June 21, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 21, 2024
![News You Can Use Digest – June 21, 2024](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NYCU-Logo-e1662491950752-1000x563.png)
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 18, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCNR-scaled-e1662491441383-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance Ohio: “‘Call Mike DeWine on the $500k:’ Governor’s text sparked dark money payment, texts show” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN Oklahoma: “How Oklahoma Tracks Campaign Finances Is About to Change. Find Out How” by Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Voice) for […]
Campaign Finance
Ohio: “‘Call Mike DeWine on the $500k:’ Governor’s text sparked dark money payment, texts show” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Oklahoma: “How Oklahoma Tracks Campaign Finances Is About to Change. Find Out How” by Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Voice) for MSN
Ethics
California: “Hundreds of Vacancies at San Diego City and County Boards Hobble Missions, Delay Work” by Jeff McDonald and Emily Alvarenga (San Diego Union-Tribune) for MSN
National: “Washington Post Publisher and Incoming Editor Are Said to Have Used Stolen Records in Britain” by Justin Scheck and Jo Becker (New York Times) for DNyuz
New Jersey: “Explosive Indictment Accuses Powerful N.J. Political Boss in Huge Corruption Scheme” by Ted Sherman and S.P. Sullivan (NJ Advance Media) for MSN
Legislative Issues
National: “Senators in Summer Suits? Let’s See These ‘Suckers.” by Rachel Tashjian (Washington Post) for MSN
Lobbying
Oregon: “Oregon’s Top Health Official Meddled in Press Release at Behest of Alcohol Industry Lobbyists” by Lucas Manfield for Willamette Week
Procurement
Oklahoma: “Stitt Bans No-Bid PR Contracts. But It Won’t Impact Oklahoma Education Agreement, Spokesman Says.” by Barbara Hoberock (Oklahoma Voice) for Yahoo News
April 26, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 26, 2024
![News You Can Use Digest – April 26, 2024](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NYCU-Logo-e1662491950752-1000x563.png)
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 25, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCNR-scaled-e1662491441383-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance Maryland: “Elections Board Orders Nick Mosby to Return ‘Excessive Contributions’ from BGE and Correct Other Errors” by Mark Reutter for Baltimore Brew Elections Arizona: “Meadows, Giuliani and Other Trump Allies Charged in Arizona 2020 Election Probe” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) […]
Campaign Finance
Maryland: “Elections Board Orders Nick Mosby to Return ‘Excessive Contributions’ from BGE and Correct Other Errors” by Mark Reutter for Baltimore Brew
Elections
Arizona: “Meadows, Giuliani and Other Trump Allies Charged in Arizona 2020 Election Probe” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN
Georgia: “Homeless Georgians Could Face Hurdles to Voting Under New Legislation” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz
Texas: “Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Vote-by-Mail Restrictions in Texas” by Maureen Groppe (USA Today) for MSN
Ethics
California: “California Rejects Bill to Crackdown on How Utilities Spend Customers’ Money” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for Yahoo Finance
National: “Ted Cruz Could Be Liable for Taxes on Payments from His iHeartMedia Podcast, Experts Say” by Benjamin Wermund (Houston Chronicle) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “Unfinished Bills, Tax Law Preparation Push Lobbying Spending Up” by Caitlin Reilly (Roll Call) for MSN
Procurement
Oklahoma: “State Audit Critical of Tourism Director Shelly Zumwalt. AG Calls for Director’s Resignation” by M. Scott Carter and Jordan Gerard (Oklahoman) for MSN
April 9, 2024 •
Ask the Expert – Procurement Lobbying Registration Requirements
![Ask the Expert – Procurement Lobbying Registration Requirements](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stock-images-for-blog-15-1000x563.png)
Image by Andrii Yalanskyi
Q: I want to sell my company’s product to a state or local government entity. Do I need to register as a lobbyist? A: Jurisdictions approach the issue of procurement lobbying differently and registration requirements can vary widely from one […]
Q: I want to sell my company’s product to a state or local government entity. Do I need to register as a lobbyist?
A: Jurisdictions approach the issue of procurement lobbying differently and registration requirements can vary widely from one jurisdiction to the next.
Some jurisdictions completely exempt procurement activities from their definition of lobbying. For example, in Maine, registration is not required for procurement-related activities because those activities are not considered lobbying. On the other hand, jurisdictions like Idaho require registration for procurement-related activities, subject only to the state’s general registration threshold.
To complicate matters further, some jurisdictions set different registration thresholds for procurement lobbying activities than they do for other lobbying activities. In Florida, for example, employees engaged in procurement activities on behalf of their employer are required to register as executive branch lobbyists if they lobby to procure a contract with a value of more than $20,000.
Additionally, even if a state’s law doesn’t cover a particular procurement activity, local entities and municipalities may have more stringent registration requirements that do reach your contemplated activities. Certain hospital systems and school districts in Florida, for example, require representatives of companies hoping to do business with them to register as lobbyists prior to meeting with them to discuss potential procurement opportunities.
Though sales teams often function separately from government affairs teams, if your company is selling to a governmental entity, you should carefully consider whether any lobbying laws will apply to your procurement efforts.
More information about procurement lobbying requirements can easily be found on our website in the Registration section of the Procurement Lobbying Compliance Guidebook.
February 9, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 9, 2024
![News You Can Use Digest – February 9, 2024](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NYCU-Logo-e1662491950752-1000x563.png)
National/Federal Luxury Spending, Internal Strife Leave NRA Staggering Into 2024 Election Anchorage Daily News – Beth Reinhard and Sylvia Foster-Frau (Washington Post) | Published: 2/4/2024 In 2016, the National Rifle Association (NRA) endorsed helped catapult Donald Trump to the White House with […]
National/Federal
Luxury Spending, Internal Strife Leave NRA Staggering Into 2024 Election
Anchorage Daily News – Beth Reinhard and Sylvia Foster-Frau (Washington Post) | Published: 2/4/2024
In 2016, the National Rifle Association (NRA) endorsed helped catapult Donald Trump to the White House with $31 million in campaign spending. But as Trump stages his comeback, the NRA has tumbled from power. Internal feuds, corruption allegations, and an onslaught of litigation have ravaged the group’s finances and public image. Longtime chief executive Wayne LaPierre stepped down on the eve of a civil corruption trial, with prosecutors claiming he and other NRA leaders cheated donors by squandering millions on personal expenses.
In More Places This Year, People Can Vote in Their First Language
Center for Public Integrity – Katherine Hapgood | Published: 2/2/2024
A larger swath of the country will have access to translated ballots this year than in any prior presidential election. Under federal Voting Rights Act requirements, 331 voting areas in 30 states must provide language access to more than 24 million voters with limited English proficiency. But voter rights activists say the newest numbers, based on U.S. Census Bureau data, represent an undercount.
The Wild Probe into Investors of DWAC, Trump Media’s Proposed Merger Ally
MSN – Drew Harwell (Washington Post) | Published: 2/3/2024
In October 2021, Donald Trump announced that his media company, the owner of the platform Truth Social, had closed a merger with a “special purpose acquisition company (SPAC)” that would deliver to his firm $300 million toward his promise of giving “a voice to all.” By then, however, the insider trading by investors in the SPAC, Digital World Acquisition, had already begun. Digital World’s chief executive, Patrick Orlando, had been telling investors privately for months that he had been talking with Trump about the deal, filings assert, a violation of federal securities law.
Oversight Board Rebukes Meta’s Policies After Altered Biden Video Spreads
MSN – Naomi Nix (Washington Post) | Published: 2/4/2024
Meta was criticized by a company-funded oversight board for its “incoherent” and “confusing” policies on manipulated media after an altered video of President Biden spread on Facebook. The company opted not to remove the video, which had been edited to show Biden appearing to touch his granddaughter inappropriately. The board upheld the decision to leave the video in place but called on the company to clarify its policies amid widespread concerns about the risks of artificial intelligence.
Federal Appeals Court Rejects Trump’s Claim of Absolute Immunity
MSN – Alan Feuer and Charlie Savage (New York Times) | Published: 2/6/2024
A federal appeals court rejected former President Donald Trump’s claim that he was immune to charges of plotting to subvert the results of the 2020 election, ruling he must go to trial on a criminal indictment accusing him of seeking to overturn his loss to President Biden. The panel’s ruling signaled an important moment in American jurisprudence, answering a question that had never been addressed by an appeals court: can former presidents escape being held accountable by the criminal justice system for things they did while in office?
DOJ Report on Biden Classified Documents Coming Soon; No Criminal Charges
MSN – Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 2/6/2024
The Justice Department is preparing to release a special counsel report that is critical of President Biden and his aides for mishandling classified documents in Biden’s private home and former office, but prosecutors do not plan to pursue criminal charges in the case. Based on what is publicly known about the two classified documents probes, the investigation of Donald Trump seems significantly different from the Biden investigation.
In Stunning Vote, House Republicans Fail to Impeach Secretary Mayorkas
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Amy Wang, Marianna Sotomayor, and Paul Kane (Washington Post) | Published: 2/6/2024
A House GOP effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas failed as three Republicans joined Democrats in voting against what would have been the second-ever impeachment of a Cabinet official. Democrats have decried the process as a sham, with only two hearings that featured no fact witnesses or testimony from the secretary. Even if the measure had passed, Mayorkas was unlikely to have been convicted in a trial in the Democratic-led Senate.
Lawmakers Clash Over ‘Zuckerbucks’ and How to Stop Private Election Funding
MSN – Jim Saska (Roll Call) | Published: 2/7/2024
A recent House Administration Committee hearing on private donations helping to fund the administration of elections was contentious. The hearing centered on grants the Center for Tech and Civic Life and related groups provided to state and local election offices in 2020. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife donated more than $300 million to the effort. Private funding is now banned or limited in 27 states.
The Evolving Watchdog Group Behind the Ballot Challenge to Trump
Seattle Times – Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 2/7/2024
Since it was founded in 2002, the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has been caught in a tug of war between Democratic donors who wanted it to wage political warfare and less partisan supporters who wanted to expose corruption and ethical lapses regardless of party. Donald Trump’s emergence as a political force changed the equation. During his presidency, CREW was able to satisfy both sides of the internal debate by training its sights almost entirely on him and his allies as they flouted ethics rules.
Yahoo News – Katherine Faulders, Mike Levine, and Alexander Mallin (ABC News) | Published: 2/1/2024
Special counsel Jack Smith’s team has questioned several witnesses about a closet and a “hidden room” inside Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago that the FBI did not check while searching the estate in August 2022, sources said. The line of questioning suggests that long after the FBI seized dozens of boxes and more than 100 documents marked classified from Mar-a-Lago, Smith’s team was trying to determine if there might still be more classified material there.
Cast as Criminals, America’s Librarians Rally to Their Own Defense
Yahoo News – Elizabeth Williamson (New York Times) | Published: 2/3/2024
As America’s libraries have become noisy and sometimes dangerous new battlegrounds in the nation’s culture wars, librarians and their allies have moved from the stacks to the front lines. People who normally preside over hushed sanctuaries are now battling groups that demand the mass removal of books and seek to control library governance. Last year, more than 150 bills in 35 states aimed to restrict access to library materials, and to punish library workers who do not comply.
From the States and Municipalities
Arizona – ‘Issue of Transparency’: Arizona Coyotes’ land interest raises ethics flags for Gov. Katie Hobbs
MSN – Stacey Barchenger (Arizona Republic) | Published: 2/6/2024
After voters rejected the Arizona Coyotes’ plans to build a hockey arena and entertainment district in Tempe, the team’s chief executive officer, Xavier Gutierrez, met with Gov. Katie Hobbs. That June meeting came weeks before an application was filed to buy trust land from the Arizona State Land Department under Hobbs’ oversight. Two months later, schedules show Gutierrez had another meeting in the governor’s office. That time, Gutierrez was to meet with Hobbs’ chief of staff, Chad Campbell, a former lobbyist for the Coyotes and whose consulting firm worked on the team’s Tempe campaign before Campbell joined the Hobbs administration.
Arizona – AZ Democrat Accuses Fellow Latina Lawmakers of ‘False Imprisonment’ Over Political Differences
MSN – Ray Stern (Arizona Republic) | Published: 2/8/2024
Arizona Rep. Lydia Hernandez is accusing fellow Democratic Latino caucus members of holding her hostage in her office for more than an hour last year over political differences. Hernandez also tried to lodge a criminal complaint in January with Department of Public Safety troopers at the Capitol about the incident, which she claims occurred after weeks of bullying, bigotry, and ageism by several Democratic lawmakers.
Arizona – Why Arizonans Can’t See Gov. Katie Hobbs’ Fundraising Numbers, but Can See Others
Yahoo News – Stacey Barchenger (Arizona Republic) | Published: 2/2/2024
According to Arizona law, officeholders serving four-year terms who will run for a second term do not have to make details of their campaign finances public for three years. Prior to 2016, candidates and officeholders were required to make public reports at least every year. Under the law, Gov. Katie Hobbs does not have to publicly detail the money flowing to and from her main campaign bank account until January 2026, when she would face reelection. That leaves Arizonans in the dark for all of 2023, 2024, and 2025 as Hobbs has continued fundraising.
California – A Bill for Every Problem? Why California Lawmakers Introduce Longshots
CalMatters – Sameea Kamal | Published: 2/6/2024
It is common practice for California legislators on both sides of the aisle to author bills to make a political statement. Besides bills that are just political statements, dozens of others do not make it into law because they duplicate existing laws or are deemed “solutions in search of a problem.” Party leaders and committee chairpersons might be hard-pressed to block bill introductions.
Colorado – Supreme Court Sounds Broadly Skeptical of Efforts to Kick Trump Off Ballot over Capitol Attack
Associated Press News – Mark Sherman | Published: 2/8/2024
The Supreme Court sounded broadly skeptical of efforts to kick former President Trump off the 2024 ballot. Both conservative and liberal justices raised questions of whether Trump can be disqualified from being president again because of his efforts to undo his loss in the 2020 election, ending with the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The primary concern was whether Congress must act before states can invoke a constitutional provision that was adopted after the Civil War to prevent former officeholders who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office again.
Florida – Florida Ethics Board Plans Hearing in Miami Mayor’s Gift Case, Tosses Second Complaint
Yahoo News – Sarah Blaskey (Miami Herald) | Published: 2/1/2024
The Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed a complaint against Miami Mayor Francis Suarez that raised concerns over his use of city police officers as his private security while traveling the country campaigning for president last year. Suarez is still the subject of a second, ongoing inquiry by the commission into his attendance at high-priced sporting events. Ethics officials recently completed their months-long investigation, and a hearing date is expected to be set in regarding that case.
