Elections

Idaho: “Idaho Lawmaker Tells Native American Candidate ‘Go Back Where You Came From’ in Forum” by Associated Press for MSN

National: “Conservative Activists Are Monitoring, and Filming, Voter Registration Sites” by Jack Healy (New York Times) for DNyuz

Ethics

California: “L.A.’s Ex-Deputy Mayor Headed to Prison: ‘Corruption at any level will not be tolerated'” by Brittny Mejia (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

Washington DC: “Informant in Trayon White Case Bribed Another D.C. Official, Records Say” by Meagan Flynn, Jenny Gathright, and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “After Storied Time as the ‘Velvet Hammer,’ Michael Madigan to Face a Jury” by Ray Long, Jason Meisner, and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

Montana: “Lawmakers Can Decide If Their Communication with Lobbyists Is Public, Judge Rules” by John Hooks for Montana Public Radio

New York: “Adams Adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin Was Joined on Trip to Japan by Lobbyist, City Hall Staffer” by Chris Sommerfeldt and Graham Rayman (New York Daily News) for MSN

Procurement

Oklahoma: “State Education Department Seeks Bids for 55,000 Classroom Bibles” by Jennifer Palmer, Paul Monies, and Heather Warlick (Oklahoma Watch) for MSN

National/Federal

Courtroom Clash in Trump’s Election Interference Case as the Judge Ponders the Path Ahead

Associated Press News – Eric Tucker, Alanna Durkin Richer, and Michael Kunzelman | Published: 9/5/2024

In the first court hearing in nearly a year, a lawyer for Donald Trump clashed with the judge in the federal election interference prosecution of the former president after suggesting the government was rushing forward with an “illegitimate” indictment at the height of the White House campaign. Prosecutors and defense lawyers are bitterly at odds over the next steps in the case after the Supreme Court narrowed the scope of the prosecution by ruling former presidents are entitled to broad immunity from criminal charges.

Iran Emerges as a Top Disinformation Threat in U.S. Presidential Race

DNyuz – Steven Lee Myers, Tiffany Hsu, and Faranz Fassihi (New York Times) | Published: 9/4/2024

American officials and tech company analysts say Iran is waging an intensifying campaign to sway this year’s American presidential election. Iran has long carried out clandestine information operations against its adversaries, especially Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, but until now most of its activities were conducted under the shadow of similar campaigns by Russia and China. Its latest propaganda and disinformation efforts have grown more brazen, more varied, and more ambitious, according to the U.S. government, company officials, and Iran experts.

Republicans Seize on False Theories About Immigrant Voting

DNyuz – Alexandra Berzon (New York Times) | Published: 9/5/2024

There is no indication that noncitizens are voting in large numbers. Yet the notion they will flood the polls, and vote overwhelmingly for Democrats, is animating a network of Republicans who mobilized around Donald Trump’s false claims of a rigged election in 2020 and are now preparing for the next one. Activists, prominent lawyers, Republican lawmakers, right-wing influencers, and other Trump allies have pressed for voter roll purges, filed lawsuits, prepared for on-the-ground monitoring of polling places, and spread misinformation online.

Whistle-Blower Groups Push to End Secret Seizure of Congressional Communications

DNyuz – Luke Broadwater (New York Times) | Published: 8/31/2024

As President Trump hunted for people inside the government who were divulging details of an investigation into whether his 2016 election campaign colluded with Russia, the Justice Department turned to a covert tactic. Department officials secretly collected the phone and email records of roughly a dozen people connected to Congress, including lawmakers and aides who routinely deal with anonymous whistleblowers, to see who might be coming forward with confidential information. Now, whistleblower advocacy groups hope to shame the agency into ending the practice of secretly collecting congressional communications records.

GOP Network Props Up Liberal Third-Party Candidates in Key States, Hoping to Siphon Off Harris Votes

MSN – Brian Slodysko and Dan Merica (Associated Press) | Published: 9/1/2024

Across the country, a network of Republican political operatives, lawyers, and their allies is trying to shape November’s election in ways that favor Donald Trump. Their goal is to prop up third-party candidates such as Cornell West who offer liberal voters an alternative that could siphon away support from Vice President Kamala Harris. It is not clear who is paying for the effort, but it could be impactful in states that were decided by miniscule margins in the 2020 election won by Joe Biden.

13-Month Sentence for Man Who Made 12,000 Harassing Calls to Congress Members

MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 9/3/2024

Ade Lilly was sentenced to 13 months in prison for making more than 12,000 harassing phone calls to members of Congress over an 18-month period and threatening to kill a congressional aide. Addressing the defense’s argument that Lilly was motivated by childhood tragedy and a zealous belief lawmakers must do more for the nation’s young people, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly said, “it is easy to see” how his offense might be the result of “good intentions gone wrong.”

Ginni Thomas Privately Praised Group Working Against Supreme Court Reform: ‘Thank you so, so, so much’

MSN – Andy Kroll (ProPublica) and Nick Surgery (Documented) | Published: 9/4/2024

Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, privately heaped praise on a major religious-rights group for fighting efforts to reform the nation’s highest court – efforts sparked, in large part, by her husband’s ethical lapses. Ginni Thomas expressed her appreciation in an email sent to Kelly Shackelford, an influential litigator whose clients have won cases at the Supreme Court. Shackelford runs the First Liberty Institute. It came shortly after President Biden announced support for a slate of reforms for the high court.

Convicted Fraudsters Launch AI Lobbying Firm Using Fake Names

Yahoo News – Daniel Lippman (Politico) | Published: 9/2/2024

A K Street startup pitched as a service to integrate AI into lobbying is covertly run by a pair of well-known, far-right conspiracy theorists and convicted felons who are using pseudonyms in their new business, according to four former employees and other evidence. LobbyMatic was founded last year by Jacob Wohl, who in 2022 was convicted along with his longtime associate Jack Burkman of fraud after running a robocall campaign in largely Black neighborhoods in several states telling people not to vote by mail. LobbyMatic, whose website does not list any company leadership, temporarily signed up at least three brand-name clients.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – She Was Arrested After Speaking at a City Meeting. Now She’s Suing.

MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 9/4/2024

An Arizona woman is suing the city of Surprise for arresting and charging her with trespassing during a recent city council meeting after she criticized the city attorney’s proposed pay raise. Mayor Skip Hall interrupted Rebekah Massie’s remarks, accusing her of “attacking the city attorney personally” and violating a council policy. Her lawsuit requests that a judge order the city to halt a policy that stipulates comments during council meetings “may not be used to lodge charges or complaints against” public officials.

California – Mayor Breed Orders Increased Scrutiny of San Francisco Contract Work, Grantees

KQED – Sydney Johnson | Published: 9/3/2024

City contractors and grant recipients will face tighter scrutiny to receive public dollars, according to a directive from San Francisco Mayor London Breed. The order, which is effective immediately, comes after numerous scandals. Breed also announced legislation to support her directive that would require contractors to keep separate accounts for political activities and prevent them from using city funds or lobbying officials.

California – While an Orange County Supervisor Was Under Scrutiny, His Daughter Interned with County Prosecutors

MSN – Salvador Hernandez (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 8/29/2024

Within weeks of it being revealed that Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do directed millions of dollars in contracts to a nonprofit without disclosing a link to his daughter, a scandal that sparked a lawsuit and a possible federal probe, his daughter began working as an intern for the county’s top prosecutor. Two county supervisors said they were unaware of Rhiannon Do’s stint at the district attorney’s office while county officials considered a lawsuit against Viet America Society, a nonprofit that once listed the supervisor’s daughter as its president, and asked for local and federal officials to step in.

California – Anaheim Hires City’s First Ethics Officer

Orange County Register – Michael Slaten | Published: 9/3/2024

Anaheim has hired its first ethics officer. Artin Berjikly will be the assistant city attorney-ethics officer, leading a new ethics division. Berjikly will report to the city attorney and provide legal expertise on ethical issues, campaign finance laws, conflict-of-interest rules, and the city’s lobbying laws.

Florida – Activists Charged with Pushing Russian Propaganda Go on Trial in Florida

WLRN – Patricia Mazzei (New York Times) | Published: 9/3/2024

Experts say a trial in Florida offers a rare glimpse into how Russia has tried to secretly influence American politics. Prosecutors say Russia sought out a sympathetic group in the U.S., invited its leader to visit Moscow, and established a long-term relationship. The group then promoted Russian views on its website, social media accounts, and radio station. Four Americans face charges they conspired to have other U.S. citizens act as illegal agents of the Russian government or acted as unregistered Russian agents themselves.

