June 21, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 21, 2024
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 […]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
June 14, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 14, 2024
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 […]
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.
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.
June 7, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 7, 2024
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 […]
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.
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.
May 31, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 31, 2024
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 […]
National/Federal
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 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.
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.
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.
May 24, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 24, 2024
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 […]
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.
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.
May 17, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 17, 2024
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 […]
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.
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.
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.
May 10, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 10, 2024
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 […]
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.
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.
May 3, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 3, 2024
National/Federal Gateway Pundit to File for Bankruptcy Amid Election Conspiracy Lawsuits MSN – Will Sommer (Washington Post) | Published: 4/24/2024 Gateway Pundit, the popular far-right blog, is filing for bankruptcy as it faces lawsuits alleging it promoted bogus claims about the 2020 […]
National/Federal
Gateway Pundit to File for Bankruptcy Amid Election Conspiracy Lawsuits
MSN – Will Sommer (Washington Post) | Published: 4/24/2024
Gateway Pundit, the popular far-right blog, is filing for bankruptcy as it faces lawsuits alleging it promoted bogus claims about the 2020 election. Since its launch in 2004, the site has become a clearinghouse for conspiracy theories about the election, school shootings, and other topics, helping to funnel such flimsy stories from the fringes of the internet to the broader pro-Trump right thanks to its substantial audience.
Push to Restrict LGBTQ+ Rights Hits a Snag in State Legislatures
MSN – Casey Parks (Washington Post) | Published: 4/29/2024
State lawmakers introduced a record number of bills targeting gay and transgender Americans this year, but hardly any have passed, raising questions about whether the push to restrict LGBTQ++ rights is losing momentum. Similar bills sailed through state Legislatures in recent years. This year, they failed even in states where Republicans have supermajorities and governors demanded wins. Strategists on both sides say Republicans appear increasingly unwilling to stake their reelections on cultural issues. Polls have found the issues are not especially important to voters.
A Ukraine-Born Congresswoman Voted No on Aid. Her Hometown Feels Betrayed
MSN – Siobhán O’Grady, Anastacia Galouchka, and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 4/25/2024
U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz grew up in a small town north of Kyiv, and later moved to America and became the first Ukrainian-born member of Congress. But after Spartz voted against a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, the esteem that locals held for her turned to anger and a sense of betrayal. Spartz’s “no” vote was the latest twist in her transformation from a pro-Ukraine advocate who toured war wreckage in her hometown to a critic of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in line with the Republican Party’s most right-wing camp.
Democrats, Political Figures Dogpile onto Trump VP Hopeful After Story of Animal Killings
MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 4/27/2024
It does not matter if you are a Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative – a growing number of elected officials and political groups all suddenly want you to know that they love their dogs. The outpouring of animal love from political social media is all in response to South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who is believed to be in the running to be Donald Trump’s running mate, admitting in her forthcoming book that she killed a family dog and goat in a gravel pit with a gun on the same day.
They Staffed the Jan. 6 Committee. Threats Still Follow Them
MSN – Chris Marquette and Michael Macagnone (Roll Call) | Published: 4/30/2024
Some staff members of the now-disbanded January 6 panel in Congress say their work exposed them to threats, raised doubts about their safety, and required additional safety precautions. Their experiences, recounted in interviews, serve as an example of concerns among Capitol Hill staffers about whether their work could make them a target for political violence.
Federal Elections Regulator from Texas Has Ted Cruz Campaign Sign in Front Yard
MSN – Joseph Morton (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 5/1/2024
A recent post on X shows a campaign sign for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the yard of FEC member Trey Trainor. Cruz is the subject of a complaint filed with the agency over more than $630,000 in advertising revenue that flowed from the senator’s podcast to a super PAC backing his reelection. The public show of support for Cruz does not violate the law, but it could raise the appearance of bias by a government regulator, campaign finance lawyer Brett Kappel said.
After Weeks of College Protests, Police Responses Ramp Up
MSN – Danielle Paquette, Hannah Natanson, Joanna Slater, and Emily Wax-Thibodeaux (Washington Post) | Published: 5/1/2024
Colleges and universities reckoned with the aftermath of major shows of police force across the country that cleared some protest encampments and emptied a Columbia University classroom building in a turning point following two weeks of contagious pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Even after a fragile calm resettled over campuses that have seen the bulk of the chaos, footage of officers in riot gear extracting students from Columbia’s Hamilton Hall sparked debates nationwide as Americans struggled to make sense of it all.
House Passes Antisemitism Bill Over Complaints from First Amendment Advocates
MSN – Abigail Hauslohner (Washington Post) | Published: 5/1/2024
The House passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which its advocates said would empower the federal government to crack down on anti-Israel protests on campuses by codifying a definition of antisemitism that encompasses not just threats against Jews, but also certain criticisms of Israel itself. The definition has drawn opposition from First Amendment advocates such as the American Civil Liberties Union and liberal Democrats, who say it veers into the realm of restricting political views.
How Online Donations Are Fueling the Election
Politico – Jessica Piper, Paula Friedrich, Anna Wiederkehr, and Madison Fernandez | Published: 4/30/2024
The ease of giving online has dramatically expanded the pool of donors in just a few election cycles and helped campaigns bring in greater hauls than ever before. As online donations ballooned in recent years, they became a majority of funds raised by congressional candidates. A new analysis shows how it has helped establish new dynamics in campaigning and fundraising.
States Move to Label Deepfake Political Ads
Roll Call – Gopal Ratnam | Published: 4/24/2024
At least 39 states are considering measures that would add transparency to artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfake ads or calls as campaigns intensify ahead of the November election. The efforts are largely focused on identifying content produced using AI as opposed to controlling that content or prohibiting its distribution, according to Megan Bellamy, vice president of law and policy at the Voting Rights Lab.
When Judges Get Free Trips to Luxury Resorts, Disclosure Is Spotty
Texas Public Radio – Tom Dreisbach and Carrie Johnson (NPR) | Published: 5/1/2024
Dozens of federal judges failed to fully disclose free luxury travel to judicial conferences around the world, as required by internal judiciary rules and federal ethics law, an NPR investigation found. As a result, the public remained in the dark about potential conflicts-of-interest for some of the country’s top legal officials. Many judges defend these events as helpful forums to discuss important issues, and they reject criticism that a stay at a fancy hotel could influence their decisions. Critics call them “junkets” and glorified vacations that reward ideological allies.
Government Watchdog Alleges Trump Campaign Broke the Law Trying to Hide Legal Payments
Yahoo News – Zach Anderson (USA Today) | Published: 4/25/2024
A complaint filed with the FEC alleges Donald Trump’s 2024 White House campaign and its related political committees engaged in a scheme to conceal who is being paid for much of the former president’s legal work in a possible violation of federal law. The complaint centers on a company called Red Curve Solutions, which allegedly received $7.2 million from Trump’s campaign and four other related political committees.
Rep. Golden Doubles Down on Campaign Finance Reform with New Legislation
Yahoo News – Emma Davis (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 5/2/2024
U.S. Rep. Jared Golden introduced six bills aimed to increase transparency and limit spending in elections. These latest proposals build on Golden’s Government Integrity and Anti-Corruption Plan, an existing package of nine bills with similar objectives that he introduced or co-sponsored during the 118th Congress, though they have yet to receive votes.
From the States and Municipalities
Arizona – GOP Ethics Complaints Target 2 Arizona House Democrats for ‘Attempted Insurrection’
Arizona Republic – Mary Jo Pitzl | Published: 4/26/2024
Two House Democrats were hit with ethics complaints for behavior that Republicans characterized as “an attempted insurrection” in the aftermath of a debate about Arizona’s 1864 abortion law. The complaint names Reps. Oscar de los Santos and Analise Ortiz. They led fellow Democrats in chants of “shame, shame” after the House abruptly went into a recess rather than consider a motion to repeal the law. They also called out Rep. Matt Gress when he was answering questions about his attempt to get a repeal vote.
Arkansas – Gosses Sentenced in Bribery Scheme That Included Former Arkansas Lawmakers
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Ron Wood | Published: 4/29/2024
A Missouri couple was sentenced to federal prison in a Medicaid fraud scheme that saw five former Arkansas lawmakers convicted on bribery-related charges. Tommy Ray Goss, former chief financial officer of Preferred Family Healthcare, received six years in prison. Bontiea Goss, his wife and former chief operating officer of the same company, was sentenced to three years behind bars. They were ordered to jointly pay $4.35 million in forfeiture and restitution.
California – California Passed a Law to Stop ‘Pay to Play’ in Local Politics. After Two Years, Legislators Want to Gut It
CalMatters – Yue Stella Yu | Published: 5/1/2024
Described by its author as the “most significant political reform” in decades, a 2022 law designed to limit attempts by businesses and contractors to sway local elected officials with campaign contributions cleared the California Legislature without a single “no” vote. Two years later, some of the same lawmakers who backed the measure want to water it down, and they have the backing of developers and labor unions.
California – Legislative Non-Disclosure Agreement Bill Fails First Vote in California Committee
Courthouse News Service – Alan Riquelmy | Published: 4/25/2024
A bill in the California Legislature that would have banned non-disclosure agreements when crafting legislation, a response to the “Paneragate” scandal, failed to pass out of the Assembly Elections Committee. Assembly Bill 2654 would have prohibited certain people – including lobbyists, public officials, lawmakers, and employees of the governor’s office – from entering a non-disclosure agreement when drafting, negotiating, or discussing bills.
Florida – Florida’s ‘Pro-Corruption’ Ethics Bill Sits in Gubernatorial Limbo
Jacksonville Today – Casmira Harrison | Published: 5/1/2024
Florida lawmakers passed Senate Bill 7014, which would eliminate the ability of citizens to file anonymous ethics complaints against government officials. Local ethics regulators have said it would “reduce anti-corruption efforts and undermine the investigation process. Gov. Ron DeSantis has yet to act on the bill. The governor still has time to veto the bill or put the full weight of his office behind it by signing the legislation. He could just let it quietly become law. That is what Catherine Klancke, executive director of the Florida Ethics Institute, expects.
Hawaii – Ethics Chief Robert Harris: Give legislators their due, but keep pushing for more reform
Honolulu Civil Beat – Richard Wiens | Published: 4/28/2024
Robert Harris has had a front-row seat for efforts to reform government in Hawaii as executive director of the State Ethics Commission and a member of the special House commission created in response to a series of public scandals. As another legislative session winds down, Harris gave an interview on the ongoing effort to make state and local governments more transparent.
Yahoo News – Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 4/29/2024
A year and a half after Republican Darren Bailey lost his campaign to challenge Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, state election officials are weighing whether he illegally colluded with conservative radio show host and political operative Dan Proft in the 2022 campaign. If the board finds the two organizations did illegally coordinate, Proft’s organization and Bailey’s campaign could be on the hook for millions of dollars in fines. Proft has also faced criticisms and an FEC complaint over his publishing and use of a network of free “newspapers” and corresponding websites to support conservative candidates.
Indiana – ‘Wealthy Person’s Game’: Self-funders drive up the cost to win Indiana elections
MSN – Kayla Dwyer and Brittany Carloni (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 5/2/2024
This year, campaign spending has eclipsed gubernatorial primary expenditure records in Indiana by multitudes, and multiple wealthy candidates are self-funding their campaigns, both for governor and for Congress, to the tune of millions of dollars. Money has become a defining feature of this election cycle. Self-funders have risen to prominence in Indiana, a national trend that has surged dramatically in the last two decades.
Kentucky – This Oldham County Teen May Be Kentucky’s Youngest Lobbyist
Yahoo News – Krista Johnson (Louisville Courier-Journal) | Published: 5/1/2024
High school freshman Kiera Dunk has traveled to the state Capitol in Frankfort dozens of times, and her passion for advocacy led her to write her own bill – one that increased penalties for child abuse – and get it passed at age 13. She has met with some of the state’s most powerful politicians to garner their support. Dunk has successfully advocated for the passage of two bills, and she is working on a third. “She is certainly wise beyond her years – there’s a lot of lobbyists that could learn from her,” House Speaker David Osborne said.
Kentucky – Judge Reverses Ethics Charge Against Alison Lundergan Grimes
Yahoo News – Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 4/29/2024
Former Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes was cleared of ethics charges against her related to her access and sharing of voter data. Judge Phillp Shepherd ruled against charges brought against Grimes by the Executive Branch Ethics Commission. The commission previously fined Grimes $10,000 and reprimanded her for ordering the downloading and distribution of voter registration data from her public office while she was secretary of state.
Louisiana – Federal Judges Strike Down La. Congressional Map with Second Black-Majority District
MSN – Maegan Vazquez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 4/30/2024
A federal three-judge panel threw out Louisiana’s recently redrawn congressional map that included an additional majority-Black district, leaving the state without a settled map just months before the November elections. The ruling is the latest in a broader set of legal challenges to electoral maps across the South. The outcome of these suits is likely to play a crucial role in deciding which party controls the House next year.
Maryland – How Publicly Financed Campaigns Are Working in Baltimore
Baltimore Banner – Adam Willis and Emily Sullivan | Published: 4/23/2024
A new public financing system for Baltimore elections is now in effect. Under the system, publicly financed candidates commit to accepting no more than $150 from any donor, well below the $6,000 limit for traditionally financed campaigns, and no contributions from PACs, corporations, and unions. The city multiplies small-dollar contributions from Baltimore residents, with smaller donations being more heavily rewarded.
Massachusetts – Massachusetts Water Employees Pay Fines for Accepting Free Ski Trips, Red Sox Tickets, Rooftop Drinks at The Envoy Hotel
Boston Herald – Rick Sobey | Published: 4/29/2024
Four water services employees in Massachusetts paid fines for accepting free ski trips, Boston Red Sox tickets, rooftop drinks at The Envoy Hotel, and other gifts, according to the State Ethics Commission. The municipal workers in Danvers, Salem, Southampton, and Sudbury admitted to violating the state’s conflict-of-interest law multiple times by accepting valuable gifts from a water meter manufacturer and its distributor. The law bans public employees from receiving anything worth $50 or more that’s given to them because of their official positions.
Massachusetts – Cape Lawmaker Repeatedly Lied to State Regulators Investigating His 2022 Election
CommonWealth Beacon – Gintautas Dumicus | Published: 4/30/2024
Massachusetts regulators found state Rep. Christopher Flanagan violated campaign finance law and lied about it to officials. The infractions stemmed from a mailer sent out to local homes, ostensibly from a group called “Conservatives for Dennis,” in support of Flanagan, a Democrat who previously chaired the Dennis Select Board. In a letter to Flanagan, Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) Director William Campbell wrote that “OCPF’s review eventually revealed that you created an alias, ‘Jeanne Louise’, to conceal your financial role in the creation of the mailer in support of your election.”
Massachusetts – Massachusetts DA Pays Ethics Fine After Car Crash Response, Promoting Campaign Donor’s Rental Apartments to Staff
MSN – Rick Sobey (Boston Herald) | Published: 5/1/2024
Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois, who reportedly sped away from an accident scene and boosted a campaign donor’s rental apartments paid a $5,000 civil penalty for violating the state’s conflict-of-interest law. Following the crash, Galibois directed his staff to issue a statement that would promote a public narrative favorable to himself. He ended up referring two of his assistant district attorney’s to the donor for the apartments last year.
Massachusetts – DA Kevin Hayden Pays $5,000 Ethics Fine Over Controversial Primary
MSN – Molly Farrar (Boston.com) | Published: 4/24/2024
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden will pay a civil penalty of $5,000 for violating a conflict-of-interest law when his office discredited an opponent in a press statement, resulting in a political advantage, the state Ethics Commission announced. Hayden’s conflict was regarding his response to sexual assault allegations against his then-opponent for district attorney, Ricardo Arroyo.
Minnesota – DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell Returns to Capitol After Burglary Charge, Casts Votes Amid Criticism
MSN – Ryan Faircloth (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 4/29/2024
Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell returned to the statehouse and began voting for the first time since she was arrested and charged with felony first-degree burglary. Mitchell voted on motions directly related to whether she should be allowed to vote going forward. Republicans offered a motion to prohibit any member who has been charged with a crime of violence from voting on bills until the chamber’s ethics committee has weighed in on their case. They argued other Minnesotans would be put on leave from their jobs if they faced such a serious criminal charge.
Missouri – Missouri House Ethics Panel Drops Probe of Dean Plocher After Blocking Push to Release Evidence
Missouri Independent – Rudi Keller | Published: 4/29/2024
The Missouri House Ethics Committee dismissed allegations against Speaker Dean Plocher for misuse of taxpayer dollars, using his influence to push a pricey contract with a company with ties to his employer, and retaliating against staffers who raised complaints. The vote officially ended the committee’s months-long investigation into numerous scandals connected to Plocher, including revelations he received nearly $4,000 in government reimbursements for travel expenses already paid by his campaign.
New Jersey – This N.J. Agency Calls Out Political Corruption. Politicians Want More Control Over It.
MSN – Jelani Gibson and Susan Livio (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 4/26/2024
The Office of the State Comptroller, an independent government agency tasked with tracking government corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse in New Jersey, is facing organized pushback from county officials who are demanding state lawmakers rein in its authority and “bullying” tactics. The New Jersey Association of Counties sent a letter asking Senate President Nick Scutari to put the comptroller under more control and establish procedures that could challenge the agency’s findings.
New Jersey – Assembly Speaker’s Law Firm Has Made Millions Since He Took Power. Critics Cry Foul.
MSN – Riley Yates and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 4/25/2024
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin’s law firm has seen explosive growth in the seven years since it opened its doors. Representing local governments, the firm has earned more than $38 million from public contracts since its inception, with annual revenues that now place it among New Jersey’s top law firms with public business. With the firm’s rise in revenue coinciding with Coughlin’s role as speaker, good government groups say the financial ties raise questions about whether he is profiting from his public role from municipalities seeking a friend in the speaker.
New Jersey – Elections Watchdog Asks for Daniel’s Law Tweaks, More Time to Investigate
New Jersey Monitor – Nikita Biryukov | Published: 5/1/2024
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission recommended lawmakers provide them more time to probe violations, expand reporting requirements for independent expenditure groups, and reconcile a state law that shields some addresses from disclosure with a statute requiring they be reported. The recommendations follow the enactment of the Elections Transparency Act last year.