Florida – Government Watchdogs Warn Florida Legislation Would Have Chilling Effect in Ethics Cases
Yahoo News – Ana Ceballos and Joey Flechas (Miami Herald) | Published: 2/2/2024
As local ethics investigators dig into government scandals in Miami, state lawmakers are proposing changes that could reign them in by removing their ability to launch their own investigations into alleged public corruption and ethical violations. The Florida Senate passed a broad ethics package that would bar local ethics panels across the state from investigating misconduct by public officials unless someone with personal knowledge of wrongdoing is willing to identify themselves by name and file a complaint under oath.
Georgia – Larry David Breaks Georgia’s Voting Law in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’
DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 2/5/2024
Television comedies like “Veep” and “Parks and Recreation” have poked fun at the absurdities of national and local politics, but it is rare for them to zero in on the fine print of laws passed by state Legislatures. So, it was surprising that the end of the season premiere of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” took aim at the major voting law Georgia passed in 2021. It highlights a provision that bars third-party groups or anyone else who is not an election worker from providing food and water to voters waiting in line within a 150-foot radius of a polling place.
Illinois – Day in Court Postponed for Former Lawmaker Who Checked into Hospital on Eve of Corruption Trial
Capitol News Illinois – Hannah Meisel | Published: 2/7/2024
On what was supposed to be the third day of the corruption trial of former Illinois Sen. Sam McCann, the onetime third-party candidate for governor instead video-conferenced into U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Lawless’ courtroom from his hospital bed. McCann had checked himself into Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis after feeling unwell. McCann allegedly “engaged in a scheme to convert more than $200,000 in contributions and donations made to his campaign committees to pay himself and make personal purchases,” prosecutors allege.
Illinois – Ex-State Legislator Going on Trial on Tax Counts Stemming from Madigan Probe
Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/5/2026
Former Illinois Rep. Annazette Collins’ trial on federal tax charges began nearly three years after she was indicted amid the investigation into an alleged scheme by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. Collins, who worked as a ComEd lobbyist after her career in Springfield ended, faces charges alleging she underreported income and failed to file federal income tax returns for her lobbying and consulting firm.
Iowa – Founder of Group That Opposes Book Bans Files Ethics Complaint Against Iowa Lawmaker
Yahoo News – Chris Higgins (Des Moines Register) | Published: 2/2/2024
Sara Hayden Parris, president of Annie’s Foundation, a group that draws attention to book bans and hands out free copies of books that have been challenged or removed from libraries, filed an ethics complaint against state Rep. Jeff Shipley alleging defamation. Hayden Parris alleges Shipley broke the House ethics code and used social media to defame her and falsely accuse her of breaking the law by giving obscene material to children. Her complaint refers to a back-and-forth thread they had on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Louisiana – Campaign Cash Covers Louisiana Officials Tabs at Washington Mardi Gras
Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 2/5/2024
Each year, thousands of Louisiana residents kick off carnival season at one of the state’s premiere annual political events, Washington Mardi Gras. The four-day festival features a formal ball, industry group luncheons, panel discussions, fundraisers, and plenty of parties thrown by the politically connected. Private businesses the government regulates are among the most visible sponsors of the event. Louisiana elected officials and candidates spent a total of $605,000 from their campaign accounts and PACs on the 2023 celebration.
Maryland – Baltimore Mayoral Candidate Thiru Vignarajah Could Access Up to $1.7M in Public Money for Campaign
Yahoo News – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 2/5/2024
In his previous three bids for office, Baltimore mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah has run financially competitive campaigns, some costing upward of $1 million, fueled by donations from some of the region’s most well-funded business executives and community leaders. In 2024, Vignarajah hopes to harness hundreds of thousands of dollars in public money – potentially up to $1.7 million – to help pay for his campaign.
Michigan – Bipartisan Bills Extending FOIA to the Governor and State Lawmakers Gets Senate Hearing
Michigan Advance – Anna Liz Nichols | Published: 2/7/2024
Michigan is one of only two states that broadly exempt the governor’s office and Legislature from Freedom of Information Act requests. New legislation would remedy that, allowing residents and journalists to seek out records to increase accountability in government. But the legislation’s bipartisan sponsors reviewed various special exemptions that will be afforded to the governor’s office, lieutenant governor’s office, and Legislature outside of exemptions made for other elected officials and state agencies.
New Hampshire – New Hampshire Opens Criminal Probe into AI Calls Impersonating Biden
MSN – Cat Zakrzewski and Pranshu Verma (Washington Post) | Published: 2/6/2024
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella announced a criminal investigation into Life Corp., a Texas-based company that was allegedly behind thousands of AI-generated calls impersonating President Biden in the run-up to the state’s primary elections. A multistate task force is also preparing for potential civil litigation against the company. Formella said the actions were intended to serve notice that New Hampshire and other states will take action if they use AI to interfere in elections.
New York – Scores of N.Y. Public Housing Workers Charged in Record Corruption Case
DNyuz – Jesse McKinley, Mihir Zaveri, and Corey Kilgannon (New York Times) | Published: 2/6/2024
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan unsealed bribery and extortion charges against 70 current and former employees of the New York City Housing Authority, a sweeping indictment for a troubled organization. In describing the scheme, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said dozens of employees, including superintendents and assistant superintendents, had taken more than $2 million in bribes from contractors seeking to do work at apartment buildings throughout the city’s five boroughs.
New York – Donors to Adams’ 2025 Campaign Say They Were Secretly Reimbursed Thousands of Dollars
The City – George Joseph (The Guardian), April Xu (Documented), Yoav Gonen, Bianca Pallaro, and Haidee Chu | Published: 2/1/2024
Three donors to New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2025 re-election campaign recounted in interviews how they, and in two cases their spouses, were reimbursed for a total of more than $10,000 by hotel and construction executives in violation of state law. Suspicions of so-called straw donations spurred an indictment of a fundraising group involved in Adams’ 2021 race, which has led to two guilty pleas, and are part of a federal probe into whether they have been used to veil illegal contributions from the Turkish government.
New York – Eric Adams’ Former NYPD Colleague Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating Straw Donations
Yahoo News – Joe Anuta (Politico) | Published: 2/5/2024
A former colleague of New York City Mayor Eric Adams pleaded guilty to orchestrating a straw donor scheme that allegedly funneled tens of thousands of dollars to Adams’ 2021 campaign. Dwayne Montgomery, whose career in the police department overlapped that of Adams, pleaded guilty to one conspiracy charge. That accusation was one of several included in the original indictment that detailed a scheme to funnel illegal contributions to Adams’ run for office with the hope of reaping kickbacks.
North Dakota – North Dakota Lawmakers Scarcely Declare Conflicts of Interest
North Dakota Monitor – Mary Steurer | Published: 2/5/2024
North Dakota lawmakers are required to speak out if they believe they have a personal or private interest in the outcome of a bill, a policy intended to prevent officials from using their positions for their own personal gain. But conflict declarations are extremely rare. State lawmakers claimed conflicts on bills just three times in 2023.
Ohio – Battle Over the Ohio House: Speaker could be saddled with convicted Householder’s $1.6M debt
MSN – Jake Zuckerman and Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/7/2024
A legal fight over a $1.6 million lease backed by ex-Speaker Larry Householder’s political operation could reverberate in the expensive political battle for control of the Ohio House next year. Just before Householder’s 2020 arrest, his political operation signed a lease for an entire floor of the Chase Tower overlooking the statehouse campus. A slew of criminal convictions scuttled whatever Householder planned with the lease. Now the property managers say they are owed $1.6 million, and they want to collect from current Speaker Jason Stephens’ political arm as he fights to keep control of the chamber.
Ohio – Voting Amendment Backers Accuse Dave Yost of ‘Shameful Abuse of Power’ in New Lawsuit
MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/2/2024
Backers of a proposed constitutional amendment that would expand state voting laws have sued Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost for refusing to sign off on proposed petition language for the amendment due to its proposed title. The lawsuit asks the state Supreme Court to force Yost to approve the petition language, saying the attorney general’s office only has legal authority to determine whether it accurately summarizes the proposal, not to comment on the title, much less reject the proposal over it.
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 2/1/2024
The Oregon Supreme Court said 10 state senators who staged a walkout last year to stall bills on abortion, transgender health care, and gun rights cannot run for reelection. The ruling upholds the secretary of state’s decision to disqualify the senators under a voter-approved measure aimed at stopping such boycotts. Measure 113 amended the state constitution to bar lawmakers from reelection if they have more than 10 unexcused absences. Oregon is one of four states that requires a two-thirds majority in the Legislature to meet a quorum.
Pennsylvania – Philly Sheriff’s Campaign Takes Down Bogus ‘News’ Stories Posted to Site That Were Generated by AI
Yahoo News – Maryclaire Dale and Ali Swenson (Associated Press) | Published: 2/5/2024
The campaign team behind Philadelphia’s embattled sheriff acknowledged that a series of positive “news” stories posted to their site were generated by ChatGPT. It came after a Philadelphia Inquirer story reported that local news outlets could not find the stories in their archives. Experts say this type of misinformation can erode public trust and threaten democracy. Bilal’s campaign said the stories were based on real events.
Rhode Island – Records Show ‘Not Adequate’ Vetting of R.I. Ethics Commission Appointee
MSN – Edward Fitzpatrick (Boston Globe) | Published: 2/1/2024
A public records request showed no sign that Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee’s staff knew about the sexual harassment complaints made by six women against state Ethics Commission nominee Bryant Da Cruz until minutes after his appointment was announced. Emails and text messages regarding McKee’s ill-fated choice for the commission last November show the main question raised was whether Da Cruz could serve on the panel while working as a federal political coordinator for the National Association of Realtors.
South Dakota – South Dakota Apologizes to Transgender Advocacy Group, Will Pay $300K Over Cancelled Contract
Yahoo News – Lauren Sforza (The Hill) | Published: 2/7/2024
South Dakota will pay $300,000 and has apologized to a transgender advocacy group after the state cancelled a contract with the organization. The Transformation Project alleged its contract became a “political liability” after a conservative outlet brought it and one of the group’s planned events to Gov. Kristi Noem’s attention. The group alleged its contract was “abruptly terminated” in December 2022 “based purely on national politics.”
Tennessee – Tennessee’s Legislature Can’t Move Past the Bitter Clashes of 2023
DNyuz – Emily Cochrane (New York Times) | Published: 2/2/2024
Tennessee House Republicans in 2023 expelled state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson for leading a gun control protest on the chamber floor, and festering tensions are surfacing even before lawmakers tackle the major work of the 2024 session. With their supermajority, Republicans can easily swat away Democratic objections to their agenda. That ironclad grip has pushed both Democrats and activists to turn to more aggressive tactics to draw attention to their positions.
Texas – When Mental Health Treatment Becomes a Political Identity
DNyuz – J. David Goodman (New York Times) | Published: 2/6/2024
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has spoken openly and often about her mental health, making her struggle with depression an increasingly central part of her political identity. Hidalgo has added her name to a growing list of politicians who have chosen to be public about their mental health. But the approach remains politically risky. Consultants still point to U.S. Sen. Thomas Eagleton, whose history of mental health treatment doomed his prospects as a vice-presidential running mate in 1972.
Texas – Texas AG’s Pursuit of Transgender Medical Records Stirs Privacy Concerns
MSN – Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) | Published: 2/2/2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is using an exception in federal medical-privacy law to demand records from health-care providers far beyond his state’s borders – any hospitals, clinics, and practices that may have treated transgender youth from Texas. The aggressive attack on the LGBTQ community is one that legal experts say could pose a threat to medical privacy for all.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Grants Ballot Access to Presidential Candidate Dean Phillips
MSN – Jessie Opoien (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 2/2/2024
Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips earned a place on Wisconsin’s primary ballot, the state Supreme Court decided. The court ruled unanimously that the state’s Presidential Preference Selection Committee failed to demonstrate it exercised discretion in keeping Phillips off the ballot. Phillips has challenged similar decisions in Florida and North Carolina.
January 26, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 26, 2024
![News You Can Use Digest – January 26, 2024](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NYCU-Logo-e1662491950752-1000x563.png)
National/Federal Billionaires Wanted to Save the News Industry. They’re Losing a Fortune. DNyuz – Benjamin Mullin and Katie Robertson (New York Times) | Published: 1/18/2024 There is an old saying about the news business: If you want to make a small fortune, […]
National/Federal
Billionaires Wanted to Save the News Industry. They’re Losing a Fortune.
DNyuz – Benjamin Mullin and Katie Robertson (New York Times) | Published: 1/18/2024
There is an old saying about the news business: If you want to make a small fortune, start with a large one. As the prospects for news publishers waned in the last decade, billionaires swooped in to buy some of the country’s most fabled brands. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, bought The Washington Post in 2013 for about $250 million, for example. But it increasingly appears that the billionaires are struggling just like nearly everyone else.
No Labels Sued by New York Donors Claiming ‘Bait and Switch’
DNyuz – Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 1/23/2024
Two members of the powerful Durst real estate family in New York sued the centrist group No Labels, accusing it of pulling a “bait and switch” by seeking donations for a bipartisan governing group and then moving to fund a third-party presidential candidacy. The lawsuit seeks damages and reimbursements after the Dursts donated $145,000 years ago, when No Labels was founded on the promise of finding governing solutions.
Once Professor and Student, These Lawmakers Are Out to Protect Journalists’ Secret Sources
MSN – Megan Mineiro (Roll Call) | Published: 1/19/2024
Bipartisan legislation to protect journalists from government surveillance passed the U.S. House recently. The Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act would block federal law enforcement agencies from subpoenaing journalists’ emails, phone records, recordings, and photographs to nail down the identity of confidential sources in their reporting. It includes tailored exceptions for terrorism or threats of imminent violence or harm.
These Lawmakers Are Still Invested in Banning Congressional Stock Trades
MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 1/18/2024
Scrutiny of members’ trading has been building since the pandemic, when some lawmakers raised eyebrows by selling stocks soon before the market crashed. That prompted investigations from the Department of Justice, though no charges were filed. Reports from the media followed, highlighting a litany of questionable deals coming from the Capitol. Advocates say a ban on individual trades would curb worries about conflicts-of-interest and insider trading in Congress. But lack of buy-in from leadership has been a sticking point.
