National/Federal

How an Elon Musk PAC Is Using Voter Data to Help Trump Beat Harris in 2024 Election

CNBC – Brian Schwartz | Published: 8/2/2024

The combination of owning a social media company that gives him an enormous platform to push his political views, and creating a PAC with effectively unlimited resources, has made Elon Musk a major force in an American presidential election. The America PAC has spent more than $800,000 on digital ads that target voters in battleground states. Many of the ads encouraged people to register to vote at America PAC’s website. The PAC’s effort to collect information from people using the idea of “voter registration” is a critical piece to its plan to make personal contact with these voters.

Hearing Set to Discuss Next Steps in Trump’s Federal Election Case

DNyuz – Alan Feurer (New York Times) | Published: 8/3/2024

The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s federal election interference case scheduled a hearing for August 16 to discuss next steps. The Supreme Court granted Trump broad immunity against criminal prosecution for acts arising from his presidency. A key element of that decision requires U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan to sort through the indictment accusing Trump of plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 election and decide which of its many allegations can move forward to trial and which will have to be tossed out.

Justice Thomas Failed to Reveal More Private Flights, Senator Says

DNyuz – Abbie VanSickle (New York Times) | Published: 8/5/2024

Justice Clarence Thomas failed to publicly disclose additional private travel provided by the wealthy conservative donor Harlan Crow, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said. Customs and Border Protection records revealed the justice and his wife, Virginia Thomas, took a round trip between Hawaii and New Zealand in November 2010 on Crow’s private jet. Wyden, writing to Crow’s lawyer, demanded he supply more information about the financial relationship between the two men.

Harris Decides on Tim Walz as Running Mate

MSN – John King, Jeff Zeleny, Jamie Gangel, MJ Lee, Daniel Strauss, Gregory Krieg, and Kristen Holmes (CNN) | Published: 8/6/2024

Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, elevating the former teacher and Army National Guard veteran to help lead the party’s fight to defeat Donald Trump. Walz is in his second term as governor and chairs the Democratic Governors Association. He previously served 12 years in Congress, representing a conservative-leaning rural district. Walz has delivered a handful of memorable haymakers against Republicans, especially its presidential ticket of Trump and Sen. JD Vance. Walz has referred to the duo as “weird dudes.” The phrase has stuck, becoming a central meme in the campaign.

FBI Searches Rep. Ogles’s Phone as Part of Campaign Finance Probe, Lawyer Says

MSN – Perry Stein and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 8/6/2024

FBI agents used a court order to search and seize U.S. Rep. Andrew Ogles’s cellphone as part of federal campaign finance probe. A complaint stated Ogles did not include that he reportedly used a $320,000 loan to fund his 2022 campaign. He also allegedly failed to report a $700,000 line of credit that he opened in 2022. The complaint from the Campaign Legal Center alleged that, in all, Ogles’s financial report contained more than $1 million in discrepancies.

Elon Musk’s X Accused of Bias After Pro-Harris Accounts Labeled as ‘Spam’

MSN – Trisha Thadani (Washington Post) | Published: 8/7/2024

Prominent X accounts advocating for Vice President Kamala Harris have been labeled as spam and restricted in recent weeks, triggering alarm among some Democrats that Elon Musk’s social media platform is tilted in favor of his chosen candidate, Donald Trump. The recurring issues are raising questions about whether Musk’s platform is intentionally censoring the pages, or if the deep staff cuts that he made after buying the company in 2022 have left the platform ill-equipped for the surge in political speech ahead of the November election.

About Half of US State AGs Went on France Trip Sponsored by Group with Lobbyist and Corporate Funds

MSN – Geoff Mulvihill (Associated Press) | Published: 8/3/2024

Many state attorneys general traveled to France on a recent trip cosponsored by the Attorney General Alliance (AGA). The trip illuminates how corporate lawyers and lobbyists can gain access to officials who regulate their businesses with help from the AGA. Companies that have picked up the bill and sent representatives in recent years have been from the pharmaceutical, financial, and tech industries, among others.

$10M Cash Withdrawal Drove Secret Probe into Whether Trump Took Money from Egypt

MSN – Aaron Davis and Carol Leonnig (Washington Post) | Published: 8/2/2024

Five days before Donald Trump became president in January 2017, a manager at a bank branch in Cairo received an unusual letter from an organization linked to the Egyptian intelligence service. It asked the bank to “kindly withdraw” nearly $10 million from the organization’s account, all in cash. Four men arrived and carried away the bags. The discovery intensified a secret criminal investigation, with classified U.S. intelligence indicating Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi sought to give Trump $10 million to boost his 2016 presidential campaign, a Washington Post investigation found.

Without ‘Zuckerbucks,’ Limited Private Funding Available for Elections

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 8/2/2024

In 2020, a group funded by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife gave $332 million to local governments to run the presidential election amid a global pandemic, prompting a Republican backlash that led to more than two dozen states banning or limiting private funding for elections. The Center for Tech and Civic Life is again awarding grants this fall but in much smaller amounts. The grants will have nowhere near the nationwide effect they did in the last presidential election but could nonetheless spark controversy.

Court Rules Against Black and Hispanic Voters in Redistricting Case

MSN – Patrick Marley and Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 8/1/2024

A federal appeals court made it harder for Black and Hispanic voters to form coalitions to elect the candidates they prefer in three southern states, overruling long-standing precedents. For decades, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held the Voting Rights Act allows voting districts that give Black and Hispanic voters the ability to elect candidates of their choice when they have common interests and can form coalitions.

Trump Took a Private Flight with Project 2025 Leader in 2022

MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 8/7/2024

Donald Trump has denied knowing about the Project 2025 policy blueprint or the people behind it. But in April 2022, Trump shared a private flight with Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts. They flew together to a Heritage conference where Trump delivered a keynote address that gestured to the organization’s forthcoming policy proposals. The flight and Trump’s speech cut against the former president’s efforts to distance himself from Project 2025 once Democrats turned some of its most controversial proposals into a frequent campaign attack.

Drag Queens Unite to Form Political Action Committee Ahead of 2024 Election

OpenSecrets – Albert Sema Jr. | Published: 7/26/2024

A new political committee is bringing together some of the biggest names in drag to push back against anti-LGBTQ legislation and politicians. As a hybrid PAC, Drag PAC can make limited donations to politicians from one account but raise and spend unlimited money to make independent expenditures from another. FEC filings show that the PAC has raised more than $140,000 so far, with long-time Democratic donor Dylan Bulkeley-Krane contributing $60,000 since March.

Conway Registers as Lobbyist for Ukrainian Billionaire with Past Ties to Trump

Yahoo News – Soo Rin Kim, Lalee Ibssa, and Kelsey Walsh (ABC News) | Published: 8/4/2024

Former Trump administration official Kellyanne Conway registered as a foreign agent representing Ukrainian billionaire Victor Pinchuk’s foundation. In 2015, the Ukrainian steel magnate donated $150,000 to Donald Trump’s charitable organization to book the then-presidential candidate to speak at a conference in Kyiv. The donation was later reportedly investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Judges Allow More Access to Voting, Much to Republicans’ Dismay

KAWC – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 8/3/2024

Arizonans who lack proof of citizenship can again sign up to vote in this year’s presidential and congressional races. A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals restored an order issued last year by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton who concluded federal law specifically allowed people to register to vote in federal elections without the same kind of proof that Arizona requires of those wanting to cast ballots in state or local elections.

Arizona – Arizona Grand Jurors Discussed Indicting Trump, but Prosecutors Urged Them Not To

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 8/6/2024

An Arizona grand jury that indicted 18 allies of Donald Trump for their role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election had expressed interest in possible charges against the former president, according to a legal motion. It is unclear how many of the jurors were in favor of indicting the former president, who by then had been federally charged for his attempts to subvert Joe Biden’s win in a case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The interest prompted the Arizona case’s lead prosecutor to give a PowerPoint presentation and request that jurors not indict Trump, according to the motion.

California – What Does a California Lobbyist Do?

Comstock’s Magazine – Laurie Lauletta-Boshart | Published: 8/5/2024

Lobbyists who spend their day impacting legislation and regulatory decisions in California work long, frenetic days and no two look alike. They come from a myriad of different backgrounds: law, political science, government affairs, and communications, with outliers in engineering, psychology, and education. But most share similar character traits: good analytical, networking, relationship, and communication skills, with a side of political savvy and a desire to get the best possible outcome for their clients, even when politics prevail.

California – SF Political Group That Bankrolled DA Recall on Hook for $54K Ethics Fine

Mission Local – Joe Rivano Barros | Published: 8/5/2024

The San Francisco Ethics Commission will consider levying a $53,916 fine against the powerful political group Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy and its president, Jay Cheng. Ina negotiated stipulation, both the Ethics Commission and Cheng agreed the group failed to disclose payments it made to a campaign spokesperson who was working to recall then-District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2021 and 2022.

California – Govern for California, Group Under Investigation by State, Bundling Donations to SF Candidates

Mission Local – Joe Rivano Barros | Published: 8/6/2024

In San Francisco, supervisor races have strict $500 contribution limits per donor. But a nonprofit called Govern for California, which has historically financed state races, has employed eight of its different chapters to give $500 each to six supervisor candidates and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. Each of the candidates has collectively received $4,000 from the group’s chapters. Govern for California is currently being investigated by the California Fair Political Practices Commission after a media investigation into its use of local chapters as “force multipliers” to influence politics.

California – County Demands Refund of Millions OC Supervisor Awarded to His Daughter’s Group

MSN – Nick Gerda (LAist) | Published: 8/2/2024

Orange County officials are demanding the refund of millions of dollars in tax dollars that county Supervisor Andrew Do gave to a nonprofit linked to his daughter, saying Viet America Society (VAS) failed to show it did the work it was paid to do. The repayment demands come after the nonprofit failed to meet a deadline to submit an audit, which was supposed to answer how the money was spent. VAS fired the auditors it hired for the work the day after those auditors said they would find the group failed to follow requirements to track what it did with the money.

California – LA Council Member Kevin de Leon’s Ballot Measure Shell Game

MSN – Will McCarthy (Politico) | Published: 8/5/2024

Los Angeles City Councilperson Kevin de León is playing a shell game with three different campaign accounts as he fights for his political life. He moved $550,000 from an account created to back a 2026 run for lieutenant governor to a newly formed Kevin de León Believing in a Better California Ballot Measure Committee. It’s all likely designed to help him win a tough race for another term on the city council. Unlike with his campaign fund, de León can raise and spend from his ballot measure committee with few constraints.

California – California Lawmakers Got Ticket Freebies as They Cracked Down on Ticketmaster’s Taylor Swift Debacle

MSN – Lara Korte (Politico) | Published: 8/5/2024

An investigation by Politico found 66 state lawmakers in California received more than $30,000 total worth of free tickets last year. The giveaways included entrance to Disneyland, passes to a country music festival, and San Francisco 49ers seats. The gifts came the same year some lawmakers mounted bids to loosen the power of the ticketing giant Ticketmaster and other elected officials sought to limit third-party resellers like StubHub.

California – Ex-L.A. Sheriff’s Corruption Squad Targeted Kuehl. Now State Has Dropped the Case

Yahoo News – Keri Blakinger (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 8/7/2024

Two years after Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies showed up for an early morning raid on former county Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s home, the investigation is officially over and there will be no criminal charges. Instead, a judge approved an agreement in which the California Department of Justice said there was a “lack of evidence of wrongdoing.” The department had taken over the politically charged investigation originally launched by then-Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s controversial public corruption squad.

Colorado – Divided Appeals Court Strikes Down Campaign Disclosure Requirement in Colorado Law

Colorado Politics – Michael Karlik | Published: 8/1/2024

Colorado’s second-highest court said the state’s requirement that ballot issue advocacy groups disclose the name of their legal representative on their election communications violates the First Amendment. A three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals believed there was no material benefit to the public from knowing who the registered agents are for groups that advocate for or against ballot measures. Judge Jerry Jones, writing for the majority, noted Colorado is the only state with such a requirement in its campaign finance laws.

District of Columbia – D.C. Buildings Official Resigns After Probe Finds She Had 2nd Full-Time Job

MSN – Maegan Flynn (Washington Post) | Published: 8/7/2024

A top official at the District of Columbia Department of Buildings resigned after an investigation found she was secretly working a separate full-time private-sector job on her city “telework” days, violations that resulted in a $25,000 fine from the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability. The official, Deputy Director Caroline Lian, is a Falls Church City Council member and allegedly performed council business when she should have been working for the District of Columbia.

Florida – Miami Ballot Measures Propose New, More Robust Inspector General’s Office

Yahoo News – Catherine Odom (Miami Herald) | Published: 8/7/2024

Miami voters will decide if they want to do away with the auditor general’s office and install a new, more powerful watchdog in its place. The new office would be tasked with investigating legal and ethical violations by city employees, agencies with ties to the city, and candidates running for office in Miami. The office could initiate these investigations itself and would be required to report any wrongdoing it finds to the appropriate authorities, city Commissioner Manolo Reyes said.

Georgia – Federal Election Commission Fines Georgia Republicans for Illegal Campaign Coordinating

MSN – Dave Williams (Columbus Ledger-Inquirer) | Published: 8/6/2024

The FEC fined the Georgia Republican Party $14,500 for failing to report a contribution from a nonprofit during the 2021 U.S. Senate runoff elections. The fine settled a complaint targeting an in-kind contribution the group True the Vote made to the state GOP. In this case, True the Vote and the state Republican Party collaborated on election-related activities, including challenging voter eligibility and monitoring drop boxes, and failed to report those activities.

Georgia – Georgia Election Board Clears County Officials to Delay Vote Certification with Information Demands

Yahoo News – Stanley Dunlap (Georgia Recorder) | Published: 8/7/2024

The Georgia State Election Board pushed through new election rules that have sparked fierce debates over giving county officials greater authority to refuse to certify voter tallies. Today, certification by local election boards is considered an administrative task that does not allow members to delay as they investigate results provided to them by county officials. The new process could delay the certification of a Georgia election in a large county if a single board member called for an investigation into equipment or administration of the vote.

Hawaii – Hawaii Carpenters Union PACs Are Training Candidates to Run for Office

Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair and Blaze Lovell | Published: 8/6/2024

A political organization with connections to the local construction industry has found a new tool to help candidates get elected: train them. Over the past two election cycles, four PACs with ties to the Hawaii Carpenters Union have spent more than $70,000 to instruct 17 people in running for office. Several of the candidates running for office this year praised the program, crediting it with teaching the basics of campaigning such as running phone banks, mailing fliers, and improving public speaking. The training is done through in-kind contributions.

Louisiana – Making Room for Landry’s Expanded Ethics Board Requires a Costly Upgrade

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 8/8/2024

The Louisiana Board of Ethics expects the state will have to spend $50,000 to more than $100,000 to accommodate four more board members in its meeting room in Baton Rouge.  In January, the ethics board will grow from 11 to 15 members at the behest of Gov. Jeff Landry. The governor is in an ongoing dispute with current board members over his failure to disclose flights he took on a campaign donor’s private plane while he was attorney general. “They decided to pass this legislation, but yet they want us to pay the cost,” ethics board Chairperson La Koshia Roberts.

Maryland – Fired Health Commissioner May Have Violated Baltimore’s Ethics Laws

Baltimore Banner – Lee Sanderlin and Adam Willis | Published: 8/1/2024

Baltimore’s former health commissioner, Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga, who is the subject of a criminal investigation, may have also violated city ethics laws when she was working for Chase Brexton while also a city employee. While some City Hall personnel, like council members, work outside jobs, the law makes clear that employees are prohibited from working for or receiving payment from organizations that have contracts with their agency, as Chase Brexton does with the health department. Even organizations that are in negotiations for a city contract are off limits.

Maryland – Baltimore County Executive Appointed Employee of Firefighter Who Received Secret Settlement [from] Ethics Commission

MSN – Lia Russell and Cassidy Jensen (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 8/1/2024

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. appointed a high school classmate and real estate agent to the county ethics commission in 2020, the same year her boss, former county firefighter Philip Tirabassi, received a secret $83,675 settlement from the county. Tirabassi also helped handle Olszewski’s personal real estate transactions. County spokesperson Erica Palmisano said Laura Ray’s nomination to the commission was based on her credentials and her party affiliation.

New Mexico – Federal Judge Sends Dark Money Group Lawsuit Back to State Court

Source New Mexico – Marjorie Childress (New Mexico In Depth) | Published: 8/7/2024

A federal judge rejected a nonprofit group’s bid to move to federal court a campaign finance case brought against it by New Mexico’s Ethics Commission. Chief U.S. District Court Judge William Johnson said his court lacked jurisdiction over the question of whether the New Mexico Project, a nonprofit formed last year, must register as a political committee and disclose its donors.

New York – Former Addison Clerk Forfeits Pension After ‘Stunning,’ ‘Shameless’ Theft of $1.1 Million

Corning Leader – Jeff Smith | Published: 8/2/2024

Ursula Stone, the former clerk-treasurer of the Village of Addison, will be sentenced to between three and nine years in state prison and ordered to pay back $1.1 million stolen from taxpayers. Stone will also forfeit her public pension, marking the first pension forfeiture in New York state.

New York – Mayor Adams’ 2021 Campaign Flagged for $2.3 Million Gap in Fundraising Records

Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 7/31/2024

The New York City Campaign Finance Board’s 900-page draft audit provides an unprecedented look at extensive problems with Mayor Eric Adams’ record-keeping. Experts say the sheer length of the report suggests careless financial management by the campaign and a failure to comply with laws and rules required of candidates who take taxpayer-funded matching funds. The Board flagged 22 separate categories of financial discrepancies, prohibited donations, straw donors, and other issues with the Adams campaign.

New York – Asian Americans Mobilize After NY Lawmaker Allegedly Bites Cop

MSN – Emily Ngo (Politico) | Published: 8/5/2024

An under-the-radar bloc of Asian Americans is ready to test its political clout after a New York City Council member of Chinese descent allegedly bit a police officer during a recent protest. The bite was a moment that energized a movement, they say. Supporters have rallied by the thousands to defend council member Susan Zhuang, and by extension themselves. Zhuang’s treatment by tabloid news outlets, political rivals, and police has galvanized predominantly Chinese, immigrant, and working-class New Yorkers who have long felt invisible.

New York – Non-Profit Started by Eric Adams’ Brother Auctioned Off Dinner with the Mayor During Hamptons Party

MSN – Craig McCarthy (New York Post) | Published: 8/5/2024

A charitable organization co-founded by Mayor Eric Adams’ brother auctioned off a dinner with the mayor during a Hamptons fundraiser, raising eyebrows with ethics watchdogs. But Angels Helpers, a non-profit that provides city youngsters access to arts and culture, said it would be pulling the prize. Asked whether the nonprofit cleared the dinner prize with the city’s Conflict of Interest Board, co-founder Alisa Roever called it an “oversight.”

New York – Supreme Court Nixes Effort to Stall Trump’s Sentencing in Hush Money Case

MSN – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 8/5/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a bid by Missouri to block the sentencing of Donald Trump in his New York hush money case. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Trump ally, filed an unusual set of motions asking the justices to postpone the sentencing until after the November election and to lift the gag order the judge imposed in the case. Missouri’s bid was styled as a lawsuit against New York. Missouri claimed the prosecution violated the rights of the state’s voters by preventing them from “fully engaging with and hearing from a major-party Presidential candidate in the run up to the November election.”

Ohio – An Ousted FirstEnergy CEO Signed a Deal Blaming His Mentor for a Bribery Scheme. He Said the Feds Never Talked to Him

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 8/1/2024

Steven Strah, thrust into the role of chief executive officer ahead of schedule, in 2021 signed a contract similar to a plea agreement with federal prosecutors on FirstEnergy’s behalf. The agreement depicted his predecessor, Chuck Jones, as the architect of a scheme to bribe two top state government officials. But Strah said during a newly revealed deposition from 2023 that he has never been interviewed by federal authorities investigating what they have described as the biggest public corruption scheme in Ohio history.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Lawmakers Moonlight as Lawyers, Landlords, and Even as a Pilot. Advocates Say It’s a Conflict of Interest.

Philadelphia Inquirer – Sarah Nicell | Published: 8/5/2024

More than half of the Pennsylvania General Assembly reports an outside business interest or alternative forms of income, according to an analysis of state lawmakers’ statements of financial interest. Other states restrict or ban secondary employment, but Pennsylvania is one of 25 states allowing legislators to take on other careers with no limitations. Pennsylvania is the third highest-paid Legislature in the country with a $102,000 annual salary for lawmakers. Even so, the General Assembly gathers fewer than 50 days a year, giving some members time to partake in personal endeavors, which has raised ethical concerns.

Tennessee – TN Education Chief Repaid $2k in Travel, Attorney Says Complaint Politically Motivated

MSN – Vivian Jones (Nashville Tennessean) | Published: 8/8/2024

Tennessee Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds repaid ExelinEd, her former employer, for travel and expenses for two out-of-state conferences after an ethics complaint said the expenditures constituted an illegal gift. State ethics law prohibits public officials from accepting gifts from lobbyists or employers of lobbyists. ExcelinEd employs a lobbyist registered in Tennessee who advocated for Gov. Bill Lee’s statewide universal school voucher proposal.

National/Federal

K Street Pivots for a Possible Harris Administration

DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 7/26/2024

Vice President Kamala Harris has forsworn direct donations from lobbyists, but they are welcoming her candidacy and Washington’s influence industry has quietly jockeyed to position itself with her team. Officials at some of the biggest law and lobbying firms have endorsed her presidential campaign and are raising money for it, using loopholes to get around the campaign’s policy of not accepting donations from lobbyists. Some lobbying firms have highlighted their connections to Harris, drawing the ire of allies seeking to avoid the perception that she is beholden to special interests.

Judge Throws Out Gateway Pundit’s Bankruptcy Claim

MSN – Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) | Published: 7/25/2024

A federal judge threw out a bankruptcy case filed by the Gateway Pundit, ruling the site, which is known for spreading conspiracy theories, sought bankruptcy protection in “bad faith” to avoid having to pay potential damages in defamation suits related to the site’s reporting on the 2020 election. The ruling means that defamation cases from two Georgia election workers, as well as one from a former Dominion Voting Systems executive, can proceed. The defamation cases had been held up while the bankruptcy case was ongoing.

Biden Endorses Supreme Court Reforms, Amendment to Limit Immunity

MSN – Tyler Pager (Washington Post) | Published: 7/29/2024

President Biden endorsed sweeping changes to the U.S. Supreme Court, calling for 18-year term limits for the justices and a binding, enforceable ethics code for the high court. He is also pushing for a constitutional amendment that would prohibit blanket immunity for presidents, a rebuke of the court after it ruled former President Trump is immune from prosecution for official acts.

Trump Faces Backlash for ‘In Four Years, You Don’t Have to Vote Again’ Remark

MSN – Maegan Vazquez and Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) | Published: 7/27/2024

Democratic lawmakers and Vice President Harris’s campaign joined a chorus of online critics in calling out remarks Donald Trump aimed at a Christian audience, arguing the former president had implied he would end elections in the United States if he won a second term. At the conclusion of his speech, Trump said, “Christians, get out and vote, just this time. You won’t have to do it anymore. … You got to get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good you’re not going to have to vote.”

Justice Dept. Settles with Ex-FBI Officials Over Leak of Anti-Trump Texts

MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 7/26/2024

The Justice Department agreed to settle claims by former senior FBI special agent Peter Strzok and FBI lawyer Lisa Page, who had filed lawsuits accusing the government of violating their privacy rights by leaking their politically charged text messages criticizing Donald Trump. Strzok will receive a $1.2 million settlement and Page $800,000.

A Parody Ad Shared by Elon Musk Clones Kamala Harris’ Voice, Raising Concerns About AI in Politics

MSN – Ali Swenson (Associated Press) | Published: 7/29/2024

A video that uses an artificial intelligence (AI) voice-cloning tool to mimic the voice of Vice President Kamala Harris saying things she did not say is raising concerns about the power of AI to mislead with Election Day about three months away. The video gained attention after Elon Musk shared it on his social media platform X without noting it was originally released as parody. The video uses many of the same visuals as a real ad that Harris released launching her presidential campaign. But the fake ad swaps out Harris’ voice-over audio with an AI-generated voice that convincingly impersonates Harris.

Trump Media Quietly Enters Deal with a Republican Donor Who Could Benefit from a Second Trump Administration

MSN – Justin Elliott, Robert Faturechi, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) | Published: 7/30/2024

Donald Trump’s media company made its first major purchase: technology to help stream TV on Truth Social from an obscure entity called JedTec LLC. The company has virtually no public footprint and no website, and it is unknown to streaming technology experts. The man behind JedTec is energy magnate James Davison, a major Republican donor. The acquisition will put Trump’s company in a business relationship with someone with numerous interests before the federal government.

More Congressional Staff? Conservatives Are Coming Around to the Idea

MSN – Jim Saska (Roll Call) | Published: 7/30/2024

Thanks to a conservative Supreme Court, Congress may do something it has not done in living memory: dramatically increase the size of the legislative branch. A handful of decisions, most notably one that ended the practice of judges deferring to federal agencies’ interpretations of ambiguous statutes, have set the stage for a tsunami of litigation challenging regulations and administrative rulings in the coming years. One potential response that seems to have consensus is that Congress needs more expertise and capacity, and that means more staff.

Project 2025 to End Policy Work after Democratic Attacks Angered Trump

MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 7/30/2024

The right-wing policy operation that became a rallying cry for Democrats and a nuisance for Republican nominee Donald Trump is trying to escape the public spotlight and repair relations with Trump’s campaign. Project 2025, a collaboration led by the Heritage Foundation among conservative groups to develop a blueprint for the next Republican administration, is winding down its policy operations. The Heritage Foundation also recently distributed new talking points encouraging participants to emphasize that the project does not speak for Trump.

Justice Kagan Calls for a Way to Enforce Supreme Court Ethics Code

MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 7/25/2024

Justice Elena Kagan said she would support the creation of a committee of judges to examine potential violations of the Supreme Court’s new ethics code, speaking out on a contentious subject as President Biden and others called for reform at the high court. Kagan suggested Chief Justice John Roberts could appoint an outside panel of respected, experienced judges to review allegations of wrongdoing by the justices, some of whom have faced questions in recent years over unreported gifts of luxury travel, book deals, and potential conflicts-of-interest in key cases.

States Break Out New Tactics to Thwart Abortion Ballot Measures

MSN – Alice Miranda Ollstein (Politico) | Published: 7/31/2024

In nearly every state where the question of abortion rights could be put to a popular vote this November, conservatives are deploying several strategies, from suing to have signatures thrown out in Montana and South Dakota to refusing to count signatures in Arkansas, as they attempt to block ballot initiatives that would restore or expand access to the procedure. The moves underscore the challenging position anti-abortion activists face. They suffered losses in in red and purple states that voted decisively in favor of abortion rights.

Four Years Later, IG Report Says Barr Did Not Order Lafayette Square Cleared

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 7/31/2024

An internal Justice Department probe has found that Trump administration Attorney General William Barr did not personally order protesters cleared from the park near the White House during the 2020 racial justice protests, despite the agency’s claim at the time he did. The inspector general report released more than four years after the protests concluded the police response was hampered by miscommunication, poor leadership, and unprepared law enforcement officers.

In an Attempt to Reverse the Supreme Court’s Immunity Decision, Schumer Introduces the No Kings Act

MSN – Mary Clare Jalonick (Associated Press) | Published: 8/1/2024

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced legislation reaffirming that presidents do not have immunity for criminal actions, an attempt to reverse the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling. The No Kings Act would attempt to invalidate the decision by declaring that presidents are not immune from criminal law and clarifying that Congress, not the Supreme Court, determines to whom federal criminal law is applied.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Audit Finds Horizon Ottawa Apparently Violated Campaign Finance Rules During 2022 Municipal Election

CTV – William Eltherinton | Published: 7/30/2024

An election compliance audit into spending of third-party advertiser Horizon Ottawa found the organization appears to have violated campaign finance rules during the 2022 Ottawa municipal elections. The audit was called following a complaint accusing the group of benefiting from an event called “Horizonfest” in September 2022.

Arizona – Arizona County Official Who Took on Election Skeptics Loses Primary

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 7/31/2024

A top Republican election official in Arizona’s most populous county known for his vigorous defense of elections lost his primary election to a state lawmaker who called elections in the county “a laughingstock.”  Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, who faced death threats and endless harassment for doing his job, lost his reelection bid to Rep. Justin Heap, an attorney aligned with the state Legislature’s ultraconservative Freedom Caucus. Heap has voted for legislation that grew out of false election theories.

California – Boost in Power for San Diego Ethics Commission Heading to November Ballot

MSN – David Garrick (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 7/30/2024

San Diego voters will get a chance in November to boost the independence and power of the city’s Ethics Commission. The city council voted unanimously to place on the ballot a measure that would bar elected leaders from eliminating the commission and require them to adequately fund it. The measure would also change who appoints the panel’s executive director. Instead of being chosen by elected leaders, the executive director would be selected by members of the commission.

California – Shelter Lease Negotiator’s Dual Roles Raise Questions About Conflicts of Interest

MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 7/28/2024

The architect of the decades-long proposed lease for a massive warehouse that would shelter homeless people is a local business icon who has served on more public and nonprofit boards than he can count. He is also a sitting member of the San Diego Housing Commission, which could lose millions of dollars a year in revenue if the city council approves Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposal for the long-vacant warehouse. Stephen Cushman was quietly hired as a paid consultant to the Gloria administration in June. The two roles Cushman is now performing may present a conflict that has yet to be publicly discussed.

California – Judge Overseeing Sheng Thao Recall Campaign Lawsuit Suddenly Recuses

MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 7/26/2024

A judge who ruled in favor of the recall campaign targeting Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao recused herself from the case shortly before a key hearing. Alameda County Superior Court Judge Julia Spain’s abrupt decision came two days after she issued a tentative ruling siding with the recall campaign and quashing a subpoena from Oakland’s Public Ethics Commission seeking access to the recall campaign’s records.

California – Will Irvine Tighten Lobbying Rules?

Voice of OC – Angelina Hicks | Published: 7/29/2024

Irvine city officials have been eyeing their lobbying regulation, looking for ways to tighten rules nearly a year after Anaheim’s corruption scandal demonstrated a lack of lobbyist oversight in that city. Irvine’s current lobbying rules are not as strong as some other cities in California, leaving opportunities for loopholes and lacking oversight.

Delaware – Audit Finds Hall-Long’s Campaign Finances ‘Incomplete, Inaccurate, Misleading’

MSN – Amanda Fries (Delaware News Journal) | Published: 7/27/2024

A forensic audit finding Delaware gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long’s campaign finance reporting to be incomplete, inconsistent, inaccurate, and misleading has prompted state attorneys to seek reform to Delaware’s election laws. The state Department of Elections hired Forensic Litigation Consultants’ Jeffrey Lampinski to audit Hall-Long’s campaign finances as concerns mounted over the campaign committee’s handling of the finances.

Florida – Fitting or Chilling? Miami-Dade Ethics Panel Issues First-Ever Fine for ‘Frivolous’ Complaint

Florida Politics – Jesse Scheckner | Published: 7/29/2024

The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust in July did something it has never done in its nearly three decades of existence. The commission ordered Juan-Carlos Planas, a candidate for supervisor of elections, to pay $5,675 to cover the legal fees of former Miami Beach City Commissioner Michael Góngora. Some say it represents the first step toward stopping people from using the panel to generate negative headlines about political opponents. Others believe it will cast a chilling effect on people who would otherwise file valid complaints in the future.

Florida – Why an Ethics Agency Says DeSantis Didn’t Need to Disclose Donor’s $28K Golf Simulator

Miami Herald – Alexandra Glorioso | Published: 7/31/2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis did not need to disclose that a $28,000 golf simulator installed in the Governor’s Mansion had been provided by a longtime political donor because the equipment was, in fact, a gift to the state, the Florida Commission on Ethics determined. The decision hinged in part on an interview with the donor, Morteza Hosseini, who said he initially intended for the governor to use the equipment but eventually wanted the simulator to be used more broadly by public employees, including the governor’s security detail.

Illinois – Who’s Paying for Chicago’s DNC? Voters Won’t Have the Full Picture till It’s Long Over

WBEZ – Mitchell Armentrout | Published: 7/29/2024

Once subsidized by taxpayers, major-party national conventions are now almost fully funded by wealthy donors, corporations, labor unions, and other influential groups. But who is chipping in to cover the potentially record-breaking bill for Chicago’s Democratic National Convention will not be fully known until two months after the convention ends.

Illinois – Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Political Campaign Paid a Firm for Fundraising Help While It Lobbied City Hall, Spurring Calls for Reform

Yahoo News – Alice Yin (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 7/28/2024

Mercury Public Affairs, a New York City-based political strategy firm, has been lobbying Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson since July 2023 on economic and labor causes. Starting this year, the company’s consulting division also worked for Johnson’s political fund. Wearing both hats, though uncommon, is not a violation of state or city ethics codes. But it is a dynamic that good government watchdogs said raises concerns about the appearance of a conflict-of-interest for a firm seeking to influence the mayor’s office while also working to raise money for him.

Kansas – Why ‘A’ Versus ‘The’ Makes Big Difference in Court for Kansas Campaign Finance Law

MSN – Jason Alatidd (Topeka Capital-Journal) | Published: 8/1/2024

A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order that blocks Kansas from requiring a neighborhood nonprofit to disclose its donors until a trial is held on the constitutionality of the state’s definition of a PAC. Under the order, the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission cannot require Fresh Vision OP to file as a political committee based on express political advocacy being “a major purpose” instead of “the major purpose” of the organization.

Kentucky – Sources: KY representative under investigation for inappropriate interactions with women

MSN – Alex Acquisto and Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 7/30/2024

State Rep. Daniel Grossberg is under investigation by the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission for inappropriate interactions with women. Three women said they have been asked about specific actions, questionable behavior, and text messages sent by Grossberg. The women shared text messages from Grossberg they described as “weird” or “creepy.” They often came late at night, and Grossberg remarked on their physical looks.

Maine – Maine Gets Tougher on the Spending for Small Town Ballot Measures

Bangor Daily News – Jules Walkup | Published: 7/29/2024

Campaign finance regulators in Maine are starting to investigate violations of a new law passed last year that requires people and groups who pay to influence ballot questions in small towns to disclose their names and addresses. The law was passed in response to the recent efforts of Maine’s largest internet provider, Charter Communications, to use big campaign tactics to quash municipal broadband proposals in communities such as Southport and Readfield.

Michigan – Federal Judges Approve New State Senate Map After Court-Ordered Redraw

Detroit News – Beth LeBlanc | Published: 7/26/2024

A federal appeals court panel signed off on a redrawn Michigan Senate political map that was reworked after judges ruled that six Detroit-area districts were unconstitutional because they were drawn on the basis of race. Members of the redistricting commission celebrated the decision. “I think we have done a good job of giving the citizens of Michigan a fair, nonpartisan map that they can have complete confidence in,” said Commissioner Donna Callaghan.

Missouri – Federal Court Strikes Down Missouri Lobbying Ban for Former Lawmakers as Rights Violation

Yahoo News – Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) | Published: 7/29/2024

A federal appeals court panel struck down a Missouri law that prohibits current lawmakers and employees of the General Assembly from paid lobbying during their time of service and for two years after they leave office. The judges found the ban is too broad and the state failed to clear the high bar required for restrictions of First Amendment rights.