Florida – Miami Lakes Sues Law Firm Over Role in FBI Corruption Sting That Led to Mayor’s Arrest

Yahoo News – Catherine Odom (Miami Herald) | Published: 8/29/2024

Miami Lakes is suing a law firm over its involvement in an FBI sting operation that led to the arrest of the town’s mayor in 2013. The suit is seeking more than $5 million in damages over the role of Richard Candia, who was an employee at the law firm Becker & Poliakoff, in the FBI operation. Candia was party to an alleged corruption scheme involving then-Mayor Michael Pizzi and later became an FBI informant. Miami Lakes is suing the firm, which was under contract to provide lobbying and consulting services to the town, for negligence, as well as breach of contract and fiduciary duties.

Iowa – Iowa Lieutenant Governor Resigns to Take Over State Lobby Group Representing Bankers

MSN – Hannah Fingerhut (Associated Press) | Published: 9/3/2024

Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg resigned to take the helm of the Iowa Bankers Association. The association advocates for its members with state and local governments and has been led for 28 years by John Sorensen, who is stepping down this year. Sorensen was registered as a lobbyist for the current General Assembly, but Iowa law specifies a statewide elected official “shall not within two years after the termination of service or employment become a lobbyist.”

Louisiana – Shreveport Lawmaker Fought Ethics Board for Years Before Authoring New Ethics Laws

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 8/29/2024

The first two bills state Rep. Steven Jackson authored had an unusual target for a new lawmaker: Louisiana’s Board of Ethics. His interest in restricting the board’s activities follows five years of angry exchanges between Jackson and ethics staff over financial penalties he has accrued while running for office. Since his first race for the Caddo Parish Commission in 2015, Jackson has racked up $10,080 in late fees after failing to file or improperly submitting 12 campaign finance and personal disclosure reports.

Maine – Maine Utilities Will Be Banned from Spending Ratepayer Money on Lobbying, Advertising

Yahoo News – Stephen Singer (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 9/4/2024

Maine regulators announced they will draft rules that prohibit utilities from billing ratepayers for spending on advertising, lobbying, and political expenses and require spending disclosures to the state. Legislation passed last year bars utilities from passing on expenses for contributions or gifts to candidates, political parties, and political or legislative committees; to a trade association, chamber of commerce, or public charity; for lobbying or grassroots lobbying; or for educational expenses, unless approved by the Public Utilities Commission.

Montana – Tim Sheehy Was Recorded Using Racist Stereotypes About Native Americans

Seattle Times – Kellen Browning (New York Times) | Published: 9/3/2024

Tim Sheehy, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Montana, made comments perpetuating racist stereotypes about Native Americans during private fundraisers last year, according to recordings of the events. In one recording, Sheehy can be heard saying he had participated in roping and branding cattle on the Crow Reservation, and it was “a great way to bond with all the Indians out there, while they’re drunk at 8 a.m.”

New Hampshire – Ex-Biden Official in NH Primary Raises Questions with ‘Bizarre’ Financial Disclosure

MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 8/30/2024

Maggie Goodlander, a candidate in the Democratic primary in New Hampshire for retiring U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster’s seat, filed a personal financial disclosure that has raised questions over the actual value of sizable assets she holds. The disclosure puzzled experts because it lists the value of multiple easily verifiable assets as “undetermined,” including checking, retirement, and investment accounts, and several properties or pieces of land, even those the report indicates are currently for sale.

New Mexico – The New Mexico Project Ordered to Disclose Donors, Campaign Expenditures

Yahoo News – Colleen Held (Albuquerque Journal) | Published: 8/29/2024

A state judge ordered a dark money group that paid for political advertising in support of legislative candidates in New Mexico earlier this year to disclose the sources of its funding and its spending by September 9. Judge Joshua Allison ruled the New Mexico Project meets the definition of “political committee” and must comply with the state’s campaign finance law. The state Ethics Commission based its case partly on statements the group’s founder made on talk radio, social media, and in radio advertisements.

New York – Former Aide to N.Y. Governors Charged with Secretly Helping China

MSN – Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 9/3/2024

Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, was accused of trading on her connections to act as an undisclosed agent of the Chinese government. Federal prosecutors also indicted Sun’s husband, Chris Hu, for allegedly illegal conduct dating back to her time as an aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Sun was accused of using her influence as a top aide to both governors to shape state policy toward China and Taiwan. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said the couple’s scheme made them millions of dollars.

New York – Federal Judge Rejects Donald Trump’s Request to Intervene in Wake of Hush Money Conviction

MSN – Michael Sisak (Associated Press) | Published: 9/3/2024

A federal judge rejected Donald Trump’s request to intervene in his New York hush money criminal case, spurning the former president’s attempt at an end-run around the state court where he was convicted and is set to be sentenced on September 18. U.S. District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein’s ruling – just hours after Trump’s lawyers asked him to weigh the move – upends Trump’s plan to move the case to federal court so he could seek to have his conviction overturned in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling.

North Carolina – In North Carolina, the Math for a Supermajority May Come Down to One

DNyuz – David Chen (New York Times) | Published: 8/31/2024

This fall, as Democrats and Republicans vie for control of state Legislatures across the country, much of the attention has focused on states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, where one or two seats could tip the balance. But in a handful of states, the Legislature is dominated by one party, while the governor’s office is held by another. In those states, an effort is underway to either preserve an existing supermajority, which confers the ability to override a governor’s veto, or to break it. Nowhere has the battle been more magnified than in North Carolina.

Ohio – Federal Judge Blocks Ohio’s Ban on Foreign Political Donations

Ohio Capital Journal – Morgan Trau (WEWS) | Published: 9/3/2024

A federal judge blocked Ohio’s new law limiting who can participate in the political process just hours before it was set to go into effect. The controversial legislation would have prevented lawful permanent residents, known as green card holders, from making contributions or expenditures regarding ballot issues or candidates. It would also prevent campaigns from accepting donations from them.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma’s Election Laws Inhibit Voter Participation, Create More Extreme Candidates, Experts Say

Oklahoma Voice – Emma Murphy | Published: 8/30/2024

Oklahoma’s voting system is leading to low turnout rates, the election of more extreme candidates, and disenfranchisement of voters who are excluded from participating in primary elections, experts said. That is prompting conversations about whether reforms are needed to increase voter participation rates and how the state can ensure hundreds of thousands of independent voters have a voice at the ballot box at a time when most outcomes are determined months ahead of November’s general election.

Pennsylvania – A Court Just Told Pa. Not to Reject Mail Ballots Missing Handwritten Dates. The Case Isn’t Over Yet.

Spotlight PA – Carter Walker (Votebeat) | Published: 8/30/2024

Not counting a voter’s mail ballot because they failed to properly date the return envelope violates their rights under the state constitution, a Pennsylvania appellate court ruled. “The refusal to count undated or incorrectly dated but timely mail ballots submitted by otherwise eligible voters because of meaningless and inconsequential paperwork errors violates the fundamental right to vote recognized in the free and equal elections clause,” Judge Ellen Ceisler wrote for the majority, referring to a provision in the state constitution. Republicans said they would immediately appeal the ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Tennessee – Tennessee Education Commissioner Remains Under the Microscope

Yahoo News – Sam Stockard (Tennesse Lookout) | Published: 9/5/2024

Tennessee lawmakers have been scrutinizing state Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds almost since she took the post in 2023 to push the governor’s private-school voucher plan, and some want to take an even closer look at her administration. Reynolds has been dogged by revelations that she did not meet state requirements to hold the education commissioner position. A complaint was filed about trips Reynolds took to two out-of-state education conferences paid for by her former employer, the pro-voucher group ExcelInEd, which hires a lobbyist to work on education issues in Tennessee.

Texas – Paxton’s Election Fraud Charges Upend Lives but Result in Few Convictions

MSN – Arelis Hernández and Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) | Published: 9/2/2024

Leticia Sanchez was an activist in her majority-Latino community helping register people to vote before she was arrested in 2018. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused her and three other Hispanic women of forming an “organized voter fraud ring” that targeted elderly voters by applying for mail-in ballots they had not requested. Five years later, the case was dismissed by the state’s highest criminal court. The case fits a pattern that has emerged in Texas under Paxton: aggressive prosecutions for alleged election fraud crimes that upend lives but result in few cases that go to trial and end in a conviction.