New York – Judge’s Contempt Punishment Takes Aim at Trump’s Tendency to Lie
DNyuz – Alan Feuer, Ben Protess, Jonah Bromwich, and William Rashbaum (New York Times) | Published: 4/30/2024
The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s criminal case in New York held him in contempt, fining the former president $9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order and warning he could go to jail if he continued to attack witnesses and jurors. Judge Juan Merchan determined Trump flouted the gag order by making public statements on social media and on his campaign website in which he attacked witnesses and the jury. He ordered Trump to remove the posts. The judge’s ruling and admonition came one week after a hearing in which prosecutors had argued Trump’s statements threatened the trial.
New York Focus – Alyssa Katz | Published: 5/1/2024
A controversial aspect of New York’s new campaign finance system is that there is no limit to how much participating campaigns can spend outside the program – so candidates can benefit from small-dollar matching and big-donor spending at once. In contrast, New York City’s public finance system imposes a strict spending cap. “You have candidates who try to exploit the campaign finance system while spending their own and independent expenditure money …, which defeats the purpose of having a democratic matching system in the first place,” said state Assemblyperson Ron Kim.
New York – Emails Reveal Top Trump Accountant Had Secret Campaign Role
Yahoo News – Roger Sollenberger (Daily Beast) | Published: 5/2/2024
The prosecution is calling witnesses in Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial that can attest to Trump’s personal involvement in the underlying crime the case is built on, but one witness will not be at their disposal. Trump Organization financial controller Allen Weisselberg will not testify due to a plea agreement. But Weisselberg left behind a paper trail that could potentially incriminate Trump.
MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 4/28/2024
Internal FirstEnergy documents offer a candid look at how and why operatives use anonymous political giving to influence Ohio’s elected officials. “Our preferred manner of giving is through section 501(c) groups as these are considered ‘dark money’ because they are not required to disclose where the donations come from,” then-company lobbyist Michael Dowling wrote. FirstEnergy admitted to using “dark money” groups to bribe ex-House Speaker Larry Householder and others to ensure a bill’s passage.
MSN – Hillary Borrud (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 4/27/2024
Top staffers for Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek expressed concerns internally in recent months over the degree to which the governor and her wife, Aimee Kotek Wilson, sought to use the perks and powers of the governor’s office to benefit the first lady. In emails, the high-level aides worried about the impact that Kotek Wilson’s growing role might have on the governors’ office budget, as well as public trust, accountability, and the success of the administration.
Oregon – Portland Shelter Operator Urban Alchemy Accused of Violating City Lobbying Rules
OPB – Alex Zielinski | Published: 5/1/2024
Urban Alchemy, the nonprofit running many of Portland’s homeless shelters, violated the city’s lobbying rules two years ago, according to an audit. Urban Alchemy spent a significant amount of money and time with officials in 2022 to convince the city that the nonprofit should run Portland’s alternative shelter sites. But auditors found it failed to register and report the lobbying activity with the city.
April 26, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 26, 2024
National/Federal G.O.P. Intensifies Scrutiny of Voting: ‘We’re keeping a close eye on you’ DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti, Alexandra Berzon, and Michael Gold (New York Times) | Published: 4/20/2024 Donald Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee plan to dispatch more than 100,000 […]
National/Federal
G.O.P. Intensifies Scrutiny of Voting: ‘We’re keeping a close eye on you’
DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti, Alexandra Berzon, and Michael Gold (New York Times) | Published: 4/20/2024
Donald Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee plan to dispatch more than 100,000 volunteers and lawyers to monitor and potentially challenge the electoral process in each battleground state. They will focus on every aspect of voting, including mail ballots, voting machines, and post-Election Day recounts. It is rooted in Trump’s false claims that Democrats cheated to win the 2020 election. His allies have helped turn that belief into Republican doctrine despite the overwhelming conclusion that no evidence of widespread fraud exists.
Cannon Denies Dismissal Motions by Trump Co-Defendants in Documents Case
MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 4/18/2024
U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon rejected requests from Donald Trump’s two co-defendants to dismiss the charges against them in the classified document case, ruling federal prosecutors had met the legal threshold for the obstruction counts. Trump employees Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira had argued the charges should be dismissed, in part, because the indictment accused them of obstructing government efforts to retrieve classified materials from Trump’s property without providing clear evidence the two men were aware of an ongoing investigation or knew the boxes of documents contained classified materials.
As Meta Flees Politics, Campaigns Rely on New Tricks to Reach Voters
MSN – Naomi Nix, Michael Scherer, and Jeremy Merrill (Washington Post) | Published: 4/21/2024
After years of pitching its suite of social media apps as the lifeblood of campaigns, Meta is breaking up with politics. The company decreased the visibility of politics-focused posts and accounts on Facebook and Instagram as well as imposed new rules on political advertisers, undercutting the targeting system long used by politicians to reach potential voters. Meta’s shift away from current events is forcing campaigns to upend their digital outreach in a move that could transform the 2024 election.
Trump Campaign Asks for Cut of Candidates’ Fundraising When They Use His Name and Likeness
MSN – Alex Isenstadt (Politico) | Published: 4/18/2024
Donald Trump’s campaign has found a new way to press for badly needed cash. In a letter to Republican digital vendors, the Trump campaign is asking for down-ballot candidates who use his name, image, and likeness in fundraising appeals to give at least five percent of the proceeds to the campaign. The letter was sent the same week Trump’s hush-money trial began in New York. The trial is expected to last at least six weeks and will greatly hinder the former president’s ability to hit the campaign trail.
Unfinished Bills, Tax Law Preparation Push Lobbying Spending Up
MSN – Caitlin Reilly (Roll Call) | Published: 4/23/2024
Discarded deadlines on must-pass legislation drove lobbying activity and revenues, as expenditures by K Street’s biggest spenders ticked up in the first quarter of this year. Preparing for next year, including election outcomes and the expiring 2017 tax cuts, has also kept private sector interest in Congress high and K Street firms busy.
Ted Cruz Could Be Liable for Taxes on Payments from His iHeartMedia Podcast, Experts Say
MSN – Benjamin Wermund (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 4/23/2024
The peculiar payment scheme behind U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s podcast has raised ethical questions and drawn complaints about election law violations. Now tax experts say the deal involving a radio network that picked up the “Verdict with Ted Cruz” podcast in 2022 and a super PAC supporting his reelection effort could also raise red flags for the IRS.
Corporate Political Donations Poised to Spark Shareholder Lawsuits
MSN – Bill Allison (Bloomberg) | Published: 4/24/2024
Major American companies could face lawsuits from their own shareholders for making political donations, according to a new legal strategy that progressives are advocating to reign in corporate influence on elections. Some of the money used for a corporation’s hefty super PAC donations come from shareholders. That gives those investors standing to sue if they do not approve of how the money is spent, according to the latest Center for American Progress report.
Supreme Court Seems Skeptical of Trump’s Claim of Absolute Immunity but Decision’s Timing Is Unclear
Yahoo News – Mark Sherman (Associated Press) | Published: 4/25/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court appeared likely to reject Donald Trump’s claim of absolute immunity from prosecution over election interference, but it seemed possible he could still benefit from a lengthy trial delay. Chief Justice John Roberts was among at least five members of the court who did not appear to embrace the claim of absolute immunity that would stop special counsel Jack Smith’s prosecution of Trump on charges he conspired to overturn his 2020 election loss. Roberts also was among several justices who suggested the case might have to be sent back to lower courts before any trial could begin.
Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of GOP Operative Who Steered Russian Money to Trump Camp
Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 4/19/2024
A federal appeals court upheld the conviction of campaign operative Jesse Benton for steering an illegal Russian contribution to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Benton, who was pardoned by Trump for other campaign finance crimes in the final weeks of Trump’s term, was convicted by a jury in 2022 of six felonies related to the contribution and falsified campaign finance records.
From the States and Municipalities
Alabama – Juneteenth or Jefferson Davis? Ala. State Workers May Have to Choose.
MSN – Rachel Hatzipanagos (Washington Post) | Published: 4/22/2024
Black lawmakers in Alabama have lobbied for years to have the state recognize the Juneteenth holiday. This year, lawmakers may have reached a compromise. Under House Bill 4, Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, would become a state holiday. But state employees would be able to choose between recognizing Juneteenth or the birthday of the president of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, on June 3.
Arizona – Election-Denying Arizona Republican Ends Reelection Bid After Allegations of Forged Signatures
MSN – Mary Jo Pitzl (Arizona Republic) | Published: 4/20/2024
An Arizona lawmaker with a history of leveling unfounded allegations of fraud against election workers has dropped his reelection bid amid allegations he forged signatures on his nomination petitions and submitted dozens of ineligible signatures. The allegations against state Rep. Austin Smith also triggered a civil referral from the Arizona secretary of state to the attorney general.
Arizona – Meadows, Giuliani and Other Trump Allies Charged in Arizona 2020 Election Probe
MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 4/24/2024
An Arizona grand jury indicted 18 allies of Donald Trump for their efforts to subvert the 2020 election, including former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani. The indictment describes Trump as an unindicted co-conspirator. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes targeted not just local conservatives who carried out the plan in Phoenix, but also the out-of-state middlemen in Trump’s orbit who allegedly helped put it together.
California – Los Angeles City Council Committee Takes Steps on Ethics Reform at City Hall
Los Angeles Daily Breeze – City News Service | Published: 4/18/2024
A Los Angeles City Council committee advanced a series of proposed changes to the city charter intended to bolster the independence of the Ethics Commission and enhance its enforcement powers. The changes include doubling the penalties for violations of the Ethics Code; increasing the size of the five-member Ethics Commission to seven with the additional members appointed by the commission; and tightening conflict-of-interest rules.
California – California Bill Would Ban NDAs for Legislative Negotiations: ‘This should not happen again’
MSN – Nicole Nixon (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 4/22/2024
Nondisclosure agreements would be banned from future discussions or negotiations on legislation in California under a new bill. Nondisclosure agreements (NDA) are legally binding contracts that prevent information-sharing with unauthorized parties. They are typically used to protect proprietary information, financial data, or other sensitive information. The introduction of the bill was prompted by the use of NDAs during negotiations between fast food industry and labor groups over a landmark deal to raise California’s minimum wage for fast food workers.
California – San Diego Rejects Proposal to Limit Corporate, Labor Union Money in City Elections with Public Financing
MSN – David Garrick (San Diego Union Tribune) | Published: 4/25/2024
An effort to limit corporate and labor union money in San Diego elections had a setback when a key city council committee rejected a November ballot measure proposing a public financing program. The Rules Committee rejected the measure on concerns that it would not apply to the mayor or city attorney, and because advocates propose having the city Ethics Commission oversee the program.
California – San Jose Officials Not Reporting Lobbyists Meetings
San Jose Spotlight – Brandon Pho | Published: 4/22/2024
The San Jose Spotlight has reported on inadequate lobbyist disclosures for years, but a recent review shows the public is still in the dark due to incomplete and delayed documentation on elected officials’ calendars. Council members blame simple oversights, time constraints, and limited staff for outdated calendars. But that violates San Jose’s sunshine policies, giving the public an incomplete and untimely picture of what elected officials are discussing with people paid to influence policymaking.
California – California Rejects Bill to Crackdown on How Utilities Spend Customers’ Money
Yahoo Finance – Adam Beam (Associated Press) | Published: 4/22/2024
California lawmakers rejected a proposal aimed at cracking down on how some of the nation’s largest utilities spend customers’ money. California’s investor-owned utilities cannot use money from customers to pay for things like advertising their brand or lobbying for legislation. Instead, they are supposed to use money from private investors to pay for those things. Consumer groups accuse utilities of using money from customers to fund trade groups that lobby and for television ads disguised as public service announcements.
Georgia – Homeless Georgians Could Face Hurdles to Voting Under New Legislation
DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 4/24/2024
A single-sentence provision in an election bill in Georgia could complicate voting for some of the state’s homeless population. The bill, which awaits Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature, would require all election-related mail for those “homeless and without a permanent address” – such as registration cards, sample ballots, and absentee ballots – to be sent to the county registrar office. The full impact of the change is unclear.
Hawaii – The Maui Ethics Board Has So Few Members That It’s Struggling to Even Meet
Honolulu Civil Beat – Brittany Lyte | Published: 4/18/2024
The Maui County Board of Ethics is confronting a dire shortage of resources, hampering its ability to investigate potential wrongdoing by public officials, educate and advise government workers on ethics, and even hold meetings. The nine-person board has four vacancies. As such, the county ethics watchdog is unable to summon a quorum unless all five members are present.
Kentucky – Louisville Mayor’s Office to Change Intern Hiring Practices After Courier Journal Reports
MSN – Josh Wood (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 4/24/2024
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg’s administration is changing how it hires interns following reporting last year that Metro Hall interns from powerful families with close ties to Greenberg were hired through a program the mayor’s office said “prioritized” disadvantaged youth. A lawyer representing Greenberg against an ethics complaint has said three of the mayor’s office’s eight SummerWorks interns last summer were “pre-identified” for jobs.
Louisiana – 55 Louisiana Lawmakers Raise Campaign Cash During Special Sessions
Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 4/19/2024
Almost 40 percent of state lawmakers this year took advantage of an exception in the ethics law that allows them to raise campaign funds during special sessions of the Louisiana Legislature. State law prohibits legislators from accepting political donations during the annual regular session, except in certain cases when they are running for another office. But they do not face that restriction during special sessions the governor calls.
Baltimore Brew – Mark Reutter | Published: 4/24/2024
The Maryland Board of Elections has ordered city council President Nick Mosby to return potential “excessive contributions” from Baltimore Gas & Electric (BG&E) and correct the street addresses of more than two dozen contributors, some of them prominent names in Baltimore’s donor world. The rebuke by the elections board is the latest setback for Mosby, who is running for a second term in the Democratic primary. BG&E disputed the amount cited, saying the utility had contributed only $450 to Mosby in 2024.
Michigan – Trump Is a Co-Conspirator in Michigan’s 2020 False Electors Plot, State Investigator Says
Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 4/24/2024
Former President Trump and some of his top aides were co-conspirators in the plot to submit a certificate falsely claiming he won Michigan’s 2020 election, an investigator for state Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office testified, as new details of the effort to prosecute the alleged scheme took shape in two battleground states. Howard Shock, a special agent for Nessel, said Trump; Mark Meadows, who was Trump’s chief of staff; and Rudy Giuliani, who was his personal lawyer, are considered “unindicted co-conspirators” in Michigan’s false elector case.
Michigan – Michigan House Hears Testimony on Campaign Finance, Lobbying Laws after Chatfield Charges
Yahoo News – Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 4/18/2024
Michigan lawmakers held a hearing on legislation to overhaul the state’s campaign finance and lobbying laws after a high-profile public corruption probe resulted in charges brought against former House Speaker Lee Chatfield for allegedly using political funds for personal expenses. House Democrats introduced a reform package recently. During a House Ethics Committee meeting on two of the bills, lawmakers heard from public officials and transparency advocates, who said the legislation is a first step that would restore public trust in government.
Minnesota – Attempt to Expedite Ethics Probe of Minnesota State Senator Charged with Burglary Fails on Tie Vote
Yahoo News – Steve Karnowski (Associated Press) | Published: 4/24/2024
A Republican attempt to expedite an ethics investigation of a Democratic state senator who is facing a felony ethics charge failed on a tie vote. Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell was absent as the Senate met for the first time since her arrest at her estranged stepmother’s home. Mitchell’s arrest has complicated the remainder of the 2024 legislative session because Senate Democrats hold just a one-seat majority.
Missouri – ‘Mishandled.’ Top Missouri Republican attempts to discredit ethics investigation
Yahoo News – Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) | Published: 4/23/2024
Attorneys for Speaker Dean Plocher sent a letter to the chairperson of the Missouri House Ethics Committee attempting to discredit the committee’s investigation into the speaker. The letter raises objections about the committee’s investigation as well as committee Chairperson Hannah Kelly’s decision for the panel to vote on a blistering report on Plocher.
New York – Judge Approves Safeguards for Donald Trump’s $175 Million Civil Business Fraud Appeal Bond
MSN – Bart Jansen (USA Today) | Published: 4/22/2024
Judge Artur Engoron approved a new agreement between Donald Trump’s lawyers and New York Attorney General Letitia James to reinforce the $175 million bond Trump posted to appeal a $454 million judgement in a civil trial for inflating the value of his real estate holdings in statements to lenders. James had asked the judge to void the bond by arguing Knight Specialty Insurance is not authorized to write bonds in New York.
New York – Adams Defense Trust Returns $22K in Improper Donations from Corporation, People with City Business
MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 4/22/2024
New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched a legal defense trust in November to raise money for legal fees and other costs he incurs as part of a federal investigation into allegations that Turkey’s government infused illegal foreign cash into his 2021 campaign. The trust received $22,462 in prohibited donations from a corporate entity and 10 individuals with city government business interests. All 11 donations were returned in compliance with the law, said Vito Pitta, a lawyer for Adams’ trust.
Ohio – FirstEnergy Paid $300k to a Dark Money Org That a Lobbyist Tied to Senate President Matt Huffman
MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 4/22/2024
At the height of its sweeping statehouse bribery scheme, FirstEnergy secretly paid $300,000 over five checks to a “dark money” nonprofit its lobbyist explicitly associated with now-Senate President Matt Huffman, new records show. In May 2019, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit FirstEnergy funded and controlled wrote the first of its checks to a fellow “dark money” group called Liberty Ohio, a group FirstEnergy lobbyist Ty Pine referred to in an email as “the Huffman C4.”
Ohio – Area County Among Highest in Open Ethics Probes as Ethics Commission Marks 50th Year
Yahoo News – Avery Kreemer (Dayton Daily News) | Published: 4/19/2024
The Ohio Ethics Commission is tasked with overseeing some 590,000 elected officials, contractors, and decision makers in the state. Over the past 50 years, the commission has been responsible for educating elected officials and government workers about Ohio’s ethics laws. It provides advice on ethically murky situations and investigates violations of the law. “I kind of see our mission as guiding public officials on what the law is, and then protecting the public from people who violate it,” said Paul Nick, executive director of the commission since 2011.