Here’s How ChatGPT Maker OpenAI Plans to Deter Election Misinformation in 2024
MSN – Ali Swenson (Associated Press) | Published: 1/16/2024
ChatGPT maker OpenAI outlined a plan to prevent its tools from being used to spread election misinformation as voters in more than 50 countries prepare to cast their ballots in national elections this year. It will ban people from using its technology to create chatbots that impersonate real candidates or governments, to misrepresent how voting works, or to discourage people from voting. It said until more research can be done on the persuasive power of its technology, it will not allow its users to build applications for the purposes of campaigning or lobbying.
Lobbying Spending by Top Interest Groups Dipped Amid 2023 Gridlock
MSN – Caitlin Reilly (Roll Call) | Published: 1/24/2024
A year of gridlock amid divided government and Republican infighting on Capitol Hill drove down spending by the biggest interest groups by about 13 percent in 2023 from the previous year. Tax policy, artificial intelligence, and China, along with perennial issues like health care and defense, drove interest and revenue on K Street last year, lobbyists said. Those trends are expected to hold this year.
How Many of Your State’s Lawmakers Are Women? If You Live in the Southeast, It Could Be Just 1 in 5.
ProPublica – Jennifer Berry Hawes | Published: 1/11/2022
The United States saw a record number of women elected to statehouses last year. Nationally, one-third of legislators are women, the most in history. In recent years, three states – Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado – achieved parity. But much of the Southeast lags far behind. Women constitute fewer than one in five state lawmakers across much of the region. This leaves large majorities of men controlling policy, including laws that most impact women, at a time when the U.S. Supreme Court is sending more power to statehouses.
‘We Don’t Have a Clear Path to Victory’: DeSantis exits presidential race
Yahoo News – Gary Fineout and Alez Isenstadt (Politico) | Published: 1/21/2024
Gov. Ron DeSantis ended his presidential campaign after he was unable to convince Republicans to set aside their allegiance to the man who helped his own political career. DeSantis’s run came to a halt following a dispiriting second-place finish in Iowa, a state where he and allies poured millions of dollars into an aggressive get-out-the-vote effort that featured the governor visiting all 99 counties. He spent week after week in the state instead of establishing a presence in other early voting states like New Hampshire and South Carolina.
Pro-Biden PAC Launches $1 Million Campaign to Pay Social Media Influencers
Yahoo News – Rebecca Kern (Politico) | Published: 1/23/2024
Priorities USA, a super PAC supporting President Biden, is spending $1 million for its first-ever “creator” program, enlisting about 150 influencers to post on social media in the 2024 election cycle. The effort is part of a larger Democratic strategy to lure young voters in battleground states. Priorities USA plans to transition all its spending to digital communications in 2024 and sees the influencer campaign as key to reaching people who do not see typical campaign ads on television.
Appeals Court Declines Further Review of Trump Jan. 6 Gag Order
Yahoo News – Rebecca Beitsch and Zach Schonfeld (The Hill) | Published: 1/23/2024
A federal appeals court declined an effort by Donald Trump to have his challenge to a gag order in his election interference case heard by the full court, teeing up a likely U.S. Supreme Court battle over restrictions to his speech. A three-judge panel of the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals had largely upheld a lower court ruling restricting Trump’s speech in the case.
From the States and Municipalities
Arizona – Arizona GOP Lawmaker Targets ‘Conflict of Interest’ in Donations to City Bond Projects
KJZZ – Wayne Schutsky | Published: 1/19/2024
Arizona Rep. Laurin Hendrix is pushing a bill that would bar construction companies that donate to local bond elections from then benefitting from the array of city projects funded by those bonds, a move that could drain hundreds of thousands of dollars out of the campaigns that push for passage of those bonds every election cycle. In the lead up to those elections, voters are often inundated with advertising and marketing efforts backed by local politicians and PACs that support passage of the bond questions. A lot of the money that pays for those efforts come from businesses or individuals with ties to the construction industry.
Arizona – Arizona Republican Party Chair Resigns After Kari Lake Recording Is Made Public
MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 1/24/2024
Arizona Republican Party Chairperson Jeff DeWit announced his resignation after a recording was made public that appeared to show him attempting to entice Kari Lake to sit out the 2024 election for the state’s U.S. Senate seat. The recording and DeWit’s resignation mark major challenges for a state GOP struggling to bounce back from years of tough election losses. What happens politically in Arizona, a swing state, could have broader consequences for both the presidency and the Senate majority in 2024.
California – She Went to Prison for Bribing Nuru with a Rolex. Now She Has to Pay S.F. $750,000
MSN – St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 1/23/2024
Businessperson Florence Kong has already spent a year in prison for pleading guilty to bribing Mohammed Nuru with a Rolex watch and other gifts and lying to FBI agents about her relationship with the former head of San Francisco’s Public Works Department. Now she is on the hook to pay the city $750,000 to resolve civil penalties related to the matter, according to a settlement proposal.
California – SoCalGas Billed Customers Millions to Fight Clean Energy, The Bee Found. This Bill Could Stop That
MSN – Ari Plachta (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 1/17/2024
New legislation in California strengthens laws that prevent energy utilities from passing on the costs of lobbying to their customers. It comes in response to a media investigation that found the nation’s largest gas provider, Southern California Gas Company, booked at least $36 million to ratepayers since 2019 to oppose clean energy policies. The bill explicitly defines “political influence activity,” prevents the use of customer money for membership dues to trade groups, and requires utilities to disclose whether advertising campaigns are paid for by customers or shareholders.
California – OC Supervisor Quietly Routed Millions More to His Daughter’s Group
MSN – Nick Gerda (LAist) | Published: 1/22/2024
Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do directed an additional $6.2 million in taxpayer dollars to his 22-year-old daughter’s nonprofit group. Records show a total of $13.5 million in county funding that Do is now known to have played a major role awarding to Viet America Society since late 2020, all without publicly disclosing the relationship. The newly discovered grants were awarded by Do to his daughter Rhiannon Do’s nonprofit outside of public meetings. Details of these grants were also not included in public meeting agendas.
California – OC Board of Supervisors Deadlock on Conflict of Interest, Discretionary Spending Policy Updates
Orange County Register – Destiny Torres | Published: 1/23/2024
Orange County supervisors deadlocked on a proposal to require leaders and their top staffers to broaden the instances involving family connections that would require disclosure when approving contracts or spending money. Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento proposed the reform following reports that Supervisor Andrew Do voted for subcontracts with the Warner Wellness Center, a mental health program, without publicly disclosing that his daughter was part of the organization’s leadership.
MSN – Seth Klamann (Denver Post) | Published: 1/24/2024
State Rep. Mike Lynch, the embattled Colorado House Republican and congressional candidate whose 2022 drunken driving arrest was revealed recently, said he was stepping down as minority leader. Lynch’s position as the top Republican in the House has been on the brink of collapse for several days amid fallout from the news about his arrest.
Connecticut – Conn. Mayor Wins Do-Over Race After GOP Seized on Democratic Ballot-Stuffing
MSN – Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) | Published: 1/25/2024
A Connecticut mayor whose September primary election win was invalidated after ballot-fraud allegations won a do-over primary, months after his case became a flash point in conservative arguments about debunked theories of voter fraud. Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, whose supporters allegedly stuffed absentee ballots on his behalf in September, won reelection over John Gomes in the primary held on January 23.
Florida – Lubby Navarro Had Other Jobs. At Least One of Them Is Probing Her Spending After Her Arrest
MSN – David Goodhue (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/24/2024
Lubby Navarro, the former Miami-Dade County School Board member accused of stealing more than $100,000 from taxpayers by way of her district-issued credit cards, is under investigation by a hospital chain that put her on unpaid leave after she was arrested. Yanet Obarrio Sanchez, a spokesperson for the South Broward Hospital District, where Navarro works as a registered lobbyist, said an internal investigation was launched “as a standard protocol” right after Navarro’s arrest.
Florida – Split City Council Approves Legislation in Reaction to Deegan Using Single Source Contract
Yahoo News – David Bauerlein (Florida Times Union) | Published: 1/25/2024
Any future no-bid selection of a firm to do lobbying or grant writing for Jacksonville will have to get city council approval, a reaction to Mayor Donna Deegan awarding a contract to a campaign supporter. The bill was filed after Deegan awarded a $300,000 no-bid contract to Langton Consulting to do federal lobbying, grant writing, and public policy development. The city did not invite proposals from any other firm.
Georgia – Georgia Secretary of State Says It’s Unconstitutional for Board to Oversee Him, but Lawmakers Differ
Yahoo News – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 1/24/2024
An attempt to state that Georgia’s State Election Board has the legal power to investigate Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s handling of elections blossomed into a constitutional showdown, with a lawyer for Raffensperger saying board members cannot legally oversee him. But the Senate Ethics Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 358. The proposal would remove Raffensperger from his nonvoting post on the board, allow the board to hire election investigators instead of solely relying on those working for Raffensperger, and clearly give the board power to investigate the secretary of state.
Illinois – Paul Vallas Facing $10,500 Fine from City’s Ethics Board
Yahoo News – A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/24/2024
Recent mayoral runner-up Paul Vallas is being fined $10,500 for violating Chicago’s campaign finance law. In November, the Board of Ethics found probable cause that Vallas, who lost to Brandon Johnson in the April 2023 runoff election, violated a rule that limits campaign contributions from entities doing business with the city.
Kentucky – Why Are KY Legislators Fleeing Frankfort? Blame Trump, Low Pay and Nasty Politics
MSN – Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 1/25/2024
Seventeen senators and representatives in Kentucky are not seeking reelection this year. The numbers are growing relative to years past. Virtually all the elected officials in Frankfort will tell you that serving in the Kentucky General Assembly is an honor and a privilege. But is it a good job?
Kentucky – How Much Could Be Spent on Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg’s Ethics Complaint Defense?
Yahoo News – Josh Wood and Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 1/24/2024
Outside counsel hired to defend Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg against an ethics complaint signed a contract to receive up to $25,000 in city funds for their services but the actual cost passed on to taxpayers could be much higher. Jefferson County Attorney’s Office spokesperson Josh Abner said the office does not limit the amount it spends on legal representation, despite the ordinance.
Louisiana – Louisiana Legislature Approves New Congressional Map with Second Majority-Black District
MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 1/19/2024
The Louisiana Legislature approved a new congressional map that includes two majority-Black districts after being ordered to do so by a federal court that found the existing map illegally diminished Black voting power. Previously, Black voters in Louisiana had a majority in just one of the state’s six congressional districts, despite making up nearly a third of the statewide population.
Minnesota – You Might Be a Lobbyist Now
Minnesota Reformer – Madison McVan | Published: 1/19/2024
A change to the lobbying law in Minnesota is expected to mandate a bevy of new people register as lobbyists under the rule’s wide umbrella, said Jeff Sigurdson, executive director of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Now, anyone making or spending more than $3,000 to influence decisions by governmental bodies across the state must register. The new law applies to all the state’s political subdivisions. Previously, lobbying rules did not apply to local governments except those in the Twin Cities metro area.
New Hampshire – Trump Beats Haley Decisively in N.H., Closing in on Nomination
MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf, Colby Itkowitz, Sabrina Rodriguez, and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 1/23/2024
Donald Trump marched closer to the Republican nomination for president by defeating Nikki Haley in New Hampshire’s primary. Trump’s victory dealt another blow to critics in his party who saw the vote as perhaps the last best chance to stop or slow him. Haley’s strength with independents exposed weaknesses for Trump in a potential rematch with President Biden, as moderate Republicans and right-leaning independents sent a message that the party’s internal divisions will not disappear quickly.
New Mexico – Leader of New State Office Faces Ethics Complaint Over Lobbying Request
Yahoo News – Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 1/22/2024
Beth Gillia, head of the New Mexico Office of Family Representation and Advocacy, is facing an ethics complaint after using her government email to encourage employees to lobby legislators on the office’s behalf but without specifically instructing them to disclose their roles. Maralyn Beck, founder of the New Mexico Child First Network, said she will be filing a formal complaint with the State Ethics Commission and sharing her concerns with members of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee.
New Mexico – Changes to New Mexico Employees’ and Politicians’ Anti-Corruption Law Clear First Committee
Yahoo News – Robert Nott (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 1/24/2024
Public employees and elected officials could find themselves facing fines of up to $10,000 if they violate the state’s Governmental Conduct Act under a new bill that cleared its first committee. House Bill 8 would not only raise the ceiling for fines but provide more clarity regarding prohibited activities under the law.
New York – State GOP Officials Took Trip Backed by Chinese Communist Party
Albany Times Union – Raga Justin | Published: 1/21/2024
Four members of the New York Assembly traveled to China in December. The group that funded the trip, the American Chinese Commerce Association, has been described as linked to an arm of the Chinese Communist Party known as the “united front work” department. According to U.S. security agencies, united front work seeks to influence American individuals and institutions, especially state-level lawmakers, through various overtures that include sponsored trips to meet Chinese officials.
North Carolina – NC Confidential: Keeping voters in dark about campaign finance probes
Carolina Public Press – Mehr Shur | Published: 1/22/2024
Campaign finance investigations are confidential in North Carolina. While candidates are innocent until proven otherwise, the confidentiality provision passed by state lawmakers in 2018 can also keep voters from making informed decisions, according to ethics experts. The public is barred from finding out any details about a complaint or an ongoing State Board of Elections investigation and can only have access to information once an investigation has concluded and it proceeds to a hearing.
North Carolina – From Lobbying to Congress? NC Candidate’s Fundraiser Draws Questions About His Support
Yahoo News – Danielle Battaglia (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 1/24/2024
When a lawmaker leaves office, there is a good chance they will become a lobbyist. Sometimes, though, the “revolving door” swings in the other direction. Addison McDowell resigned as a lobbyist on December 13, the same day he announced he would run for Congress. McDowell, a former lobbyist for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, highlighted his ties to the people he lobbied when he announced a January 30 fundraiser that is being hosted by some of the biggest names in North Carolina politics, including both lawmakers and lobbyists.
Ohio – Trans Candidates Face Challenges to Get on Ohio Ballots Over ‘Deadnames’
MSN – Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) | Published: 1/22/2024
Vanessa Joy is one of three transgender women whose candidacies for Ohio House seats have been challenged under a little-known state law that requires disclosure of previous legal names on election documents. While the law is not new, some advocates fear it is being used to hinder transgender candidates, and regardless of intent, it has ensnared several such contenders this election cycle in Ohio, raising concerns that trans candidates elsewhere might face similar hurdles when running for public office.