Texas – Top Harris County Health Official Fired after Chronicle Investigation into $6 Million Contract

MSN – Mike Morris (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 8/30/2024

Harris County Public Health Executive Director Barbie Robinson was fired amid a scandal over her department’s hiring of an embattled California consulting company for a lucrative contract. Records showed Robinson arranged for DEMA Consulting & Management to run two county COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites two months after she was named executive director in 2021. Then DEMA won a bigger, more competitive public health contract. Several email exchanges during the county’s procurement process for the second contract suggested possible conflicts-of-interest.

Utah – ‘Deceptive’ and ‘Misleading’: Ballot language to limit voters’ initiative power thrashed by critics – including Republicans

Salt Lake Tribune – Robert Gehrke (Sal Lake Tribune) | Published: 9/4/2024

Groups opposing a constitutional amendment that will ensure the Utah Legislature can repeal or amend any future ballot initiative are outraged by the way the issue will be presented on voters’ ballots in November. The question put before voters is whether to prohibit “foreign influence” on ballot initiatives and “clarifying the voters and legislative bodies’ ability to amend laws.” Opponents contend the description of the amendment “clarifying” the power of voters minimizes what they say is a power grab by the Legislature that would strip voters of their constitutional right to run ballot initiatives.

Vermont – House Ethics Panel Provided ‘Restorative Justice’ Response to Legislator’s Bag-Soaking Scheme

VTDigger.org – Sarah Mearhoff | Published: 8/29/2024

After investigating accusations that a state representative repeatedly bullied a colleague throughout the 2024 legislative session by secretly pouring water into his tote bag, the Vermont House Ethics Panel initiated a “restorative justice process as a response.” Rep. Jim Carroll, the target of the bullying, and Rep. Mary Morrissey, who admitted to the acts, said they met with the panel throughout this summer to discuss the incidents. A statement said Morrissey “is committed to making amends, including activities that encourage the development and strengthening of collaborative and positive relationships within the legislative community.”

Washington – Group Behind State Initiatives Accused of Violating State Anti-Corruption Laws with Discount Gas, Burgers

Spokane Spokesman-Review – Emry Dinman | Published: 9/4/2024

Let’s Go Washington was accused of illegally trying to sway voters to support four initiatives the group backs with offers of discount gas and burgers. The complaint filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission alleges Let’s Go Washington’s offer of cheaper gas, and in one case food during promotional events for the four initiatives, ran afoul of the state’s anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws.

Campaign Finance

Ohio: “Federal Judge Blocks Ohio’s Ban on Foreign Political Donations” by Morgan Trau (WEWS) for Ohio Capital Journal

Elections

Florida: “Activists Charged with Pushing Russian Propaganda Go on Trial in Florida” by Patricia Mazzei (New York Times) for WLRN

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma’s Election Laws Inhibit Voter Participation, Create More Extreme Candidates, Experts Say” by Emma Murphy for Oklahoma Voice

Pennsylvania: “A Court Just Told Pa. Not to Reject Mail Ballots Missing Handwritten Dates. The Case Isn’t Over Yet.” by Carter Walker (Votebeat) for Spotlight PA

Texas: “Paxton’s Election Fraud Charges Upend Lives but Result in Few Convictions” by Arelis Hernández and Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Convicted Fraudsters Launch AI Lobbying Firm Using Fake Names” by Daniel Lippman (Politico) for Yahoo News

New York: “Former Aide to N.Y. Governors Charged with Secretly Helping China” by Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN

Procurement

California: “Mayor Breed Orders Increased Scrutiny of San Francisco Contract Work, Grantees” by Sydney Johnson for KQED

National/Federal

Are Voters Ready to Elect a Woman? Democrats Say They Have No Doubt.

DNyuz – Jennifer Medina (New York Times) | Published: 8/22/2024

The first time Kamala Harris ran for president, in 2019, one question dogged her and the handful of others running to be the first female president: can a woman win? Three years earlier, Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump after a campaign she and her defenders believed was rife with misogyny and sexism. The question of whether Democrats wanted to try to break the gender barrier again was a running and fraught debate for months. Those doubts have mostly been banished this time.

He Regulated Medical Devices. His Wife Represented Their Makers.

DNyuz – Christina Jewett (New York Times) | Published: 8/20/2024

For 15 years, Dr. Jeffrey Shuren was the Food and Drug Administration official charged with ensuring the safety of a vast array of medical devices. Consumer advocates see his tenure as marred by the approval of too many devices that harmed patients and by his own close ties to the $500 billion global device industry. While Dr. Shuren regulated the booming medical device industry, his wife, Allison Shuren, represented the interests of device makers as the co-leader of a team of lawyers at Arnold & Porter, one of Washington’s most powerful law firms.

The Year of the A.I. Election That Wasn’t

DNyuz – Sheera Frenkel (New York Times) | Published: 8/21/2024

This was supposed to be the year of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) election. Moe than 30 tech companies have offered AI products to national, state, and local campaigns in recent months. The companies make products that reorganize voter rolls and campaign emails, expand robocalls, and create AI-generated likenesses of candidates. But campaigns are largely not biting, and when they have, the technology has fallen flat. Much of the hesitation stems from internal campaign polls that found voters were nervous about AI and distrusted the technology.

SEC Fines Texas Investment Adviser $95k for ‘Pay to Play’ Rule Breach

Investment News – Leo Almazora | Published: 8/20/2024

A Texas-based investment adviser was fined $95,000 by the Securities and Exchange Commission after an investigation found the firm in violation of the “pay-to-play” rule under the Advisers Act. The violations stem from improper campaign contributions made by a newly hired associate, which ultimately led to Obra Capital Management illegally providing advisory services to a government client.

Justice Department Signals Plan to Salvage Obstruction Charges in Some Jan. 6 Cases

MSN – Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 8/21/2024

The Justice Department said it plans to press ahead with obstruction charges against two January 6 defendants despite the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that limited the scope of a federal statute making it a felony to obstruct many government proceedings. Prosecutors contended they can still prove the two defendants are guilty of obstructing Congress even under the high court’s narrow interpretation of the law. The defendants, Don and Shawndale Chilcoat, are accused of surging with the mob onto the Senate floor during the riot at the Capitol.

Democrats Signal Voting Rights Bills Will Top the Agenda If Harris Wins

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 8/22/2024

Democratic leaders say passing sweeping legislation to expand voting rights and curb gerrymandering will be at or near the top of their governing agenda should Vice President Kamala Harris win the presidency this fall in a blue wave that also ushers in unified control of Capitol Hill. To do so, they are willing to bypass the filibuster, a staple of the Senate the party increasingly sees as one among a litany of tools that Republicans have used to thwart the popular will.

Fake Accounts on Meta Pushed Conservatives to Run for Office as Independents

MSN – Naomi Nix (Washington Post) | Published: 8/15/2024

A network of social media accounts used Meta to promote a fictitious political advocacy group that attempted to recruit conservative candidates to run as independents, part of a rush of campaigns infiltrating the platform. Meta removed dozens of social media accounts and pages amplifying Patriots Run Project. The social media influence operation, one of six Meta reported taking down, illustrates the looming threats facing online platforms as they prepare for the 2024 election. Along with domestic actors, foreign actors including Russia are renewing efforts to influence political discourse in the United States, according to Meta.

House GOP Accuses Biden of Impeachable Conduct with No Direct Evidence

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 8/19/2024

House Republicans released a long-awaited report from their impeachment probe into President Biden’s activities as vice president, accusing him of obstructing federal and congressional investigations and improperly leveraging his power to benefit his family. Despite a trio of House committees finding Biden engaged in “impeachable offenses,” Republicans did not recommend further action just three months away from an election in which Biden is no longer running. The report failed to unearth any new evidence the president, during his time as vice president, directly acted to benefit his family’s business dealings.

Former US Rep George Santos Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Identity Theft in His Federal Case

MSN – Philip Marcello (Associated Press) | Published: 8/19/2024

Former U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, short-circuiting the federal fraud case that led to his expulsion from Congress just weeks before it was set to go to trial. He faces more than six years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines and owes at least $370,000 in restitution. Santos was indicted on felony charges that he stole from campaign donors, used political contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth, and collected unemployment benefits while working.