Oklahoma – State Audit Critical of Tourism Director Shelly Zumwalt. AG Calls for Director’s Resignation
MSN – M. Scott Carter and Jordan Gerard (Oklahoman) | Published: 4/23/2024
Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd raised numerous questions about how the state spent millions in federal COVID-19 funds and said new purchasing rules established by the Office of Management and Enterprise Solutions were not in the best interest of Oklahoma. The audit harshly criticized the management of Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the agency’s then-Executive Director Shelly Zumwalt, questioning how Zumwalt approved $8.5 million in contract payments to a firm where her husband is employed.
Pennsylvania – The Philly Ethics Board Has Changed Its Rules on Super PACs in the Wake of the 2023 Mayor’s Race
MSN – Sean Collins Walsh (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 4/17/2024
The Philadelphia Board of Ethics revised its campaign finance guidelines to make clear that a prohibition on candidates coordinating with super PACs applies even before the candidates launch their campaigns. That was the key issue in the board’s unsuccessful suit against mayoral candidate Jeff Brown during the 2023 Democratic primary. Super PACs are allowed to raise and spend money in unlimited amounts but are prohibited from working in coordination with candidates’ campaigns, which are subject to limitations on donations.
Pennsylvania – Philly Sheriff Used Money Meant to Hire Deputies for Executive Raises, Tried to Double Her Salary to $285K
MSN – Ryan Briggs and William Bender (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 4/22/2024
Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal appeared before the city council recently, seeking nearly $2 million in new support for an office she has described as “consistently underfunded,” and “severely short in deputies.” But finance records and an internal memo show Bilal diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars intended to hire more uniformed staff, including deputies, to fund hefty raises for her executive staff and other office workers. Bilal also tried to more than double her salary as part of a plan to dole out even larger raises using money meant for new hires.
Pennsylvania – Pa. House Approves Bills on Campaign Finance Reform, Aimed at Adding Transparency
Yahoo News – Eric Scicchitano (CNHI) | Published: 4/17/2024
Separate bills intended to add transparency to campaign finance in Pennsylvania elections advanced out of the state House with bipartisan support. One bill would add an additional reporting period for campaign spending and contributions. The other looks to broaden reporting requirements for all tax-exempt organizations and require reports for any level of contribution. Both bills advance to the Senate.
Rhode Island – RI Lawmakers Move to Ban Political ‘Deepfakes’ Ahead of Elections. What That Means.
MSN – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 4/22/2024
A bill in Rhode Island would ban what it calls “deceptive and fraudulent synthetic media” in the 90-day run-up to any election. The legislation would not only ban “deepfakes,” it would give a candidate who felt wronged the right to seek an injunction and damages in court. The exception to the ban: if the spot contains a clearly written or spoken disclosure that the image “has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence.”
Tennessee – Tennessee Rep. Gino Bulso Faces Ethics Complaint Over Sponsoring of Book Bill
MSN – Melissa Brown (Tennessean) | Published: 4/19/2024
An ethics complaint was filed against Tennessee Rep. Gino Bulso alleging the lawmaker and practicing attorney violated conflict-of-interest rules after he filed legislation that could affect the outcome of a legal case he is currently involved in. Bulso represents a group of parents and the Citizens for Renewing America in a lawsuit against the Williamson County Board of Education. The group sued the board over Tennessee’s library book law, arguing they should be allowed to challenge books on the shelves even if their children do not attend Williamson County schools.
Texas – Court Rejects Texas AG Ken Paxton’s Bid to Dismiss Ethics Complaint Over 2020 Election Challenge
MSN – Philip Jankowski (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 4/19/2024
Ruling against Attorney General Ken Paxton, an appeals court declined to dismiss a State Bar of Texas ethics complaint accusing him of dishonesty when he sought to overturn Donald Trump’s 2020 election defeats in four swing states. Paxton argue he could not be sued by the state bar’s Commission for Lawyer Discipline because he petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court as part of his official duties.
Texas – Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Vote-by-Mail Restrictions in Texas
MSN – Maureen Groppe (USA Today) | Published: 4/23/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a challenge to voting rules in Texas that automatically let senior citizens, but not younger people, vote by mail. Mail-in balloting has become a partisan debate as Democrats champion it as a way to increase turnout and Republicans argue it increases the risk of voter fraud. The challengers argued the unequal treatment of voters is age-based discrimination prohibited by the 26th amendment.
Texas – Texas School Districts Violated a Law Intended to Add Transparency to Local Elections
ProPublica – Lexi Churchill (ProPublica) and Jessica Priest (Texas Tribune) | Published: 4/25/2024
The Texas Legislature mandated that school districts, municipalities, and other jurisdictions post campaign finance reports online rather than stow them away in filing cabinets. But many agencies appear to be violating the law that took effect in September. ProPublica and The Texas Tribune examined 35 school districts that held trustee elections in November and found none had posted all the required disclosures online that show candidates’ fundraising and spending.
Wyoming – It’s Getting More Expensive to Run for Statewide Offices in Wyoming, According to Report
Yahoo Finance – Hannah Shields (Wyoming Tribune Eagle) | Published: 4/17/2024
A report by the Equality State Policy Center (ESPC) shows statewide office campaigns are getting more expensive, and stakeholders are calling on policymakers to tighten Wyoming’s campaign finance laws. ESPC policy director Marissa Carpio speculated that political polarization, coupled with inflation and competition, played a role in driving up campaign costs for statewide positions over the last few election cycles. The 2018 gubernatorial race had a record $3 million in both campaign contributions and expenses from two candidates.
April 19, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 19, 2024
National/Federal Ex-Congressman Asks 11th Circuit to Toss Six-Figure Campaign Finance Penalty Courthouse News Service – Kayla Gogging | Published: 4/16/2024 Former U.S. Rep. David Rivera took his fight against a six-figure campaign finance penalty to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, asking […]
National/Federal
Ex-Congressman Asks 11th Circuit to Toss Six-Figure Campaign Finance Penalty
Courthouse News Service – Kayla Gogging | Published: 4/16/2024
Former U.S. Rep. David Rivera took his fight against a six-figure campaign finance penalty to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, asking the panel to let a jury decide whether he made campaign contributions in another person’s name to undermine a Democratic rival in a Florida election. Rivera’s attorney told a three-judge panel that a federal judge ignored conflicting evidence in siding with the FEC and ordering Rivera to pay a $456,000 fine for violating the Federal Election Campaign Act.
Elections Have Gotten More Accessible for Disabled Voters, but Gaps Remain
DNyuz – Maggie Astor (New York Times) | Published: 4/18/2024
A series of laws – including the Help America Vote Act in 2022, which created new standards for election administration and grant for states to maintain those standards – have sought to make it easier for those facing physical challenges to vote. They have, but major gaps remain. While the gap has shrunk, disabled Americans still vote at much lower rates than those who are not disabled.
Conservative Broadcaster OAN Settles Defamation Claims by Voting-Machine Company Smartmatic
MSN – Erin Mulvaney (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 4/16/2024
One America News Network reached a confidential settlement to resolve a defamation lawsuit by voting-machine company Smartmatic over the conservative outlet’s broadcasting of false election-theft claims in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential contest. Smartmatic sued One America News in 2021, alleging the network provided a platform for false claims that voting machines helped tilt the election outcome for President Biden.
Senate Votes to Dismiss Impeachment Charges Against Mayorkas
MSN – Jaqueline Alemany and Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) | Published: 4/17/2024
The U.S. Senate voted to dismiss two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, which allege he mismanaged an influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Both votes were along party lines. The impeachment trial ended a little more than three hours after it started, following a Republican senator’s move to quickly quash an offer for limited debate and the creation of an impeachment committee, marking a rapid close to the first impeachment of a sitting Cabinet secretary.
Judge Cannon Skeptical of Trump Co-Defendants’ Arguments to Dismiss Charges
MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 4/12/2024
U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon seemed skeptical about dropping charges against Donald Trump’s two co-defendants in the classified documents case and suggested their arguments for dismissal would be better suited as a defense at trial. Attorneys for Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira argued the charges against them should be dismissed, in part, because the indictment accused them of obstructing officials’ efforts to retrieve classified materials from Trump’s property without providing clear evidence the employees were aware of an ongoing investigation or knew the boxes of documents contained classified materials.
Leo Rejects Senate Subpoena from Panel Probing Gifts to Supreme Court Justices
MSN – Tobi Raji (Washington Post) | Published: 4/11/2024
The Senate Judiciary Committee sent a subpoena to conservative judicial activist Leonard Leo as part of a months-long inquiry into undisclosed gifts to Supreme Court justices and he promptly rejected it, calling the move “politically motivated.” The committee authorized subpoenas for Leo and billionaire Harlan Crow following reports that Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito accepted and did not disclose free travel and gifts from Crow, Leo, and conservative donor Robin Arkley II.
DNC Uses Political Donations to Pay Biden’s Legal Fees in Special Counsel Probe
MSN – Soo Rin Kim, Isabelle Murray, and Lucien Bruggeman (ABC News) | Published: 4/13/2024
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has been paying President Biden’s legal fees incurred in connection with special counsel Robert Hur’s investigation into his handling of classified documents. The DNC said the money they have paid for Biden’s legal purposes is not coming from their grassroots donors. The Democratic Party providing financial support for Biden’s legal challenges comes amid their criticism of the Republican Party’s fundraising for and paying of Donald Trump’s mounting legal bills.
Supreme Court Snubs House Republicans Who Dodged Metal Detectors in Congress After Jan. 6
MSN – Dan Morrison (USA Today) | Published: 4/15/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court turned away an appeal by three Republican members of Congress who were fined $5,000 each by the House for dodging security scanners installed after the attack on the Capitol. The court’s decision comes months after justices snubbed the case of three other GOP members of Congress who had their pay docked in 2021 for flouting a mask mandate on the House floor during the COVID pandemic.
Corruption or Just Politics? Supreme Court Weighs New Bribery Case as More Clashes Are Brewing
MSN – Jan Wolfe and C. Ryan Barber (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 4/15/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court for years has been making it more challenging for prosecutors to bring corruption cases against public officials, guided by the belief that some of the dealmaking and fundraising in the political realm is unseemly but not illegal. A new batch of cases making their way through the courts shows that where to draw the line remains in flux. The court jumped back into the fray in a case that examines the viability of prosecutions against officials who take gratuities after performing actions that helped their benefactors.
Supreme Court Divided Over Key Charge Against Jan. 6 Rioters and Trump
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 4/16/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court appeared divided over whether prosecutors improperly stretched federal law to charge hundreds of participants in the attack on the Capitol, a decision that will impact those rioters and, potentially, Donald Trump’s election interference trial in the District of Columbia. The court’s conservatives appeared most skeptical of the government’s decision to charge participants under a law that makes it a crime to obstruct or impede an official proceeding – in this case the joint session of Congress that convened to certify Joe Biden’s 2020 victory.
Red States Threaten Librarians with Prison – As Blue States Work to Protect Them
MSN – Hannah Natanson and Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) | Published: 4/16/2024
Legislation advancing nationwide seeks to do things like prohibit book bans or forbid the harassment of school and public librarians, the first such wave in the country, said John Chrastka, director of library advocacy group EveryLibrary. Legislators in 22 mostly blue states have proposed 57 such bills so far this year, and two have become law. But the library-friendly measures are being outpaced by bills in mostly red states that aim to restrict which books libraries can offer and threaten librarians with prison or thousands in fines for handing out “obscene” or “harmful” titles.
Trump Is Funneling Campaign Money into Cash-Strapped Businesses. Experts Say It Looks Bad.
Yahoo Finance – Zac Anderson and Erin Mansfield (USA Today) | Published: 4/17/2024
Donald Trump’s main campaign fundraising operation sharply increased spending at the former president’s properties in recent months, funneling money into his businesses at a time when he is facing serious jeopardy and desperately needs cash. Federal law and FEC regulations allow donor funds to be spent at a candidate’s business so long as the campaign pays fair market value, experts say. While the practice is legal, some campaign finance experts believe it raises ethical concerns when a candidate is generating personal revenue off running for office.
From the States and Municipalities
Europe – EU Auditors Say Lobbyists Can Easily Slip Under Bloc’s Radar
Yahoo Finance – Nette Noestlinger (Reuters) | Published: 4/16/2024
Lobbyists can easily bypass European Union (EU) transparency rules to influence policy, auditors said. The European Court of Auditors’ report comes as institutions discuss a new ethics entity to guide the conduct of officials and ahead of a planned review of the EU’s lobbyist register. That review follows a scandal at the heart of the European Parliament in which Qatar and Morocco have been accused of bribing decision-makers.
Canada – Federal Lobbying Commissioner Assessing Allegations Against Firm, Top Conservative Adviser
CBC – Benjamin Lopez Steven | Published: 4/16/2024
The federal lobbying commissioner confirmed that a “preliminary assessment” was opened into allegations against political strategist Jenni Byrne and a lobbying firm. It has been reported that a federal lobbying firm, Forecheck Strategies, is located at the same office as Jenni Byrne + Associates, a provincial lobbying firm. In addition to employing many of the same staff as Jenni Byrne + Associates, Forecheck Strategies is owned by Andrew Kimber and Simon Jefferies, who are also part-owners of Jenni Byrne + Associates. Although Byrne’s exact role with the Conservative Party is murky, she is viewed as one of the most powerful strategists in Canada.
Arkansas – Audit Says Arkansas Governor’s Office Potentially Violated Laws with $19,000 Lectern Purchase
Yahoo News – Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) | Published: 4/15/2024
Auditors found the purchase last year of a $19,000 lectern by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ office potentially violated state law. The auditors referred the findings to local prosecutors and the state attorney general, and lawmakers planned to hold a hearing on the report. It cited several potential violations, including paying for the lectern before it was delivered and the handling of records regarding the purchase.
California – L.A. Ethics Panel Approves Fine for Former CBS Exec Leslie Moonves Over Interference with LAPD Investigation
MSN – Richard Winston and Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 4/17/2024
Former CBS President Leslie Moonves will pay $15,000 to settle an ethics complaint over his role in an alleged cover-up of sexual assault accusations against him. The Los Angeles City Ethics Commission unanimously approved the settlement after previously rejecting a proposal for $11,250 in fines as too low. Under the settlement, Moonves also admitted he violated city law by interfering with a police investigation into the sexual assault allegations.
California – Questions Swirled About Millions of Tax Dollars in OC. After Months of Silence, a Key Figure Weighs In
MSN – Nick Gerda (LAist) | Published: 4/17/2024
An Orange County supervisor’s daughter at the center of a controversy over what happened to millions of taxpayer dollars she had a limited role in the nonprofit that handled the money, despite records stating otherwise. Rhiannon Do also said she no longer works for the organization, Viet America Society (VAS). At Supervisor Andrew Do’s direction, VAS has received more than $9 million from the county to feed needy residents, plus $1 million to build a Vietnam War memorial. He also joined votes to fund up to $3.1 million in mental health subcontracts for the group, all without disclosing his close family connection.
Florida – Florida GOP Operative Admits Role in ‘Ghost’ Candidate Scheme That Defeated Utility-Targeted Dem
Floodlight – Mario Alejandro Ariza | Published: 4/12/2024
For the first time, the lead consultant to Florida Senate Republicans admitted to hiring a disgraced ex-senator and approving a dirty trick to recruit a third-party candidate to siphon votes from a South Florida Democrat. The scheme succeeded. In 2020, Jose Javier Rodriguez, the Democrat targeted by the GOP and by Florida Power & Light, lost by 32 votes to Ileana Garcia, the founder of Latinas for Trump. A third-party candidate who did not campaign and who shared the same last name as Rodriguez drew over 6,000 votes.
Georgia – New Prosecutor to Decide Fate of Georgia Lieutenant Governor in Trump Case
MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 4/11/2024
A state official tasked with finding a special prosecutor to investigate whether Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones should face criminal charges for his alleged role in seeking to overturn Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss in the state announced he had appointed himself to the case. Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, was assigned 21 months ago to find someone to oversee the investigation into Jones after a judge disqualified Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case over a fundraiser she hosted for Jones’s political rival.
Hawaii – Retired State Ag Official’s Return to The Agency Has Critics Concerned Over Conflicts of Interest
Honolulu Civil Beat – Thomas Heaton | Published: 4/9/2024
The Department of Agriculture (DOA) is seeking to renew the contract of Hawaii’s acting biosecurity chief, Carol Okada, a controversial figure who many in the conservation community fear is protecting the industry she is supposed to be regulating. Okada, whose title is Acting Plant Industry Division Administrator, is the primary state official overseeing the plant nursery industry, whose products have been found to spread destructive pests throughout Hawaii. Okada retired in 2019 but returned to DOA last year. Her relationship with the nursery industry has fueled concern among lawmakers as well.
Hawaii – Inside the Late-Night Parties Where Hawaii Politicians Raked in Money
Honolulu Civil Beat – Eric Sagara and Irene Casado Sanchez (Big Local News), and Blaze Lovell | Published: 4/17/2024
In response to a series of scandals, Hawaii legislators in 2005 passed a law that barred government contractors from giving money to politicians. It was billed as one of the nation’s most ambitious efforts to end “pay-to-play” in contracting and designed to change the political culture of a state steeped in corruption. But the ban only applies to donations from the actual corporate entities that got contracts, but not to their owners, employees, or any related businesses.
Illinois – Giannoulias Calls for Disclosure of Lobbyist Contracts
NPR Illinois – Peter Hancock (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 4/11/2024
Legislative lobbyists in Illinois are required to report how much they spend entertaining lawmakers. Currently, though, there is no law requiring lobbyists to disclose how much they are paid by corporations, industry groups, or other special interest organizations. That would change under a bill now pending in the Illinois House. It would, for the first time, require lobbyists to disclose how much they are paid by each of their clients.
Illinois – Chicago Lobbyists Escape Serious Punishment for Improper Donations to Mayor Johnson’s Campaign
WBEZ – Tessa Weinberg | Published: 4/17/2024
The Chicago Board of Ethics dismissed an enforcement action against four City Hall lobbyists who donated to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign. The board said it lacks the authority to enforce a decade-old executive order meant to curb such contributions. An outside law firm found that enforcement language for former Mayor Rahm Emmanuel’s order is not codified in the law. It was the first time the board has been confronted with trying to enforce the order since it was issued, said Executive Director Steve Berlin.
