelected New Jersey Governor by Razor-Thin Margin
Yahoo News – Matt Friedman (Politico) | Published: 11/3/2021

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has won reelection, defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a closer-than-expected race. The contest eluded national coverage for most of the year, as both parties focused intensely on the close race for governor in Virginia. But Murphy’s small margin ultimately points to the same challenging political environment for Democrats, a year after winning the presidential election and with midterms looming.

New Jersey – N.J. Governor’s Race Fallout Could Claim Senate President Sweeney as Democrats Trail Key Legislative Races
MSN – Amanda Hoover and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 11/3/2021

New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney seems set to lose his seat his seat to Edward Durr, a truck driver who spent only $153 over the course of his campaign. Durr has never held elective office. He ran on a platform of limiting government, reducing taxes, and fixing the state’s roads, but he did not garner much attention during the campaign. A Sweeney loss would significantly change the landscape of state politics, giving rise to a new Senate president and likely shifting the dynamic between the Legislature and the governor’s office.

New Jersey – Voters with Disabilities Gain Political Clout in NJ as Ballots Become More Accessible
MSN – Gene Myers (Bergen Record) | Published: 11/2/2021

New Jerseyans with disabilities are enjoying a new era of political relevance thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, both the voting reforms it spurred and the inequities it laid bare. People with disabilities showed “large gains” in 2020’s voter turnout, said Steve Flamisch of Rutgers University’s Program for Disability Research. It is a community that historically has splintered into smaller populations, each lobbying for specific needs in areas such as hearing or vision loss or developmental disabilities without coalescing into a larger political bloc. That has left such voters out of initial discussions about public policy, necessitating after-the-fact fixes such as those found in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

New York – Hochul Outsources Fundraising to Albany’s Top Lobbyists
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 11/1/2021

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s campaign is outsourcing a significant portion of its fundraising to Albany’s top lobbying firms, including a few featuring partners that were key witnesses caught up in past corruption cases. Hochul’s fundraising practice is legal. Yet at her swearing-in ceremony in August, she had said one of her priorities was “changing the culture of Albany.” But as she seeks to win a full term as governor next year, her campaign fundraising tactics have accelerated a longstanding practice in Albany’s political culture.

New York – Inspector General to Begin Releasing Its Secret ‘Letter’ Reports
Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons and Chris Bragg | Published: 11/2/2021

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s directive creating more “transparency” in state agencies will include having the state inspector general’s office begin posting the results of all its investigations online, including the letters the office has more frequently sent to many agencies in recent years to privately summarize its findings in controversial matters. It was reported that during the administration of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the inspector general’s office had been increasingly sending letters to agencies, rather than posting full reports on its website, to quietly handle matters ranging from sexual harassment to the alleged leak of confidential information to the governor.

New York – Sheriff Defends Filing of Criminal Complaint Against Cuomo
Yahoo News – Bobby Caina and Michael Hill (Associated Press) | Published: 10/29/2021

A sheriff defended his decision to file a criminal complaint against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo without consulting prosecutors or the accuser, a woman who says the Cuomo groped her late last year. Sheriff Craig Apple said he was confident in the strength of the case, which he said was based on witness interviews and voluminous records. A court summons requires Cuomo to appear for an arraignment on November 17, though that date could change. The one-page complaint filed in Albany City Court accuses Cuomo of forcible touching by putting his hand under a woman’s shirt on December 7.

Ohio – Columbus Officials Looking to Prevent Another Issue 7-Type Measure from Getting on Ballot
MSN – Mark Ferenchik and Bill Bush (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 11/3/2021

The defeat of Issue 7 in Columbus, a murky initiative to divert $87 million in taxpayer money to fund vague “green energy” programs with no oversight, may be unprecedented in the history of city elections. Although voters were not buying the shadowy petition and those behind it, city officials are already looking at ways to restrict future ballot initiatives from being able to redirect millions of tax dollars to a private, unregulated group to spend how it sees fit.

Pennsylvania – How Do Staffs at PSERS and SERS Pension Plans Play the Market? The Public Can’t Find Out
MSN – Craig McCoy and John DiStefano (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 11/1/2021

In California, public investment officers with power over billions of dollars in pension funds must disclose the stocks they own, their approximate cash value, when they bought them, when they sold, and any profits they made. Ohio requires public investment staff to disclose all their personal stocks. So does Florida. But in Pennsylvania, lenient laws mean scores of highly paid investment staffers and top public pension plan executives are required to reveal little or nothing about their personal stock trading.

Pennsylvania – Pa. House Mulling Gift Ban Bill, but Gov. Tom Wolf Says It Needs Strengthening. Here’s Why
Lebanon Daily News – J.D. Prose (Pennsylvania State Capital Bureau) | Published: 11/1/2021

Gov. Tom Wolf is urging the Pennsylvania Legislature to close a “loophole” in a gift ban bill that is moving forward in the House. House Bill 1009 prohibits elected officials and state employees from accepting lodging or sleeping accommodations, food and drinks, transportation, recreation, and entertainment collectively valued at more than $250 from registered lobbyists during a year. Wolf said it does not go far enough and should be strengthened to include gifts from businesses or people not registered as lobbyists in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania – Want to See Who’s Funding Local Candidates in Pa.? It’s Harder Than You’d Think
WHYY – Ethan Edward Coston (Spotlight PA) | Published: 11/2/2021

Hundreds of local races across Pennsylvania were decided on November 2 but determining who is bankrolled the candidates and how they spent that money can be onerous and time-consuming, a review found. Local candidates were required to file final pre-election campaign finance reports with their county by October 22. To test how easily and quickly the public could access this information less than two weeks before the election, Spotlight PA requested reports for school board candidates in nine counties.

Virginia – Republican Winsome Sears Projected to Win Lieutenant Governor’s Race
MSN – Antonio Olivo (Washington Post) | Published: 11/3/2021

Republican Winsome Sears was projected to win Virginia’s race for lieutenant governor, a victory that would make her the first woman in the state’s second-highest office and could tilt the closely split state Senate in her party’s favor on divisive issues such as abortion restrictions. The victory also would make Sears the first woman of color to hold a statewide office in Virginia, a milestone that was also possible for her opponent, Del. Hala Ayala, and that both candidates used to rally supporters in their bid to win the position that traditionally has been a launchpad for a run for governor.

Virginia – Youngkin Wins Virginia Governor’s Race, Jolting Democrats
MSN – Will Weissert and Sarah Rankin (Associated Press) | Published: 11/3/2021

Glenn Youngkin won the Virginia governor’s race, tapping into culture war fights over schools and race to unite former President Trump’s most fervent supporters with enough suburban voters to become the first Republican to win statewide office in 12 years. Youngkin’s defeat of Terry McAuliffe marked a sharp turnabout in a state that has shifted to the left over the past decade and was captured by Joe Biden last year by a 10-point margin. It is certain to add to the Democrats’ anxiety about their grip on political power heading into next year’s midterms.

National/Federal

Democrats Turn Down Top Lobbying Roles at Facebook as Scandals Pile Up
Yahoo News – Nihal Krishan (Washington Examiner) | Published: 10/27/2021

Facebook is reportedly struggling to hire Democrats for its lobbying shop in Washington, D.C. despite paying top dollar, a potential sign the social media behemoth is now deemed radioactive by many on the Left. The Biden administration and Democrats in Congress have threatened to go after Facebook with aggressive regulations, lawsuits, and investigations, and that appears to be making it an unattractive employer for top talent. Making matters worse, some senior Democratic lobbyists have left the company recently, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Ethics Panel Releases Reports on Malinowski, Kelly, Mooney and Hagedorn
MSN – Chris Marquette (Roll Call) | Published: 10/21/2021

The House Committee on Ethics released four reports into separate violations of ethics rules by four members of Congress, portraying what investigators suggested was a sweeping array of improper financial conduct. The allegations against three Republicans and one Democrat center on stock trades and the improper use of campaign funds, according to the Office of Congressional Ethics, which investigated the cases. All four cases will continue to be reviewed by the ethics committee.

Facebook Staff Complained for Years About Their Lobbyists’ Power
Yahoo News – Emily Birnbaum (Politico) | Published: 10/25/2021

Facebook’s lobbying and government relations shop, overseen by former Republican operative Joel Kaplan, regularly weighs in on speech-related issues, such as how to deal with prominent right-wing figures, misinformation, ads from former President Trump, and the aftermath of the George Floyd protests, according to internal documents. The dynamic is so prevalent, employees argued Facebook regularly ignored its own written policies to keep political figures happy, even overriding concerns about public safety. The disclosures come after years of internal and external grumbling at Facebook about the role played by Kaplan.

Fed to Ban Policymakers from Owning Individual Stocks, Restrict Trading Following Controversy
CNBC – Jeff Cox | Published: 10/21/2021

Responding to a growing controversy over investing practices, the Federal Reserve announced a wide-ranging ban on officials owning individual stocks and bonds and limits on other activities as well. The ban includes top policymakers such as those who sit on the Federal Open Market Committee, along with senior staff. Future investments will have to be confined to diversified assets such as mutual funds. The new rules replace existing regulations that, while somewhat restrictive, still allowed officials such as regional presidents to buy and sell stocks.

Five Points for Anger, One for a ‘Like’: How Facebook’s formula fostered rage and misinformation
MSN – Jeremy Merrill and Will Oremus (Washington Post) | Published: 10/26/2021

Five years ago, Facebook gave its users five new ways to react to a post in their news feed beyond the iconic “like” thumbs-up: “love,” “haha,” “wow,” “sad,” and “angry.” Facebook programmed the algorithm that decides what people see in their news feeds to use the reaction emoji as signals to push more emotional and provocative content, including content likely to make them angry. Facebook’s ranking algorithm treated emoji reactions as five times more valuable than “likes,” internal documents reveal. The theory was simple: posts that prompted lots of reaction emoji tended to keep users more engaged, and keeping users engaged was the key to Facebook’s business.

Florida Judge Rules Trump Can’t Skirt Twitter’s Terms Just Because He Was President, in Latest Legal Setback
MSN – Timothy Bella (Washington Post) | Published: 10/27/2021

A federal judge in Florida ruled Donald Trump’s status as a former president does not exclude him from following Twitter’s terms of service, the latest setback in his quest to get back on the social media platform after being banned this year. The judge granted Twitter’s motion to transfer the case from the Southern District of Florida to the Northern District of California, which is required by a clause in the company’s user agreement that all Twitter users sign. The case stems from Twitter permanently suspending Trump shortly after the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol that led to five deaths and injuries to hundreds of people.

Former Giuliani Associate Lev Parnas Is Convicted of Campaign Finance Crimes
National Public Radio – Associated Press | Published: 10/22/2021

A jury convicted a former associate of Rudy Giuliani of charges he made illegal campaign contributions to influence U.S. politicians and advance his business interests. Prosecutors accused Lev Parnas of using other people’s money to pose as a powerful political broker and get close to some of the nation’s leading Republican political figures. The case had drawn interest because of the involvement of Parnas and a former co-defendant, Igor Fruman, in Giuliani’s efforts to get Ukrainian officials to investigate Joe Biden’s son during the 2020 election.

House Votes to Hold Bannon in Contempt for Refusing to Comply with the Jan. 6 Subpoena
MSN – Felicia Sonmez, Marianna Sotomayor, and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 10/21/2021

The House voted to hold former White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon in criminal contempt of Congress for his refusal to comply with a subpoena issued by the committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Bannon has argued he cannot respond to the subpoena because of executive privilege asserted by former President Trump. The matter now goes to the Justice Department, which will decide whether to pursue the matter. Legal experts have cast doubt on the merit of Bannon’s defense of his defiance of the subpoena.

Inside Facebook’s Struggle to Contain Insurrectionists’ Posts
Yahoo News – Alexandra Levine (Politico) | Published: 10/25/2021

In the hours leading up to the January 6 insurrection, engineers and other experts in Facebook’s Elections Operations Center were scrambling to thwart dangerous claims spreading across the platform, trying to detect false narratives of election fraud and squelch other content fueling the rioters. But much of what was happening across the social network that day fell into a bucket of problematic material Facebook has said it does not yet know how to tackle. Facebook had no clear playbook for handling some of the most dangerous material on its platform: content delegitimizing the U.S. elections.

Jan. 6 Protest Organizers Say They Participated in ‘Dozens’ of Planning Meetings with Members of Congress and White House Staff
Yahoo News – Hunter Walker (Rolling Stone) | Published: 10/24/2021

Two people who helped plan the pro-Trump rallies that took place in Washington, D.C., ahead of the Capitol riot on January 6 say members of Congress and the White House helped plan the protest that turned violent. Neither of the sources were identified, though Rolling Stone described one as a “rally organizer” and another as a “planner.” Rolling Stone reported the two are also talking to the House select committee investigating the insurrection. Both organizers also said Mark Meadows, who was serving as then-President Trump’s chief of staff, played a significant role in discussions regarding the protests ahead of January 6.

‘Threats of Violence’: School boards curb public comments to calm raucous meetings
MSN – Andrew Atterbury and Juan Perez Jr. (Politico) | Published: 10/26/2021

School leaders nationwide are beginning to eye ways to rein in public commentary at local meetings to quell raucous crowds over issues like mask mandates and critical race theory. The potential changes could add more strain between school boards and the public they serve, a domain that has emerged as a fierce culture war battleground amid the coronavirus. Parents across the nation are fighting for more control over what their children are learning in school, frustrations that have boiled over during the pandemic and are gaining support in the Republican Party.

Twitter Algorithms Amplify Conservative Content More Than That of the Political Left, Researchers Find
MSN – Taylor Telford (Washington Post) | Published: 10/24/2021

An internal evaluation of Twitter’s recommendation algorithms concluded they amplify right-leaning political content more than left-leaning content, undercutting allegations by many conservatives who contend they are being censored on the platform. The research is months in the making, part of Twitter’s promise to evaluate the underpinnings of its platform after the company was criticized for its role in the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – After Federal Court Action, Alaska Prepares to Remove Most Restrictions on Campaign Contributions
Yahoo News – James Brooks (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 10/27/2021

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said it will not re-examine a decision that overturned many of Alaska’s most important limits on campaign contributions. The order clears the way for those caps to be lifted later this fall, ahead of next year’s municipal and state races. Those limits were part of a 2006 ballot measure, but the federal judges ended almost six years of legal arguments by saying they unconstitutionally limit the free-speech rights of political donors.

California – California Sets New Rules for Mystery Donations Made on Behalf of Lawmakers
MSN – Melody Gutierrez (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 10/21/2021

California law requires that charitable donations of $5,000 or more requested by elected officials or their representatives, a practice known as behested payments, be disclosed to limit undue influence in government. But the identities of those who use so-called donor-advised funds to make those payments are often shielded in state and local disclosures. The Fair Political Practices Commission approved changes that will require elected officials to report the name of the person directing a behested payment through a donor-advised fund. When the contribution is made anonymously, the elected official must note that in disclosure filings.

California – Huizar Seeks to Gut Corruption Case, Says Alleged $1.5 Million in Gifts Were Not Bribes
Yahoo News – Michael Finnegan and David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 10/26/2021

Attorneys for former Los Angeles City Councilperson Jose Huizar readily admit that many of the allegations made against him in a wide-ranging corruption case are “distasteful.” Federal prosecutors have accused him of traveling on private jets, staying at luxury hotels, gambling at casinos in Las Vegas, and consorting with prostitutes – all paid for by businesspeople seeking to profit from the real estate boom in his district. But Huizar’s lawyers argued many of the steps he is accused of taking to help those businesspeople, such as setting up meetings and recommending consultants, were too informal to qualify as the type of “official acts” that meet the definition of bribery under federal law.