Oklahoma – New Ethics Commission Director Gets Guardian System Extended for 2024 Election
NonDoc – Tres Savage | Published: 1/22/2024
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission’s new director said its Guardian System, a database used for reporting and tracking campaign financial information and lobbyist registrations, will be extended through February 2025. The Guardian System had been scheduled to lose functionality after July 1 because a software and services firm decided to shelve the underlying software used to operate Oklahoma’s reporting system.
Oregon – Oregon Voters Likely to Decide on Dueling Campaign Finance Measures This Fall
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 1/24/2024
Gov. Tina Kotek said campaign finance limits will not come up this legislative session, so Oregon voters will almost certainly decide the issue through a ballot measure in November. Voters will likely face two similar-looking measures, each of which would limit how much individuals and groups can donate to candidates. But one of the proposed measures, backed by labor unions, contains several loopholes that would allow unions to continue pouring millions of dollars into campaigns.
Rhode Island – R.I. Ethics Commission Dismisses Complaint Against Governor McKee
MSN – Edward Fitzpatrick (Boston Globe) | Published: 1/23/2024
The Rhode Island Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint filed against Gov. Dan McKee alleging he violated state ethics law after a lobbyist picked up a tab for lunch. The state Republican Party accused McKee of participating in a “pay-to-play political culture” by accepting a lunch with a lobbyist and executives from a Philadelphia firm, Scout Ltd., who were seeking $55 million to redevelop the Cranston Street Armory.
South Carolina – How Nikki Haley’s Lean Years Led Her into an Ethical Thicket
Seattle Times – Sharon LaFraniere and Alexandra Berzon (New York Times) | Published: 1/21/2024
Nikki Haley had been serving in the South Carolina Legislature for less than two years when she applied for a job as an accounting clerk at Wilbur Smith Associates, an engineering and design firm with state contracts. Because of her wide-ranging network. The firm put Haley on a retainer, asking her to scout out new business. That contract, and a subsequent, more lucrative one as a fundraiser for a hospital in her home county, allowed Haley to triple her income in three years. But they also led her into an ethical gray area that tarnished her first term as governor.
Tennessee – Campaign Finance Exec: Former Sen. Kelsey can’t use PAC funds on legal fees
Tennessee Lookout – Sam Stockard | Published: 1/24/2024
Bill Young, executive director of the Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance, advised former state Sen. Brian Kelsey he cannot use his PAC to pay attorneys as he tries to reverse a conviction for violating federal campaign finance law. Kelsey transferred $196,833 from his state campaign account to his Red State PAC last summer.
Tennessee – Tennessee Will No Longer Pursue Nearly a Million Dollars in Unpaid Fines Against Former Candidates
WTVF – Jennifer Kraus | Published: 1/24/2024
Over the last 30 years, hundreds of fines for campaign finance violations, totaling more than $2.5 million, have never been paid in Tennessee. Now the state has decided to no longer pursue nearly $1 million of those fines. Bill Young, executive director of the Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance, said when he took the job in 2019, he discovered unpaid fines dated back to 1991. So last year, the Legislature agreed to update the law to allow the bureau to declare certain fines “uncollectible.”
Washington – The Failed Promise of Independent Election Mapmaking
MSN – Marilyn Thompson (ProPublica) | Published: 1/17/2024
In most states, lawmakers draw new districts every 10 years to accommodate changes in population and ethnic makeup. They are usually exercises of raw political power allowing lawmakers to, in essence, choose their voters instead of the other way around. As the nation grapples with ever-more-aggressive battles over access to voting, a review of what unfolded in Washington state shows that independent commissions, still reformers’ best hope for fixing this problem nationwide, have not always succeeded in taking this central democratic function out of politicians’ hands.
January 12, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 12, 2024
![News You Can Use Digest – January 12, 2024](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NYCU-Logo-e1662491950752-1000x563.png)
National/Federal Democrats Set Ambitious Spending Plan for State Legislative Races DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 1/10/2024 The Democratic Party’s organization that focuses on state legislative races is planning its largest campaign budget ever as it seeks to flip […]
National/Federal
Democrats Set Ambitious Spending Plan for State Legislative Races
DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 1/10/2024
The Democratic Party’s organization that focuses on state legislative races is planning its largest campaign budget ever as it seeks to flip five chambers in three critical swing states, as well as defend three recently earned majorities. The budget – at least $60 million – underscores the importance of state Legislatures. Once dismissed as mere policy laboratories, they have become arbiters of many of the nation’s most pressing political debates.
State Legislators, Wary of Deceptive Election Ads, Tighten A.I. Rules
DNyuz – David Chen (New York Times) | Published: 1/11/2024
Alarmed by the increasing sophistication of what can be false or highly misleading political ads generated by artificial intelligence, state lawmakers are scrambling to draft bills to regulate them. To avoid First Amendment challenges, most lawmakers have focused on requiring those who make, produce, or disseminate the ads disclose the deceptive ads were produced by artificial intelligence. The broad goal, legislators said, was to prevent what has already happened elsewhere, especially in some elections overseas.
Special Counsel Probe Uncovers New Details About Trump’s Inaction on Jan. 6: Sources
MSN – Katherine Faulders, Mike Levine, Alexander Mallin, and Will Steakin (ABC News) | Published: 1/7/2024
Special counsel Jack Smith’s team has uncovered previously undisclosed details about former President Trump’s refusal to help stop the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol as he sat watching television inside the White House. Many of the details come from the questioning of Trump’s former deputy chief of staff, Dan Scavino. New information also comes from interviews with other White House advisers and top lawyers who previously declined to answer questions about Trump’s own statements and demeanor on January 6, 2021.
Violent Political Threats Surge as 2024 Begins, Haunting American Democracy
MSN – Sarah Ellison, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 1/9/2024
Violent threats and acts of intimidation have defined the lives of various government officials since the 2020 election. Now they are casting a shadow over the 2024 campaign as Americans prepare to vote in the primary season. Those on the receiving end span the range of the country’s democratic system, including members of Congress, state officials, local leaders, and judges. While some are prominent, others have relatively low-profile roles. The intensity has accelerated in recent weeks.
Most Jan. 6 Defendants Get Time Behind Bars, but Less Than U.S. Seeks
MSN – Tom Jackman and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 1/5/2024
Three years after the U.S. Capitol attack, federal judges in Washington have sentenced more than half of the roughly 1,200 people charged in the largest investigation in U.S. history and have handed down lighter punishments for January 6 assault convictions compared with similar assault cases nationally. Judges have ordered prison time for nearly every defendant convicted of a felony and some jail time to about half of those convicted of misdemeanors.
Wayne LaPierre Resigns from N.R.A. with Trial Set to Open
MSN – Danny Hakim (New York Times) | Published: 1/5/2024
On the eve of a legal battle in New York, Wayne LaPierre said he would step down as the longtime chief of the National Rifle Association (NRA). He has led the NRA, once one of the nation’s most prominent lobbying organizations, for more than three decades. LaPierre played a leading role in transforming gun culture in America, but the last half decade of his tenure was marred by scandals and internal upheaval. In recent years, the group has been in a tailspin.
Judges Skeptical That Trump Is Immune from Jan. 6 Prosecution
MSN – Rachel Weiner, Spencer Hsu, Perry Stein, and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 1/9/2024
A panel of three federal appellate judges expressed skepticism about Donald Trump’s claim to sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution and concerns about its implications, suggesting it would allow a future president to have a political rival assassinated by the military without repercussions. Trump argues he cannot be tried for trying to overturn the 2020 election results because he was acquitted by the Senate of inciting the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. James Pearce, a Justice Department attorney, called that “an extraordinarily frightening” proposition.
Vocal Anti-Trump Candidate Chris Christie Exits Presidential Race with Hot Mic Moment
NPR – Jeongyoon Han | Published: 1/10/2024
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ended his presidential campaign after his criticism of Donald Trump’s leadership and role in the Republican Party proved to diverge too far from where the GOP currently stands. His announcement was somewhat overshadowed by a hot mic moment ahead of a town hall. Christie’s mic went live as he was speaking about his presidential rivals. Of Haley, he praised her for “punching above her weight” but said “she’s going to get smoked.” On Ron DeSantis, he said the Florida governor “is petrified” before his mic was abruptly cut.
The Changing Congressional Map Is Shifting the Fight for Control of the House
Politico – Zach Montellaro | Published: 1/8/2024
The partisan tilt of a handful of districts could still change dramatically before voters even go to the polls this year, shifting who has the upper hand in the battle for control the U.S. House. Republicans hold just a three-seat majority and various congressional maps across the country have already been redrawn since the midterms thanks to drawn-out court battles, some of which have yet to be resolved.
From the States and Municipalities
Alaska – Alaska Ranked Choice Voting Opponents Fined Over $94K for Campaign Ethics Violations
Anchorage Daily News – Iris Samuels | Published: 1/4/2024
Supporters of an effort to repeal the state’s ranked choice voting system were fined more than $94,000 after the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) found campaign finance violations. APOC said Anchorage pastor Art Mathias and groups he founded funneled most of their funding through a tax-exempt church and inaccurately reporting their funding. The fines come a month before the deadline for opponents of Alaska’s voting system to submit at least 26,000 signatures from voters as they seek to put the question of repealing the state’s system on the 2024 ballot.
California – Burger Chain Manager Fined for Using ‘Straw Donors’ to Back Ex-Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s 2018 Campaign
MSN – Keri Blakinger (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 1/10/2024
Manuel Gomez, a burger chain manager, will admit guilt on 10 counts of campaign money laundering and pay a $50,000 fine for using straw donors to contribute to former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s campaign, according to a settlement with the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Records show Villanueva, his 2018 campaign, and his then-campaign treasurer agreed to pay a total of $7,500 for violating reporting requirements and failing to return some of the money.
California – San Jose Bans ‘Foreign-Influenced Corporations’ from Political Donations
San Jose Spotlight – Jana Kadah | Published: 1/10/2024
The San Jose City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits “foreign-influenced corporations” from donating in city races. It will go into effect in 30 days, just one month before the March 5 primary elections. Federal and state laws already prohibit foreign individuals from making contributions or independent expenditures to candidates. But foreign companies with domestic subsidiaries can contribute as long as the donations are made by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
California – DWP Board Members Held Private Contract Talks with Vendor, Prompting Ethics Questions
Yahoo News – Dakota Smith and Richard Winton (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 1/5/2024
Two members of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commission privately discussed a contract with executives of a cybersecurity company, an exchange that is raising concerns from ethics experts. Then-commission President Mel Levine and then-Vice President Cynthia McClain-Hill held a phone call in 2019 with two executives to walk them through the utility’s plans to award them a contract. The city’s ethics law bars commissioners from privately participating in the review or negotiation of contracts they will vote on. The commission’s rules also bar commissioners from having private discussions about bids with vendors.
Colorado – Supreme Court Says It Will Decide If Trump Qualifies for Colorado Ballot
MSN – Ann Marimow and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 1/6/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider whether Donald Trump should be disqualified from the primary ballot in Colorado. The state Supreme Court disqualified the Republican front-runner, finding he engaged in an insurrection before and during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The announcement puts the justices in a pivotal position with echoes of the court’s involvement in the 2000 election, when its decision assured victory for George W. Bush, polarized the nation and damaged the court’s reputation as an independent institution.
Florida – Court Sends Case of Prosecutor Suspended by DeSantis Back to Trial Judge Over First Amendment Issues
Associated Press News – Curt Anderson | Published: 1/10/2024
A Democratic prosecutor suspended by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will get another chance to show his political advocacy was protected by the First Amendment and could not be the basis for his removal, a federal appeals court panel ruled. The ruling sends the case involving ex-prosecutor Andrew Warren back to a trial judge to determine if the governor’s suspension was improperly focused on statements Warren signed opposing certain legislation to criminalize abortion and gender care.
Florida – Florida GOP Ousts Chairman Under Investigation for Alleged Rape
MSN – Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) | Published: 1/8/2024
The Republican Party of Florida removed its chairperson, Christian Ziegler, from his job as in the midst of a sexual assault investigation. Ziegler is accused of raping a woman who had previously engaged in a tryst with him and his wife, Bridget. Christian Ziegler rejects the allegations. Sarasota police are investigating the incident but have not yet filed charges. Bridget Ziegler is a co-founder of the far-right group Moms for Liberty. As a Sarasota County school board member, she has pushed an anti-LGBTQ+ agenda.
Georgia – Who Will Investigate One of Georgia’s Most Ambitious Politicians in the Trump Case?
DNyuz – Richard Fausset (New York Times) | Published: 1/4/2024
Since the indictment of Donald Trump and his allies on election interference charges in Georgia, a question has gone unanswered: would criminal charges also be coming for Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. He was one of the 16 Republicans who acted as fake electors to overturn Trump’s 2020 defeat. Three of them are charged with felonies. But a judge blocked the Fulton County district attorney who led the investigation from developing a case against Jones, citing a conflict-of-interest because she had headlined a fundraiser for a Democratic who became his rival in the lieutenant governor’s race.
Georgia – Trump Claims Immunity from Prosecution in Georgia Election Case
MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 1/8/2024
Donald Trump urged a judge to dismiss charges he illegally conspired to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia, claiming his alleged actions were at the “heart” of his sworn responsibilities as president and he is immune from criminal prosecution. The arguments from Steve Sadow, an Atlanta attorney representing Trump in the Georgia case, largely echo immunity claims made by the former president’s defense team in the separate federal election interference case against him.
Hawaii – Full Public Financing of Elections Is Being Revived at Hawaii Legislature
Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 1/11/2024
Hawaii Sen. Karl Rhoads will resurrect a bill that would establish a comprehensive public campaign financing system intended to attract a more diverse pool of candidates. It would give grants to qualifying candidates who are able to demonstrate sufficient support from voters. In states that have similar programs such as Connecticut, Maine, and Arizona, the systems increase the diversity of candidates, in particular drawing people who are younger and from less traditional backgrounds.
Chicago Sun-Times – Mitchell Armentrout and Tim Novack | Published: 1/5/2024
Under Illinois law, former Ald. Edward Burke is likely to be stripped of the $8,027-a-month city pension he started collecting last May on the day after ending his record 54-year reign in the Chicago City Council. But he will get at least the more than $540,000 he paid into the fund. The disgraced former council member is in line for a more substantial payout from his campaign fund, which he can use to pay himself or his family members almost $2.5 million, no questions asked, thanks to a loophole in state campaign finance law.