FBI Concludes Iran Tried to Hack Campaigns of Trump, Biden-Harris

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 8/19/2024

The FBI and U.S. intelligence agencies confirmed Iran was responsible for recent attempted hacks into the Trump and Biden-Harris presidential campaigns. Campaign staffers received phishing emails that were designed to appear legitimate but could give an intruder access to the recipients’ communications.

Women Running for Office Are Talking About Their Reproductive History, Once Seen as a Liability

MSN – Dylan Wells and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 8/20/2024

Up and down the ballot, women running for office this year are talking about their own reproductive health, sharing their experiences with IVF, miscarriage, and abortion – topics that for years on the campaign trail were considered, at best, uncouth and, at worst, potentially damaging. But after the Supreme Court reversed abortion protections two years ago, that calculus has changed. Democrats in particular hope candidates speaking about their personal experiences will help them connect with voters.

Sen. Ted Cruz’s Campaign Says It Will Return Tens of Thousands in Illegal Donations

San Antonio Current – Sanford Nowlin | Published: 8/14/2024

The treasurer of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s reelection campaign confirmed in a letter to the FEC that it took 43 illegal donations during the second quarter and is now taking steps to refund them. In the letter, Ted Cruz for Senate Treasurer Cabell Hobbs also promised the campaign would look into contributions made by a pair of unregistered organizations and also refund them in 30 days if they were “not made with federally permissible funds.”

Harris and Trump Shield Their Big Campaign Fund-Raisers from the Public

Seattle Times – Theodore Schleifer (New York Times) | Published: 8/20/2024

American voters have less knowledge about the people helping the 2024 presidential candidates raise money than they have had in any election in 20 years. That is because, for the first time in modern presidential fundraising, neither the Democratic nor the Republican nominee has disclosed the names of so-called bundlers, the people who amass large financial contributions for presidential campaigns and, in the eyes of transparency advocates, wield significant power in campaigns and presidential administrations.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Alaska Legislative Ethics Committee to Consider Reforms After Identity of a Complainant Was Exposed Online

Anchorage Daily News – Iris Samuels | Published: 8/19/2024

Alaska’s legislative ethics committee will consider new state laws after an individual who filed a complaint against a lawmaker said his identity was revealed online, leading to derogatory comments from one of the lawmaker’s supporters. Ivan Hodes said he filed a complaint against Rep. David Eastman alleging Eastman had violated laws prohibiting legislators from accepting campaign contributions during the legislative session. Hodes said that one of Eastman’s supporters posted a screenshot of the complaint form, including Hodes’ name.

Arizona – A Desperate Kennedy Campaign, and the Mystery of 110,000 Signatures

DNyuz – Rebecca Davis O’Brien (New York Times) | Published: 8/20/2024

A longtime friend of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent candidate for president, delivered boxes carrying 110,000 signatures to election officials in Arizona, to secure ballot access in a critical battleground state. A vast majority of those signatures were not gathered by local volunteers, or by paid canvassers working for the campaign. Instead, they came from a super PAC backing Kennedy that gathered signatures in Arizona months ago but set them aside after their efforts prompted legal challenges. Coordination between super PACs and campaign committees is banned under federal law.

Arizona – Kari Lake Promising Donors Extravagant Matches for Campaign Contributions. Does It Happen?

MSN – Laura Gersony (Arizona Republic) | Published: 8/19/2024

U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake is part of a group of candidates who this year are making promises of donation-matching that are even more sensational than the industry norm, and likely are not materializing, according to people who work in the fundraising industry and a review of records. Lake is one of several candidates tied to a fundraising firm whose campaigns have leaned on digitally delivered claims hey will boost a donation’s “impact” by massive multipliers.

Arizona – Apache County Attorney, School Superintendent Indicted on Corruption Charges

MSN – Robert Anglen and Elena Santa Cruz (Arizona Republic) | Published: 8/20/2024

The Apache County attorney and the school superintendent were indicted on public corruption charges, including misuse of public money and conflicts-of-interest. Michael Whiting and his wife, Joyclynn Whiting, are accused of improperly using their offices for political and personal gain. An investigation by the Arizona Republic found Michael Whiting took anti-bullying campaign materials paid for by taxpayers on overseas trips to further his relationship with a Norwegian popstar named Dagny. The indictment accuses Michael Whiting of tapping county attorney funds to purchase campaign material for his wife.

California – Campaign Contribution Limits for West Covina City Council Candidates Upheld

Courthouse News Service – Michael Gennaro | Published: 8/16/2024

A federal judge upheld an ordinance in the Southern California city of West Covina that limits contributions to city council candidates to $500 per year. The plaintiff, council candidate Rambod Sotoodeh, said the ordinance “significantly limited” his ability to run an effective campaign. U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald ruled the city satisfied its burden in showing a “sufficiently important governmental interest” in the contribution limit.

California – Do Outgoing Legislators ‘Shop’ for Lobbying Jobs in Final Weeks of the Session?

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 8/15/2024

A review of the 180 California lawmakers who left office since 2012 reveals around 40 of them registered as lobbyists, worked as political consultants, or took executive-level jobs with companies or organizations actively lobbying at the Capitol. Experts say the prospect of current lawmakers’ job hunting as they are voting on bills raises concerns their future employers could influence their votes in the final weeks of the session. There are no requirements for legislators to disclose if they are negotiating or have a new employment agreement with an outside organization trying to influence state polic

California – Local News Is Dying, but Not in San Francisco

Spokane Spokesman-Review – Eli Tan (New York Times) | Published: 8/16/2024

News deserts are growing across the country, and over half of counties in the United States now have just one or no remaining news outlet. But in San Francisco, local news is seeing a resurgence thanks to a willingness to experiment. Half-century-old neighborhood news organizations are becoming nonprofits. Others are banking on the help of wealthy supporters. As local news driven by advertising revenue declines, news sites are relying on subscriptions to fill in the gaps.

District of Columbia – D.C. Council to Investigate White Amid Bribery Allegations, Consider Expulsion

MSN – Meagan Flynn and Michael Brice-Saddler (Washington Post) | Published: 8/19/2024

District of Columbia Council member Trayon White Sr. is accused by federal prosecutors of agreeing to accept a total of $156,000 in cash and kickbacks this summer in exchange for using his influence and position on the council to try to help a pair of companies lock down lucrative city contracts involving violence prevention. The allegations threaten White’s political future months before he was expected to coast to a third term, while adding another chapter to the District of Columbia’s annals of alleged corruption or misdeeds.

Florida – Florida Supreme Court Allows for Ballot Language Abortion-Rights Activists Fought

MSN – Arek Sarkissian (Politico) | Published: 8/21/2024

The Florida Supreme Court rejected a request to strike a financial statement tied to a ballot initiative seeking to expand abortion access after that statement was revised with the help of anti-abortion advocates. Financial impact statements rarely see much attention as a ballot initiative moves toward Election Day. But the stakes around Amendment 4 are higher than other measures. It seeks to abolish a ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy that Republicans approved last year.

Florida – A Lobbyist Paid for City’s $594 Supper. Then Came the Warning about Broward’s Gift Prohibitions.

NewsBreak – Lisa Huriash (South Florida Sun-Sentinel) | Published: 8/16/2024

A paid lobbyist paid for a $594 meal for Tamarac city leaders during an excursion to Washington, D.C., a reminder of how elected officials must stay vigilant about the limits on accepting gifts, according to the Broward Office of the Inspector General. The findings were outlined in a report that shows the city’s lobbyist, Valerie Gelnovatch-Massolo of The Ferguson Group, arranged a nine-person dinner on March 29, 2023. The inspector general noted how Broward’s elected officials should be mindful of the ethics code, which prohibits accepting any gift with a value that exceeds five dollars from a lobbyist, vendor, or contractor.

Florida – Sarasota City Commission Votes Down Ordinance for Formal Lobbying Rules

Yahoo News – Christian Casale (Sarasota Herald-Tribune) | Published: 8/19/2024

A proposed ordinance to establish formal lobbying rules in Sarasota failed a city commission vote. A majority of commissioners argued the proposal entailed too much regulation for an issue they did not consider to be a big problem. Regulation of lobbying by corporate interests has been pushed by Commissioner Erik Arroyo. He said while many people who present their views to the commission are citizens genuinely concerned about their community, there remains uncertainty about those who might represent “interests beyond the common welfare.”

Georgia – This Georgia Republican Defied Trump. Now He’s Fighting a Defamation Suit.

DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 8/16/2024

Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s Republican secretary of state, has been forced to spend $500,000 defending himself in court for having stood up to Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The only way to spare himself from the defamation lawsuit he has been fighting, he and his lawyer say, would be to lie. The lawsuit centers on a video that purported to show election fraud in Georgia. Multiple news media outlets and the secretary of state’s office have debunked the claims of election fraud made in the presentation to legislators.

Georgia – State Supreme Court Rules Open Records Act Applies to Private Contractors Working for Governments

Georgia Recorder – Jill Nolin | Published: 8/14/2024

A Georgia Supreme Court’s decision reversing a lower court’s ruling that a private contractor was exempt from the state Open Records Act is being hailed as a win for open government. The court ruled unanimously that a private contractor working for a public entity is still subject to the law and can be sent requests for public records they may possess.

Hawaii – A Maui County Appointee Oversaw Grants to Nonprofits Tied to Her Family Members

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 8/15/2024

Two nonprofits with family ties to Luana Mahi, an economic development director for Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, won more than $1 million in county grants overseen by Mahi since she was appointed in 2023. Mahi’s husband was paid directly under a county grant for a watershed project. A company owned by her son was hired to manage that grant. Another one of her son’s nonprofits got a $44,000 grant from the county to build a “Maui Wall of Fame” now in the Kahului Airport.

Kentucky – ‘Deeply Uncomfortable & Increasingly Unsafe:’ Women allege harassment by KY lawmaker

Yahoo News – Austin Horn and Alex Acquisto (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 9/20/2024

Three more women have come forward to detail specific instances of alleged sexual harassment by state Rep. Daniel Grossberg, even as Kentucky officials continue to investigate previous allegations of improper interactions. The three women, all involved in the political scene in Frankfort, contacted the Lexington Herald-Leader after its initial story where other women said Grossberg sent them unwanted “creepy” and “weird” text messages they said crossed ethical lines.

New Jersey – After Ex-N.J. Mayor’s Indictment, City Revising Rules That Could Help Pay for Her Defense

MSN – Matthew Enuco (New Jersey Advance Media) | Published: 8/16/2024

Two months after the former mayor of Camden was indicted in a sweeping corruption case, the city is revising rules that could help pay for her legal expenses. The city council gave initial approval to changes that lifts a fixed cap on legal expenses and offers legal defenses to former employees and officials. The change also specifically notes criminal matters. Former Mayor Dana Redd was indicted on racketeering charges along with George Norcross III, a Democratic powerbroker, his brother, and two others.

New Jersey – Feds Investigate Property Flip Involving Two New Jersey State Senators

Yahoo News – Matt Friedman (Politico) | Published: 8/15/2024

Federal authorities are investigating a real estate deal involving two state senators in New Jersey who bought public land and then flipped it for seven times the original price. One of the companies that flipped the property, Nova Investments, is listed as a major source of income by state Sen. Michael Testa on his financial disclosure forms. Another company, Dotia Investments, was registered by state Sen. Doug Steinhardt, and is listed on his financial disclosure form. He was not a senator at the time of the purchase but was when the property was sold.

New York – Eric Adams and His Campaign Receive Subpoenas in Federal Investigation

DNyuz – William Rashbaum and Dana Rubinstein (New York Times) | Published: 8/15/2024

Federal prosecutors investigating New York City Mayor Eric Adams and his 2021 campaign have served a new round of grand jury subpoenas in their long-running corruption inquiry, issuing them to Adams himself, to City Hall, and to his election committee. The subpoenas contain similar language and seek information in a number of areas, including travel by the mayor, his aides and others, as well as campaign fundraising.

New York – Letitia James Fights to Preserve Trump’s Penalty of Over $450 Million

DNyuz – Kate Christobek and Ben Protess (New York Times) | Published: 8/21/2024

The New York attorney general’s office urged a state appellate court to uphold a more than $450 million civil fraud judgement against Donald Trump, arguing the punishment was needed to protect “the integrity of the marketplace.” Attorney General Letitia James defended a judge’s February ruling that Trump conspired to inflate the value of his properties to receive favorable loans and other financial benefits. Trump, the attorney general’s office has argued, exaggerated his net worth by as much as $2.2 billion in any given year.

North Carolina – More Questions for Robinson. Store Says Reported Campaign Purchases Never Happened.

Carolina Public Press – Sarah Michels | Published: 8/21/2024

During North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s 2020 campaign, he claimed to spend $2,374 at Lake Outfitters for “campaign clothes and accessories.” The five transactions, recorded on his expenditure reports with the State Board of Elections, spanned eight months.  The owners of Lake Gaston Outfitters, located at the recorded address, say those purchases never happened. “… We sell kayaks. We wouldn’t have anything here in our store that he would want,” said the owner, Dave Blodgett. The transactions are part of a larger investigation into Robinson’s 2020 campaign for lieutenant governor.

North Dakota – Holmberg Case Causes North Dakota Lawmakers to Review Travel Policies

North Dakota Monitor – Mary Steurer | Published: 8/12/2024

Former North Dakota Sen. Ray Holmberg’s guilty plea on a charge related to child sex tourism may prompt a review of rules governing lawmaker travel, House Majority Leader Rep. Mike Lefor said. Holmberg confessed in federal court to taking several trips to Prague with the intent to pay for sexual contact with children. Some of those visits line up with cultural exchange trips funded by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and organized by the North Dakota School Boards Association. Travel records even suggest some of his flight tickets to Prague were paid for with state money.

Ohio – Ohio Ballot Board OKs Language for Redistricting Issue; Backers Say It Will Deceive Voters

Yahoo News – Jessie Balmert (Cincinnati Enquirer) | Published: 8/16/2024

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office proposed loaded ballot language for the redistricting reform measure, including references to manipulating the boundaries of legislative districts and repealing constitutional protections against gerrymandering. The proposed ballot language for state Issue 1 paints a picture of a measure that encourages rather than curbs gerrymandering, defined as drawing lines to unfairly favor one political party over another.

Oregon – Portland Commissioner Rene Gonzalez Spent Thousands in City Funds to Polish Wikipedia Page

MSN – Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 8/9/2024

Rene Gonzalez, the Portland city commissioner and mayoral candidate, recently paid $6,400 to spruce up his profile on Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia maintained by volunteer editors. He did so using taxpayer dollars. Gonzalez’s office at City Hall hired a New York-based company to develop a handful of requested edits to the Wikipedia page and train a “designee” on the submission process.

Rhode Island – RI Prisons Director Agrees to Pay Penalty After Failing to Disclose Out-of-State Travel

MSN – Eli Sherman (WPRI) | Published: 8/20/2024

Rhode Island Department of Corrections Director Wayne Salisbury agreed to pay a $200 penalty after failing to disclose out-of-state travel paid for by third parties as required by law. The ethics investigation was launched after Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers President Richard Ferruccio filed a complaint in June. The investigation found Salisbury omitted the out-of-state travel and did not amend the filings until after the media reached out with questions.

Texas – Ken Paxton Sues to Shut Down Houston Immigration Nonprofit for Posts Criticizing Trump, Abbott

MSN – Benjamin Wermund (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 8/15/2024

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is trying to shut down an immigrants rights group in Houston, alleging it is “systematically” flouting nonprofit rules. It is the latest attempt by the attorney general to shutter groups aiding immigrants in Texas. But the drive against FIEL Houston takes a new tact, arguing the group has run afoul of federal rules governing how far nonprofits can go in seeking to influence legislation, and barring certain nonprofits from backing political candidates.

Utah – Utah Senate, House Approve Proposal to Put Question to Voters on Ballot-Initiative Process

KSL – Tim Vandenack | Published: 8/21/2024

The Utah Senate and House passed a measure to put a constitutional amendment proposal to voters that, if passed, would give lawmakers leeway to revise and change citizen-led ballot initiatives. Republican leaders say the change is key in checking the ability of special interest groups to insert language in ballot questions meant to benefit them. Critics see the move as an attempted power grab by Republican lawmakers and a blow to the authority of citizens to pursue ballot initiatives.

Virginia – Chesapeake Mayor Asked City Attorney to ‘Look Into’ Stepbrother’s Personal Legal Issue

WHRO – Ryan Murphy | Published: 8/15/2024

In 2022, Chesapeake Mayor Rick West got an email from his stepbrother asking for a favor. He wondered if the mayor could have city attorneys look into a legal issue he ran into while building on a property in Georgia. “I have wasted a pile of money already … and do not want to waste another [$3,000 to $10,000] dollars to find out there is nothing we can do legally,” Jonathan West wrote. Rick West took his stepbrother’s request to then-City Attorney Jay Stroman. Ethics experts say what West did likely was not illegal under Virginia’s lax ethics laws for public officials, but it does raise red flags.