New Jersey – Judge Throws Out Corruption Case Against N.J. Rabbi Before Jurors Begin to Deliberate

MSN – Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 7/31/2024

In a surprise move that called into question a nearly decade-long pursuit by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Osher Eisemann, charged with pocketing public funds from his private school for children with developmental disabilities, a judge tossed out all charges against the rabbi. The decision followed a long-fought battle that saw Eisemann convicted in 2019 before having that verdict overturned on appeal. During the second trial, his lawyers argued no crime had been committed. One of the state’s detectives testified there had been no crime and that he had “no idea why any of us are here.”

New Mexico – City Ethics Board Member Resigns Following Complaint Over Prohibited Campaign Donation

Santa Fe New Mexican – Carina Julig | Published: 7/29/2024

A member of the Santa Fe Ethics and Campaign Review Board stepped down days after a complaint called for her and other board members to be removed over a campaign donation she made last year. Kristina Martinez, an attorney who has served on the ethics board for years, donated $500 to city council candidate Geno Zamora’s campaign. Board members are prohibited from making donations to municipal candidates.

New York – NY Judge Hands Former NRA Head Wayne LaPierre a 10 Year Ban but Declines to Appoint Monitor

MSN – Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 7/29/2024

A New York judge banned Wayne LaPierre, the former head of the National Rifle Association, from holding a paid position with the organization for a decade but declined to appoint an independent monitor to oversee the gun rights group. The first phase of the trial, decided in February by a jury, found LaPierre and another deputy liable for misspending millions of dollars on lavish trips and other personal expenses.

New York – Prosecutors Say Immunity Ruling Has No Bearing on Trump’s Conviction

Spokane Spokesman-Review – Ben Protess and Jesse McKinley (New York Times) | Published: 7/25/2024

Manhattan prosecutors are urging the judge who oversaw Donald Trump’s criminal hush-money trial to uphold his conviction, seeking to cast doubt on the former president’s long-shot bid to overturn the case because of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Although the high court’s ruling was a blow to a separate criminal case against Trump in Washington, the Manhattan charges did not hinge on official acts. Instead, the Manhattan prosecutors noted, he was convicted of covering up a sex scandal that had threatened to derail his 2016 campaign, a personal and political crisis that did not involve his conduct as president.

Ohio – FirstEnergy ‘Successfully Completed’ Terms of Its Deal with Feds Over Bribery Schemes, Prosecutors Say

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 7/22/2024

Prosecutors said FirstEnergy “successfully completed” the terms of a deal struck when the company admitted to separate schemes to bribe a top state regulator and the Ohio House speaker. Prosecutors released the utility from some of its obligations under its deferred prosecution agreement. But they are not dropping the charge of honest services wire fraud against the company until the completion of any investigation, criminal prosecution, or civil lawsuit related to the bribery scandal.

Ohio – Republican Ohio Lawmakers Ponder Proposing Second Redistricting Amendment to Foil Another One They Don’t Like

MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 7/25/2024

Ohio Republicans are considering trying to foil a redistricting reform amendment that recently qualified for the November ballot by putting up a separate redistricting proposal of their own to compete with it, according to a state lawmaker who said she has discussed the plans with legislative leadership. The “Citizens Not Politicians” amendment would replace the Ohio Redistricting Commission, a panel of elected officials that is currently controlled by Republicans, with a citizen’s commission that would be made up of equal parts Republicans, Democrats, and independents.

Oklahoma – Despite Support from AG, Legislators Once Again Barred from Board Executive Session

MSN – Murray Evans (Oklahoman) | Published: 7/31/2024

Sen. Mary Boren is weighing her legal options after the state Board of Education, for a second straight month, denied her entry into an executive session, despite support from Oklahoma’s attorney general. The attorney general’s office has been clear that lawmakers should be allowed to attend at least some executive sessions, pointing to a section of the state’s Open Meetings Act.

Oregon – Portland Withdraws Lobbying Violation Against Shelter Operator Urban Alchemy

Oregon Public Broadcasting – Alex Zielinski | Published: 7/24/2024

City Auditor Simone Rede walked back her recent ruling that a California-based contractor hired by the city to run several outdoor homeless shelters violated Portland’s lobbying rules. Rede announced in May her office found Urban Alchemy failed to report spending nearly $4,000 when it dispatched a team of employees in 2022 to pitch Portland officials on choosing it as an alternative shelter operator for the city.

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Presidential Election Results Could Again Take Days to Count

MSN – Colby Itkowitz and Derek Hawkins (Washington Post) | Published: 7/27/2024

When the polls closed on election night in 2020, Donald Trump appeared to be winning Pennsylvania. But over the next several days, as officials counted mail-in ballots, his lead shrunk and then disappeared. By Saturday, Joe Biden was the clear winner of Pennsylvania and with it, the presidency. The delay was caused by a quirk of Pennsylvania’s election law, which forbids the opening of mail-in ballots until seven a.m. on the day of the election.

Tennessee – What Can a City Do When Neo-Nazis Start Marching Down Its Streets?

Yahoo News – Emily Cochrane | Published: 8/1/2024

Neo-Nazi groups descended on Nashville recently, parading along the city’s famed strip of honky-tonks and celebrity-owned bars. The neo-Nazis disrupted a city council meeting, harassed descendants of Holocaust survivors, and yelled racist slurs at Black children performing on a street. The appearance of white nationalists on the streets of a major American city laid bare the growing brazenness of the Patriot Front and the Goyim Defense League. Their provocations enraged and alarmed civic leaders and residents in Nashville, causing the city to grapple with how to confront the groups without violating free speech protections.

Wisconsin – Andre Jacque May Be Using His State Campaign Fund to Help Out with His Congressional Race

Yahoo News – Lawrence Andrea and Daniel Bice (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 7/29/2024

As Andre Jacque struggles to gain fundraising steam in his Wisconsin congressional primary race, he appears to be turning to his old state Senate campaign coffers for help. Campaign finance records show that, beginning in March, Jacque doled out $23,500 from his state Senate campaign account to friends, family, and fellow lawmakers, who then donated that amount and more to his federal congressional campaign.

National/Federal

Can Robert Menendez’s Bribery Conviction Survive an Appeal?

DNyuz – Benjamin Weiser (New York Times) | Published: 7/22/2024

With U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, found guilty of corruption charges, his lawyers say they will appeal his conviction aggressively and believe he will be vindicated. Defense lawyers make such claims routinely, but in the realm of federal corruption cases, they may have reason to be optimistic. The U.S. Supreme Court, in rulings since 2010, has narrowed the legal definition of corruption, resulting in a number of convictions of political figures being overturned.

The Secret Battle for the Future of the Murdoch Empire

DNyuz – Jim Rutenberg and Jonathan Mahler (New York Tims) | Published: 7/24/2024

Rupert Murdoch is locked in a legal battle against three of his children over the future of the family’s media empire, as he moves to preserve it as a conservative political force after his death. Murdoch made a surprise move to change the terms of the irrevocable family trust to ensure his eldest son and chosen successor, Lachlan, would remain in charge of his collection of television networks and newspapers. He is arguing in court that only by empowering Lachlan to run the company without interference from his more politically moderate siblings can he preserve its conservative editorial bent, and thus protect its commercial value for all his heirs.

Corporate Donors Swarm GOP Convention: ‘It’s like a cocktail party’

MSN – Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 7/18/2024

Many corporate donors treated Trump as a pariah after attack on the Capitol and decried his efforts to overturn the election. But now that Trump is the Republican standard-bearer, more than 300 executives and lobbyists attended the convention as guests of his campaign. Lobbyists from more than a dozen prominent firms attended the convention as guests of the Trump campaign’s host committee. To get in the boxes, donors must have written large checks or have promised big donations.

Election Officials Frustrated Trump Allies Suddenly Care About Rhetoric

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 7/19/2024

Soon after Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt, many of his prominent supporters placed blame not on the gunman who pulled the trigger but on President Biden, other Democrats. or journalists who have described the former president as a threat to democracy. But for years, election workers felt ignored as they described how Trump’s verbal attacks on the nation’s election systems resulted in threats of violence and terrorizing harassment. Now, Trump’s prominent supporters were paying attention to the potential ramifications of rhetoric but without acknowledging how their words had contributed to the nation’s toxic divisions.

Democrats Coalesce Around Harris, as She Kicks Off Bid with Attacks on Trump

MSN – Toluse Olorunnipa (Washington Post) | Published: 7/22/2024

The Democratic Party largely coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris as its likely new presidential nominee as she kicked off her campaign by promising to prosecute a forceful case against Donald Trump and defend the legacy of President Biden. Harris secured pledges of support from a majority of Democratic National Convention delegates, a strong show of unity behind her presidential campaign that signals she is likely to officially become the party’s nominee in August.

FCC Commissioner Wrote a Project 2025 Chapter – Democrats Want Him Investigated Over It

MSN – Alison Durkee (Forbes) | Published: 7/17/2024

House Democrats called for an ethics investigation into Federal Communications Commission leader Brendan Carr, arguing he improperly used his office after he authored a chapter in the controversial Project 2025 policy agenda that lays out a blueprint for former Donald Trump to overhaul the executive branch. Carr’s actions may have violated ethics laws for federal employees and the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from using their office for political activities, the lawmakers argued.

Secret Service Director Cheatle Resigns with ‘Heavy Heart’ After Trump Rally Shooting

MSN – Maria Sacchetti, Carol Leonnig, Nick Miroff, and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 7/23/2024

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The attack was the first against a U.S. leader on the elite protective agency’s watch in more than 40 years. Cheatle, a veteran Secret Service agent, had called the security failure involving a gunman shooting from an apparently unsecured roof at a Trump campaign rally on July 13 unacceptable and acknowledged “the buck stops with me.”

$30 Million Gift Will Fund Center to Push for Supreme Court Overhaul

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 7/23/2024

A business executive and philanthropist pledged $30 million to launch a first-of-its-kind center pushing to overhaul the Supreme Court, after a series of ethics controversies and conservative rulings prompted rising scrutiny of the justices. The major gift from Jim Kohlberg, chairperson of a private equity firm, will fund research, public outreach, and policy advocacy over a decade at the Brennan Center for Justice. The announcement comes amid a flurry of Democratic activity related to reshaping the court.

Bob Menendez to Resign Senate Seat Following Federal Bribery Conviction

MSN – Abbie Cheeseman and Nicole Markus (Washington Post) | Published: 7/23/2024

Sen. Bob Menendez plans to resign effective August 20. He was convicted of taking bribes from three businesspeople who showered him and his wife with cash, gold bars, and a Mercedes-Benz, an extravagant bounty for his help securing deals with foreign officials and trying to derail several criminal investigations in New Jersey. A jury found Menendez guilty on 16 felony counts, including bribery, extortion, and working as a foreign agent on behalf of Egypt.

Trump Allies Crush Misinformation Research Despite Supreme Court Loss

MSN – Cat Zakrzewski and Naomi Nix (Washington Post) | Published: 7/24/2024

A legal campaign led by allies of Donald Trump is attempting to cast the study of misinformation as part of a broader conspiracy to censor conservative voices online. It has transformed the daily life and work of those who worked at tracking election misinformation online, a field now reeling as the 2024 presidential race enters its final months. False rumors and disinformation have proliferated online as the nation reels from the assassination attempt on Trump and President Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

GOP Eyes Legal Challenges as Harris Assumes Control of Biden’s War Chest

MSN – Maeve Reston (Washington Post) | Published: 7/21/2024

Within hours of President Biden announcing his decision to leave the race, his reelection committee submitting an amended filing to the FEC changing its name to “Harris for President” so Vice President Harris would have access to the millions of dollars in the fund. Several campaign finance lawyers aligned with Republicans argue the campaign does not have legal authority to do that and the maneuver is all but certain to be challenged before the FEC or in court.

Biden’s 50 Years in Politics Defined by Triumph, Tragedy and a Reluctant Exit

MSN – Toluse Olorunnipa (Washington Post) | Published: 7/21/2024

President Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race marks the sunset of a consequential career in public service that spanned more than 50 years. The move caps a turbulent journey in Washington for a self-described “great respecter of fate” who acquiesced to the conclusion drawn by many Democratic leaders and allies that, at 81 and showing increasing signs of aging, he did not have a viable path to defeating Donald Trump.

DOJ Review Blames Stone Sentencing Flip on Poor Leadership, Not Politics

MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 7/24/2024

The Justice Department’s inspector general blamed “ineffectual leadership” and not political interference for the softening of Roger Stone’s sentencing recommendation in February 2020 after his conviction for lying to Congress. The report upheld an account by then-Attorney General William Barr but also found that line prosecutors’ suspicions of political meddling by Donald Trump’s administration were not unreasonable.

Ex-Mass. Congressional Candidate Sentenced for Using Campaign Donations to Pay Debts

MSN – Susannah Sudborough (MassLive) | Published: 7/23/2024

Abhijit Das, a former Massachusetts congressional candidate, was sentenced to 21 months in prison with a fine of $25,000 for breaking federal campaign finance law, including by using political donations to pay back money he owed from running his hotel business. While running for office in December 2017, he devised a scheme to inflate his fundraising numbers that involved asking for personal loans from friends over the $2,700 limit set by federal law.

Ethics Commissions: Obliging government to control itself

National Conference of State Legislatures – Helen Brewer and Adam Kuckuk | Published: 7/23/2024

Government makes rules for the people, but who makes the rules for the government? In the Federalist Papers, James Madison saw this issue as one of the greatest challenges in creating a republic: “You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself.” One of the many ways state governments are obliged to control themselves is through ethics commissions. How these commissions are structured, the jurisdiction they have, how they operate, and what they cover varies greatly by state.

Campaign Finance Watchdog Raises Alarm About Recent FEC Super PAC Decisions

Ohio Capital Journal – Nick Evans | Published: 7/24/2024

Some campaign finance experts argue the FEC is fundamentally broken and is taking a wrecking ball to campaign spending rules. For years, the agency moved at a glacial pace and often deadlocked when it came to enforcement decisions. But more recently, a majority of commissioners have begun issuing decisions that consistently roll back political spending restrictions.

Activist Group Files Ethics Complaint After Member Accused of Accosting GOP Lawmaker

Yahoo News – Yash Roy (The Hill) | Published: 7/18/2024

Activist group Code Pink submitted a complaint against U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden to the House ethics committee over now-dismissed battery charges. The Milwaukee County district attorney’s office dismissed the misdemeanor battery charge against Code Pink activist Nour Jaghama after Van Orden accused her in a social media post of assaulting him outside the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Influencers Put on Notice, Guelph Lobbyist Registry Moves Forward

Guelph Today – Richard Vivian | Published: 7/24/2024

The Guelph City Council voted to establish a municipal lobbyist registry. The registry, which will come into being on October 1 but not be enforced until January 1, requires lobbyists with a financial interest to publicly report each time they attempt to influence a council member, along with identifying their employer and details about the subject at hand.

California – Democrats Run the California Capitol. When the Party Backs a Bill, Lawmakers Pay Attention

CalMatters – Ryan Sabalow | Published: 7/22/2024

The California Democratic Party is a multimillion-dollar powerhouse whose endorsements and campaign money can make or break a politician’s aspirations for state or federal office. The party also regularly throws its weight around on individual pieces of legislation in the state Capitol, where Democrats hold supermajorities in both chambers. Few other organizations have weighed in on more legislation, making the party, whose primary function is electing Democrats, one of the most prolific, and successful, lobbying organizations at the statehouse.

California – Mark Farrell Doubles Down on Practice of Commingling Campaign Funds

Mission Local – Kelly Waldron | Published: 7/24/2024

San Francisco mayoral candidate Mark Farrell has continued a practice his opponents say amounts to skirting campaign finance limits. He pooled $160,895 in expenses between his mayoral race and a ballot measure he is backing. Rival campaigns allege this effectively allows Farrell to access larger sums from big-money donors, who are not hamstrung by the city’s contribution limits on giving to candidates directly.

California – Stockton Drafting Possible Transparency Rules for Political Consultants After Grand Jury Report

MSN – Aaron Leathley (Stockton Record) | Published: 7/18/2024

The Stockton City Council members took a first step toward creating new transparency rules for political consultants and possibly establishing a city ethics commission. The council’s legislative committee told interim City Clerk Katherine Roland to draft policies that would require consultants working with local candidates and politicians to reveal basic information about their businesses and clients.

California – LA County Supervisors Back a Ballot Measure to Add 4 Seats, Elect a County CEO

MSN – Steve Scauzillo (Los Angeles Daily News) | Published: 7/23/2024

Despite mounting opposition, a ballot measure that would increase the number of Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from five to nine members, create an elected, not appointed, county executive officer, and establish an ethics commission received its first vote of approval. It needs a second and final vote that is set for July 30 and the sweeping governance reform, the first multi-pronged charter reform package in more than 100 years that will change the face of county government, will go before voters on November 5.

California – Rep. Ken Calvert Has Secured Millions for His Riverside County District. Do His Own Properties Benefit?

Yahoo News – Laura Nelson (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 7/22/2024

Since Congress brought back the legislative process known as earmarking in 2022, few lawmakers have been as successful at securing funds for their district as Rep. Ken Calvert, who has been in Congress longer than any other California Republican. He has funneled more than $100 million since then into projects in his Riverside County district. The earmarks include $16 million in planned transportation improvements that fall within several miles of rental properties Calvert owns, raising questions about the extent to which he personally benefits from the earmarks he has secured.

Colorado – Colorado Campaign Donation Limits Case to Be Decided Later This Year

Colorado Sun – Sandra Fish | Published: 7/24/2024

A federal judge will decide after the November 5 general election whether Colorado’s political donation limits for candidates are legal. Three Republicans are challenging the limits enacted by voters in 2002 claiming they violate the First Amendment by limiting donors’ freedom of speech. Senior U.S. District Court Judge John Kane rejected their attempt to suspend the limits immediately.

District of Columbia – D.C. Prosecutor Accused of Misconduct at Trials of Anti-Trump Protesters

MSN – Peter Herman (Washington Post) | Published: 7/24/2024

A federal prosecutor who oversaw sweeping arrests of anti-Trump demonstrators in the nation’s capital manipulated evidence alongside a District of Columbia police detective in an apparent attempt to strengthen the case, according to an office that investigates misconduct complaints against attorneys in the city. Jennifer Kerkhoff Muyskens worked with a detective, Greggory Pemberton, to edit video of people planning protests of the president’s 2017 inauguration, and later falsely told the court about it, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel alleges.

Georgia – Georgia Democrats Sue to Overturn Law Allowing Unlimited Campaign Cash, Saying GOP Unfairly Benefits

MSN – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 7/19/2024

Georgia Democrats are suing to overturn the ability of Gov. Brian Kemp and others to raise unlimited political contributions and spend them on behalf of any political cause. The Democratic Party of Georgia filed a federal lawsuit that asks a judge to declare a 2021 law that created leadership committees is unconstitutional because it unfairly gives unlimited fundraising powers to some people but not others.

Hawaii – Hawaii Contractors Are Still Big Contributors to Political Campaigns, Thanks to Loopholes in State Law

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 7/24/2024

Hawaii banned contributions from contractors in 2005, but the Legislature wrote a loophole into the law that allowed officers, owners, employees, and family members to continue donating. A media investigation this year found nearly one-fifth of all campaign donations made since 2006 came from people tied to contractors. Efforts to close the loophole failed in the last two legislative sessions. Citing the New York Times and Honolulu Civil Beat investigation, lawmakers and government watchdog groups have said they will take up the issue again next year.

Illinois – Madigan Crony Asks for Severance from Upcoming Corruption Trial, Claiming Ex-Illinois Speaker’s Legal Team Could ‘Ambush’ Him

MSN – Jason Meisner, Ray Long, and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 7/22/2024

Attorneys for Michael McClain asked that he be severed in his upcoming racketeering trial with former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, revealing for the first time that Madigan’s legal team may be planning to throw McClain under the bus. The motion said McClain’s right to a fair trial was in peril due to a theory of Madigan’s defense that would essentially make them “second prosecutors,” putting McClain in the position of having to defend himself not only from government accusations but his co-defendant too.

Maine – Republican Lawmaker Escapes Penalty for Repeatedly Missing Campaign Finance Deadlines

Yahoo News – Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 7/24/2024

A state lawmaker will not face any penalties for routinely failing to file timely campaign finance reports for his PAC. The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices ruled Rep. Richard Campbell violated state law. But commissioners were not able to assess a financial penalty because Campbell’s Building the Maine House PAC has not actively raised or spent money for the last four years.

Maine – Maine Lawmakers Want to Rein in Vague ‘Concept Bills,’ Late-Night Votes

Yahoo News – Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 7/19/2024

A group of Maine lawmakers is considering a list of proposals to improve transparency and efficiency in the Legislature following the chaotic conclusion of this year’s session. The potential rule changes include capping the number of bills that can be submitted, limiting the use of placeholder bills that lack policy specifics, and putting an end to late-night votes, especially on the state budget.

Maryland – Baltimore County Spending $550K to Shield 2020 Settlement to Brother of County Executive’s Friend

MSN – Cassidy Jensen and Lia Russell (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 7/17/2024

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr.’s administration secretly paid his friend’s brother an $83,675 settlement after backing out of an agreement to increase the retired firefighter’s pension, which county lawyers said would have violated state law. Now, the administration could pay more than $500,000 in a court fight to keep secret details about the settlement. Former County Administrative Officer Fred Homan sued the county, alleging officials violated the Maryland Public Information Act by withholding documents he requested related to the settlement.

Mississippi – Mississippi Ordered to Create More Black Districts, Hold Special Elections Next Year

MSN – Taylor Vance (Biloxi Sun Herald) | Published: 7/19/2024

The Mississippi Legislature must adopt new state Senate and House maps with Black-majority districts during its 2025 session and conduct elections to fill those new seats, a federal three-judge panel ruled. The judges previously ruled the districts drawn in 2022 by the Legislature diluted Black voting strength. The State Board of Election Commissioners argued the elections should take place next year because it would be nearly impossible to redraw the districts in time for November elections.

Missouri – Kehoe Campaign for Missouri Governor Riding on Bus Owned by Lobbyist for Chinese Pork Producer

Yahoo News – Rudi Keller (Missouri Independent) | Published: 7/21/2024

In his campaign for governor, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe has promised voters he will stop China “from buying up our farmland.” He is doing so while traveling the state in a bus owned by Jewell Patek, a former legislator who is the only Missouri lobbyist employed by the Chinese business that owns a significant chunk of agricultural land in the state. The cost of using Patek’s bus is not listed among the expenses reported in Kehoe’s latest campaign finance report.

Montana – Montana Attorney General Didn’t Violate Campaign Finance Rules, Elections Enforcer Says

MSN – Amy Beth Hanson (Associated Press) | Published: 7/19/2024

Commissioner of Political Practice Chris Gallus said Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen did not violate any laws after he was reported to have recruited Logan Olson to run against him for campaign finance purposes. The contribution limit for the attorney general’s race is $790, but candidates can receive twice that from individuals if they have a primary opponent. Gallus said did not have evidence to show Olson was not a “bona fide” candidate or that he was offered any “payment or promise” for running.

New York – Elected Official Charged with Biting NYPD Officer

MSN – Jeff Coltin (Politico) | Published: 7/17/2024

New York City Council member Susan Zhuang was arrested on charges she bit a deputy police chief while protesting a planned homeless shelter in her Brooklyn district. Zhuang’s communications director, Felix Tager, said “Zhuang was arrested after trying to protect an 80-year-old woman” who was being pushed up against the barricades. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell disagreed, saying the woman had laid herself under the barricade.

New York – Contributions That Exceed Legal Limits Poured into Eric Adams’ Campaign

The City – Greg Smith | Published: 7/19/2024

Individuals on New York City’s official “doing business” list donated more than the limit to Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign and now his 2025 bid for re-election. Donors who exceeded the $400 cap have had the excess money refunded following review by the Campaign Finance Board well after the campaign has touted its fundraising hauls in competitive races. In addition to banning corporate contributions, amendments to the city charter gave the board the power to regulate donations from individuals involved in city business.

Ohio – Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens Scores Temporary Legal Win in Fight Over Campaign Account

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 7/23/2024

Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens scored an unexpected legal win as a state appeals court temporarily held up a lower-court injunction stripping him of control over the chamber’s campaign arm. It throws an unexpected hurdle in the way of attempts by a majority of Republicans to wrest control of the Ohio House Republican Alliance’s from Stephens, who was elected speaker last year with the support of only about one-third of his caucus as well as every Democrat.

Oregon – The Feds Warned Oregon Officials That a Report on Alcohol Taxes Was Fundamentally Flawed

Willamette Week – Lucas Manfield | Published: 7/24/2024

The director of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Dr. Sejal Hathi, told lawmakers, advocates, and business leaders on a state Liquor and Cannabis Commission task force that her agency was wrong to bury a report that showed increasing taxes on beer and wine would do little to curb excessive drinking. The shelving of that report left the impression the OHA withheld it because it clashed with the agency’s desire to hike taxes to reduce excessive drinking. The report was not just politically inconvenient. According to some scientists, it was also flawed because it was based on research funded by the alcohol industry.

Tennessee – Tennessee Election Finance Board to Subpoena Members of Constitutional Republicans

Tennessee Lookout – Sam Stockard | Published: 7/24/2024

Dissatisfied with a state attorney general’s investigation, the Registry of Election Finance is set to subpoena members of the Tennessee and Sumner County Constitutional Republicans to have them explain how they operate without registering as a PAC. A complaint accuses the groups of acting like a PAC by making expenditures for candidates or issues but refusing to register with the state. Five people spoke to a state investigator, but three others declined.

Texas – In Texas, Violating Campaign Ethics Laws Rarely Yields Repercussions. The Attorney General’s Office Is to Blame.

MSN – Zach Despart (Texas Tribune) | Published: 7/23/2024

Three decades following its inception, the Texas Ethics Commission is toothless. Compliance with ethics laws is largely voluntary. That is because the agency relies on the Texas attorney general to enforce payment of fines for violations. Under Ken Paxton, who himself owes $11,000 in ethics fines, that has rarely happened. A review by The Texas Tribune found the number of politicians, lobbyists, and PACs that owe fines for breaking state campaign finance laws has exploded in recent years.

National/Federal

Meta Rolls Back Restrictions on Trump’s Instagram and Facebook Accounts

DNyuz – Mike Isaac (New York Times) | Published: 7/12/2024

Meta said it was rolling back some restrictions to Donald Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts so people on its services could hear from those running for the presidency “on the same basis.” Under the restrictions on Trump’s accounts, he could have been suspended from Meta’s services if he had posted content that sought to delegitimize this November’s election, among other things. But Meta said it was now relaxing those restrictions, reducing the potential for a suspension if Trump violated the company’s terms of service.

How Trump Dominated His Own Party on a New G.O.P. Platform

DNyuz – Jonathan Swan, Shane Goldmacher, and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 7/18/2024

Donald Trump long ago decided he wanted a very different Republican Party platform in 2024. The delegates who arrived in Milwaukee before the Republican National Convention, with plans of drafting a sweeping document of party principles, quickly found out just how determined he was. Their cellphones were confiscated and placed in magnetically sealed pouches. It was only then that the delegates received a copy of the platform language the Trump team had prepared, which slashed the platform size by nearly three-quarters.

Trump Picks Sen. J.D. Vance, a Former Critic, to Be His Running Mate

MSN – Meryl Kornfield and Marianne LeVine (Washington Post) | Published: 7/15/2024

Donald Trump chose U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate, selecting a previously outspoken Trump critic who in recent years has closely aligned himself with the former president. Vance is a relative political newcomer, winning his Senate seat in 2022 after rising to prominence as an author who wrote a best-selling memoir. His selection adds a staunch defender of Trump’s movement to the ticket and, some Republican observers said, it could help Trump solidify his base of White working-class voters.

Trump’s Classified-Documents Case Dismissed by Judge Aileen Cannon

MSN – Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 7/15/2024

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the federal criminal case against Donald Trump charging him with amassing highly sensitive national security secrets at his Mar-a-Lago estate and then obstructing government efforts to reclaim them. Cannon concluded that special counsel Jack Smith’s appointment violated the Appointments Clause of the Constitution. Other courts have rejected arguments similar to the one that Trump’s team made about the legality of Smith’s appointment.

Influencer Running for U.S. Senate Challenges Campaign Finance Rules

MSN – Taylor Lorenz (Washington Post) | Published: 7/10/2024

Caroline Gleich, a professional ski mountaineer and online content creator who is vying to replace U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, is seeking permission to sidestep campaign finance rules that she says disadvantage influencers who make a living generating sponsored posts on social media. Under current FEC rules, any sponsored social post that features Gleich and is distributed in Utah within 90 days of the November 5 election could be considered a “coordinated communication.” As such, it would count as an in-kind contribution and be listed in her campaign finance reports.

New York Judge Throws Out Rudy Giuliani’s Bankruptcy Case

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 7/12/2024

A federal judge threw out Rudy Giuliani’s bankruptcy case, paving the way for a litany of creditors, including two former Georgia election workers who won a $148 million defamation claim against him, to pursue and potentially seize his assets. In his order, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane cited Giuliani’s “continued failure to meet his reporting obligations and provide the financial transparency required of a debtor in possession” and called his behavior “troubling.” It restricts Giuliani from seeking bankruptcy protection for one year.

Sen. Menendez Convicted of Bribery, Other Charges in Corruption Trial

MSN – Salvador Rizzo and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 7/6/2024

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez was convicted of all the counts he faced at his corruption trial, including accepting bribes of gold and cash from three New Jersey businessperson and acting as a foreign agent for the Egyptian government. The two co-defendants in the trial, real estate developer Fred Daibes and businessperson Wael Hana, were also convicted. Jurors heard witnesses describe how the longtime lawmaker had waded into a world of Egyptian spies and international intrigue after falling in love with a divorcée he met at his local pancake house.

U.S. Begins Dropping Jan. 6 Obstruction Charges for Some Proud Boys, Others

MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 7/16/2024

The Supreme Court’s ruling narrowing use of an obstruction charge for January 6 defendants is leading to misdemeanor plea deals for some Capitol riot defendants. Federal prosecutors have begun moving to drop charges accusing defendants of obstructing Congress’s confirmation of the 2020 presidential election results, offering new plea deals after the Supreme Court restricted the government’s use of that count. Those whose charges may be dropped are among a small core group of Capitol riot defendants who prosecutors alleged understood why Congress was meeting and who came not to protest but to block lawmakers from acting.

Biden Set to Announce Support for Major Supreme Court Changes

MSN – Tyler Pager and Michael Scheer (Washington Post) | Published: 7/16/2024

President Biden is finalizing plans to endorse major changes to the Supreme Court in the coming weeks, including proposals for legislation to establish term limits for the justices and an enforceable ethics code, according to two people briefed on the plans. He is also weighing whether to call for a constitutional amendment to eliminate broad immunity for presidents and other constitutional officeholders.

Ex-CIA Analyst Accused of Working for South Korean Intelligence Service

MSN – Aaron Schaffer and Ellen Nakashima (Washington Post) | Published: 7/17/2024

A former CIA analyst and noted East Asia expert was indicted on criminal charges of acting as an agent of South Korea, whose intelligence officials allegedly rewarded her with luxury gifts and concealed payments made to a think tank. Sue Mi Terry was charged with failing to register as a foreign agent and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

DNC Sticks with Biden Virtual Roll Call, Despite Doubts That It’s Necessary

MSN – Colby Itkowitz, Patrick Svitek, and Leigh Ann Caldwell (Washington Post) | Published: 7/17/2024

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) pressed forward with a plan to hold a virtual roll call to nominate President Biden for reelection during the first week of August, a process that could short-circuit a burgeoning effort from within the party to replace him. Party leadership cited the risk of a legal quagmire if Biden is not formally nominated before the convention in Chicago, which begins August 19. DNC officials said ballot deadlines in a handful of states could give GOP-aligned groups the opportunity to challenge any nominee whose status is not formalized by then.

Even When Big Cases Intersect with Their Families’ Interests, Many Judges Choose Not to Recuse

ProPublica – Noah Pransky, Brooke Williams, and Andrew Botolino | Published: 7/16/2024

Concerns that judges on the nation’s highest courts have not properly disclosed personal conflicts and have failed to recuse when such issues arose have been at the center of a recent national debate. A ProPublica analysis found a lack of transparency regarding conflicts plagues federal and state courts where loose rules, inconsistent enforcement, and creative interpretations of guidelines routinely allow judges to withhold potential conflicts from the parties before them.

Charities Are Allowed to Do Some Lobbying, but Many Do None at All

The Conversation – Heather MacIndoe (University of Massachusetts at Boston) and Mirae Kim (George Mason University) | Published: 7/2/2024

U.S. charities may spend some of their time and money on lobbying, as long as those organizations do not primarily exist to influence federal legislation. This rule applies to all charitable nonprofits, which run the gamut from hospitals to social service providers, museums and environmental organizations. States can also regulate nonprofit lobbying. For example, the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office requires nonprofit employees who lobby to register with the state and pay a registration fee.

Shooting at Trump Rally Comes at Volatile Time in American History

Yahoo News – Peter Baker, Simon Levien, and Michael Gold (New York Times) | Published: 7/14/2024

For the first time in more than four decades, a man who was elected president of the United States was wounded in an assassination attempt when a gunman who appeared to have crawled onto a nearby roof opened fire at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The explosion of political violence came at an especially volatile moment in American history and further inflamed an already stormy campaign for the White House. Authorities have reported a surge of threats against elected and appointed officials of both parties in recent years, as anger has come to dominate the political discourse.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Statewide Initiative Would Restore Alaska Campaign Finance Limits

Alaska Public Radio – Robyne (KAUC) | Published: 7/17/2024

A group of Alaskans is circulating petitions this summer to restore state campaign finance limits. Citizens Against Money in Politics (CAMP) says its ballot initiative will give citizens the same power as large corporations and unions. Jus Tavcar, a volunteer coordinator with CAMP, initiative would limit contributions to $2,000 per election cycle for an individual candidate’s campaign, or $5,000 a year to a political party.

California – After Pushback, Ethics Commission Now Won’t Recommend That Nonprofits Report Lobbying

Long Beach Post – Melissa Evans | Published: 7/10/2024

After pushback from the nonprofit sector, the Long Beach Ethics Commission reversed course and will likely not recommend these organizations register as lobbyists if they routinely seek to influence city decisions. Commissioners are now seeking to instead add requirements that elected leaders and top officials upload their calendars to the city website and require additional leaders in city government to maintain publicly available calendars that can be obtained quickly through a public records request.

California – Search Under Way for New San Diego Ethics Commission Chief

MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union Tribune) | Published: 7/12/2024

Sharon Spivak, the journalist-turned-attorney who took over as executive director of the San Diego Ethics Commission four years ago after 15 years with the city attorney’s office, will leave her post late this year. The new executive director must be confirmed by the city council, but that process could change under a reform package pushed by City Attorney Mara Elliott. Spivak is expected to remain at the commission until next spring to assist with the transition once her successor is determined.

California – Oakland Company in FBI Crosshairs Sought City Homeless Shelter Contracts

MSN – Natalie Orenstein, Eli Wolfe, and Darwin BondGraham (Oaklandside) | Published: 7/10/2024

Evolutionary Homes, a company that appears to be at the center of the FBI corruption probe, recently angled to build housing for homeless people in Oakland. The company pitched its shelters, which are manufactured from shipping containers, to multiple council members over the past year. The company was named in a subpoena served against multiple Oakland officials. No shipping-container shelter plans ever came to fruition, but some of the companies involved told city leaders they believed there were major funds, possibly federal COVID relief money, to tap into for the projects.