Illinois – Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Fined $60K for Violating Ethics Ordinance
WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 4/15/2024
The Chicago Board of Ethics fined City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin $60,000 for violating the government ethics ordinance by using city resources to host a prayer service. The board found Conyears-Ervin committed 12 total infractions for violating her fiduciary duty to the city, the unauthorized use of city property, and prohibited political activity. It levied the maximum fine of $5,000 for each individual violation of the ordinance.
Kentucky – Ethics Commission Urges Metro Council to Amend Laws Following Greenberg Complaint
Yahoo News – Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 4/16/2024
In its opinion dismissing the complaint against Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, the Ethics Commission called on Metro Council to specify local guidelines concerning the mayor’s spouse and other volunteers. Media reports said Rachel Greenberg had a Metro Hall office, a government email account, and gave orders to staffers. Ethics experts said the arrangement might violate the city’s ethics rules, which the administration denied.
Maryland – Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott Issues Refunds, Amends Donations After Reporting 9 Over $6K Max
MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 4/14/2024
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott amended several of his state campaign finance reports to correct errors regarding five individual contributors and issued refunds to four other donors after it was reported the campaign accepted donations above the $6,000 maximum limit from nine entities. Scott’s campaign manager said the campaign’s mistakes were likely due to donations submitted via company credit cards.
Michigan – Nessel Accuses Ex-Speaker Chatfield of Stealing Political Funds in Criminal Charges
Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 4/16/2024
State Attorney General Dana Nessel unveiled 13 criminal charges against former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, saying he misused nonprofit dollars to pay off his personal credit card and fund purchases at wineries and luxury retail stores. Chatfield’s wife, Stephanie, was also charged for her role in the alleged scheme. Lee Chatfield got kickbacks from his associates and used $132,000 from his nonprofit organization to pay off his personal Chase credit card, Nessel said. Lee Chatfield’s actions were the product of a “dark money fueled culture” in Michigan’s capital, said Nessel.
Michigan – Democratic Majority in Michigan House Restored with Special Elections
MSN – Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 4/17/2024
Democrats in the Michigan House saw their majority restored with a pair of victories in special elections. The Democratic victories could end the legislative gridlock that has defined the tied chamber for the past several months. The pair of seats have sat empty since late November last year after former state Reps. Kevin Coleman and Lori Stone were sworn in as mayors of their respective hometowns.
Mississippi – Lawmakers Update Public Service Commissioner Campaign Finance Law
Magnolia Tribune – Frank Corder | Published: 4/16/2024
Mississippi Public Service Commission members and candidates for the three offices have been required to adhere to strict guidelines regarding direct and indirect gifts and campaign contributions, specifically related to any person acting in any respect for utilities they regulate. But renewable energy lobbyists or company executives were not specifically covered by the campaign finance restrictions. The Legislature passed a bill changing the language to “covered person” to capture all entities or persons that may come before the commission.
Missouri – Speaker Dean Plocher Accused of ‘Absolute Obstruction’ in House Ethics Investigation
Missouri Independent – Jason Hancock | Published: 4/15/2024
Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher obstructed an investigation of his official acts through pressure on potential witnesses and refusing to issue subpoenas, leaders of the chamber’s Ethics Committee alleged. Details of the alleged obstruction were contained in a report laying out findings from the committee’s months-long investigation. The report concluded the committee lacked direct evidence of ethical misconduct in Plocher’s advocacy for a six-figure software contract, in his firing of a former staffer, or in years of filing false expense reimbursement reports.
New Jersey – Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and His Wife Are Accused of Assaulting Their Teenage Daughter
MSN – Jesse Bunch (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 4/15/2024
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his wife, schools superintendent La’Quetta Small, were charged with assaulting their daughter, including an incident in which the mayor allegedly knocked the teenager unconscious with a broom, prosecutors announced. They are alleged to have physically and emotionally abused the 16-year-old “on multiple occasions” in December and January.
New York – How a Hush Money Scandal Tied to a Porn Star Led to Trump’s First Criminal Trial
Associated Press News – Michael Sisak and Eric Tucker | Published: 4/13/2024
It was the kind of tawdry tale that Donald Trump might have relished before politics: an adult film actress claiming they had sex. But on the eve of the 2016 presidential election, Trump feared the story, which he says is false, would cost him votes. So, prosecutors say, he arranged to pay Stormy Daniels to keep quiet. Now, after years of fits and starts before an indictment last year, Trump is on trial New York on state charges related to the scandal.
New York – Charged With Regulating Conflict of Interests, Ethics Commission Hides Its Own
New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 4/17/2024
The chairperson of New York’s ethics watchdog agency praised its staff for their quick processing of Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests. The achievement, he said, showed the body’s commitment to “ultimate transparency in how we do our business.” But Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government staff fulfilled a FOIL request about the commissioners’ personal potential conflicts-of-interest and redacted all information about relationships that could force commissioners to recuse themselves from votes.
Ohio – Randazzo’s Death Clouds Path Forward on Criminal, Civil FirstEnergy Bribery Cases
MSN – Jake Zuckerman and Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 4/11/2024
The death of a former Ohio regulator has wrenched state and federal criminal cases accusing him of accepting a $4.3 million bribe from a power company before doing its bidding inside the government. Sam Randazzo was found dead in what officials said was a “suspected suicide.” The state also charged two top officials at FirstEnergy for allegedly orchestrating the bribes.
Oklahoma – Will You have to Vote on Your State Lawmaker in November? Most Races Will Already Be Decided
Oklahoma Watch – Keaton Ross | Published: 4/11/2024
For the third consecutive general election cycle, most Oklahoma voters will not elect their state lawmakers in November. Fifty of the 127 Senate and House seats up for re-election were decided on April 5, when just one candidate filed for office. Thirty-five races will be settled in the June 18 primary or August 27 runoff election. Uncompetitive races can cause voters to become apathetic and less interested in the democratic process, research has found.
Pennsylvania – Pa. House Amends Campaign Finance Bills to Cover All Nonprofits and Require More Detailed Reports
Pennsylvania Capital-Star – Peter Hall | Published: 4/15/2024
Lawmakers approved amendments to a pair of Pennsylvania House bills to make campaign finance reporting requirements for state lawmakers more robust and increase the transparency of independent expenditures in elections. House Bill 1472 would require campaign finance reports from civic leagues and 501(c)(4) tax-exempt social welfare organizations that independently advocate for or against candidates. The amendment would make the bill more broadly cover all tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c) of the federal tax code.
South Dakota – Four South Dakota Tribes Bar Gov. Kristi Noem, Trump V.P. Contender, From Lands
Spokane Spokesman-Review – Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 4/13/2024
Four of South Dakota’s federally recognized Native American tribes have barred the state’s governor, Kristi Noem, from their reservations. Three of the tribes barred Noem in April, joining another tribe that had sanctioned the governor after she told state lawmakers in February that Mexican drug cartels had a foothold on their reservations and were committing murders there. Noem further angered the tribes by appearing to suggest the tribes were complicit in the cartels’ presence on their reservations.
Virginia – Unleash America Was Supposed to Be About Supporting Va. Candidates. But the Money Didn’t Go There.
Yahoo News – Elizabeth Beyer (Staunton News Leader) | Published: 4/14/2024
Robert Landrum thought he was supporting Republicans in Virginia’s statehouse elections when he donated $500 to a federal super PAC in April 2023. Unleash America had one stated goal: to get Republicans elected during Virginia’s 2023 contests to support Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s agenda. But according to the FEC and State Board of Election, not a single Republican candidate for state or local office received any direct financial support from Unleash America.
Washington – Lobbying the Legislature from Behind Bars
Oregon Capital Chronicle – Grace Deng (Washington State Standard) | Published: 4/16/2024
The Department of Corrections (DOC) recorded 32 requests from prisoners to testify on bills during this year’s legislative session in Washington, and at least 18 got to testify. Advocates say testimony from prisoners has grown in Olympia since virtual testimony became common during the pandemic. But some prisoners allege the DOC has made it difficult for them to engage with lawmakers. Activists in prison say they feel silenced by what they describe as the agency’s lack of support for – and sometimes even interference with – their political advocacy.
Wisconsin – Business Group Challenges Evers’ Creative Veto That Extended School Aid for 400 Years
Yahoo News – Jessie Opoien (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 4/15/2024
Attorneys with Wisconsin’s largest business lobby asked the state Supreme Court to strike down Gov. Tony Evers’ use of his partial veto authority to increase funding for public schools for the next four centuries. Wisconsin gives its governors some of the most sweeping executive powers in the country, although partial veto authority has been scaled back over time.
April 12, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 12, 2024
National/Federal Woman Sentenced to Month in Prison Over Theft of Ashley Biden’s Diary DNyuz – Adam Goldman (New York Times) | Published: 4/9/2024 A federal judge sentenced Aimee Harris to a month in prison for her role in a brazen scheme to […]
National/Federal
Woman Sentenced to Month in Prison Over Theft of Ashley Biden’s Diary
DNyuz – Adam Goldman (New York Times) | Published: 4/9/2024
A federal judge sentenced Aimee Harris to a month in prison for her role in a brazen scheme to steal the diary of President Biden’s daughter and sell it to a right-wing group in the hope of disrupting the 2020 election. In August 2022, Aimee Harris pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport the stolen diary to New York, where she met with employees of Project Veritas and sold it for $40,000 just weeks before the election.
How the No Labels 2024 Presidential Campaign Failed to Launch
MSN – Ken Thomas and Kristina Peterson (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 4/4/2024
No Labels, the centrist group which has sought to field a third-party presidential bid, is abandoning efforts to create a “unity ticket” aiming to win the White House. Even as the group cited polling showing public dissatisfaction with President Biden and Donald Trump and support for a generic third-party candidate, No Labels could not convince any prominent leaders to mount a challenge that aimed to become the first substantial third-party effort since independent Ross Perot’s showing in the 1992 election.
Judge Cannon Shoots Down Trump’s Presidential Records Act Claim
MSN – Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 4/4/2024
U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon rejected Donald Trump’s bid to have his charges of mishandling classified documents dismissed on the grounds that a federal records law protected him from prosecution. The judge also defended her handling of the issue from special counsel Jack Smith, which had surprised legal experts and rankled prosecutors. Cannon’s decision comes two days after Smith criticized the rationale behind the judge’s demand for prospective jury instructions that seemed to largely adopt Trump’s interpretation of the law.
Super PACs Keep Testing the Limits of Campaign Finance Law
MSN – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 4/8/2024
Super PACs keep pushing the boundaries of campaign finance law this cycle. They are using novel financial arrangements, like taking “bridge funding” in the form of loans from major donors or receiving ad revenue from a candidate’s podcast. They are also continuing to take advantage of long-standing loopholes in anti-coordination guidelines. Outside spending continues to increase dramatically.
Special Counsel Urges Supreme Court to Reject Trump’s Immunity Claim
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 4/8/2024
Special counsel Jack Smith urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject Donald Trump’s “novel and sweeping” claim that he is immune from criminal prosecution on charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The ruling will determine whether and how quickly Trump faces trial. The justices’ decision to take up Trump’s claim, rather than let stand an appeals court decision that he can be prosecuted, has drawn criticism for delaying the trial, which initially was scheduled to begin in early March.
House Subpoena Lawsuit Risks Change to Oversight Power
MSN – Ryan Tarinelli (Roll Call) | Published: 4/8/2024
The House Judiciary Committee teed up a high-stakes legal clash with the Justice Department in a lawsuit that could influence congressional oversight authority far beyond the GOP’s impeachment investigation into President Biden, legal experts say. The committee’s lawsuit against two Justice Department attorneys asks a federal court to compel the officials to testify about the criminal case against Hunter Biden.
Trump’s The Likely GOP Nominee. He Can Serve Even If Convicted of a Crime.
MSN – David Nakamura (Washington Post) | Published: 4/11/2024
Donald Trump is facing felony charges in four separate criminal indictments in three states and the District of Columbia, with a guilty verdict in any of the cases possibly meaning a prison sentence. The circumstances have raised an often-asked question: Could Trump, or anyone else, be convicted of a felony and serve as commander in chief, possibly from prison? The short answer, legal experts said, is yes – because the U.S. Constitution does not forbid it.
Content Creators Ask Meta to Reverse Politics Limits on Instagram, Threads
MSN – Taylor Lorenz (Washington Post) | Published: 4/10/2024
Hundreds of political and news content creators signed an open letter to Meta asking the company to reverse its decision to limit the reach of accounts posting “political content” on Threads and Instagram. Meta announced in February it no longer would recommend content about politics and social issues on the two social media platforms, which have tens of millions of users in the U.S. Independent journalists and content creators say they have struggled to reach their audiences since the change was rolled out. They say the limits have significantly affected creators who are Black, female, and LGBTQ.
US Judicial Panel Proposes Greater Amicus Brief Financial Disclosures
Reuters – Nate Raymond | Published: 4/10/2024
A federal judicial panel called for greater transparency requirements for outside groups that file amicus briefs in cases by mandating they disclose when much of their revenue comes from a party involved in the lawsuit or its attorneys. The U.S. Judicial Conference’s Advisory Committee on Appellate Rules endorsed the proposal following calls by Democratic lawmakers and others for changes to shed a light on the extent to which litigants secretly fund efforts to influence cases’ outcomes through amicus, or friend-of-the-court, briefs.
Watchdog Groups Say Texas Sen. Ted Cruz ‘Brazenly Violated’ Federal Election Campaign Act
Yahoo News – Hogan Gore (Austin American-Statesman) | Published: 4/9/2024
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is facing a formal complaint over more than $630,000 sent from the company that syndicates his podcast to a super PAC supporting his reelection bid. The Campaign Legal Center and End Citizens United allege Cruz violated the Federal Election Campaign Act after iHeartMedia made deposits to The Truth and Courage PAC, which then reported the payments as “other federal receipts” rather than campaign contributions. The complaint says iHeartMedia’s donations qualify as “soft money” solicited or directed from Cruz.
Thousands of Alleged Lobbying Violations Languish at Justice Department
Yahoo News – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 4/4/2024
Federal lobbyists must file new registrations within 45 days, quarterly disclosures detailing specific lobbying activities and how much they were paid, and semiannual political contribution reports. When a lobbyist or firm fails to comply, the secretary of the Senate and the clerk of the House notify them and make referrals to the U.S. attorney’s office when they fail to provide a proper response. The Government Accountability Office found thousands of reports of lobbying and political donation violations remain unresolved years after they were referred.
As Kushner’s Investment Firm Steps Out, the Potential Conflicts Are Growing
Yahoo News – Eric Lipton, Jonathan Swain, and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 4/9/2024
Jared Kushner’s investment fund is not especially large by global finance standards. But as he gets it fully up and running, each step is bringing with it ethical issues that would only grow if his father-in-law, Donald Trump, should win another term as president. Kushner’s $3 billion fund is financed almost entirely from overseas investors with whom he worked when he served as a senior adviser in the Trump White House.
From the States and Municipalities
Alabama – Alabama Ethics Commissioner Resigns, Decision Comes as Senate Considers Ethics Law Change
MSN – Darryl Burke (WHNT) | Published: 4/10/2024
Stan McDonald resigned his seat on the Alabama Ethics Commission. The decision comes as the Senate considers a bill that would overhaul the existing state ethics code. According to campaign finance records, McDonald made contributions to at least one political campaign after being appointed to the commission in 2019. Members of the Ethics Commission are not allowed to make political donations.
Arizona – ‘Catastrophic,’ ‘a Shock’: Arizona’s Abortion Ruling Threatens to Upend 2024 Races
MSN – Maegan Vazquez and Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 4/10/2024
The Arizona Supreme Court revived a near-total ban on abortion, invoking an 1864 law that forbids the procedure except to save a mother’s life and punishes providers with prison time. The decision supersedes the state’s previous rule, which permitted abortions up to 15 weeks. While several states have enacted abortion restrictions, protecting access to reproductive care has been a winning issue for Democratic candidates. As a battleground state, there is a lot on the line in Arizona’s looming elections.
Arizona – Arizona Politicians’ Fundraising to Be Public Under Bill Inspired by Republic Reporting
Yahoo News – Stacey Barchinger (Arizona Republic) | Published: 4/8/2024
Arizonans will be able to see the political fundraising and spending of the state’s most powerful elected officials much sooner and more often under a measure signed into law recently. The law requires statewide officeholders, like the governor, attorney general, and others to report their finances to the public four times a year. They must do so during each of the three years between their elections.
California – How Long Before California’s Campaign Finance Website Is Replaced?
CalMatters – Sameea Kamal | Published: 4/3/2024
Cal-Access, the antiquated web portal to track California’s campaign money and lobbying, probably will not be replaced before December 2026. Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s office is currently evaluating bids and expects to have a primary vendor by this summer. An independent review estimates the project could take 27 months.
California – Every Vote Counts. Just Ask These Two Candidates Tied with Exactly 30,249 Votes Each
CalMatters – Yue Stalla Yu | Published: 4/4/2024
Whoever did not vote in a U.S. House primary in California may have helped make history. Tied for second in the March 5 election, with exactly 30,249 votes each, state Assemblyperson Evan Low and Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian are both advancing to the November general election, joining top vote-getter Sam Liccardo, a former mayor of San Jose. The stage is set for a competitive three-way November runoff, the first since California adopted its new primary system in 2012.
Colorado – Colorado GOP Ousts Reporter from Event, Claiming ‘Unfair’ Coverage
MSN – Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) | Published: 4/9/2024
The Colorado Republican Party expelled journalist Sandra Fish from its recent event in Pueblo after she was told the party chairperson finds her reporting “very unfair.” A sheriff’s deputy escorted the longtime reporter out, drawing backlash from lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and fellow journalists who criticized the move as an affront to democracy.
District of Columbia – Justice Official Clark Violated Ethics in Aiding Trump, D.C. Bar Panel Finds
MSN – Keith Alexander (Washington Post) | Published: 4/3/2024
A District of Columbia Bar committee ruled former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark violated at least one rule of ethics and should face professional sanctions for trying to use the department’s influence to help reverse Donald Trump’s 2020 election defeat. The discipline could include revocation of his law license, blocking him from practicing law in the nation’s capital.