Illinois – City Council Ethics Package Could Face Uphill Fight Without Johnson in the Lead
MSN – A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/7/2024
In the wake of former Ald. Edward Burke’s racketeering conviction, his onetime colleagues on the Chicago City Council are faced with the choice of whether to hold themselves to tougher ethical standards. They are largely weighing that decision without input from Mayor Brandon Johnson, who, unlike his predecessor, is taking a hands-off approach to anti-corruption reforms. The fresh debate is spurred by a slew of new recommendations from the Board of Ethics tightening rules for city contractors, campaign fundraising, and advertising that a key committee chairman pledged to take up in the new year.
Kansas – New Wichita City Council Member Moves to Undo Ban on Corporate Political Donations
Yahoo News – Matthew Kelly (Wichita Eagle) | Published: 1/9/2024
The Wichita City Council will vote on an ordinance that would undo the ban on corporate political donations in municipal enacted recently. The ordinance passed on January 2 passed in former Mayor Brandon Whipple’s last meeting on the job. Whipple declared an emergency before the vote, allowing the council to finalize the reform immediately and forgo the standard second reading that would have otherwise been required.
Kentucky – Weddle Blames Beshear Fundraiser for Letting Him Make Illegal Political Contributions
Kentucky Lantern – Tom Loftus | Published: 1/9/2024
London Mayor Randall Weddle says he told a fundraiser for Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s reelection in late 2022 that he planned to make political contributions of others on his credit card, but instead of being warned such a move would be illegal, the fundraiser told Weddle, “Okay sounds great.” The Registry of Election Finance filed a complaint against Weddle for violating a law that prohibits a person from making a campaign donation in the name of another.
Louisiana – Newly Sworn In, Louisiana’s Governor Calls for Special Session to Draw New Congressional Map
ABC News – Sara Cline (Associated Press) | Published: 1/8/2024
In his first hours in office, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry called a special session on redistricting, giving lawmakers the opportunity to draw and replace the state’s current congressional map a federal judge said violates the Voting Rights Act by diluting the power of Black voters. But the session looks to go beyond just tackling Louisiana’s congressional map, with the governor issuing a list of other issues to address, including redrawing state Supreme Court districts and moving away from Louisiana’s current open primary election system to a closed one.
Louisiana – Council Looks to Clean Up New Orleans’ Procurement Process Following Scathing IG Report
MSN – David Jones (WVUE) | Published: 1/9/2024
Two months after a scathing report from the inspector general, a New Orleans City Council member is looking to clean up the city’s procurement process for the awarding of contracts by introducing three pieces of new legislation. The report concerned alleged bid-rigging in the procurement process for the now-abandoned “Smart Cities” project. It says two city employees might have violated state ethics law in awarding a contract for the project.
Massachusetts – Liberal Group Files Challenge to Remove Trump from Massachusetts Primary Ballot
MSN – Matt Stoudt (Boston Globe) | Published: 1/5/2024
A labor lawyer and a liberal group filed a challenge seeking to remove Donald Trump from Massachusetts’ Republican presidential primary ballot, echoing arguments in other states that the former president is ineligible to serve in the White House under the Constitution’s insurrection clause. Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin has argued even if Trump is found guilty of inciting an insurrection and is therefore ineligible to serve as president, he can still be on the ballot in Massachusetts.
Michigan – Michigan Republicans Hold Disputed Vote to Remove Party Leader
Yahoo News – Nick Corasaniti and Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 1/6/2024
Simmering tensions within the Michigan Republican Party boiled over with some party officials voting to remove their embattled chairperson, Kristina Karamo, in a contentious proceeding that she and other state Republicans argued was illegitimate. The showdown, which occurred at a meeting held by a breakaway faction of the state party, now appears likely to wind up in court.
Minnesota – All-Female City Council Marks a ‘Turning Point’ for a Twin City
DNyuz – Remy Tumin (New York Times) | Published: 1/10/2024
St. Paul, Minnesota, is believed to be among the largest cities in the country to have the distinction of having an all-female City Council. But the firsts do not stop there: all seven council members are under 40 years old, and six are women of color, making it the youngest and most racially diverse council in the city’s history. Although the new makeup of the council may surprise some, several demographic shifts in St. Paul over the past few decades helped pave the way for this moment.
Missouri – Missouri Defends Lobbying Waiting Period for Lawmakers at Eighth Circuit
Courthouse News Service – Joe Harris | Published: 1/9/2024
A federal appeals court heard arguments challenging a voter-approved, two-year waiting period between serving in the Missouri Legislature and accepting payment for lobbying services. The plaintiffs claim the law violates their right to free speech. Jason Lewis of the Missouri attorney general’s office argued the General Assembly has the right to restrict employment.
New Jersey – N.J. Moving to Change Ethics Laws for Cannabis, Which Could Help Top Democrat
MSN – Jelani Gibson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 1/7/2024
A new bill would potentially help the vice chairperson of New Jersey’s State Democratic Committee, Peg Schaffer, to stay within the cannabis industry as the party’s chair continues to function as a lobbyist on behalf of well-financed companies. Schaffer recently accepted a board position at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. She is the president and managing principal of a law firm. Schaffer’s job at the authority holds the risk of running afoul of the state’s conflict-of-interest laws when it comes to representing cannabis applicants.
New York – N.Y. Seeks $370 Million in Trump Fraud Trial Instead of $250 Million
MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 1/5/2024
New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking a $370 million penalty against Donald Trump and his company instead of the $250 million the state sought when it filed a civil fraud lawsuit in 2022. The filing was the first time James has publicly cited a specific higher penalty than what was included in the original lawsuit. The company was accused of purposely misleading lenders and insurance companies about Trump’s net worth by up to $2.2 billion per year from 2011 to 2021 to get better terms in business deals.
North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Commission Sees Uptick in Complaints
North Dakota Monitor – Mary Steuer | Published: 1/8/2024
Complaints to the North Dakota Ethics Commission have been on the rise since late 2022, though in most cases, state law requires filings to be kept confidential unless the commission determines them to be substantiated. Twenty-four of 45 complaints were dismissed upon initial review. One reason why so many complaints were dismissed is because the commission has very limited jurisdiction.
Ohio – Ginther’s Public Service Director Leaving for New Job
MSN – Bill Bush (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 1/5/2024
Jennifer Gallagher is resigning as director of the Columbus Department of Public Service is resigning. Emails released by the city attorney’s office Friday suggest Gallagher remains the subject of an investigation launched by the Ohio Ethics Commission in 2022. A complaint concerns a $480,000 contract Gallagher’s department awarded to a firm that employed her husband. Ohio law generally prohibits public officials from awarding or influencing contracts in which a family member has an interest.
Ohio – Transgender Ohio House Hopeful Appeals Disqualification for Not Listing Birth Name on Paperwork
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/4/2024
A transgender woman running for an Ohio House seat has been disqualified for failing to disclose her former name on petitions circulated to voters, in violation of a seldom-enforced state law. Stark County election officials informed Vanessa Joy that she was not eligible to be on the ballot despite having collected the signatures necessary to run. Officials said Joy violated a law requiring candidates for public office to list any name changes over the previous five years on their signature petitions.
Ohio – Voting, Disability Rights Advocates Claim Ohio Photo Voter ID Law Violates Federal Disabilities Law
Ohio Capital Journal – Nick Evans | Published: 1/5/2024
Starting last year, Ohioans had to present a photo ID to cast a vote. The new law also reduced the number of days available for early voting and for returning absentee ballots. Now, the League of Women Voters is challenging the law over a different set of provisions. It imposes a limited list of individuals “authorized” to return absentee ballots on behalf of someone else. A lawsuit contends that restrictive list violates the Americans with Disabilities Act by imposing “extreme burdens to vote that voters without disabilities will never face.”
Rhode Island – Ethics Complaint Against Shekarchi Over 2017 Wedding Farm Bill Dismissed. Here’s Why
Yahoo News – Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) | Published: 1/9/2024
The Rhode Island Ethics Commission cleared House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi of conflict-of- interest accusations brought by the state Republican Party over his vote seven years ago for a bill that sought to legalize weddings on large farms. The commission found there was no probable cause that Shekarchi violated the ethics code to benefit a campaign donor.
South Dakota – South Dakota Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Lawmaker Conflict of Interest
Yahoo News – Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 1/8/2024
The South Dakota Supreme Court heard lawyers from the governor’s office, the attorney general’s office, and the Legislature make a case as to why the justices should issue an opinion more clearly defining what a conflict-of-interest is within the state constitution. Attorneys took questions from the justices related to whether establishing a new standard in the law would be enough to accurately define what is a direct or indirect conflict-of-interest when a lawmaker votes on bills for funding state government and its operations.
Texas Tribune – Robert Downen | Published: 1/3/2024
In a bizarre micro-scandal that some have dubbed “GrubGate,” a former member of Congress who is running for her old seat in South Texas, Mayra Flores, is being accused of routinely stealing photos of Mexican food from other social media accounts and passing them off as her own cooking. That prompted the website Current Revolt to dig further into Flores’ social media accounts, where they found numerous other posts in which she used others’ photos of campfire cooking or homemade tortillas to illustrate her own idyllic life on a ranch.
Vermont – Vermont Senate Beefs Up Financial Disclosure Requirements in Response to VTDigger Reporting
VTDigger.org – Paul Heinz | Published: 1/4/2024
The Vermont Senate voted to mandate its own members publicly disclose additional information about their personal finances and potential conflicts-of-interest. VTDigger had documented how difficult it was for Vermonters to obtain information about their legislators and how little was revealed by mandatory disclosure forms. After VTDigger published the first story in the series last April, the Senate moved to post members’ financial disclosure forms online for the first time.
Wyoming – New Rules Would Allow Ousting Wyoming Legislators Accused or Convicted of Felonies
Cowboy State Daily – Leo Wolfson | Published: 1/9/2024
A new slate of proposed ethics complaint rules for the Wyoming Legislature would allow for the expulsion of members who are accused or convicted of felonies as private citizens, in and outside of the legislative session. The proposed rules adopt a clear procedure for the House speaker or Senate president to more quickly dismiss frivolous complaints as a way to mitigate the potential of the complaint process being weaponized.
January 11, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCNR-scaled-e1662491441383-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance Kansas: “New Wichita City Council Member Moves to Undo Ban on Corporate Political Donations” by Matthew Kelly (Wichita Eagle) for Yahoo News Kentucky: “Weddle Blames Beshear Fundraiser for Letting Him Make Illegal Political Contributions” by Tom Loftus for Kentucky Lantern Elections National: “Vocal […]
Campaign Finance
Kansas: “New Wichita City Council Member Moves to Undo Ban on Corporate Political Donations” by Matthew Kelly (Wichita Eagle) for Yahoo News
Kentucky: “Weddle Blames Beshear Fundraiser for Letting Him Make Illegal Political Contributions” by Tom Loftus for Kentucky Lantern
Elections
National: “Vocal Anti-Trump Candidate Chris Christie Exits Presidential Race with Hot Mic Moment” by Jeongyoon Han for NPR
Georgia: “Trump Claims Immunity from Prosecution in Georgia Election Case” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Democrats Set Ambitious Spending Plan for State Legislative Races” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz
Ethics
National: “Violent Political Threats Surge as 2024 Begins, Haunting American Democracy” by Sarah Ellison, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Minnesota: “All-Female City Council Marks a ‘Turning Point’ for a Twin City” by Remy Tumin (New York Times) for DNyuz
Wyoming: “New Rules Would Allow Ousting Wyoming Legislators Accused or Convicted of Felonies” by Leo Wolfson for Cowboy State Daily
Procurement
Louisiana: “Council Looks to Clean Up New Orleans’ Procurement Process Following Scathing IG Report” by David Jones (WVUE) for MSN
December 15, 2023 •
News You Can Use Digest – December 15, 2023
![News You Can Use Digest – December 15, 2023](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NYCU-Logo-e1662491950752-1000x563.png)
National/Federal Kevin McCarthy Uses PAC to Lavish Cash on High-End Resorts, Private Jets and Fine Dining MSN – Paul Pringle and Adam Elmahrek (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/7/2023 As her exits Congress two months after his historic ouster as House speaker, […]
National/Federal
Kevin McCarthy Uses PAC to Lavish Cash on High-End Resorts, Private Jets and Fine Dining
MSN – Paul Pringle and Adam Elmahrek (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/7/2023
As her exits Congress two months after his historic ouster as House speaker, political obituaries tout Kevin McCarthy’s skills as a prolific fundraiser on behalf of Republican candidates. Also setting him apart from other congressional leaders was his roughly decade-long pattern of using his Majority Committee PAC to spend lavishly on hotels, private jets, and fine dining establishments, according to a Los Angeles Times analysis. From 2012 through last June, McCarthy’s PAC shelled out more than $1 million on hotels, private air travel, and eateries.
Trump Gag Order Reinstated but Narrowed in Jan. 6 Case
MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 12/8/2023
A federal appeals court narrowed an order limiting what Donald Trump can say about people involved in the criminal case alleging he tried to subvert the 2020 election results, saying he cannot talk about witnesses’ involvement or single out other individuals in ways likely to interfere with the case. U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan had prohibited him from “targeting” any individuals involved in the case involved in the case. The judges said “targeting” was too broad a prohibition on Trump and could be “chilling speech” unlikely to have any impact on the case.
House Ethics Committee Requests Interview with Witness in Gaetz Probe
MSN – Paula Reid and Annie Grayer (CNN) | Published: 12/7/2023
The House ethics committee reached out to at least one witness as part of its investigation into U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz to schedule an interview in the coming weeks, the latest sign the once dormant probe remains open. The Justice Department in February informed Gaetz’s lawyers it would not bring criminal charges against the Florida Republican after a yearslong sex-trafficking investigation. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Dictator-for-a-Day? Scholars Say Trump Can Do Damage Without Being One.
MSN – Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) | Published: 12/11/2023
For autocracy scholars and constitutional law experts, Donald Trump’s statements about being a dictator for a day if he is elected again raised alarms that he had thought carefully about how to consolidate the levers of power should he return to office in ways that eluded him in his first four years in the White House. Scholars say even without violating the letter of the law, Trump would have access to broad powers granted to him as chief of the executive branch. He does not need to become a dictator to subvert democracy, they say: he can simply use the tools of democracy to do so.