California – SF Lawmaker Who Spent $80,000 in Campaign Funds on 49ers Tickets Faces Probe

SFGate – Alec Regimbal | Published: 7/12/2024

California Assembly member Matt Haney is being investigated for possibly violating state campaign finance laws. While the Fair Political Practices Commission did not offer specifics on the matter, some of Haney’s recent campaign expenditures have begun to raise eyebrows. Haney has spent more than $80,000 on San Francisco 49ers tickets since the beginning of 2023. Experts said it is not unheard of for candidates to host fundraisers at sporting events, but Haney’s spending seemed “excessive.”

California – California Limits Pay-to-Play Politics in Local Elections, but Federal Law Enables a Loophole

Yahoo News – Theresa Clift (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 7/11/2024

California has limited the amount a local candidate can accept from an individual donor before they must abstain from voting on issues that benefit that contributor. But independent expenditures offer a limitless alternative for individuals and groups that want to advocate for the election of candidates and the passage of measures that advance their agendas.

Colorado – Democratic Dark Money Group to Disclose Donors, Pay an $18,000 Fine for Violation in Prop. HH Campaign

Colorado Public Radio – Andrew Kenny | Published: 7/16/2024

A political nonprofit that aided Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’s transition shortly after his 2018 election admitted it violated state campaign finance laws. Boldly Forward Colorado will pay an $18,000 fine and disclose its donors. In 2023, the group spent more than $350,000 in support of Proposition HH, a tax reform proposal backed by Polis. That money was given to the committee running the campaign. A complaint alleged Boldly Forward Colorado did not register as a committee and failed to report its electioneering activities.

Colorado – Dave Williams Sent the Colorado GOP $60,000. The Party Says It’s Not Reimbursement for Campaign Help.

Colorado Sun – Sandra Fish and Jesse Paul | Published: 7/17/2024

A new batch of federal campaign finance reports are raising more questions about how the Colorado Republican Party spent money to help party Chairperson Dave Williams’ unsuccessful run for Congress. Williams’ campaign donated $60,000 to the party on June 20. The donation came after the Colorado GOP June sent a series of mailers to voters on Williams’ behalf. Williams and his supporters defended the spending, promising that the party would be made whole but refusing to explain how.

Colorado – Two-Week Trial Begins in Lawsuit Challenging Colorado’s Campaign Contribution Limits

Colorado Sun – Sandra Fish | Published: 7/16/2024

A trial is underway on a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn Colorado’s voter-approved state campaign contribution limits, which are among the lowest in the country. The case was brought by three Republicans, who, backed by lawyers from a conservative political nonprofit, argue the state’s limits benefit self-funding candidates who can bankroll their campaigns. Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Kotlarczyk said Colorado has had limits on campaign donations for 50 years and many state-level political contests remain competitive.

Florida – Florida Supreme Court Disbars Ex-Miami-Dade Judge, Citing ‘Pattern of Dishonesty’

MSN – News Service of Florida | Published: 7/11/2024

Pointing to what it described as a “deliberate pattern of dishonesty,” the Florida Supreme Court disbarred Former Miami-Dade County Judge Miguel Mirabal, who was accused of wrongdoing in his campaign finance reports and making misrepresentations to a judicial-nominating panel. Mirabal was elected as a county judge in 2020 but resigned after less than four months on the bench amid an investigation. “The referee ultimately found that the errors in Mirabal’s campaign finance reports were too numerous and far too politically advantageous to be a mere accident,” the Supreme Court opinion said.

Georgia – Georgia Court Sets December Argument for Trump Appeal to Remove Willis

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 7/16/2024

A Georgia appellate court scheduled oral arguments on Donald Trump’s appeal of a state court ruling allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting the election interference case against the former president and several of his allies for December 5, one month after the election. Trump and eight co-defendants have sought to disqualify Willis and her office amid claims she had an improper relationship with an outside lawyer she appointed to lead the case.

Illinois – Lawyers for Illinois Ex-Speaker Madigan Ask Judge to Gut Indictment in Light of SCOTUS Ruling

MSN – Jason Meisner, Ray Long, and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 7/15/2024

Armed with a U.S. Supreme Court decision that scaled back a key federal bribery statute, lawyers for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan argued in a new filing that 14 counts of the indictment against him should be dismissed, in part because there is no proof Madigan agreed to use his official position for personal gain. Madigan’s lawyers say the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of former Portage, Indiana, Mayor James Snyder does not criminalize “gratuities,” gifts given to elected officials to express thanks for taking a favorable action.

Indiana – Indiana Inspector General Clears State Employees of Ghost Employment, but Suggests Changes

Indiana Capital Chronicle – Leslie Bonilla Muñiz | Published: 7/12/2024

The Indiana Office of the Inspector General cleared two state employees – a supervisor and a subordinate – of alleged ghost employment and more. But the office recommended the Management Performance Hub, which employs the pair, take steps to “avoid the future appearance of impropriety.” The inspector general received an anonymous complaint alleging the hub let a subordinate attend an out-of-state conference unrelated to her duties, that she did not attend the conference, and she was rarely in the office for about a year.

Indiana – Ex-Lawmaker Sean Eberhart Sentenced in Casino Corruption Case

MSN – Tony Cook (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 7/10/2024

Former Indiana Rep. Sean Eberhart was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison for pushing legislation favorable to a casino company in exchange for the promise of a future job with the company worth at least $350,000 a year. He was also given a $25,000 fine. Eberhart agreed to pay $60,000 in restitution to the state, an amount roughly the same as his annual compensation as a lawmaker.

Massachusetts – Fine Dining, Cigar Lounges, and TD Garden Suites: Here’s what happens when Beacon Hill’s most powerful pick up the tab

MSN – Matt Stout (Boston Globe) | Published: 7/12/2024

At some of the best restaurants and bars in Boston, those with an invitation gather at corner tables and in private rooms. Yet, for the top Democrats whose campaigns pay the tabs, permissive state campaign finance laws not only can create what one expert described as a “personal slush fund,” but also furnish a key means for maintaining power and control over their rank-and-file members, former lawmakers say. Massachusetts’ campaign finance rules are broad, allowing lawmakers to eat, drink, or travel on their campaign’s dime as long as they can show it is for the “enhancement of [their] political future” and is not “primarily for personal use.”

Nevada – Grand Jury Indicts Ex-Las Vegas Councilwoman Michele Fiore on Wire Fraud Charges

Nevada Independent – Tabitha Mueller | Published: 7/17/2024

A federal grand jury indicted Michele Fiore, a former Las Vegas City Council member and current Nye County justice of the peace, on charges she defrauded donors of more than $70,000 for personal gain. The indictment says Fiore solicited donations during her time on the  city council to honor police officers killed in duty, promising “100 percent of the contributions” would be used to fund the creation of a statue memorializing the officers. But the funds were allegedly used by Fiore to pay her political fundraising bills, rent, and for her daughter’s wedding, among other uses.

New York – Trial to Decide N.R.A.’s Financial Future Begins in Manhattan

DNyuz – Danny Hakim and Kate Christobek (New York Times) | Published: 7/5/2024

New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking to give oversight of the National Rifle Association (NRA) to a court-appointed official for three years, a step the group vehemently opposes. During an earlier phase of the civil trial, Wayne LaPierre, the longtime chief executive, was found liable for misspending $5.4 million of the NRA’s money. New York has special jurisdiction over the NRA, which was founded in the state more than 150 years ago.

New York – The Lobbyist Dating Carl Heastie Was Just Laid Off. He Was Not Pleased.

New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 7/17/2024

The lobbyist who has been dating New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie was recently laid off from her job at a construction labor-management partnership. The decision prompted Heastie to call the labor group that employed her, In March, Heastie adopted a recusal policy in light of his relationship with Rebecca Lamorte that barred Heastie from meeting with officials from the Greater New York Laborers-Employers Cooperation & Education Trust and several affiliated organizations.

New York – In New York, Wage Theft Violators Get Millions in Government Contracts

ProPublica – Marcus Baram (Documented) | Published: 7/15/2024

Fedcap Rehabilitation Services helps find jobs for people with disabilities. Fedcap has received dozens of contracts worth more than $110 million from 10 New York City and state agencies, even though the company has committed millions of dollars in wage theft against hundreds of its workers. Under New York City and state procurement laws, contracting agencies are required to check vendors’ backgrounds, including for labor law violations, and award contracts only to those deemed “responsible.” But who is a “responsible vendor” is vaguely defined.

New York – Brianna Suggs, Targeted in FBI Raid in Turkish Straw Donor Probe, Is Still Working for Adams’ 2025 Campaign

Yahoo News – Michael Gartland (New York Daily News) | Published: 7/16/2024

Brianna Suggs, whose home was raided last November by the FBI as part of an investigation into campaign donations linked to Turkey, is still working for New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ political campaign despite not appearing in recent filings. During Adams’ 2021 run for City Hall, Suggs proved to be a formidable fundraiser for him. She has claimed credit for raising $18.4 million for the campaign.

North Dakota – North Dakota Lawmakers Work to Update Harassment Policy

North Dakota Monitor – Mary Steuer | Published: 7/16/2024

State Lawmakers are reviewing their workplace harassment policy following a rise in complaints to the North Dakota Ethics Commission. The policy, which dates back to 2018, outlines a process for reporting and investigating allegations of sexual harassment or discrimination-based hostility. It covers not just lawmakers, but legislative staff as well as third parties like lobbyists and media members. The policy puts legislative leadership in charge of receiving harassment complaints.

Ohio – FirstEnergy Loses Appeal to Shield Internal Investigations of Bribery Schemes from Release

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 7/14/2024

A federal judge blocked an appeal from FirstEnergy, potentially leading to the release of two internal investigations into the company’s bribery schemes that it has spent the past year fighting to keep secret. Alongside criminal probes in the matter, a cadre of investors in FirstEnergy have sued alleging securities fraud, given losses they incurred as news of the scandal tanked the company’s share price. In June 2023, the investors began mounting a legal effort to obtain copies of the investigations. FirstEnergy claimed the reports are protected by attorney-client privilege.

Oregon – Oregon Prosecutors Won’t Charge State Democratic Party Leaders, Convicted Crypto Exec with Breaking Campaign Finance Law

MSN – Killary Borrud (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 7/17/2024

Oregon Department of Justice officials announced they closed their investigation into a former cryptocurrency executive’s $500,000 political donation to the state Democratic Party in 2022 without finding enough evidence to prove the misreported contribution criminally violated state campaign finance laws. Nishad Singh, who in 2022 was an executive at FTX, sent the Democratic Party of Oregon its largest donation on record in the final weeks of the competitive election for governor.

Pennsylvania – Secret Bank Accounts, $1M Deficit Plague City as Official’s Corruption Case Is Repeatedly Delayed

Spotlight PA – Min Xian and Angela Couloumbis | Published: 7/11/2024

A federal judge has repeatedly granted delays in the case of a former public official accused of corruption as the Pennsylvania city he once ran and allegedly fleeced grapples with the fallout and a nearly $1 million budget deficit. Federal authorities charged Herm Suplizio, DuBois’ ex-city manager, and his former secretary, Roberta Shaffer, with felony conspiracy and program theft. Officials allege Suplizio diverted money that belonged to the small city into secret bank accounts he and Shaffer controlled but over which the city had no oversight. Suplizio, they allege, used some of that money to pay off his credit cards.

Texas – Years into Their Work, Denton Ethics Board Is Facing Burden of Proof to Bring Changes to Ethics Code

Denton Record-Chronicle – Christian McPhate | Published: 7/10/2024

The Denton Board of Ethics has been in the process of updating the city’s ethics ordinance, which has been rife with issues since its passage in 2017. Critics claim city leaders did not follow the standard ethics model used across the state but instead created a Frankenstein version that has been haunting the board for years. The code has been called an “embarrassment” by David Zoltner, a current board member, in part due to the burden of proof requirement. It requires complainants to become what Zoltner called “amateur prosecutors” and prove their case at a public hearing.

Utah – Utah Supreme Court Sides with Opponents of Redistricting That Carved Up Democratic-Leaning Area

MSN – Mead Gruver (Associated Press) | Published: 7/11/2024

The Utah Supreme Court handed a victory to opponents of redistricting that carved up Democratic-leaning Salt Lake County among four congressional districts that have since all elected Republicans by wide margins. The ruling will not affect elections this year. The Supreme Court sent the case back to a lower court to revisit the process for redrawing the state’s congressional boundaries.

National/Federal

Clinton Campaign Case to Prompt Review of Disclosure Exemption

Bloomberg Law News – Mike Vilensky | Published: 7/9/2024

The FEC “acted contrary to law” in dismissing a Campaign Legal Center complaint alleging campaign finance violations by Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and a PAC supporting her candidacy, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled. The complaint accused Clinton’s campaign committee of accepting millions of dollars in undisclosed coordinated contributions from Correct the Record in the form of opposition research, message development, surrogate training, video production, and press outreach.

Judge Denies Effort by Trump Co-Defendant to Have Charges Dismissed

DNyuz – Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 7/6/2024

The federal judge overseeing Donald Trump’s classified documents case rejected an effort by one of his co-defendants to have the charges he is facing dismissed by claiming he was the victim of a vindictive prosecution by the government. The co-defendant, Walt Nauta, who works as a personal aide to Trump, had accused prosecutors in the office of the special counsel, Jack Smith, of unfairly indicting him because he declined to help their efforts to build a case against the former president by testifying against him in front of a grand jury.

Immunity Ruling Leaves Judge Facing Tough Calls on Trump’s Election Indictment

DNyuz – Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 7/9/2024

The Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity will land back with the judge who is handling the case from which it sprang – the criminal prosecution of Donald Trump on charges of plotting to overturn the 2020 election. U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan will face a daunting task. She will have to make decisions about which of the indictment’s allegations can move forward and which will have to be tossed out. The Supreme Court has held that former presidents are completely protected against accusations arising from their core constitutional duties, but that they can face prosecution for unofficial acts they took while in the White House.

Broken Records: Citizens face growing obstacles to public records, and lawmakers make it worse

Jefferson Public Radio – Daniel Walters (InvestigateWest) | Published: 7/3/2024

A rising flood of records requests – driven by partisan tensions, technological innovation, corporate data mining, and “vexatious requestors” bombarding governments – have increasingly swamped under-resourced records agencies. Across the Northwest, citizens are facing longer wait times, steep fees, and other obstacles to obtaining government records the law says they deserve. It is also happening at the federal level, with average wait times doubling in the past decade, said David Cuillier, director of the Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida.

Former Social Security Watchdog Abused Her Authority, Investigation Finds

MSN – Lisa Rein (Washington Post) | Published: 7/3/2024

The Social Security Administration’s recently departed inspector general abused her authority and undermined the integrity of her office while under investigation for misconduct, a report from a committee of federal watchdogs found. Gail Ennis refused to steer clear of an inquiry into her leadership of an anti-fraud program that issued extraordinary fines on disabled and elderly people accused of disability benefit fraud, investigators found. The report said she obstructed the probe by refusing to be interviewed, ordering subordinates and witnesses to limit access to information, and at times seeking to mislead investigators.

A Billionaire Is Boosting a Major Defamation Lawsuit against Fox News

MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 7/8/2024

Smartmatic, the voting technology company enmeshed in complex defamation lawsuits against Fox News and Newsmax, has a powerful new financial ally: billionaire tech entrepreneur Reid Hoffman, who is a co-founder of LinkedIn. Hoffman’s multimillion-dollar investment is intended in part to help the company sustain its costly litigation. Smartmatic has said the two news outlets smeared it by airing bogus claims of rigged vote counting in the 2020 election.

100 Years after Gaining Citizenship, Native Americans Face Barriers to Voting

MSN – Jim Saska (Roll Call) | Published: 7/8/2024

A century ago, Congress granted citizenship to Native Americans, providing them the right to vote. A report from House Administration Committee Democrats argues the nation has failed to keep that promise of voting rights because casting a ballot is too difficult in many indigenous communities. The report takes aim at state laws that require voter identification but do not recognize tribal IDs; the failure to provide voting-related materials in indigenous languages; and electoral maps that split native communities into different districts, diluting their political strength.

Ruling Boosts Social Media Free Speech Protections, Some Say

MSN – Gopal Ratnam (Roll Call) | Published: 7/9/2024

The Supreme Court’s decision on two cases challenging social media content moderation policies could expand protections for tech platforms under the First Amendment umbrella even if Congress were to dilute other protections, according to legal experts. Companies posting user content on the internet enjoy a broad shield under Section 230 of a 1996 law. Lawmakers who want such platforms to rein in harmful content have threatened to revoke the section and force stricter moderation of what gets uploaded. But the court’s decision opens the door to broader, more fundamental cover from the First Amendment.

Bipartisan Senate Group Proposes Ban on Congressional Stock Trading

MSN – Jacob Bogage and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 7/10/2024

Members of Congress and their families would face stiff penalties for trading stocks under new legislation from a bipartisan group of senators. The bill would bar members of Congress from buying and selling stocks and certain other investments and impose similar restrictions on lawmakers’ spouses and dependent children by 2027. Lawmakers would face a fine worth their monthly salary or 10 percent of the value of each improper investment if they violated the new rules.

Political Ads on Social Media Rife with Misinformation and Scams, New Research Finds

MSN – David Klepper (Associated Press) | Published: 7/10/2024

Political advertisements on social media are one of the best ways for candidates to reach supporters and raise campaign cash. But as a new report from Syracuse University shows, weak regulations governing online ads and haphazard enforcement by tech companies also make ads a prime source for misleading information about elections and an easy way for con artists to target victims. The research examined more than 2,200 groups on Facebook or Instagram that ran ads between September and May mentioning one of the presidential candidates. Combined, the ads cost nearly $19 million and were seen more than 1 billion times.

Democratic Lawmakers Seek Criminal Investigation of Justice Thomas

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 7/9/2024

Two Democratic U.S. senators announced they are seeking a criminal investigation of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas over gifts of travel, a loan for a recreational vehicle, and other benefits he received from wealthy benefactors. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Ron Wyden said they sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting he appoint a special counsel to probe whether Thomas violated ethics, false statement, and tax laws.

GOP Jump-Starts 2024 Election Challenges with Trump-Inspired Lawsuits

MSN – Amy Gardner and Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) | Published: 7/10/2024

The Republican National Committee has expanded legal challenges to voting and election procedures in key swing states since March, when presumptive nominee Donald Trump installed new party leaders with a mandate to pursue his unsubstantiated claims of widespread cheating. Critics say the challenges are legally frivolous. But the cases are dangerous nonetheless, they argue, because they are meant to further erode public confidence in elections and lay the groundwork to overturn the results if Trump loses.

Supreme Court Ethics Remain at Center Stage After Hard-Right Rulings

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 7/5/2024

Legal experts say the Supreme Court’s recent blockbuster rulings coupled with ethics allegations against some of the justices have reinforced doubts among a large swath of the country over whether the nations’ highest court can be a neutral interpreter of the law. Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix the Court, sees the scrutiny directed at the court as a positive step. “I’ve long believed that Supreme Court justices should be treated like politicians when it comes to assessing their moral character and potential entanglements,” Roth said. “We have moved to that place, and I think that’s positive given how powerful the justices are.”

From the States and Municipalities

Arkansas – Arkansas Official Rejects Bid to Put Abortion Rights Measure on Ballot

MSN – Frances Vinall (Washington Post) | Published: 7/10/2024

Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston rejected petitions to put an abortion access measure on the ballot this fall, blaming a procedural error by the organizing group. Arkansans for Limited Government gathered more than 100,000 signatures in support of a ballot proposal to legalize abortion up to 18 weeks after fertilization, and exceptions afterward in cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomaly, or threat of physical harm to the pregnant patient. The group has faced a significant challenge in promoting its constitutional amendment initiative in what is sometimes ranked as “the most pro-life state in America.”

California – Big LA County Reforms, Including Board of Supervisors Expansion, Clear First Hurdle

MSN – Frank Stoltze (LAist) | Published: 7/9/2024

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors moved forward with a wide-ranging proposal to dramatically change how county governance works. The measure would expand the board of supervisors from five to nine members and create a countywide elected executive position akin to a mayor. Another proposed reform would create an independent ethics commission designed to root out corruption by elected officials. Supervisors would need to take a final vote on the package of reforms by August 9 to get them on the November ballot.

California – California Lawmakers Enacted a Bill to Limit Local Pay-to-Play Politics. Is It Working in Sacramento?

MSN – Theresa Clift (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 7/11/2024

Alvin Cheung, a founding president of California Northstate University, last year donated $250 to Sacramento City Councilperson Mai Vang’s re-election campaign. That amount was just one dollar less than the limit that would have prohibited Vang, who was facing no challenger, from casting a vote expected later this year on whether to award the university a tax break to build a hospital. Senate Bill1439 went into effect January 1, 2023, as a way to combat “pay-to-play” politics.

California – After FBI Raids, Oakland City Council Kills Plan to Strengthen Government Watchdog

Oaklandside – Eli Wolfe | Published: 6/27/2024

The Oakland City Council defeated a modest proposal to strengthen an agency that investigates public corruption and ethics violations. The decision raised eyebrows among those witnessed the FBI raid the home of Mayor Sheng Thao and properties belonging to the city’s recycling contractor, California Waste Solutions. The council rejected a proposed ballot measure to improve the city’s Public Ethics Commission.

Colorado – Faith Winter Violated Colorado Senate Ethics Policy by Appearing to Be Intoxicated at Community Meeting, Panel Rules

Colorado Sun – Jesse Paul | Published: 7/8/2024

State Sen. Faith Winter violated the Colorado Senate’s ethics rules when she appeared to be intoxicated when attending a community meeting earlier this year in Northglenn, a legislative committee convened to investigate her conduct ruled. The Senate Committee on Ethics found that Winter, the chamber’s assistant majority leader, failed to meet the chamber’s ethics standards requiring that she promote public integrity and public confidence.

Connecticut – Did a CT Advocacy Group’s Email Violate Campaign Finance Law? SEEC Investigating

Connecticut Mirror – Andrew Brown and Ginny Monk | Published: 7/5/2024

The State Election Enforcement Commission is investigating a complaint alleging CT169Strong, an organization that has lobbied against Democratic-sponsored housing and zoning legislation in recent years, illegally assisted one of the group’s members who is running for a seat in the Connecticut Legislature. At issue is a message CT169Strong distributed in May as the group was lobbying against the so-called Work Live Ride bill, a piece of legislation that would have encouraged towns to approve more apartments near train and bus stations.

Georgia – Appeals Court Greenlights Campaign Finance Case Against Nonprofit Founded by Stacey Abrams

MSN – Robert Schmad (Daily Caller) | Published: 7/8/2024

A federal appeals court struck down an injunction blocking Georgia from enforcing a state campaign finance law against two nonprofits founded by former gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams. A complaint accused the New Georgia Project and the New Georgia Project Action Fund of illegally canvassing for Democratic candidates, including Abrams, during the 2018 midterm elections and failed to disclose millions of dollars in electioneering expenses.

Hawaii – Government Workers in Hawaii Get Paid Not to Work as Misconduct Investigations Drag on for Months or Years

Honolulu Civil Beat – Christina Jedra | Published: 7/10/2024

In Hawaii, “stay away” pay is the practice of giving public employees time off from work while they are investigated for alleged misconduct. Some 350 employees across more than two dozen state and county agencies were put on paid leave due to investigations into suspected wrongdoing from 2020 through 2023. An analysis shows paying these employees not to work cost taxpayers at least $9.5 million in that three-year period. When investigations, and therefore the paid leave, drag on for years, it can waste taxpayer dollars, cause already strained government offices to be stretched even thinner and reward bad behavior.

Hawaii – Honolulu Ethics Commission Says Number of Complaints Has Dropped

Honolulu Civil Beat – Matthew Leonard | Published: 7/8/2024

The Honolulu Ethics Commission says it cannot explain a dramatic fall in the number of complaints it received last year, but it is hopeful the decrease might be the result of more specialized training and expanded outreach. The number of ethics complaints the commission received in 2023 was the lowest since 2018, but the 160 it received in 2022 was a record. That spike could be attributed to the increased scrutiny of ethics rules following the guilty pleas of former state legislators Ty Cullen and Kalani English for taking part in a bribery scheme.

Illinois – Former GOP State Lawmaker, Candidate for Governor Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison

Northern Public Radio – Hannah Meisel (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 7/10/2024

Former Illinois Sen. Sam McCann was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for stealing nearly $700,000 in campaign funds and attempting to conceal his theft with false reports to state election authorities. McCann pleaded guilty to seven counts of wire fraud and one count each of money laundering and tax evasion after prosecutors had spent nearly three days presenting evidence against him at trial. U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Lawless said McCann’s refusal to “accept responsibility” until the last possible moment factored into her calculation for prison time.

Illinois – Fate of ComEd Bribery Defendants Could Be in the Dark for Months

WBEZ – Jon Seidel (Chicago Sun-Times) | Published: 7/9/2024

The fate of four people convicted in one of Chicago’s biggest corruption trials will remain up in the air for at least four months as a judge considers the full effect of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that threatens the jury’s verdict. The high court ruled a law prohibiting bribery among state and local officials did not also criminalize after-the-fact rewards known as “gratuities.” The law in question is involved in five of the nine counts in the Commonwealth Edison bribery case.

Indiana – For Indiana Democrats These Days, Every Year Is a Rebuilding Year

MSN – Brittany Carloni and Kayla Dwyer (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 7/10/2024

Indiana Democrats have not won a contested statewide race since 2012, and party factions disagree about how to turn that tide: whether to run moderate or progressive candidates, and whether to focus on rural or suburban communities. In the absence of an elected statewide party leader, there is a tendency among some to blame the party chair, while his defenders argue naysayers have an outsized view of what role the party should play. The Democratic Party and its top candidates also raise far less money than they used to in Indiana.

Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board Faces Higher Quorum Hurdle Under New Law

Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 7/8/2024

The Louisiana Board of Ethics will face challenges conducting its business over the next five months under a new state law that gives Gov. Jeff Landry more control over the body. In August, the number of members required to hold a meeting will jump from six to eight of the current 11 members. Ten of 11 board members, instead of eight, will need to be present for the board to move forward with investigations of a potential ethics violation, said Kathleen Allen, the board’s administrator. The ethics board already struggles at times to maintain a quorum under its current threshold.

Maine – The Young People Striving to Make Their Mark on Maine State Policy

Yahoo News – Emma Davis (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 7/8/2024

After Lianna Holden, a recent high school graduate from Lewiston, saw the devastation in her community from a mass shooting last fall, she took to the Maine Legislature to compel change. While testifying for the first time before lawmakers, Holden’s nerves were, for the most part, eclipsed by her knowledge of the legislative process. She had undergone training on grassroots lobbying, workshops on how to write testimony, and had been tracking the changing text and outcomes of gun bills and other legislation of interest to her and her classmates.

Missouri – Ozarks Nonprofits Reassert Political Neutrality After Drone Show with Campaign Message

MSN – Susan Szuch (Springfield News-Leader) | Published: 7/6/2024

A 15-minute-long drone show that included an endorsement for a Christian County Commission candidate left two nonprofits scrambling to assert their political neutrality, while highlighting a potential gray area in Missouri campaign finance law. Near the end of the display, which ran at the same time as the fireworks display, drones spelled out “VOTE JACKSON” in reference to Christian County Commissioner Bradley Jackson, who is up for re-election in November.

New Jersey – Can Pro-Trump N.J. Governor Candidate Keep His Popular Radio Show? State Just Ruled.

MSN – Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 6/28/2024

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) took a wait and see approach when it comes to whether the morning radio show of gubernatorial hopeful Bill Spadea violates campaign finance law. ELEC said the show can continue, but it will keep a close watch on what the Republican candidate says on the program and could act later. The hearing addressed whether the show amounts to an in-kind campaign contribution from the station that exceeds the legal limit because of the name recognition and platform he receives.

New York – Hochul Nominates Ethics Commissioner as the Panel’s Future in Limbo

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 7/3/2024

Gov. Kathy Hochul nominated a New York City attorney to fill one of three vacant positions on the state ethics commission, even as the future of that panel remains in limbo following a recent appellate decision that found it was created in violation of New York’s constitution. Hochul’s nomination of James Caras, who last year retired from his role as special counsel to the speaker of the New York City Council, will be subject to a seven-day public comment period before being presented to a review committee comprised of New York law school deans.

New York – How a New York Democrat Lost a Progressive Ballot Line to a G.O.P. Proxy

DNyuz – Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) | Published: 7/5/2024

When Mondaire Jones, a former Democratic member of Congress running for his old House seat, broke ranks and endorsed the primary opponent of U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman in a neighboring district, his longtime allies in the left-leaning Working Families Party were furious. It cancelled plans to campaign for former Jones in his comeback bid. Then things took an even more bizarre turn. The Working Families Party held what should have been a drama-free primary, but instead of nominating the liberal Jones, voters overwhelmingly chose the unlikeliest of alternatives as their nominee: a bankrupt local businessperson propped up by Republicans.

New York – NRA’s Ex-CFO Agreed to 10-Year Not-for-Profit Ban, Still Owes $2M for Role in Lavish Spending Scheme

MSN – Michael Sisak (Associated Press) | Published: 7/9/2024

The National Rifle Association’s (NRA) former finance czar, Wilson Phillips, has been banned for a decade from managing money for any nonprofit company in New York, the state’s attorney general said. Phillips agreed to the ban after a jury found him liable in a scheme to have the gun rights organization bankroll the extravagant lifestyle of the NRA’s longtime chief executive, Wayne LaPierre. Phillips still must pay $2 million in damages to the NRA for his role in concealing and enabling LaPierre’s spending.

Ohio – Ex-Lobbyist Serving 5 Years After Conviction in FirstEnergy Bribery Trial Argues Appeal

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 7/3/2024

A former lobbyist, sentenced to five years in prison after a jury found he bribed a political operative with $15,000 for private campaign information, argued to appellate judges that he did nothing illegal. Matt Borges, once the chair of the Ohio Republican Party who later worked for FirstEnergy Solutions, told judges on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals prosecutors relied on Borges’ use of mob-like language in text messages rather than their underlying substance when they accused him of racketeering.

Oregon – Oregon Ethics Laws Don’t Bar First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson from Unpaid Work in Wife’s Administration

MSN – Jamie Goldberg (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 7/10/2024

First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson is allowed to volunteer in Gov. Tina Kotek’s office under state ethics laws as long as she does not personally benefit financially, ruled Susan Myers, executive director of the Oregon Ethics Commission. Myers provided the formal advice three months after the governor’s office asked the commission whether Kotek Wilson could develop, advise, and promote her wife’s priorities as a volunteer in the administration and whether the governor’s office could provide her with staff and resources to accomplish those goals.

South Carolina – A House Contest Where Race, Gerrymandering and the Supreme Court Loom Large

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 7/9/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court signed off on district lines in South Carolina that Republican state lawmakers said they had designed to benefit their party. The First Congressional District had previously been competitive but is now ranked solidly Republican by the Cook Political Report. The Supreme Court ruled the new district lines did not represent an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, overturning a federal three-judge panel. In dissent, Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the majority had cleared the way for discrimination by giving states a green light for “using race as a short-cut to bring about partisan gains.”

Tennessee – Appeals Panel Keeps 21-Month Sentence for Ex-Tennessee Lawmaker Who Tried to Withdraw Guilty Plea

Kentucky Today – Jonathan Mattise (Associated Press) | Published: 7/9/2024

A federal appeals panel is keeping a 21-month prison sentence in place for a former Tennessee senator who tried to withdraw his guilty plea on campaign finance law violations. Former state Sen. Brian Kelsey had pleaded guilty to charges related to his attempts to funnel campaign money from his state legislative seat toward his failed 2016 congressional bid. His attorneys argued prosecutors violated the plea agreement when they said a harsher sentence could be applied after he attempted to withdraw his plea.

Tennessee – Tennessee Attorney General’s Office to Election Finance Office: We’re ‘not an investigative agency’

Tennessee Lookout – Sam Stockard | Published: 7/11/2024

Despite a major funding increase for personnel over two years, the state attorney general’s office notified the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance it is “not an investigative agency” and the agency can find other options if it is not satisfied with the length of time it takes to complete probes. Deputy Attorney General Andrew Coulam said his office is a “law firm with only three investigators” specializing in Medicaid fraud and consumer protection and might not have the staff to do campaign finance investigation in just a few months.

Texas – West Texas Pastor Who Used Illegal Donations from Churches to Campaign for Office Is Fined $3,500

MSN – Jessica Priest (Texas Tribune) | Published: 7/8/2024

A pastor who used his parish’s resources to campaign for office and several pastors from other churches who donated to him were fined after the Texas Ethics Commission determined each violated election law. Scott Beard, the pastor at Fountaingate Fellowship church who was fined $3,500, showed a “lack of good faith” in accepting the donations and in posting campaign signs on church property for his unsuccessful Abilene City Council race despite warnings against doing so, the commission found.

Vermont – New Report Shows Who Has – and Hasn’t – Turned in Latest Campaign Finance Records

VTDigger.org – Shaun Robinson | Published: 7/10/2024

Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas released a set of lists naming which candidates have – and which ones have not – filed campaign finance reports with the state as of early July, a move she said would help shine a spotlight on those who are not following the rules. Candidates for the upcoming primary who did not file a July 1 report, about a third of some 300 running for state and county offices this year, are not necessarily out of compliance with state law, Copeland Hanzas said. She thinks it is likely, though, that some are.

Wisconsin – Ballot Drop Boxes Returning to Wisconsin Following Top Court Decision

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 7/5/2024

Liberals on the Wisconsin Supreme Court cleared the way for the use of absentee-ballot drop boxes, reversing a decision made by conservatives two years ago when they controlled the court. Ballot drop boxes were available for years in some Wisconsin communities, and their use was greatly expanded for the 2020 presidential election as voters turned to absentee voting because of the covid-19 pandemic. Top Wisconsin Republicans supported them at the time but turned against them after Joe Biden narrowly beat Donald Trump in the state.

National/Federal

Stephen Bannon Plans to Record His Podcast and Then Report to Prison

DNyuz – Ken Bensinger (New York Times) | Published: 7/1/2024

Immediately before reporting for a four-month sentence in federal prison, Stephen Bannon, the longtime adviser to former President Trump, will host the two final hours of his podcast from just outside the low-security facility in Danbury, Connecticut. Bannon lost his last-ditch bid to avoid incarceration after the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to postpone the sentence while he appealed a verdict that found him guilty of contempt for ignoring a congressional subpoena.

Departing FDA Staffers Told They Can Still Influence the Agency in Big Pharma Jobs: BMJ report

FiercePharma – Andrea Park | Published: 7/1/2024

Former FDA employees are prohibited from engaging in certain lobbying activities, but an investigation published in The BMJ claims the agency’s staffers are often advised of loopholes in those regulations on their way out the door. Internal emails reportedly show, for example, that FDA ethics staff telling two agency officials who had worked on COVID-19 vaccine approvals and who were moving on to roles at Moderna they could still work with the FDA indirectly, “behind the scenes,” from their new positions.

Supreme Court Orders Second Look at Texas and Florida Social Media Laws

MSN – Ann Marimow and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 7/1/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court ordered lower courts to take a second look at a pair of laws in Texas and Florida that would have prevented social media companies from removing certain political posts or accounts, saying the courts had not fully addressed the First Amendment issues at play. The justices voided the judgments of separate appeals courts that had reached opposite conclusions about whether the laws were constitutional, ordering both to perform a deeper analysis of whether the statutes violate the right to free speech.

Judge Cannon Orders Hearing for Trump to Challenge Mar-a-Lago Search

MSN – Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 6/27/2024

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon will hold a hearing for Donald Trump’s lawyers to challenge some of the evidence gathered against him for alleged mishandling of classified documents and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them. Cannon said “further factual development is warranted” when it comes to Trump’s challenge to the search warrant for his Florida home and private club. Trump is seeking to suppress much of the evidence by arguing that the search warrant was faulty.