Elections

National: “FBI Concludes Iran Tried to Hack Campaigns of Trump, Biden-Harris” by Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Women Running for Office Are Talking About Their Reproductive History, Once Seen as a Liability” by Dylan Wells and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Alaska: “Alaska Legislative Ethics Committee to Consider Reforms After Identity of a Complainant Was Exposed Online” by Iris Samuels for Anchorage Daily News

National: “He Regulated Medical Devices. His Wife Represented Their Makers.” by Christina Jewett (New York Times) for DNyuz

Kentucky: “‘Deeply Uncomfortable & Increasingly Unsafe:’ Women allege harassment by KY lawmaker” by Austin Horn and Alex Acquisto (Lexington Herald-Leader) for Yahoo News

Rhode Island: “RI Prisons Director Agrees to Pay Penalty After Failing to Disclose Out-of-State Travel” by Eli Sherman (WPRI) for MSN

Lobbying

Florida: “Sarasota City Commission Votes Down Ordinance for Formal Lobbying Rules” by Christian Casale (Sarasota Herald-Tribune) for Yahoo News

Procurement

Georgia: “State Supreme Court Rules Open Records Act Applies to Private Contractors Working for Governments” by Jill Nolin for Georgia Recorder

National/Federal

Hunter Biden Sought State Department Help for Ukrainian Company

DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 8/13/2024

Hunter Biden sought assistance from the U.S. government for a potentially lucrative energy project in Italy while his father was vice president, according to records and interviews. The records, which the Biden administration had withheld for years, indicate Hunter Biden wrote at least one letter to the U.S. ambassador to Italy in 2016 seeking assistance for the Ukrainian gas company Burisma, where he was a board member. Embassy officials appear to have been uneasy with the request from the son of the sitting vice president on behalf of a foreign company.

Trump Gambles on Outside Groups to Finance Voter Outreach Efforts

DNyuz – Theodore Schleifer (New York Times) | Published: 8/14/2024

The Republican campaign for president is quietly being remade by new federal guidelines that empower big-money groups and threaten to undermine party control well beyond the 2024 election. Donald Trump’s team has enlisted some of these groups to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to knock on hundreds of thousands of doors across the country, saving the campaign significant money in the process. This transformation is a consequence of a decision by the FEC earlier this year that allows campaigns to coordinate their canvassing efforts with outside groups like super PACs.

Arizona and Missouri Greenlight Abortion Rights Amendments

MSN – Sandhya Raman (Roll Call) | Published: 8/13/2024

Voters in at least eight states will vote on ballot measures related to abortion access in November after officials in Arizona and Missouri certified proposed amendments in the states. The measures are part of a strategy from abortion rights advocates who see direct voting as a way to elevate the issue and circumvent legislative gridlock on abortion. All seven state ballot measures considered following the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision have favored the side of abortion rights.

How Elon Musk Is Using His Wealth, Reach to Support Trump’s Campaign

MSN – Julia Shapiro and Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 8/15/2024

Elon Musk is tapping into his wealth and the power of his social platform X to help sway the election toward Donald Trump, spurring controversy along the way. After years of drifting toward the political right, the billionaire owner of Tesla and SpaceX is throwing his fortune behind a pro-Trump super PAC and has inundated X, which he purchased in 2022, with content criticizing Democrats and Vice President Harris. “The big difference [between Musk and other wealthy donors] is that he is himself a sort of Trump-esque figure,” said Sarah Bryner, director of research and strategy at OpenSecrets.

Man Who Violently Fought Cops Gets 2nd-Longest Jan. 6 Sentence: 20 years

MSN – Tom Jackman (Washington Post) | Published: 8/9/2024

David Dempsey came to the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, well-prepared to commit violence. He wore a bulletproof tactical vest, a black helmet, and a gaiter to obscure most of his face. Dempsey repeatedly attacked police for more than an hour, throwing poles and deploying bear spray at the line of officers protecting the Capitol. He used a crutch to smash an officer’s head, giving him a concussion. A judge recently sentenced Dempsey to 20 years in prison, the second-longest sentence of the approximately 950 defendants sentenced so far.

Experts Warn of Election Disruptions After Trump Says Campaign Was Hacked

MSN – Abbie Cheeseman and Joseph Menn (Washington Post) | Published: 8/11/2024

Analysts and intelligence experts warned that wider efforts may be underway by foreign powers to disrupt the U.S. presidential election, after the Trump campaign said it believed its email systems had been breached by hackers working for Iran. So far, two Democratic House members who have served on intelligence and security committees have called for briefings and for declassification of information related to the possible foreign interference in the election.

Empty Chairs at Candidate Debates a Sign of These Very Partisan Times

MSN – Karin Brulliard (Washington Post) | Published: 8/12/2024

Seeing candidates standing side-by-side is getting rarer as more contenders opt out of debates or forums with their opponents. Strategists say the shift reflects not just an erosion of a ritual long central to American elections and democracy, but also a divided political landscape where sparring takes place online and candidates prioritize attention for supporters instead of the broader community.

Inside Project 2025’s Secret Training Videos

MSN – Andy Kroll (ProPublica) and Nick Surgery (Documented) | Published: 8/10/2024

Project 2025, the policy agenda for a right-wing presidential administration, has lost its director and faced criticism from both Democratics and Donald Trump. But Project 2025’s plan to train an army of political appointees who could battle against the so-called deep state government bureaucracy on behalf of a future Trump administration remains on track. One centerpiece of that program is dozens of videos created for Project 2025’s Presidential Administration Academy. Some of the content is routine advice any incoming political appointee might be told. Other segments offer guidance on radically changing how the federal government works and what it does.

Pro-Israel PAC Notches Striking Electoral Victories with Bush, Bowman Defeats

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

After losing reelection in her Democratic primary, U.S. Rep. Cori Bush did not hesitate to direct supporters to the alleged culprit. “AIPAC, I’m coming to tear your kingdom down,” a defiant Bush said, referencing the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, whose super PAC spent at least $8.6 million to defeat Bush, helping make the race the second-most expensive House primary of the year. Her loss came weeks after the super PAC, United Democracy Project, helped unseat Rep. Jamaal Bowman.

Want to Speed Up a Road or Transit Project? Just Host a Political Convention

MSN – Jeff McMurray (Associated Press) | Published: 8/12/2014

Chicago officials planned to reopen an elevated train station near the United Center more than four years ago, but numerous delays left some wondering if it ever would happen. Then the Democratic National Committee picked the city to host its convention. Construction crews scrambled to finish work before delegates arrived, with most of the high-profile events set for less than a half mile away. Cities might factor in the ability to host major events when prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, but rarely do they embark on big-ticket projects just to land a political convention or woo its delegates. Speeding up construction is another matter.

Biggest Lobbying Interests Buck Trend with Higher 2024 Spending

MSN – Caitlin Reilly (Roll Call) | Published: 8/13/2024

Trade groups and companies responsible for this year’s largest lobbying expenditures so far upped the ante in the first half of 2024 compared to a year earlier, defying expectations for an election year slump. K Street’s top 10 clients shelled out $162.3 million through June, up 13 percent from the first half of 2023. Part of that was due to heavy legislative activity during the first quarter, which saw enactment of two big spending packages and House passage of a $79 billion tax bill that got hung up in the Senate.

Feds Ask Ted Cruz’s Campaign to Explain Dozens of Illegal Donations It Received

San Antonio Current – Sanford Nowlin | Published: 8/8/2024

The FEC wants U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz to explain or return tens of thousands of dollars in recent campaign contributions that appear to violate legal limits. Although individuals are prohibited under federal law from giving more than $3,300 to a candidate’s election committee, a letter from the FEC raises concerns that 45 Cruz campaign donors blew past that limit during the second quarter, some by thousands of dollars. The inquiry comes as Cruz faces scrutiny over a deal to distribute his podcast which has so far pumped $786,000 in corporate dollars into a super PAC focused on his reelection.