As Advertisers Flee Musk’s X, Democrats Splurge on Political Ads
MSN – Cristiano Lima and Aaron Schaffer (Washington Post) | Published: 12/11/2023
Advertisers are fleeing Elon Musk’s X amid rising concerns the social media site and its owner are amplifying antisemitic and hateful material. But an unlikely group of holdouts has continued to pump ad dollars into the embattled platform: Democrats running for office. Democrats have spent over a million dollars to run thousands of political ads on X since the platform lifted its ban on such messages earlier this year.
Supreme Court Will Consider Fast-Tracking Trump Appeal in D.C. Trial
MSN – Devlin Barrett, Perry Stein, Robert Barnes, and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 12/11/2023
The U.S. Supreme Court will consider special counsel Jack Smith’s request to fast-track consideration of Donald Trump’s claim he is immune from prosecution for alleged election obstruction in 2020, intensifying the legal jockeying over whether Trump’s criminal trial will stay on schedule for early next year. The response by the Supreme Court came hours after Smith’s office filed its request seeking to essentially leapfrog an appeals court process that Trump has already started but which could take months to resolve.
DeSantis’ Campaign and Allied Super PAC Face New Concerns About Legal Conflicts, AP Sources Say
MSN – Steve Peoples and Thomas Beaumont (Associated Press) | Published: 12/12/2023
As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis works to project strength in the Republican presidential primaries and cut into Donald Trump’s huge lead, DeSantis’s expansive political machine is facing leadership challenges, stagnant polling numbers, and new concerns about potential legal conflicts. There has been concern in recent weeks among some within DeSantis’s operation that interactions between his campaign and his network of outside groups are blurring the lines of what is legally permissible.
Still Lacking Evidence, House GOP Votes to Formalize Biden Impeachment Inquiry
MSN – Jaqueline Alemany and Matt Viser (Washington Post) | Published: 12/13/2023
House Republicans voted to formally authorize an impeachment inquiry against President Biden to strengthen their oversight powers as GOP lawmakers continue to investigate the Biden family’s finances. The foundation of the impeachment inquiry rests on an unsubstantiated allegation that has become the linchpin of conspiracy theories and false claims regarding the Biden family’s purported corrupt and criminal conduct.
A ‘Black Hole’ Exists in State Lobbying Disclosures: Report
Yahoo News – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 12/13/2023
A report commissioned by Public Citizen found 98 percent of S&P 500 companies do not provide their investors with state-specific data on lobbying activity. Since 2010, investors have filed 576 shareholder resolutions requesting more details on how much companies spend on lobbying activities and oversight of those activities, the report found. The only S&P 500 company that disclosed material risk connected to lobbying on its annual report to investors was FirstEnergy, which was wrapped up in a recent scandal that thrust this issue into the spotlight.
Supreme Court Will Review Scope of Obstruction Law That Trump Is Charged with Breaking
Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 12/13/2023
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to take up a case that could derail hundreds of January 6 felony prosecutions and could also deal a blow to special counsel Jack Smith’s prosecution of Donald Trump. The case, arising from the prosecution of a defendant accused of pushing against police and inflaming a mob attempting to breach the Capitol, calls into question prosecutors’ handling of an Enron-era obstruction law to punish those who stormed Congress.
Kansas Republican Watkins, Ousted Amid Voter Fraud Charges, Returns to Congress as Lobbyist
Yahoo News – Daniel Desrochers (Kansas City Star) | Published: 12/11/2023
Former Rep. Steve Watkins is back in the U.S. Capitol, this time as a lobbyist. He waited more than two years after leaving office before registering as a lobbyist. Watkins entered a diversion agreement on three felony charges for voting in the wrong city council race in Topeka’s 2019 municipal election. A little less than a year after admitting guilt, Watkins registered a company called Huxley Rock LLC. Huxley Rock is a one-man firm. Watkins’ LinkedIn page says it specializes in business and political consulting.
From the States and Municipalities
Alaska – Alaska Campaign Watchdog Rules Anti-Ranked Choice Group Can Continue Gathering Signatures
Yahoo News – Iris Samuels (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 12/7/2023
An anti-ranked choice voting ballot group will be allowed to continue operating with no immediate consequences for alleged campaign finance violations after a decision by the Alaska Public Offices Commission. The commission considered whether to expedite the adjudication of a complaint alleging the ballot group was helped by an Anchorage church, in violation of the law, as the group works to repeal Alaska’s voting system. By the time the commission rules on whether the law was violated, the group’s work will be done.
Arizona – Phoenix Approves Ethics Commission After 6 Years and on the Fourth Attempt
MSN – Sam Kmack (Arizona Republic) | Published: 12/13/2023
The Phoenix City Council approved the creation of ethics commission after spending six years trying and failing to convene the group, which will now independently investigate complaints of ethical violations against elected officials and other city leaders. Such groups exist in almost every other sizable city in the country, said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. But since 2017, Phoenix has struggled to put the commission together thanks to consistent objections from officials on both sides of the isle.
Arizona – Arizona GOP Leaders Sued to Stop ‘Dark Money’ Transparency. A Judge Will Rule by Year’s End
Yahoo News – Mary Joe Pitzl (Arizona Republic) | Published: 12/13/2023
A judge said he will rule by December 29 in a case challenging the constitutionality of a voter-approved law on campaign finance transparency. Attorneys representing Republican legislative leaders are asking Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Timothy Ryan to issue a preliminary injunction to block the law. It requires disclosure of major donors to campaigns that until now has been able to mask their contributors by creating a class of nonprofit organizations that do not have to name their donors.
California – How Well Is Your Legislator Representing You?
CalMatters – Sameea Kamal | Published: 12/10/2023
Despite the hundreds of laws that legislators pass each year, many Californians are not always aware of what their representatives do, or how their decisions impact their lives. Their job description is modeled after what federal lawmakers do, in response to specific needs, or based on how legislators interpret the principles of representation. Given the lack of strict requirement, how do we measure how well a lawmaker is performing?
Colorado Public Radio – John Daley | Published: 12/13/2023
Denver updated its application for those who want to sit on one of the city’s 130 boards and commissions. The application now includes questions that ask applicants if they are a registered lobbyist and if they would have a conflict-of-interest in their new position. The change was a request from the city council to add transparency after some members thought there was not enough when the former mayor appointed a lobbyist whose clients included a tobacco company to the board of Denver Health.
Florida – DeSantis Staffers Blocked Release of Travel Records, Whistleblower Says
MSN – Beth Reinhard (Washington Post) | Published: 12/13/2023
During a meeting, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) officials said some of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s travel records should be released, but the governor’s aides overruled them, citing a new state law that restricts access to those records. The dispute escalated into a major battle over the law limiting disclosure of DeSantis’s travel activities and information about his state taxpayer-funded security detail as he crisscrosses the country seeking the Republican presidential nomination. The FDLE is tasked with protecting and transporting the governor and maintaining his travel records.
Florida – A Report Rips Disney for Freebies to Its Local Board. It Omits Gifts to Top Florida Politicians.
NBC News – Noah Pransky and Alec Hernández | Published: 12/7/2023
A war of words – and regulations – escalated when a board, hand-picked by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, endorsed an audit alleging Disney World for decades used free park perks to improperly influence public officials and employees tasked with the oversight of the park. The audit claimed Disney gave complimentary annual passes and steep discounts to the public employees, calling the perks “akin to bribes.”
Florida – Howland Files Legislation for Certain No-Bid Contracts to Go Through Jacksonville City Council
Yahoo News – Hanna Holthaus (Florida Times-Union) | Published: 12/11/2023
New legislation could bring an end to no-bid lobbying contracts in Jacksonville city government. The city council’s finance committee criticized the $300,000 federal grant writing and lobbying contract to Langton Consulting, owned by Mayor Donna Deegan supporters, because the administration offered it directly without shopping for other bids. Committee Chairperson Nick Howland asked the administration to drop the contract and filed a bill to require all future state and federal lobbying and grant writing contracts to be approved by city council.
Georgia – Georgia Libertarians Fight Two-Party Campaign Finance Law at 11th Circuit
Courthouse News Service – Kayla Goggin | Published: 12/13/2023
An appeals court will decide whether to give the Libertarian Party of Georgia another chance at pursuing its challenge to a campaign finance law that allows some candidates to accept unlimited campaign contributions, a fundraising advantage the party says benefits Republican and Democratic hopefuls over third-party contenders. The lawsuit claims the act unfairly allows Republican and Democratic candidates to create special leadership committees to accept campaign contributions over the typical limits.
Georgia – Giuliani Could Pay Millions as Ga. Election Worker Defamation Trial Starts
MSN – Spencer Hsu and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 12/10/2023
Former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani could be on the hook for up to $43.5 million in damages as a defamation lawsuit filed against him by two Georgia election workers goes to trial. The showdown between the financially strapped Giuliani and the two temporary poll workers he baselessly accused of ballot tampering in 2020 will highlight a major court battle over false claims that became central to former President Trump’s efforts to stay in power and is now at the heart of two criminal cases against him.
Illinois – Four Years Later, City Council Finally Poised to Extend Lobbyist Requirements to Nonprofits
Chicago Sun-Times – Fran Spielman | Published: 12/11/2023
Chicago is finally getting around to broadening the definition of registered lobbyists to include nonprofits, but only after softening the blow to avoid tying their hands with costly red tape. The city council’s Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight passed a revised ordinance that calls for Chicago to join New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Philadelphia in requiring nonprofit lobbyists to register and file regular reports with the Board of Ethics.
Illinois – Board of Ethics Finds Probable Cause Four Lobbyists Improperly Donated to Johnson
MSN – A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/13/2023
The Chicago Board of Ethics found two registered lobbyists appeared to violate an executive order by giving money to Mayor Brandon Johnson. The violations do not carry a penalty for the mayor but could mean those lobbyists lose their ability to work at City Hall. Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2011 signed the orders barring donations from city contractors and lobbyists, which will remain in place until a future mayor rescinds them.
Iowa – Iowa Lawmaker Calls for Gov. Kim Reynolds to Remove Satanic Display from Capitol
MSN – Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez and Noelle Alviz-Gransee (Des Moines Register) | Published: 12/11/2023
A satanic display placed in the Iowa Capitol is unconstitutional, said Rep. Brad Sherman, who is calling on Gov. Kim Reynolds to order its removal. But other Republican legislators say they would oppose the government limiting freedom of speech in reaction to the display, which will be in place for a total of two weeks.
Maine – Anti-Super PAC Campaign Says They Have Enough Signatures to Get on the Maine Ballot
Maine Beacon – Dan Neuman | Published: 12/7/2023
A ballot campaign led by activist Lawrence Lessig to limit contributions to super PACs says it has collected enough signatures to qualify for the Maine ballot in 2024. Super PACs differ from traditional PACs in that they give corporations the ability to make unlimited contributions. Maine Citizens to End Super PACs, the group behind the ballot question, argues that if successful, the initiative would cap donations to super PACs at $5,000, all but eliminating their effectiveness.
Maine – Maine Media Groups, Utilities Challenge New Law on Foreign Spending on Referendums
Portland Press Herald – Rachel Ohm | Published: 12/12/2023
Maine’s two largest power companies and groups representing media outlets filed separate federal lawsuits challenging a state law passed by voters in November to ban foreign governments and affiliated organizations from spending money on state and local referendum campaigns. The measure is largely a response to foreign government spending in the referendum campaign two years ago over the future of a planned electricity corridor in western Maine.
Massachusetts – Brookline School Officials Violated Massachusetts Campaign Finance Laws by Sending Emails About Tax Increases
MSN – James Vaznis (Boston Globe) | Published: 12/9/2023
Tucked inside various newsletters to parents in Brookline last spring were appeals from school administrators to support property tax hikes at the ballot box for the school budget, accompanied by warnings about devastating cuts if the votes failed. Brookline officials got their way at the ballot box, but repeatedly broke the state’s campaign finance law by sending out the emails to influence the vote, according to an investigation by the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance.
Michigan – Records: Michigan senator helped steer $25M Clare grant now under investigation
Bridge Michigan – Jonathan Oosting and Mike Wilkinson | Published: 12/13/2023
A state senator and a lobbyist intervened to help a former legislative staffer obtain a $25 million grant that is now under investigation by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for possible prosecution. Records shed new light on how a no-bid contract was awarded to a nonprofit created and run by Dave Coker, who once worked for them-House Speaker Jason Wentworth. State Sen. Rick Outman acknowledged he phoned state health officials on behalf of the project, but maintained he had no idea that Coker would benefit.
Michigan – Whitmer Signs Bills Criminalizing Election Official Intimidation, Curbing AI in Campaigns
Detroit News – Beth LeBlanc | Published: 11/30/2023
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed nearly 20 bills that will create penalties for intimidating an election worker, solidify the process for presidential electors, change the way young people register to vote, and put restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence in campaign ads. Bill sponsors described the legislation as a way to button up state laws in the wake of controversy over the 2020 presidential election.
Michigan – Whitmer Signs Bills Implementing Proposal 1
MSN – Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 12/9/2023
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills implementing requirements for top state officials and lawmakers to report information about their finances after voters approved a constitutional amendment mandating the disclosures. The bills go beyond Proposal 1, subjecting candidates for office to financial reporting requirements, for instance. But they do not go as far as some Democratic lawmakers and transparency advocates had hoped.
Nevada – Lombardo Spurned Ethics Commissioner’s Reapplication Ahead of Major Vote, Emails Show
Nevada Independent – Tabitha Mueller | Published: 12/13/2023
Days before a Nevada Commission on Ethics on a potential $1.6 million fine for using his sheriff’s badge and uniform during his 2022 campaign for governor, Gov. Joe Lombardo appointed two new members to the eight-member board, both of whom later voted against fining or censuring the governor. Emails indicate Lombardo made the new appointments despite a former Republican commissioner expressing interest in serving another term.
New Jersey – Judge Throws Out Suit That Tried to Block Changes to NJ Campaign Finance Law
Yahoo News – Ashley Balcerzak (Bergen Record) | Published: 12/11/2023
A state judge dismissed a lawsuit that the former leader of New Jersey’s campaign finance watchdog agency filed against Gov. Phil Murphy seeking to overturn a controversial new law revamping campaign finance rules. It was the second of two lawsuits filed by Jeff Brindle, the former executive director of the Election Law Enforcement Commission. The judge dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning Brindle cannot file the same lawsuit again.