Justices Strike Obstruction Charge for Jan. 6 Rioter, Likely Impacting Others

MSN – Ann Marimow and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 6/28/2024

Federal prosecutors improperly charged a January 6 defendant with obstruction, the Supreme Court ruled, a decision that will likely upend many cases against rioters who disrupted the certification of the 2020 presidential election and which Donald Trump’s legal team may use to try to whittle down one of his criminal cases. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said prosecutors’ broad reading of the statute gives them too much discretion to seek a 20-year maximum sentence “for acts Congress saw fit to punish only with far shorter terms of imprisonment.”

Supreme Court’s ‘Chevron’ Ruling Means Changes for Writing Laws

MSN – Michael Macagnone (Roll Call) | Published: 6/28/2024

A Supreme Court decision left an uncertain and more difficult path for Congress to shape how the federal government carries out laws on major issues such as environment, health, immigration, and more, lawmakers and legal experts said. The ring overturned a long-standing legal doctrine called Chevron deference, which required judges to defer to an agency’s interpretation when it comes to regulations about laws that are ambiguous. Instead, the opinion says judges should give that deference only when Congress explicitly says an agency can make its own decision.

Thomas Uses Trump Immunity Ruling to Question Jack Smith Appointment

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 7/1/2024

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas tackled a question in his presidential immunity opinion that Donald Trump’s attorneys did not bring before the nation’s highest court: Was special counsel Jack Smith legally appointed? Thomas argued both that the special counsel’s office needs to be established by Congress and Smith needed to be confirmed by the Senate. He said he tacked on his concurring opinion to the immunity ruling to “highlight another way in which this prosecution may violate our constitutional structure.”

Biden’s Lapses Are Said to Be Increasingly Common and Worrisome

Seattle Times – Peter Baker, David Sanger, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, and Kate Rogers (New York Times) | Published: 7/2/2024

Like many people his age, President Biden, 81, has long experienced instances in which he mangled a sentence, forgot a name, or mixed up a few facts, even though he could be sharp engaged most of the time. But people in the room with him more recently said the lapses seemed to be growing more frequent, more pronounced, and more worrisome. He is certainly not that way all the time. In the days since the debate debacle, aides and others who encountered Biden described him as being in good shape – alert, coherent, and capable, engaged in complicated and important discussions and managing volatile crises.

Ruling Accusing Former Miami Lawmaker of Campaign Finance Violations Tossed Out

WLRN – Jim Saunders (News Service of Florida) | Published: 7/1/2024

A federal appeals court tossed out a ruling that would have led to former U.S. Rep. David Rivera getting hit with a $456,000 fine in a case involving campaign finance violations. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said a District Court judge improperly granted summary judgment to the FEC in the case, which involves allegations that Rivera secretly funneled money to try to undermine a Democratic rival in 2012.

Ruling Further Slows Trump Election Case but Opens Door to Airing of Evidence

Yahoo News – Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 7/2/2024

The Supreme Court’s decision about executive immunity makes it all but certain that Donald Trump will not stand trial on charges of seeking to overturn the last election before voters decide whether to send him back to the White House in the next one. But the ruling also opened the door for prosecutors to detail much of their evidence against Trump in front of a federal judge – and the public – at an expansive fact-finding hearing, perhaps before Election Day. It remains unclear when the hearing, which was ordered as part of the court’s decision, might take place or how long it would last.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Appeals Court Upholds Core of AZ ‘Dark Money’ Disclosure Law Voters Approved in 2022

Arizona Mirror – Caitlin Sievers | Published: 6/29/2024

A three-judge panel of the Arizona Court of Appeals upheld most of the Voters’ Right to Know Act, which passed in 2022. But it concluded a provision in the law that bars the Legislature from limiting the Citizens Clean Elections Commission from enforcing the “dark money” disclosure provisions is unconstitutional. The law aims to eliminate secret election spending by requiring political committees that spend at least $50,000 in statewide or legislative campaigns reveal the identities of individual donors who give more than $5,000, among other provisions.

Arizona – In CD1 Race, Mysterious Group’s Ads May Have Violated Campaign Finance Law

MSN – Laura Gersony (Arizona Republic) | Published: 6/28/2024

A group spending money in the race for Arizona’s First Congressional District has not registered with federal elections officials in what one expert said could be a violation of campaign finance law. The Turn AZ Blue PAC has bought television ads against congressional candidate Marlene Galán-Woods, one of the six Democratic candidates looking to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. David Schweikert. Records show the group has spent more than the sum that is often required for groups to register with the FEC, but it still has not done so.

California – Judge Denies LA Councilman John Lee’s Bid to Short-Circuit Ethics Commission Action

Courthouse News Service – Hillel Aron | Published: 7/2/2024

Los Angeles City Councilperson John Lee’s attempt to short circuit an Ethics Commission probe ended after a state court judge dismissed his lawsuit against the commission, though he can still make many of his legal objections to the probe in an administrative setting. Lee is accused of accepting gifts without disclosing them while he was working as the chief of staff for his predecessor, Mitchell Englander. Lee was identified in Englander’s indictment as “City Staffer B” and was accused by the commission of receiving a free hotel stay and $1,000 in casino chips, which Lee lost playing baccarat. He also received roughly $4,300 in free food and alcohol.

California – S.F. City Hall Corruption Scandal: Former city worker sentenced to prison for taking bribes

MSN – Carolyn Stein (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 6/28/2024

Cyril Yu, a former San Francisco Department of Building Inspection plan checker, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for taking $15,000 worth of bribes from a local developer in return for expediting building plans.  He must also pay a $20,000 fine. It marks the latest action in a public corruption probe city government that started with the arrest of former Public Works Chief Mohammed Nuru but included former employees and others working with the Department of Building Inspection.

California – ‘Recall Sheng Thao’ Campaign Refuses to Cooperate with Ethics Investigators, Faces Lawsuit

MSN – Darwin BondGraham and Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 7/1/2024

The Oakland Public Ethics Commission filed a lawsuit against organizers of the recall campaign targeting Mayor Sheng Thao. The lawsuit alleges the recall’s backers have refused to hand over fundraising records sought by the commission, which is looking into allegations the recall supporters violated campaign finance laws.

California – California Gubernatorial Candidate Spent Big on Vienna Trip – with Her Spouse’s Firm

MSN – Christopher Cadelago (Politico) | Published: 6/27/2024

California gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins paid $22,500 to the Global Policy Leadership Academy, where her longtime spouse is the firm’s chief executive officer and its sole shareholder. Atkins described the money as going toward a trip to Vienna, Austria in 2022. California law bars officeholders from using campaign funds for personal reasons such as giving to a spouse or domestic partner, experts said. Ann Ravel, former chair of the Fair Political Practices Commission, said the amount of money Atkins sent to the Global Policy Leadership Academy, a for-profit company, is not legal.

California – Reform Expert Robert Stern Joins LA Ethics Commission

MyNewsLA – Staff | Published: 7/2/2024

The Los Angeles City Council confirmed reform expert Robert Stern as the newest member of the Ethics Commission, marking the first time in several months that the five-member body has had all its seats filled. A nationally recognized expert in the fields of campaign finance and government reform, Stern was the first general counsel of the California Fair Political Practices Commission.

Colorado – Denver Clerk Applauds Passage of Campaign Finance Bill

LaVozColorado – Staff | Published: 7/3/2024

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed a campaign finance reform bill into law. It streamlines the Office of the Clerk and Recorder’s citizen complaint process and increases the office’s authority to levy penalties against candidates and committees who fail to report required information. Independent expenditure filers are also subject to new disclosure rules.

Florida – Judge Dismisses ‘Shakedown’ Lawsuit Allegations Against Alex Díaz de la Portilla

MSN – Tess Riski (Miami Herald) | Published: 7/3/2024

A judge dismissed allegations in a lawsuit against former Miami City Commissioner Alex Díaz de la Portilla accusing him of attempting to “shake down” the operator of the Rickenbacker Marina by pressuring him to take on one of the commissioner’s associates as a business partner. Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mavel Ruiz ruled that, as an elected official, Díaz de la Portilla was protected by “legislative immunity” from claims leveled against him by former state representative and lobbyist Manuel Prieguez.

Hawaii – Mayor Signs Bill Further Limiting Value of Gifts City Employees Can Accept

MSN – KHNL Staff | Published: 7/2/2024

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed a bill aimed at bolstering public trust by further limiting the monetary value of gifts city employees can accept. The mayor said the measure was about bolstering transparency and accountability. “I cringe every time I hear people talk about corrupt politicians,” Blangiardi said.

Illinois – Pritzker Signs Bill to Increase Party Power in Primary Elections

WTTW – Andrew Adams (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 7/2/2024

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzger signed a bill affecting primary election fundraising, the electoral college, and the state’s voter registration database. Under the new law, political parties will be allowed to transfer an unlimited amount of funds to candidates during primary elections. Another provision in the bill would change how the state handles the electors it sends to the electoral college during presidential elections.

Illinois – CTU Lobbyist Helped Craft Mayor’s Letter to Senate President at Heart of Springfield Selective Enrollment Fight

Yahoo News – Alice Yin and Jeremy Gorner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 6/27/2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s letter to Illinois Senate President Don Harmon vowing not to shut down selective enrollment schools was directly edited by a Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) lobbyist and was preceded by an earlier version that made no such promise. Harmon pointed to Johnson’s promise in the letter as evidence of the trust between the two officials. But public records reveal a CTU official helped craft the eleventh-hour letter that likely saved the union and Johnson from an embarrassing defeat in the statehouse, as well as an earlier, watered-down version.

Massachusetts – Ballot Question Fundraising and Spending Largely Hidden from Public View

CommonWealth Beacon – Gintautas Dumcius | Published: 6/30/2024

Voters in Massachusetts will weigh in on a slew of ballot questions this November, with the competing sides raising and spending millions of dollars trying to convince them which way to vote. But who is behind the barrage of spending aimed at persuading voters will be largely a mystery until weeks before the election. In contrast to state election laws governing candidates for office, which require regular reporting throughout the year on campaign donations and expenditures, ballot question committees operate under relatively lax reporting requirements.

Nebraska – Some Nebraskans Say Misleading Words Led Them to Sign Petitions on Abortion They Don’t Support

MSN – Margery Beck (Associated Press) | Published: 7/1/2024

The Nebraska Secretary of State’s office said it has received 91 affidavits from voters seeking to have their names removed from an abortion petition, claiming they were misled into signing. The vast majority, 67, came from those seeking to have their name removed from Protect Women and Children or other petitions seeking to ban abortions. Only seven had sought to remove their names from a petition to protect abortion rights.

New York – Giuliani Disbarred in N.Y. Over False Statements About 2020 Election

MSN – Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) | Published: 7/2/2024

Rudy Giuliani, the former personal attorney to Donald Trump, was disbarred in New York over his false statements about the 2020 election. The ruling found Giuliani “repeatedly and intentionally made false statements” about the 2020 election – “some of which were perjurious” – to courts, the public and state lawmakers. “In so doing, respondent … actively contributed to the national strife that has followed the 2020 Presidential election, for which he is entirely unrepentant,” the ruling said.

New York – Trump’s Sentencing in N.Y. Hush Money Case Postponed Until September

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 7/2/2024

Donald Trump’s sentencing in the New York election interference case was pushed back to September, as his lawyers seek to convince the trial judge his conviction should be tossed out after a Supreme Court ruling that presidents have immunity for official acts. The conduct at issue in the New York case was principally about paying hush money to an adult-film actress and then reimbursing Trump’s former lawyer for arranging the payment. But Trump’s legal team may also try to use the new ruling to attack the trial evidence, since the Supreme Court ruled evidence related to official acts of a president may not be presented to a jury.

North Carolina – Republicans: Veto override levels campaign finance playing field

Center Square – Alan Watson | Published: 6/27/2024

Republicans in North Carolina say they evened the playing field of national political parties on campaign finance following an override of Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto. Democrats had access to more money because the Democratic Governors Association had a regular PAC while the Republican Governors Association did not. Both parties’ super PACs could not give to state parties directly, while their regular PACs could. The new law clarifies language on definitions of the political committees.

North Dakota – Ethics Commission Sees Uptick in Campaign Complaints, but Lacks Rules to Enforce

Yahoo News – Mary Steuer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 7/1/2024

The North Dakota Ethics Commission has seen a rise in campaign-related complaints but lacks tools to address the allegations, Executive Director Rebecca Binstock said. Commissioners are considering adopting a new set of rules, so the board has more authority to investigate the complaints. There have been recent allegations of campaign fraud in North Dakota submitted to federal authorities.

Ohio – Lawsuit Challenges Ohio Law Banning Foreign Nationals from Donating to Ballot Campaigns

WCPO – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 6/28/2024

A new law banning foreign nationals and green card holders from contributing to state ballot campaigns in Ohio curtails the constitutionally protected rights of free speech and association, according to a lawsuit. Political committees involved in two ballot measures took money from entities that had received donations over the past decade from Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, though any direct path from him to the Ohio campaigns is untraceable under campaign finance laws left unaddressed in the law. Wyss lives in Wyoming.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Schools Are Required to Teach the Bible, State Superintendent Says

MSN – Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) | Published: 6/27/2024

Oklahoma’s state superintendent mandated that all public schools teach the Bible in a move he said was meant to impart “historical understanding,” but critics say blurs the constitutional boundary between church and state. The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently rejected a proposed state-financed Catholic charter school, saying the first-of-its-kind religious public school violated the state and U.S. constitutions.

Oregon – Oregon Ethics Commission Drops Investigation into Role of Gov. Tina Kotek’s Wife in Her Administration

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 6/28/2024

On a tie vote, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission decided to not pursue an investigation into whether Gov. Tina Kotek violated any ethics laws by elevating her wife’s role in her office. Commission members generally agreed a preliminary investigation produced no substantial evidence Kotek or her wife, Aimee Kotek Wilson, violated any ethics laws. It is unknown what role Kotek Wilson will have in the administration going forward.

Texas – Texas AG Ken Paxton Owes the State Thousands in Ethics Fines. Now His Own Agency Has to Collect It

MSN – Taylor Goldenstein (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 7/3/2024

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton owes more than $11,000 in fines for filing late campaign finance reports. His own office is charged with collecting the money. The campaign finance enforcement system in Texas is unusual. Ethics agencies in other large states, including California and New York, can file their own collections lawsuits without the attorney general’s involvement. In other states, such as Illinois, candidates who do not pay their ethics fines cannot get on the ballot.

Virginia – Judges Order Hate Groups to Pay Millions for 2017 Charlottesville Rally

MSN – Ellie Silverman (Washington Post) | Published: 7/1/2024

A federal appeals court restored more than $2 million of damages a jury said some of the nation’s most prominent white supremacists and hate groups owed for their role in 2017’s deadly Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The ruling allows plaintiffs to collect, nearly three years after a jury said they were entitled to relief for the physical harm and emotional distress they incurred when white supremacists descended on Charlottesville in a weekend of hate.

National/Federal

Judge Skeptical About Request to Limit Trump Statements on F.B.I.

DNyuz – Alan Feuer and Eileen Sullivan (New York Times) | Published: 6/24/2024

The federal judge overseeing Donald Trump’s classified documents case posed tough questions to prosecutors who have asked her to bar him from making inflammatory statements that might endanger any FBI agents involved in the case. At a contentious hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon seemed disinclined to impose new conditions on Trump that would limit what he could say about the FBI.

The Ballot Measures Aim to Reduce Partisanship. Can They Fix American Politics?

DNyuz – Michael Wines (New York Times) | Published: 6/25/2024

Americans of both parties routinely express deep concern about the state of the country’s democracy. This fall, many voters may have a chance to do something about it, by voting on state ballot measures related to the nuts and bolts of elections and governance. Eight states appear all but certain to field ballot measures that would either overhaul redistricting or rewrite election rules to discourage hyper-partisanship and give voters a greater voice in choosing candidates.

Michael Flynn Has Turned His Trump-World Celebrity into a Family Business

DNyuz – David Fahrenthold and Alexandra Berzon (New York Times) | Published: 6/23/2024

Since leaving the Trump administration under an ethical cloud, Michael Flynn has converted his celebrity into a lucrative and sprawling family business. He and his relatives have marketed the retired general as a martyr, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for a legal-defense fund and then pocketing leftover money. A New York Times investigation found Flynn family members had made at least $2.2 million monetizing his right-wing stardom in recent years, with more than half of that going to Flynn directly. The reporting also raised questions about whether a nonprofit properly disclosed its payments to Flynn’s relatives.

Masks Are Going from Mandated to Criminalized in Some States

MSN – Fenit Nirappil (Washington Post) | Published: 6/24/2024

State legislators and law enforcement are reinstating dormant laws that criminalize mask-wearing to penalize pro-Palestinian protesters who conceal their faces, raising concerns among covid-cautious Americans. Immunocompromised Americans and civil libertarians who have criticized mask bans as a cudgel against protesters of police shootings, economic inequality, and environmental injustice say the bans are being revived because covid is no longer treated as a public health emergency.

Ronny Jackson, Wesley Hunt Face Campaign Ethics Probes Over Private Club Membership

MSN – Matthew Choi (Texas Tribune) | Published: 6/24/2024

U.S. Reps. Ronny Jackson and Wesley Hunt are under investigation for using campaign funds for private club memberships in a potential violation of campaign finance rules, according to the Office of Congressional Ethics Federal rules allow campaign funds for specific events at private clubs, but not typically for membership or unlimited access.

Judge Cannon Skeptical of Trump Claim FBI Mishandled Mar-a-Lago Search

MSN – Perry Stein and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 6/25/2024

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon signaled that Donald Trump’s legal team had not convinced her FBI agents offered false information to justify searching Mar-a-Lago, a potential blow to the former president’s efforts to disqualify key evidence in the classified documents case against him. Trump’s attorneys asked Cannon to grant what is known as a Franks hearing, a chance to show the government intentionally misled a magistrate judge when seeking a warrant to search for classified material at Trump’s Florida home and private club more than a year after he left office.

Supreme Court Wipes Out Anti-Corruption Law That Bars Officials from Taking Gifts for Past Favors

MSN – Charlie Savage (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 6/26/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the bribery conviction of James Snyder, the former mayor of Portage, Indiana, the latest in a series of decisions narrowing the scope of public corruption law. In their ruling, the court’s majority drew a distinction between bribery, which requires proof of an illegal deal, and a gratuity that can be a gift or a reward for a past favor. They said the officials may be charged and prosecuted for bribery, but not for simply taking money for past favors if there was no proof of an illicit deal.

Supreme Court Allows White House Contacts with Social Media Firms

MSN – Ann Marimow and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 6/26/2026

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an effort to restrict White House officials and other federal employees from pressuring social media companies to remove posts from their platforms the government deems problematic, saying the challengers did not have legal standing to bring the case. The decision could have implications for efforts to combat foreign disinformation during a critical election year. The federal government largely halted its warnings to U.S. technology companies about foreign influence campaigns last year, after lower-court decisions that placed broad limits on such communications.

Robert Winnett Will Not Join Washington Post as Top Editor

MSN – Benjamin Mullin and Katie Robertson (New York Times) | Published: 6/21/2024

Robert Winnett, the editor selected to run The Washington Post, will not take up that position after reports raised questions about his ties to unethical news gathering practices in Britain. Winnett’s decision is the latest in a series of convulsions at The Post. Sally Buzbee, the paper’s executive editor, stunned the newsroom by abruptly resigning. That coincided with Lewis announcing a plan to drastically remake the newsroom. In the weeks since, numerous articles about Winnett and Lewis have raised questions about their journalistic ethics and past conduct.

Judge Cannon Asks about Attorney General Garland’s Oversight of Trump Trials

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 6/21/2024

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon pressed the special counsel team prosecuting Donald Trump to explain Attorney General Merrick Garland’s role in overseeing the classified-documents case and then criticized a lawyer on the team for being cagey with his response. The back-and-forth took place at the end of a four-hour hearing on Trump’s request to dismiss the case based on a widely disputed argument that special counsel Jack Smith was improperly appointed to lead the investigation.

Should Doctors in Congress Earn Money for Their Side Job?

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 6/20/2024

House rules and federal ethics laws make it difficult for members of Congress who are physicians from practicing medicine while they are legislators. Rep. Andy Harris is advocating language in the fiscal 2025 Legislative Branch spending bill that would clarify the right of medical professionals to work for compensation while in Congress — though they would still be beholden to an annual second-income cap. Despite concerns from Democrats that the carve-out could create potential conflicts-of-interest and benefits a small subset of members, the language was included in the bill that the Appropriations Committee advanced.

How America’s ‘Most Powerful Lobby’ Is Stifling Efforts to Reform Oil Well Cleanup in State After State

MSN – Mark Olade (ProPublica) | Published: 6/24/2024

Across the country, more than 2 million oil and gas wells sit unplugged. Many leak oil and toxic or explosive gasses but the money held in cleanup funds is many millions of dollars short of the projected costs. As regulators and legislators seek to require drillers to set aside more money for the work, they have invited oil companies and trade groups to help write the regulations. This dynamic, politically expedient in states where the industry wields tremendous influence, has combined with secretive drafting processes and millions of dollars of industry lobbying to weaken or defeat proposals in various states.

Judge in Trump Documents Case Rejected Suggestions to Step Aside

Yahoo News – Charlie Savage amd Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 6/20/2024

Shortly after Judge Aileen Cannon drew the assignment to oversee Donald Trump’s classified documents case, two more experienced colleagues on the federal bench in Florida urged her to pass it up and hand it off to another jurist, according to two people briefed on the conversations. But Judge Cannon, who was appointed by Trump, wanted to keep the case and refused the judges’ entreaties. Her assignment drew attention because she has scant trial experience and had previously shown unusual favor to Trump by intervening in a way that helped him in the criminal investigation that led to his indictment, only to be reversed.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Leaked TC Energy Recording Prompts B.C. to Probe Claims of Outsized Lobbying Influence on Government

Yahoo News – Matt Simmons (Local Journalism Initiative) and Mike De Souza (The Narwhal) | Published: 6/26/2024

British Columbia Attorney General Niki Sharma asked a provincial watchdog to look into a series of bold claims about how an executive at a Canadian oil and gas company, who is a former New Democratic Party staffer, claimed the company had leveraged political connections to persuade the provincial government to significantly weaken its environmental policies. The executive, Liam Iliffe, began lobbying for TC Energy less than a year after leaving a senior strategic communications position in government.

Alabama – Alabama Town’s First Black Mayor, Who Had Been Locked Out of Office, Will Return Under Settlement

MSN – Associated Press | Published: 6/24/2024

Patrick Braxton will be recognized as mayor of the town of Newbern, Alabama, under the terms of an agreement to settle a lawsuit. It will end the dispute over control of the town government and pave the way for Braxton to take over as Newbern’s first Black mayor. Instead of holding elections for the past six decades, the sitting mayor appointed a successor, and that successor chose town council members. That resulted in an overwhelmingly white government in a town where Black residents outnumber white residents by a two-to-one margin.

Alaska – State Judge Upholds Most Fines Against Group Seeking Repeal of Alaska Ranked Choice Voting

Alaska Beacon – James Brooks | Published: 6/21/2024

Anchorage Superior Court Judge Laura Hartz ruled opponents of Alaska’s ranked choice election system violated state campaign finance laws in their effort to gather signatures for a repeal ballot measure. Hartz upheld almost all fines issued by the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) and concluded the state’s disclosure laws apply to ballot measures. APOC had issued more than $94,000 in fines in the case.

Arizona – Judge Disqualifies Himself from Lawsuit Challenging Ballot Measure on Judicial Retention

Arizona Capitol Times – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 6/25/2024

A judge recused himself from deciding the legality of a ballot measure that would give him and his colleagues lifetime appointments. But the move leaves unanswered who is qualified to hear the case. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Randall Warner stepped away after noting the lawsuit involves a bid by lawmakers to scrap the 50-year-old system that requires judges appointed by the governor to have to stand for reelection on a regular basis. All judges in the state’s largest counties are part of that same retain-reject system of elections. That means each of them is in the same position as Warner, with the same stake in the outcome of the case.

Arizona – Maricopa County Didn’t Enforce Campaign Finance Laws. Now, Political Groups Owe Millions

MSN – Sasha Hupka (Arizona Republic) | Published: 6/24/2024

For at least four election cycles, the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office chose not to refer groups that had long failed to file reports or pay late fees to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for prosecution. That policy complies with state law. But some groups with large fines have not turned in the required paperwork in years, robbing county residents of vital and legally required information. Former Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard said county election officials’ decision not to enforce campaign finance rules was “a dereliction.”

California – FBI Raid of Oakland Mayor Rocks City, Fuels Questions Over Family’s Political Influence

Yahoo News – Salvador Hernandez and Ruben Vives (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 6/22/2024

FBI agents raided the home of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, casting a renewed spotlight on a years-long probe into the political influence, and campaign finance machinations, of one prominent local family. For five years, the Oakland Public Ethics Commission and the state Fair Political Practices Commission have been investigating allegations that executives at California Waste Solutions, namely members of the Duong family, used “straw donors” to circumvent donation limits and fill the campaign coffers of public officials.

Colorado – Capitol’s Alcohol Culture Under Scrutiny in Sen. Faith Winter’s Ethics Investigation

Colorado Politics – Marissa Ventrelli | Published: 6/23/2024

Friends and colleagues of Colorado Sen. Faith Winter argued a culture that normalizes alcoholism at the state Capitol is a contributing factor to her behavior at a Northglenn City Council meeting in April, which is now the subject of an ethics complaint. The city council had alleged Winter failed to uphold her official duties as a lawmaker when she attended the April meeting while appearing intoxicated. The Senate Committee on Ethics decided to investigate whether Winter violated the chamber’s ethics rules.

Florida – Government Watchdogs Will Lose Some Ethics Oversight Powers Under Bill DeSantis Signed

MSN – Ana Ceballos (Miami Herald) | Published: 6/21/2024

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis quietly approved new restrictions on how watchdog commissions can investigate state and local officials for suspected public corruption and ethical violations, even as local officials say the move will likely result in less government oversight. Under the new law, state and local ethics panels will be allowed to investigate complaints against public officials only if someone with personal knowledge “other than hearsay” is willing to identify themselves by name and file a complaint under oath about suspected wrongdoing.

Illinois – Former Illinois Lawmaker Gets a Year in Prison for Cheating on Her Taxes

Chicago Sun-Times – Jon Seidel | Published: 6/21/2024

A federal judge sentenced former Illinois Sen. Annazette Collins to a year in prison for cheating on her taxes in a case with ties to the same investigation that snared indicted former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Prosecutors say she ultimately dodged more than $150,000 in taxes. The case revolved around Collins’ work with her lobbying firm, Kourtnie Nicole Corp., following her years in the Legislature.

Illinois – Ex-Ald. Ed Burke Hit with 2-Year Prison Sentence: ‘I regret the pain and sorrow I have caused’

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 6/24/2024

A federal judge sentenced former Ald. Edward Burke, the longest-serving city council member in Chicago history, to two years in prison after he was found guilty of racketeering, bribery, and extortion. Burke used his powerful position to force those doing business with the city to hire his private law firm. His trial included testimony from three dozen witnesses and 100 recordings made as part of a court-authorized wiretap and undercover efforts by former Ald. Danny Solis.

Maryland – Former Pr. George’s Councilman Mel Franklin Charged with Embezzlement

MSN – Katie Mettler, Latesha Beachum, and Jasmine Hulton (Washington Post) | Published: 6/20/2024

Former Prince George’s County Councilperson Jamel Franklin was charged in a felony theft scheme in which authorities say he embezzled at least $130,000 of his campaign funds to pay for personal expenses, including rent, loans, and cosmetic procedures for himself and a close friend. The charges come less than a week after Franklin abruptly resigned his seat as an at-large member of the council, a body he served on for nearly 14 years.

Michigan – Senate Symbolically Lets the Sunshine in as FOIA Reform Bills Advance to the House

Michigan Advance – Kyle Davidson | Published: 6/27/2024

Members of the Michigan Senate voted to advance an effort to expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Senate Bills 669 and 670 would expand FOIA to include the governor’s office and the Legislature, both of which are exempt under the current law. Michigan was previously ranked last among the states for government integrity. In a report from the Center for Public Integrity, Michigan failed in 10 out of 13 categories including public access to information, executive accountability, and legislative accountability.

Nevada – Commissioners Hit with Ethics Complaints for Attending Las Vegas Grand Prix

Las Vegas Review-Journal – Taylor Avery | Published: 6/25/2024

At least four Clark County commissioners are being investigated by the state ethics board for accepting tickets to last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix. Commissioners Tick Segerblom, Ross Miller, Justin Jones, and Jim Gibson confirmed they had received a notice of the investigation from the Nevada Commission on Ethics. All the commissioners who attended the race disclosed the tickets on their financial disclosure reports except Segerblom. He filed an amended report to include the ticket, listing it under a section for reporting meetings, events, or trips.

Nevada – Nevada Judge Dismisses Case Against Trump Electors, Citing Jurisdiction

MSN – Nicole Markus and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 6/21/2024

A Nevada judge dismissed the case against six Republicans who submitted certificates falsely declaring Donald Trump the winner of the 2020 election. Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus ruled the state should have filed the case in another county. Prosecutors said they would appeal her decision.

New Jersey – Norcross Indictment Shows How NJ Looks the Other Way on Conflicts of Interest, Ethics Expert Says

Gothamist – Nancy Solomon | Published: 6/21/2024

New Jersey’s attorney general indicted Democratic Party boss George Norcross, former Camden Mayor Dana Redd, Norcross’s brother Philip, attorney Bill Tambussi, and two business partners on corruption charges. The inclusion of Tambussi, who is the Norcross brothers’ longtime personal attorney and represents dozens of government entities, highlights what ethics experts say is a serious shortcoming in the state’s ability to flag and deal with conflicts-of-interest as he was able to represent clients on different sides of a transaction for many years.

New Jersey – Radio Host Bill Spadea Attacks ‘Extralegal’ Push to Review Campaign Benefit of His Show

New Jersey Monitor – Nikita Biryukov | Published: 6/25/2024

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea is arguing in a new campaign filing that his weekday radio show does not amount to an impermissible in-kind contribution to his campaign because it does not include direct appeals for his election. His two primary opponents are taking the opposite position, claiming the platform afforded to Spadea by the radio station amounts to aid well above the New Jersey’s campaign contribution limits.

New Mexico – Ethics Commission Asks Judge to Force Disclosure from Dark Money Group

New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 6/26/2024

The New Mexico State Ethics Commission is putting pressure on a “dark money” political group to comply with disclosure laws. The new group made a splash in April when it began airing radio ads, and its founder, Jeff Apodaca, promoted its political agenda on local radio shows. But unlike other political groups, the New Mexico Project did not disclose who contributed to the organization, or how it was spending the money. In a court filing, the commission laid out its case the group meets the criteria for registering as a political committee.

New York – Judge Partially Lifts Trump Hush Money Gag Order

MSN – Luc Cohen (Reuters) | Published: 6/25/2024

A New York judge partially lifted a gag order on Donald Trump following the former president’s conviction on criminal charges stemming from an effort to influence the 2016 election by buying the silence of a woman who slept with Trump. The revised order now allows Trump to speak publicly about witnesses in and eases a prohibition on his commenting about the jury but keeps in place restrictions on his statements about individual prosecutors and others involved in the case.

North Carolina – North Carolina Governor Vetoes Masks Bill Largely Because of Provision About Campaign Finance

MSN – Makiya Seminera (Associated Press) | Published: 6/21/2024

Despite changes made to North Carolina’s masking bill to quell concerns over the removal of a pandemic-era health exception Gov. Roy Cooper said he vetoed the legislation mostly for a different reason – a campaign finance provision tacked on during legislative negotiations. The clause would allow wealthy donors to give money to special federal political organizations that can then send the money to state and county parties.

Ohio – Judge Blocks Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens’ Access to GOP Campaign Cash, Gives Control to Opponents

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 6/21/2024

A judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing Speaker Jason Stephens from spending money from the Ohio House Republicans’ campaign fund, amid an ongoing political battle with opponents from within his own party, and instead hands control to his opponents within the GOP caucus. It could complicate the ability of the dozen or so GOP candidates running in competitive races this fall to get financial assistance from the Ohio House Republican Alliance, which traditionally spends millions of dollars every election year.

Oregon – Former Oregon Officials Will Pay $2,000 Each to Settle Ethics Complaint Over Amazon Deals

MSN – Mike Rogoway (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 6/26/2024

Three former public officials in Morrow County will each pay $2,000 to settle a state ethics complaint over their dealings with Amazon. Investigators say the officials sometimes failed to acknowledge they might benefit personally when they voted to award tax breaks to Amazon data centers and sell land to the company. Each held a stake in the fiber-optic company Windwave Communications that provides connections for Amazon. The company said it had no indication investigators were looking at Amazon in connection with its tax breaks and Windwave contracts.

Oregon – Portland Weighs Tweaking Public Campaign Finance Program to Allow Larger Donations

Oregon Public Broadcasting – Alex Zielinski | Published: 6/24/2024

Less than five months from a historic election, Portland may tweak campaign finance rules to stretch the city’s cash-strapped public financing program. City candidates were emailed a survey asking whether the Small Donor Elections program should loosen its rules around the amount and type of in-kind donations nonprofits and other political organizations can give candidates. The proposal has drawn both praise and alarm from those involved in city campaigns.

Texas – Former Houston Development Official and 2 Vendors Face Charges in $8.5M Public Funds Scheme

MSN – Mike Morris (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 6/21/2024

A former Midtown Redevelopment Authority official and two vendors are facing felony corruption charges, accused of misusing some $8.5 million in public funds meant to build affordable housing in Houston. Charged in the case are Todd Edwards, the agency’s former real estate manager, along with vendors Veronica Ugorji and Kenneth Jones. Midtown has spent millions of tax dollars acquiring almost 500 lots in the city. It took neighborhood residents years of digging to discover Midtown paid a company Edwards himself formed $2.1 million from 2011 to 2020.

Texas – U.S. Supreme Court Sides with Texas Woman Who Claims She Was Arrested Out of Political Retribution

MSN – Isaac Yu (Texas Tribune) | Published: 6/21/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court revived the civil rights claim of a Texas woman who had sued her city for what she claims was a politically motivated arrest. The ruling gives plaintiff Sylvia Gonzalez another chance to pursue her retaliation claim against the San Antonio suburb of Castle Hills. Gonzalez was arrested in 2019 for allegedly stealing a government document soon after taking office as city council member.

Vermont – Vermont to Pay $175,000 After Man Charged for Raising Middle Finger at State Trooper

MSN – Victoria Bisett (Washington Post) | Published: 6/27/2024

The state of Vermont agreed to pay $175,000 to settle a lawsuit filed after a man was charged with a crime for raising his middle finger at a state trooper. The American Civil Liberties Union’s Vermont chapter, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of the man, accused state trooper Jay Riggen of subjecting Gregory Bombard to an “unnecessary traffic stop and retaliatory arrest” that violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights.

Vermont – To Fund Lawsuit Over Education Secretary, Senators Sought Donations

VTDigger.org – Ethan Weinstein | Published: 6/24/2024

Two state senators announced they were suing Vermont Gov. Phil Scott over his appointment of interim Education Secretary Zoie Saunders. Sens. Tanya Vyhovsky and Dick McCormack said they raised more than $11,000 to fund the lawsuit, but they declined to release the donors’ names. The unusual practice of raising funds to support the lawmakers’ lawsuit against Scott, and the reluctance to identify the donors, is a murky area not addressed in the state’s campaign finance disclosure laws.