California – San Diego City Attorney, Mayoral Aides Met with Lobbyists Over Ash Street Litigation
San Diego Daily Tribune – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 10/24/2021

One of San Diego’s highest profile lobbying firms met privately with City Attorney Mara Elliott, her top lieutenants, and two senior aides to Mayor Todd Gloria to resolve litigation over the ill-fated lease for the former Sempra Energy headquarters. The confidential discussions with Southwest Strategies lobbyists came at the same time the company was raising tens of thousands of dollars in political donations for Elliott, Gloria, and members of the city. Legal and political experts say the arrangement is unusual and questionable.

Colorado – New Redistricting Lobbying Complaint Targets Latino Advocacy Group
Denver Gazette – Evan Wyloge (Colorado Springs Gazette) | Published: 10/22/2021

Another complaint alleging failures to properly disclose redistricting lobbying activity was lodged with the Colorado secretary of state, this time targeting an influential Hispanic and Latino advocacy organization. The newest complaint takes aim at the Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy, and Research Organization, arguing their registered lobbyist has not properly disclosed his activities, and two other employees of the organization should have registered as lobbyists and disclosed their contact with redistricting commissioners as lobbying.

Colorado – No-Bid Contracts to Campaign Contributors, Top-Dollar PR Firms Among ‘Custodial Funds’ Spending in Colorado
Denver Gazette – Evan Wyloge (Colorado Springs Gazette) | Published: 10/21/2021

So-called custodial funds in Colorado are an example of government spending that has little to no oversight. The money can be used at the discretion of a state agency, as long as the spending qualifies under the purpose of the funds’ source, like spending $400 million received from settlements with drug companies on anti-drug addiction efforts. But there is no oversight step built into the process. Attorney General Phil Weiser directed about $250,000 to no-bid contracts for a handful of his campaign contributors or their firms from a pot of money controlled by his office that is intended to help protect consumers from fraud.

Connecticut – Former State Rep. DiMassa Allegedly Billed West Haven $100K for Lobbying the City ‘Wouldn’t Need,’ Documents Show
Stamford Advocate – Mark Zaretsky (New Haven Register) | Published: 10/26/2021

Former Connecticut Rep. Michael DiMassa, who was arrested on federal wire-fraud charges related to his use of COVID relief funds, allegedly claimed on invoices he submitted to the city of New Haven a company he formed that received $636,000 in federal money was involved in lobbying activities. The documents do not specify who would have done the lobbying for DiMassa’s Compass Investment Group and authorities allege none of the work for which invoices were submitted was done, and state law also prohibits any member of the Legislature from acting as a lobbyist.

Florida – Florida Ethics Commission Clears Ken Welch in 2018 Lobbying Controversy
Florida Politics – Kelly Hayes | Published: 10/27/2021

The Florida Commission on Ethics found no probable cause former Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch misused his position in 2018 when lobbying public officials on behalf of his wife. The commission cleared Welch less than two weeks before the St. Petersburg election in which Welch tops the ballot for mayor. The issue has dogged Welch’s mayoral campaign in some attack emails by a shadowy group that messaged voters highlighting the past controversy. The emails referenced a Tampa Bay Times editorial criticizing Welch for an “obvious conflict-of-interest.”

Florida – Florida Senate ‘Ghost’ Candidate Alex Rodriguez Faces Potential $20,000 Ethics Fine
MSN – Mark Harper (Daytona Beach Journal) | Published: 10/27/2021

Alex Rodriguez, the former “ghost” candidate who pleaded guilty in August in an election-fraud criminal case, has been levied a $20,000 fine. The Florida Commission on Ethics announced it approved a settlement agreement with Rodriguez for accepting money “from an individual based on the understanding he would change his party affiliation, qualify to run” in the 2020 Senate District 37 race, and file a false financial-disclosure form. Rodriguez ran as a no-party affiliation candidate in a tight contest between then-incumbent Sen. Jose Rodriguez and Republican Ileana Garcia. He was considered a “ghost” candidate because he did not campaign other than filling out the paperwork and paying the qualifying fee.

Georgia – Judge: State can’t pursue charges against Georgia’s Oxendine
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 10/24/2021

A judge is throwing out ethics charges against former Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, saying state officials waited too long to pursue action. Oxendine was accused of illegally using campaign funds from his failed 2010 gubernatorial campaign to buy a house and lease cars. He was also accused of accepting campaign contributions 10 times above the legal limit from insurance companies.

Iowa – Des Moines Schools’ Superintendent’s Wife Donated to School Board Candidate’s Campaign
MSN – Samantha Hernandez (Des Moines Register) | Published: 10/24/2021

Des Moines Public Schools’ Superintendent Tom Ahart’s wife donated $400 to a city School Board candidate’s campaign, a contribution that is legal but raises ethical questions, government watchdogs say. Jami Bassman Ahart donated to candidate Shelley Skuster, who is running to unseat Kim Martorano, who previously voted not to extend Ahart’s contract with the district. If elected, Skuster would be among those making decisions about Ahart’s future employment.

Michigan – Detroit Cops Accused of Pocketing Cash, Steering Towing Work, Offering to Leak Info
Detroit News – Robert Snell, George Hunter, and Oralandar Brand-Williams | Published: 10/27/2021

Two members of the Detroit Police Department, including an internal affairs lieutenant, were charged with bribery. The arrests are in connection with “Operation Northern Hook,” a broader FBI investigation of corruption within City Hall and municipal towing operations. Lt. John Kennedy and Officer Daniel Vickers conspired to accept bribes in exchange for steering towing work to an unidentified company, prosecutors alleged. The bribes included thousands of dollars in cash, cars, and new carpeting for Vickers’ home, according to the government.

Michigan – Feds Secure First Conviction in Taylor Mayor Bribery Scandal
Detroit News – Robert Snell | Published: 10/22/2021

Federal prosecutors secured the first conviction in a bribery case against Taylor Mayor Rick Sollars when a real estate developer admitted bribing Sollars with more than $53,000 in cash, appliances, home renovations, and gambling money. Shady Awad pleaded guilty to bribery conspiracy almost two years after he was charged. Awad is the latest person convicted in a crackdown on public corruption in Metro Detroit. Since 2008, more than 100 individuals have been charged and there are ongoing FBI investigations targeting Detroit City Council members.

Mississippi – Brett Favre Repays $600,000 in Mississippi Welfare Fraud Case
New York Times – Michael Levensen | Published: 10/27/2021

Brett Favre, the Hall of Fame quarterback who was raised in Mississippi, paid the state back $600,000 he owed after he improperly received welfare money for speeches as part of an extensive fraud scheme. But Favre could still be sued if he does not pay the state the remaining $228,000 in interest he owes, said state Auditor Shad White. Mississippi had allowed millions of dollars in anti-poverty funds to be used in ways that did little or nothing to help the poor, with two nonprofit groups instead using the money on lobbyists, football tickets, religious concerts, and fitness programs for state lawmakers.

Missouri – Unexplained Exits Becoming the Norm for Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s Cabinet
Missouri Independent – Jason Hancock | Published: 10/25/2021

The October 12 departure of Sarah Steelman as commissioner of the Office of Administration marked the third time in six months that a member of Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s Cabinet was let go suddenly and without any public explanation. Just like the previous two – Former Health Director Randall Williams and ex-chief operating officer for the governor Drew Erdman – Steelman was asked to resign effective immediately, and her resignation letter is being withheld from public disclosure. House Minority Leader Crystal Quade said the moves are especially troubling now that they involve the state’s purchasing agency.

New Jersey – An Oath Keeper Was at the Capitol Riot. On Tuesday, He’s on the Ballot.
New York Times – Tracy Tully | Published: 10/27/2021

Edward Durfee Jr. is an active member of the far-right Oath Keepers militia who leads the group’s northern New Jersey region and was outside the Capitol during the January 6 insurrection. He is also running for the New Jersey Assembly as a Republican. Durfee said he did not enter the Capitol during the assault, and he condemned the violence that led to several deaths. But he wholeheartedly embraces the ideology of the Oath Keepers, an antigovernment group that pledges to support and defend its interpretation of the Constitution against all enemies.

New York – Rep. Espaillat Campaign Paid Thousands to Online Influencers Who Delivered Flattering Posts
The City – Claudia Irizarry Aponte | Published: 10/25/2021

Campaign committees for U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat have paid nearly $15,000 to bloggers for posting hundreds of flattering articles dating to his first run for Congress in 2016. The bloggers’ posts do not disclose their financial ties with the Espaillat campaign, exploiting a legal gray area as paid social media influencers play a growing role in campaigns nationally. Two of those bloggers have also received payments from four candidates for the New York City Council, classified in campaigns’ filings as “communications” or “advertising.” The council contenders also have reaped favorable articles written by the bloggers, without disclosure to readers of the payments.

Ohio – Bankruptcy Court Overseeing Energy Harbor Case Didn’t Pre-Approve $500K Political Donation
MSN – Laura Bischoff (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 10/24/2021

Bankrupt and struggling for survival, FirstEnergy Solutions donated $500,000 to the Republican Governors Association in October 2018 as part of a political strategy recommended by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, a powerful law and lobbying firm. But the contribution, designed to help Mike DeWine, did not get prior approval from the federal bankruptcy court. FirstEnergy and FirstEnergy Solutions, which is now called Energy Harbor, have not provided a full disclosure of how much money it pumped into Ohio politics via “dark money” groups.

Ohio – Cincinnati City Council Approves Anti-Corruption Reforms
WXIX – Jennifer Edwards Baker | Published: 10/27/2021

Rocked by a corruption scandal that saw three members indicted on bribery charges last year, Cincinnati City Council approved two anti-corruption reform measures. One will prohibit council members from soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from those having a financial interest in city business while that business is pending before council. The other will create the position of ethics czar. This person will investigate ethics complaints, oversee a confidential whistleblower hotline, and in general support ethics, election, and campaign finance efforts.

Ohio – Sam Randazzo Overruled PUCO Commissioners, Staff to Help FirstEnergy, According to Company’s Ex-CEO
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 10/21/2021

Former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Chairperson Sam Randazzo, whom FirstEnergy admitted to bribing, overruled other commissioners and staff to secure policies that benefitted the utility. Randazzo also succeeded in “burning” the final report of a PUCO-commissioned audit into a FirstEnergy customer charge the Ohio Supreme Court overturned the previous year. Critics are questioning whether that report contained information about whether FirstEnergy was improperly using money collected from customers to help pay a $60 million bribe to secure the passage of legislation favorable to the company.

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Lawmakers Get Started on Bills Restricting Lobbyists
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Marc Levy (Associated Press) | Published: 10/25/2021

The Pennsylvania House began advancing a package of bills aimed at lobbying, including limiting gifts from lobbyists, and prohibiting lobbyists from trying to influence an elected official for whom they also worked as a campaign strategist. One of the centerpiece bills would bar state officials, including lawmakers, from letting a lobbyist pay for their transportation, lodging, recreation, or entertainment, and limiting gifts from lobbyists to $250 in value each year.

Tennessee – State Sen. Brian Kelsey, Nashville Club Owner Indicted in Campaign Finance Conspiracy
MSN – Rachel Wegner and Brinley Hineman (The Tennessean) | Published: 10/25/2021

A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging Tennessee Sen. Brian Kelsey and club owner Joshua Smith with violating multiple campaign finance laws as part of a conspiracy to benefit Kelsey’s 2016 campaign for Congress. Smith owns The Standard, an elite Nashville club that also operates its own state PAC. There, the investigators allege, they illegally funneled money into Kelsey’s campaign on one occasion at a private dinner through the club’s PAC. A watchdog group filed an FEC complaint saying Kelsey and others may have been involved in illegal straw donations, inappropriate coordination, and other possible wrongdoing.

Texas – Gov. Greg Abbott’s Pick for Top Texas Election Post Worked with Trump to Fight 2020 Results
Texas Tribune – James Barragán and Patrick Svitek | Published: 10/21/2021

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed John Scott, an attorney who briefly represented former President Trump in a lawsuit challenging the 2020 election results in Pennsylvania, as Texas’ new secretary of state. Scott would oversee election administration in Texas, a task complicated in by baseless claims of widespread election fraud from Republicans in the highest levels of government, fueled by Trump. Scott will eventually have to be confirmed by the Legislature, which is not scheduled to meet again until 2023. Until then, Scott will serve as interim secretary of state and will oversee next year’s statewide races, in which Abbott will run for reelection.

Texas – Texas Abortion Law Model Could Spread to Guns, Free Speech, Supreme Court Is Told
MSN – Todd Ruger (Roll Call) | Published: 10/28/2021

The U.S. Supreme Court faces arguments that a novel enforcement scheme Texas created for its abortion law could be used by states to neutralize other constitutional rights related to guns, protests, campaign finance, and more. The warning comes from not only the Justice Department and the abortion providers that have challenged the law but also constitutional scholars, states, former prosecutors, and law enforcement officials and a California-based nonprofit group that pushes for gun rights.

Texas – Texas GOP Lawmaker Launches Investigation of Books on Race and Sexuality Used in School Districts
MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 10/27/2021

A Texas Republican lawmaker launched an investigation into some of the state’s school districts’ libraries, demanding in a letter that educators say whether their schools own books named in a list of 850 titles, many of which cover issues of race and sexuality. Rep. Matt Krause, who is running for state attorney general, sent the letter as part of his role as chairperson of the House Committee on General Investigating. Sarah Spurrier, a high school social studies teacher, said she does not teach critical race theory in her classes, because that is a concept she first heard of this summer, when it became a conservative talking point.

Texas – Texas GOP Lt. Gov. Patrick Offered $25,000 for Election-Fraud tips. The First Payout Was for a Republican’s Illegal Vote.
MSN – Julian Mark (Washington Post) | Published: 10/22/2021

Three days after the 2020 presidential election was called for Joe Biden, and as then-President Trump took to Twitter and falsely claimed tens of thousands of votes were cast illegally, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he would reward a minimum of $25,000 to tipsters who uncovered credible instances of voter fraud. Now Patrick has given out his first reward to Eric Frank, a Democratic poll worker from Pennsylvania whose tip led to the recent conviction of a registered Republican who cast a second vote in his son’s name last November.

Virginia – An Army of Poll Watchers – Many Driven by GOP’s ‘Election Integrity’ Push – Turns Out Across Virginia
MSN – Meagan Flynn and Shawn Boburg (Washington Post) | Published: 10/27/2021

In Virginia, the Republican Party’s “election integrity” push has driven an influx of election observers in this year’s gubernatorial race. In some trainings, prospective poll watchers have been taught to see themselves as a bulwark against election fraud. But while many registrars said they welcomed the poll watchers’ commitment to transparency, some tactics have made election officials uneasy because it is clear former President Trump’s claims of mass voter fraud have driven much of the interest, said Fairfax County General Registrar Scott, creating a created a sense among some staff members the observers do not trust them.

Virginia – Virginia’s Redistricting Commission’s Failure to Transcend Partisanship Has Lessons for Other States, Critics Say
MSN – Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) | Published: 10/25/2021

Last year, Virginia voters approved a bipartisan commission to take politics out of redistricting. This year, blowing past deadlines to deliver new state and congressional maps, the Virginia Redistricting Commission failed to reach agreement on any maps, with time running out to reconvene. It marks a stunning departure from the type of redistricting overhaul voters sought when they approved the commission. While voters and advocates hoped to end gerrymandering, instead what they got was a stalemate, as commissioners gridlocked along party lines almost every step of the way.

National/Federal

Advocates Worry Biden Is Letting U.S. Democracy Erode on His Watch
MSN – Ashley Parker, Tyler Pager, and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 10/16/2021

Voting rights advocates meet once every week or two with White House officials via video conference, and in almost every session, an advocate speaks up to say President Biden must do more, that American democracy is under threat and the president is not meeting the challenge. In the nine months since Biden took office, GOP officials throughout the country have baselessly challenged the 2020 results, conducting clumsy audits. States have restricted voting and have changed their procedures to allow political influence over elections. Many in Trump’s camp have taken to lauding the deadly January 6 attack on the Capitol.