Florida – Miami City Attorney Helped Steer $10M Meant for Citywide Projects to Carollo’s District
MSN – Tess Riski, Joey Flechas, and Sarah Blaskey (Miami Herald) | Published: 4/11/2024
When a developer came to the Miami City Commission with a deal to build a luxury high-rise on city-owned land, commissioners approved the project. As part of the agreement, the developer promised to give the city $10 million for park improvements and other public benefits across Miami. But the city attorney’s office and other officials quietly reshaped the deal to shift those funds to a single district. Behind-the-scenes revisions to the contract meant the money would be given to Commissioner Joe Carollo’s district, where the high-rise site is located.
Florida – Sarasota City Attorney to Prepare a Potential Ordinance to Track Political Lobbying
Yahoo News – Christian Casale (Sarasota Herald Tribune) | Published: 4/4/2024
Sarasota leaders will explore an ordinance to regulate lobbying in City Hall after several ethics issues have come up. City Commissioner Erik Arroyo said he envisioned a registration requirement for anyone paid to lobby the city and a requirement they disclose their clients. The information would be kept in a digital, publicly accessible database.
Georgia – Judge Rejects Trump’s First Amendment Challenge to Indictment in Georgia Election Case
MSN – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 4/4/2024
The judge overseeing the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others rejected arguments by the former president that the indictment seeks to criminalize speech protected by the First Amendment. Trump’s attorneys argued that all the charges against him involved political speech that is protected even if the speech ends up being false.
Georgia – Former City of Atlanta Executive, Jim Beard, Enters Plea Deal in Federal Court
WXIA – Meleah Lyden | Published: 4/9/2024
A former chief financial officer in Atlanta pleaded guilty in federal court to taking money from the city and using tax deductions he was not eligible for. Jim Beard admitted using city money for personal expenses, including two custom-built machine guns he had ordered using his professional email address. He also took tax deductions of $12,000, which were based on false submissions.
Kansas – Kansas Newspaper Publisher Sues Over Police Raid, Claiming Retaliation
MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 4/4/2024
The publisher of a Kansas newspaper that was raided by police in August is now suing officials involved in the move, accusing them of retaliating against the paper and violating its First Amendment rights. The unprecedented raid on the Marion County Record’s newsroom and the home of its editor and publisher, Eric Meyer, alarmed press and free-speech advocates across the country. Meyer alleges in the lawsuit that the stress of the raid led to the sudden death of his mother, who lived with him and co-owned the paper.
Maryland – Maryland Town Apologizes, Offers Amends to Settle Voting Rights Lawsuit
MSN – Joe Heim (Washington Post) | Published: 4/4/2024
The small town of Federalsburg on Maryland’s Eastern Shore settled a federal voting rights lawsuit by agreeing to apologize for its history of racism, committing to actions that acknowledge Black contributions to the town, and promote reconciliation. The town also will pay $260,000 in legal fees by 2030 to the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland, which brought the lawsuit. Last year, following changes to the voting system overseen by a judge, the 200-year-old town with a population that is 43 percent Black elected its first Black representative.
Maryland – Baltimore County Official Helped Investigate Former Employee Who Lodged Complaints About Her
MSN – Lia Russell (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 4/10/2024
An official being considered for Baltimore County’s highest appointed position helped police investigate a former employee who accused her and County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. of ethics violations. D’Andrea Walker, whom Olszewski nominated to become county administrative officer, was the acting director of the county Department of Public Works and Transportation when she provided security footage and information to a detective who was investigating Michael Beichler, her former Solid Waste Management bureau chief, at the request of Olszewski’s aide, according to a police report and emails.
Maryland – Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott Received Money from 9 Donors Who Exceeded $6K Limit
MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 4/11/2024
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has received campaign contributions above the maximum from at least nine donors this election cycle, violating state campaign finance law. Most of the problem donations, which amount to an extra $29,250, are the result of multiple contributions, some made in early 2023, before the mayoral campaign was underway, combined with others made more recently. Maryland operates on a four-year campaign cycle, and individual donors are allowed to give only $6,000 during that span.
Michigan – Judge Shows Mercy to Ex-Romulus Mayor Who Spent Campaign Money on Yacht Club, Wedding
Yahoo News – Tresa Baldas (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 4/4/2024
Former Romulus Mayor LeRoy Burcroff used campaign funds to help pay for his daughter’s wedding, his yacht club dues, and a Florida vacation with friends but he is not going to prison for any of it, despite his guilty plea. Instead, a federal judge gave Burcroff three years’ probation and four months’ home confinement, sparing him a prison sentence the government sought.
New Jersey – Top NJ Legislators Failed to Disclose Campaign Spending. They Still Haven’t Fixed Reports
MSN – Ashley Balcerzak (Bergen Record) | Published: 4/3/2024
New Jersey’s most powerful legislators, Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, have not filed amended reports nearly a month after media stories said they failed to properly disclose certain campaign spending. Critics of a controversial campaign finance overhaul said they wanted to examine provisions of the law, mainly a change that slashes the amount of time the Election Law Enforcement Commission has to investigate potential campaign finance violations from 10 years down to two years.
New York – Senate Democrats Renew Push for Changes to Matching Funds Program
Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 4/4/2024
State Senate Democrats are renewing their push to raise the threshold of campaign contributions a candidate needs to be eligible for New York’s new matching funds program. Sen. James Skoufis introduced an amended version of the legislation Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed in December. This time, lawmakers excluded what was widely viewed as the most controversial element of their proposal: allowing the first $250 of any contribution to be eligible for matching funds.
New York – Conservative Hoaxers to Pay Up to $1.25M Under Agreement with New York Over 2020 Robocall Scheme
MSN – Anthony Izaguirre (Associated Press) | Published: 4/9/2024
Two conservative political operatives who orchestrated a robocall campaign to dissuade Black people from voting in the 2020 election have agreed to pay up to $1.25 million under a settlement with New York Attorney General Letitia James. The operatives, Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman, were accused of making robocalls to phone numbers in predominately Black neighborhoods in Ohio, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois that told people they could be subjected to arrest, debt collection, and forced vaccination if they voted by mail.
New York – Ex-Trump Company Executive Weisselberg Sentenced to 5 Months in Jail
MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 4/10/2024
A longtime executive at Donald Trump’s company was sentenced to five months in jail after pleading guilty to lying under oath in the New York attorney general’s civil investigation into business practices at the Trump Organization and at the trial that resulted from it. Allen Weisselberg, who worked for the Trump family for a half-century before retiring recently, is expected to serve his sentence at Rikers Island.
New York – NYC Council Bill Would Ban Political Consultants, Fundraisers from Lobbying Former Clients
MSN – Michael Gartland (New York Daily News) | Published: 4/11/2024
Legislation introduced in the New York City Council would ban campaign fundraisers and consultants from lobbying their former bosses for two years after those politicians take office. Two of the most notable people who could be impacted by the new bill are Mayor Eric Adams’ longtime compliance attorney, Vito Pitta, and the top fundraiser for his 2021 campaign, Brianna Suggs, whose home was raided as part of a federal probe into the campaign’s ties to Turkey.
New York – Trump Fails to Delay N.Y. Criminal Trial for a Third Time This Week
MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 4/10/2024
Donald Trump’s attorneys failed to persuade an appeals court judge to delay the former president’s New York criminal trial by saying the presiding judge was not qualified to oversee the proceedings. The appeals court judge, Ellen Gesmer, denied Trump’s request shortly after it was argued at an emergency session. It was Trump’s third attempt to delay his trial on charges of falsifying business documents to help cover up an affair that allegedly happened a decade before the 2016 election.
Ohio – FirstEnergy Made Secret $1 Million Payment for ‘Husted Campaign’ in 2017, Documents Show
MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 4/10/2024
FirstEnergy, at the onset of what would become one of Ohio’s biggest public corruption schemes, gave a $1 million contribution to a nonprofit backing now-Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who was running for governor at the time, new records show. The donation was made in 2017 to Freedom Frontier, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that can accept unlimited funds from corporations without disclosing the source. FirstEnergy’s internal records classify the payment as for the “Husted campaign.”
Ohio – Ex-PUCO Chairman Sam Randazzo Accused in FirstEnergy Bribery Scheme Has Died
MSN – Laura Bischoff and Jessie Balmert (Cincinnati Enquirer) | Published: 4/10/2024
Former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo, who was facing criminal charges over a bribery scandal, has died by suspected suicide. Randazzo was recently accused of accepting $4.3 million from FirstEnergy to help the utility with a $1 billion bailout for two nuclear plants and regulation that would have cost the company money. He was also accused of embezzling from his clients.
MSN – Andrew Tobias and Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 4/8/2024
Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden all have appeared on Ohio’s November ballots despite their parties nominating them after an obscure deadline in state law But that same deadline could prevent President Biden from qualifying for Ohio’s November ballot this year, a development that might have wide-reaching ramifications for U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and other Ohio Democrats unless a court or Republican lawmakers agree to intervene, a top lawyer for GOP Secretary of State Frank LaRose warned.
Oklahoma – Campaign Finance Task Force Takes Aim at Outside Spending
Oklahoma Watch – Keaton Ross | Published: 4/4/2024
Politically active nonprofits allowed to spend unlimited amounts to sway Oklahoma voters should face greater scrutiny, a gubernatorial task force declared in its final report. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission could propose rules based on the report’s recommendations, which would take effect at the end of the legislative session in which they were considered unless the Legislature or governor objects.
Oregon – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek to Seek Guidance from Ethics Commission Around First Lady’s Role
MSN – Dianne Lugo (Salem Statesman Journal) | Published: 4/3/2024
Gov. Tina Kotek said she is sending questions seeking clarification on what is appropriate for the role of the first spouse to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, which is reviewing a complaint against the governor related to questions about her wife’s role in her administration. It has been reported that three of the governor’s top aides have resigned over First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson’s involvement in the administration.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Liberal Won’t Run Again, Shaking Up Race for Control
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 4/21/2024
The longest-serving member of the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s liberal majority announced she would not run for reelection next spring, shaking up a consequential race in a swing state and improving the odds that conservatives can retake the control they lost last year. Justice Ann Walsh Bradley’s unexpected retirement sets the stage for an intense race for control of the court two years after candidates, political parties, and interest groups spent more than $50 million in the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history.
April 5, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 5, 2024
National/Federal From Pizzagate to the 2020 Election: Forcing liars to pay or apologize Las Vegas Sun – Elizabeth Williamson (New York Times) | Published: 4/2/2024 Michael Gottlieb, a partner at the firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher and a former associate counsel in […]
National/Federal
From Pizzagate to the 2020 Election: Forcing liars to pay or apologize
Las Vegas Sun – Elizabeth Williamson (New York Times) | Published: 4/2/2024
Michael Gottlieb, a partner at the firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher and a former associate counsel in the Obama White House, is at the forefront of a small but growing cadre of lawyers deploying defamation, one of the oldest areas of the law, as a weapon against a tide of political disinformation. Gottlieb has worked with Protect Democracy, a nonpartisan group that pushes for laws and policies to counter what it sees as authoritarian threats. Before the Trump era and the explosion of social media, though, such cases were virtually nonexistent.
Appeals Court Sides with Judge Who Threatened Peter Navarro with Contempt
MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 4/1/2024
A federal appeals court rejected arguments from former Trump adviser Peter Navarro, one of a series of legal losses that has the economist facing sanction for defying court orders even as he serves a four-month prison sentence for ignoring similar demands from Congress. A judge threatened him with contempt if he did not hand over more records from his years in the Trump administration. On appeal, Navarro argued the Justice Department had no authority to enforce the Presidential Records Act. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed that claim.
How Corporate PAC Money Could End Up in the Personal Coffers of Sens. JD Vance and Markwayne Mullin
MSN – Brian Metzger (Business Insider) | Published: 3/28/2024
U.S. Sens. JD Vance and Markwayne Mullin have spent the last year using campaign cash to pay themselves back for hefty loans they sunk into their 2022 races. At the same time, they have been taking tens of thousands of dollars in corporate PAC money, some of which may be ending up directly in the senators’ bank accounts. The murky reality of both Vance’s and Mullin’s finances can be attributed in part to the work of Sen. Ted Cruz.
FEC Fines Mike Braun Senate Committee $159k for Campaign Finance Violation
MSN – Kayla Dwyer (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 3/29/2024
U.S. Sen. Mike Braun’s campaign owes $159,000 for violating campaign finance rules during the 2018 election, among the largest fines in the FEC’s history, ending a multi-year saga with the campaign and Braun’s former treasurer. Since 1980, only about 50 cases have warranted larger fines, but the penalty represents a small percentage of the approximately $11.5 million in campaign loans that were misreported.
Trump Special Counsel Fires Back at Cannon Order That Could Disrupt Case
MSN – Perry Stein and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 4/3/2024
Special counsel Jack Smith warned the judge overseeing Donald Trump’s classified documents case she is pursuing a legal premise that “is wrong” and said he would probably appeal to a higher court if she would rule a federal records law can protect the former president from prosecution. Smith’s office pushed back against an unusual instruction from U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon, one that veteran national security lawyers and former judgers have said badly misinterprets the Presidential Records Act and laws related to classified documents.
Trump Media Stock Plunges as 2023 Truth Social Loss Put at $58 Million
MSN – Drew Harwell (Washington Post) | Published: 4/1/2024
Donald Trump’s social media company lost more than $58 million last year, sending its stock plunging more than 21 percent only days after a highflying public debut set the company’s value at more than $8 billion. The new figures throw into stark relief the gap between Trump Media’s highly hyped investor-driven valuation on the public stock market and the reality of its business performance. They also raise questions about the possibility that Trump could use the company as a financial lifeline. Trump cannot sell his shares or use them as collateral for a loan for six months because of a provision in the company’s merger agreement.
To Comply with Court, Federal Agency Lets White People Claim Social Disadvantage
MSN – Julian Mark (Washington Post) | Published: 4/3/2024
A federal judge ordered the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to open its doors to entrepreneurs from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, ruling its presumption that minorities are inherently disadvantaged violated the Constitution’s equal protection clause. The MBDA directed its business centers to forgo racial considerations when vetting applicants. Instead, candidates must sign a form, attesting their disadvantage to certify they are “minority business enterprises.” It is the latest sign the government is untethering its definition of social disadvantage from broad racial and ethnic classifications.
Freedom Caucuses Push for Conservative State Laws, but Getting Attention Is Their Big Success
Yahoo News – Elaine Povich (Stateline) | Published: 4/2/2024
The State Freedom Caucus Network aims to push the Republican Party further to the right on issues such as immigration, voting access, and transgender restrictions. It is an outgrowth of the group in the U.S. House. The state chapters are proposing conservative legislation and slowing measures they do not like, even bills that were once considered routine and noncontroversial. Some Republicans say members of the Freedom Caucus gum up the legislative works and are more interested in publicity and grandstanding than conservative policymaking.
From the States and Municipalities
Alabama – Alabama House Approves Legislation Overhauling State Ethics Code
Alabama Reflector – Alander Rocha | Published: 4/3/2024
The Alabama House approved a bill that would repeal the current ethics laws for public officials and employees, replace the code with tougher punishments for violations, and weaken the powers of the state Ethics Commission. House Bill 227 would raise the gift ban limit to public officials and employees to $100 per occasion and $500 per year. The legislation now goes to the Senate.
Arizona – UA President Robbins OK’d Effort to Erase Millions in Fines Against Fraudulent Online University
Yahoo News – Hannah Dreyfus and Helen Rummel (Arizona Republic) | Published: 3/27/2024
Lobbyist Richard Smotkin was ostensibly hired by the University of Arizona Foundation to help build the university’s relationship with Morocco. But behind the scenes, Smotkin worked to persuade the California attorney general to erase millions of dollars in fines against a fraudulent online school acquired by the university, documents show. While Smotkin has extensive connections in Morocco, he had another important relationship: a yearslong bond with California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
California – Former L.A. Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan Found Guilty in Sprawling City Hall Corruption Case
MSN – David Zahniser and Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/27/2024
A jury found Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan secured bribes for himself and for former city Councilperson Jose Huizar as part of a sprawling “pay-to-play” scheme. Chan was f0und guilty on all 12 counts of corruption in a case focused on financial benefits provided by real estate developers with projects in Huizar’s district. During the trial, prosecutors portrayed Chan as a crucial intermediary between Huizar, who wielded huge power over downtown development projects, and Chinese real estate developers.
Colorado – Colorado Appeals Court Upholds Fine, Requirement for ‘Dark Money’ Group to Disclose Spending
Colorado Politics – Michael Karlik | Published: 3/28/2024
Colorado’s second-highest court agreed that a group that spent $4 million backing conservative causes on the ballot in 2020 is required to disclose its contributions and spending and pay a $40,000 fine for failing to register as an advocacy group. A trial judge previously believed Unite for Colorado, which spent roughly $17 million during 2020, was not subject to the registration and disclosure requirement because its $4 million spent across multiple ballot initiatives was not substantial enough when broken down issue-by-issue.
Florida – Federal Court Upholds DeSantis-Backed Congressional Map
Yahoo News – Gary Fineout (Associated Press) | Published: 3/27/2024
A panel of federal judges upheld Florida’s congressional map, turning away a challenge that alleged it was discriminatory against Black voters after the district held by former U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat, was dismantled. The decision is a victory for Republicans and Gov. Ron DeSantis, who muscled the map through Florida’s GOP-controlled Legislature. The congressional map his administration crafted ultimately resulted in Republicans gaining four seats, helping the GOP flip the House during the 2022 midterm elections.
Florida – With Abortion Ballot Question, a ‘Path to Relevance’ for Democrats in Florida?
Yahoo News – Patricia Mazzei (New York Times) | Published: 4/2/2024
Florida, once the biggest battleground in presidential politics, has become less important as its election results have trended repeatedly toward the political right. Few consider it a true swing state anymore. But three rulings from the Florida Supreme Court on abortion and marijuana may inject new life into Democratic campaigns before the general election on November 6.
Florida – Can Elected Officials Do Business with Their City? Here’s What Ethics Commission Say
Yahoo News – Tess Riski (Miami Herald) | Published: 4/3/2024
Elected officials in Miami-Dade County can run businesses that interact with their city’s government if the scope of work is clerical in nature and does not involve advocacy, according to a draft opinion from the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust. The county ethics code prohibits public officials from receiving compensation from third parties, directly or indirectly, if the compensation is related to matters where the third parties are seeking a benefit from the city.