New York – Hochul Vetoes Lobbying Loophole Bill After Chief Judge Battle
Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 12/10/2023
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed bipartisan legislation intended to close a loophole in lobbying laws that was exposed during a political battle over her initial, and failed, nomination of a new chief judge of the Court of Appeals. The efforts to influence the selection of the state’s top judge had centered on Hochul’s efforts to install Justice Hector LaSalle as the top jurist on the state’s highest court. The nomination triggered well-funded efforts to influence the Legislature’s decision on LaSalle’s appointment, revealing a gap in state law that allows unregistered lobbying in judicial nominations and other top state offices.
New York – New York High Court Allows State Democrats Chance to Alter Congressional Maps
MSN – Maegan Vazquez and Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 12/12/2023
The New York State Court of Appeals granted Democrats who control the state Legislature a chance to approve a new set of congressional district lines, effectively throwing out a map that led to several Republican victories in 2022 House races. The ruling could be consequential in determining which party controls the House during the next Congress. In 2022, Republicans flipped four districts in New York, giving them a razor-thin majority in the House.
New York – Appeals Court Denies Trump’s ‘Presidential Immunity’ Argument in Defamation Lawsuit
MSN – Philip Marcelo (Associated Press) | Published: 12/13/2023
A federal appeals court ruled Donald Trump gave up his right to argue presidential immunity protects him from being held liable for statements he made in 2019 when he denied he raped advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. A three-judge panel upheld a lower court’s ruling that Trump had effectively waived the immunity defense by not raising it when Carroll first filed a defamation lawsuit against him four years ago.
Oklahoma – Okla. Ethics Commission Names New Executive Director
NonDoc – Michael McNutt | Published: 12/7/2023
Lee Anne Bruce Boone was named as the new executive director of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. She will start her duties on January 4, succeeding Ashley Kemp. Commission Chairperson Jarred Brejcha said Boone’s leadership skills stood out among the 14 applicants for the post. All the applicants were from Oklahoma.
Oregon – ‘Thank God They Walked Out’: Oregon’s partisan divide highlights heightened animosity in statehouses
Yahoo News – Paul Demko (Politico) | Published: 12/13/2023
Ten Oregon Republican state senators may face the end of their legislative careers for a six-week legislative walkout aimed at thwarting what they see as a radical Democratic agenda. The lawmakers are banned from running for reelection for accumulating at least 10 unexcused absences during this year’s legislative session. It is arguably the most glaring example of how Washington’s toxic partisan culture is increasingly infecting statehouses across the country.
Pennsylvania – The Philly Ethics Board Dropped Its Case Against the ‘Super PAC’ That Backed Mayoral Candidate Jeff Brown
MSN – Sean Collins Walsh (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 12/11/2023
The Philadelphia Board of Ethics dropped its lawsuit against the super PAC that supported Jeff Brown’s unsuccessful run for mayor, ending a legal saga that shook up the election and contributed to Brown’s fifth-place finish in the Democratic primary. The board announced it will instead focus on revising the campaign finance regulations that were at the center of the dispute.
Texas – Supreme Court Allows Texas Voting Map Challenged by Civil Rights Advocates
MSN – Robert Barnes and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 12/12/2023
The U.S. Supreme Court allowed a local Texas election to go forward under a map that a lower court had found diluted the votes of Black and Latino residents. The order came in response to a challenge from civil rights advocates opposed to the voting districts in Galveston County. While the case involves the boundaries in just one locality, it could have broader implications for challenges to election maps and the protection of voting rights nationwide.
Washington – WA GOP Fights Secretary of State’s Effort to Track Election Misinformation
Seattle Times – Jim Brunner | Published: 12/11/2023
An effort by Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs to track and refute viral online misinformation about elections has prompted objections from the state Republican Party. The state GOP recently filed a formal complaint with the Executive Ethics Board, accusing Hobbs of violating the constitution and his oath of office by hiring a firm to scour social media for harmful “narratives and threats” about Washington elections officials and voting.
December 12, 2023 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCNR-scaled-e1662491441383-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance Massachusetts: “Brookline School Officials Violated Massachusetts Campaign Finance Laws by Sending Emails About Tax Increases” by James Vaznis (Boston Globe) for MSN Elections Michigan: “Whitmer Signs Bills Criminalizing Election Official Intimidation, Curbing AI in Campaigns” by Beth LeBlanc for Detroit News National: “As […]
November 17, 2023 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 17, 2023
![News You Can Use Digest – November 17, 2023](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NYCU-Logo-e1662491950752-1000x563.png)
National/Federal Trump Compares Political Opponents to ‘Vermin’ Who He Will ‘Root Out,’ Alarming Historians ABC News – Soo Rin Kim and Lalee Ibssa | Published: 11/13/2023 Donald Trump vowed to “root out” his political opponents, who he said “live like vermin” as […]
National/Federal
Trump Compares Political Opponents to ‘Vermin’ Who He Will ‘Root Out,’ Alarming Historians
ABC News – Soo Rin Kim and Lalee Ibssa | Published: 11/13/2023
Donald Trump vowed to “root out” his political opponents, who he said “live like vermin” as he warned supporters that America’s greatest threats come “from within” – extreme rhetoric that echoes the words of fascist dictators like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, experts said. A Trump campaign spokesperson dismissed the backlash to his speech, at a Veterans Day rally in New Hampshire, but some historians said the parallels were alarming.
Ex-Fundraiser for George Santos Pleads Guilty to Posing as Congressional Aide to Raise Campaign Cash
Associated Press News – Dave Collins | Published: 11/14/2023
A former fundraiser for U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting he impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while raising campaign money for Santos. Sam Miele was caught soliciting donations under the alias Dan Meyer, who was then chief of staff for Rep. Kevin McCarthy. Miele also acknowledged he committed access device fraud by charging credit cards without authorization to send money to the campaigns of Santos and other candidates, and for his own personal use, prosecutors said.
Democrats, No Longer Squeamish on Abortion, Lean into Searing Personal Ads
DNyuz – Rebecca Davis O’Brien and Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 11/8/2023
Ads in the 2023 election campaign signaled a new tone in Democrats’ messaging on abortion rights, one that confronts head-on the consequences of strict anti-abortion laws. Historically, it has been Republicans who used dire warnings and shock value in advertising to make their case on the issue. But the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson, despite being a resounding legal and policy victory for Republicans, has had the paradoxical effect of galvanizing long-held, broad public support for abortion rights.
Democrats Plan to Spend Millions to Weaken Republican Supermajorities
DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 11/14/2023
Democrats are planning to spend millions of dollars next year on just a few state legislative elections in Kansas, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Wisconsin, states where they have little to no chance of winning control of a chamber. Democrats are pushing to break up Republican supermajorities in states with Democratic governors, effectively battling to win back the veto pen district by district. The political dissonance of having a governor of one party and a supermajority of an opposing party in the Legislature is one of the starkest effects of gerrymandering, revealing how parties cling to evaporating power.
How the Supreme Court Settled on an Ethics Code – and What It Left Out
MSN – Ann Marimow and Robert Barnes (Washington Post) | Published: 11/15/2023
Supreme Court justices stung by controversies over the court’s ethics pledged to follow a broad code of conduct promoting “integrity and impartiality,” but without a way to enforce its standards against those who fall short. The code contains broadly worded sections relating to outside relationships, recusal from cases that could bring financial gain to family members, the use of a justice’s staff, and limits on appearances at fundraisers for groups. But there is every sign that each word was carefully chosen.
Donald Trump Exempt from Campaign Finance Laws: FEC commissioner
MSN – Kate Plummer (Newsweek) | Published: 11/10/2023
FEC Commissioner Ellen Weintraub said Donald Trump has effectively been made exempt from campaign finance laws because her agency refuses to investigate him. In at least 28 instances, she said staff at the general’s counsel’s office determined a criminal investigation was warranted. But Weintraub added that her Republican colleagues put the former president in a “category by himself” by refusing to approve any of the recommendations against Trump.
MAGA-Dominated State Republican Parties Plagued by Infighting, Money Woes
MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, Patrick Marley, and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 11/13/2023
In the battleground states of Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan, election denial and grassroots fervor for former President Trump have rocked the Republican apparatus. Now, the state parties are plagued by infighting, struggling to raise money, and sometimes to cover legal costs stemming from Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat, threatening to hamper GOP organizing capabilities in next year’s presidential election.
Tim Scott Suspends Struggling Presidential Primary Bid
MSN – Meryl Kornfield, Marianne LeVine, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 11/13/2023
Sen. Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the U.S. Senate, announced he was suspending his campaign for the GOP presidential nomination after months of struggling to gain ground in polling with an uplifting message that was out of step with today’s party. Scott did not endorse any other candidate, and he declined a suggestion that he might be a vice-presidential candidate.
‘Curveball Like No Other:’ Johnson’s rise has K Street trying to keep up
MSN – Caitlin Reilly (Roll Call) | Published: 11/13/2023
Rep. Mike Johnson’s unexpected rise to speaker of the House has left K Street scrambling as lobbyists try to establish inroads with the relatively unknown lawmaker and his staff. Johnson has been in Congress for less than seven years and lacks the deep bench of long-time, trusted aides and ex-staffers that K Street usually relies on to curry favor on Capitol Hill.
McCarthy Accused of Elbowing Lawmaker, While Fight Nearly Breaks Out in Senate
MSN – Azi Paybarah, Marianna Sotomayor, and Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) | Published: 11/14/2023
Rep. Tim Burchett accused Rep. Kevin McCarthy of elbowing him in the back as they passed each other in a crowded hallway. Burchett was one of eight Republicans who voted to oust McCarthy as House speaker. Sen. Markwayne Mullin brought a hearing to a standstill as he confronted one witness, stood up, and challenged him to a fistfight. Joanne Freeman, a history professor at Yale, said it was important for lawmakers to denounce belligerent behavior and threats, particularly when it comes from a member of their own party. “If no one speaks up it becomes representative of what that party stands for,” she said.
House Ethics Panel Examines Change to Expand Legal Expense Fund Coverage
MSN – Chris Marquette (Roll Call) | Published: 11/14/2023
The House ethics committee is considering whether to change rules about lawmaker legal expense funds to expand the pool of people who can use them to pay for their legal bills connected to a campaign or office. Rep. David Schweikert, who faced lawsuits related to his 2022 primary race, asked the committee to allow campaign staffers, vendors, and spouses draw from legal expense funds rather than having to use campaign funds.
DOJ Argues Steve Wynn Foreign Lobbying Suit Should Be Reinstated
Yahoo News – Sabrina Willmer (Bloomberg) | Published: 11/14/2023
A Justice Department attorney argued casino magnate Steve Wynn should have registered as a foreign agent when he alerted the Trump administration that China wanted to extradite a wealthy exile. A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit heard arguments in the government’s appeal of a decision to toss civil claims against Wynn. District Court Judge James Boasberg had reasoned the Foreign Agent Registration Act only applies to ongoing violations and years had passed since Wynn was required to file a statement.
Prosecutors Urge Appeals Court to Reinstate Trump Gag Order
Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 11/14/2023
Donald Trump’s renewed attacks on the family of special counsel Jack Smith and his repeated invective against likely witnesses in his Washington, D.C. criminal case warrant the urgent restoration of a gag order against him, prosecutors argued. Smith’s team urged a federal appeals court to reinstate the gag order, which a three-judge panel suspended earlier in November amid Trump’s appeal of the restrictions imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan.
Exclusive: 5 Senate Banking Dems demand more details on corporate lobbying strategy
Yahoo News – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 11/15/2023
Five Democrats who sit on the Senate Banking Committee urged the Securities and Exchange Commission to require companies to disclose more details on their corporate lobbying strategy to shareholders. Registered lobbyists are required to file quarterly disclosures that include the total spent on federal lobbying. But registrants are not required to disclose details including whether they lobbied for or against specific legislation or regulations, even as the lobbying activities of a company can carry reputational risks to its investors.
From the States and Municipalities
Alabama – Right-Wing Site’s Reporting on Mayor Raises Ethics Questions After His Death
MSN – Jonathan Edwards (Washington Post) | Published: 11/9/2023
Journalism professor A.J. Bauer felt uneasy when he opened an email newsletter from 1819 News. The Alabama-based website was promoting its story alleging that a small-town mayor who was also a pastor wore women’s clothing and makeup while posing online. Bauer had watched as some in the state grew increasingly hostile to those who do not adhere to traditional gender norms. The site later reporting that F.L. Copeland Jr., the mayor of Smiths Station and a pastor at First Baptist Church of Phenix City, had died by suicide.
Arizona – Rep. Leezah Sun’s Ethics Complaint Rebuttal Acknowledges Poor Behavior, Argues for No Punishment
Yahoo News – Ray Stern (Arizona Republic) | Published: 11/14/2023
An Arizona lawmaker’s rebuttal to an ethics complaint against her acknowledges some of her poor behavior and accuses a city official of potentially suffering from past “trauma” because he claimed she intimidated him. Rep. Leezah Sun faces potential expulsion from the House after being accused of making intimidating statements and interfering with a child custody case. Through her lawyer, she denied the allegations in a formal response to the complaint that charges Sun with violating the Legislature’s rule against “disorderly behavior.”
California – S.F. Mayoral Candidate’s Close Friend Was Charged in Corruption Probe. Will It Undermine His Campaign?
MSN – St. John Barned-Smith and J.D. Morris (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 11/13/2023
San Francisco Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is trying to unseat Mayor London Breed in the November 2024 election, has never hidden his close relationship with Siavash Tahbazof, the patriarch of a family with deep business ties across the city, or the developer;s relatives and business associates. That puts Safaí in an awkward position after Tahbazof and two others were charged with fraud by federal prosecutors.
California – Anaheim Officials to Publicly Post Online Who They Meet With
Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 11/13/2023
Anaheim City Council members voted unanimously to implement a policy that will require them to proactively post their calendar online listing meetings with lobbyists, developers, union representatives, and residents starting in January 2024. The policy comes after sworn affidavits by FBI agents and a report by independent investigators concluded the same thing: Anaheim City Hall is essentially controlled by Disneyland resort interests and lobbyists. The new calendar policy is among a host of reform proposals city council members are expected to tackle this fall.