As Some Black Staff Members Leave Congress, Those Who Remain Call for Change
New York Times – Aishvarya Kavi | Published: 10/17/2021

Black staff members in Congress are sounding the alarm on a “painful” two years, including the coronavirus pandemic and the January 6 attack on the Capitol, they say have exacerbated the challenges they face in pursuing a career on Capitol Hill. Two congressional staff associations called for better pay and “a stronger college-to-Congress pipeline” to recruit Black graduates. They also urged voters to push lawmakers to diversify their staff. Published on behalf of more than 300 Black staffers, the letter offers a glimpse at the experiences of those who work behind the scenes drafting policy, interacting with constituents, and advancing agendas.

As Trump Thunders About Last Election, Republicans Worry About the Next One
Yahoo News – Jeremy Peters (New York Times) | Published: 10/18/2021

The Republican Party’s ambitions of ending unified Democratic control in Washington in 2022 are colliding with a considerable force that can sway tens of millions of votes: former President Trump’s increasingly vocal demands that members of his party remain in a permanent state of obedience, endorsing his false claims of a stolen election or risking his wrath. “If we don’t solve the Presidential Election Fraud of 2020, Republicans will not be voting in ’22 or ’24. It’s the single most important thing for Republicans to do.,” Trump said in a recent statement.

David Cameron Cleared Over Unregistered Lobbying on Work for US Biotech Group
Financial Times – Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe | Published: 10/20/2021

Former United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron was cleared by the lobbying regulator over whether he should have registered as a consultant lobbyist while working with biotechnology group Illumina. OpenDemocracy reported that Cameron, who is a paid adviser for Illumina, met the then vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi just months after the company was granted £870,000 of contracts with Public Health England. The registrar assessed four pieces of communication by the former prime minister, which included text messages referencing Illumina that were sent in 2021 to Zahawi.

Drain the Swamp? This Guy’s Trying to Fill It.
Yahoo News – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 10/15/2021

Ivan Adler is a recruiter who specializes in plucking lawmakers and staffers off Capitol Hill or elsewhere in government and placing them into jobs on K Street in trade associations, corporations, law practices, and lobbying firms. There are other lobbyist recruiters in Washington, but few, if any, do it with as much bravado as Adler. His name is well-known among lawmakers who are leaving their posts for jobs in the private sector. Adler said he is so plugged in that he is sometimes among the first to know a member of Congress is contemplating whether to seek reelection.

FBI Searches D.C., NYC Homes Connected to Russian Oligarch Oleg Deripaska
MSN – Devlin Barrett, Spencer Hsu, and Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) | Published: 10/19/2021

FBI agents searched homes connected to sanctioned Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, one in Washington, D.C. and one in New York City, as part of an unspecified criminal investigation into the activities of a man who has not set foot on U.S. soil in years. His name came up repeatedly in recent investigations involving Russia and Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Deripaska is a billionaire and has long been a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also did business for years with Paul Manafort, Trump’s onetime campaign chairperson, although he and Deripaska eventually had a falling out.

Fed Ethics Office Warned Officials to Curb Unnecessary Trading During Rescue
New York Times – Jeanna Smialek | Published: 10/21/2021

As the Federal Reserve was taking steps to shore up financial markets at the onset of the pandemic last year, its ethics office sent out a warning. Officials might want to avoid unnecessary trading for a few months as the Fed dived deeper into markets, the Board of Governors’ ethics unit suggested in an email, a message that was passed along to regional bank presidents. But the recommendation did not go far enough to prevent a trading scandal that is now engulfing the Fed and being leveraged against its chair, Jerome Powell, as the White House mulls whether to reappoint him before his leadership term expires early next year.

House Jan. 6 Panel Votes to Hold Ex-Trump Advisor Stephen Bannon in Contempt
Yahoo News – Del Quentin Wilber (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 10/19/2021

A congressional committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol voted to hold former Trump advisor Stephen Bannon in contempt for not cooperating with its inquiry, a significant escalation in the panel’s efforts to get answers about the insurrection from the political operative. Former President Trump has told allies not to cooperate with the inquiry. Bannon helped run Trump’s 2016 campaign and served briefly in the White House but was a private citizen in the run-up to the insurrection. If the full House votes to endorse the resolution, Bannon will be referred to the Justice Department for possible prosecution.

K Street Revenues Boom
MSN – Karl Evers-Hillstrom (The Hill) | Published: 10/20/2021

The leading K Street firms continue to rake in record sums of cash as corporate clients push their chips in to influence President Biden’s ambitious domestic agenda. Companies and trade associations, fighting to stave off corporate tax hikes and other Democratic proposals to reshape sections of the economy, are leaning on lobbyists who have cultivated close relationships with congressional leaders and Biden administration officials. Nearly all the top lobbying firms increased their third-quarter revenue over the same period last year.

Lobbying Groups’ Effectiveness Hits New High This Year: Study
MSN – Karl Evers-Hillstrom (The Hill) | Published: 10/19/2021

Trade associations are finding unprecedented success in influencing policymakers this year. An APCO Worldwide study surveyed 322 congressional staffers, executive branch officials, and private sector executives, and reported trade groups are having their best year since APCO started tracking their effectiveness in 2013. That finding comes after trade groups launched extensive lobbying campaigns to influence Democrats’ coronavirus stimulus package, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and the $3.5 trillion social spending plan. Their efforts are bolstered by Democrats’ thin majorities and divisions between the party’s moderates and progressives.

Nebraska GOP Rep. Fortenberry Indicted
MSN – Hailey Fuchs and Olivia Beavers (Politico) | Published: 10/19/2021

A federal grand jury indicted U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, alleging he concealed information and made false statements to authorities. The Justice Department said Fortenberry repeatedly lied to and misled authorities during an investigation into illegal contributions to his reelection campaign that were made by a Nigerian-born billionaire, Gilbert Chagoury. The charges against Fortenberry emerged from a case against Chagoury, who under federal law cannot contribute to U.S. elections but admitted to providing approximately $180,000 to make campaign donations.

Political Nonprofit Fundraising Off Breast Cancer Has Deep Ties to Scam PAC Networks
Center for Responsive Politics – Roger Sollengberger and Anna Massoglia | Published: 10/15/2021

Although it sounds like a noble charity, the American Breast Cancer Coalition (ABCC) is a political group and rather than trying to address breast cancer, it appears to be a scheme to extract millions of dollars in donations, mostly from small donors. In recent robocalls, a female voice claims the goal of the group’s fundraising is to “support legislators who will fight for the fast-track approval of life saving breast cancer health bills and breast cancer treatment drugs to the FDA.” But IRS records tell a different story, revealing payments to firms with ties to a multimillion-dollar “scam PAC” network.

Staffers Keep Clashing Over Masks in the Capitol Hallways
MSN – Chris Cioffi (Roll Call) | Published: 10/21/2021

One congressional staffer said he almost always wears a mask at work. His closest colleagues do too. But everywhere the Democrat looked recently, bare faces rushed by, ignoring the signs: “Use of face covering is required.” Some staffers say they feel trapped in a never-ending proxy war, squabbling over masks as larger partisan tensions rage in Congress. Nineteen months into the pandemic, masks are still much more than simple pieces of fabric and that is especially true when you work on Capitol Hill, in the heart of political Washington, D.C.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’: Arizona GOP goes full fringe
MSN – David Siders (Politico) | Published: 10/20/2021

As the Republican Party hardens around its fealty to former President Trump, the Arizona GOP is filling up its midterm ballot with a roster of conspiracy theorists and extremists that could threaten the party’s prospects in a state that has drifted leftward in recent elections. The latest of those candidates is Ron Watkins, a celebrity in the QAnon conspiracy world suspected of being Q, who announced his plans to run for Congress recently. It is not just that Watkins embraces the baseless claim the November election was stolen. It is that an entire ticket is running on that falsehood now.

California – California #MeToo Leaders Say Capitol’s Sexual Harassment Unit Is Too Close to the Legislature
MSN – Hannah Wiley (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 10/18/2021

A network of activists called We Said Enough launched in October 2017 with a Los Angeles Times op-ed that called out a “pervasive” culture of abusive behavior by men in California’s institutions of power. More than 140 women, including several lawmakers and party leaders, signed the letter. In the following months, three lawmakers resigned amid public sexual misconduct allegations and investigations. The Capitol responded to the movement by setting up an independent review panel it dubbed the Workplace Conduct Unit to field new complaints. Activists say problems still persist.

California – California Board Diversity Requirements Face Legal Challenge
MSN – Ellen Myers (Roll Call) | Published: 10/14/2021

California, one of the first states to require companies to include women on their boards of directors, may see its ability to enforce director diversity laws upended depending on the outcome of multiple lawsuits. One of those lawsuits is a complaint from three California taxpayers over enforcement of Senate Bill 826, which requires public companies with principal executive offices in the state to incrementally increase the number of women on their boards. It will head to trial on October 25.

California – Top California Labor Official and Husband Accused of Grand Theft, Embezzlement and Tax Evasion
MSN – Taryn Luna (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 10/13/2021

The top staff member at California’s largest labor union resigned after she and her husband were charged with felonies including tax fraud. Alma Hernandez served as executive director for SEIU California since 2016. Hernandez faces two charges of grand theft and one of perjury for her work as treasurer on a 2014 political committee supporting a state Senate candidate. The complaint alleges she directed nearly $12,000 in campaign money to her husband for campaign food services that he never provided. That political committee received numerous contributions from the SEIU California’s political arm.

Colorado – Colorado County Clerk Who Embraced Conspiracy Theories Is Barred from Overseeing Elections
MSN – Emma Brown (Washington Post) | Published: 10/13/2021

A Colorado judge prohibited Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters from overseeing this November’s election. The effort by Peters to ferret out supposedly hidden evidence of fraud in the 2020 election amounted to an escalation in the attacks on the nation’s voting systems, according to experts. Secretary of State Jena Griswold filed a lawsuit seeking to strip Peters of her election duties after passwords for Mesa County’s voting machines were posted online and copies of the hard drives were presented at a symposium hosted by MyPillow executive Mike Lindell, who denies President Biden won the 2020 election.

Connecticut – Guilty Plea Entered in State Senate Election Fraud Case
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 10/20/2021

A former campaign worker for a state Senator in Connecticut pleaded guilty to federal charges she conspired to fraudulently obtain public funds for the senator’s 2018 legislative campaign. Tina Manus worked on the campaign of Sen. Dennis Bradley, who is awaiting trial on charges his campaign ran a scheme to make it look as though he qualified for funds to which he was not entitled. Manus pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to cooperate in the investigation.

Connecticut – State Rep. Michael DiMassa Arrested by FBI in Probe of Misuse of COVID Relief Funds, Accused of Stealing More Than $600,000
MSN – Edmund Mahoney (Hartford Courant) | Published: 10/20/2021

Connecticut Rep. Michael DiMassa was arrested, accused of stealing more than $600,000 in federal COVID relief money by billing the city of West Haven, where he also worked as an aide to the city council, for pandemic related consulting services that federal officials said he never performed. Federal prosecutors said a portion of the alleged thefts appear to correspond with DiMassa’s purchase of tens of thousands of dollars in gambling chip at the Mohegan Sun Casino.

Florida – ‘It Gets Complicated’: Inconsistencies emerge when commissioners declare conflicts of interest
Tallahassee Democrat – Jeff Burlew | Published: 10/20/2021

Citing actual or apparent conflicts-of-interest, Leon County and Tallahassee city commissioners refrained from voting on issues big and small, from COVID-19 relief efforts to legal fees and development minutia. An investigation based on voting conflict forms and other public records found commissioners were sometimes inconsistent as they navigated what remains a complicated and grey area of the law. They often relied on an exemption in state statutes allowing them to abstain for mere appearances of a possible conflict-of-interest, though that provision is supposed to be applied narrowly.

Illinois – Chicago Sky Owner Michael Alter Agrees to Pay Fine for Lobbying Mayor Lori Lightfoot
MSN – Gregory Pratt (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 10/20/2021

Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter will pay a $5,000 fine to the city after the ethics board sanctioned him for unregistered lobbying of Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Alter argued earlier this year that the board was wrong to fine him for unregistered lobbying after The Chicago Tribune obtained emails showing he asked Lightfoot for help gaining a gambling license. But he has since reversed course and agreed to pay the fine.

Illinois – Indicted Former City Club President Fined $75K by Ethics Board for Violating Lobbying Rules
WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 10/19/2021

Jay Doherty, the former head of the City Club of Chicago, was fined $75,000 by the Chicago Board of Ethics for violating the lobbying law. An investigation concluded Doherty “violated the ordinance on three occasions by lobbying on behalf of entities for which the individual had not duly registered as a lobbyist, and on four occasions lobbied but failed to properly report that lobbying activity as required on the quarterly lobbying activity reports.” Doherty has pleaded not guilty to charges that accused him of being part of a scheme to reward those loyal to former House Speaker Michael Madigan with money and jobs in exchange for Madigan’s support.

Illinois – Three-Judge Panel Declares Illinois Legislative Redistricting Plan Unconstitutional
Courthouse News Service – Dave Byrnes | Published: 10/20/2021

A three-judge panel declared Illinois’ June 2021 state legislative redistricting unconstitutional, in a rebuke to the Legislature’s Democratic-controlled State Board of Elections. A lawsuit alleged that, as the redistricting plan was based on preliminary 2015-2019 state population estimates made by the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and not the official 2020 Census results, it violated the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The judges said the redistricting plan apportions state legislative districts in such a way that some districts are severely under-populated, while others are severely over-populated.

Louisiana – Gary Smith Sr. Files Ethics Disclosure on Debris Deals, the First Such Disclosure in Years
New Orleans Advocate – Sam Karlin | Published: 10/18/2021

The father of state Sen. Gary Smith Jr. filed an ethics disclosure for debris-staging contracts worth more than $105,000, the first such disclosure anyone has made to the Louisiana Board of Ethics in six years. The Smith family owns a network of companies that has long made money off hurricane work. After Katrina in 2005, one of the companies won a controversial FEMA deal to provide trailers for more than $100 million. It is not clear why such disaster contract disclosures are so rare.

Maine – Maine Ethics Watchdog Turn Back CMP Allies’ Request to Investigate Corridor Foe
Bangor Daily News – Caitlin Andrews | Published: 10/15/2021

The state’s ethics commission rejected a request from Central Maine Power Co. allies to investigate a top opponent of their $1 billion corridor project, Sandra Howard, who leads the nonprofit Say No to NECEC, over a large contribution from a political group she runs to a nonprofit she also runs. The vote means the commission will not investigate the anti-corridor side during the last weeks of a referendum campaign that has drawn more than $60 million in spending.

Massachusetts – Grand Jury Is Said to Have Heard Testimony About Potential Campaign Finance Violations by MassGOP Head, Republican State Senator
MSN – Emma Platoff (Boston Globe) | Published: 10/18/2021

A state grand jury has heard testimony about potential campaign finance violations by the head of the Massachusetts Republican Party and a state senator, according to a person who received a subpoena and spoke before the panel. Sources said the probe appears focused on GOP Chairperson Jim Lyons, Sen. Ryan Fattman, and his wife, Worcester County’s register of probate, Stephanie Fattman. In April, campaign finance regulators told state prosecutors the Republicans might have violated campaign finance laws. The work of the grand jury would mark an escalation in the probe and suggests authorities are pursuing it as a criminal matter.