Georgia – Georgia Lawmakers Approve New Election Rules That Could Impact 2024 Presidential Contest
Yahoo News – Sudhin Thanawala and Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 3/29/2024
Georgia lawmakers approved new rules for challenging voters and qualifying for the state’s presidential ballot that could impact the 2024 presidential race in the battleground state. The bill would grant access to Georgia’s ballot to any political party that has qualified for the presidential ballot in at least 20 states or territories. The change could be a boost to independent candidates. It also spells out what constitutes “probable cause” for upholding challenges to voter eligibility.
Iowa – Republican Candidate’s Wife Sentenced to Prison for Voter Fraud
MSN – Kim Bellware (Washington Post) | Published: 4/3/2024
An Iowa woman who sought to boost her husband’s unsuccessful congressional bid in 2020 through a voter fraud scheme was sentenced by a federal judge to four months in prison in a rare case of fraudulent voting. Kim Taylor was convicted on 52 counts including fraudulent voting and providing false information in registering and voting. During the 2020 primary and general elections, federal prosecutors said, Taylor filled out voter registrations and absentee ballots for members of the Vietnamese community under the guise of offering translation help.
Kansas – Does Wichita Mayor’s Trip Abroad Fall Under City’s Ethics Policy? Here’s What We Found Out
Yahoo News – Chance Swaim (Wichita Eagle) | Published: 4/1/2024
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu’s trip to Switzerland – paid for by the Swiss government – falls in a gray area of a city council ethics policy that sought to limit gifts to elected and appointed city officials. The travel costs, which include flights, hotel stays, and dinners, are expected to far exceed the $150 gift limit council members can accept from a single source during a calendar year. But Wu says the all-expenses-paid trip is not a gift.
Kentucky – Louisville Mayor’s Wife Repeatedly Turned to City Worker for Social Media Help, Texts Show
Yahoo News – Eleanor McCrary and Josh Wood (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 4/2/2024
Text messages show a Communications Department staffer was frequently called upon by Rachel Greenberg, wife of Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, to assist her with her Instagram account by creating and providing content and offering advice. The texts also show Rachel Greenberg, described by the administration as a volunteer, instructed the staffer to edit posts on the mayor’s Instagram account. Two sources said the mayor’s wife had a Metro Hall office, a government email address, and gave orders to staffers. Experts said that arrangement might violate the city’s ethics rules.
Minnesota – ‘Book Senator Hoffman to speak’: DFL state senator’s consulting firm raises ethical questions
Yahoo News – Ryan Faircloth (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 4/3/2024
Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman prominently touted his political status on his personal consulting firm’s website as recently as a week ago, prompting government ethics experts to question whether he was promoting his official position for personal gain. The homepage of the website for Hoffman Strategic Advisors featured a posed photograph of the senator inside the state Capitol. Hoffman said he always considers himself a senator and had not thought about the optics of promoting his position on his personal website.
Missouri – Recall of Columbia First Ward Councilperson Nick Knoth Passes
KOMU – Hunter Walterman | Published: 4/2/2024
Columbia City Councilperson Nick Knoth was recalled over his lobbying work outside the council. Knoth was elected for a three-year term in April 2023 and took a job as a lobbyist for a trade association for real estate agents later that year. In October, a group of voters launched a campaign to recall Knoth, arguing his position amounted to a conflict-of-interest.
Nebraska – Nebraska Lawmakers Vote Against Trump-Fueled Push to Change Electoral Vote System
MSN – Patrick Svitek and Michael Scherer (Washington Post) | Published: 4/4/2024
Donald Trump’s push to get the Nebraska Legislature to change the way it awards electoral votes faced a major setback when lawmakers voted to prevent the change from being attached to an unrelated bill. Nebraska is one of only two states that divide electoral votes among statewide and congressional district winners. But Gov. Jim Pillen and Trump endorsed a proposal to return the state to a winner-take-all system.
New Jersey – New Jersey’s Unique Ballot Design Struck Down by Judge
MSN – Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 3/29/2024
New Jersey’s unique way of displaying county-endorsed candidates on the ballot was struck down by a federal judge after a lawsuit by U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, who is running for Senate, and two other Democrats running for Congress, who called the design unfair and unconstitutional. The state’s ballot design process is unlike any other in the nation, and it allows parties to place their endorsed candidates in a specific portion of the ballot known as “the line.”
New York – Meet NYC’s New Campaign Finance Watchdog, Arriving Amid Probe into Mayor Adams’ Campaign
Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 3/27/2024
The New York City Campaign Finance Board took a reputational hit last year when then-Executive Director Beth Rotman was asked to resign over allegations of mismanagement. As the agency’s new leader, Paul S. Ryan is now responsible for charting the board’s path forward amid concerns over its oversight of campaigns, especially that of Mayor Eric Adams. “I’ve long considered this to be a model agency administering model laws for the country at a time when democracy in many places is really in crisis …,” Ryan said.
New York – Trump Ramps Up Attacks on Judges, Sparking Concerns as Criminal Trial Nears
MSN – Marianne LeVine, Clara Ence Morse, and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 4/1/2024
Donald Trump is ramping up efforts to disparage judges overseeing his criminal and civil cases, reprising a long-standing strategy and prompting growing concerns from legal experts. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s approach, part of an election-year attempt to portray the judicial system as weaponized against him, was evident in a slew of attacks. Trump’s personal attacks against the daughter of the New York judge overseeing a hush money case prompted the judge to expand an existing gag order to include his family and the district attorney’s family.
New York – How a California Billionaire Known for Auto Loans Provided Trump’s Bond
MSN – Michael Kranish and Jonathan O’Connell (Washington Post) | Published: 4/2/2024
Donald Trump struggled to post a bond for more than $450 million to keep authorities from seizing his properties, billionaire Don Hankey and his wife started discussing a solution: Hankey’s business could cover it. But when a court reduced the bond to $175 million and Trump said he had the cash to post it himself, the matter seemed moot. Then the Trump team revived the talks and asked Hankey if he would back the new amount. Hankey agreed.
New York – Lobbyist Dating Carl Heastie Cleared to Return to Assembly – and Ethics Attorney Quits
New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/26/2024
The lobbyist dating New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has been cleared to return to work at the Assembly. A spokesperson for the Greater New York Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust said after being barred on the advice of its former ethics lawyer, legislative and communications director Rebecca Lamorte can resume lobbying the Assembly, including Heastie’s staff, but not the speaker himself. After Lamorte was cleared to return, the former ethics attorney quit.
New York – Ex-NYPD Deputy Inspector Sentenced in Mayor Adams Campaign Straw Donor Scheme
Yahoo News – Molly Crane-Newman (New York Daily News) | Published: 4/2/2024
Dwayne Montgomery, a former New York Police Department deputy inspector who was friendly with Mayor Eric Adams, was sentenced to community service for his ringleader role in a straw donor scheme that gamed the system to boost Adams’ 2021 City Hall run and curry political favors. The cash funneled to Adams’ campaign in others’ names triggered a major injection of cash from the Campaign Finance Board that matches donations of up to $250 by eight-to-one, allowing the scheme’s architects to subvert caps on how much they could give.
North Carolina – Court Rejects Claim Challenging North Carolina Map for Diluting Black Vote
MSN – Rachel Weiner and Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) | Published: 3/28/2024
A federal appellate court rejected an emergency challenge to North Carolina’s Republican-drawn legislative map, all but ensuring elections will go forward this year under contested lines drawn up in 2023 that Democrats and voting rights advocates say were created to weaken Black representation. That means 2024 elections will go forward with a map experts say will help Republicans retain a supermajority in the state Legislature. The new maps are also expected to give Republicans at least three more seats in Congress.
Ohio – The Randazzler: Court records detail chummy relationship between Sam Randazzo, FirstEnergy
Yahoo News – Jessie Balmert (Cincinnati Enquirer) | Published: 4/1/2024
Former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo had a close, chummy relationship with ex-executives of FirstEnergy and its allies. For example, Randazzo texted an image of himself dressed as a superhero and surrounded by terms like “Randazzler” to some of the executives. But Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost alleges Randazzo’s sophomoric communication with FirstEnergy leaders extended beyond memes to a “pay-to-play” scheme at ratepayers’ expense.
Oklahoma – Gov. Stitt Task Force Calls for Changing Campaign Donation Limits
Yahoo News – Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) | Published: 4/2/2024
A task force created by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is calling for no limits on how much money state politicians can accept from individuals in campaign donations. The Governor’s Task Force on Campaign Finance and Election Threats said a change is needed to combat the impact of “dark money” groups. A candidate currently can accept $3,300 from an individual per election. Fewer than a dozen states have no limits on individual donations.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Official with White Nationalist Ties Is Ousted in Recall Vote
Yahoo News – Brandy Zadrozny, Nnamdi Egwuonwu, and Micki Fahner (NBC News) | Published: 4/3/2024
Voters in Enid, Oklahoma, removed city Councilperson Judd Blevins over his ties to white nationalist groups. He faced the recall vote after local activists learned he had marched alongside neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 and led an Oklahoma chapter of the white nationalist group Identity Evropa. Blevins will be replaced by Cheryl Patterson, a former teacher who campaigned on a return to “normalcy” for this small city, which was divided by the furor over Blevins.
Oregon – Gov. Tina Kotek Signs Historic Campaign Finance Bill
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 4/3/2024
Gov. Tina Kotek signed into law a bill that will limit the amount of money that individuals and groups can contribute to campaigns starting in 2027. The law is historic for Oregon, which has seen increasingly large sums of money poured into campaigns. The bill cleared the Legislature with overwhelming support. Good government groups, labor unions, and business groups, negotiated the details of the legislation.
South Carolina – South Carolina Latest State to Use Congressional Map Deemed Illegal
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 3/28/2024
In a scenario that has played out in three states in recent years, a federal court ruled time had run out to draw a new congressional district in South Carolina and the state would have to proceed this fall with an existing election map the court had previously deemed illegal. The ruling echoes redistricting cases in other Southern states where courts found congressional maps violated the voting rights of Black voters and other people of color but allowed them to be used anyway, at least temporarily.
Texas – Texas Appeals Court Overturns Crystal Mason’s Conviction, 5-Year Sentence for Illegal Voting
MSN – Karen Brooks Harper (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/28/2024
A Texas appeals court overturned the illegal voting conviction of Crystal Mason, who was given a five-year prison sentence for casting a provisional ballot in the 2016 election while on supervised release for federal tax evasion. The court said there was no evidence Mason knew she was ineligible to vote when she cast her ballot, which is a condition that must be met to convict her of illegal voting. The case thrust Mason, who is Black, into the political fray amid a Republican-led crackdown on voter fraud, partly fueled by baseless claims of rampant illegal voting.
Texas – Texas Could Require Social Media Influencers to Disclose Paid Political Posts
MSN – Robert Downen (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/28/2024
The Texas Ethics Commission gave initial approval to a proposal that would require social media users to disclose if they are being paid to share or create political advertisements. The action comes just months after it was reported that a secretive and politically connected company called Influenceable LLC paid internet influencers to defend state Attorney General Ken Paxton ahead of his impeachment trial. The proposed rule could be finalized at the commission’s next meeting in June.
Virginia – A Skill Game Company Gave a Va. Senator a $1.9K Trip. No One Will Explain It
Virginia Mercury – Graham Moomaw | Published: 4/1/2024
In 2022, Virginia Sen. Bryce Reeves disclosed a campaign finance report that skill game company Pace-O-Matic paid for a trip he took worth $1,900. Pace-O-Matic was hosting hundreds of guests in Wyoming at Cheyenne Frontier Days. But the campaign finance report gave no indication where Reeves went on the dime of a company that has lobbied the General Assembly for permission to put slot machine lookalikes in convenience stores and truck stops. Under the current rule, lawmakers cannot accept more than $108 in gifts from any single lobbying interest per calendar year, but there are several exceptions to that limit.
Washington – Washington State Legislative Maps Survive Supreme Court Appeal in Latest Battle Over Latino Voting Rights
Courthouse News Service – Kelsey Reichmann | Published: 4/2/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to block the use of Washington state’s new legislative district maps that give Latino voters greater representation. A Republican lawmaker and two voters asked the justices to allow the state’s 2024 election to move forward under a map that was found to have violated a section of the Voting Rights Act that prohibits race discrimination. A lower court judge recently enacted a remedial map after claims of Latino vote dilution, but the Republicans say the new map is more discriminatory than the first.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Becomes Latest State to Ban Private Funding of Elections
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 4/2/2024
Wisconsin voters opted to ban private funding for election administration, joining more than two dozen states that have ended or limited the practice after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife spent $350 million to help local governments run elections during the coronavirus pandemic. They also approved a second proposal that limits who can perform election-related duties. Both measures were initiated by Republican state legislators.
Wisconsin – What Are Wisconsin’s Biggest Lobbying Law Violation Settlements Since 2016?
PBS Wisconsin – Hina Suzuki (The Badger Project) | Published: 3/26/2024
Wisconsin has strict lobbying laws – so strict that lobbyists are not allowed to give anything of monetary value to the politicians and government officials they lobby. If a lobbyist breaks the rules, the Wisconsin Ethics Commission will negotiate a settlement with the lobbyist or lobbying organization in lieu of civil litigation. Money received from settlements goes to the Common School Fund, the primary, and often only, funding source for school libraries in the state. The Badger Project obtained a list of the largest lobbying fines since 2016.
March 29, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 29, 2024
National/Federal Trump’s Legal Fees Are Sky High. An Elaborate PAC Scheme Is Helping Pay Them – for Now MSN – Erin Mansfield and Zac Anderson (USA Today) | Published: 3/24/2024 A pro-Donald Trump super PAC has been transferring millions of dollars every […]
National/Federal
Trump’s Legal Fees Are Sky High. An Elaborate PAC Scheme Is Helping Pay Them – for Now
MSN – Erin Mansfield and Zac Anderson (USA Today) | Published: 3/24/2024
A pro-Donald Trump super PAC has been transferring millions of dollars every month to the former president’s fund for paying his legal bills. The transfers have kept the fund, Save America, afloat as it bled tens of millions of dollars on legal bills since a New York grand jury indicted Trump, the first in a wave of criminal indictments and civil judgments against him. Save America is a type of fund called a leadership PAC that can only accept $5,000 per election cycle from each donor but has few restrictions on how it spends money. It is being funded by Make America Great Again Inc., a super PAC that can raise unlimited amounts of money.
Rep. Mike Gallagher to Resign in April, Narrowing House GOP Vote Margin to 1
MSN – Patrick Svitek and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 3/22/2024
U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher announced he will resign effective April 19, leaving the slim House GOP majority with a one-vote margin that will make it even harder to pass legislation. Under Wisconsin law, Gallagher’s seat is likely to remain vacant until January, with the November general election to determine who wins his seat. The realities of the thin majority were on full display as the House passed a $1.2 trillion spending bill by a narrow margin.
Trump Media Merger Wins Investor Approval, Netting Trump a Potential Windfall
MSN – Drew Harwell (Washington Post) | Published: 3/22/2024
Shareholders voted to take Donald Trump’s media company public, a long-delayed move that will open the owner of Truth Social to stock-market investors and grant Trump a stake worth billions of dollars that he could use to pay down his legal debts. Some critics have said Trump Media is a “meme stock” with a more than $5 billion valuation they say is out of sync with its financial outlook. Trump Media lost $49 million in the first nine months of last year and brought in $3.4 million in revenue.
Federal Officials Say 20 Have Been Charged for Threatening Election Workers
MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 3/24/2024
Justice Department officials said reports of widespread threats against officials running the 2020 and 2022 elections have resulted in charges against roughly 20 people, with more than a half dozen receiving sentences between one and three-and-one-half years. But the federal officials said at a news conference that it remains to be seen if the stiff sentences will serve as an effective deterrent to would-be-criminals in future election cycles.
NBC Reverses Decision to Hire Ronna McDaniel After On-Air Backlash
MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 3/26/2024
Amid a chorus of on-air protest from some of the network’s biggest stars, NBC announced that former Republican National Committee Chairperson Ronna McDaniel will no longer be joining the network as a paid contributor. The network had announced four days earlier they were bringing McDaniel on board to provide “expert insight and analysis” on politics. But the company’s on-air personalities disagreed vehemently, saying McDaniel’s promotion of Donald Trump’s false election-fraud claims disqualified her from a role in their news divisions.
No Labels, No Candidate: Rejections pile up as time runs short
Seattle Times – Rebecca Davis O’Brien and Reid Epstein (New York Times) | Published: 3/22/2024
No Labels, the group that for months has pledged to run a centrist presidential ticket in the event of a rematch between President Biden and Donald Trump, is running out of time to recruit a standard-bearer after a string of rejections. With a number of prominent prospective candidates saying no thanks in recent months, some No Labels members and leaders have grown frustrated with the failure to advance a ticket. Still, the group’s leadership continues to hold out hope for November, even as the possibility of outright defeating both Biden and Trump seems increasingly remote.
Threats Against Politicians Are Prevalent. The FEC Wants to Let Campaigns Pay for Security.
Yahoo News – Zach Montellaro (Politico) | Published: 3/27/2024
The FEC wants to allow candidates to use campaign funds for a wide range of security measures, an expansion of what campaign accounts can be used for amid a heated political environment. The proposed changes would allow federal candidates to use their campaign funds to pay for things like as security personnel, cameras or motion detectors at their homes, and cybersecurity services – so long as these purchases “address ongoing dangers or threats” arising from their status as federal candidates or officials and they pay a fair market value.
How Justice Thomas’s ‘Nearly Adopted Daughter’ Became His Law Clerk
Yahoo News – Steve Eder and Abbie VanSickle (New York Times) | Published: 3/28/2024
One of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’s law clerks for the court’s next term will be Crystal Clanton, a conservative organizer turned lawyer, who has such a close relationship with Thomas and his wife that the couple informally refer to her as their “nearly adopted daughter.” For Thomas’s critics, the selection of Clanton is blatant favoritism, if not nepotism, particularly for a justice already under an ethics cloud for revelations about his gifts and travel from wealthy benefactors.
From the States and Municipalities
Arizona – Deepfake Kari Lake Video Shows Coming Chaos of AI in Elections
MSN – Reis Thebault (Washington Post) | Published: 3/24/2024
Journalist Hank Stephenson has made a living out of detecting lies and political spin. But even he was fooled at first when he watched the video of one of his home state’s most prominent congressional candidates. Kari Lake, the Republican U.S. Senate hopeful from Arizona, was on his phone screen, speaking words written by a software engineer. Stephenson was watching a deepfake, an artificial-intelligence-generated video produced by his news organization, Arizona Agenda, to underscore the dangers of AI misinformation in an election year.