Wisconsin – Former Deputy to Tearman Spencer Charged with Failing to Disclose Private Law Firm

MSN – Daniel Bice and Alison Dirr (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 6/27/2024

The top deputy of former Milwaukee City Attorney Tearman Spencer has been criminally charged, accused of falsifying financial disclosure forms by failing to disclose ownership of his private law firm while he was representing the city. Odalo Ohiku’s private firm had a criminal defense practice, the complaint notes, meaning it could have been handling cases critical of the Milwaukee Police Department, which lawyers in the city attorney’s office are responsible for defending against charges of illegal conduct.

National/Federal

Democrats Announce a $10 Million Push for State Legislatures

DNyuz – Maggie Astor (New York Times) | Published: 6/17/2024

As the arm of the Democratic Party that works on state legislative races, it is the job of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee to care about the bottom of the ballot. With a $10 million campaign, it is trying to get more voters to care, too. The investment, part of a $60 million total the group previously announced as its target for the 2024 cycle, will fund an unusually early and expansive public push, one intended not only to support candidates, but also to convince voters of the importance of controlling state Legislatures.

Washington Post Publisher and Incoming Editor Are Said to Have Used Stolen Records in Britain

DNyuz – Justin Scheck and Jo Becker (New York Times) | Published: 6/16/2024

The publisher and the incoming editor of The Washington Post, when they worked as journalists in London two decades ago, used fraudulently obtained phone and company records in newspaper articles, according to a former colleague, a published account of a private investigator, and an analysis of newspaper archives. Will Lewis, The Post’s publisher, assigned one of the articles in 2004 as business editor of The Sunday Times. Another was written by Robert Winnett, whom Lewis recently announced as newspaper’s next executive editor.

The Gun Lobby’s Hidden Hand in the 2nd Amendment Battle

DNyuz – Mike McIntire and Jodi Kantor (New York Times) | Published: 6/18/2024

In the battle to dismantle gun restrictions, one name keeps turning up in the legal briefs and judges’ rulings: William English, Ph.D. A political economist at Georgetown University, English conducted a largest-of-its-kind national survey that found gun owners frequently used their weapons for self-defense. That finding has been deployed by gun rights activists to notch legal victories with far-reaching consequences. English has received tens of thousands of dollars as a paid expert for gun rights advocates, and his survey work, which he says was part of a book project, originated as research for a National Rifle Association-backed lawsuit.

Mystery Fundraising Firm Takes in Millions from the Trump Campaign

MSN – Matt Dixon (NBC News) | Published: 6/17/2024

Donald Trump’s political operation has routed more than $3 million so far this year through a Delaware limited liability company whose owners are not publicly disclosed. The money has been paid to Launchpad Strategies, a company that appears to have been incorporated in Delaware in November, and lists a Raleigh, North Carolina, post office box as its address in campaign finance filings. Little is known about Launchpad Strategies beyond its existence and the millions of dollars it has taken in from a presidential campaign.

Rep. Kelly’s Wife Again Bought Stock in Company That Gained from His Legislative Efforts

MSN – Matthew Rink (Erie Times-News) | Published: 6/20/2024

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly’s wife made a nearly identical stock purchase in March to one that resulted in a 2021 ethics investigation into insider trading. Victoria Kelly on March 28 purchased up to $100,000 in stock in steel manufacturer Cleveland-Cliffs. At the same time, Rep. Kelly and other elected officials, were pushing the U.S. Department of Energy to reconsider a proposed rule that would have changed the type of steel used in production of electrical distribution transformers.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Fails to Qualify for CNN’s Debate. It’ll Be a Showdown Between Biden and Trump

MSN – Meg Kinnard (Associated Press) | Published: 6/21/2024

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. failed to qualify for the upcoming debate in Atlanta, according to host network CNN, falling shy of benchmarks both for state ballot qualification and necessary polling. The missed markers mean the June 27 event will be solely between President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. That denies Kennedy a singular opportunity to stand alongside the leading candidates in an attempt to lend legitimacy to his longshot bid and convince potential supporters he has a shot at winning.

Witness Tells House Ethics Committee That Matt Gaetz Paid Her for Sex: Sources

MSN – Will Steakin (NBC News) | Published: 6/19/2024

In recent weeks, House ethics committee investigators have conducted a string of interviews with numerous women who were witnesses in the yearslong Justice Department sex trafficking investigation into U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, multiple sources said. One woman told the committee that Venmo a payment from Gaetz was for sex, while others have said they were paid to attend parties that Gaetz also attended and that featured drugs and sex, sources said.

The Anti-China Pressure Hits DC Trade Groups

MSN – Caitlin Oprysko (Politico) | Published: 6/18/2024

More than half a dozen lobbying firms dumped Chinese clients earlier this year after it was reported that congressional offices were threatening to blacklist them for working for companies linked to the Chinese military. As distrust of the Chinese government increases, companies with roots in the country, or suspected links to China’s Communist Party, are finding themselves without allies to make their case to lawmakers. In an industry where relationships and access to those in power are currency, threats alone can be enough to make advocates wary.

New Documents Show Unreported Trips by Justice Clarence Thomas

MSN – Justin Jouvenal and Tobi Raji (Washington Post) | Published: 6/13/2024

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas took three previously unreported trips paid for by conservative billionaire Harlan Crow, according to new documents by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Details of the private jet flights between 2017 and 2021 were obtained as part of an investigation the committee has been conducting into reports of lavish undisclosed travel and perks provided to justices by Crow and other wealthy benefactors that have sparked calls for reform.

US Appeals Court Won’t Revive Foreign Agent Case Against Casino Mogul Wynn

MSN – Andrew Goudsward (Reuters) | Published: 6/14/2024

A federal appeals court rejected a U.S. Justice Department attempt to revive a lawsuit accusing casino mogul Steve Wynn of lobbying then-President Trump on behalf of China. Wynn no longer had an obligation to register because his alleged lobbying campaign ended in 2017, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found.

Stanford’s Top Disinformation Research Group Collapses Under Pressure

MSN – Joseph Menn (Washington Post) | Published: 6/14/2024

The Stanford Internet Observatory, which published some of the most influential analysis on the spread of false information on social media during elections, has shed most of its staff and may shut down amid political and legal attacks that have cast a pall on efforts to study online disinformation. Two ongoing lawsuits and two congressional probes into the Observatory have cost Stanford millions of dollars in legal fees. Students and scholars affiliated with the program say they have been worn down by online attacks and harassment, amid the heated political climate for misinformation research.

Senators in Summer Suits? Let’s See These ‘Suckers.

MSN – Rachel Tashjian (Washington Post) | Published: 6/14/2024

Seersucker Day dates back to the 1990s, when U.S. Sen. Trent Lott would designate a warm June day as an occasion to don the striped cotton summer suits popularized in the South. In a 2014 resolution, then-U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy revived the tradition a decade ago, then partnered with colleagues when he joined the Senate to promote National Seersucker Day. The day creates a visual record of bipartisanship that can be otherwise difficult to see.

Lack of Regulation for ‘Zombie’ Campaign Accounts

NJ Spotlight News – Benjamin Hulac | Published: 6/20/2024

When campaigns end, candidates retire, lose reelection, or die, the spending that fueled their runs for public office continues. This overlooked world of post-election political spending has prompted bipartisan interest in Congress to require campaigns to close out these so-called zombie campaigns, placing particular focus on lobbyists and foreign agents. But legislation to do so is highly unlikely to become law soon, leaving former candidates the chance to use their donors’ money to scare off would-be rivals, aid political allies, and give money to benefit their lobbying interests.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Trump Adviser Boris Epshteyn, Other Allies Plead Not Guilty in Arizona

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 6/18/2024

Boris Epshteyn, a key adviser to Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, pleaded not guilty to nine felony charges for his alleged role after the 2020 election to try to deliver Arizona’s 11 electoral votes to Trump instead of the rightful winner, Joe Biden. Two other co-defendants in the case pleaded not guilty to the same counts that Epshteyn faces, including conspiracy, fraud, and forgery: Jim Lamon, a GOP elector from Arizona who signed paperwork purporting Trump had won the state, and Jenna Ellis, an attorney who presented baseless claims of widespread malfeasance in states lost by Trump.

California – Hundreds of Vacancies at San Diego City and County Boards Hobble Missions, Delay Work

MSN – Jeff McDonald and Emily Alvarenga (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 6/16/2024

Nearly seven percent of political appointments across the San Diego County government are vacant, either because the terms expired, they were abandoned by seat holders, or they are languishing while elected officials ponder fresh nominations. Persistent vacancies on San Diego city boards and commissions are even more widespread, with nearly one in five positions available for public appointment vacant. The vacancies across every sector of the city and county governments have prompted delays in policymaking, enforcement, and land-use planning, among other routine duties.

California – San Joaquin Supervisor’s Car Wash Paid to Clean County Cars

MSN – Aaron Leathley (Stockton Record) | Published: 6/18/2024

Several times a month, staff at the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office take their work vehicles to Canepa’s, a Stockton car wash belonging to first-term county Supervisor Paul Canepa and his family. Last year’s washes came to about $1,700. In May, the Board of Supervisors voted to allow the medical examiner’s office to use Canepa’s car wash for up to $200,000 in services the coming fiscal year, without having to go through further board votes.

Colorado – Colorado Secretary of State Finds Pro-Wolf Advocate Engaged in Illegal Lobbying During 2024 Legislative Session

Denver Gazette – Marianne Goodland (Colorado Politics) | Published: 6/18/2024

Stephen Capra must pay a $250 fine for violating Colorado’s lobbying law. Capra lobbied state lawmakers but failed to register with the state and file disclosure reports. The Elections Division noted “mitigating factors,” that the violation was not extensive and occurred for only a few hours over a two-day period, and it was only on one House bill that did not pass.

Delaware – Delaware Gubernatorial Candidate Bethany Hall-Long Has Taken $25,000 in Donations That Exceed Legal Limit

WHYY – Chris Barash | Published: 6/17/2024

Delaware Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long’s gubernatorial campaign has accepted tens of thousands of dollars in contributions from PACs and individuals that exceed the $1,200-per-donor limit.  The donations have come from at least two PACs that are not registered with the state Department of Elections, as required by law, as well as doctors, developers, lawyers, and other supporters who have contributed to her since 2021.

Hawaii – Honolulu Council Adopts Gift Ban Bill for City Officials

Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Ian Bauer (Honolulu Star-Advertiser) | Published: 6/8/2024

The Honolulu City Council voted to adopt Bill 23, meant to tighten existing rules that bar city employees from accepting gifts valued in excess of $50, also clarifying which gifts may be solicited or accepted. It replaces Bill 26, a similar 2022 measure that expired earlier this year after surpassing its two-year deadline without council passage.

Illinois – State Elections Board Dismisses Illegal Campaign Coordination Complaint, Declines to Clarify Law

WCBU – Hannah Meisel (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 6/18/2024

Illinois elections officials indicated they were unlikely to step in to clarify what constitutes illegal campaign coordination after voting to dismiss a complaint alleging such coordination in the 2022 campaign for governor. The Illinois State Board of Elections dismissed a complaint alleging conservative radio host and political operative Dan Proft illegally coordinated with former state Sen. Darren Bailey during his 2022 campaign for governor. A hearing officer had agreed with Proft and Bailey’s contention that state law was not specific enough to find a violation had occurred.

Illinois – Ethics Committee Chair Pushes Call for Public Financing for City Council Elections into City Hall Spotlight

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 6/18/2024

Calling Chicago’s campaign finance system broken, the chair of the city council’s Ethics Committee urged his colleagues to approve a plan to use taxpayer money to match small contributions from Chicagoans to candidates for the council. Ald. Matt Martin said the plan, which is estimated to cost approximately $9.5 million per election, was designed to reduce the influence of “big special interest donors.”

Louisiana – Gov. Jeff Landry, in Dispute with Ethics Board, Signs Law Giving Himself More Control Over It

Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 6/17/2024

Gov. Jeff Landry signed a new law to give him control over the Louisiana Board of Ethics, even as a dispute between him and board members continues. The ethics board charged Landry last year with failing to disclose flights he took to and from Hawaii on a political donor’s private plane while Landry was attorney general. Landry and the board are still in negotiations about what an appropriate punishment for his violation should be.

Louisiana – Louisiana Requires Ten Commandments to Be Displayed in Public Classrooms

MSN – Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) | Published: 6/19/2024

Gov. Jeff Landry signed legislation requiring every public classroom in Louisiana to display the Ten Commandments, becoming the first state with such a law and inflaming tensions over the separation between church and state. Critics vowed to challenge the law in court, calling it unconstitutional and warning that it will lead to religious coercion of students.

Minnesota – Utility Regulators Hosted Annual Conference in Minneapolis with Money from Entities They Oversee

MSN – Walker Orenstein (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 6/18/2024

Minnesota’s utility regulators hosted more than 600 people in Minneapolis for an annual regional conference, but some of the sponsors helping to pay for the event are also at the whim of the regulators’ rulings. That financial relationship at the center of the Mid-America Regulatory Conference has some energy advocacy groups feeling uneasy about what they worry is a conflict-of-interest. But the lead organizer of this year’s event, Katie Sieben, chairperson of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, argued the gathering helps commissioners foster connection and make stronger decisions, not blur the lines between government and business.

Montana – Political Practices Commissioner Rules That AG Candidate Was Ineligible

Daily Montanan – Darrell Ehrlick | Published: 6/13/2024

The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices ruled Daniels County Attorney Logan Olson Logan Olson was not qualified to run for state attorney general in the 2024 primary election, but stopped short of saying he knowingly violated the law. Commissioner Chris Gallus said even if he had found Olson knowingly violated the law, he lacked enforcement power. Because Gallus could not prove that Olson broke the law, he dismissed the complaint against him.

New Jersey – Explosive Indictment Accuses Powerful N.J. Political Boss in Huge Corruption Scheme

MSN – Ted Sherman and S.P. Sullivan (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 6/17/2024

George Norcross III, a powerful Democratic power broker in New Jersey, was charged with racketeering. The indictment was announced by state Attorney General Matthew Platkin at a press conference attended by Norcross himself, who sat prominently in the front row. Platkin alleged Norcross and others obtained property and property rights on the Camden waterfront while collecting millions of dollars in government-issued tax credits and while controlling or influencing government officials.

New York – Mayor Adams’ 2021 Campaign Stopped Replying to NYC Watchdog. It Still Got Public Funds.

Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 6/13/2024

Newly released documents show the team behind Eric Adams’ mayoral bid in New York City was regularly seeking guidance from campaign finance officials long before Adams declared his candidacy. But when the Campaign Finance Board asked more questions about contributions from small donors to ensure Adams was in compliance, the campaign stopped replying. Adams raised nearly $20 million for his 2021 campaign, including more than $10 million from the public campaign finance program.

New York – How One Woman’s Quest to Fix Her Harlem Housing Complex Got Her Busted on Campaign Finance Charges

MSN – Graham Rayman and Téa Kvetenadze (New York Daily News) | Published: 6/16/2024

When the Manhattan district attorney’s office charged six people in a conspiracy to bundle illegal campaign contributions to the Eric Adams mayoral campaign, prosecutors alleged five of them did it to benefit themselves or companies with business before the city. But the sixth defendant swept up in the “straw donor” case, a 78-year-old retired accountant with no prior record named Millicent Redick, did not fit that narrative.

North Carolina – North Carolina Supreme Court Secretly Squashed Discipline of Two GOP Judges Who Admitted to Violating Judicial Code

MSN – Doug Bock Clark (ProPublica) | Published: 6/18/2024

When it comes to disciplining judges, North Carolina is one of the most secretive states in the U.S. North Carolina is one of only three states, in addition to the District of Columbia, to release information only at the last possible stage of the process, after the state Supreme Court orders discipline. Asher Hildebrand, a professor of public policy at Duke University, explained that North Carolina once had policies designed to keep the judiciary above the political fray. But the gradual dismantling of these policies by the Republican-controlled Legislature has driven the court’s polarization, according to Hildebrand.

Ohio – Federal Appeals Court to Reconsider Case Affecting Attorney General Dave Yost’s Authority to Block Proposed Ballot Issues

MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 6/17/2024

The full Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will consider a recent decision that could affect Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s ability to block future proposed ballot-issue campaigns via a state law that gives his office authority to sign off on proposed language those campaigns must circulate with petitions to qualify for the ballot. A three-judge panel of the court ordered Yost to approve petition language for a proposed state constitutional amendment that would make it easier for Ohioans to sue police for misconduct.

Ohio – ‘Call Mike DeWine on the $500k:’ Governor’s text sparked dark money payment, texts show

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 6/16/2024

In October 2018, polls showed a tight governor’s race between Mike DeWine and Rich Cordray. DeWine sent a text message to then-FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones: “Chuck. Can u call me?” In another text message, DeWine told Jones the teachers’ union had just dumped $1 million into Cordray’s campaign. Jones forwarded DeWine’s outreach to Mike Dowling, a senior vice president – who also was indicted this year on bribery charges alongside Jones. The FirstEnergy men agreed to a “dark money” contribution, which are unlimited in size and not publicly disclosed.

Oklahoma – How Oklahoma Tracks Campaign Finances Is About to Change. Find Out How

MSN – Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 6/14/2024

A $1.2 million appropriation to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission in the recently signed budget will fund the replacement of the Guardian System, a database used to track campaign finance reports and the registration of lobbyists. The system is set to expire in February 2025 and amid an election cycle, replacing the system has become more urgent.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Commission Settles with Make Oklahoma Great Again PAC

Oklahoma Voice – Emma Murphy | Published: 6/17/2024

The Make Oklahoma Great Again Political Action Committee was fined $25,000 to settle a state Ethics Commission complaint. According to the settlement, the organization failed to register as a PAC and file contribution and expenditure reports.

Oklahoma – Stitt Bans No-Bid PR Contracts. But It Won’t Impact Oklahoma Education Agreement, Spokesman Says.

Yahoo News – Barbara Hoberock (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 6/14/2024

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order prohibiting state agencies from spending money on outside public relations firms by using sole source contracts. But the executive order does not impact existing contracts the State Department of Education has entered. Sole source contracts are issued without competitive bidding. State Superintendent Ryan Walters has used state dollars for an outside firm to promote himself, his ideas, and his administration, drawing criticism.

Oregon – Oregon’s Top Health Official Meddled in Press Release at Behest of Alcohol Industry Lobbyists

Willamette Week – Lucas Manfield | Published: 6/16/2024

Emails show the state’s top health official suggested changing a routine press release after alcohol industry lobbyists said it was too negative. The release was sent out, suggestion included, on April 4. The occasion was Alcohol Awareness Month. On April 3, a top deputy to the state Health Authority’s director gave four representatives of the Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association, the Oregon Wine Council, and other industry groups a draft copy of the release. Lobbyists wanted additions to the press release to make it “more balanced.”

Texas – Texas Conservatives Want to End Countywide Voting. The Costs Could Be High.

MSN – Natalia Contreras (Votebeat) | Published: 6/12/2024

A conservative push to get rid of countywide polling places is winning growing interest from state lawmakers, as well as a spot on the Texas Republican Party’s list of legislative priorities for next year. But election officials are warning if legislators scrap the state’s countywide voting program, they will struggle to pull off the changes that would be required, beginning with increasing their numbers of polling places. That means paying for hard-to-find additional locations, recruiting and paying workers to staff them, and obtaining more voting equipment.

Texas – Texas Ethics Commission Requires Social Media Influencers to Disclose Paid Political Posts

MSN – Bayliss Wagner (Austin American-Statesman) | Published: 6/18/2024

The Texas Ethics Commission approved a new rule that requires social media influencers to disclose their paid political work after an investigation revealed an organization hired dozens of influencers to attend a rally in support of impeached state Attorney General Ken Paxton. The rule will require transparency about such transactions, requiring that a person who is paid to boost a post or make their own video or post by a political actor discloses that to their audience.

Texas – Ex-Legislator Faces Investigation for Possible Violation of Lobbying Law He Co-Sponsored

Texas Observer – Justin Miller | Published: 6/12/2024

A former legislator who chaired a powerful state House committee is under investigation by the Texas Ethics Commission for his alleged violations of a “revolving door” law that restricts lawmakers from leaving office to become lobbyists. Rep. Chris Paddie resigned his seat to become a lobbyist and consultant for private sector interests. His attempted career transition was thwarted by a lobbying law that Paddie co-sponsored, which bans departing legislators who gave campaign funds to fellow lawmakers from lobbying for two years after their last donation.

Vermont – Vermont Lawmaker Apologizes for Repeatedly Drenching Colleague’s Bag

MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 6/19/2024

Rep. Mary Morrissey, a Republican serving her 13th term in the Vermont Legislature, apologized for inconspicuously pouring water into a Democratic colleague’s bag over the course of five months, behavior she described as “most unbecoming” of her position. For months, Rep. Jim Carroll said he could not figure out how the bag he brought to the statehouse ended up soaked until Morrissey was caught on camera a few weeks ago pouring water out of a clear cup into his tote.

Washington – Caught in a Crossfire. Franklin Investigation Reveals Employee Toll of Political Fights

Yahoo News – Cory McCoy (Tri-City Herald) | Published: 6/14/2024

In recent years, Franklin County in Washington has seen an exodus of employees, many of them citing toxicity and bullying by elected officials as their reason for quitting. New recordings of investigative interviews with employees offer a previously unseen look into how the constant infighting has impacted the ability to do their jobs. The interviews are part of a criminal investigation into allegations against several Franklin County elected leaders suspected of official misconduct, witness tampering, criminal conspiracy and making false statements to law enforcement officials.

National/Federal

Supreme Court Rules California Man Can’t Trademark ‘Trump Too Small’

Associated Press News – Mark Sherman | Published: 6/13/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled against a man who wants to trademark the suggestive phrase “Trump too small.” The justices upheld the government’s decision to deny a trademark to Steve Elster, who was seeking exclusive use of the phrase on T-shirts and other merchandise. Government officials said the phrase” could still be used, just not trademarked because Trump had not consented to its use. Elster’s lawyers argued the decision violated his free speech rights, and a federal appeals court agreed.

Republicans Challenge Party Expenditure Limits at Sixth Circuit

Courthouse News Service – Kevin Koeninger | Published: 6/12/2024

The full U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will determine whether changes in the political landscape allow it to overrule Supreme Court precedent regarding limits on coordinated party spending in federal elections after oral arguments in the case. U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, and former Rep. Steve Chabot sued the FEC, seeking to invalidate portions of the campaign finance law that “limit a party committees’ campaign expenditures made in coordination with political candidates who are associated with the political party.” They say these spending limits violate the First Amendment.

Protesters Expected to Be Moved Away from Park Near GOP Convention

MSN – Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 6/12/2024

Protesters are no longer expected to be allowed in a large Milwaukee park near the arena where the GOP will host its July convention after a months-long pressure campaign by the party, according to a law enforcement official and another person familiar with the matter. The Secret Service is expected to expand its security perimeter around Fiserv Forum after the Republican National Committee said it would use another facility located near the park for some convention activities.

Sneakerheads in Congress Grow Their Footprint

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 6/12/2024

U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz launched the Congressional Sneaker Caucus with Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer not long after coming to Congress. For him, forming the group was a passion project. He owns more than 150 pairs of sneakers. The caucus recently held the second annual Congressional Sneaker Day. Democrats do not have a monopoly on sneaker wearing, but the gathering was a largely Democratic affair and featured heavy representation from Oregon, where Nike is headquartered.

The AI Election Is Here. Regulators Can’t Decide Whose Problem It Is.

MSN – Cristiano Lima-Strong and Eva Dou (Washington Post) | Published: 6/6/2024

The federal government is facing a dwindling window to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on the campaign trail before the 2024 election. But a brewing turf war between federal agencies is threatening one of the most significant attempts to set new rules for the tools. The chair of the Federal Communications Commission announced a plan to require that politicians disclose AI use in TV and radio ads. But the proposal is facing opposition from a top official on the FEC, which has been considering its own new rules on AI use by campaigns.

Justice Thomas Discloses Two 2019 Trips Paid for by Harlan Crow

MSN – Ann Marimow, Justin Jouvenal, and Tobi Raji (Washington Post) | Published: 6/7/2024

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas disclosed for the first-time visits to Bali and to a private club in California in 2019 that were paid for by his friend and benefactor, billionaire Harlan Crow, according to financial disclosures released for eight of the nine justices. The required annual reports, covering activity in 2023, show three justices – Brett Kavanaugh, Neil Gorsuch, and Ketanji Brown Jackson – received six-figure book payments. Jackson also accepted four tickets worth nearly $4,000 from Beyoncé to one of her concerts.

Judge Cannon Strikes Paragraph in Trump Classified Document Indictment

MSN – Perry Stein and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 6/10/2024

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon said she will delete a paragraph in the superseding indictment against Donald Trump that alleges he mishandled classified materials after he left the White House and thwarted officials’ attempts to retrieve them. The judge said prosecutors’ inclusion of paragraph 36, which alleges Trump showed a classified document in September 2021 about a military operation to someone without a security clearance, is inappropriate because it is not connected to a specific crime that Trump is accused of committing.

$800,000 Wire Transfer from Billionaire Donor to US Chamber Raises Curtain on Dark Money

MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 6/11/2024

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce received a $800,000 wire transfer from billionaire donor Hank Meijer days after it endorsed his son, then-U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, in a contentious 2022 primary. Within days of the transfer, the Chamber spent $381,000 on an ad for Rep. Meijer. Because the ad does not advocate for his election or defeat, the Chamber did not have to disclose the donation from Hank Meijer. It also did not have to disclose other potential contributions behind the $1.8 million it told the FEC it spent on “electioneering communications” that cycle.

Smartmatic Seeks to Depose Four Fox Officials as Part of 2020 Lawsuit

MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 6/10/2024

Voting technology company Smartmatic subpoenaed four Fox Corporation board members as part of its $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News over its coverage of the 2020 election. The move follows a decision earlier by a judge ordering Fox to turn over relevant documents from the board members as Smartmatic requested. Smartmatic has argued the board members are relevant to the case the company is trying to make, that executives at Fox knew claims of election fraud made by Donald Trump allies were false but did nothing to stop the network’s coverage out of a desire to protect the company’s business fortunes.

Jared Kushner Hit with New Investigation

MSN – Katherine Fung (Newsweek) | Published: 6/12/2024

Senate Democrats are launching a new investigation into the foreign payments made to Jared Kushner’s investment firm. Finance Committee Chairperson Ron Wyden said the panel would investigate the billions of dollars that Affinity Partners manages from foreign sources. Kushner started Affinity in July 2021 after leaving the White House as a senior adviser to Donald Trump. The firm quickly attracted investors from the Middle East and within weeks, landed $2 billion from the Saudi public investment fund. Affinity continues to overwhelmingly derive the majority of its funds from the Saudi Arabian government.

Porter to Propose Bills to Modernize Lobbying Database, Extend ‘Cooling-Off’ Period

The Hill – Taylor Giorno | Published: 6/11/2024

U.S. Rep. Katie Porter introduced a package of bills intended to help Congress run more efficiently and curb influence-peddling by former members of Congress and government officials. The package of five bills includes legislation to modernize the federal lobbying disclosure database and enact a blanket two-year ban on lobbying by former members of Congress, senior congressional staff, and senior executive branch officials.

‘Intimidated and Discarded’: Fired female execs go after top K Street firm

Yahoo News – Daniel Lippman and Megan Wilson (Politico) | Published: 6/9/2024

Last year, Shanti Stanton and another female senior executive at were abruptly fired in what they were told was a cost-cutting move at the K Street firm Subject Matter, now known as Avog. Stanton and Audrey Chang prepared to sue the firm for gender discrimination and a hostile work environment, among other accusations. The two women claimed they had been terminated despite being top performers at the firm. In a draft complaint, they alleged a litany of bad behavior. Steve Elmendorf, a prominent lobbyist and Democratic donor, and Paul Frick, another one of the firm’s founding partners, were named as defendants in the draft lawsuit.

How the Federal Election Commission Went from Deadlock to Deregulation

Yahoo News – Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 6/10/2024

In a series of recent decisions that are remaking the landscape of money in American politics, an ascendant new bloc of three Republicans and one Democrat on the FEC is voting together to roll back limits on how politicians, political parties, and super PACs raise and spend money. Those on both sides of the ideological divide agree on one thing: the changes amount to some of the most significant regulatory revisions since the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act was put in place two decades ago.

Justice Alito Caught on Tape Discussing How Battle for America ‘Can’t Be Compromised’

Yahoo News – Tessa Stuart and Tim Dickinson (Rolling Stone) | Published: 6/10/2024

Justice Samuel Alito spoke candidly about the ideological battle between the left and the right, discussing the difficulty of living “peacefully” with ideological opponents in the face of “fundamental” differences that “can’t be compromised.” He endorsed what his interlocutor described as a necessary fight to “return our country to a place of godliness.” Alito made these remarks in conversation at the Supreme Court Historical Society’s annual dinner. His comments were recorded by Lauren Windsor, a liberal documentary filmmaker.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Mayes Investigating Hobbs After GOP Accuses Gov of ‘Pay to Play’

Arizona Mirror – Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Published: 6/7/2024

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes opened an investigation into Gov. Katie Hobbs at the request of a Republican lawmaker after a report revealed a group home business that donated to Hobbs’s campaign received rate increases. It was reported that Sunshine Residential Homes was approved for a nearly 60 percent increase in how much the state Department of Economic Security pays it. The rate increase came after Hobbs and the Democratic Party received hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions from the company and its executives, including some donated after her election win.

California – Effort to Strengthen Ethics Panel Moves Toward Full San Diego City Council Vote

MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 6/8/2024

An effort to boost the independence and authority of the San Diego Ethics Commission is moving forward to the city council, and potentially to voters this November. The council’s Rules Committee voted unanimously to advance a proposed charter amendment to the full council. The amendment would make sure a future city council could not do away with the panel responsible for regulating campaign finance, lobbyist disclosures, and other political activities.

California – Find Out Which Lobbying Groups Get Their Way Most Often in the California Legislature

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 6/12/2024

Los Angeles and the Bay Area tend to get their way in the California Legislature. So do labor unions, social justice organizations, and defense attorneys. On the flip side, anti-tax, police, and business groups are much less successful. Those are the key findings from a data analysis of the organizations that have been most successful in passing their agendas during the current legislative session, according to CalMatters.

California – Confidential File Alleges Former Mayor Libby Schaaf Secretly Used Political Committee to Raise Money from City Contractor

MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 6/12/2024

The Oakland Public Ethics Commission is investigating former Mayor Libby Schaaf for secretly controlling a committee to raise money for a 2018 ballot measure. A legal analysis written by commission staff describes how Schaaf allegedly controlled a supposedly independent political committee called The Oakland Fund to raise money for Measure AA. They allege Schaaf broke the law by never disclosing her control of The Oakland Fund, as did developer Justin Orton by giving money to the campaign while his company was negotiating a business deal with the city.

Florida – Waste Management Scholarships Gifted to Cooper City Commissioner’s Twins May Violate Ethics Laws

Florida Bulldog – Dan Christensen | Published: 6/9/2024

In a recent special recognition ceremony, Cooper City Commissioner Lisa Mallozzi took the podium to hand out scholarship awards to four high school seniors provided by the city’s longtime, though recently replaced, trash hauler Waste Management. Two of the $1,250 scholarships went to Mallozzi’s twin daughters, who use their father’s last name. Acceptance of the scholarships appears to violate state law, and county and city ordinances.

Florida – Federal Judge Blocks Enforcement of Financial Disclosure Rules for Elected City Officials

MSN – Dave Berman (Florida Today) | Published: 6/11/2024

U.S. District Court Judge Melissa Damian issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of a state law that requires extensive financial disclosure by Florida’s mayors and city council members. A lawsuit filed by a group of city and town officials claimed the rule violates the First Amendment. Municipal officials feared the added disclosure requirement would discourage residents from running for municipal office, and potentially could create vacancies on city and town councils or commissions.

Florida – Central Florida Political Operative Admits Wrongdoing in ‘Ghost’ Candidate Scheme

MSN – Annie Martin (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 6/6/2024

Florida political operative Eric Foglesong, a key player in the 2020 scheme to use “ghost” candidates to promote Republican politicians, pleaded no contest to campaign finance related charges. As part of the plea deal, Foglesong agreed to serve five years of probation and pay $14,175. Running as a “ghost” candidate who does not actively campaign or sincerely seek election to an office is not a crime in Florida. But incorrectly reporting contributions or donating to a candidate’s campaign in someone else’s name, the crime Foglesong acknowledged, is illegal.

Florida – Appeals Court Rejects DeSantis Push for Executive Privilege

Yahoo News – Gary Fineout (Politico) | Published: 6/12/2024

A Florida appeals court refused to go along with Gov. Ron DeSantis’s argument that he can shield public records due to executive privilege, a right that had not been recognized previously under state law that could have drastically expanded the governor’s ability to keep records from the public. The panel said there were sufficient procedural reasons to dismiss the lawsuit, without considering the executive privilege argument made by the DeSantis administration and endorsed by a Circuit Court judge.

Hawaii – Maui Ethics Board Could Get Overdue Boost Through 2 Reforms Under Review

Honolulu Civil Beat – Brittany Lyte | Published: 6/7/2024

Voters could decide this November if the Maui Board of Ethics should be able to hire its own full-time staff and whether appointed members should be able to serve two consecutive terms. The Maui County Council will consider approving the two ballot measures, but they are well on their way following a council committee vote in favor of them. The proposals came from the board, which is struggling to carry out its function as the county’s ethics watchdog amid a shortage of members, funds, and other resources.

Illinois – Aldermen Advance Ethics Reforms at Center of Tiff Between Johnson Ally and Mayor’s Office

MSN – Alice Yin (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 6/6/2024

Chicago aldermen advanced an ethics ordinance that would punish lobbyists for contributions to campaigns of mayoral candidates, in another instance of the city council moving to buck Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration. The Ethics Committee unanimously approved the measure to fine or suspend lobbyists who violate a rule already codified in a 2011 executive order banning them from making campaign contributions to a mayor’s political fund. The legislation now heads to a final council vote.

Indiana – ‘This Issue Is Going to Come Back to Haunt Us.’ Ratcliff’s Biggest Bet Yet Unravels

Yahoo News – Tony Cook (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 6/7/2024

Over a quarter century, Rod Ratcliffe had perfected the art of influence at the statehouse. The casino boss was a driving force behind nearly every expansion of gambling in Indiana. But one bet would be his boldest yet. Ratcliff sold his company, Centaur, and its two horse-track casinos to Caesars Entertainment for $1.7 billion. Ratcliff created a new company called Spectacle Entertainment. It purchased two riverboat casinos with plans to move the licenses to more lucrative locations. But the investment would only pay off if Indiana lawmakers and the new governor, Eric Holcomb, allowed Ratcliff and his partners to relocate the licenses.

Kentucky – Louisville Continues to Spend Less on Ethics Enforcement Than Similar Cities

MSN – Roberto Roldan (Louisville Public Media) | Published: 6/7/2024

Louisville now asks the Ethics Commission to do more than ever before, yet the majority of its work is done by a volunteer board. In 2022, metro council put the commission in charge of ensuring people who are paid to influence local officials register as lobbyists, for example. Ethics Commission Chairperson Dee Pregliasco said as the independent oversight body has been given more responsibilities in recent years, it has not received commensurate resources.