Massachusetts – High-Powered Lobbying Firm Arrives in Boston Touting Ties to Labor Secretary Martin Walsh
MSN – Neya Thanikachalam (Boston Globe) | Published: 10/15/2021

An influential national lobbying firm opened a Boston location touting a potentially valuable advantage – connections to former mayor and current U.S. Labor Secretary Martin Walsh. Ballard Partners said its new location will be headed by Eugene O’Flaherty, the former city attorney under Walsh. O’Flaherty, who joined Ballard Partners days after Walsh was confirmed, has lobbied the Labor Department on behalf of at least eight clients. Virginia Canter, the chief ethics counsel for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, suggested Walsh make his calendar public to show he was not prioritizing lobbyists’ agendas.

Michigan – Michigan SOS Must Release Documents on Deal with Pro-Whitmer Group, Court
Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 10/18/2021

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s office must release more internal records on how it handled campaign finance violations by a group that backed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s election in 2018. Court of Claims Judge Christopher Murray ruled the secretary of state’s office had improperly withheld some documents in response to a public records request by the conservative group Michigan Rising Action. The ruling could shed light on the behind-the-scenes discussions that led to Build a Better Michigan agreeing to a $37,500 settlement.

Michigan – Whitmer’s Campaign Might Have to Return Excess Contributions Soon, Filing Says
Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 10/15/2021

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s reelection campaign could have to return or donate $3.4 million in excess contributions it collected outside the state’s normal donor limits as soon as January, according to a new court filing on behalf of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The filing came in response to the Michigan Republican Party’s lawsuit in federal court, challenging the Democratic governor’s use of a decades-old state policy on recalls to garner large contributions, above the normal $7,150 limit on individual donors, to bolster her reelection campaign account.

Missouri – Missouri Governor Accuses Journalist Who Warned State About Cybersecurity Flaw of Criminal ‘Hacking’
MSN – Elahe Izade (Washington Post) | Published: 10/15/2021

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson lashed out at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch after the newspaper informed the state of a data risk that left 100,000 Social Security numbers vulnerable to public disclosure. Parson said the Cole County prosecutor and the Missouri Highway Patrol would investigate the matter. He said the news outlet that uncovered and reported the vulnerability would be held accountable. The governor said the “”ndividual” who alerted the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education was attempting to “embarrass the state and sell headlines for their news outlet.”

Nevada – State Ethics Panel: Bonnie Weber didn’t break law over quarterly meetings with developers
MSN – James DeHaven (Reno Gazette-Journal) | Published: 10/20/2021

Reno City Councilperson Bonnie Weber did not break the law by hosting a series of “summits” with prominent developers. The Nevada Commission on Ethics dismissed a complaint that accused Weber of improperly using public funds to entertain city developers at the Bonanza Casino. The complaint also alleged at least one other city employee joined Weber for the quarterly meeting. Commissioners gave the city three months to come up with rules that “adequately address” situations where city staff are asked to work at closed-door events organized by an elected official.

New York – Top Brass Head for Exits as Chaos Engulfs NYC Consulting Firm
MSN – Sally Goldenberg (Politico) | Published: 10/14/2021

One of New York’s leading lobbying and consulting firms is in disarray, feuding with its corporate owner as top executives head for the exits. Mercury Public Affairs, a global company that has been embroiled in litigation against parent company Omnicom Medias Group in California, is now facing an exodus of key personnel in New York City as they prepare to battle Omnicom’s mandated noncompete requirements for departed staff. At issue in New York is Omnicom’s insistence on restrictive covenants that stipulate departed staffers cannot continue to represent the firm’s clients or work together for at least a year.

New York – Trump Organization, Already Under Indictment, Faces New Criminal Inquiry
New York Times – William Rashbaum and Ben Protess | Published: 10/20/2021

Former President Trump’s business, which is under indictment in Manhattan, is facing a criminal investigation by another prosecutor’s office that has begun to examine financial dealings at a golf course the company owns, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The district attorney’s office in Westchester County, New York, subpoenaed records from the course, Trump National Golf Club Westchester, and the town of Ossining, which sets property taxes on the course. The district attorney appears to be focused, at least in part, on whether the Trump Organization misled local officials about the property’s value to reduce its taxes.

Ohio – Stow Councilwoman Faces Ethics Charge Over Failure to File Financial Statement
MSN – Krista Kano (Akron Beacon Journal) | Published: 10/20/2021

The Ohio Ethics Commission is pursuing legal action against Stow City Councilperson Christina Shaw for failure to file a required financial disclosure statement in 2019. An arraignment is scheduled where Shaw is to be charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Commission spokesperson Susan Willeke said the commission generally grants extensions and “going to court isn’t necessarily the first step.”

Pennsylvania – PA Lawmakers Spend Millions of Tax Dollars on Private Lawyers, but Often Don’t Reveal Why
MSN – Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) and Sam Janesch (The Caucus) | Published: 10/12/2021

The Pennsylvania Legislature spent nearly $10 million during the past two years on private lawyers but routinely shielded the purpose of those expenses, hiding which lawmakers and their staff members required representation and why. A review of thousands of pages of legal invoices and engagement letters from 2019 and 2020 shows the cases ranged from public records fights to attempts to overturn last year’s presidential election. In many instances, Republicans and Democrats in both chambers blacked out the reason for hiring lawyers, flouting case law that requires them to make public those details. Other records were so vague it was impossible to identify the reason for the representation.

Virginia – New Political Ad Strategy in Virginia: Promoting news articles in Google search results
MSN – Karina Ellwood (Washington Post) | Published: 10/18/2021

Google ads purchased by Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe’s campaign feature links to news and opinion articles about his opponent, Glenn Youngkin. The ads show up at the top of search results for keywords such as “Glenn Youngkin,” and include a disclosure that they are advertisements, as well as an additional tag required for political advertisements indicating they are paid for by the McAuliffe campaign. But the ads include titles written by the campaign, which are subtly different from the original search engine headlines written by the publications and appear in the same format as a headline would appear in a search result.

Washington – Facebook Provided False Testimony in Campaign Transparency Lawsuit, Washington Attorney General Says
Seattle Times – Daniel Gutman | Published: 10/13/2021

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson said a Facebook representative provided false testimony in a lawsuit that accuses the company of violating state campaign finance laws. Ferguson says both the company and its attorneys knew the testimony was false. Ferguson sued Facebook last year, alleging it has “repeatedly and openly” violated disclosure laws by selling political ads without providing required details of the spending. The company has argued Washington’s laws are unconstitutional and violate both free speech protections and the Commerce Clause, which gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.

Washington DC – D.C. Housing Authority Board Chair Steps Down Amid Questions Over Conflicts of Interest
MSN – Marissa Lang, Michael Brice-Saddler, and Steve Thompson (Washington Post) | Published: 10/20/2021

Neil Albert, who has for the last four years served as the chair of the District of Columbia Housing Authority’s board of commissioners, resigned amid questions over alleged conflicts-of-interest. Mayor Muriel Bowser has asked the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability to look further into allegations made in recent news reports that Albert did not properly disclose his romantic partnership with the chief executive of an architectural firm that has worked with authority.

Wisconsin – Calls Intensify to End Wisconsin’s Election Review Amid Blunders by Ex-Judge in Charge
MSN – Elise Viebeck (Washington Post) | Published: 10/14/2021

After a series of blatant errors, Michael Gableman, the former judge leading the Republican review of the state’s 2020 presidential election, admitted he does not have “a comprehensive understanding or even any understanding of how elections work.” The latest round of reversals and blunders is intensifying calls to end the probe, one of several recent efforts around the country to revisit Joe Biden’s win in states where former President Trump and his supporters have leveled baseless accusations of voter fraud.

National/Federal

Activists Try to Keep Up Pressure to Pass Elections and Voting Bills
MSN – Kate Ackley (Roll Call) | Published: 10/13/2021

Groups pushing for voting rights and elections legislation in the U.S. Senate are planning a sustained campaign over the coming weeks, aiming to put the issue top of mind for Democrats, even as other matters have dominated in the chamber. A broad coalition of liberal organizations will organize regular demonstrations outside the White House, other rallies, and a multimodal relay from West Virginia to the U.S. Capitol. The effort is part of a push to keep the measures high on the agenda as negotiations over a reconciliation package, an infrastructure bill, and raising the nation’s debt limit have taken center stage.

Big Tech Sweeps Up Hill Staffers – Just When Congress Needs Them the Most
MSN – Emily Birnbaum and John Hendel (Politico) | Published: 10/12/2021

Silicon Valley and the telecommunications industry are snatching up some of the top Democratic policy experts on Capitol Hill just as Congress gears up for fights with the companies. The brain drain has seen more than a dozen senior Democratic tech and telecom policy staffers leaving their posts this year, with many taking lobbying roles at powerhouses including Facebook, Verizon, and Apple. They are leaving members’ personal offices as well as the Senate and House committees that oversee agencies like the Federal Trade Commission, along with topics like broadband, online speech, and data privacy.

‘Cannot Wait for Washington:’ How voting rights activists are navigating new restrictions ahead of November elections
WRAL – Fredrika Schouten, Dianne Gallagher, and Wesley Bruer (CNN) | Published: 10/11/2021

In states from Georgia to Montana, activists are scrambling to help voters navigate the new restrictions passed largely in Republican-controlled states after record turnout in 2020 helped elect Joe Biden and flipped control of the U.S. Senate to Democrats. Nineteen states have passed 33 new laws this year to restrict voting. But some of the most extensive changes are clustered in just a handful. Four states – Iowa, Georgia, Florida, and Texas – enacted sweeping revisions of their existing laws, bundled together in single omnibus bills.

Dozens of States Have Tried to End Qualified Immunity. Police Officers and Unions Helped Beat Nearly Every Bill.
MSN – Kimberly Kindy (Washington Post) | Published: 10/7/2021

In the months after George Floyd’s murder, state legislators across the country tried to undo a legal doctrine that makes it virtually impossible to sue police officers for violating a person’s civil rights. But then, in state after state, the bills withered, were withdrawn, or were altered beyond recognition. At least 35 state “qualified-immunity” bills have died in the past 18 months. The efforts failed amid multifaceted lobbying campaigns by police officers and their unions targeting lawmakers.

Giuliani Associates Face Trial in Campaign Finance Scheme
Yahoo News – Tom Hays and Larry Neumeister (Associated Press) | Published: 10/11/2021

Lev Parnas, a Soviet-born businessperson, and a co-defendant, Ukraine-born investor Andrey Kukushkin, are accused of making illegal campaign contributions to American politicians to further their business interests. Igor Fruman, who has pleaded guilty in the case, and Parnas initially caught the attention of investigators after making big donations through a corporate entity to Republican political committees, including a $325,000 donation in 2018 to America First Action, a super PAC supporting Donald Trump. The pair then became middlemen in Rudolph Giuliani’s effort to discredit then-candidate Joe Biden.

‘Scam’ Political Groups Try New Trick – and Rake in Millions
Daily Beast – Roger Sollenberger | Published: 10/11/2021

A network of shady political groups at the center of a new class action lawsuit for bilking donors out of tens of millions of dollars appears to be attempting a legal work-around to continue pulling in the money and evading government scrutiny. The 17 groups in the network bear the tell-tale signs of “scam PACs,” entities which present themselves to donors as nonprofit charities but register as political groups with the government. The loophole allows the groups to operate in a gray zone outside the reach of the different federal agencies that regulate nonprofits and political organizations.

The Imminent Impact of Redistricting: Sharper partisan elbows, less compromise by both sides in the House
MSN – Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) | Published: 10/9/2021

Redistricting is getting started around the country, but the first maps released suggest a coming decade of even more deeply entrenched partisanship for Congress. Most House lawmakers already represent solidly partisan constituencies. Every two years, party control is determined by the outcome of only a few dozen seats. Next year, Republicans need to flip only a handful of seats to wrest power away from Democrats. Of the country’s 435 congressional districts, Donald Trump or President Biden won just 50 of them by five or less percentage points. Those swing districts could be reduced by at least a third after redistricting, experts estimate.

Trump Hotel Lost $70M Despite Millions in Foreign Business
Yahoo News – Bernard Condon (Associated Press) | Published: 10/8/2021

Despite the Republican-paid political events and bar tabs from lobbyists, foreign dignitaries, and other supporters of Donald Trump, the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. lost an estimated $74 million between 2016 and 2020. The tally came from Trump’s own auditors, showing losses that generally increased through his tenure in the White House. The new account of revenues and losses at the hotel was released as House Democrats push the Biden administration to turn over additional documents to determine if Trump broke federal rules by continuing to operate the hotel through his family while serving as president.

White Tiger and Cheetah Furs: A mess of Trump gift exchanges
MSN – Michael Schmidt (New York Times) | Published: 10/11/2021

Gift exchanges between the U.S. and foreign leaders, a highly regulated process intended to shield administrations from questions of impropriety, devolved into sometimes absurd shambles during the Trump administration. Former President Trump’s handling of foreign gifts is not at the top of his critics’ list of his offenses, and there is no evidence he or Melania Trump took any gifts to which they were not entitled. But ethics experts said the problems reflected larger issues with the Trump presidency.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Alaska Campaign Regulator Confirms $38,500 Fine Against Bronson Campaign
Anchorage Daily News – James Brooks | Published: 10/11/2021

The Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) confirmed a $38,500 fine against Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson’s election campaign for filing inaccurate campaign expenditure reports during a runoff election. According to APOC’s final order, the fine could have been higher, but commissioners declined to fine Bronson for failing to promptly return donations that were larger than the maximum allowed by law. That is because a three-judge panel on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled many of the state’s maximum donation limits were unconstitutional.

Arizona – Lawmaker Takes Aim at Corp Comm Policy on Campaign Contributions by Utilities
Arizona Mirror – Jeremy Duda | Published: 10/11/2021

Attorneys for the Arizona Legislature believe a Corporation Commission policy intended to restrict campaign contributions by regulated utilities violates the state constitution, and the lawmaker who requested that opinion is hoping it will persuade the commission to change course for next year’s election. Commissioners cannot knowingly take contributions from regulated public service corporations, their lobbyists, employees, or officers, nor can they accept money from any intervenor in a case that is before the commission. The commission’s intention in passing the rule was to require commissioners to recuse themselves if they have taken money from people involved in cases they are hearing.

California – Former Officials Nuñez, Boxer and Villaraigosa Lead Exodus from Powerful Lobbying Firm
MSN – Seema Mehta and Melanie Mason (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 10/6/2021

Former prominent elected officials Fabian Nuñez, Barbara Boxer, and Antonio Villaraigosa led the mass resignations from one of California’s most powerful lobbying firms, Mercury Public Affairs. The departures are largely prompted by financial disputes. Nuñez filed a lawsuit that alleges Mercury’s parent company failed to live up to an agreement that would allow the group to grow its business around the world. Nuñez excoriates the company’s handling of a foreign nonprofit tied to former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort that exposed Mercury to liability and public denouncement.

California – Gavin Newsom Signs Law Giving Journalists Unrestricted Access to Protests Closed by Police
MSN – Andrew Sheeler (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 10/9/2021

Police must allow journalists access to closed-off demonstrations and protests under a new law signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The law requires that journalists be given unfettered access to closed-off protests, and prohibits law enforcement officers from assaulting, interfering, or obstructing journalists from covering such events. Sen. Mike McGuire argued while California law permitted journalists access to closed areas during emergencies and natural disasters, those protections did not extend to covering demonstrations, marches, protests, and rallies.

California – L.A. Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas and Ex-USC Dean Indicted on Bribery Charges
MSN – Michael Finnegan, Matt Hamilton, and Harriet Ryan (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 10/13/2021

Los Angeles City Councilperson Mark Ridley-Thomas was indicted on federal charges for his role in an alleged bribery scheme that landed his son a professorship at the University of Southern California (USC). Prosecutors allege Ridley-Thomas helped direct funding and contracts to USC’s School of Social work while serving on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. In exchange, his son, a former state lawmaker, was guaranteed graduate school admission and a paid teaching position by the school’s then-dean, Marilyn Louise Flynn.