California – L.A. City Councilmember Curren Price Accused of 21 Violations of City Ethics Laws
MSN – James Queally, David Zahniser, and Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/27/2024
The Los Angeles Ethics Commission has privately accused city Councilperson Curren Price of voting on matters in which his wife had a financial interest. The commission accuses Price of 21 violations of the city’s ethics laws, many of them similar to those filed by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón against Price last year. In the criminal case, Price is accused of voting to support projects for developers that had done business with a consulting company founded by his wife. The allegations from the commission mostly involve violations of conflict-of-interest laws or the council member’s failure to fully disclose economic interests.
California – Judge Recommends Conservative Lawyer John Eastman Be Disbarred in California
MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2024
A California judge recommended that John Eastman be disbarred in the state over his role in developing a legal strategy to help Donald Trump stay in power after his 2020 election loss. State Bar Court of California Judge Yvette Roland ordering that Eastman’s law license be put on “involuntary inactive” status. The California Supreme Court will issue a final ruling on the matter, which Eastman can appeal.
Colorado – Colorado Appeals Court Upholds Campaign Finance Fine for Ex-State Senate Candidate
Colorado Politics – Michael Karlik | Published: 3/26/2024
Colorado’s second-highest court agreed that a former state Senate candidate misinterpreted campaign finance law and failed to file the proper paperwork upon declaring her candidacy. Although Suzanne Taheri believed she had satisfied Colorado’s campaign finance requirements by submitting a copy of her federal tax return shortly after she became a candidate, an administrative law judge concluded that was not the correct form of disclosure.
District of Columbia – Former DOJ Official Jeffrey Clark Could Face Disbarment for Aiding Trump
MSN – Keith Alexander (Washington Post) | Published: 3/26/2024
Jeffrey Clark, a former senior Justice Department official who sought to use the agency’s influence to help reverse Donald Trump’s 2020 election defeat, violated legal ethics and should be sanctioned professionally, even prohibited from practicing law in the nation’s capital, an attorney for the District of Columbia Bar told a disciplinary panel. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel alleged Clark engaged in dishonest conduct when he drafted a letter he wanted the Justice Department to send to Georgia officials, demanding the state Legislature call a special session to examine votes in the presidential election.
Florida – DeSantis Tourism Board, Disney Reach Settlement to End Legal Feud
MSN – Lori Rozsa and Aaron Gregg (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2024
The board appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to oversee Disney’s former special taxing district agreed to a settlement with the company, capping a legal feud over who should control development at the theme park complex. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, made up of DeSantis appointees, agreed to drop its lawsuit against the company in exchange for Disney relinquishing some control over its property.
Florida – Florida Donors with State Business Fueled End of DeSantis Presidential Run
MSN – Michael Scherer, Josh Dawsey, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2024
The biggest donors in Republican politics largely shunned Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis after his presidential campaign began to falter last summer. So, his allies turned to donors the governor still held sway over because of his day job. Lobbyist friends and fundraisers of DeSantis called Florida clients asking them to contribute to the super PACs paying for television ads and field operations and many of those people gave. The pitch, according to one person who received a call, was DeSantis was likely to remain a powerful governor in the state.
Florida – In Public, Suarez Says He’s Not Ken Griffin’s Attorney. Under Oath, He Said Differently
MSN – Sarah Blaskey and Alexandra Glorioso (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/21/2024
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has said he has no conflict-of-interest when it comes to his public support for billionaire Ken Griffin, a major client of the law firm where Suarez is employed. But in an interview conducted under oath in December, Suarez contradicted previous public statements and said he is one of Griffin’s attorneys, a potential violation of ethics laws prohibiting elected officials from working for anyone who has business before their government.
Florida – Centners Downplay Ties to Arrested Miami Commissioner, Say They ‘Sprinkle Money Around’
MSN – Tess Riski, Joey Flechas, and Sarah Blaskey (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/24/2024
A wealthy couple at the center of the state’s money laundering and bribery case against a former Miami city commissioner told prosecutors they did not know the mechanics of how $245,000 from their business’s account ended up in the commissioner’s political committee coffers, according to audio recordings of interviews. David and Leila Centner, the operators of the private school Centner Academy, told prosecutors that as a “very high net-worth family,” they “sprinkle money around” and often approve large transactions without knowing the details.
Georgia – Georgia Election Official Seeking New Term Voted on Cases Involving His Lobbyist Clients
Just the News – Natalia Mittelstadt | Published: 3/22/2024
State Election Board member Edward Lindsey is up for reconfirmation before the Georgia House amid new revelations he has voted on cases involving counties for which he is a lobbyist. Lindsey is a lobbyist for both Cobb County and DeKalb County. He is also a registered lobbyist for Dentons, a global law and lobbying firm that has contracted with both Cobb County and DeKalb County. The elections board has had multiple complaints regarding both county’s elections during Lindsey’s tenure, which he has been involved in and voted on.
Kansas – In the Kansas House, When Lobbyists Ask for New Laws, Their Names Go on the Bills
Yahoo News – John Hanna (Associated Press) | Published: 3/26/2024
The Kansas House is making it a little easier for the state’s residents to find out who is lobbying its members. Besides a number and official sponsor, each bill now lists who asked for it, be it a lawmaker at someone else’s request or an individual lobbyist for a specific client. The change started in January. While at least a handful of states require lobbyists to list specific bills of interest to them in reports open for public inspection, the Council of State Governments knows of no other state legislative chamber that is listing lobbyists and groups on its bills.
Louisiana – How to Elect a Louisiana Sheriff: Runoff, recount, reversal, repeat
MSN – Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) | Published: 3/24/2024
When Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator announced last summer that he would step down after more than four decades in law enforcement, residents braced for a divisive campaign. Yet few could have predicted they would have to go to the polls three times in six months to pick a successor, elections fraught with racial tensions and legal wrangling over voting rights that mirror national struggles.
Montana – Montana Supreme Court Strikes Down Voting Restrictions
MSN – Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2024
The Montana Supreme Court struck down four laws the state’s Republican-led Legislature passed in 2021 to restrict voting. The laws ended same-day voter registration in most cases, eliminated student ID cards as a permitted form of voter identification, and sought to curtail paid ballot-collection efforts. They also outlawed absentee ballots for people who would be 18 years old by Election Day.
New Jersey – Tammy Murphy Drops Out of U.S. Senate Race in Stunning Announcement
MSN – Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 3/24/2024
New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy abruptly announced she has dropped her bid for U.S. Senate, a stunning development in what had increasingly become a bitter and dramatic Democratic primary for the state’s seat currently held by indicted Sen. Robert Menendez. Murphy was aiming to become the first woman ever to represent New Jersey in the upper chamber of Congress. Now, she leaves the race four months after entering it and two months before the June 4 primary.
New Jersey – In New Jersey, Some See Old-School Politics Giving Way to ‘Spring’ Amid Corruption Scandal
Yahoo News – Mike Catalini (Associated Press) | Published: 3/25/2024
New Jersey has the reputation as a home to backroom political dealing. But advocates hoping to break the boss-dominated culture in this Democratic stronghold say the ongoing corruption case against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez might have opened the door to a new era in Garden State politics. Many progressives were cheered when Tammy Murphy withdrew from the Senate primary, since they viewed her as someone who was benefiting from a system they argue gives party leaders undue influence. The well-connected wife of Gov. Phil Murphy dropped her bid to succeed Menendez.
New York – Trump Wins Partial Stay of Fraud Judgment, Allowed to Post $175 Million
MSN – Mark Berman, Jonathan O’Connell, and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 3/25/2024
An appeals court panel in New York said Donald Trump would be allowed to post a $175 million bond to stave off enforcement of a nearly $500 million civil judgment against him and his business. While the five judges on the panel eased the financial strain on Trump, they did not erase it entirely. They gave Trump 10 days to come up with the reduced bond of $175 million, saying they would only delay enforcement of the full amount if he put up that lower figure within this window and it is not immediately clear how he will come up with the money.
MSN – Kara Scannell, Lauren del Valle and Jeremy Herb (CNN) | Published: 3/27/2024
A New York judge imposed a gag order on Donald Trump, limiting the former president from making statements about potential witnesses in the criminal trial relating to hush money payments scheduled to begin in April. Judge Juan Merchan said Trump cannot make statements about attorneys, court staff, or the family members of prosecutors or lawyers intended to interfere with the case. Trump is also barred from making statements about any potential or actual juror.
New York – N.Y. Judge Sets Firm April 15 Trial Date in Trump’s Historic Hush Money Case
MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 3/25/2024
Donald Trump will begin his first criminal trial on April 15, a judge ruled, at the end of a contentious hearing in which he repeatedly slammed the former president’s legal team for claims of prosecutorial misconduct the judge said were unfounded. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan rejected Trump’s assertion that the Manhattan district attorney’s office acted improperly with regard to newly available evidence. He also insisted the trial over reimbursement of an alleged hush money payment was back on track after a delay.
New York – Adams Adviser Frank Carone Pulls Lobbying Registration as His Firm Reveals City, State Targets
New York Daily News – Chris Sommerfeldt | Published: 3/21/2024
Frank Carone, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ ex-chief of staff, rescinded his lobbying registration earlier recently – a move that coincided with his consulting firm revealing its other employees have lobbied officials in the administrations of both Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul. In amended filings, Oaktree Solutions removed Carone’s name from the list of employees lobbying on behalf of the firm’s 18 clients. Asked why his name was scrubbed, Carone said he only registered to undergo lobbying training.
Ohio – Imprisoned Ex-Ohio Speaker Householder Hit with New Charges Alleging Misuse of Campaign Funds
MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/25/2024
Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder is once again facing charges in the ever expanding state and federal bribery cases surrounding the passage of legislation in 2019. The newest charges go beyond Householder’s acceptance of a bribe from FirstEnergy that landed him in federal prison for 20 years. They allege he unlawfully used campaign funds to pay his criminal defense fees in the federal case and lied on state ethics forms that require candidates and office holders to disclose their earnings, assets, and liabilities.
Ohio – Ex-FirstEnergy Lobbyist Charged in Bribery Scheme Gets to Spend Easter at His Beach House, After All
MSN – Corey Shaffer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/25/2024
A former FirstEnergy lobbyist charged in connection with the largest bribery scandal in Ohio’s history will get to spend the Easter holiday at his vacation home in an upscale South Carolina beach community. Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Susan Baker Ross placed several conditions on Dowling, including giving the court a detailed itinerary of his weeklong trip, contact information for everyone who will be staying with him, and outfitting his phone with a GPS tracker in addition to the ankle monitor he is already wearing.
MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/27/2024
A politically connected labor leader served as the foreperson for a grand jury that returned a new criminal indictment against former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, a development experts said raises questions about the impartiality of the process and that could pose future legal issues for Attorney General Dave Yost’s case. Legal experts said Dave Wondolowski’s role on the grand jury could raise problems because of his familiarity with Householder. Wondolowski was involved with issues surrounding House Bill 6, which is at the center of federal corruption charges against Householder and that spawned the new state case.
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/21/2024
Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade says her office needs more money and employees if it is to overhaul its outdated campaign finance filing system to adhere to new campaign finance rules lawmakers approved recently. Lawmakers did not allocate any money to implement the new limits and change the current filing system, which is nearly 20 years old, so Griffin-Valade plans to request at least $4.1 million from the Legislature’s Emergency Board.
Oregon – Portland Elections Office Finds Zenith Energy Violated City Lobbying Rules
Portland Mercury – Taylor Griggs | Published: 3/26/2024
Zenith Energy attempted to influence officials by communicating directly with city directors and commissioners to gain approval of a controversial land use document that allows the company to continue doing business in Portland, according to an investigation by City Auditor Simone Rede’s office. Rede said Zenith violated the law requiring organizations that spend more than eight hours or $1,000 lobbying city officials in any quarter to register and report the activity.
Pennsylvania – Philly Ethics Board Looks to Tighten Rules After Jeff Brown Super PAC Scuffle
Billy Penn – Meir Rinde | Published: 3/22/2024
After losing a court battle over alleged campaign finance improprieties during last year’s mayoral election, the Philadelphia Board of Ethics is moving to tighten its restrictions on spending by super PACs. The board is also asking a judge to throw out a lawsuit filed against the city by Jeff Brown, the supermarket magnate and former mayoral candidate, and a dark money super PAC that spent heavily to support his run. The revisions would make it clear that someone who plans to run for office cannot get around the limits by delaying the announcement of their candidacy, as Brown did.
Pennsylvania – Upgrades to PA Governor’s Mansion Bankrolled by Private Group That Won’t Disclose Donors, Full Cost
Spotlight PA – Angela Couloumbis | Published: 3/25/2024
The remodeling of the official residence of Pennsylvania’s governor will focus on bringing in new pieces of furniture, art, and other items to the public areas of the historic mansion. Beyond that, little is known about the scale, scope, or even the price tag for the redesign. Despite the involvement of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s aides in the project, no one will say who is managing it, raising money for it, or exactly who is paying for the bill.
Rhode Island – Former Top RI Official Ordered to Pay $5,000 Fine Over Infamous Philly Trip. What to Know.
MSN – Katherine Gregg and Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) | Published: 3/26/2024
Former state official David Patten agreed to pay a $5,000 fine for his actions on a now-infamous trip to Philadelphia to visit a company seeking to redevelop Providence’s Cranston Street Armory. The Rhode Island Ethics Commission also voted to find probable cause that Gov. Daniel McKee’s former administration director, James Thorsen, violated the law by accepting a free lunch during that trip. This is the first time the commission has brought a case under the state procurement law since being granted authority to do so by the General Assembly.
South Dakota – South Dakota Ethanol Lobbying Entered a ‘Borderline,’ ‘Gray’ Area, Critics Say
Yahoo News – Dominik Dausch (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 3/27/2024
When a bill that would open the door to Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline in South Dakota was about to head to the state House for debate, major ethanol companies came out in force to support the legislation. Busloads of people with ties to ethanol companies showed up at the Capitol’s doorstep. A media investigation found these companies reimbursed and, in one case, paid, employees and board members to lobby legislators in the days leading up to the vote on the bill. The state’s broadly written lobbyist laws lack clarity about compensating lobbyists.
Texas – Texas AG Ken Paxton Reaches Deal to End Securities Fraud Charges After 9 Years
MSN – Juan Lozano (Associated Press) | Published: 3/26/2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton agreed to pay nearly $300,000 in restitution under a deal to end criminal securities fraud charges that have shadowed him for nearly a decade. The announcement came just weeks before Paxton was set to stand trial on felony charges that could have led to a prison sentence. It was the closest Paxton has ever come to trial over accusations he duped investors in a technology startup near Dallas.
Wisconsin – Prosecutors in 3 Wisconsin Counties Decline to Pursue Charges Against Trump Committee, Lawmaker
MSN – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 3/22/2024
Prosecutors in three Wisconsin counties declined to pursue felony charges of campaign finance violations against Donald Trump’s fundraising committee and a state lawmaker related to an effort to unseat Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. The prosecutors cited conflicts-of-interest, in some cases because they too are actively involved in their local Republican parties. The state Ethics Commission referred the charges to counties adjacent to the three that declined to prosecute. Ultimately, Attorney General Josh Kaul, could be asked to prosecute the cases.
Wisconsin – Robin Vos Slams Shadow Lobbying Effort on Electric Grid Construction Bill
MSN – Jessie Opien (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 3/21/2024
The intense lobbying efforts behind a bill that would have changed regulations for transmission line construction exposed problems with Wisconsin’s ethics laws, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said. ” … For an entity to be able to donate to an outside group and have them do their lobbying for them, all unreportable, seems to me to be a … huge loophole in [the] law that we need to fix,” Vos said. The speaker named the conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity as a “prime” example of the issue, despite generally being politically aligned with the organization.
Wisconsin – Former Milwaukee Election Official Convicted of Absentee Ballot Fraud
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2024
A jury convicted a former Milwaukee election official of absentee ballot fraud and misconduct in office in an unusual case that pitted a self-proclaimed whistleblower against election conspiracy theorists. Kimberly Zapata served as deputy elections director in 2022, when baseless claims about elections circulated among Republicans, including in the state Legislature. Zapata has said the focus by some lawmakers on meritless issues frustrated her and she wanted to alert them to what she viewed as a true vulnerability in Wisconsin’s voting system.
March 22, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 22, 2024
National/Federal Supreme Court Rules Public Officials Can Sometimes Be Sued for Blocking Critics on Social Media Associated Press News – Mark Sherman | Published: 3/14/2024 A unanimous Supreme Court ruled public officials can sometimes be sued for blocking their critics on social […]
National/Federal
Supreme Court Rules Public Officials Can Sometimes Be Sued for Blocking Critics on Social Media
Associated Press News – Mark Sherman | Published: 3/14/2024
A unanimous Supreme Court ruled public officials can sometimes be sued for blocking their critics on social media. The court ruled in two cases involving lawsuits filed by individuals who were blocked after leaving critical comments on social media accounts belonging to school board members in Southern California and a city manager in Michigan. They are similar to a case involving Donald Trump and his decision to block critics from his personal account on Twitter. The justices dismissed the case after Trump left office.
Peter Navarro Begins 4-Month Jail Sentence for Contempt of Congress
DNyuz – Zach Montague and David Adams (New York Times) | Published: 3/19/2024
Peter Navarro, a trade adviser to Donald Trump, reported to federal prison, becoming the first senior Trump administration official to serve time over his role in the effort to subvert the results of the 2020 election. Navarro, who helped engineer Trump’s plans to stay in power after his electoral defeat in November 2020, was sentenced to four months in prison for contempt of Congress after defying a subpoena from the House select committee investigating the Capitol riot.
US Supreme Court Justices, Judges Face New Rules for Disclosing Free Trips
MSN – Nate Raymond (Reuters) | Published: 3/18/2024
U.S. Supreme Court justices and federal judges can no longer avoid disclosing the value of travel-related gifts they receive by classifying such free trips as “reimbursements” on their financial disclosure forms under new regulations now in effect. The rules follow revelations that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas had not disclosed luxury trips paid for by a wealthy benefactor.