How a Small Group of Nuns in Rural Kansas Vex Big Companies with Their Investment Activism

Yahoo Finance – Tiffany Stanley (Associated Press) | Published: 8/15/2024

Among corporate America’s most persistent shareholder activists are 80 nuns in a monastery outside Kansas City. The Benedictine sisters of Mount St. Scholastica have taken on the likes of Google, Target, and Citigroup, calling on major companies to do everything from Artificial Intelligence oversight to measuring pesticides to respecting the rights of Indigenous people.

Elections Officials Battle a Deluge of Disinformation

Yahoo News – Tiffany Hsu (New York Times) | Published: 8/12/2024

Increasingly, elections officials must multitask as defenders against disinformation and its consequences. They are debunking claims that masses of dead people are contaminating the voting pool or that mail-in balloting is susceptible to fraud. In the past year, they have been flooded with demands for details about their employees and subjected to threats of bombings and break-ins. The stress has pushed many public servants to resign or retire. The remaining officials are once again marshaling their limited resources to try to reach people unmoved by earlier efforts to debunk and limit persistent rumors.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Alabama Legislator Wants to Limit Power of Political Parties Regarding Campaign Contributions

Alabama Reflector – Ralph Chapoco | Published: 8/13/2024

Alabama Rep. Phillip Pettus prefiled a bill for the coming legislative session that would prohibit political parties from disqualifying candidates for elected office based solely on the campaign contributions they receive from specific people or organizations. The legislation stems from a rule that the Alabama Republican Party adopted in August 2023 that prohibits GOP candidates for superintendent or school board from accepting campaign contributions from the Alabama Education Association, an organization that represents teachers in the state.

Alabama – House Representative Plans to Refile Bill Overhauling Alabama’s Ethics Code

Alabama Reflector – Alander Rocha | Published: 8/13/2024

Rep. Matt Simpson plans to revive a proposal to overhaul the state’s ethics laws. Simpson said he will reintroduce the legislation in the 2025 session, after a bill he filed last year failed to pass. The bill faced significant opposition, particularly from the Alabama Ethics Commission and the attorney general’s office.

Alaska – How Alaska Wound Up with No Limits on Campaign Donations – and How Some Hope to Restore Them

Alaska Public Media – Eric Stone | Published: 8/8/2024

Alaska used to have some of the strictest campaign spending laws in the country. Since 2021, thanks to a court decision, Alaska has been one of only about a dozen states with no limits on contributions from individuals. A ballot initiative campaign is underway to set limits of $2,000 per candidate per election cycle, with higher limits for group donations and contributions to a gubernatorial ticket.

California – Nonprofit Linked to OC Supervisor’s Daughter Says It Won’t Refund $2.2M in Taxpayer Funds Demanded by County

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

A nonprofit group says it is refusing a demand by Orange County officials to refund $2.2 million that Supervisor Andrew Do directed to the organization outside of the public’s view. Do’s daughter, Rhiannon Do, led the group, Viet America Society (VAS), off and on over the time that money was awarded. County officials determined VAS failed to show it did the work it was paid to do. They demanded a full refund by August 26 for two contracts meant to feed needy residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

California – State Sting Operation Busts 11 Contractors Making Bids Without a License in Sacramento County

MSN – Vincent Medina (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 8/5/2024

An undercover sting operation in Elk Grove found 11 unlicensed contractors placing bids, according to the Contractors State License Board.  The contractors were caught making bids between $2,100 and $17,500, exceeding the $500 threshold that requires a contractor’s license in California.

Colorado – Former Colorado Official Found Guilty for Role in Election Equipment Tampering

MSN – Yvonne Winget Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 8/12/2024

A Colorado jury found a former county election official guilty of seven charges connected to allowing a purported computer expert to copy election data from her office as Donald Trump and his allies spread false claims that the 2020 election was stolen and searched for evidence to prove it. Tina Peters, the former Mesa County clerk, was found guilty on seven of 10 charges. Peters is one of the few officials to face consequences for using their positions in local elections offices to try to prove false claims that took root after Trump’s defeat.

Delaware – Emails Show Delaware Lieutenant Governor’s Staff Engaged in Campaign Matters During Business Hours

MSN – Randall Chase (Associated Press) | Published: 8/14/2024

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long’s office staff was in regular communication last year with her husband and other people involved in her campaign for Delaware governor and worked during office hours to help facilitate the use of campaign funds, according to emails. The emails show Hall-Long enlisted her office staff, working with her husband, to help with matters bearing little if any relevance to her role as lieutenant governor. Under Delaware law, state employees are prohibited from engaging in any political activity during work hours. As an elected official, Hall-Long is exempt from that provision, but her office staff is not.

Florida – A Court Will Weigh ‘Legislative Privilege’ and Whether Florida Legislators Should Testify in a Redistricting Case

WMNF – Jim Saunders (News Service of Florida) | Published: 8/13/2024

In a potentially far-reaching case, an appeals court said it will hear arguments in a dispute about whether Florida lawmakers should be shielded from testifying in lawsuits. The House and Senate contend a concept known as “legislative privilege” shields lawmakers from having to testify in civil lawsuits. Ultimately, the House and Senate want to take the issue to the Florida Supreme Court and undo a 2013 Supreme Court ruling that allowed legislative testimony in certain circumstances.

Indiana – Seventh Circuit Orders Injunction on Indiana Campaign Finance Rule

Courthouse News Service – Dave Byrnes | Published: 8/8/2024

An appellate court panel overturned an Indiana law that limits the amount of money corporations can give to super PACs. The panel unanimously ruled to vacate an order from the lower court which barred media company Sarkes Tarzian from contributing $10,000 to the Indiana Right to Life Victory Fund, an anti-abortion PAC. The judges considered the relevant campaign finance rules inconsistent with the First Amendment and remanded the case to the lower court with instructions to enjoin it.

Kansas – Ex-Police Chief Who Led Raid on Kansas Newspaper Faces Felony Charge

MSN – Ben Brasch, Sofia Andrade, and Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) | Published: 8/13/2024

A former Kansas police chief was charged with a felony for allegedly tampering with an investigation into his raid of a small-town newspaper’s office last year. Gideon Cody faces a count of interference with a judicial process. Barry Wilkerson, a special prosecutor assigned to the case, alleged the ex-chief “induced a witness to withhold information,” according to a court filing. The search sparked outrage from press freedom advocates and other news organizations who said the raid threatened to suppress free speech.

Kentucky – Louisville Official Says She Was in the Process of Filing Ethics Complaints When Fired

MSN – Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 8/9/2024

A senior Louisville official said she was in the process of filing two ethics complaints against members of Mayor Craig Greenberg’s administration when she was fired. Keisha Dorsey, who was the mayor’s deputy chief of staff, believes the administration may have engaged in a pattern of discriminatory behavior “based on race, gender, and age …,” according to one of the complaints.

Louisiana – Louisiana Lawmaker Who Authored Bill to Reduce Politicians’ Ethics Fines Has Racked Up Her Own

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 8/15/2024

The lawmaker who pushed through a new state law to reduce fines for candidates who do not file campaign finance reports on time has failed to submit her own paperwork properly several times over the 15 years she has been in public office. State Rep. Denise Marcelle, a Democrat, missed deadlines to turn in campaign finance reports and personal financial disclosure forms at least eight times. On six other occasions, staff for the Board of Ethics questioned whether the personal financial disclosure forms Marcelle had submitted were filled out properly.

Massachusetts – Cesar Ruiz Dissolves Latino Political Action Committee Due to Campaign Finance Violations

MSN – Jim Kinney (MassLive) | Published: 8/9/2024

Businessperson Cesar Ruiz dissolved his PAC and agreed to donate $190,000 to charity as punishment for breaking state campaign finance laws. The Latinos Leaders Now Independent Expenditure Committee and supported Latino in candidates statewide. But the committee made direct contributions last year totaling $5,500 to 13 candidates for municipal offices. Under state law, PACs that are set up like Ruiz’s cannot coordinate with campaigns and cannot contribute to them.

Michigan – Lawyer Contended Curtailing Lawmakers’ Ticket Perks Could Have ‘Destabilizing Impact’

Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 8/12/2024

The Michigan Secretary of State’s office finalized guidance that concluded a strategy used by lobbyists to put sports and concert tickets in the hands of legislators was illegal. Lobbyists had been circumventing the state’s ban on gifts to public officeholders, worth more than $76, by providing tickets to lawmakers and then privately sending them letters asking for the value of the tickets over $76 to be paid back to lobbying firms.