Colorado – Colorado Secretary of State to Pursue Redistricting Lobbying Complaint Against GOP in Court
Denver Gazette – Evan Wyloge | Published: 10/13/2021

An effort to influence Colorado’s new independent redistricting process will end up being scrutinized by an administrative law judge after Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced her office intends to pursue claims of lobbying disclosure violations. Griswold said her office found reason to believe two Republican operatives working for a group called Colorado Neighborhood Coalition, former Colorado House Speaker Frank McNulty and former state lawmaker Greg Brophy, failed to properly register as redistricting lobbyists.

Delaware – Delaware State Auditor Kathy McGuiness Indicted on Two Felony Charges
MSN – Xerxes Wilson and Sarah Gamard (Delaware News Journal) | Published: 10/11/2021

Delaware Auditor Kathy McGuiness was indicted on criminal charges that she hired and supervised her daughter in a do-nothing state job, circumvented state contracting laws to divert taxpayer money to a political campaign group, and spied on and discriminated against employees who questioned her conduct. McGuiness faces two felony charges and several misdemeanors in the indictment, which appears to make her the first statewide elected official to be indicted on felony charges while holding office.

Georgia – Judge Dismisses Fulton County Ballot Review Case in Georgia
MSN – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 10/12/2021

A judge dismissed a lawsuit alleging there were fraudulent ballots and improper ballot counting in Fulton County, Georgia’s most populous county, during the 2020 election. The suit sought a review of some 147,000 absentee ballots to see if any were illegitimate. Henry County Superior Court Chief Judge Brian Amero’s order dismissing the case says the voters who brought the lawsuit “failed to allege a particularized injury” and therefore lacked the standing to claim their state constitutional rights to equal protection and due process had been violated.

Georgia – Senate Candidate Herschel Walker Cancels Fundraiser After Uproar Over Donor’s Use of Vaccine-Needle Swastika in Profile
MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 10/12/2021

A fundraiser for Herschel Walker, a U.S. Senate candidate in Georgia, was canceled after its host was criticized for featuring an image that used a swastika made out of syringes on her Twitter profile. Bettina Sofia Viviano-Langlais, a Republican donor, was set to host a fundraiser for Walker in Texas. That specific rendering of the vaccine-needle swastika has been co-opted by activists nationwide who oppose coronavirus vaccine mandates and compare them to Nazi treatment of the Jews.

Illinois – Ex-CEO Pleads Guilty to Bribery Tied to Dorothy Brown’s Women’s History Month Program
Chicago Sun-Times – Jon Sedel | Published: 10/12/2021

The former chief executive officer of a Pennsylvania debt-collection company admitted making payments to support former Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown’s Women’s History Month program to reward her for business he thought she steered his way. Donald Donagher Jr. pleaded guilty in federal court to one bribery count alleging he paid $869 in March 2014 to a company that provided plaques for the program. He also admitted he had $1,000 paid to a company that catered the event.

Indiana – Ex-Indiana Mayor Gets 21 Months in Prison for Seeking Bribe
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 10/13/2021

A former northwestern Indiana mayor who was convicted of taking a $13,000 bribe from a trucking company and illegal tax evasion was sentenced to 21 months in prison. A jury found former Portage Mayor James Snyder sought the bribe in return for steering about $1.1 million in city contracts to the company.

Indiana – ‘Room for Mischief’: Inside the secretive process to fill vacant seats without elections
MSN – Amelia Pak-Harvey and Kaitlin Lange (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 10/7/2021

U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz got her start in politics working behind the scenes for the local county Republican Party. She used those connections to win her first office when a group of party insiders, not voters, selected her for an Indiana Senate seat over the more politically established candidates. At the time, Spartz had no experience or name recognition as an elected official, which would have made winning an election decided by voters more difficult. The 93 people responsible for Spartz’s critical journey to the statehouse were not every-day Hamilton County voters. They were a little-known facet of Indiana’s political system: precinct committee people, referred to in party lingo as “PCs.” And the public has no clue who most of them were.

Iowa – Democrats Edge Toward Dumping Iowa’s Caucuses as the First Presidential Vote
Portland Press Herald – Michael Scherer (Washington Post) | Published: 10/9/2021

Democrats’ disdain for Iowa’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucus has been rising for years. Now the day of reckoning for Iowa Democrats is fast approaching, as the national party starts to create a new calendar for the 2024 presidential nomination that could remove Iowa from its privileged position for the first time since 1972, when candidates started flocking to the state for an early jump on the race to the White House. The caucus has been damaged by high barriers to participation, a dearth of racial diversity, the rightward drift in the state’s electorate, and a leftward drift in the Democratic participants.

Iowa – Iowa Auditor Sued for Refusing to Release Emails About Rejected Accusation Against Gov. Kim Reynolds
MSN – Daniel Lathrop (Des Moines Register) | Published: 10/11/2021

Iowa’s Democratic state auditor is facing a lawsuit related to a controversial report he issued accusing Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds of violating ethics laws, claims a state ethics panel rejected. The Kirkwood Institute, a conservative public interest law firm, claims Rob Sand is violating the state’s open records law by withholding communications with an Associated Press reporter and a liberal blogger relating to the report. Kirkwood Institute President Alan Ostergren requested the records to determine whether Sand was using state resources for “private political gain” when his office alleged Reynolds had violated state ethics laws by appearing in state-funded ads promoting COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

Michigan – Detroit Council Approves Reforms to City’s Controversial Towing System
Detroit News – James David Dickson and George Hunter | Published: 10/12/2021

The Detroit City Council unanimously approved a series of changes in a bid to boost transparency and accountability in the city’s towing system. The vote came after years of controversy surrounding the city’s municipal towing operations and amid a federal probe that has entangled three council members this year and previously has resulted in criminal convictions of police officers who took bribes from towers. The action is one of multiple initiatives to revamp Detroit’s towing procedures.

New Jersey – Judge Was Wrong to Throw Out Bribery Case in Infamous Corruption Sting, Prosecutors Say
MSN – Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 10/7/2021

A Superior Court judge was wrong when she threw out a bribery case against a former Bayonne mayoral candidate in what had been one of New Jersey’s biggest corruption operations in years, prosecutors said. The state attorney general’s office is seeking to reverse the dismissal of a criminal indictment against Jason O’Donnell. He had been charged with taking cash in exchange for promises of tax and real estate work if he won his election. The judge concluded O’Donnell committed no crime under the state’s corruption statutes, finding he had no influence to offer because he was not a public official when he was ensnared in the sting.

New Mexico – Annual Review of Campaign Finances Resumes in New Mexico
MSN – Morgan Lee (Associated Press) | Published: 10/9/2021

After a four-year hiatus, state election regulators have resumed spot-checks on campaign finance disclosures by politicians, candidates, and political committees, with 10 accounts referred to New Mexico’s fledgling State Ethics Commission and state prosecutors for possible enforcement action. The random sampling of campaign finance disclosures from the 2020 general election cycle taps into a newly deployed electronic campaign finance reporting system at the secretary of state’s office that reconciles an intricate web of campaign contributions, transfers, and expenditures.

New Mexico – New Mexico Governor Settles Harassment Claim for $150K
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 10/11/2021

The final price tag for a settlement reached by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and a former campaign spokesperson to settle accusations of harassment is now $150,000. The latest payments were disclosed in a mandatory campaign finance report filed by the governor’s campaign. The staffer, James Hallinan, accused Lujan Grisham of dropping water in his lap and then grabbing his crotch in the midst of a campaign staff meeting, accusations the governor denies.

New York – Cuomo Book Approval Faces New Challenge
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 10/12/2021

When the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) holds its next meeting, a commissioner is planning to again try and have the agency’s approval of former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s book deal rescinded. After failing by one vote at a September meeting, Commissioner Gary Lavine is planning a different tact: a motion arguing JCOPE staff never had the authority to issue the approval. In 2012, JCOPE passed a resolution allowing the executive director of the staff to take certain actions between monthly commissioner meetings. JCOPE staff argues this 2012 resolution granted it authority to approve Cuomo’s book deal in July 2020.

New York – Hochul Scraps Cuomo’s ‘Defense’ Program Critics Say Helped Suppress Negative Information
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 10/12/2021

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is ending a program begun under her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo, which had helped suppress negative information about Cuomo and his administration. When announced in 2015, the state’s first-ever “ethics, risk, and compliance” initiative was framed as bringing a private-sector risk management model to state agencies and public authorities. But for Cuomo’s office, the job also meant managing negative information that might come to light, a practice that exploded into public view during the controversy over Cuomo’s alleged suppression of nursing home death data.

New York – Mayor de Blasio’s $1 Million Bill: He owes lawyers, lobbyists and taxpayers
The City – Greg Smith | Published: 10/12/2021

As he hints at running for governor, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has racked up nearly $1 million in debts to lawyers, campaign consultants, and taxpayers that records indicate he currently cannot pay. The mayor owes one of the city’s biggest lobbyist law firms upwards of $435,000. The Department of Investigation informed de Blasio he must reimburse taxpayers nearly $320,000 for his use of a securing detail during his failed presidential campaign. The latest filings for his various campaign and PACs reveal he has got more than $182,500 in outstanding campaign debts and only about $11,800 cash on hand.

New York – New York City’s Top Corruption Watchdog Leaving for Federal Role
New York Times – Benjamin Weiser and William Rashbaum | Published: 10/13/2021

Margaret Garnett, the commissioner of the New York City agency that roots out corruption in local government, will leave her post and become the second-ranking official in the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York. Garnett has been the city’s investigation commissioner since 2018. In perhaps her final report as commissioner, her office, the Department of Investigation, criticized Mayor Bill de Blasio’s use of his security detail for political and personal reasons, including for trips taken during his presidential campaign.

Ohio – Cincinnati City Manager Endorses Idea for ‘Ethics and Good Government’ Officer
WVXU – Becca Costello | Published: 10/11/2021

A director of ethics and good government could take on responsibility for implementing anti-corruption reform in Cincinnati. Creating that new position is a key part of City Manager Paula Boggs Muething’s reform recommendations. The officer would be responsible for implementing anti-corruption reform approved by the city council based on recommendations of the Economic Development Reform Panel, which was formed in response to three council member arrests on federal corruption charges last year.

Ohio – Former Cleveland Councilman Kenneth Johnson Sentenced to Six Years in Prison, Ordered to Pay More than $740,000 in Restitution
Cleveland Plain Dealer – John Caniglia | Published: 10/8/2021

Former Cleveland City Council member Kenneth Johnson was sentenced to six years in prison for stealing from the city and federal government. U.S. District Court Judge John Adams ordered Johnson, a 40-year member of council, to pay a portion of more than $740,000 in restitution for a series of schemes he ran from City Hall. A jury convicted him of public corruption charges in July. He was accused of siphoning tens of thousands of dollars from the council, underpaying his taxes, and steering government money to keep his adopted sons on the payroll of a community development corporation that he helped fund.

Ohio – Law-Firm Lobbyists Tell Federal Judge Details of Their Big Role in Passing Scandal-Tainted House Bill 6 Nuclear Bailout
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 10/13/2021

National law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld played a significant role in the passage of House Bill 6 in Ohio by organizing lobbying efforts, setting up large political donations, and helping to write the scandal-ridden energy law. Four members of the Washington D.C. firm submitted the documents at the demand of a bankruptcy judge, who is holding up the final $1.2 million of about $68 million in fees and expenses Akin Gump charged to FirstEnergy Solutions until the law firm’s House Bill 6 lobbying team answered questions about their involvement with the passage of the law and other activities surrounding a $60 million bribery scandal.

Ohio – Ohio Elections Commission Rules in Favor of Rep. Wiggam, Others in Finance Complaint
MSN – Bryce Buyakie (Daily Record) | Published: 10/7/2021

The Ohio Election Commission found the American Legislative Exchange Council did not violate campaign finance law when it provided software worth $3,000 to three state lawmakers during their 2020 campaigns. A complaint alleged the lawmakers did not report the gifted software as in-kind contributions. “Because they didn’t accept and use the software and it was only provided to them, it is not an in-kind contribution,” said Executive Director Philip Richter. The only dissenting voice acknowledged the commission does not know if Rep. Scott Wiggam activated the software. If activated and used, Richter said it could be a violation of Ohio law.

Pennsylvania – Amid FBI Scrutiny, Top PSERS Pension Officials Update Financial Disclosures
MSN – Craig McCoy and John DiStefano (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 10/11/2021

Amid an FBI investigation into real estate held by the Pennsylvania School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS), the agency’s investment chief and his top staff have updated their financial disclosures to include their roles on the boards of agency-affiliated companies that own PSERS buildings in Harrisburg and elsewhere. PSERS has acknowledged agency official James Grossman and others on his staff were on a disclosure form filed with the IRS not only as board members for the affiliated companies but as paid staff. This seemed to put them in dual and conflicting roles as top employees of both PSERS and firms that did business with the pension fund.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Lawmakers Hand Out Millions in Public Contracts to Law Firms That Fill Their Campaign Coffers
WHYY – Sam Janesch (The Caucus) and Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 10/13/2021

Law firms and attorneys who have worked for the Pennsylvania House and Senate have donated at least $5.5 million to 18 campaign committees controlled by Democratic and Republican legislative leaders during the last decade. In all, they gave at least $24 million to local and state-level campaigns across Pennsylvania during that time in a state that allows unlimited contributions with few disclosure rules. Legislators in turn hire firms for all types of legal matters. Good-government advocates warn such a mutually beneficial system, while legal, can foster a “pay-to-play” culture in which contracts are awarded to political allies.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Republicans Unveil Lobbying Reform Package to Address ‘Most Pressing Loopholes’ in Law
Pennsylvania Capital-Journal – Marley Parish | Published: 10/13/2021

Nine months after the top Republican in the Pennsylvania Senate vowed to make transparency a major priority in the Legislature, lawmakers are inching toward some lobbying reform. Four Republicans in the upper chamber introduced a package of bills that would impose new requirements for lobbyists and political consultants to avoid conflicts-of-interest and define the relationship between lawmakers and those who try to influence them. Critics called the reform proposals a baby step.

Rhode Island – Vote Postponed on Proposal to Shield ‘Maybe’ Candidates from Having to Report Finances
MSN – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 10/12/2021

Faced with a wall of opposition, state election officials postponed a vote until at least December on letting potential candidates for state and local office “test the waters” without revealing how much they raise or spend. The Rhode Island Board of Elections decided to hold off after a flurry of opposition from state Republican Party Chairperson Sue Cienki, Common Cause, two of the already announced Democratic candidates for governor, and an army of legislators.

Virginia – Document Details Hefty Payments from Dominion Energy to Media Influencers and Lobbyists
Richmond Times-Dispatch – Patrick Wilson | Published: 10/8/2021

A document in the ongoing review of Dominion Energy’s finances reveals hefty dollar amounts from the electric monopoly to media influencers and lobbyists. Recipients include a columnist who wrote editorials about Dominion for a large state newspaper, former lawmakers who lobby the current ones, and the most renowned political commentator in Virginia. Dominion Energy is known to employ many lobbyists and political consultants, helping it achieve legislative success, but the document provides new details about who the company uses and how much it spends on consulting.

Virginia – Lobbyists in Virginia Don’t Have to Report How Much They Actually Earn
Richmond Times-Dispatch – Patrick Wilson | Published: 10/13/2021

Virginia lawmakers require companies or entities that hire lobbyists to report who the lobbyists are and how much they are paid. Because there are several ways to calculate the payment amounts, the public disclosures generally are far below the actual dollar amounts the lobbyists earn. Critics say the public has no way of knowing exactly how much money lobbyists are paid to lobby their elected representatives.