Trump-Backed Candidate Bernie Moreno Wins Ohio Senate Primary
MSN – Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 3/19/2024
Bernie Moreno, a Republican endorsed by Donald Trump, advanced to a general-election matchup against U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown in a contest that could determine control of the Senate. Democratic groups have spent money on ads on Moreno in recent weeks because some strategists view him as an easier opponent for Brown, who faced no challengers in the primary, to defeat in a general election.
Chinese Billionaire Pleads Guilty to Straw Donor
MSN – Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 3/18/2024
A Chinese billionaire pleaded guilty to violating U.S. election laws by funneling illegal straw donations to a New York City official, a member of the U.S. House, and a congressional candidate. Hui Qin admitted to using his fortune to recruit and reimburse people who made political donations on his behalf, beginning with a New York City race in 2021. Court papers filed do not identify the candidates backed by Qin. But there were only a handful of citywide races in New York that year, including the election of Mayor Eric Adams.
MSN – Molly Bohannon (Forbes) | Published: 3/20/2024
A super PAC affiliated with Sen. Ted Cruz reported receiving $215,000 in “digital revenue” from iHeartMedia, despite a spokesperson for the senator previously denying there was an ethical issue with the company producing his podcast. In 2022, shortly after Cruz and iHeartMedia entered a partnership in which the company markets and produces his podcast, the Campaign Legal Center asked the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate whether the deal violated a federal law barring senators from receiving gifts from registered lobbyists.
‘Very, Very Troubling’: Judges, lawyers flummoxed by Judge Cannon
MSN – Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2024
Lawyers and former judges said they are baffled by an order issued by the federal judge overseeing Donald Trump’s pending trial on charges he mishandled classified documents, and believe her instructions suggest the case will not go to trial anytime soon. U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon ordered defense lawyers and prosecutors in the case to file submissions outlining proposed jury instructions based on two scenarios, each of which badly misstates the law and facts of the case, according to legal experts.
House Republican Divisions Over Governing Spill onto Campaign Trail
MSN – Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2024
The ideologically fractured House Republican conference has spent the past year debating what it takes to govern. Now that fight is spilling onto the campaign trail. Members from the far right and more traditional wings of the conference are campaigning against their colleagues in hopes of persuading primary voters to kick out incumbents and replace them with Republicans each group believes will better serve their political interests. The unusual interventions are a result of an ongoing intraparty dispute over what, or who, can bring about a “governing majority.”
Supreme Court Opens New Frontier for Insurrection Claims That Could Target State and Local Officials
MSN – Morgan Lee and Nicholas Riccardi (Associated Press) | Published: 3/19/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal from a former New Mexico county commissioner who was kicked out of office after he was convicted of trespassing during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The state judge who barred him from office did so on the grounds his actions violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The move came on the heels of an expected high court ruling that Section 3 cannot be used against federal officials or candidates until Congress writes a law outlining procedures to do so. The actions herald a new legal landscape as groups that pushed for Trump’s disqualification reboot efforts to target state and local officials linked to January 6.
Emails Show How a Right-Wing Group Steers GOP Leaders on Major Policy Issues
MSN – Daniel Medina and Bob Ortega (CNN) | Published: 3/18/2024
Tax laws allow donors to channel millions of dollars anonymously, through nonprofit foundations, to activist organizations that lobby for and work behind the scenes to enact legislation that reflects partisan goals. The Foundation for Government Accountability enjoys tax-exempt status as a charitable organization. It received more than $44 million from six conservative foundations tied to billionaire donors from 2013 through 2022. Those foundations have financed much of the push to tighten voting laws and spread election disinformation across the country since the 2020 election.
Election Laws Not Ready for Deepfakes, Experts Warn: ‘It’s the Wild West right now’
MSN – Jim Saska (Roll Call) | Published: 3/17/2024
Election law experts say there is little in the existing statutes to prevent artificial intelligence (AI)-powered bad actors, including meddling foreign powers, from unleashing campaign disinformation on an already saturated political landscape. While most commercial advertisers are prohibited from telling lies, there is nothing akin to truth-in-advertising laws for campaign ads because of the First Amendment’s heightened protection for political speech. Federal election laws do not currently regulate AI explicitly.
Supreme Court Likely to Reject Limits on White House Social Media Contacts
MSN – Ann Marimow and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court seemed prepared to reject a Republican-led effort to sharply limit the federal government from pressuring social media companies to remove harmful posts and misinformation from their platforms. A majority of justices from across the ideological spectrum expressed concern about hamstringing White House officials and other federal employees from communicating with technology companies about posts related to public health, national security, and elections the government deems problematic.
Kushner Developing Deals Overseas Even as His Father-in-Law Runs for President
Seattle Times – Eric Lipton, Jonathan Swain, and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 3/15/2024
Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Donald Trump, confirmed he was closing in on major real estate deals in Albania and Serbia, the latest example of the former president’s family doing business abroad even as Trump seeks to return to the White House. Kushner’s plans in the Balkans appear to have come about in part through relationships built while Trump was in office. Kushner, who was a senior White House official, said he had been working on the deals with Richard Grenell, who served briefly as acting director of national intelligence under Trump.
Jan. 6 Defendant Got 2 Congressional Internships After She Allegedly Breached the Building
Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 3/18/2024
In the three years since the attack on the Capitol, Isabella DeLuca gained a right-wing following and burnished her résumé with two internships in the offices of GOP members of Congress. Now, the social media influencer has been criminally charged for storming the Capitol and helping to force the evacuation of the chamber. DeLuca stands apart from the other 1,300 people charged in the riot because she is the first known member of the mob who would take a position in Congress after her role in the insurrection.
From the States and Municipalities
Alaska – Ninth Circuit Denies Injunction to Block Disclosure Rules for Alaska Elections
Courthouse News Service – Alanna Mayham | Published: 3/15/2024
A voter-backed measure to enforce campaign finance disclosures in Alaska prevailed after a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a judge’s denial of a preliminary injunction that would have blocked the law. A lawsuit by political donors claimed a 2020 voter initiative enforced burdensome disclosure rules that could lead to retaliation for their open support.
Alaska – Alaska Judge to Expedite Ruling on Campaign Ethics Violations by Ranked Choice Voting Opponents
Yahoo News – Iris Samuels (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 3/17/2024
A judge will rule months before the November election on the legality of a decision by state campaign regulators to punish opponents of Alaska’s voting system. The Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) ruled that leaders of an effort to repeal Alaska’s open primary and ranked choice voting system violated state law when they funneled their campaign money through an organization registered as a church in Washington state. APOC fined the leaders of the ballot effort more than $94,000.
California – Outgoing City Atty. Mara Elliott Says Ethics Commission Needs Greater Independence
Times of San Diego – JW August | Published: 3/14/2024
Outgoing City Attorney Mara Elliott said it is time to increase the San Diego Ethics Commission’s independence to conduct investigations and issue larger fines when warranted. She plans to ask the city council to consider a series of upgrades to the commission. Some would be a ballot measure; others would require council action that would change how the commission is constituted and funded.
California – Fresno County Loses Again; Must Pay Legal Fees for Lawsuit Against City Council Members
Yahoo News – Tim Sheehan (Fresno Bee) | Published: 3/15/2024
Fresno County was ordered to pay more than $72,000 in legal fees to two Fresno City Council members for their defense against the county’s unsuccessful lawsuit over campaign finance issues. The county sued Councilpersons Garry Bredefeld and Luis Chavez last year, both candidates for the county’s board of supervisors, after the pair announced their intentions to transfer money from their city council campaign committees to their campaigns for supervisor.
Florida – Is Miami City Manager’s Furniture Saga Under Ethics Review? Here’s What We Know
MSN – Ana Claudia Chacin (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/21/2024
Miami City Manager Art Noriega told colleagues in an email that he had “engaged” with the county ethics commission about matters pertaining to the potential conflict-of-interest involving the city’s business with Pradere Manufacturing, a furniture vendor owned by his in-laws that employs his wife. He said the matter was “under review.” Jose Arrojo, director of the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, said he does not recall ever meeting with or speaking to Noriega about the matter.
Florida – Ethics Complaint Against Moms for Liberty Founder Is Tossed
MSN – Josh Fiallo (Daily Beast) | Published: 3/16/2024
A complaint that kept Mom for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich from being confirmed to the Florida Commission on Ethics was rejected by the state ethics panel. The man behind the complaint, political consultant and blogger Robert Burns III, said it was rejected because the commission cannot investigate one of its own members.
Georgia – Fani Willis Can Stay on Trump Georgia Case, but Only If Wade Steps Aside, Judge Says
MSN – Holly Bailey and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/15/2024
The judge overseeing the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and his allies ruled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis could continue with the prosecution but only if Nathan Wade, the lead prosecutor she appointed and had a romantic relationship with, exits the case. Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said the defendants “failed to meet their burden” in proving Willis’s relationship with Wade was enough of a “conflict-of-interest” to merit her removal from the case. But the judge also found an “appearance of impropriety that infects the current structure of the prosecution team.”
Hawaii – House Panel Spikes Bill to Publicly Fund Hawaii Elections
Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 3/14/2024
The House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee rejected Senate Bill 2381, which would have set up a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county offices beginning with the 2028 election year. But the bill did not include the $30 million estimated to be needed to fund the program, nor $200,000 to add staff to the state Campaign Spending Commission, which would be responsible for implementing the system.
Kentucky – Piagentini Keeps Council Seat Amid Ethics Controversy
MSN – Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 3/18/2024
The Louisville Metro Council Court voted to keep embattled member Anthony Piagentini on the council after a lengthy misconduct trial. Piagentini was accused of using his position to land a $40 million grant for the nonprofit Louisville Healthcare CEO Council to receive federal American Rescue Plan money. He removed himself as a sponsor of the ordinance and did not vote on it, citing a conflict-of-interest. The day after the vote, he accepted a one-year consulting position with the organization.
Maryland – Mosby Legal-Defense Fund Donor List to Remain Secret Following Circuit Court Ruling
MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/18/2024
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill overturned a Public Information Act Compliance Board ruling that ordered the release of the names of donors to a legal-defense fund set up to benefit City Council President Nick Mosby and his wife. The board argued the donations were akin to campaign contributions, which are disclosable under Maryland law. Fletcher-Hill relied on a 2016 ruling that permitted the state comptroller to withhold specific financial information related to unclaimed funds.
Michigan – Prominent Lansing Fundraiser Arraigned on Campaign Finance Charges
Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 3/21/2024
Heather Lombardini, one of the top Republican fundraisers in Michigan politics, was arraigned on charges that she violated campaign finance law and created a false document after officials began investigating. The state attorney general’s office has been scrutinizing the movement of about $2.7 million from two nonprofit organizations tied to state Senate Republicans to the Unlock Michigan ballot proposal campaign, which gathered signatures to diminish Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency powers.
Michigan – Michigan Lawyer Who Claimed Election Fraud Arrested after Dominion Hearing
MSN – Rachel Weiner and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2024
An attorney for former Overstock Chief Executive Officer Patrick Byrne was detained at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C., after defending her decision to disseminate internal documents from Dominion Voting Systems to revive debunked claims about the 2020 election. Stefanie Lambert was facing a bench warrant from a state court in Michigan, where she is accused of taking part in a conspiracy to tamper with voting machines in hopes of finding proof of fraud. She is simultaneously representing Byrne, who is being sued for defamation by Dominion over related falsehoods claiming the firm’s machines enabled vote tampering.
Michigan – ‘New Day in Lansing’ as Lawmakers Advance FOIA Bills, Introduce Transparency Measures
MSN – Arpan Lobo and Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 3/14/2024
Legislation to expand Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act to include the governor’s office and state Legislature is advancing after members of the Senate Oversight Committee voted to report bills to the full Senate floor. There were concerns over some exemptions to open records requests that are currently in the legislation, like shielding the communications in the governor’s office for issuing pardons and criminal reprieves, and exemptions for communications between constituents and employees of the governor’s office or Legislature.
Nebraska – Lawmaker Apologizes After Inserting Colleague’s Name into Book Rape Scene
MSN – Annie Gowan and Kelsey Ables (Washington Post) | Published: 3/19/2024
Nebraska Sen. Steve Halloran apologized for reading a sexually graphic passage during debate over an obscenity bill and inserting Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh’s name into the text, a moment that sparked widespread outrage and calls for his resignation from across the political spectrum. Kevin Smith, a professor at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, said lingering tensions over Cavanaugh’s strong stance against a bill banning gender-affirming care may have had “some emotional spillover” in the debate over the obscenity measure.
New Hampshire – Group Sues After Novel Biden Deepfake Urged Voters to Skip N.H. Primary
MSN – Tobi Raji (Washington Post) | Published: 3/17/2024
A voting advocacy group is suing a political consultant and companies behind an AI-generated robocall o President Biden that in January urged New Hampshire voters not to participate in the state’s presidential primary. The League of Women Voters of New Hampshire accuses campaign consultant Steve Kramer, Life Corp., and Lingo Telecom of voter intimidation and deception in violation of federal and state laws.
New Jersey – Primary Ballot in N.J. Is ‘Unconstitutional,’ State Attorney General Says
MSN – Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2024
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s office said the state’s unique way of displaying county-backed candidates for U.S. Senate and governor on primary ballots is “unconstitutional” and will not defend it in court, following a lawsuit filed by U.S. Rep. Andy Kim. The move is the latest twist in an already tumultuous Democratic nominating contest for a Senate seat in the reliably blue state. Kim and the state’s first lady, Tammy Murphy, are running in the June 4 primary for the seat held by embattled U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez.
New Mexico – How NM Will Enforce the New Deepfake Disclosure Law
Source New Mexico – Austin Fisher | Published: 3/20/2024
About one week after early voting in New Mexico’s primary elections begins, a new law will go into effect requiring campaigns and candidates to tell the public whenever they use false information generated by artificial intelligence in a campaign ad. The secretary of state’s office and the New Mexico Ethics Commission will investigate alleged violations. New Mexico is among eight states that have enacted similar legislation since 2019. Thirty-one more states are considering related bills.
New Mexico – Senator Sues Secretary of State in Dispute Over Campaign Donation to Student
Yahoo News – Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 3/15/2024
Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino is taking New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver to federal court over what he contends is an unconstitutional provision in the state’s campaign finance law. The complaint alleges Toulouse Oliver “ambushed” the “good senator” over a $200 donation from his campaign to a high school student in Albuquerque. The secretary of state’s office says the contribution violated state law and it has been working to get Ortiz y Pino to comply by replacing the campaign funds with his own money.
New York – Trump’s Lawyers Say It Is Impossible for Him to Post Bond Covering $454 Million Civil Fraud Judgment
Associated Press News – Michael Sisak | Published: 3/18/2924
Donald Trump’s lawyers told a New York appellate court it is impossible for him to post a bond covering a $454 million civil fraud judgment in state Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit. while he appeals. Senior Assistant Solicitor General Dennis Fan wrote a full bond was necessary, in part, because Trump’s lawyers “have never demonstrated that Mr. Trump’s liquid assets, which may fluctuate over time, will be enough to satisfy the full amount of this judgment following appeal.”
New York – Judge Orders Delay in Trump Hush Money Trial Until at Least Mid-April
MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 3/15/2024
The judge overseeing the expected first criminal trial of Donald Trump, which was due to begin in March, has pushed it back until at least mid-April, saying lawyers need more time to review a fresh set of potential evidence and he wants to hear arguments about whether the material was handled properly. The scheduling twist is an outgrowth of the strange legal path that led to Trump being indicted last year on state charges of business records fraud for hush money paid to an adult-film actress.
New York – Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie Has Been Dating a Legislative Lobbyist
New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/14/2024
Rebecca Lamorte is the legislative and communications director for the Greater New York Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust. She lobbies the Legislature on behalf of building trades and construction unions and their contractors, which the cooperative represents. She has been romantically involved with House Speaker Carl Heastie, apparently since at least last November. Heastie’s office has declined to acknowledge the relationship publicly, or to describe what steps the speaker has taken to avoid conflicts-of-interest.
Ohio – No Easter Vacation for Indicted FirstEnergy Lobbyist, Judge Rules
MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/18/2024
A judge said Mike Dowling, a FirstEnergy lobbyist charged with a sweep of bribery related crimes, cannot take a two-week trip to South Carolina to celebrate Easter. Dowling had asked Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross for leave from terms of his pre-trial bond, which require him to stay in Ohio, to travel by car to his second home from March 23 to April 4.
Pennsylvania – Lawmakers Want to Ban Public Agencies from Hiring Lobbyists
The Center Square – Anthony Hennen | Published: 3/13/2024
The Pennsylvania Game Commission was criticized for hiring a lobbyist, something no state agency had done for two decades. Now, though the commission announced it will no longer use a lobbyist, legislators want to ban the practice statewide. Such a ban would preclude public entities, from boroughs and townships to counties and state agencies, from using a lobbying firm to plead their case for more funding.
Pennsylvania – Pa. Lawmakers Weigh Measures Exposing ‘Dark Money,’ Banning Ballot Drop Boxes
Yahoo News – Eric Scicchitano (The Daily Item) | Published: 3/20/2024
A bill in the Pennsylvania House seeking to shine light on “dark money” advanced out of committee and toward a floor vote, A dissenter to the proposal warned it could run afoul of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The bill was among four election-related proposals addressing either money or election security to move through committees in the House and Senate, getting closer to floor votes in the respective chambers.
Texas – U.S. Supreme Court Hears Texas Case on Politically Motivated Arrests
Yahoo News – William Melhado (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/20/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a Texas case in which a former council member sued the city of Castle Hills, arguing she was arrested in retaliation for criticizing the city manager. The question at the center of the case is whether people who criticize the government can sue local officials over retaliatory arrests. Several justices asked whether a lower court had too narrowly interpreted previous case law concerning the question.
Wisconsin – Trial Opens for Kimberly Zapata, Ex-Milwaukee Election Official Accused of Ordering Fake Military Ballots
MSN – Alison Dirr (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 3/18/2024
As the trial of former Milwaukee Election Commission Deputy Director Kimberly Zapata opened, the jury heard significantly different narratives about her actions in the fall of 2022 from her defense attorney and the prosecutor. Zapata is accused of ordering three military absentee ballots under fake names and sending them to a Republican lawmaker who embraces conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. She is facing charges of misconduct in public office and three counts of making a false statement to obtain an absentee ballot.
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