Louisiana – Louisiana Lawmakers Refuse to Endorse Child Care as Campaign Expense

Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 6/12/2024

Five years ago, the Louisiana Board of Ethics told a candidate she could use her campaign funds to cover childcare costs as long as the expense was related to her efforts to get elected. But state legislators declined to insert codify that policy this year. They scuttled Senate Bill 153, which would have ensured candidates could use campaign dollars for election-related childcare. What is a legitimate campaign expense in Louisiana has been interpreted liberally over the years. Candidates are allowed to use their funds for Mardi Gras parades, charity golf tournaments, and vehicle maintenance.

Maryland – Baltimore Sun Republishes Reports from New Owner’s TV Station

MSN – Laura Wagner (Washington Post) | Published: 6/11/2024

When David Smith bought the Baltimore Sun in January, staffers worried about how the newspaper might change under an outspoken owner who has supported conservative candidates and right-wing culture war causes. Now, journalists say stories under their names have been changed without their permission, and the Sun has been reusing reporting from one of the 185 local television stations owned by the Smith family’s Sinclair Broadcast Group. Two reporters demanded their bylines be removed from a news report after it was significantly altered without their knowledge.

Massachusetts – Bill to Allow Campaign Funds for Child Care on the Move in Mass.

Yahoo News – Michael Jonas (CommonWealth Beacon) | Published: 6/7/2024

A bill in Massachusetts would allow campaign funds to be spent on a candidate’s childcare expenses. While everything from pricey dinners to travel to far-off conferences can be paid with campaign funds under the broad definition of allowable spending that furthers a candidate’s political career, childcare was deemed to fall outside that interpretation.

Missouri – Missouri Ethics Commission Finally Has a Quorum – but Still Can’t Meet or Take Action

Yahoo News – Jason Hancock (Missouri Independent) | Published: 6/7/2024

Gov. Mike Parson appointed a fourth person to serve on the six-member Missouri Ethics Commission, providing the board with a quorum for the first time since March. But because one member has been unable to attend meetings since last fall, the commission is still one person short of being able to hold a meeting or take action on complaints. “We do have a quorum, but we don’t have four commissioners who can meet,” said Elizabeth Ziegler, director of the commission.

New York – Judge Ices Ethics Commission’s Case Against Former Senate IDC Leader

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 6/10/2024

A judge ordered the state ethics commission to halt its prosecution of former New York Sen. Jeffrey Klein, who filed a petition recently arguing the panel was formed in violation of the state constitution and lacks the authority to investigate allegations that he forcibly kissed a female staff member nine years ago. The temporary restraining order was granted by state Supreme Court Justice Thomas Marcelle, who last year ruled in favor of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo who argued the new ethics commission was unconstitutional and had no authority to investigate a $5 million deal he received for writing a book about his administration’s handling of the pandemic.

New York – A Candidate Got $162,000 in Public Money. His Secret: Fake donors.

DNyuz – Jay Root and Bianca Pallaro (New York Times) | Published: 6/10/2024

Scores of New Yorkers supposedly made small cash donations to Dao Yin, a businessperson running for the state Assembly. Despite his lack of name recognition, Yin is now one of New York’s top recipients of public matching funds – $162,800 at last count – after reporting the highest percentage of cash, the least traceable form of donation, of any state candidate who received matching funds this year. But after canvassing many of the homes associated with 55 people listed as cash donors to Yin’s campaign, the New York Times found at least 19 who said they had not contributed. Eleven others no longer lived at the addresses listed for them.

New York – Trump Meets with N.Y. Probation Officer Over Video

MSN – Mariana Alfaro and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 6/10/2024

Donald Trump met with his probation officer via a video conference call, a routine step following his conviction in the hush money trial in New York. The interview is a routine step for defendants after a guilty verdict. The probation department prepares presentencing reports for judges and is in charge of interviewing convicted felons on topics including their personal history, mental health, and the circumstances that led to the conviction.

North Carolina – Flood of Dark Money? What the New Campaign Finance Provision in NC’s Mask Bill Does

MSN – Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi and Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 6/12/2024

State lawmakers passed a controversial bill that would loosen regulations on the “dark money” groups that are likely to spend tens of millions of dollars in North Carolina this year. Democrats said it is a way to benefit Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the GOP candidate for governor, and allow more donations where the source of the funding is not disclosed. Republican leaders said the bill would level the playing field for the two political parties when it comes to the national groups that fund state candidates for governor and attorney general.

North Carolina – Voters Have No Right to Fair Elections, NC Lawmakers Say as They Seek to Dismiss Gerrymandering Suit

Yahoo News – Will Doran (WRAL) | Published: 6/13/2024

Lawyers for the state Legislature were in court arguing to throw out an anti-gerrymandering lawsuit that targets North Carolina’s new political maps as a violation of a constitutional guarantee of fair elections. The lawsuit argues the state constitution guarantees the right to fair elections, which these maps violate. The Republican-led Legislature argues no such right exists, since it is impossible to define what “fair” means.

Ohio – Coal Bailouts Will Have Added $500M to Ohioans’ Electric Bills by the End of 2024

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 6/7/2024

Legislation from 2019 that a federal jury found passed as part of a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme has cost Ohioans $307 million through 2023 to bail out coal-fired power plants in the state and in Indiana. By the end of this year, projections say that will reach nearly $500 million, paid through add-on charges to monthly electric bills. Despite four criminal convictions, six more indictments, and an admission of guilt by FirstEnergy for bribing the state’s top utility regulator alongside a sitting House speaker to pass the legislation, the coal bailouts codified within that legislation remain on the books.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Legislators Introduce Bills Prohibiting AI Use in Political Campaigns

Government Technology – Maia Nehm (Lancaster Online) | Published: 6/8/2024

Two newly introduced bills in the Pennsylvania Legislature would prohibit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate candidates in campaign literature and advertising. State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick said the legislation was prompted by the use of robocalls targeting New Hampshire Democratic voters in January. Those calls featured an AI impersonation of President Biden’s voice and discouraged recipients from voting in the state’s presidential primary.

Texas – This Catholic Leader Shelters Migrants. Texas Says He Runs ‘Stash Houses.’

MSN – Arelis Hernández (Washington Post) | Published: 6/6/2024

The patriarch of Annunciation House, a faith-based network of shelters based in El Paso, Ruben Garcia has taken in tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants he calls “guests.” Working in collaboration with immigration officials, he provides them food, clothes, and a first home in the U.S., and some of his expenses are reimbursed by the federal government. It is work he sees as a religious calling – to help the most vulnerable, no matter how they arrived. But as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott clamps down on immigration, state investigators are raising questions about Garcia’s humanitarian work.

Vermont – A Lawmaker’s Bag Was Repeatedly Drenched, and Now a Colleague Faces a Probe

Seven Days – Kevin McCallum | Published: 6/7/2024

Vermont Rep. Mary Morrissey is under fire after she was allegedly caught on video surreptitiously pouring water into a fellow lawmaker’s tote bag at the statehouse. Morrissey faces an ethics investigation into whether she harassed Rep. Jim Carrol by secretly soaking his stuff several times during the recent legislative session. Rep. Angela Arsenault said she has seen a video that clearly shows Morrissey leave her committee room, walk over to a bag outside Carroll’s committee room, and dump a cup of water into it.

Vermont – 6 Bills – Tackling Municipal Ethics, Animal Welfare and More – Become Vermont Law

VTDigger.org – Emma Cotton | Published: 6/10/2024

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed bills related to animal welfare, diversity in courts, and addiction recovery support. He allowed a bill dealing with local ethics codes ethics to pass into law without his signature. House Bill 875 establishes a “municipal code of ethics” that applies to local officials such as select board members, clerks, and planning commissioners, among others. It is similar to a code of ethics for state officials that took effect two years ago.

National/Federal

Multiple Trump Witnesses Have Received Significant Financial Benefits from His Businesses, Campaign

MSN – Robert Faturechi, Justin Elliott, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) | Published: 6/3/2024

Nine witnesses in the criminal cases against Donald Trump have received significant financial benefits, including large raises from his campaign, severance packages, new jobs, and a grant of shares and cash from Trump’s media company. Defense lawyers say Trump’s dual role of defendant and the boss of many of the people who are witnesses to his alleged crimes is not uncommon. Even if the perks were not intended to influence witnesses, they could prove troublesome for Trump in any future trials. Prosecutors could point to the benefits to undermine the credibility of those aides on the witness stand.

Billions in Taxpayer Dollars Now Go to Religious Schools Via Vouchers

MSN – Laura Meckler and Michelle Boorstein (Washington Post) | Published: 6/3/2024

Billions in taxpayer dollars are being used to pay tuition at religious schools throughout the country, as state voucher programs expand dramatically and the line separating public education and religion fades. School vouchers can be used at almost any private school, but most of the money is being directed to religious schools. The growth follows a string of victories in the Supreme Court and state Legislatures by religious conservatives who have campaigned to tear down what once were constitutional prohibitions against spending tax money directly on religious education.

At Center of Alito Controversy, a Flag Celebrated by Extremists

MSN – Hannah Allen (Washington Post) | Published: 6/2/2024

From the earliest days of the republic, American radicals have drawn inspiration from a white flag emblazoned with a green pine tree and the words, “An Appeal to Heaven.” Extremism monitors say the self-styled revolutionaries of today’s Christian far right are reviving the idea that drastic action is again required to save the republic, and they have adopted the flag as their own. They say the “Appeal to Heaven” banner has taken on apocalyptic overtones that are increasingly present in the centers of American power.

Lawmakers Expensed Millions in 2023 Under New Program That Doesn’t Require Receipts

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Clara Ence Morse, and Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) | Published: 6/4/2024

A program started last year was intended to make it easier for members of Congress to cover the cost of maintaining separate homes in the District of Columbia and their home districts. But critics argue its reliance on the honor system and lack of transparent record-keeping makes it ripe for abuse. Lawmakers were reimbursed at least $5.2 million for food and lodging while on official business in Washington. The reimbursement scheme’s lack of receipt requirements is a “ridiculous loophole,” said Craig Holman, a lobbyist for Public Citizen.

Investors, Worried They Can’t Beat Lawmakers in Stock Market, Copy Them Instead

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 6/1/2024

Watchdog groups have long believed that some lawmakers use confidential information to make money in the stock market. Now a loose alliance of traders, analysts, and advocates is trying to let Americans mimic the trades elected officials make, offering tongue-in-cheek financial products that track purchases and sales after lawmakers disclose them. Collectively, these investment vehicles have attracted hundreds of millions of dollars. At times, congressional investigators have used them to keep tabs on suspicious trading activity.

As a Congressman Defended Trump, His 6-Year-Old Son Stole the Spotlight

MSN – Kyle Melnick (Washington Post) | Published: 6/4/2024

When U.S. Rep. John Rose approached the lectern on the House floor, he said he was going to “address the terrible precedent” set by Donald Trump’s criminal conviction. But only a few seconds into his speech, he no longer had everyone’s attention. Rose’s six-year-old son, Guy, smiled and leaned closer into C-SPAN’s camera shot while sitting behind his dad. As Rose called Trump the victim of a “politically driven” conviction, Guy stuck out his tongue with wide eyes and shook his head – a clip that has turned into a meme.

Judge Cannon Expands Hearing on Trump’s Request to Declare Special Counsel’s Appointment Invalid

MSN – Dan Berman and Katelyn Polantz (CNN) | Published: 6/5/2024

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon is planning on holding a sprawling hearing on Donald Trump’s request to declare Jack Smith’s appointment as special counsel invalid, signaling the judge could be more willing than any other trial judge to veto the special prosecutor’s authority. Cannon said a variety of political partisans and constitutional scholars not otherwise involved with the case can join in the oral arguments on June 21.

Ethics Panel Probes Rep. Spartz Over Staff Abuse Claims

MSN – Daniel Lippman and Adam Wren (Politico) | Published: 6/4/2024

The House Committee on Ethics has made preliminary inquiries into U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz’s treatment of staff in response to multiple complaints filed about her alleged “abuse,” “general toxicity,” and “rage,” according to a current aide and a former aide who made complaints. She recently imposed pay cuts reaching into the tens of thousands of dollars for some staffers, which came amid her ongoing complaints about her staff’s performance. In April, Spartz sent a note to staffers forbidding them to talk to Politico reporters who were pursuing tips about her office.

Even as the Judicial System Finds Trump Guilty, His Attacks Take a Toll

MSN – Sarah Ellison and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 5/30/2024

Donald Trump and his team waged an all-out war against the judicial system before the expected guilty verdict in his New York trial was announced, hoping to blunt the political damage and position him as a martyr. The jury’s verdict upheld the democratic principle that no one is above the law. But amid the offensive by Trump and his allies on the legal infrastructure holding him accountable, the trial came with a substantial cost, according to those who study democracy, with the ultimate impact likely to be measured in November.

Chief Justice Robert Declines to Meet with Democrats on Court Ethics

MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/30/2024

Chief Justice John Roberts turned down an invitation to meet with Senate Democrats to discuss what the lawmakers called an “ethics crisis” at the Supreme Court following reports of two politically charged flags displayed outside the homes of Justice Samuel Alito. In a letter to Sens. Dick Durbin and Sheldon Whitehouse, Roberts said such a meeting would be “inadvisable” in part because of the importance of preserving judicial independence.

PAC Run by Mark Meadows’ Wife Fined, Closing After Campaign Finance Violation

Yahoo Finance – Danielle Battaglia (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 5/31/2024

A PAC run by the wife of Mark Meadows, former President Trump’s last chief of staff, plans to close and faces a nearly $10,000 fine over accusations of violating federal election law. Brett Kappel, an attorney who focuses on campaign fiancé, lobbying, and government ethics law cases, said it is not unusual to see a super PAC terminate itself after paying a significant FEC penalty. “In fact, the commission sometimes makes termination a condition of settling the case for a lower penalty than the FEC would normally seek,” Kappel said.

Departing House Members Ask: ‘Why am I here?’

Yahoo News – Robert Draper (New York Times) | Published: 5/30/2024

A total of 54 U.S. House members will not be seeking another term this November. As a matter of numbers, the exodus is not history-making. What is striking are the names on the list. There are rising stars, seasoned legislators, and committee chairs. If anything, the malaise encompassing the House extends beyond those who have chosen not to serve another term. “You look around that chamber, there’s just a look of despair,” said Rep. Brian Higgins. “… I think a lot more members would be leaving if they had alternatives.”

Judge Rules Bannon Must Go to Prison by July 1 While Appealing Contempt Case

Yahoo News – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 6/6/2024

A federal judge ordered former Trump political adviser and right-wing podcaster Stephen Bannon to report to prison by July 1 to begin serving a four-month prison term for contempt of Congress after an appeals court upheld his conviction. Prosecutors had asked the judge to lift the hold on the sentence, arguing that no substantive legal questions remain over Bannon’s conviction for refusing to provide documents or testimony to a House committee probing the insurrection.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – 2 Democrats Who Yelled Were Disorderly in AZ Abortion Debate, Panel Says

Arizona Daily Star – Bob Christie (Capitol News Services) | Published: 6/4/2024

Two Democratic lawmakers who yelled at Republican House members after GOP legislators used a procedural maneuver to recess rather than allow a vote to repeal Arizona’s near-total abortion ban are guilty of disorderly conduct, the House ethics panel said. But any punishment Minority Whip Oscar De Los Santos and Rep. Analise Ortiz face for breaking internal House rules will be up to the entire House, and the report by the ethics committee did not recommend what action is merited.

Arkansas – U.S.Supreme Court Sends Arkansas Redistricting Case Back to Judges after South Carolina Ruling

Yahoo News – Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) | Published: 6/3/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court sent a lawsuit challenging Arkansas’ 2021 congressional map back to a three-judge panel, ordering it to review the suit in light of the high court’s decision against similar claims of bias in a redistricting case from South Carolina. The ruling is a setback for the lawsuit challenging the way Arkansas’ Republican Legislature redrew the lines for a Little Rock-area congressional district.

California – Ethics Probe Hangs Over Campaign to Recall Oakland Mayor as it Files Signatures

KQED – Annelise Finney | Published: 6/5/2024

As the campaign to recall Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao submitted signatures to put a recall on the ballot, the city agency tasked with enforcing campaign finance laws is investigating how the campaign handles donations. Simon Russell, the Public Ethics Commission’s enforcement chief, alleges Oakland United to Recall Sheng Thao is using Foundational Oakland Unites, a recently formed nonprofit and PAC, to hide the source of some contributions.

Colorado – Campaign Finance Reform Could Be Coming Next Election Cycle

Denverite – Rebecca Tauber | Published: 6/4/2024

The Denver Clerk and Recorder’s Office hopes to strengthen its ability to investigate campaign finance violations and make campaign contributions more transparent in the next election cycle. The ordinance would give the office authority to dismiss uncredible complaints, among other changes. It would also standardize reporting requirements, so any group that receives at least $50 from a donor must report that donor’s name, address, and employer.

District of Columbia – D.C. Ethics Board Recommends Rudy Giuliani Be Disbarred

MSN – Alexandra Marquez (NBC News) | Published: 6/2/2024

The District of Columbia Bar’s Board on Professional Responsibility recommended Rudy Giuliani be banned from practicing law in the nation’s capital. In their report, the Board cited Giuliani’s work in Pennsylvania following the 2020 presidential election, where he sought to have the results of the election there thrown out in favor of his former client Donald Trump.

Florida – Alex Díaz de la Portilla Under Investigation for Alleged Witness Tampering in Bribery Case

Yahoo News – Tess Riski (Miami Herald) | Published: 6/3/2024

Law enforcement is investigating possible witness tampering by former Miami City Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla in a bribery and money laundering case against him after his former chief of staff reported he had sent her text messages about her testimony. The former City Hall staffer, Karla Fortuny, alleged in a petition that Díaz de la Portilla’s messages were “intimidating and obviously meant to tamper with my presentation of complete and truthful testimony regarding my time as an employee of the City of Miami.”

Georgia – Georgia Appeals Court Pauses Lower-Court Proceedings in Trump Election Case

MSN – Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 6/5/2024

The Georgia Court of Appeals ordered a halt to the proceedings in the election interference case against Donald Trump and eight other defendants pending the outcome of their appeal seeking to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The order means the case will almost certainly not be scheduled for trial before the fall election or even the new year. It remains unclear if the case against the six remaining co-defendants who did not sign on to the appeal will proceed.

Illinois – Judge Tosses Out Illinois Ban on Drafting Legislative Candidates as ‘Restriction on Right to Vote’

MSN – John O’Connor (Associated Press) | Published: 6/5/2024

A judge rejected a law that Illinois Democrats adopted in May that prohibits political parties from drafting candidates when no one was on the party primary ballot. Sangamon County Circuit Judge Gail Noll ruled the law, passed to protect vulnerable Democrats in November’s general election, is unconstitutional. It improperly interferes with a person’s right to see access to the ballot and that, Noll wrote, “places a severe restriction on the fundamental right to vote.”

Kansas – Kansas Voters Have No Fundamental Constitutional Right to Vote, Supreme Court Rules

Yahoo News – Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel (Topeka Capital-Journal) | Published: 5/31/2024

Voters have no fundamental right to vote under the bill of rights in the state constitution, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled. Because voting is not considered a fundamental right, it means that courts will not use strict scrutiny when analyzing the impact of election laws. That will make it more difficult for plaintiffs to argue that a law affecting voting is unconstitutional.

Michigan – 2024 Michigan Elections: Nessel opinion tightens financial disclosure rules

Bridge Michigan – Lauren Gibbons | Published: 6/5/2024

State elections officials can require officeholders to provide more than the bare minimum on new personal financial disclosure forms, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel determined in a formal legal opinion. Lawmakers who finalized the rules last fall extended disclosure requirements to candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and state Legislature but left what critics called loopholes allowing filers to obscure monetary values and other information about income sources, and assets held by spouses.

Michigan – Michigan Lawmaker Wants to Pay Reporters to Uncover Corruption

MSN – J.D. Davidson (Center Square) | Published: 5/30/2024

A Michigan lawmaker wants to pay reporters and news organizations to expose public corruption and save taxpayers money. Rep. Joseph Aragona developed the idea after The Detroit News recently exposed questionable spending surrounding a $20 million grant to businessperson Fay Beydoun. She was an executive committee member of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Spending included a $4,500 coffee maker, $11,000 for a plane ticket, $100,000 for a sponsorship, and $9,400 for annual membership dues in the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Missouri – After Investigation, Top MO House Republican Now Faces Scathing Whistleblower Lawsuit

Yahoo News – Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/31/2024

Dana Miller, chief clerk of the Missouri House since 2018, filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging Speaker Dean Plocher and his chief of staff, Rod Jetton, retaliated against her after she reported policy violations and wastes of public money. Miller’s suit paints a damning portrait, showing the lengths that Plocher and Jetton went to allegedly threaten and retaliate against Miller and other House staffers amid a slew of scandals Plocher faced in his final session as speaker that resulted in a months-long investigation.

Nevada – A Republican Election Clerk vs. Trump Die-Hards in a World of Lies

DNyuz – Eli Saslow (New York Times) | Published: 6/6/2024

Ever since Donald Trump lost the 2020 election, his denials and distortions spread outward from the White House to even the country’s most remote places, like Esmeralda County, Nevada. Trump won the county with 82 percent of the vote despite losing Nevada. In the days after the election, some county residents parroted Trump’s talking points and brought their complaints to the monthly commissioner meetings. When County Clerk Cindy Elgan continued to stand up at each meeting to dispute and disprove those accusations, they began to blame her, too.

New Jersey – Gov. Murphy Signs Legislation That Dismantles Access to Public Records in NJ

MSN – Katie Sobko (Bergen Record) | Published: 6/5/2024

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation overhauling access to the state’s public records, likely making it harder for the public and media to access some documents, according to critics. One provision permits officials to charge commercial interests as much as twice the cost of producing records. Other language authorizes agencies to sue requesters they accuse of interrupting “government function.” The new law also ends a requirement for towns to pay attorneys’ fees in court cases they lose over records requests.

New York – How Top N.Y. Officials Helped a Lobbyist Cash in on State Government

DNyuz – Jay Root (New York Times) | Published: 6/5/2024

In the midst of the pandemic in early 2021, New York state officials were hashing out how to build a mobile app to display users’ vaccination status when an unfamiliar face suddenly started joining the conference calls. The new participant, Michael Balboni, was a former state lawmaker and more recently had been working as a lobbyist in Albany. He was also a close friend of a top official in the budget office, the agency overseeing the app’s rollout. Soon after, one of the contractors overseeing the app’s development, Deloitte Consulting, signed Balboni as a consultant, then as a lobbyist.

New York – NYC Council Eyes Stricter Fundraising Rules Amid Legal Probes into Mayor Adams’ Campaign

Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 6/5/2024

New York City Councilperson Lincoln Restler will introduce legislation to give new power and added responsibilities to the watchdog agency running the city’s public campaign finance system. Restler’s package would empower the Campaign Finance Board to withhold matching money to campaigns that do not respond to the agency’s requests for information about their donors within 30 days. Another bill would impose stiffer restrictions on how much lobbyists and other individuals listed in the city’s Doing Business Database can raise as an intermediary on behalf of a candidate.

New York – Trump Verdict Vindicates N.Y. Prosecutor Who Quietly Pursued a Risky Path

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 6/1/2024

Donald Trump was found guilty in New York on 34 counts for falsifying business records related to a hush money payment ahead of the 2016 election. Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, had weathered a tide of criticism for bringing charges against the former president. Those who know Bragg said he was undeterred by the constant political attacks and committed to pursuing a novel legal theory he believed made sense.

New York – Ethics Commission Subpoenaed Hochul Administration Over Bills Box Seats

New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 5/31/2024

The New York Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government issued a subpoena to the state’s economic development agency for records related to state officials’ use of a Buffalo Bills luxury suite. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, and others gained exclusive access to the state-owned suite. The officials brought several guests. A complaint argued attendees got premium tickets at a bargain price because of their close relationships to politicians. The complaint claimed the politicians did not have valid governmental reasons to attend the game.

Ohio – Ohio Senate Approves Fix Assuring President Biden Is on Fall Ballot

MSN – Bruce Shipkowski (Associated Press) | Published: 5/31/2024

A temporary fix allowing President Biden to appear on this fall’s ballot in Ohio cleared the Republican-dominated Legislature as it concluded a rare special session. Lawmakers also approved a ban on foreign nationals contributing to state ballot campaigns. Gov. Mike DeWine signed both bills.

Ohio – FirstEnergy, the Center Point of a Bribery Plot, Could Officially Beat the Rap This Summer

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 6/2/2024

Federal prosecutors are set to release FirstEnergy, the utility at the center of intersecting dollar bribery schemes, from a special cooperation agreement that offered prosecutors a roadmap of a compromised state government. Prosecutors charged the company with conspiracy in its efforts to bribe government officials in exchange for favorable treatment. But in exchange for FirstEnergy’s cooperation, payment of a $230 million fine, forfeiture of another roughly $7 million, some corporate reforms, and its issuance of a public statement of guilt, the government will drop that charge within 30 days of the agreement’s expiration date.

Ohio – Cleveland City Council Doubles Campaign Finance Contribution Limits, Some Residents Push Back

WVIZ – Abbey Marshall | Published: 6/3/2024

The Cleveland City Council quickly – and controversially – approved legislation that doubled campaign donation limits ahead of council elections in 2025. Those caps jumped from $1,500 to $3,000 for individuals and from $3,000 to $6,000 for PACs. Council President Blaine Griffin said it will allow candidates to tap into other sources aside from the Council Leadership Fund, a PAC controlled by Griffin that some members of the public have criticized.

Oregon – Lawmakers Approve $5 Million for Secretary of State Office to Overhaul Oregon Campaign Finance Filing System

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 5/31/2024

Lawmakers approved $5.41 million to modernize Oregon’s outdated campaign finance filing system by 2028. of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade asked for the funding after the Legislature in March passed a historic campaign finance bill that will limit the amount of money that individuals and groups can directly give to candidates.

Pennsylvania – Several Pa. House Republicans Boo Officers Who Defended Capitol on Jan. 6

MSN – Leo Sands (Washington Post) | Published: 6/6/2024

Two former law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol from rioters during the insurrection were jeered by state GOP lawmakers as they visited Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives, according to several Democratic lawmakers present. As former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and former sergeant Aquilino Gonell, both of whom were injured by rioters on January 6, were introduced, the House floor descended into chaos. Several GOP lawmakers hissed and booed, with a number of Republicans walking out in protest.

Pennsylvania – Former Philly Councilmember Bobby Henon’s Bribery Conviction Upheld by Federal Appeals Court

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck and Oona Goodin-Smith (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 5/31/2024

Former Philadelphia City Councilperson Bobby Henon’s bid to overturn his 2021 bribery conviction fell short as a federal appeals court rejected his contention that prosecutors had failed to fully prove their case. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit found jurors had been presented with enough evidence to conclude the former council majority leader sold the powers of his office to labor leader John Dougherty in exchange for a $70,000-a-year salary from his politically powerful union.

Rhode Island – R.I. Ethics Panel Rules Sen. Lawson Can Vote on Pension-Related Bills

Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 6/4/2024

One-third of Rhode Island lawmakers collect, or could eventually receive, a state pension. Yet only one, Sen. Majority Whip Valarie Lawson, consulted with the state ethics panel on whether her former teaching career and current job as president of one of the state teachers’ unions preclude her from voting on pension-related legislation. The Ethics Commission ruled she could vote, citing a clause in the ethics code letting public officials participate in actions that may benefit them personally if enough other people also receive the same benefit.

Texas – Former Houston Public Works Official Charged in Corruption Case Involving Waterline Repair Contracts

MSN – Yilun Cheng (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 6/1/2024

A former employee of Houston’s Public Works Department was arrested for allegedly taking bribes from vendors and funneling city dollars to herself through a shell company. The department first suspended Patrece Lee, a former manager of the department’s water operation, in November 2023 after a media report alerted the city of possible conflicts-of-interest in her handling of emergency contracts for water leak repairs. The internal probe later turned into a criminal investigation.

Wisconsin – Former Trump Aides Charged in Wisconsin Over 2020 Elector Plot

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 6/4/2024

Wisconsin’s attorney general filed conspiracy charges against a former aide and two attorneys who advised Donald Trump over a meeting of Republicans claiming to be the state’s 2020 presidential electors even though Trump had lost the state. The charges are the first in Wisconsin related to the meeting of electors. Prosecutors have separately charged Republicans who were involved in similar efforts in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Georgia.

National/Federal

Former FTX Executive Ryan Salame Sentenced to 7.5 Years for Election Donor Scheme with Sam Bankman-Fried

Courthouse News Service – Josh Russell | Published: 5/28/2024

A federal judge sentenced former FTX executive Ryan Salame to 90 months in prison for his role in straw donor conspiracy with convicted cryptocurrency mogul Sam Bankman-Fried that flooded both Democrat and Republican campaigns with tens of millions of dollars in illegal contributions. As part of his plea deal, Salame agreed to pay a $6 million penalty and more than $5 million in restitution, in addition to forfeiting his Porsche 911 Turbo and two properties in Massachusetts.

The Washington Post Said It Had the Alito Flag Story 3 Years Ago and Chose Not to Publish

MSN – David Bauder (Associated Press) | Published: 5/28/2024

Nine days after the New York Times reported about the political symbolism of an upside-down American flag that flew at U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s home, the Washington Post acknowledged it had the same story more than three years ago and decided not to publish it. The Post’s story was both an example of journalistic introspection and an illustration of how coverage of the Supreme Court has changed since the incident itself, shortly after the Capitol insurrection.

Voter Outreach Groups Targeted by New Laws in Several GOP-Led States Are Struggling to Do Their Work

MSN – Ayanna Alexander (Associated Press) | Published: 5/28/2024

Florida is one of several states where Republicans enacted voting restrictions that created or enhanced criminal penalties and fines for those who assist voters. The laws have forced some voter outreach groups to cease operations, while others have greatly altered or reduced their activities. Cecile Scoon, co-president of the League of Women Voters in Florida, said the law stripped the personal connection between its workers and communities. Digital tools are not easy to use when registering voters and can be expensive, she said.

RFK Jr. Files Complaint Over Potential Exclusion from Debate Stage

MSN – Amy Wang and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 5/29/2024

The presidential campaign of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. filed a complaint with the FEC about Kennedy’s potential exclusion from a planned June 27 debate on CNN between President Biden and Donald Trump. Kennedy’s campaign alleges Biden, Trump, and CNN “colluded” to leave Kennedy off the debate stage. The complaint also alleges CNN’s decision to hold the debate could be tantamount to the network making “prohibited corporate contributions” to Biden and Trump’s campaigns.

Supreme Court Revives NRA’s Lawsuit Alleging That New York Violated Its First Amendment Rights

MSN – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 5/30/2024

The National Rifle Association (NRA) scored a major victory at the U.S. Supreme Court as the justices unanimously ruled that appeals judges were too quick to dismiss the NRA’s claims that New York officials violated its First Amendment rights by targeting its insurance business. The decision reinstated a lawsuit the NRA filed against New York state’s top financial services regulator, Maria Vullo, after she announced a plan to pressure banks and insurance companies to stop doing business with the organization.

Trump Electors in Key States Want to Serve Again, Despite Criminal Charges

MSN – Amy Gardner and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 5/23/2024

Republican activists in at least three states where Donald Trump tried to reverse his defeat in 2020 – nearly all of them under criminal indictment for casting electoral votes for him despite his loss – are poised to reprise their roles as presidential electors this year. Their eagerness to serve, and encouragement to do so from their parties, reflects a widespread belief among Republicans the electors did nothing wrong in 2020, raising the question of what they might do or say if Trump once again loses any of those states.

Judge Rejects Request to Restrict Trump’s Speech on FBI, Says Motion Was Faulty

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 5/28/2024

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon denied a request from federal prosecutors that she order Donald Trump to stop making incendiary claims about law enforcement personnel, saying the government should have more thoroughly consulted with Trump’s attorneys before coming to her. The judge, who is overseeing Trump’s classified documents criminal case in Florida, strongly rebuked special counsel Jack Smith, who submitted his motion after the former president and his political campaign issued statements that said, “Biden’s DOJ was authorized to shoot me!”

DNC Prepares to Nominate Biden Via ‘Virtual Roll Call’ Before Convention

MSN – Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) | Published: 5/28/2024

President Biden will be chosen as the Democratic presidential nominee through a virtual roll call ahead of the party’s official convention in Chicago in August, a maneuver that will allow Biden to appear on the November ballot in Ohio. The in-person roll call of states, culminating with the official nomination of a presidential candidate, is typically a focal point of political conventions. The convention is still expected to feature the roll call, but the formal nomination of Biden will be during the virtual proceedings.

A.I. Promised to Upend the 2024 Campaign. It Hasn’t Yet.

Yahoo News – Shane Goldmacher, Tiffany Hsu, and Steven Lee Myers (New York Times) | Published: 5/23/2024

The era of artificial intelligence (AI) has arrived on the campaign trail. But the much anticipated, and feared, technology remains confined to the margins of American campaigns. With less than six months until the 2024 election, the political uses of AI are more theoretical than transformational, both as a constructive communications tool or to spread dangerous disinformation.

Experts Question Alito’s Failure to Recuse Himself in Flag Controversy

Yahoo News – Adam Liptak (New York Times) | Published: 5/30/2024

In a letter to Democratic leaders in the House and Senate, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said he was not only permitted but also obligated to sit on two cases arising from the attack on the Capitol despite controversies over flags displayed outside his houses associated with the “Stop the Steal” movement. Experts in legal ethics said they welcomed Alito’s decision to explain himself. But they were not persuaded by the reasoning in the letters, which said the flags had been flown by his wife and so did not require him to step aside in the pending cases.

From the States and Municipalities

California – More Independence, Sharper Teeth: Elliott’s ethics plan would overhaul how campaign, lobbying rules are enforced

MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union Tribune) | Published: 5/27/2024

The San Diego Ethics Commission has been constrained by some of the very rules and practices that were written into its governing documents in 2001. If the plan by City Attorney Mara Elliott wins approval from the city council, voters will decide this year whether to give the commission sharper teeth in overseeing hundreds of public officials, campaigns, and the donors and lobbyists who seek to influence them.

California – More Orange County Cities Overhaul Campaign Finance Rules

Voice of OC – Hosam Ellatar | Published: 5/29/2024

A couple of Orange County cities are increasing limits on how much a person can donate to campaigns ahead of the November 2024 election. Officials in one of the smallest cities in the county, Stanton, moved in the opposite direction, directing staff to look at reducing the campaign contribution limit. The changes come after a corruption scandal broke out in Anaheim, where investigators last year accused Disneyland resort interests of having outsized influence over City Hall.

Colorado – Jenna Ellis, Trump Lawyer Who Pleaded Guilty in Georgia Case, Is Barred from Practicing Law in Colorado for Three Years

Colorado Sun – Jessed Paul | Published: 5/28/2024

Jenna Ellis, the former lawyer for Donald Trump who pleaded guilty last year in Georgia to a felony charge for trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in that state, is barred from practicing law for three years in Colorado. She will have to file a petition to reinstate her law license at the end of the suspension. Ellis was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service in the Georgia case.

District of Columbia – Lobbying Is the Lifeblood of DC’s Anemic Office Market

WTOP – Jeff Clabaugh | Published: 5/20/2024

The District of Columbia’s office market is struggling with record vacancy rates, but there is one tenant it can always count on: government affairs. The demand for office space from those tenants is growing. “We just looked at the big three – that’s the lobbyists for hire, the corporate government affairs groups, and associations,” said Tammy Shoham, research director at commercial real estate firm JLL. “And of those three groups, there are over 1,500 entities here in D.C.”