National/Federal

Court Orders FEC to Rule on Complaints Against NRA’s Alleged Campaign Coordination Scheme
MSN – Soo Rin Kim (ABC News) | Published: 10/1/2021

A federal court ordered the FEC to rule on pending complaints that allege the National Rifle Association (NRA) used shell entities to illegally coordinate campaign spending with federal candidates, including with the 2016 presidential campaign of Donald Trump. In a 2019 lawsuit, the plaintiffs alleged the NRA used a “network of shell corporations” to circumvent contribution limits and coordinate approximately $35 million in ad spending with the campaigns of at least seven Republican candidates over the last three election cycles.

False Election Claims Undermine Efforts to Increase Security
MSN – Maggie Miller (The Hill) | Published: 10/2/2021

Officials say the biggest threat facing U.S. elections is not Russian hacking or domestic voter fraud but disinformation and misinformation increasingly undermining the public’s perception of voting security. Since the 2016 vote, Congress has allocated millions of dollars to states to shore up cybersecurity and replace outdated, vulnerable voting machines, but even as improvements are made, faith in the system is being eroded.

Fed Says Trading Activity by Top Officials Under Independent Review
MSN – Rachel Siegel (Washington Post) | Published: 10/4/2021

The Federal Reserve released a rare public statement revealing an independent review by the Office of Inspector General for the Federal Reserve Board, over whether trading activity by top Fed officials “was in compliance with both the relevant ethics rules and the law.” Leaders had previously announced the Fed’s own internal ethics review of financial trading rules for top officials, and Fed Chairperson Jerome Powell said there would be changes to existing guidance. But the latest statement reflected a more concerted focus on the legality of the trades themselves.

Group Files Complaint with California Bar Association Against John Eastman, Lawyer Who Advised Trump on Election Challenges
MSN – Tom Hamburger and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 10/4/2021

A bipartisan group of former officials and legal heavyweights, including two former federal judges, asked the California bar association to investigate the conduct of John Eastman, the adviser to then-President Trump who mapped out a legal strategy to overturn the 2020 election results. The complaint cites Eastman’s work in election challenges rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court and his speech at a January 6 rally in Washington before a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol. But the memo centers on Eastman’s alleged role in pressing Vice President Pence not to count electoral votes and certify President Biden as the winner.

Journalists Sue U.S. Broadcasting Arm for Wrongful Dismissal Under Trump
Yahoo News – Daniel Lippman (Politico) | Published: 10/4/2021

Seven foreign journalists working for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) who were fired by the Trump administration have sued the agency for breach of contract and wrongful termination. The journalists argue their careers and livelihoods have been significantly hurt by being fired and are seeking back pay. The complaints note Michael Pack, a conservative filmmaker who was installed as chief executive of USAGM in June 2020, expressed his distrust of foreign journalists working for the various broadcast entities under the USAGM umbrella and refused to renew more than 30 of their visas, causing them to lose their jobs.

Koch-Backed Group Fuels Opposition to School Mask Mandates, Leaked Letter Shows
Seattle Times – Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) | Published: 10/1/2021

A letter made available to paying members of the Independent Women’s Forum that shows how people should protest mask mandates in schools was made possible through the largesse of Republican megadonors. The document offers a glimpse into the inner workings of a well-financed conservative campaign to undermine regulations that health authorities say are necessary to contain the coronavirus. As a nonprofit, Independent Women’s Forum is exempt from disclosing its donors and paying federal income taxes.

Lawmakers Seek Details on Accounting Firms After a New York Times Report
New York Times – Jesse Drucker | Published: 10/5/2021

Two Democratic lawmakers are seeking information from the country’s biggest accounting firms about the
“revolving door” between the firm’s tax departments and top positions at the Treasury Department. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal made the request after The New York Times detailed how multinational accounting firms effectively draft tax rules from inside the government that benefit their clients. The Times found at least 35 examples in which employees of big accounting firms left to join the Treasury’s tax policy office or other government positions and then returned to the same firm.

Once a Hero, Oregon Congressional Candidate Funds Questioned
ABC News – Brian Slodysko (Associated Press) | Published: 10/3/2021

Alek Skarlatos, a hero soldier-turned-Republican congressional candidate, started a nonprofit shortly after his 2020 defeat in an Oregon race, pledging to advocate for veterans “left high and dry” by the country “they put their lives on the line for.” The group, which Skarlatos seeded with $93,000 in leftover campaign funds, has done little since then to advance that cause. What it has nurtured, though, are Skarlatos’ political ambitions, providing $65,000 to his 2022 bid for a rematch with U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio. It is a seat that Republicans are targeting in their quest to win back the House.

Report Cites New Details of Trump Pressure on Justice Dept. Over Election
Yahoo News – Katie Benner (New York Times) | Published: 10/7/2021

An interim report by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee provides new details about Donald Trump’s efforts to pressure the Justice Department to do his bidding in the chaotic final weeks of his presidency. The report draws on documents, emails, and testimony from three top Justice Department officials. It provides the most complete account yet of Trump’s efforts to push the department to validate election fraud claims that had been disproved by the FBI and state investigators.

Sen. Grassley Congratulates Korean American Judge on Her Work Ethic. Some Asian Americans Say It Echoes Divisive Stereotypes.
MSN – Eugene Scott (Washington Post) | Published: 10/6/2021

U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, congratulated a Korean American judicial nominee for the “hard work ethic” of “you and your people,” invoking a stereotype about Asian Americans. The senator, who is seeking reelection to another six-year term, praised Lucy Koh, a judge nominated by President Biden to the federal appeals court, during her confirmation hearing. U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, said even if Grassley’s motives were well-intentioned, they came from a place of prejudicial views.

Special Report – How AT&T Helped Build Far-Right One America News
MSN – John Shiffman (Reuters) | Published: 10/6/2021

A review of court records shows the role AT&T played in creating and funding One America News (OAN), a far-right network that continues to spread conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and the COVID-19 pandemic. OAN founder and chief executive Robert Herring Sr has testified the inspiration to launch OAN in 2013 came from AT&T executives. Since then, AT&T has been a crucial source of funds flowing into OAN, providing tens of millions of dollars in revenue. Ninety percent of OAN’s revenue came from a contract with AT&T-owned television platforms, including satellite broadcaster DirecTV.

U.S. Navy Hit by Another International Bribery Scandal
MSN – Craig Whitlock (Washington Post) | Published: 10/3/2021

U.S. Navy corruption case that has echoes of the “Fat Leonard” scandal with a defense contractor facing accusations he delivered cash bribes and bilked the Navy out of at least $50 million to service its ships in foreign ports. The Justice Department is trying to extradite the contractor – Frank Rafaraci, chief executive of Multinational Logistics Services (MLS) – from Malta. In one instance, when the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson visited Bahrain in January 2015, MLS billed the Navy for more than $231,000 in “port authority fees,” even though the port authority charged only $12,686.

Why Democrats See 3 Governor’s Races as a Sea Wall for Fair Elections
New York Times – Reid Epstein and Nick Corasaniti | Published: 10/6/2021

In three critical battleground states, Democratic governors have blocked efforts by Republican-controlled Legislatures to restrict voting rights and undermine the 2020 election. Now, the 2022 races for governor in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania – states that have long been vital to Democratic presidential victories – are taking on major new significance. At stake are how easy it is to vote, who controls the electoral system and, some Democrats worry, whether the results of federal, state, and local elections will be accepted no matter which party wins.

From the States and Municipalities

California – S.F. Ethics Commission Finds ‘Problematic’ Gifting at City Departments
MSN – Lauren Hernández (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 10/1/2021

Several departments in San Francisco have accepted gifts from restricted organizations – groups with which the city does business – and distributed those gifts to city employees, actions that undermine rules regarding gifts, according to a new report by the city Ethics Commission. The report released details “problematic” conduct related to gifts, including the awarding of tickets to events such as concerts, and the receipt of benefits and funds to pay for private parties, dinners, and other celebrations.

Florida – DeSantis Says He’s Running. Where Are the Documents?
MSN – Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) | Published: 9/30/2021

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced he is running for re-election, but he has filed no campaign documents, released no financial disclosures, reported no campaign expenditures, nor established a campaign treasurer – all required for candidates for statewide office in Florida. The governor’s political committee had raised more than $50 million this election cycle. “We allow potential candidates to have political committees where they can raise unlimited amounts of money … then when they become an official candidate, we put limits on what they can raise and direct into the campaign account,” said Integrity Florida President Ben Wilcox.

Florida – Judge Revives Lawsuit Against Secretive Group That Paid for Ads in High-Stakes Senate Race
Orlando Sentinel – Jason Garcia and Annie Martin | Published: 10/6/2021

A lawmaker will get a second chance to force a secretive political group to reveal the donors who helped fund advertisements in a key Florida Senate race last year, after the media identified the possible leader of the group as Stephen Jones. A judge gave an extra 60 days for state Sen. Annette Taddeo to serve a lawsuit she filed against Floridians for Equality and Justice, which sent mailers last year attacking Democrat Patricia Sigman without disclosing its donors. Taddeo’s attorneys argued Jones “took steps to secret his true address in forming the political committee for the purpose of potentially avoiding responsibility for illegal acts.”

Georgia – Giving Limit Rises to $7,600 for Georgia Political Donors
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 9/30/2021

Candidates for statewide offices in Georgia can now accept more from each donor. Individuals, corporations, political committees, and political party can give each candidate up to $7,600 for each primary and general election and $4,500 for each runoff. That is up from $7,000 for primary and general elections and $4,100 for runoffs.

Georgia – Protection Against Violent Threats Could Be Legitimate Georgia Campaign Expense
Georgia Recorder – Jill Nolan | Published: 10/1/2021

The recent spate of violent threats against elected officials has the Georgia ethics commission rethinking its position on whether home security systems should qualify as a legitimate campaign-related expense. Seven years ago, the commission ruled candidates and officeholders could not use campaign funds to help secure their homes. But after a tumultuous last year, the current commissioners are on the verge of reversing course. The request comes from the Democratic Party of Georgia, but the escalation in threats toward public officials is a problem for both parties.

Idaho – In Idaho, a Power Play While the Governor’s Away
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 10/5/2021

Idaho Gov. Brad Little said he will rescind an executive order involving Covid-19 vaccines by Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, and the commanding general of the Idaho National Guard also told McGeachin she cannot activate troops to send to the U.S.-Mexico border. Little was in Texas meeting with nine other Republican governors over concerns on how President Biden is handling border issues. McGeachin, a far-right Republican, is running for governor. In Idaho, the governor and lieutenant governor do not run on the same ticket.

Illinois – Former City Club President in Texts to Mayor Lori Lightfoot: ‘ComEd duped me’ in bribery probe tied to Madigan
MSN – Gregory Pratt, Jason Meisner, and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 9/30/2021

Jay Doherty, former head of the City Club of Chicago who is under indictment, texted Mayor Lori Lightfoot that he had been misled by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) and the utility’s alleged bribery of then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. The messages show Doherty tried to downplay his role in the probe to the mayor even after federal agents raided the City Club’s offices. The texts also show Lightfoot helped Doherty with a booking even after he was first publicly connected to the probe. Doherty was indicted in an alleged scheme to funnel money and jobs to Madigan loyalists in exchange for the speaker’s help with legislation ComEd wanted.

Indiana – Indiana Casino Exec and Former Republican Lawmaker Faces New Tax Fraud Charges
MSN – Johnny Magdaleno (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 10/1/2021

A federal grand jury imposed additional charges on an Indiana casino executive with for his alleged role in as scheme to funnel casino cash into an ex-state senator’s failed campaign for Congress. John Keeler was already facing four federal charges for allegedly working with out-of-state political consultants to recruit straw donors. Those straw donors were reimbursed with funds from Keeler’s casino company, according to federal prosecutors. Now the Justice Department says Keeler tried to use those contributions to lower his company’s taxable income.

Kentucky – Most KY State Workers Who Gamed the System to Collect Jobless Benefits Were Not Fired
Lexington Herald-Leader – John Cheves | Published: 10/6/2021

Of at least 19 state workers in Kentucky who participated in a scheme to improperly collect state and federal unemployment benefits during the spring of 2020, none were prosecuted while one was fired and eight were briefly suspended and then returned to their jobs. Gov. Andy Beshear had said the workers would be punished for their roles in a scheme to claim $54,232 in jobless benefits while still holding full-time state jobs. Some lied about lost part-time jobs to seem eligible; some used their official access to the state jobless benefits system to facilitate claims for themselves, colleagues, and friends.

Maine – Maine Ethics Commission Orders Investigation into Conservative Group’s Software System
Government Technology – Scott Thistle (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 9/30/2021

The Maine ethics commission voted to investigate whether the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is illegally trying to influence elections by providing a software package to lawmakers. But the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices also voted to dismiss a complaint that two Republican state lawmakers violated campaign finance laws after it was determined they never used ALEC’s software for campaign purposes.

Maryland – Baltimore County Issues Final Recommendations for Fair Public Election System in New Report
MSN – Emily Goodnight (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 10/5/2021

The Baltimore County Fair Election Fund Work Group released its final report to help create the county’s first public campaign financing system. The group has spent the past six months developing a comprehensive set of recommendations, detailing how the county’s public campaign fund will work, including how candidates can qualify for public funding, the limits and thresholds related to matching fund limits, and how much funding campaigns can receive from the program.

Maryland – Former Hogan Chief of Staff Indicted on Charges of Secretly Recording Governor on Phone Calls, Embezzling Funds
MSN – Pamela Wood (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 10/5/2021

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s former chief of staff was indicted on charges he defrauded a state agency he led by inducing it to pay him nearly $280,000 in mostly severance pay before he moved to his post in the governor’s office. Roy McGrath also used funds from the Maryland Environmental Service to pay a personal pledge to a museum and got the agency to pay tuition expenses for a class after he left his job as executive director, according to the indictment. He also recorded conversations with senior state officials without their consent and faces state charges.

Michigan – Gov. Whitmer Vetoes 4 Election Bills at NAACP Dinner, Says They Perpetuated ‘Big Lie’
MSN – Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 10/4/2021

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed four election bills, the first of dozens expected to land on her desk following the contentious 2020 presidential election and the flurry of legislative activity it has prompted to overhaul voting laws across the country. The measures would have codified current election practices, required election challengers to undergo training, and expanded the types of places that could serve as polling locations.

Michigan – Taylor Mayor Pocketed Campaign Cash, Lottery Tickets in Bribery Scandal, Feds Say
Detroit Free Press – Robert Snell | Published: 10/5/2021

Federal prosecutors leveled new allegations against Taylor Mayor Rick Sollars, accusing him of cashing campaign checks at a party store in exchange for cash and scratch-off lottery tickets while corrupting a city foreclosed property program. The allegations were contained in a new criminal case against an alleged co-conspirator as prosecutors signaled at least two people are expected to plead guilty in connection with the case. Sollars was indicted in December 2019 on federal bribery and wire fraud charges and accused of helping a man obtain city-owned properties in exchange for free work on his home and vacation chalet.

Mississippi – Mississippi Aid Program Gave Little Help to Renters, but Millions to a Top Law Firm
MSN – Jonathan O’Connell and Yeganeh Torbati (Washington Post) | Published: 10/1/2021

More than seven months after Congress created the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Mississippi had spent only 11 percent of $186.7 million in first-round funding, compared with a national average of 32 percent. Mississippians are clamoring for the funds: 9,000 people applied to the program in August. But tenants and advocates say it can take more than a month to get a response from the program, which is administered in part by Balch & Bingham, a politically connected law firm. Hired through a no-bid $3.8 million contract, the firm plays a key role in reviewing and scrutinizing aid applications, a process critics say leads to enormous delays.