Delaware – Delaware Supreme Court Reviews Convictions of Ex-Auditor After Corruption Allegations
MSN – Randall Chase (Associated Press) | Published: 11/15/2023
The Delaware Supreme Court is weighing whether to overturn the unprecedented convictions of the state’s former auditor on public corruption charges. The court heard arguments in the case of Kathy McGuiness, who was convicted on misdemeanor charges of conflict-of-interest, official misconduct, and noncompliance with state procurement rules. The conflict-of-interest charge involved the hiring of McGuiness’s daughter as a part-time employee in the auditor’s office. McGuinness also was convicted of structuring payments to a consulting firm to avoid having to get them approved by the state Division of Accounting.
Delaware – How Hall-Long’s Refusal to Release Audit Findings Sparked Elections Reform Talks
Yahoo News – Amanda Fries (Delaware News Journal) | Published: 11/14/2023
Delaware law does not require Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long to release the audit performed on her campaign finances, but watchdogs are hoping she will do so anyway in the interest of transparency. While Hall-Long has said the audit, and the campaign’s decision to openly acknowledge it, was an act of transparency, she continues to decline to release the audit itself, instead suggesting the amended campaign finance reports “fully convey” the audit’s results. The internal audit was launched shortly after Hall-Long announced her bid for governor, prompted by what she said were “reporting issues that require attention.”
Florida – Mayor Suarez’s Secret Side Gigs Included Advising Associates of Kremlin-Linked Oligarch
Yahoo News – Shirsho Dasgupta (Miami Herald) | Published: 11/14/2023
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez earned payments totaling six figures advising two financial firms run by close associates of a Russian oligarch, two of several side jobs he refused to reveal to the public until he ran for president, with its more rigorous disclosure requirements. As a part-time mayor, Suarez can accept private employment as he sees fit, as long as it does not overlap with his mayoral duties and the employers do not receive special city benefits in return. He has insisted he kept his private jobs and public duties separate, but until now had mostly refused to reveal the identities of those employers.
Florida – City Council Members Expand Oversight After Criticizing Lobbying Contract
Yahoo News – David Bauerlein (Florida Times-Union) | Published: 11/9/2023
Jacksonville City Council will be putting more attention on no-bid contracts by having the auditor’s office attend the meetings of the Procurement Division committees that vote on awards of city contracts for everything from construction to supplies to professional services. The council will also get reports every three months from the Procurement Division on all single-source awards during that time frame. The moves were in response to Mayor Donna Deegan hiring Langton Consulting in a $300,000 no-bid contract to perform federal lobbying and grant-writing.
Georgia – Ex-Trump Allies Detail Efforts to Overturn Election in Georgia Plea Videos
MSN – Amy Gardner and Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 11/13/2023
The defendants that accepted plea deals in the Georgia election interference case made recordings that were intended to lay out what they know and be used against the other defendants. Although some of the recordings were garbled, the portions of the four statements from lawyers Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro, and Sidney Powell, and Georgia bail bondsman Scott Hall, offered many previously undisclosed details about the effort by Trump and his allies to reverse his defeat.
Hawaii – Hawaii Ethics Panel to Push for More Disclosure of Lobbyists
Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 11/14/2023
Hawaii lawmakers in 2023 passed legislation that requires all state lawmakers to include in financial disclosures the names of lobbyists with whom they have a relationship. Now, the state Ethics Commission wants to revise the law so legislators who work for large employers and who know “or reasonably should know” who is on a lobbying list should also disclose those clients that meet the $5,000 threshold. The lobbying disclosure proposal was one of five tentatively approved by the commission for its legislative package for the 2024 legislative session.
Illinois – Brandon Johnson Wasn’t Supposed to Take Campaign Money from City Contractors, but He Did
Chicago Sun-Times – Robert Herguth and Tim Novak | Published: 11/9/2023
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is not allowed to take campaign contributions from city contractors but has accepted them anyway. Christian Perry, Johnson’s political director, says taking the money was an “oversight” and it is being returned, about $46,500 in all. In some instances, it appears contractors were solicited for campaign cash by Johnson’s political fundraisers. His campaign aides thought it was all right to take money from city contractors as long as the amounts fell below a certain threshold. But the mayor was barred from taking any money from them after he was sworn in on May 15.
Illinois – Clout-Heavy Contractor Linked to Federal Investigations at City Hall and in the Suburbs
MSN – Jason Meisner, A.D. Quig, Sarah Freishtat, and Gregory Pratt (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 11/13/2023
James Bracken’s multifaceted businesses have garnered government contracts from across Cook County worth up to $250 million for demolition services, equipment rental, and materials. At the same time, Bracken and the businesses themselves have contributed nearly $375,000 over the past two decades to a wide array of local elected officials, including a half-dozen who have been charged or come under federal investigation. Now it is Bracken who finds himself embroiled in two separate federal criminal probes, both tied to his business enterprise.
Illinois – Ethics Board Finds Probable Cause Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Wrongfully Fired 2 Whistleblowers
Yahoo News – Gregory Pratt (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 11/14/2023
Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin violated the ethics code by firing two top aides who alleged she repeatedly misused taxpayer resources and pressured public employees to help her political allies, according to a finding of probable cause by the city’s Board of Ethics. Over the coming months, Conyears-Ervin will have a chance to rebut the findings before the board issues a final ruling and potentially a fine.
Kentucky – Weddle’s Excess Giving to Beshear, Kentucky Democratic Party Under Investigation
Kentucky Lantern – Tom Loftus | Published: 11/10/2023
The Registry of Election Finance launched a civil investigation into the excess campaign contributions given by London Mayor Randall Weddle to the reelection campaign of Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Democratic Party. The action marks the first evidence that any public agency is investigating the bundles of more than $300,000 in donations to Beshear and the party. Registry Executive Director John Steffen said Weddle and his wife “may have violated” the state law that prohibits a person from giving excess donations to a candidate or political party by giving in the names of other persons.
Maryland – Ex-Baltimore Prosecutor Marilyn Mosby Guilty in Federal Perjury Trial
MSN – Dan Morse (Washington Post) | Published: 11/9/2023
Baltimore’s former top prosecutor, Marilyn Mosby, was convicted of two counts of perjury after she had been accused of lying about her finances to withdraw money from her city retirement account under a program designed to help people struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic. Prosecutors said she falsely claimed to suffer from financial hardships to access $90,000 from retirement funds she later used to buy two homes in Florida. Mosby has denied wrongdoing, saying she did not defraud anyone.
Michigan – Judge Allows Trump on Michigan Primary Ballot as Critics Try to Bar Him
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 11/14/2023
A judge ruled Donald Trump can appear on the primary ballot in Michigan, delivering the latest setback to those who contend Trump sparked an insurrection on January 6, 2021, and is barred from running for president again as a result. State Judge James Robert Redford wrote that courts do not have the authority to determine whether someone is eligible to run for office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Redford also ruled Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson does not have the authority under state law to remove candidates from the ballot based on that provision.
Missouri – Rod Jetton’s Political Career Ended in Scandal. Now He’s Dean Plocher’s Chief of Staff
Missouri Independent – Jason Hancock | Published: 11/9/2023
Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher’s new chief of staff is a former legislative leader whose political career was upended more than a decade ago by a federal bribery investigation and allegations of sexual assault. He is joining Plocher’s office as the speaker faces an ethics committee inquiry into allegations of misconduct and calls for him to resign from fellow Republicans.
Missouri – Missouri AG Bailey’s Office Quietly Removed ‘Public Corruption’ Complaint Form on Website
Yahoo News – Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) | Published: 11/16/2023
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office scrubbed from its website an online form that allowed residents to file complaints of public corruption against elected officials. An archive from May shows that the online form allowed users to issue complaints of criminal acts by public officials so long as the local police agency had a conflict-of-interest in investigating the matter. The decision has come under scrutiny in the wake of a series of scandals surrounding House Speaker Dean Plocher, who faces calls to resign after reports surfaced that he received government reimbursements for expenses paid for by his campaign.
Nebraska – A Boom of Ballot Initiatives Is Reshaping This State’s Democracy
MSN – Greg Jaffe (Washington Post) | Published: 11/15/2023
Today, Congress is so divided and ideologically polarized that it struggles to execute its most basic responsibilities. State Legislatures are often so dominated by a single party that the majority can push through its agenda with little regard for what most voters might prefer. In the two dozen states that allow citizen-sponsored referendums, Democrats and Republicans are turning to the ballot box to make law and in many cases overrule their elected officials. The initiatives have rolled across the country in waves in recent decades.
New Hampshire – New Hampshire Announces First-in-the-Nation Presidential Primary, Defying DNC
MSN – Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 11/15/2023
New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan set his state’s presidential primary for January 23, formalizing its defiance of the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) reworked primary calendar, which aims to give voters in more racially diverse states an early voice in the nominating process. The DNC approved a plan this year to shuffle the order in which states would appear in its 2024 primary calendar. The plan calls for South Carolina to be the first primary state, followed by New Hampshire and Nevada a week later, then Michigan.
New York – FBI Seized Phones, iPad from New York Mayor Eric Adams in Escalation of Fundraising Investigation
ABC News – Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 11/10/2023
FBI agents seized phones and an iPad from New York City Mayor Eric Adams as part of an investigation into political fundraising during his 2021 campaign. The seizures happened as Adams was leaving a public event in Manhattan. A search warrant indicated authorities are examining whether the Adams campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive donations from foreign sources, funneled through straw donors. The warrant also requested information about Adams’ use of the city’s public campaign finance program.
New York – Adams’ Compliance Lawyer Has Lobbied City Hall While Doing Work for His Campaign
MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 11/10/2023
Vito Pitta, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ longtime campaign compliance lawyer, has been getting paid by the campaign for consulting and legal services at the same time as his government relations firm has lobbied the mayor’s administration on behalf of a variety of private interests. There are no laws or regulations prohibiting the type of dual role Pitta has played but the situation raised conflict-of-interest concerns. Pitta is not the only Adams campaign adviser who has lobbied his administration in conjunction with working for him in a political capacity.
New York – New York’s Top Court Hears Democratic Attempt to Draw New Congressional Maps
Yahoo News – Bill Mahoney (Politico) | Published: 11/15/2023
New York’s top court heard oral arguments in a case that will determine whether the Democratic-dominated state Legislature will have another chance to draw maps for its 26-member congressional delegation. A Democratic victory in the Court of Appeals would let legislators make the lines for as many as seven Republican-held seats in New York friendlier to Democrats. The stakes are high: Democrats would have kept a majority in Congress in 2022 had they won five additional races.
Pennsylvania – Female Pa. Senators Want to Combat Sexual Harassment in Harrisburg, Following Scandal Involving a Top Aide to Gov. Josh Shapiro
MSN – Gillian McGoldrick (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 11/14/2023
A bipartisan group of female state senators unveiled a package of legislation aimed at combatting sexual harassment at the Pennsylvania Capitol, following several high-profile allegations made against top officials this year, including state representative and a top aide to the governor. But the bills will not address some of the biggest priorities among victim advocates.
Pennsylvania – How a Lobbyist for Investment Contractors Ended Up Heading the Pa. Pension Board That Hires Them
MSN – Joseph DiStefano (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 11/15/2023
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro recently named Gregory Thall, a longtime government official who now works as a lobbyist, as chairperson of the $35 billion-asset State Employees Retirement System (SERS) pension plan. As a lobbyist for GSL Public Strategies Group, Thall disclosed a long list of the firm’s clients he registered to represent. They include Lubert-Adler Partners, which is one of more than 100 private money managers paid to invest public funds for SERS.
South Dakota – South Dakota Lawmakers Must List All Conflicts of Interest Ahead of Supreme Court Opinion
MSN – Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 11/14/2023
South Dakota lawmakers will receive a letter asking them to list all possible conflicts-of-interest when it comes to their jobs outside of being legislators. Those responses will then be used in a brief that the South Dakota Supreme Court will examine while they make a decision regarding the broad nature of a constitutional provision banning lawmakers from having a either a direct or indirect conflict in state contracts during their terms and up to a year after they exit office.
West Virginia – Senate Democrat Joe Manchin Says He Will Not Seek Reelection
MSN – Liz Goodwin, Amy Wang, and Michael Scherer (Washington Post) | Published: 11/9/2023
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin announced he would not seek reelection in 2024, setting back Democrats’ plans to hold onto their majority in 2024 and raising their fears he could get involved in the presidential race as a third-party candidate. Manchin had defied political gravity by holding onto his seat in the deeply red state of West Virginia but would have faced long odds against either Gov. Jim Justice or Rep. Alex Mooney, who are running in the Republican primary next year.
November 15, 2023 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCNR-scaled-e1662491441383-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance Delaware: “How Hall-Long’s Refusal to Release Audit Findings Sparked Elections Reform Talks” by Amanda Fries (Delaware News Journal) for Yahoo News National: “Ex-Fundraiser for George Santos Pleads Guilty to Posing as Congressional Aide to Raise Campaign Cash” by Dave Collins for Associated […]
November 13, 2023 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCNR-scaled-e1662491441383-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance National: “Donald Trump Exempt from Campaign Finance Laws: FEC commissioner” by Kate Plummer (Newsweek) for MSN Kentucky: “Weddle’s Excess Giving to Beshear, Kentucky Democratic Party Under Investigation” by Tom Loftus for Kentucky Lantern Elections National: “Democrats, No Longer Squeamish on Abortion, Lean into […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Donald Trump Exempt from Campaign Finance Laws: FEC commissioner” by Kate Plummer (Newsweek) for MSN
Kentucky: “Weddle’s Excess Giving to Beshear, Kentucky Democratic Party Under Investigation” by Tom Loftus for Kentucky Lantern
Elections
National: “Democrats, No Longer Squeamish on Abortion, Lean into Searing Personal Ads” by Rebecca Davis O’Brien and Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz
West Virginia: “Senate Democrat Joe Manchin Says He Will Not Seek Reelection” by Liz Goodwin, Amy Wang, and Michael Scherer (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
Alabama: “Right-Wing Site’s Reporting on Mayor Raises Ethics Questions After His Death” by Jonathan Edwards (Washington Post) for MSN
Maryland: “Ex-Baltimore Prosecutor Marilyn Mosby Guilty in Federal Perjury Trial” by Dan Morse (Washington Post) for MSN
Lobbying
New York: “Adams’ Compliance Lawyer Has Lobbied City Hall While Doing Work for His Campaign” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for MSN
Procurement
Florida: “City Council Members Expand Oversight After Criticizing Lobbying Contract” by David Bauerlein (Florida Times-Union) for Yahoo News
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