Florida – Disney Starts Giving to Florida Politicians Again, Sen. Thompson Says

MSN – Steven Lemongello (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 5/24/2024

Disney’s Princess Tiana appears on the invitations to state Sen. Geraldine Thompson’s June fundraiser, and with that image comes the return of a major player in Florida politics. The Walt Disney Co. provided theme park tickets, Thompson said, in what is known as an in-kind contribution It could be the first contribution to a Florida politician in more than two years from the company, once one of the biggest donors to Democrats and Republicans alike.

Hawaii – Mitsunaga Secretary Acquitted for Bribery Could Still Face State Campaign Violations

Honolulu Civil Beat – Christina Jedra | Published: 5/23/2024

For a decade, Terri Ann Otani made tens of thousands of dollars in donations to candidates in the names of her family members, according to her relatives. During her recent trial, prosecutors showed the jury how Otani purchased cashier’s checks with the memo line filled out with her relatives’ names and submitted them to campaigns. Otani was acquitted of charges that some of those donations amounted to bribery, but the information could expose her to new criminal and civil liability. The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission is now investigating the matter.

Hawaii – Conflict of Interest? Some Hawaii Lawmakers Work for or Even Own Companies That Get State Contracts

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 5/27/2024

An examination of current state legislators’ business interests found at least a dozen sitting Hawaii lawmakers are paid by or own entities that have won more than $56 million in government contracts since 2006. The findings have prompted the State Ethics Commission to begin exploring proposals that could rein in lawmakers pulling double duty. The idea of a “citizen Legislature” can cause tension between a lawmakers’ private business interests and their duties as a public servant.

Illinois – Lawmakers OK Bill to Require ‘Faithful’ Electors in 2024, Loosen Campaign Finance Rules

Capitol News Illinois – Andrew Adams | Published: 5/30/2024

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Illinois appears likely to join most of the rest of the country in requiring that the state’s Electoral College votes go to the winner of the state’s popular election. It is part of a broad package of election-related legislation which includes a provision loosening restrictions on what political parties can do with campaign funds.

Illinois – Judge Temporarily Blocks Hastily Passed Election Law That Favored Democrats in November

Yahoo News – Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 5/23/2024

A judge issued a temporary injunction blocking a law passed by Democrats that would have prevented Republicans from slating candidates for legislative races not filled in the March primary. Previously, local committees for the political parties could fill legislative ballot spots in which their party did not field a primary candidate after the primary election. The slated candidate was still required to obtain candidacy petition signatures to appear on the general election ballot.

Iowa – Auditor: Ethics board made ‘no attempt’ to collect fines and can’t force payment

Iowa Capital Dispatch – Clark Kaufman | Published: 5/24/2024

The state auditor’s office faulted the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board for having made no attempt to collect penalties imposed on politicians and their campaigns. The notice sent to violators did not include information on how to pay the penalty and it did not include language requesting payment within a certain time frame. Once the initial notice was sent, the auditor found, there were “no attempts made to follow-up on the unpaid penalties.”

Iowa – Iowa Ethics Board Fines Candidate Melissa Vine, Former Campaign Manager for Illegal Contributions

Yahoo News – Robin Opsahl (Iowa Capital Dispatch) | Published: 5/23/2024

Democratic congressional candidate Melissa Vine and her former campaign manager Lou McDonald were each fined $500 by the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board after an investigation found the two made contributions to a state PAC in other people’s names. Federal law may have been violated by using congressional campaign money to make donations on behalf of individuals to a PAC.

Louisiana – Lawmakers Give Landry Control Over Ethics Board Amid Dispute Over Discipline

Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 5/28/2024

Louisiana lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to give Gov. Jeff Landry control over the state Board of Ethics, just a few months after its members charged him with violating the ethics law. Landry could gain the ability to appoint ethics board members directly on August 1 under legislation that looks likely to pass in the next few days. The bill must return to the Senate for at least one more vote before going to Landry’s desk.

Maryland – Marilyn Mosby Sentenced to 1 Year Home Detention for Perjury, Mortgage Fraud

MSN – Jasmine Hilton and Katie Mettler (Washington Post) | Published: 5/23/2024

A federal judge sentenced Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore’s former top prosecutor convicted of perjury and mortgage fraud, to 12 months of home detention followed by two years of supervised release after a highly publicized criminal prosecution that spurred tensions over race, politics, and justice. Mosby was convicted of lying to withdraw money from her retirement account under a program built to help those struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Prosecutors said she used that money to purchase two vacation properties in Florida.

Massachusetts – Massachusetts DPW Director Pays $17,000 Fine for Accepting Free Ski Trips, Other Gifts

Boston Herald – Rick Sobey | Published: 5/28/2024

Yet another Bay State municipal worker has paid a big fine for accepting free ski trips and other gifts from a water meter manufacturer and its distributor. Danvers Department of Public Works Director David Lane paid a $17,000 civil penalty for violating the state’s conflict-of-interest law. Lane admitted to accepting free ski trips, a golf outing, and a steakhouse dinner from a water meter manufacturer and its distributor.

Nevada – Who’s Funding Negative Campaign Mail? Legal Loophole Helps Some Groups Avoid Disclosure

Nevada Independent – Riley Snyder and Tabitha Mueller | Published: 5/29/2024

Thanks to a 2017 change in how often candidates and PACs are required to report their contributions and expenditures in Nevada, political operators now have a two-month window during which to set up PACs and spend money on the state’s June primary election without having to report how much they are raising or who is funding them until July 15. An analysis found at least 20 new PACs and political nonprofits were registered between April 1 and May 15.

New Mexico – State Ethics Commission Sues Apodacas Dark Money Operation

Yahoo News – Marjorie Childress (New Mexico In Depth) | Published: 5/26/2024

The New Mexico Ethics Commission filed a lawsuit against a dark money political group and its founder, former gubernatorial candidate Jeff Apodaca, to force the disclosure of the organization’s expenditures and donors. The New Mexico Project registered as a domestic nonprofit corporation and has spent thousands of dollars on political advertising. But the group has not identified its donors.

New York – Lobbying Loophole Bill Pushed Again, This Time Without LaSalle Lookback

Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 5/28/2024

More than 15 months after an historic fight over the selection of the chief judge for New York’s highest court revealed a loophole in the state’s lobbying laws, a second attempt by lawmakers to address that issue is being waged in the final days of the legislative session. The late push comes after a key change to the language intended to address a concern Gov. Kathy Hochul noted in her veto message. It would no longer require lobbying disclosure for nominations since 2023 and only apply to those moving forward.

New York – New York State’s Matching Funds Program Debuts. What Does It Mean for This Year’s Election

City Limits – Mary Cunningham | Published: 5/28/2024

New York’s Public Campaign Finance program allows candidates running for state office to qualify for matching funds for contributions between five dollars to $250 made by in-district donors. This year’s elections is the first time candidates for the Assembly and Senate will be able to take part. During the next election cycle in 2026, those running for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and state comptroller will also be able take advantage of matching funds if they qualify and choose to opt in.

Oregon – Will Oregon Department of Justice Ever Open a Criminal Investigation of Democrats’ 2022 Misreported Donation?

Portland Oregonian – Hillary Borrud | Published: 5/30/2024

The Oregon Department of Justice crossed the one-year mark on its review of whether to open a criminal probe into the state Democratic Party for misreporting the donor who gave the party $500,000 in the final weeks of the 2022 election. The party admitted the money was from Nishad Singh, an executive at the disgraced cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Under Oregon law, it is a felony to make or accept a campaign contribution under a “false name.”

South Carolina – 76 Ethics Allegations Say Ex-Clerk of Court Becky Hill Abused Post for Own Gain

Yahoo News – John Monk (The State) | Published: 5/29/2024

The South Carolina Ethics Commission found probable cause in 76 different incidents to believe that former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill repeatedly misused her position to enrich herself and promote a book she wrote on the Alex Murdaugh murder trial. A complaint says Hill also directed hundreds if not thousands of dollars to go for things like “candy, tea and lemonade” for office parties such as “Lori’s 50th Birthday.” Other public money went for dog food and picnic tables.

Virginia – Some Legislative Aides in Virginia Do Double Duty as Campaign Staff

Virginia Mercury – Graham Moomaw | Published: 5/29/2024

In Congress, elected representatives are supposed to keep their taxpayer-funded offices mostly separate from their campaigns. In the Virginia General Assembly, rules walling off legislative offices from campaign activity are less clear. In one of Virginia’s congressional primary races, the campaign website for state Sen. Suhas Subramanyam previously listed the names of five people working as campaign staff. Four of those five were also identified as publicly funded legislative staffers for Subramanyam this year. But no campaign-side pay for those four Senate staffers has been disclosed on Subramanyan’s federal campaign finance reports.

Washington – Washington State GOP Contributions to Congressional Hopefuls Suggest Party May Have Helped Candidates Circumvent Election Law

Spokane Spokesman-Review – Emry Dinman | Published: 5/26/2024

Campaign finance reports and a text appear to show a GOP candidate for Congress circumvented federal election law with the aid of the Washington State Republican Party. Days before the March 31 cutoff for first-quarter campaign finance reports, as candidates tried to rake in any last-minute cash to demonstrate their momentum, the Washington GOP donated the legal maximum for the primary election, $5,000, to state Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber. Later, Maycumber donated $5,500 to the state party, not from her campaign account for Congress, but a surplus account from her prior runs for state office.

National/Federal

With Debate Deal, Trump and Biden Sideline a Storied Campaign Institution

DNyuz – Adam Nagourney (New York Times) | Published: 5/16/2024

The agreement by President Biden and Donald Trump to move ahead with two presidential debates, and sideline the Commission on Presidential Debates, is a debilitating and potentially fatal blow to an institution that had once been a major arbiter in presidential politics. But the roots of the commission’s decline go back at least a decade and came to a head in 2020, when the commission struggled to stage a debate with Trump and Biden during the pandemic.

Senate Democrats Open Inquiry into Trump’s $1 Billion Request of Oil Industry

DNyuz – Lisa Friedman (New York Times) | Published: 5/23/2024

Senate Democrats opened an investigation into Donald Trump’s recent meeting with oil and gas executives to determine whether Trump offered a “policies-for-money transaction” when he asked for $1 billion for his 2024 campaign so he could retake the White House and delete President Biden’s climate regulations. Trump told about 20 oil and gas executives they would save far more than $1 billion in avoided taxes and legal fees after he repealed environmental regulations, according to several people who were present.

Peter Thiel-Funded Super PAC That Backed JD Vance Didn’t Break the Law, FEC Rules

MSN – Bryan Metzger (Business Insider) | Published: 5/23/2024

The FEC dismissed a complaint that accused U.S. Sen. JD Vance’s campaign and a super PAC funded primarily by billionaire Peter Thiel of violating federal election laws. The complaint focused on the existence of an obscure website set up by the super PAC. That site contained troves of materials seemingly intended for use by Vance’s campaign and other potential supporters, including polling data, B-roll camera footage, opposition research, and other strategy documents. The complaint argued those materials were essentially an illegal contribution to Vance, given that his campaign could presumably access the materials.

Fat Leonard Bribery Cases Fall Apart Because of Prosecution Blunders

MSN – Craig Whitlock (Washington Post) | Published: 5/20/2024

Numerous Navy officers were charged with taking payoffs from Leonard Glenn Francis, a Malaysian defense contractor known as Fat Leonard. But a pattern of prosecutorial misconduct in the probe has caused several cases to unravel so far and is threatening to undermine more. The cases collapsed after defense attorneys alleged prosecutors from the U.S. attorney’s office in San Diego elide on flawed evidence and withheld information favorable to the defense during the 2022 bribery trial of five officers.

On the Week Trump’s Fla. Trial Was Scheduled to Start, Uncertainty and a Pretrial Hearing

MSN – David Ovalle and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 5/22/2024

Donald Trump’s classified-documents trial was supposed to begin with jury selection this week. It is the case that Trump’s attorneys have been the most worried about, with prosecutors offering evidence a former president who is running to hold the office again took sensitive government documents from the White House and obstructed officials’ attempts to retrieve them. But U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon indefinitely postponed the trial. Instead of Trump sitting at the defense table for the first week of trial, Cannon held two hearings on long-shot requests from a Trump co-defendant to dismiss the case.

Paul Pelosi’s Attacker Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

MSN – Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 5/17/2024

David DePape, the man whose embrace of right-wing conspiracy theories led him to break into Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco home and bludgeon her 82-year-old husband, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Federal prosecutors had asked for a 40-year term, arguing the attack constituted an act of terrorism. A jury convicted DePape on federal charges of trying to kidnap the then-House speaker and assaulting Paul Pelosi because of his wife’s work in Congress.

FEC Rejects Proposal to Weaken Disclosure Laws but Agrees to Further Rulemaking

Open Secrets – Jimmy Cloutier | Published: 5/16/2024

The FEC declined to advance a temporary measure that would have made it easier for political donors to hide identifying information from the American public, but commissioners agreed to move forward in creating new rules to standardize how disclosure exemption requests are evaluated and approved. The FEC has granted exemptions when an organization or individual donor can demonstrate a “reasonable probability” the public disclosure of personal information will subject them to threats and harassment.

Another Provocative Flag Was Flown at Another Alito Home

Seattle Times – Jodi Kantor, Aric Toler, and Julie Tate (New York Times) | Published: 5/22/2024

A second flag of a type carried by rioters during the attack on the U.S. Capitol was displayed outside a house owned by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. An “Appeal to Heaven” flag was flown outside Alito’s vacation home last summer. An inverted American flag, another symbol carried by rioters, was seen at Alito’s Virginia home less than two weeks after the violence at the Capitol. The revelations prompted concerns from legal scholars and ethicists, and calls from Democratic lawmakers that Alito recuse himself from cases related to January 6.

Congress Aims to Overhaul Presidential Ethics Rules with a Plan Led by an Unlikely Pair of Lawmakers

Yahoo News – Farnoush Amiri (Associated Press) | Published: 5/22/2024

Bipartisan legislation in the House would require presidents and vice presidents to publicly disclose tax returns before, during, and after their time in the White House as Congress makes an election-year push to curb foreign influence in American politics. Democrats introduced rival legislation that would enforce the Constitution’s ban on emoluments, which prohibits a president from accepting foreign gifts and money without the permission of Congress.

Republican Chair Investigating Chamber of Commerce in Seismic K Street Shift

Yahoo News – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 5/16/2024

A decade ago, a Republican committee chairperson investigating Washington’s biggest business advocacy organization would have been unthinkable. But times have changed. House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith demanded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce answer questions about the more than $12 million its foundation received from the Tides Foundation, a left-leaning nonprofit, between 2018 and 2022.

‘We’ll See You at Your House:’ How fear and menace are transforming politics

Yahoo News – Eileen Sullivan, Danny Hakim, and Ken Bensinger (New York Times) | Published: 5/19/2024

A steady undercurrent of violence and physical risk has become a new normal in American public life. From City Hall to Congress, public officials increasingly describe threats and harassment as a routine part of their jobs. Often masked by online anonymity and propelled by extreme political views, the barrage of menace has changed how officials do their work, terrified their families, and driven some from public life altogether. By almost all measures, the evidence of the trend is striking.

In the Aging Senate, 80-Somethings Seeking Re-Election Draw Little Criticism

Yahoo News – Kayla Guo (New York Times) | Published: 5/17/2024

While President Biden tries to assuage voter concerns about his age in a presidential race that includes the two oldest men ever to seek the White House, a couple of miles away in the U.S. Senate, the gerontocracy remains alive and well – and little commented upon. The recent news that two octogenarians – Sens. Bernie Sanders, 82, and Angus King, 80 – are each running for another six-year term generated little in the way of criticism or worry over age of the kind that Biden has faced.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Conservative Candidate Didn’t Register on Time as Travel Nurse Lobbyist

Yahoo News – Jacques Poitras | Published: 5/23/2024

A lobbyist and federal Conservative election candidate did not promptly report his lobbying for a company supplying travel nurses to New Brunswick’s struggling health care system. New Brunswick’s Lobbyists’ Registration Act requires a lobbyist to submit a return to the provincial integrity commissioner “within 15 days after commencing performance of an undertaking on behalf of a client.” But Brian Macdonald, who represented Canadian Health Labs in 2023, did not register as a lobbyist for the company until this year, after it made national headlines.

Arizona – Arizona Weighs When Lawyers’ Long-Shot Election Challenges Cross the Line

Arizona Mirror – Jen Fifield (Votebeat) | Published: 5/21/2024

At a state bar association event on election law, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said lawyers need to do a better job of upholding their professional standards. Election lawyers are filing too many frivolous cases “just because the plaintiffs are mad at their political opponents,” Fontes said, adding that they are endangering public faith in democracy. The rise in sanctions and disciplinary scrutiny is prompting debate about exactly when lawyers who bring election challenges are crossing the line, and whether professional standards of conduct have shifted.

Arizona – Rudy Giuliani and Other Trump Allies Plead Not Guilty in Arizona

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 5/21/2024

Eleven Republicans who allegedly tried to deliver Arizona’s presidential electoral votes to Donald Trump after his 2020 defeat pleaded not guilty to the same nine criminal counts, which include conspiracy, fraud, and forgery. Arizona is one of four states where Republicans have been charged in the formation of an alternate slate of presidential electors falsely claiming Trump won the 2020 presidential election.

California – LA City Council Expansion, Once Hailed as Much Needed Reform, Is Dead for Now

MSN – Frank Stoltze (LAist) | Published: 5/20/2024

For years, advocates for a more democratic Los Angeles have called for expanding the size of the city council beyond the current 15 members. The idea gained momentum in 2022 after the release of secretly recorded audio that came to be known as the City Hall tapes scandal. Many proponents of council expansion hoped it would be placed on the November ballot, while the fervor for reform remained strong. That is not going to happen.

Colorado – Wolf Advocates Charged with Illegal Lobbying at State Capitol

Denver Gazette – Marianne Goodland (Colorado Politics) | Published: 5/16/2024

Complaints filed in Colorado claim Stephen Capra and his organization, Bold Visions Conservation, lobbied state legislators on behalf of a paying client without registering or disclosing the client’s identity as required by law.  The Elections Division of the Secretary of State’s office determined Capra lobbied on behalf of Bold Visions Conservation, which pays him for his services, and should have registered as a professional lobbyist.

Connecticut – CT Supreme Court Finds Public Financing Law Restricts Free Speech

Connecticut Mirror – Mark Pazniokas | Published: 5/20/2024

The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled state elections officials violated the free speech rights of two Republicans running for the state Legislature when it fined them for criticizing the Democratic governor in ads paid for by their publicly funded campaigns in 2014. At issue was whether criticism of former Gov. Dannel Malloy’s fiscal policies by former Sen. Joe Markley and then-Rep. Rob Sampson in campaign materials was intended to further their own candidacies or improperly use their public grants to undermine the governor or help his challenger, Tom Foley.

Hawaii – Not Guilty: Ex-Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, businessman Dennis Mitsunaga and others walk in bribery case

Honolulu Civil Beat – Chrstina Jendra | Published: 5/17/2024

A jury found longtime Honolulu prosecuting attorney Keith Kaneshiro did not conspire with Dennis Mitsunaga, the former chief executive of a prominent engineering firm, and several company employees to arrange for the prosecution of Laurel Mau, a former Mitsunaga employee. Prosecutors said Mitsunaga’s company sought to use the criminal justice system to exact revenge on Mau for suing her former employer, and Kaneshiro benefitted from some $50,000 in campaign donations.

Hawaii – Hawaii Ethics Commission Grapples with Pay-to-Play Issues

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 5/15/2024

The Hawaii Ethics Commission is trying to figure out how to wrangle two groups of people who are proving particularly challenging: high-level state employees who are politically active and legislators who have outside jobs with companies that have government business. Those were some of the issues raised in a recent media investigation that examined loopholes in Hawaii’s campaign spending laws.

Louisiana – Mayor Cantrell Takes French Quarter Resident Who Photographed Her to Court Over Stalking Claim

NOLA.com – John Simerman and Missy Wilkinson | Published: 5/21/2024

Anne Breaud photographed Mayor LaToya Cantrell sharing a meal with her bodyguard, New Orleans Police Department Officer Jeffrey Vappie, on the balcony of restaurant. That moment has since placed Breaud in the mayo”s crosshairs, the subject of a temporary restraining order filed by Cantrell that alleged Breaud had been stalking her. Breaud sent her photos of Cantrell and Vappie to the Metropolitan Crime Commission, which filed a complaint raising new questions about Vappie’s conduct with the mayor:

Montana – Montana Commissioner Opens Complaints Against AG Candidates

Yahoo News – Darrell Ehrlick (Daily Montanan) | Published: 5/16/2024

The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices accepted two complaints that center on the Republican primary race for attorney general, including one involving current state Attorney General Austin Knudsen. The Daily Montanan that an audio recording appeared to capture Knudsen calling Montana’s campaign finance laws “ridiculous” and saying he asked a friend to run against him in the partisan primary as a way to raise more money.

New Hampshire – Democratic Operative Indicted Over Biden AI Robocalls in New Hampshire

MSN – Maegan Vazquez, Meryl Kornfield, and Hayden Godfrey (Washington Post) | Published: 5/23/2024

Steve Kramer, a Democratic operative who admitted to commissioning an artificial intelligence-generated robocall of President Biden that instructed New Hampshire voters to not vote early this year, is now facing criminal charges and federal fines. New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella announced Kramer had been indicted on charges of felony voter impression and misdemeanor impersonation of a candidate. The Federal Communications Commission said it would propose fining Kramer $6 million for violating the Truth in Caller ID Act.

New Jersey – Campaign Finance Watchdog Taps Top Lawyer to Helm Agency

New Jersey Monitor – Nikita Biryukov | Published: 5/21/2024

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) appointed Amanda Haines, its acting legal director, to head the campaign finance watchdog months after the retirement of its longtime executive director. Haines, who joined ELEC in 2005 as assistant legal counsel, will be the first woman to head the commission in its 51-year history.

New Jersey – Jersey City Ed Board Approves Ethics Charges Against Member Over Pro-Palestinian Slogan. Will State End Controversy?

Newark Star Ledger – Joshua Rosario (Jersey Journal) | Published: 5/15/2024

The Jersey City school board approved ethics charges against one of its members over a controversial pro-Palestinian slogan, and now it is asking the state to decide whether it is antisemitic hate speech or a peaceful rallying cry. While dozens of speakers during the public portion of the meeting were split on the meaning and intent of “From the rivers to the sea, Palestine will be free,” most of the board agreed Trustee Younass Barkouch should not have shouted the inflammatory phrase at a school board meeting in April.

New Mexico – Disclosure Rules Unclear for Commissioners Set to Decide on O&G Wastewater Rules

Source New Mexico – Danielle Prokop | Published: 5/23/2024

Changes for rules concerning New Mexico’s oil and gas wastewater are under consideration, but questions about how the people responsible for adopting those rules, specifically their personal business dealings, have taken the debate into murky waters. Environmental groups said failures to add financial disclosures and declare alleged conflicts-of-interest threaten a potential decision about a contentious proposal to expand uses for oil and gas wastewater.

New York – BOE Mails Paper Checks to State Legislative Candidates, Delaying Matching Funds

City & State New York – Rebecca Lewis | Published: 5/21/2024

The New York State Public Campaign Finance Board approved the first round of matching funds during a meeting on May 7, with an issuance date of May 13. But many candidates were left waiting for days, in some cases nearly a week, to receive their public money. Several of those candidates were surprised to learn the reason for that delay. They were expecting direct deposit but wound up receiving a paper check in the mail for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

New York – City Hall Aide Is Cooperating with Corruption Investigation into Adams

DNyuz – William Rashbaum, Dana Rubenstein, and Michael Rothfeld (New York Times) | Published: 5/20/2024

An aide to New York Mayor Eric Adams who served as his longtime liaison to the Turkish community has turned against him and is cooperating with the corruption investigation into Adams and his 2021 campaign. The cooperation of Rana Abbasova could represent a significant development in the broad corruption inquiry, which has focused in part on whether Adams’ campaign conspired with the Turkish government to funnel illegal foreign donations into campaign coffers, and whether Adams pressured Fire Department officials to sign off on a new high-rise Turkish consulate despite safety concerns.

New York – NYC Mayor Adams’ Involvement in Brother’s Charity Group Event Sparks Concerns Over Backdoor Donors

MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 5/22/2024

New York City Mayor Eric Adams appeared at a fundraiser for a new charity that aims to provide cultural programs for disadvantaged children. Angels Helpers NYC is the brainchild of the mayor’s brother, Bernard Adams, who is being paid $10,000 annually for his work, covered by private donations to the group. Bernard Adams’ involvement in the charity, along with the mayor’s participation in the gala, raised concern among watchdogs that wealthy players in the city will see giving to Angels Helpers as a legal backdoor for currying favor with the mayor.

New York – More Adams Administration Officials in Talks to Join Ex-Chief of Staff Frank Carone’s Lobbying Firm

New York Daily News – Chris Sommerfeldt | Published: 5/17/2024

Two more senior officials in New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration are in talks to join former chief of staff Frank Carone’s lobbying firm. If the officials come on board, Carone’s firm, which is actively lobbying both city and state government officials, will be employing five Adams administration alums.

North Carolina – GOP Candidate for NC Governor Blasts Public Spending as His Family Nonprofit Rakes in Taxpayer Funds

MSN – Brian Slodysko and Bill Barrow (Associated Press) | Published: 5/22/2024

In his bid to become North Carolina’s first Black governor, Republican Mark Robinson assails government safety net spending as a “plantation of welfare and victimhood” that has mired generations of Black people in “dependency” and poverty. But the lieutenant governor’s [political rise would not have been possible without it. Over the past decade, Robinson’s household has relied on income from Balanced Nutrition, a nonprofit founded by his wife that administered a free lunch program for children. The organization, funded entirely by taxpayers, has paid out at least $830,000 in salaries to Robinson and other members of his family.

Ohio – Ohio Lawmakers Won’t Pass Biden Ballot Fix, House Speaker Says

MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 5/21/2024

If President Biden is going to make it on the ballot in Ohio, it will not be because of the Republican-controlled state Legislature, according to House Speaker Jason Stephens. He said the push to fix the state law that is posing a barrier for the Democratic president has stalled out. “It’s a hyper political environment at this at this time of year and there are some Republicans who just didn’t want to vote on it. … I think there are other alternatives to it, so why create a stir that’s not necessary,” said Stephens.

Oregon – Republican Fundraisers Ran Afoul of Oregon Liquor Rules, Investigation Finds

MSN – Noelle Crombie (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 5/21/2024

The Columbia County Republican Central Committee violated state liquor regulations when it auctioned bottles of high-end bourbon, including Pappy Van Winkle, during fundraisers in 2022 and 2023, a state investigation found. The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission inquiry followed a media report that determined the rural political group’s Bourbon in the Barn events appeared to skirt state rules.

Oregon – Why the First Lady’s Involvement with a Big Pharmaceutical Company Is Noteworthy

Willamette Week – Nigel Jaquiss | Published: 5/22/2024

Oregon first lady Aimee Kotek Wilson arranged a meeting for representatives of Johnson & Johnson with Ebony Clarke, the state’s director of behavioral health. The Oregon Health Plan paid nearly $1.4 billion for prescription drugs last year. Gov. Tina Kotek’s staff has a rigorous process for vetting access to the governor and her top advisers. Emails show that when a request for a meeting or even a phone call comes in, there is a detailed evaluation process and often a formal memo. For the first lady, however, there was no such process.

Pennsylvania – Can Republicans Embrace Voting by Mail? Pennsylvania Offers a Test

DNyuz – Michael Wines (New York Times) | Published: 5/21/2024

Republican Party leaders in Pennsylvania have pledged to spend millions of dollars this year to promote voting by mail despite claiming for years, without evidence, that mailed votes are riddled with fraud. The national party is also pressing a pro-mail publicity campaign called “Bank Your Vote,” apparently after concluding that staking its candidates’ fates on a hefty Election Day turnout was not an optimal strategy.

Pennsylvania – Pa.’s Judges Must Reveal the Perks They Accept, but the Public Won’t Find Those Disclosures Online

Yahoo News – Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 5/20/2204

Every year, thousands of officials in state government must fill out reports by May 1 that disclose their sources of income, creditors, and business interests, as well as any gifts, hospitality, or other perks they accepted. Those reports are then made publicly searchable and available online. Pennsylvania’s judges, however, play by somewhat different rules.

South Carolina – Supreme Court Allows Disputed South Carolina Voting Map

MSN – Patrick Marley and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/23/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the use of a South Carolina congressional map that a lower court said “exiled” thousands of Black voters to carve out a district safer for a White Republican incumbent. At issue for the court was whether South Carolina’s new map, which was created by the GOP-led Legislature and moved Black voters from one district to another, was permitted to bolster the Republican majority or was an unconstitutional effort to divvy up voters by race. The conservative majority sent the case back to the lower court, giving Republicans a victory by finding it erred when it determined race predominated the map-drawing process.

Tennessee – Concerns Over Free Speech Grow as Abortion Travel Ban Heads to Tennessee Governor’s Desk

MSN – Angele Latham (Nashville Tennessean) | Published: 5/16/2024

Some free speech advocates are raising the alarm over wording in a new Tennessee bill that could potentially restrict a person’s right to speak about abortion health care. The law, passed by state lawmakers this year, makes it a felony to recruit or transport a minor for an illegal abortion without parental consent. It closely mirrors a recent law passed in Idaho, which a federal judge halted on First Amendment grounds.

Washington – Prominent Seattle Lobbying Firm Exits Bankruptcy, Cuts CEO’s Pay

Seattle Times – Jim Brunner | Published: 5/20/2024

A major Seattle lobbying and public affairs firm wrapped up its bankruptcy with a reorganization that will pay off debtors, including $6 million owed to its estranged former co-founder. Strategies 360 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November, a move prompted by a rancorous financial dispute between Chief Executive Officer Ron Dotzauer and his ex-business partner Eric Sorenson.

Washington – Tanya Woo Should Recuse from Minimum Wage Vote, Ethics Head Says

Seattle Times – David Kroman | Published: 5/20/2024

When the Seattle City Council votes on a new, lower pay standard for app-based delivery drivers, Councilperson Tanya Woo should recuse herself, said Wayne Barnett, director of the Ethics and Elections Commission The reason is that Woo’s father-in-law owns Kau Kau BBQ and uses delivery apps, giving Woo’s family a possible financial stake in the vote. “For me, that’s just too close,” Barnett said.

National/Federal

A White-Collar Indictment Shatters a Congressman’s Blue-Collar Image

DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel and Kitty Bennett (New York Times) | Published: 5/13/2024

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar has often reminisced about growing up in Laredo, Texas, where his parents, one-time migrant workers, raised him and his seven siblings to value hard work and beware the dangers of debt. He and his wife have now been criminally charged for accepting at least $598,000 over from a Mexican bank and an oil company owned by the Azerbaijani government. Members of Congress are often invited to exclusive clubs and functions by donors, wealthy colleagues, and lobbyists. The lure can be harder to resist for the relatively small group of politicians from humble backgrounds who sometimes struggle to make ends meet.

Democrats Aim for a Breakthrough for Black Women in the Senate

DNyuz – Jonathan Weisman (New York Times) | Published: 5/16/2024

The national Democratic Party has faced criticism that it has declined to back Black women to the hilt, either in primaries or general elections, when they have run for statewide offices. Out of 75 Black women who have run or are running for the U.S Senate since 2010, 10 have secured major-party nominations. No Black woman has ever been elected governor, and out of the 28 who have run for the position since 2010, only four have become major-party nominees.

‘Mom’ Legislators See Their Numbers, Influence Grow but Barriers to Elected Office Remain

Louisiana Illuminator – States Newsroom | Published: 5/12/2024

The number of women serving in state Legislatures has more than quintupled since 1971, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. Nearly 33 percent of the 7,386 state legislative seats are occupied by 2,432 women, the center reported. The Vote Mama Foundation estimates 23 percent of lawmakers are mothers. Still, moms are struggling to get elected and remain in office. Beyond childcare, there are myriad impediments.

House Ethics Panel Probing Troy Nehls’s Campaign Rent Payments

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 5/10/2024

The House Committee on Ethics announced it would further probe allegations that U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls may have misused campaign funds for personal purposes. Despite Nehls’ campaign committee listing its headquarters as “Freedom Hall,” in Richmond, Texas, it made no rent payments to that location, which was formerly a bar and later became an Islamic center. Instead, the Office of Congressional Ethics found the campaign made more than $25,000 in rent payments to an entity known as Liberty 1776 that is owned and operated by Nehls.

Biden and Trump Agree to CNN Debate in June, ABC Faceoff in September

MSN – Michael Scherer and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 5/15/2024

President Biden and Donald Trump agreed to a June 27 debate on CNN and a September 10 debate broadcast by ABC News, hours after Biden announced he would bypass the decades-old tradition of three fall meetings organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The first debate will be held after the expected conclusion of Trump’s New York trial. The CNN debate will be conducted without a live audience and is open to any presidential candidate who consistently polls above 15 percent in approved public surveys and is on enough state ballots to win a majority of electoral college votes.

Steve Bannon’s Bid to Undo Jan. 6 Contempt Conviction Fails

MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 5/10/2024

Former Trump adviser Stephen Bannon was rightfully convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to testify in front of the committee that investigated the Capitol attack, an appellate court ruled. The court did not immediately order Bannon to begin serving his four-month prison sentence; instead, he has seven days to ask for reconsideration at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Bannon maintains he was following legal advice in refusing to cooperate with the committee.

Sen. Bob Menendez’s Trial, Where Gold Bars May Shine, Begins Monday

MSN – Salvador Rizzo (Washington Post) | Published: 5/12/2024

Sen. Bob Menendez is on for the second time in a decade on federal charges he used his position and influence to benefit a trio of businesspeople who were plying him with luxury gifts. Menendez’s previous corruption case featured similar bribery allegations but ended in 2017 with a deadlocked jury. This time, experts say the once-powerful chair of the Foreign Relations Committee faces a tougher task: convincing jurors he legally obtained the gold bars, cash, convertible, and other items seized from his home in 2022.

Justice Clarence Thomas Calls Criticism of Him ‘Nastiness’ and Lies’

MSN – Justin Jouvenal, Tobi Raji, and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/10/2024

After facing harsh questions about his judicial decisions and acceptance of lavish gifts from a billionaire, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas pushed back at his critics, saying he and his wife, Virginia Thomas, have endured “nastiness” and “lies.”  Thomas’s remarks were markedly different in tone from an earlier public appearance by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who said consistency, transparency, and mutual respect are the keys to improving public trust in the judiciary.

Federal Prosecutors Reissue Criminal Charges Against Ex-Rep. Jeff Fortenberry

Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 5/9/2024

Federal prosecutors charged former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry in the District of Columbia for allegedly lying to investigators in connection with a campaign finance probe of a foreign billionaire’s political contributions. Fortenberry was convicted of the same charges in Los Angeles in 2022, but an appeals court reversed the conviction, determining the case should have been brought in either the then-lawmaker’s Nebraska district or in Washington.

Felons or Dupes? Treatment of Trump’s Fake Electors Has Varied Wildly by State

Yahoo News – Betsy Woodruff Swan and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 5/11/2024

Eighty-four Republicans in seven states falsely claimed to be Donald Trump’s presidential electors in December 2020. Now, dozens of them are facing criminal charges that could land them in prison for years. Dozens of others have not been charged at all. Even though the fake electors all participated in the same scheme, some have been charged as dangerous criminals while others have been treated as mere dupes. These disparities depend almost entirely on where they live.