Missouri – Missouri Ethics Commission: Columbia Mayor Must Terminate Campaign Committee
Columbia Missourian – Stephanie Southey | Published: 10/1/2021

Columbia Mayor Brian Treece was ordered to terminate his campaign committee. The Missouri Ethics Commission issued the order and said Treece violated state law. The state law from 2016 requires registered lobbyists to dissolve their candidate committees and that the campaign money should be returned to donors or contributed to a nonprofit group or political party committee. Treece did not terminate his committee in 2016 before registering as a lobbyist in 2017, 2018, 2019, or 2020.

New Mexico – Free Lunches Earn Business Access to New Mexico Lawmakers
MSN – Cedar Attanasio (Associated Press) | Published: 10/7/2021

As long as they are disclosed, it is legal for companies to buy New Mexico lawmakers lunches and give gifts. Sen. Gay Kernan said sponsored lunches have been common practice in her 19 years serving the Legislature, and that a sandwich cannot buy her vote. Former Rep. Jim Dines, who says he refused to accept as much as a bottle of water from lobbyists, believes there is a problem. “The appearance of impropriety is always there when you accept something [for] free. … Only the legislator themselves know whether … they’re being influenced,” said Dines.

New Mexico – NM Ethics Agency Seeks Expanded Staff, Jurisdiction
Albuquerque Journal – Dan McKay | Published: 10/1/2021

The State Ethics Commission will ask New Mexico lawmakers next year to sharply increase its staff to ensure the agency can carry out its role as an independent watchdog. The agency also agreed to ask the Legislature to expand its jurisdiction to the parts of the state constitution that prohibit profiting from public office and ban lawmakers from having an interest in contracts authorized by bills passed during their term.

New York – JCOPE Votes to Investigate Itself Over Cuomo Book Deal Approval
WXXI – Karen Dewitt | Published: 10/5/2021

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) voted to open an independent investigation of how the panel approved a $5 million book deal for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to write a memoir about his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. The deal has been the subject of a probe by the state attorney general as well as federal investigators. Cuomo never submitted the book contract to the panel, and the full commission never voted to approve the arrangement. Several commissioners complained at the time they were shut out of the decisions.

New York – Lovely Warren to Resign by Dec. 1 as Part of Plea Deal Over All Criminal Charges She Faces
MSN – Gary Craig and Brian Sharp (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) | Published: 10/4/2021

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren admitted to violating the state’s election law and, as part of a plea agreement, will resign from office by December 1. The plea deal heads off what was expected to be a month-long trial, while also resolving weapons and child endangerment charges Warren confronted in a separate criminal case. The city’s first Black woman to be elected mayor, Warren’s tenure has been a roller coaster ride, highlighted by some successful commercial development throughout the community but marred by the criminal allegations that have now hounded her for a year.

New York – Want to Be a City Commissioner? It Helps to Be Friendly with the Mayor.
New York Times – Dana Rubenstein | Published: 10/6/2021

Faced with half a dozen major vacancies during his eighth and final year in office, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had what appeared to be a simple choice: promote an experienced hand from within or persuade an outsider to sign on for what was likely to be a very temporary job. But in three of those instances, de Blasio chose a third option – he hired a loyalist. Each of the three has demonstrated long-term fidelity to the outgoing mayor, and he has reciprocated by putting them atop agencies of which they have varying levels of subject-matter expertise.

Ohio – Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine Says He Won’t Recuse Himself from Redistricting Lawsuits Involving His Father, Gov. Mike DeWine
Cleveland Plain Dealer – Andrew Tobias | Published: 9/30/2021

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine says he does not plan to recuse himself from hearing a trio of lawsuits challenging new state House and Senate districts his father, Gov. Mike DeWine, voted to approve. Justice DeWine has recused himself at times from lawsuits involving decisions made by his father, including as recently as September, when, saying he wanted to “avoid the appearance of impropriety,” he withdrew from a case challenging Gov. DeWine’s decision to end enhanced federal unemployment benefits. In the redistricting cases, Justice DeWine noted his father was one of seven members of the Ohio Redistricting Commission, which approved the maps.

Ohio – Ohio’s Medicaid Director Owns the Stock of Some Major Contractors, but Won’t Say How Much
Ohio Capital Journal – Marty Schladen | Published: 10/6/2021

Since she became director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid in January 2019, Maureen Corcoran has owned stock in some of the department’s biggest contractors. Given the size of those contracts, they could have increased the value of the stock Corcoran owned. But while she complied with one set of state disclosure requirements, Corcoran will not say just how much stock she owns in such companies as CVS Health, UnitedHealth Group, and Express Scripts, each of which has done billions of dollars’ worth of business with the Medicaid department since Corcoran started running it.

Oregon – People for Portland Co-Founder Accused of Two-Timing Powerful Business Group
MSN – Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 9/30/2021

Lobbyist Dan Lavey ditched the Oregon Beer and Wine Distributors Association, an off-and-on client for years, after receiving a financial offer he “couldn’t refuse” from the Northwest Grocery Association, the beer and wine distributors allege. The two industry associations, among the most influential in Oregon, are frequent political opponents and are poised to square-off again over a possible ballot initiative next year that would privatize state liquor sales. “Reputation and relationships are all we have in this work [and] flagrantly flipping sides is not something we usually see in Oregon politics,” said Amy Ruiz, a senior vice president with Strategies 360.

Pennsylvania – John Dougherty and Bobby Henon Bribery Trial: What you need to know
MSN – Oona Goodin-Smith (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 10/4/2021

Union leader John Dougherty and Philadelphia City Councilperson Bobby Henon are now in court more than two years after they were charged in a federal bribery and corruption case. The outcome could shape the future of organized labor, politics, and public corruption investigations in the city for years to come. Federal prosecutors charged Dougherty, Henon, and six other Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers officials. But last year, a judge granted a defense request to split the case into two trials. The first trial is focused solely on charges tied to the relationship between Dougherty and Henon.

Pennsylvania – South Fla. Pols Wondered Where Campaign Cash Came From. The Answer Led to a Beleaguered N.J. Developer
MSN – Jacob Adelman (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 10/7/2021

National Realty Investment Advisors (NRIA) pitches outsized investor returns in television and radio ads from its development projects. Many of those projects have been in Philadelphia. NRIA is under investigation by the FBI and financial regulators, and a former executive has separately been charged with fraud. One of the major projects it is depending on to start generating profits is in Delray Beach, Florida. Three New Jersey companies contributed to Delray Beach politicians with a common link to the city: all were started by NRIA employees and NRIA needed officials’ approval for its $59 million apartment project there.

Rhode Island – Senators Grill McKee Administration Over $5.2 Million Contract
MSN – Edward Fitzgerald (Boston Globe) | Published: 10/6/2021

The Senate oversight committee grilled officials in Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee’s administration over a $5.2-million contract awarded to ILO Group, a consulting firm that formed two days after McKee took office. The committee looked at a Zoom call that took place on March 5, one day after the ILO had formed. That meeting led to the state seeking proposals and awarding contracts to ILO and a lower bidder. The Zoom call included Mike Magee, one of McKee’s top campaign donors and the leader of Chiefs for Change, a network of state and district education chiefs. Senators noted ILO’s managing partner, Julia Rafal-Baer, worked for Chiefs for Change, and she had been invited to join that Zoom meeting.

South Dakota – Did Kristi Noem Abuse Governor’s Office to Get Daughter Appraiser License? Accountability Panel Will Decide
MSN – Joe Sneve (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 10/6/2021

A panel of South Dakota judges will review allegations about Gov. Kristi Noem abused her office to help her daughter obtain a state appraiser license. The attorney general’s office announced it was referring the complaint to the Government Accountability Board, which will investigate the matter and determine if any misconduct occurred. The allegations center around a meeting Noem had with officials with the Department of Labor and Regulation after the agency had recommended denying Noem’s daughter, Kassidy Peters, a real estate appraiser license.

National/Federal

As Districts Grow More Diverse, Congressional Outreach Does Too
MSN – Michael Macagnone (Roll Call) | Published: 9/30/2021

Over the past decade, U.S. Rep. Katie Porter’s 45th District in Southern California grew to the largest by population in the state and was 45 percent non-Hispanic white in 2020, down from 55 percent in 2010. The district is more than one quarter Asian, which has shaped how Porter reaches out to her constituents. For example, she often contacts local community groups and ethnic churches in efforts to share more information about federal programs.

As Redistricting Begins, States Tackle the Issue of ‘Prison Gerrymandering’
MSN – Emmanuel Felton (Washington Post) | Published: 9/28/2021

As lawmakers begin drawing lines for congressional and state legislative districts based on the 2020 Census, there is a key question facing these drafters: how to count the 2.3 million people housed in the nation’s jails and prisons. While inmates are not allowed to vote in 48 states, they count for the purposes of representation. For most of American history, counting inmates where they were imprisoned did not have a huge impact on political power and representation. But that changed when states began adopting tough-on-crime laws in the 1980s, leading to an era of mass incarcerations.

Biden White House Leans Toward Releasing Information About Trump and Jan. 6 Attack, Setting Off Legal and Political Showdown
MSN – Tom Hamburger and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 9/23/2021

The White House is leaning toward releasing information to Congress about what Donald Trump and his aides were doing during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol despite the former president’s objections, a decision that could have significant ramifications. Trump has said he will cite “executive privilege” to block information requests from the House select committee investigating the events of that day, banking on a legal theory that has successfully allowed presidents and their aides to avoid or delay congressional scrutiny for decades. But the Biden White House plans to err on the side of disclosure given the gravity of the events.

Covert Postal Service Unit Probed Jan. 6 Social Media
Yahoo News – Betsy Woodruff Swann (Politico) | Published: 9/27/2021

In the days after the January 6 attack on the Capitol, an obscure arm of the U.S. Postal Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service’s Internet Covert Operations Program (iCOP) sent bulletins to law enforcement agencies around the country on how to view social media posts that had been deleted. Few Americans are aware the same organization that delivers their mail also runs a surveillance operation rooted in an agency that dates back to the 18th century. And iCOP’s involvement raises questions about how broad the mandate of the Postal Service’s policing arm has grown from its stated mission of keeping mail deliverers safe.

DNC to Host First In-Person Fundraiser of the Covid Era
Yahoo News – Caitlin Oprysko (Politico) | Published: 9/25/2021

Eighteen months into the pandemic, the Democratic National Committee held its first in-person, indoor fundraising events, turning to K Street to haul in cash ahead of the midterm cycle. For lobbyists who have been starved of facetime with party leaders, they can give $36,500, the maximum amount an individual or non-multi-candidate PAC can contribute to a national party committee. That donation brings with it a more intimate “private clutch,” according to the invitation. The hosting of an in-person event marks a return for Democrats to the usual method of raising cash after meeting with donors became confined to Zoom calls.

Fallout Begins for Far-Right Trolls Who Trusted Epik to Keep Their Identities Secret
Seattle Times – Drew Harwell, Hannah Allam, Jeremy Merrill, and Craig Timberg (Washington Post) | Published: 9/28/2021

In the real world, Joshua Alayon worked as a real estate agent in Pompano Beach, Florida. But online, data revealed by the massive hack of Epik, an Internet-services company popular with the far right, signaled a darker side. Alayon’s name and personal details were found on invoices suggesting he had once paid for websites with names such as racisminc.com and theholocaustisfake.com. The hacking group Anonymous exposed previously obscure details of far-right sites and launched a race among extremism researchers to identify the hidden promoters of online hate. After Alayon’s name appeared in the breached data, his brokerage firm dropped him as an agent.

FEC Debates Deadlocks and Dismissals
Investigative Reporting Workshop – Keith Newell | Published: 9/29/2021

Since its founding in 1974, the FEC has long been regarded as an ineffective agency, garnering criticism as a “toothless tiger” or a “tightly leashed watchdog.” The panel has a maximum of six members, with no more than three from one party. Since 2006, an increasingly high number of deadlocked votes result in dismissals of allegations of misconduct; deadlocks are effectively victories for the Republican commissioners. Party loyalty appears to be less important to commissioners than ideology.

House Jan. 6 Committee Issues Subpoenas for Pro-Trump Rally Organizers
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Tom Hamburger, and Carol Leonnig (Washington Post) | Published: 9/29/2021

The U.S. House select committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol issued subpoenas to 11 people associated with or involved in the planning of pro-Trump rallies that preceded the violent insurrection. The subpoenas come a week after it issued subpoenas targeting two top Trump White House officials, the chief of staff to the acting defense secretary, and longtime Trump adviser Stephen Bannon. The subpoenas may be able to shed light on the degree to which Donald Trump and his senior White House aides knew about their fears of chaos on January 6.

Ohio Men Sentenced to 45 Days Become First Jan. 6 Misdemeanor Defendants to Receive Jail Time
MSN – Spencer Hsu and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 9/29/2021

A court sentenced two Ohio men to serve 45 days in jail after federal prosecutors for the first-time requested incarceration at sentencing hearings for nonviolent misdemeanor offenders in the storming of the U.S. Capitol. The punishment comes after judges for months have questioned whether no-prison plea deals offered by the government to low-level January 6 defendants are too lenient to deter future attackers from terrorizing members of Congress.

Supreme Court Observers See Trouble Ahead as Public Approval of Justices Erodes
MSN – Robert Barnes and Seung Min Kim (Washington Post) | Published: 9/26/2021

On October 4, the U.S. Supreme Court will begin one of the most potentially divisive terms in years. Docketed cases concern gun control, separation of church and state, and the biggest showdown in decades on the constitutional right to an abortion. Meanwhile, a presidential commission studying the court is being bombarded with criticism from the left, and occasionally the right, that the justices are too political, too powerful, and serve for too long. “Not since Bush v. Gore has the public perception of the court’s legitimacy seemed so seriously threatened,” Georgetown Supreme Court Institute Executive Director Irv Gornstein said.

The FEC Unanimously Rejected a Trump Campaign Complaint Against Snapchat After the Social Media Site Removed the Former President’s Content from Its ‘Discover’ Feed
Yahoo News – Brian Metzger (Business Insider) | Published: 9/23/2021

The FEC dismissed a complaint made by former President Trump’s campaign against Snapchat, which it said had violated election laws by removing the campaign’s content from its curated “Discover” page. Snapchat announced in June 2020 it would no longer promote Trump’s content on the page, though it did not remove Trump’s account from the platform. The Trump campaign alleged Snapchat made an illegal contribution to Joe Biden by doing so.

There Are Just 9 Women Governors. Both Parties Want Change.
Yahoo News – Liz Crampton (Politico) | Published: 9/28/2021

Women now account for a third of state lawmakers, more than a quarter of the U.S. House and nearly as much of the U.S. Senate, but in many states have yet to shatter the highest glass ceiling: governorships. Today, just nine women hold the title, with power split among six Democrats and three Republicans. Four of those women took over the role by succession. There is growing urgency among leaders in both major parties around bolstering the chances of women running in the 2022 gubernatorial elections, when voters in 36 states will pick their next chief executive.

Trump Loses Case to Enforce Omarosa Manigault Newman’s N.D.A.
MSN – Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 9/28/2021

Former President Trump lost an effort to enforce a nondisclosure agreement against Omarosa Manigault Newman, a former White House aide and a star on “The Apprentice” who wrote a tell-all book about serving in his administration. The decision from an arbiter calls for her to collect legal fees from the Trump campaign. The campaign filed the case shortly after Manigault Newman published her book. It claimed she violated a nondisclosure agreement she had signed during the 2016 campaign stipulating she would not reveal private or confidential information about Trump’s family, business, or personal life.

Two Fed Officials Announce Retirements Amid Controversy Over Ethics and Stocktrading
MSN – Rachel Siegel (Washington Post) | Published: 9/27/2021

Two top Federal Reserve officials are leaving their posts amid scrutiny over their stock-trading activities during the coronavirus crisis, behavior which spurred an unusual review by the Fed of trading rules for its officials. Boston Federal Reserve Bank President Eric Rosengren and Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan both announced their retirements. Earlier, media outlets reported on the financial disclosures of the regional bank presidents, showing both actively traded in stocks and other investments while in their roles setting monetary policy and assisting the central bank through the covid crisis.

U.S. Supreme Court to Consider Senator Cruz’s Campaign Finance Challenge
Yahoo Finance – Andrew Chung (Reuters) | Published: 9/30/2021

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the FEC’s bid to restore a campaign finance law that limits the amount of money candidates can accept from donors after an election as they try to recoup the money they personally lent to their formal campaign organizations. A lower court ruling found the cap violates the Constitution’s guarantee of freedom of speech by unjustifiably burdening political expression. The law imposes a ceiling of $250,000 on payments from donations made after an election even if candidates made loans exceeding that sum.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Recount Results Raise Stakes for GOP-Backed Ballot Reviews in Other States
MSN – Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 9/23/2021

A GOP-commissioned report that did not find evidence fraud tainted Arizona’s 2020 election has intensified the fight over similar partisan ballot reviews in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin, with former President Trump pressing for such examinations and Democrats stepping up their efforts to block them. The outcome of the recount in Maricopa County, which concluded President Biden won the state’s largest county by even more votes than the certified results, raises the stakes for the Republican leaders who have gone along with Trump’s demands for “forensic audits” in other states.

California – Between the Lines: Hidden partisans try to influence California’s independent redistricting
MSN – Ben Christopher and Sameea Kamal (CalMatters) | Published: 9/28/2021

California congressional districts are drawn by an independent citizens commission, but it is hearing from candidates and party officials who do not disclose their partisan affiliations. Though the commission is prohibited from considering the electoral interests of elected officials, candidates, or political parties, there is nothing that bars any of those players from trying to influence the decisions, nor any laws or rules requiring public commenters to list potential conflicts-of-interest. But not disclosing a personal stake may cross an ethical line, said Jessica Levinson, a former member of the Los Angeles Ethics Commission.

California – California Is Now Permanently a Vote-by-Mail State as Gavin Newsom Signs Bill
MSN – Lara Korte (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 9/27/2021

California will now mail ballots to voters in all elections, extending a practice temporarily adopted during the pandemic to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at polling locations. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 37, which requires county elections officials to mail a ballot to every active registered voter for all elections, whether they request it or not. Voters can still choose to vote at physical polling locations, if they prefer.

California – California Treasurer Sued for Harassment Often Shared Overnight Lodging with Staffers
MSN – Sophia Bollag (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 9/28/2021

Treasurer Fiona Ma has frequently shared hotel rooms with her chief of staff during her tenure as California’s top banking official, a practice she said she engaged in “to save money,” according to expense reports. A review of travel documents found that sharing lodging with staff was a common practice for Ma, who is facing a lawsuit filed by a different employee, who no longer works in the office. The worker accused her of sexual harassment when the two women shared hotel rooms.

California – L.A. County Sheriff’s Unit Accused of Targeting Political Enemies
MSN – Alene Tchekmedyian (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 9/23/2021

A group of deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department make up a little-known team of investigators formed by Sheriff Alex Villanueva and other top sheriff’s officials. Much of what they do, by design, is a mystery to the public and even to most within the department. But as some of the investigations handled by the team have come to light, a common thread has emerged: their targets are outspoken critics of Villanueva or the department. Concern over the Civil Rights and Public Integrity Deta has caused consternation both inside and outside the department.

California – Oakland Issues Its Largest Ethics Fine Ever, Against a Corrupt Former Building Inspector
Oaklandside – David DeBolt | Published: 9/28/2021

The Oakland Public Ethics Commission issued a fine of $309,600 against a former city building inspector accused of accepting bribes from property owners in exchange for greenlighting inspections or issuing permits. It is by far the largest fine ever issued by the commission. Thomas Espinosa, the former specialty combination inspector in the city’s Planning and Building Department’s Code Enforcement Division, also convinced some property owners whose buildings he inspected to hire him as a contractor, the investigation found.

Colorado – An Elections Supervisor Embraced Conspiracy Theories. Officials Say She Has Become an Insider Threat.
MSN – Emma Brown (Washington Post) | Published: 9/26/2021

In a lawsuit filed by the Colorado secretary of state, Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters and her deputy have been accused of sneaking someone into the county elections offices to copy the hard drives of Dominion Voting Systems machines. Those copies later surfaced online and in the hands of election deniers. Local and state state prosecutors, and the FBI, are investigating whether criminal charges are warranted. The events represent an escalation in the attacks on the nation’s voting system, one in which officials who were responsible for election security allegedly took actions that undermined that security.

Colorado – Aurora City Council OKs Changes to Campaign Finance Law After Lawsuit from Mayor
Denver Gazette – Hannah Metzger | Published: 9/29/2021

The Aurora City Council approved changes to its campaign finance law after a court ruled in favor of Mayor Mike Coffman, who sued the city over provisions he claimed violated his freedom of speech. The lawsuit argued the measure, passed by the council in 2020, prohibited former and future candidates from pushing for ballot issues or helping other candidates with their campaigns, which Coffman said was intended to prevent his supporters from mobilizing in support of other candidates.

Colorado – Ex-Colorado GOP Chair Disbarred in Pro-Trump PAC Funds Case
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 9/23/2021

Former Colorado Republican Party Chairperson Ryan Call will be disbarred after acknowledging he took nearly $280,000 from a super PAC supporting former President Trump while Call served as the PAC’s treasurer. Call admitted to entering the Rebuilding America Now PAC into a secret contract to pay himself $5,000 a month for “political strategy and fundraising support” and he misled members of his former law firm about his activities with the committee.

Colorado – Newly Revealed Interactions Added to Redistricting Lobbying Complaint
Colorado Politics – Evan Wyloge | Published: 9/27/2021

A complaint filed against a group of Republican political consultants and lobbyists, accusing them of failing to file proper redistricting lobbying disclosure, grew larger when the complainant added new interactions between the complaint targets and Colorado’s redistricting commissioners. The complaint accused consultant Alan Philp of failing to file lobbying disclosure reports and accused former House speaker and now-lobbyist Frank McNulty and lobbyist Greg Brophy of failing to register and report their interactions with commissioners. All three work for Colorado Neighborhood Coalition, a nonprofit that does not disclose its donors.

Hawaii – Years Before Indictments, Honolulu Permitting Department Was Warned About Corrupt Culture
Honolulu Civil Beat – Christina Jedra | Published: 9/29/2021

The Honolulu Ethics Commission investigated the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) several times after it received numerous complaints about a “pay-to-play” culture at the department, records show. Taken as a whole, the records foreshadow the scandal that erupted earlier this year. In March, five current and former DPP employees, along with a local architect, were indicted for bribery schemes going back as far as 2012. The commission told DPP leadership about its concerns several times.

Illinois – Former Ald. Ricardo Muñoz Pleads Guilty to Spending Campaign Funds on Sports, Travel and Other Personal Items
MSN – Madeline Buckley (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 9/27/2021

Former Chicago Ald. Ricardo Muñoz pleaded guilty to spending cash from a political fund on personal items such as sports tickets, meals, and travel. Muñoz pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. Federal prosecutors alleged Muñoz stole from a PAC formed by the Chicago Progressive Reform Caucus (CPRC), where he served as chairperson and performed the duties of its treasurer. Prosecutors accused him of moving funds from the CPRC into another fund he controlled, Citizens for Muñoz, and then into his personal checking account.

Illinois – Obscenity Ruling? State’s Top Court to Hear Case Seeking to End Pols Using ‘Obscene Amounts’ of Campaign Cash to Pay Lawyers
Chicago Sun-Times – Rachel Hinton | Published: 9/29/2021

The state’s top court plans to rule on the question of whether politicians can dip into their campaign funds to pay for their criminal defense or other legal troubles, a decision that could directly affect the embattled husband of Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke. She recused herself from the decision to take the case and from hearing it once it comes before the justices. Her husband, Ald. Edward Burke (14th), has already spent nearly $2 million in campaign contributions on legal fees since federal agents raided his ward headquarters.

Maryland – Baltimore’s Revamped Ethics Board Says It’s Ready to Provide Guidance to City Employees
Baltimore Sun – Emily Opilo | Published: 9/28/2021

Baltimore’s long underutilized Board of Ethics began issuing advisory opinions for the first time in three years in 2021 and has seen its web traffic triple, according to the panel’s annual report. The report, which is itself the first annual recap from the board since 2014, details a restructuring of the Board of Ethics since it was moved under the supervision of the Office of the Inspector General, a move that became effective last October. Since then, the board has been staffed by a full-time director and administrative assistant who established an ethics hotline and revamped the city’s ethics training process for city employees and elected officials.

Michigan – Detroit Councilman Andre Spivey Admits He Took Bribes for Help with Towing
MSN – Joe Guillen (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 9/28/2021

Andre Spivey became the second Detroit City Council member this year to plead guilty to a public corruption charge, admitting he took $35,900 in bribes from an undercover law enforcement agent and a confidential FBI source in exchange for wielding his political influence. Spivey accepted the bribes in exchange for his assistance with a pending vehicle towing ordinance before the council, he said in court. The bribes were paid over the course of eight separate meetings with the confidential FBI source, most of which were recorded.

New Hampshire – NH Supreme Court Asked to Define Governor’s Executive Privilege
MSN – Kevin Landrigan (Manchester Union Leader) | Published: 9/28/2021

Both sides in a legal dispute over open records asked the state’s highest court, for the first time, to spell out when New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu can claim executive privilege to keep documents secret. Activist Louise Spencer sued Sununu’s office over email contacts his staffers had with a national Republican PAC before and after Sununu vetoed a 2019 bill to create an independent redistricting commission. The suit maintained that the governor’s office should not be exempt from the state’s Right-to-Know Law.

New Mexico – Ethics Board Hands Gonzales a Reprimand and $2,000 Fine
Albuquerque Journal – Oliver Uyttebrouck | Published: 9/24/2021

The Albuquerque Board of Ethics and Campaign Practices imposed a $2,000 fine and a public reprimand on Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales, finding his mayoral campaign submitted 16 forged documents in his bid for public financing. The finding punctuates an unsuccessful monthslong quest by Gonzales to obtain more than $600,000 in public campaign financing. That effort foundered on a pair of complaints centered on the five-dollar qualifying contributions that candidates must collect from city voters to qualify for public money.

New York – MTA Bus Boss Covered License Plate to Avoid Tolls, Had $100k in Outstanding Fines: Watchdog
Yahoo News – Clayton Guse (New York Daily News) | Published: 9/27/2021

A New York City Transit superintendent used a plastic license plate cover to dodge tolls for years across New York, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) inspector general said. The superintendent, identified as Aditya Samaroo, bragged to his colleagues he avoided paying tolls on bridges and tunnels by obscuring his license plate. Samaroo also dodged more than $100,000 in outstanding tolls and late fees by regularly swapping out his car’s license plates.

Ohio – Ohio Governor Lobbyist Resigns; Was Linked to Bribery Probe
MSN – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 9/24/2021

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s top lobbyist, a man linked to an ongoing federal bribery probe but never charged, resigned after three years on the job. Legislative Director Dan McCarthy cited “the pace and grind” of the job. Federal prosecutors charged five individuals with orchestrating a $60 million bribery scheme to assure the 2019 passage of a bill bailing out two nuclear power plants. The power plants were operated at the time by a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. McCarthy is a former FirstEnergy lobbyist who was president of one of the “dark money” groups that has been implicated in the alleged bribery scheme.

Pennsylvania – A Leading Addiction Recovery Reformer in Philly Was on the Payroll of a Rehab Center Now Charged with Crimes
MSN – Jeremy Roebuck and Aubrey Wilson (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 9/27/2021

Fred Way has spent the last decade working to improve addiction recovery houses in Philadelphia. But for much of that time, he was on the payroll of a rehabilitation facility now accused of encouraging their worst abuses. He has advised lawmakers on state policy, and the recovery-house certification program created by his nonprofit, the Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residences, serves as the only benchmark for judging the quality of housing in Philadelphia for people in early recovery, and for determining which of those homes will receive coveted city funds. In a state grand jury report this summer, Wray acknowledged taking money from a drug rehab facility under criminal investigation.

South Dakota – As Daughter Sought State License, Noem Summoned Agency Head
Yahoo News – Stephen Groves (Associated Press) | Published: 9/27/2021

Days after a South Dakota agency moved to deny her daughter’s application to become a certified real estate appraiser, Gov. Kristi Noem summoned to her office the state employee who ran the agency, the woman’s direct supervisor, and the state labor secretary. Noem’s daughter also attended. Kassidy Peters ultimately obtained the certification in November 2020, four months after the meeting at her mother’s office. A week after that, the labor secretary called the agency head, Sherry Bren, to demand her retirement, according to an age discrimination complaint. Bren left her job after the state paid her $200,000 to withdraw the complaint.

Texas – Dallas Needs More Oversight and Stronger Ethics Rules, Review Finds
Dallas Morning News – Everton Bailey Jr. | Published: 9/27/2021

Dallas needs a department solely dedicated to investigating misconduct complaints to ensure they are properly handled, according to a report calling for ethics reforms. The city should create an Office of Inspector General and appoint a licensed attorney role who would find, investigate. and issue rulings on cases of alleged fraud, waste, abuse, campaign finance violations and other ethics misconduct, the report said. The move would replace the current process, where complaints are funneled through different channels and not independently investigated.

Texas – ”Home Cooking’ Concerns Revealed in Corruption Prosecutions Outside Texas Capital
KXAN – David Barer and Josh Hinkle | Published: 9/20/2021

The Public Integrity Unit housed in the Travis County District Attorney’s Office was dismantled in 2015, following allegations it was politicizing prosecutions. Texas lawmakers aimed to reform the system by moving state public corruption investigations to the Department of Public Safety’s Texas Rangers and prosecuting accused officials in their home counties rather than Travis County. Six years later, a media investigation found prosecutions of statewide public officials for corruption are nearly non-existent. Since 2015, the Rangers investigated a handful of state-level elected leaders, but few faced charges.

Texas – Texas Appears to Be Paying a Secretive Republican Political Operative $120,000 Annually to Work Behind the Scenes on Redistricting
MSN – Alexa Ura (Texas Tribune) | Published: 9/29/2021

A Republican redistricting operative whose clandestine work helped drag Wisconsin into a legal morass last decade appears to now be on the payroll of the Texas Legislature as lawmakers work to redraw maps that will determine the distribution of political power for years to come. The operative, Adam Foltz, was part of the team that helped craft Wisconsin’s legislative maps after Republicans took control of that state Legislature in 2010. Foltz played a key role in a tight-lipped and questionable redrawing process that shut out Democrats and drew the condemnation of federal judges who described it as “needlessly secret,” according to court records.

Washington – Weekly WA Newspaper Fined $15,000 for Selling Election Coverage
Crosscut – Melissa Santos | Published: 9/28/2021

The Tacoma Weekly agreed to pay a $15,000 fine for telling candidates last year they could buy a news story, and even the newspaper’s editorial endorsement, as part of a  $2,500 advertising package. Accepting money in exchange for story placement or positive coverage goes against journalistic standards of ethics. But beyond that, it also violates Washington state law, which forbids news outlets from soliciting money in exchange for “an endorsement, article, or other communication in the news media promoting or opposing a candidate.”