House Ethics Panel Subpoenas DOJ for Gaetz Records

Yahoo News – Jordain Carney (Politico) | Published: 5/16/2024

The House Committee on Ethics subpoenaed the Justice Department for information tied to the panel’s ongoing investigation into U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a person familiar with the congressional investigation said. House investigators demanded documents and other records to assist with their ongoing ethics investigation into allegations that Gaetz had sexual contact with a minor. The Justice Department closed its investigation of Gaetz without filing charges.

From the States and Municipalities

Europe – New EU Ethics Body Adopted – but Will Have No Investigative Powers

EUobserver – Nikolaj Nielsen | Published: 5/16/2024

A new European Union (EU) ethics body was formed to curtail scandals and keep the EU institutions free from corruption. But years of debate and opposition by some have soured its initial ambitions, leaving the body without any investigative powers. The latest iteration will not cover the European Council or the activities and officials of the member state holding the EU’s six-month rotating presidency.

Arizona – Ethics Panel Mulls GOP Complaint That Dems Committed ‘Insurrection’ by Protesting on the Floor

Arizona Mirror – Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Published: 5/15/2024

During a contentious ethics committee hearing, Republican lawmakers accused two Democrats who protested on the floor of the Arizona House after their GOP colleagues avoided repealing a century old abortion law of inciting a riot and making others fear for their safety. Committee Chairperson Joseph Chaplik dismissed arguments that the Democratic lawmakers were simply reacting passionately, saying lawmakers are passionate about many proposals and the chamber’s rules exist to bar the kind of “chaos” that occurred.

California – Ethics Reform Measure Will Go to L.A. Voters. Critics Say It’s Watered Down

MSN – Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 5/15/2024

Los Angeles voters in November will weigh in on a ballot measure that would strengthen the city’s ethics oversight after a string of scandals at City Hall. Watchdog groups were disappointed, saying the measure does not go far enough after the city council watered down a proposal that had included more sweeping changes, such as giving the volunteer Ethics Commission unilateral power to put items on the ballot.

California – California Lawmakers Keep Killing Bills by Not Voting on Them. Do the Rules Need to Change?

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 5/9/2024

Not voting is a common practice for California legislators. Last year, at least 15 bills died due to lack of votes instead of lawmakers voting “no” to kill them. So far this year, at least 12 bills have died because lawmakers declined to vote. Insiders say it is a way for lawmakers to be polite to colleagues and perhaps avoid a “no” vote on their own legislation. But critics say it is also a way for lawmakers to dodge responsibility for their decisions.

Colorado – Why Pueblo’s Mayor Allowed a Lobbyist to Write an Opinion for Her (and May Do So Again)

Pueblo Chieftan – Anna Lynn Winfrey | Published: 5/16/2024

Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham submitted similar opinion pieces to two Colorado newspapers but she did not write them herself. A lobbyist working for Evraz, the company that owns Pueblo’s steel mill and is one of the city’s largest employers, penned the op-ed as part of an advocacy push to defeat some bills introduced. at the state Legislature that business leaders said could hurt Pueblo.

Florida – DeSantis Clears Some Ethics Cases After 2 Years, but Others Still Languish

MSN – Skyler Swisher (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 5/10/2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis cleared part of a backlog of ethics orders punishing the misdeeds of Florida politicians that politicians piled up over two years of inaction, but some high-profile cases are still languishing. DeSantis quietly signed 17 orders in October and November imposing fines and penalties for violations of the state’s ethics code, shortly after an Orlando Sentinel report highlighted dozens of cases awaiting his signature. The orders were only recently posted on the governor’s website.

Hawaii – New Maui Ethics Board Member Instructed Not to Participate Due to Legal Dispute

Honolulu Civil Beat – Brittany Lyte | Published: 5/8/2024

Weakened by numerous vacancies and a shortage of resources to prosecute ethics violations, Maui County’s short-handed Board of Ethics could soon get a badly needed boost from new membership. But the recent appointment of Chivo Ching-Johnson is effectively on hold pending the resolution of a legal dispute over the process by which the county selected nominees to serve on a number of boards and commissions.

Idaho – ‘We Are Paying Attention’: Idaho Secretary of State sees influx of campaign finance complaints

Idaho Capital Sun – Mia Maldonado | Published: 5/16/2024

Idaho legislative candidates have more than doubled the amount of money raised toward their campaigns than the 2022 election. With more money coming into campaigns this year, more than 60 campaign finance complaints have been filed with his office, Secretary of State Phil McGrane said. “It’s important for the public to know that we are paying attention and enforcing these rules,” he said.

Idaho – Idaho State Police Warned Media Outlet That Publishing Its Story Might Violate Idaho Law

Yahoo News – Daniel Walters (InvestigativeWest) | Published: 5/14/2024

InvestigateWest published a story about a secret recording of a nearly two-hour conversation between Idaho Rep. Heather Scott and lobbyist Maria Nate. A copy of the recording had been provided to the news outlet by a third party. InvestigateWest later got a call from Idaho State Police Detective Sean Walker, who said he believed the recording may have been made illegally. Then, he read a state law suggesting if InvestigateWest wrote about the contents of a recording it knew had been illegally made, it could violate Idaho’s communications security laws, a crime punishable by up to five years in state prison.

Illinois – Illinois Democrats’ Law Changing the Choosing of Legislative Candidates Faces GOP Opposition

MSN – John O’Connor (Associated Press) | Published: 5/8/2024

Illinois Democrats changed the way candidates for the General Assembly get on the ballot. Republicans are complaining they changed the rules mid-game. The Legislature’s majority party speedily made the change by introducing the proposal, shepherding it through votes of approval by the House and Senate, and securing the governor’s signature within 30 hours. The law, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker hailed as an ethics update, eliminates the drafting of legislative candidates by local political parties without putting them through primary elections.

Illinois – Chicago Ethics Board Wants Fines and Suspensions for Lobbyists Who Give Money to Mayoral Candidates

WBEZ – Tessa Weinberg | Published: 5/14/2024

The Chicago Board of Ethics wants a law on the books that allows it to fine and even temporarily suspend lobbyists if they contribute to a mayor’s campaign in violation of a decade-old ethics rule. The board recommended that the city council update the ethics ordinance to give enforcement teeth to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s 2011 executive order that bars lobbyists from donating to a mayor’s political committees.

Illinois – ‘We’re on the Friends and Family Plan Now’: New details emerge in alleged AT&T scheme to bribe House speaker

Yahoo News – Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 5/13/2024

Former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza will stand trial on charges he approved a scheme to funnel payments to an associate of then-House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for the speaker’s help passing legislation important to the company. A recent court filing alleged for the first time that Madigan was directly involved in legislation that allowed companies such as AT&T to put up micro-towers on light poles and elsewhere in public rights-of-way. Madigan helped to advance the bill and helped defeat an amendment to the legislation that would have been harmful to AT&T’s interests, according to prosecutors.

Kansas – ‘I Didn’t Say It Was Valid’: Johnson County sheriff admits he didn’t have signed warrant

Yahoo News – Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/9/2024

Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden acknowledged no judge signed off on seizing old ballots in his long-running elections investigation after he falsely said he had a “search warrant in hand.” The admission came after Hayden, a Republican in a competitive race for reelection, in April accused county Election Commissioner Fred Sherman and other officials of rushing to destroy old ballots from several past elections, suggesting they were attempting to eliminate evidence just as the sheriff was on the verge of obtaining a search warrant for them.

Louisiana – Gov. Jeff Landry, in Dispute with State Ethics Board, Might Gain More Control Over Its Members

Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 5/15/2024

Gov. Jeff Landry has yet to resolve a months-long dispute with the Louisiana Board of Ethics for failing to disclose private flights he took to Hawaii on a campaign donor’s plane.  Now, state lawmakers may give Landry more control over the board that seeks to discipline him. Senate Bill 497 would give the governor direct control over who fills the majority of the ethics board seats. It would go into effect August 1.

Louisiana – Supreme Court Restores Louisiana Voting Map with Majority-Black District

MSN – Patrick Marley, Justin Jouvenal, and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/15/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court restored a congressional voting map in Louisiana that includes an additional majority-Black district, handing a victory to Democrats less than six months before the November election.  The order was in response to emergency appeals filed after a federal three-judge panel in the state threw out the recently redrawn map, ruling it was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

Michigan – Michigan Lawyer Seeks Ruling on Lobbyist-Gifted Tickets After News Investigation

Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 5/15/2024

Michigan law bars registered lobbyists from providing legislators with gifts valued at more than $76, but The Detroit News reported lobbyists have found ways around the prohibition. One of their main strategies has been securing tickets to events for lawmakers and then asking the lawmakers, through private letters later, to reimburse the price of the tickets over $76. Bob LaBrant, the former general counsel for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, asked Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to rule on whether the system is legal.

Missouri – Missouri Ethics Agency Clears Some Officials to Spend Taxpayer Money on Election Campaigns

Yahoo News – Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/14/2024

The Missouri Ethics Commission gave tacit approval for some public officials to spend taxpayer dollars on election campaigns, a decision spurring fears of a new “wild west” in election spending. For decades, the state has prohibited the direct use of public funds to support or oppose any ballot measure or candidate. But following a 2021 change in the law, the ethics panel is now interpreting the ban in a way that excludes fire districts, hospital districts, water districts, and other special districts that comprise some of the smallest units of government.

Montana – Knudsen Calls Laws ‘Ridiculous’ and Says He Got Opponent to Run So He Could Raise More Money

Daily Montanan – Darrell Ehrlick | Published: 5/14/2024

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said he had put a friend and fellow Republican up to running against him in his bid for re-election to raise more money and he believes state law is “ridiculous,” according to a recording that captured part of his remarks. Those remarks may have given audience members more than information about the race for the top law enforcement officer in the state. They may have provided the basis for several campaign violations.

New York – Appellate Court Sides with Cuomo, Ruling Ethics Panel Is Unconstitutional

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 5/9/2024

The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government was created unconstitutionally, an appeals court said in a ruling in favor of former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He is fighting an attempt by the agency to force him to forfeit $5 million he got for writing a book about his administration’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cuomo’s attorneys argued since most of the appointees to the commission were nominated by the Legislature, comptroller, and attorney general, it violates the separation of powers doctrine.

North Dakota – Judge Orders Community Service, Fine for North Dakota Lawmaker Tied to Building Controversy

MSN – Jack Dura (Associated Press) | Published: 5/9/2024

North Dakota Rep. Jason Dockter was ordered to serve 250 hours of community service and pay a $2,500 fine after he was convicted of a misdemeanor in connection with a state-leased building he has an ownership stake in. Dockter is a co-owner of companies that own the building leased by the late Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. Dockter has denied any wrongdoing in the lease arrangement. The building drew scrutiny when Stenehjem’s successor disclosed a construction cost overrun of over $1 million incurred under Stenehjem.

Ohio – Did Jury in P.G. Sittenfeld Case Get It Wrong? Ex-Councilman Hopes Appeals Court Frees Him from Prison

WCPO – Paula Christian | Published: 5/9/2024

Attorneys for former Cincinnati City Councilperson P.G. Sittenfeld asked a three-judge panel of the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to throw out his public corruption. He is serving a 16-month sentence for bribery and attempted extortion. Sittenfeld has maintained he did nothing illegal by accepting $20,000 in campaign donations from undercover FBI agents who were posing as developers and championing their project to redevelop a blighted property into a boutique hotel because he was a pro-development politician.

Oregon – No Criminal Charges for OLCC Managers Who Set Aside Rare Bourbon for Themselves, State Says

MSN – Noelle Crombie (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 5/13/2024

The state Department of Justice said it would not pursue criminal charges against the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) director and other managers who used their positions to access prized Kentucky bourbon. The Justice Department’s investigators were not able to locate anyone who could identify specific OLCC employees who had completed particular purchases. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Udland emphasized the agency limited its review to possible crimes and did not “separately address whether the conduct of any OLCC employee violated Oregon’s civil ethics laws.”

Pennsylvania – Ousted Head of Philly Health Care Workers’ Union Charged with Stealing to Illegally Support Democratic Campaigns

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 5/14/2024

Prosecutors say Chris Woods, former head of District 1199C of the National Union of Hospital and Healthcare Employees, illegally supported candidates in Philadelphia’s 2019 Democratic primary with union funds. Woods stole more than $150,000 from his members to use in the election. He disguised the missing money as payments to renovate the bar in his union’s headquarters. Instead, grand jurors found, the funds went to pay a political consultant, who handled get-out-the-vote efforts for several candidates that Woods and his union endorsed.

Pennsylvania – Super Bowl Tickets, Luxury Resort Stay Among Perks Pa. Lawmakers Accepted in 2023

Yahoo News – Stephen Caruso and Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 5/13/2024

Pennsylvania’s gift law is one of the loosest in the country. Public officials can accept gifts of any size, as long as they report those that meet a certain threshold. The law does bar lawmakers from taking gifts if doing so will influence their votes and positions. Under both chambers’ ethics rules, lawmakers are also barred from accepting cash gifts from a lobbyist or anyone else seeking a specific legislative outcome. But watchdogs have lamented that there are few ways to enforce these rules.

Vermont – Vermont Legislature Passes Bill to Create Uniform Ethical Standards in Local Government

VTDigger.org – Shaun Robinson | Published: 5/10/2024

Vermont lawmakers passed a bill that would create new uniform ethical standards for many local government officials, a change proponents said is long overdue. It would establish a “municipal code of ethics” that is similar to one for state officials that went into effect two years ago. The new code would set baseline standards for cities, towns, and villages to adopt around conflicts-of-interest, preferential treatment, gifts, and other potential issues.

Washington – Why One Man Filed 800 Campaign Finance Complaints Against WA Candidates

Centralia Daily Chronicle – Jim Brunner (Seattle Times) | Published: 5/9/2024

Conner Edwards has filed more than 800 complaints with the Washington Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) against candidates and political committees since late last year. Despite the state’s image as a leader in campaign finance transparency, he says the PDC is failing to crack down when campaigns do not file important reports detailing who is giving them money and how it is spent. PDC staff defended its work and said Edwards is making a mountainous caseload for the agency over a relative molehill of offenses by mostly small-dollar campaigns.

Washington – Ethics Commission Looks into Possible Conflict of Interest on Seattle City Council Vote

KNKX – Lilly Ana Fowler | Published: 5/14/2024

The Seattle City Council will vote on legislation that would roll back a law that mandates delivery drivers for DoorDash and other app companies make the equivalent of the city’s minimum wage. The Ethics and Elections Commission is now looking into whether city council President Sara Nelson has a conflict-of-interest. Nelson recently sold Fremont Brewing to Seattle Hospitality Group, one of the state’s largest hospitality companies.

West Virginia – Incumbent Tops Primary Candidate Who Filmed Himself in the Capitol on Jan. 6

MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 5/14/2024

U.S. Rep. Carol Miller won the Republican primary in West Virginia’s First Congressional District, defeating Derrick Evans, a former state lawmaker who served three months in prison after pleading guilty to a felony for participating in the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Miller voted against certifying election results from some states on January 6, 2021.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin’s Top Court Signals It Will Reinstate Ballot Drop Boxes

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 5/13/2024

Liberals who control the Wisconsin Supreme Court signaled they were prepared to overturn a two-year-old decision that banned absentee ballot drop boxes and allow them for the 2024 election. The justices’ comments during oral arguments offered the latest sign the liberal majority is prepared to change policies that conservatives put in place during their 15 years controlling the court in one of the country’s most important swing states.

National/Federal

Candidates for Federal Office Can Raise Unlimited Funds for Ballot Measures

DNyuz – Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 5/5/2024

The FEC issued an advisory opinion allowing candidates to raise unlimited money for issue-advocacy groups working on ballot measures in elections in which those candidates are on the ballot. The opinion could alter the landscape in the fall in terms of the capacity that candidates aligned with these groups have to help them raise money.

Noem Dog Shooting Sparks Congressional Dog Lovers Caucus

MSN – Mia McCarthy (Politico) | Published: 5/3/2024

A bipartisan group of lawmakers launched the Congressional Dog Lovers Caucus, less than a week after South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s killing of her dog disgusted Democrats and Republicans alike. “Given recent dog-related news, it’s evident that both sides of the aisle reject animal cruelty and support protecting man’s best friend,” U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz said.

Congresswoman Battling Brain Disorder Delivers House Speech Using a Text-to-Voice App

MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 5/6/2024

U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton stepped to the microphone on the House floor recently to speak about one of her latest pieces of legislation, as she has done many times before during her five years in Congress. But the voice that gave the speech was not hers – it was from a text-to-voice application, an assistive device she uses to help her navigate a degenerative brain condition with which she was diagnosed last year.

Congressman: Racist trope not ‘focal point’ of video he shared of Ole Miss counterprotesters

MSN – Maegan Vazquez and Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) | Published: 5/6/2024

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins denounced racism and discrimination several days after he shared a video of counter-protesters at the University of Mississippi that included a shot of one participant making apelike gestures and noises in front of a Black woman. The move came after Collins shared a video of counter-protesters shouting down pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the campus while praising the actions as “Ole Miss taking care of business.”

Judge Indefinitely Delays Trump’s Classified Documents Trial in Florida

MSN – Perry Stein and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 5/7/2024

Donald Trump’s trial for allegedly mishandling classified documents and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them has been pushed back indefinitely, U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon ruled, increasing the chance the former president’s ongoing New York criminal trial may be the only one to happen before the November election. Cannon had originally set the trial date for late May, but that has seemed unlikely for months, with the judge still needing to make decisions on a number of key legal issues before a jury can hear the case.

Greene Booed as Republicans Turn on Her Over Bid to Oust Speaker Johnson

MSN – Paul Kane, Maegan Vazquez, Marianna Sotomayor, Mariana Alfaro, and Theodoric Meyer (Washington Post) | Published: 5/8/2024

They heckled her and shouted boos as she rose to speak, and some hissed at her – and those were the voices from the same side of the aisle as U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. She tried to oust Speaker Mike Johnson from leadership, but Republicans overwhelmingly opposed her bid. That effort proved to be the final straw for many of her GOP colleagues who have expressed a growing distaste for her antics during her three years in Congress. It even led to a rare admonishment by Donald Trump.

Rep. Henry Cuellar Accused of Taking Bribes from Azerbaijan, Mexican Bank

MSN – Perry Stein and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 5/3/2024

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife were indicted on conspiracy and bribery charges in connection with a Department of Justice probe into ties between American business leaders and the former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan. The indictment accuses Cuellar and wife Imelda Cuellar of accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan-controlled energy company and a bank in Mexico from 2014 to 2021, in exchange for Rep. Cuellar advancing the interests of the country and the bank in the U.S.

Major Corporations Reluctant to Make a Splash at the 2024 Political Conventions

MSN – Amanda Terkel and Brian Schwartz (CNBC), and Natasha Korecki (NBC) | Published: 5/3/2024

Some corporations may not be sponsors at this summer’s political conventions. NBC News interviewed more than 15 major corporate fundraisers and consultants with corporate clients. Many expressed concerns over a charged political climate that they worry could backfire on their brand or where an investment would not pay off. Some said they feared being tied to Donald Trump, given the litany of criminal charges against the former president. Others said the environment is too fragile, given the unrest exploding at college campuses across the country.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Legislation to Change Alabama Ethics Law Dies in Committee

Yahoo News – Ralph Chapoco (Alabama Reflector) | Published: 5/8/2024

A push to change Alabama’s ethics laws for elected officials died in a Senate committee, with supporters saying they would try to bring legislation back next year. The bill was the latest attempt to address a series of changes made to the state’s ethics laws in 2010. The changes, pushed through by what were then new Republican majorities in the House and Senate, were touted at the time as the strongest ethics laws in the nation.

Alaska – Report: Internal emails at Alaska Permanent Fund show financial manager raising ethical concerns about fund’s vice chair

Yahoo Finance – Alex DeMarban (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 5/6/2024

A top financial manager with the $80 billion Alaska Permanent Fund in emails raised concerns about efforts by the fund’s vice chairperson to set up meetings between Permanent Fund staff and business associates or companies with ties to a company she owns. Marcus Frampton, the fund’s chief executive officer, asserts in the emails that Ellie Rubenstein, vice chair of the fund’s board of trustees, has conflicts that involve business associates with ties to Manna Tree Partners, her private equity firm.

Arizona – Arizona Legislature Challenges Campaign Spending Law in Appeals Court

Courthouse News Service – Joe Duhownik | Published: 5/7/2024

Legislative leaders appeared before the state Court of Appeals to challenge a voter-backed campaign finance disclosure law they say violates the Arizona Constitution. Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma, both Republicans, say Proposition 211 takes rulemaking authority away from the Legislature delegates too much authority to the Arizona Clean Elections Commission, an agency of the executive branch.

Arizona – In Arizona, Election Workers Trained with Deepfakes to Prepare for 2024

MSN – Sarah Ellison and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 5/8/2024

Over two days, the election workers in Arizona maneuvered through a training exercise involving the kinds of attacks generated by artificial intelligence they might face in this politically competitive state during the coming election cycle. They tackled situations that plunged them into AI-generated scenarios ranging from law enforcement operations to attempts to infiltrate technology systems.

Arizona – Dem Lawmakers Say Ethics Complaints Over Abortion Ban Repeal Outburst Should Be Thrown Out

Yahoo News – Gloria Rebecca Gomez (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 5/6/2024

The ethics complaints lodged against two Democratic lawmakers for protesting Arizona Republicans’ refusal to repeal a near-total abortion ban should be thrown out, according to the duo’s attorney. Democrats in the state House pushed for a vote to repeal the1864 law. After the GOP-majority chose instead to block that move, Democrats in the chamber erupted into shouts of “Shame!”, “Save women’s lives!” and “Blood on your hands!”, while pointing and waving at Republican lawmakers across the aisle, most of whom quickly filed out through a side door.

District of Columbia – D.C. Court Temporarily Suspends Trump Lawyer John Eastman’s Law License

MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 5/4/2024

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals suspended John Eastman’s law license after a similar decision in California, which did so over his role in a legal strategy to help Donald Trump stay in power after his 2020 election loss. Eastman also faces potential disbarment in the District of Columbia.; that challenge to his license is on hold during the California litigation.

Florida – Miami Mayor Subpoenaed to Testify in SEC’s Case Against Developer Who Paid Him

Yahoo Finance – Jay Weaver, Tess Riski, Sarah Blaskey, and Joey Flechas (Miami Herald) | Published: 5/6/2024

When the Securities and Exchange Commission sued developer Rishi Kapoor, accusing him of defrauding investors in his real estate projects, the lawsuit made no mention of his company’s consulting agreement with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. But Suarez was compelled under subpoena to give a sworn statement related to the Kapoor case. The Miami Herald has reported the mayor received a $10,000 monthly retainer and was also promised commissions if he helped woo investors, find real estate, and secure financing for Kapoor’s projects in Miami and elsewhere.

Georgia – Georgia Court to Hear Trump Appeal Seeking to Disqualify Fani Willis

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 5/8/2024

A Georgia appellate court agreed to hear Donald Trump’s appeal of a state court ruling allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting the election interference case against the former president and several allies, making it increasingly unlikely the case will go to trial before the November election. The timing of when the case might be taken up by the appellate court was unclear though it likely would not be until late summer at the earliest, with a ruling expected late this year or early next.

Georgia – Georgia Court Candidate Sues to Block Ethics Rules So He Can Keep Campaigning on Abortion

MSN – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 5/6/2024

Former U.S. Rep. John Barrow, who is running for the Georgia Supreme Court, filed a federal lawsuit claiming a state agency is unconstitutionally trying to block him from talking about abortion. Among the rules the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission complaint alleges Barrow is violating is one that bars candidates from making commitments about how they will rule on issues that are likely to come before the court.

Georgia – With 2024 Presidential Contest Looming, Georgia Governor Signs New Election Changes into Law

Yahoo News – Jeff Amy and Sudhin Thanawala (Associated Press) | Published: 5/7/2024

Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation that makes additional changes to Georgia’s election laws ahead of the 2024 presidential contest in the battleground state, including defining probable causes for removing voters from the rolls when their eligibility is challenged. The bill lists death, evidence of voting or registering in another jurisdiction, a tax exemption indicating a primary residence elsewhere, or a nonresidential address as probable causes for removing voters from the rolls. Opponents said the changes would enable more baseless attacks on voters that would overwhelm election administrators and disenfranchise legitimate voters.

Hawaii – Lessons For Hawaii: Other states have strong pay-to-play laws

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 5/5/2024

Hawaii banned contractors from donating to campaigns in 2005, but media analysis found that a loophole applying that ban only to corporate entities and not officers or family members has allowed more than $24 million from people tied to contractors to flow to local campaign coffers. Recent attempts by the Legislature to close that loophole have failed, although some lawmakers and watchdog groups say they plan to examine new “pay-to-play” proposals in light of the findings.

Hawaii – Campaign Spending Commission Fines Kaniela Ing Another $18,000

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 5/8/2024

The Campaign Spending Commission fined former Hawaii Rep. Kaniela Ing $18,000 for failing to make records available to the commission and falsifying nearly two dozen campaign finance reports during his time as a state representative from 2012 to 2018. Ing was previously fined and has since paid $20,000 for campaign spending violations in 2018 over misfiled reports. These new charges stem from additional violations that commission staff say they found in Ing’s revised reports.

Louisiana – Judges Say They’ll Draw New Louisiana Election Map If Lawmakers Don’t by June 3

Yahoo News – Kevin McGill (Associated Press) | Published: 5/7/2024

A panel of federal judges who recently threw out a congressional election map giving Louisiana a second mostly Black district said the Legislature must pass a new map by June 3 or face having the panel impose one on the state. But voting rights advocates and Attorney General Liz Murrill said they would take an appeal in defense of the new map to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Maryland – Former Baltimore Mayoral Candidate Thiru Vignarajah Must Return Unspent Public Funds

MSN – Emily Opilo and Hannah Gaskill (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 5/8/2024

Baltimore mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah will need to return his campaign funds that were unspent at the time of his withdrawal from the race. Vignarajah, who qualified for the funds by raising small-dollar contributions from hundreds of donors, received $668,881 in public money. Questions remain however about whether the four-time candidate for public office should return all of the public money he received, not just the unspent funds.

Massachusetts – MassGOP Blasts Wu’s Holiday Party Spending: ‘Blatant disregard for public finance rules’

MSN – Gayla Cawley (Boston Herald) | Published: 5/8/2024

The Massachusetts Republican Party is calling for an investigation into Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s “clear-cut violation” of public finance rules in mixing campaign funds and City Hall resources for a private holiday party. The GOP also said campaign finance regulations prohibit elected officials from leveraging public resources for campaign endeavors, which, it asserts, the holiday party became when the mayor opted to dip into her $1.4 million campaign account.

Massachusetts – AI, Deepfakes and Political Campaigns: Mass. lawmakers look to set some rules

MSN – Kinga Borondy (Worcester Telegram & Gazette) | Published: 5/7/2024

Concern over the possible use of computer-generated images and sound recordings that could confuse and alienate voters prompted Massachusetts lawmakers to consider a bill that would require any artificial intelligence (AI)-generated campaign material to carry a warning label. The bill would ban the use of synthetic media in the 90 days preceding an election without disclosing that the material had been manipulated or generated by AI.

Massachusetts – Potential Conflicts of Interest Widespread at Mass. Special Ed Schools

WBUR – Patrick Madden | Published: 5/6/2024

Among the schools that Massachusetts approves to teach students with special needs, there are widespread potential conflicts-of-interest, from family hires to deals with board members. Of the 76 organizations, a media investigation found nearly three-quarters awarded contracts and jobs to relatives of school leaders or board members from 2019 to 2023. In some cases, the leaders or board members landed their own deals.

Minnesota – Ethics Panel Says Sen. Gruenhagen Should Be Instructed on How to Send Emails to Colleagues

MSN – Rochelle Olson (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 5/8/2024

State Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen should receive instruction by Republican leaders on how to appropriately email his colleagues, an ethics subcommittee said. Sen. Erin Maye Quade filed a complaint over a Gruenhagen email linking to a video of male to female gender-affirming surgery, saying it made her uncomfortable and violated Senate norms. In a lengthy hearing, Gruenhagen said he was trying to educate his colleagues about an upcoming bill.

Minnesota – Senate Ethics Panel Deadlocks on Mitchell Complaint; Next Meeting Will Follow June Court Date

MSN – Alex Derosier (St. Paul Pioneer Press) | Published: 5/7/2024

Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell did not answer any questions about her felony burglary charge from a Senate ethics panel with her attorney decrying the investigation as a “witch hunt.” Mitchell allegedly broke into her stepmother’s home in April. Her attorney said the criminal case should be resolved before lawmakers investigate ethics violations. Senate Republicans have been calling for Mitchell’s resignation following her arrest and filed an ethics complaint citing the felony charges.

Missouri – In This Missouri County, Republicans Go to ‘War’ Over Who Can Run as a Republican

Yahoo News – Eric Adler (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/6/2024

No one blinks when Republicans and Democrats go to battle with each other. But eyebrows and tempers rise when the fight turns inward. That is what is happening now in rural Vernon County, Missouri, where the county’s Republican Committee is headed to court against the county clerk, a Republican, over who determines who runs for office and call themselves a Republican.

Missouri – County Official Who Put Stadium Tax on Ballot Sought Suite Tickets as Talks Were in Play

Yahoo News – Mike Hendricks (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/6/2024

As the Kansas City Royals and Jackson County began formal negotiations for taxpayer support of a $1 billion ballpark last June, the chairperson of the county Legislature asked a top team executive for a personal favor. “Hi Adam,” legislator DaRon McGee’s email began to Adam Sachs, the team’s the chief legal counsel and point man on the stadium issue. “Is it possible (to) get 4 suite tickets for Saturday’s game?”

New Hampshire – In New Hampshire Governor’s Race, Some Finance Reports Are Clearer Than Others

New Hampshire Bulletin – Ethan DeWitt | Published: 5/8/2024

New Hampshire’s online campaign finance system was designed to provide the public a clear window into who is donating to campaigns and how candidates are spending that money. The process is meant to save candidates time and effort as well, sparing them the possibility that their paper submissions are out of compliance because of small technicalities. But the system is voluntary, and most have opted to use the paper filing option. To some observers, the lack of rules around legibility incentivizes campaigns to make their filings as difficult to read as possible.

New Mexico – With City Ethics Review Underway, Critics Try to Unmask ‘Jay Baker’

Yahoo News – Carina Julig (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 4/27/2024

Jay Baker is Santa Fe’s pseudonymous critic who posts on Facebook under a Guy Fawkes mask avatar. He is disliked by many, who argue Baker is a bully who slings baseless accusations against city officials and anyone else he dislikes. City Councilor Pilar Faulkner accused Baker of buying digital ads during the 2023 municipal election that lied about her and could have damaged her professional reputation as a lobbyist. Those ads are at the center of a complaint she filed with the Ethics and Campaign Review Board, which most recently met to discuss a potential investigation into Baker’s identity.

New York – Assembly’s Free Day Care for Lawmakers Reopens Quietly on Concourse

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 5/8/2024

A taxpayer-funded day care center operated by the New York Assembly majority office that provides free childcare services to a select group of Democratic lawmakers has reopened. The Albany Times Union had reported the Assembly majority’s office was operating an unlicensed day care center in the Legislative Office Building. The new facility is now licensed by the state as a “small day care center.” Attorney David Grandeau said providing taxpayer-funded childcare to a select group of lawmakers could run afoul of Public Officers Law, especially because it is being provided in a state-owned building that is staffed by Assembly employees.

New York – This Obscure N.Y. Election Law Is at the Heart of Trump’s Hush Money Trial

MSN – David Nakamura (Washington Post) | Published: 5/6/2024

An obscure New York state election law that has rarely been prosecuted over five decades has been elevated to a prominent role in Donald Trump’s criminal trial over allegedly falsifying documents related to a hush money payment during the 2016 election campaign. The law makes it a misdemeanor for two or more people to “conspire to promote or prevent the election of any person to a public office by unlawful means.” Trump is not being charged under that statute, which apparently has been used only a few times in cases related to state or local elections, though it is a key factor in his case.

North Carolina – NC Election Directors Grapple with Pay, Politics and More Pressure Than Ever

Yahoo News – Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 5/8/2024

Across North Carolina, 100 people are responsible for making sure every registered voter in their county has a chance to cast their ballot in every election. The position of county election director is one that has drastically increased in complexity over the years as voting, list maintenance, and campaign finance processes become highly technical endeavors subject to frequent legislative change. Since 2019, there have been 60 changes in county election directors, mostly due to retirements or resignations. For about 30 directors, 2024 will be the first time they have ever served in the position during a presidential election.

North Dakota – Jury Finds Rep. Dockter Guilty of Misdemeanor Conflict-of-Interest Charge

North Dakota Monitor – Mary Steurer | Published: 5/3/2024

A jury found a state lawmaker guilty of violating an obscure conflict-of-interest law. At issue in the case was Rep. Jason Dockter’s involvement in the lease of a Bismarck building to the attorney general’s office and the North Dakota Department of Health and his subsequent votes on agency budgets. The building deal originally came together during Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s tenure. The representative was friends with Stenehjem, and previously served as his campaign treasurer.

Oregon – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek Apologizes, Walks Back Plan to Expand her Wife’s Role in Administration

OPB – Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Drake | Published: 5/1/2024

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is backing off of plans to expand her wife’s role in the administration and apologizing for her handling of the subject, as mounting public scrutiny on First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson becomes an increasing threat to the governor’s policy agenda. The governor appeared to close the door on an effort public records show she has quietly pursued for months: creating a formal office for her spouse.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Game Commission Director Resigns Amid Ethics Concerns About His ‘Wellness’ Side Business

MSN – Gillian McGoldrick (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 5/4/2024

The executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission resigned following ethics concerns about a “wellness” side business the agency admitted he had been working on with other commission employees. Even before the questions about Bryan Burhans’ side business emerged, the commission had already been under scrutiny in recent years.

Pennsylvania – Group That Doesn’t Disclose Its Donors Paid $12K for Shapiro to Attend Phillies Games, Other Sporting Events

Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso and Angela Couloumbis | Published: 5/3/2024

Gov. Josh Shapiro reported receiving $12,194.62 from Team PA on his new statement of financial interest. The nonprofit bills itself as a public-private partnership to bolster Pennsylvania’s economic development. A gubernatorial spokesperson said Team PA paid for Shapiro to attend six sporting events. The money for those tickets came from a fund that Team PA manages called Pennsylvania Growth Partnership. It is not publicly known which individuals, groups, or businesses have donated to the growth partnership fund.

Pennsylvania – Gov. Josh Shapiro Uses Pennsylvania’s State Plane Much More Than His Predecessor

Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 5/6/2024

Public records show the heavy use that Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration has made of the state-owned plane as he has barnstormed Pennsylvania. The aircraft has sometimes touched down in as many as seven airfields around the commonwealth in a single day. As many as two-thirds of the costs of those flights were accrued directly by the governor’s office, a dramatic increase in plane travel compared to Shapiro’s predecessor. But the administration has argued the plane connects people with their government officials.

Rhode Island – Campaign Finance Offender Lost Seven Bids for Office but Wins Mercy from Elections Panel

Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 5/7/2024

A perennial candidate for state and local office will be the first offender of state campaign finance requirements to have his fines reduced. The Rhode Island Board of Elections voted to slash financial penalties owed by former candidate Daniel Grzych by nearly 90 percent. He previously owed more than $71,000 in fines for submitting late reports required during his time as a candidate. Now, Grzych owes just $6,600. The board’s decision marks the first time using a new regulation giving the elections panel more leeway to reduce fines for offenders.