Michigan – Michigan Lawyer Who Claimed Election Fraud Arrested after Dominion Hearing

MSN – Rachel Weiner and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 8/13/2024

An attorney involved in efforts to upend the results of the 2020 election was arrested and ordered to turn herself in to authorities in Michigan as civil and criminal cases involving claims of voter fraud collided. Stefanie Lambert’s arrest came after officials had issued a bench warrant for failing to appear for a hearing in her criminal case in Michigan, where she is charged with illegally breaching voting machines, and after she came under scrutiny for the release of documents as the attorney for an ally of Donald Trump in a federal defamation case.

Mississippi – MS Sec. of State Wants to Work with AG on Campaign Finance Violations, AG Gives Nonresponse

MSN – Grant McLaughlin (Jackson Clarion Ledger) | Published: 8/11/2024

When Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson told a crowd of people at Neshoba County Fair it might be a good idea for an assistant attorney general to work in his office on campaign finance and elections fraud, it was not just a suggestion. It was a call for something to be done about the more than 20 related violations he has sent to Attorney General Lynn Fitch, whose office has not enforced campaign finance fines the secretary of state has issued and left dozens of election fraud cases unprosecuted, Watson said.

Nevada – Jury Hears Opening Arguments in Trial Against Nevada Official Accused of Killing Journalist

Yahoo News – Julia Reinstein (ABC News) | Published: 8/14/2024

Opening statements were made in the murder trial against Robert Telles, the former Clark County public administrator accused of killing journalist Jeff German in September 2022. Telles has been accused of stabbing the Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter to death outside his home after an investigation into corruption in his office destroyed his political career and marriage. German’s story detailed the alleged hostile work environment in Telles’ office.

New Jersey – New Jersey Governor to Name Former Aide the Caretaker for Bob Menendez’s Senate Seat

MSN – Matt Friedman and Daniel Han (Politico) | Published: 8/14/2024

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy plans to name his former chief of staff, who was a longtime Senate aide, as the state’s temporary replacement to the seat of disgraced U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez. Murphy will appoint George Helmy, a former staffer for Sen. Cory Booker who is now a health care executive in one of the biggest hospital systems in New Jersey, to the seat following Menendez’s resignation that takes effect August 20.

New York – Judge Denies Trump’s Recusal Bid, Rebuking Him for Claiming Harris Ties

DNyuz – Kate Christobek and Ben Protess (New York Times) | Published: 8/14/2024

The judge who oversaw Donald Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial declined for a third time to step aside from the case, rebuking the former president’s lawyers for claiming the judge had a distant yet problematic connection to Vice President Kamala Harris. Justice Juan Merchan’s decision enables him to soon decide two crucial matters that will shape Trump’s legal fate.

New York – Trash Hauler Won Coveted Garbage Pickup Rights After Donating to Mayor Adams’ Campaign

Gothamist – Liam Quigley | Published: 8/13/2024

New York City’s campaign watchdog is scrutinizing a series of donations to Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign by owners and employees of a waste hauling company that later won a set of licenses from the sanitation department. Records show five employees of Royal Waste Services gave a combined $10,800 to then-candidate Adams on the same day just two weeks before Adams won the Democratic primary. The donations from the company’s employees were flagged in a draft audit of Adams’ 2021 election fund by the Campaign Finance Board.

North Carolina – Group That Took NC Legislators on Bourbon Tour Violates Ethics Rules, Complaint Says

MSN – Dan Kane and Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 8/9/2024

Greater Carolina confirmed it hosted North Carolina legislators on a distillery tour in Kentucky where participants were accused of being drunk and disorderly. A complaint says the group is a “lobbying front,” providing gambling-industry officials and their lobbyists access to state lawmakers for what it calls “development events,” and using its status as a 501(c)(4) organization to avoid disclosure. The complaint says Greater Carolina violated a ban on gifts to public officials, and it is not disclosing its relationships with lobbyists involved in its events.

Ohio – FirstEnergy Makes $20 Million Deal with AG Dave Yost’s Office to Avoid HB6 Prosecution, Drop Company from Civil Lawsuits

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 8/12/2024

FirstEnergy will avoid state criminal prosecution over its starring role in the House Bill 6 bribery scandal in exchange for paying $20 million, under a deal with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office. The agreement, which follows a similar $230 million fine paid in 2021 avoid federal charges, means FirstEnergy will pay $250 million to elude criminal prosecution (plus another $100 million in expected regulatory penalties) for paying tens of millions in bribes to top state officials to secure lucrative policy priorities.

Ohio – Ohio Economic Developer JobsOhio Loans $2 Million to Company Headed by Insider

Ohio Capital Journal – Marty Schladen | Published: 8/12/2024

When JobsOhio was formed in 2011, officials placed tens of millions of from the state liquor franchise in the hands of a newly formed “private” corporation. Even though the corporation was formed by the state, its assets were placed beyond the transparency required of the public money it previously had been. It was done in the name of economic development. But critics feared it would open the door to insider dealing and possible corruption. Now, JobsOhio is granting more than $2 million in economic incentives to a company run by a man who also heads up a regional entity created by JobsOhio.

Oklahoma – Corporation Commissioners Have Accepted Thousands in Donations, Raising Ethical Questions

MSN – Kennedy Thomason (The Oklahoman) | Published: 8/9/2024

An analysis of campaign finance records filed from January 2018 to July 2024 show the state’s three Corporation Commission members have accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars combined from individuals or industries with direct links to those they are tasked with regulating. Although it is legal under state law to accept those contributions experts say it raises some ethical questions about whether certain donors may receive preferential treatment.

Texas – Inside ‘The Pond’ – CenterPoint’s Private Houston-Area Retreat Used for Lobbying Texas Politicians

MSN – Mike Morris, Amanda Drane, Neena Satija, and Eric Dexheimer (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 8/14/2024

A retreat known as “The Pond” has been a cornerstone of CenterPoint Energy’s lobbying efforts for decades, a space where the company’s lobbyists and executives can enjoy nature alongside the same Texas lawmakers who have voted to make it easier for CenterPoint to charge Houston customers more for electricity. More than 70 current or former state and local elected officials said they have visited the site, reported spending campaign funds on trips there, or were shown on the grounds in public images posted on social media, according to a media investigation.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Election Overseers Donate Thousands to Candidates

Capital Times – Andrew Bahl | Published: 8/12/2024

Despite their key decision-making roles in the elections process, members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission and the state Ethics Commission, as well as dozens of county clerks, have so far given a combined $26,000 this year to candidates, parties, and politically affiliated groups in the state and across the country. Those officials are allowed to donate, as long as they abide by the same limitations on contributions as everyone else. The intense scrutiny on elections in one of the nation’s foremost swing states has left some wondering if the rules, and Wisconsin’s system for running elections, make sense.

Campaign Finance

Indiana: “Seventh Circuit Orders Injunction on Indiana Campaign Finance Rule” by Dave Byrnes for Courthouse News Service

Massachusetts: “Cesar Ruiz Dissolves Latino Political Action Committee Due to Campaign Finance Violations” by Jim Kinney (MassLive) for MSN

Mississippi: “MS Sec. of State Wants to Work with AG on Campaign Finance Violations, AG Gives Nonresponse” by Grant McLaughlin (Jackson Clarion Ledger) for MSN

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Election Overseers Donate Thousands to Candidates” by Andrew Bahl for Capital Times

Elections

National: “Experts Warn of Election Disruptions After Trump Says Campaign Was Hacked” by Abbie Cheeseman and Joseph Menn (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Empty Chairs at Candidate Debates a Sign of These Very Partisan Times” by Karin Brulliard (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Inside Project 2025’s Secret Training Videos” by Andy Kroll (ProPublica) and Nick Surgery (Documented) for MSN

Procurement

California: “State Sting Operation Busts 11 Contractors Making Bids Without a License in Sacramento County” by Vincent Medina (Sacramento Bee) for MSN

National/Federal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New York Judge Throws Out Rudy Giuliani’s Bankruptcy Case

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Biden Set to Announce Support for Major Supreme Court Changes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shooting at Trump Rally Comes at Volatile Time in American History

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

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

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Statewide Initiative Would Restore Alaska Campaign Finance Limits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Dakota – North Dakota Lawmakers Work to Update Harassment Policy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Campaign Finance

California: “SF Lawmaker Who Spent $80,000 in Campaign Funds on 49ers Tickets Faces Probe” by Alec Regimbal for SFGate

Colorado: “Two-Week Trial Begins in Lawsuit Challenging Colorado’s Campaign Contribution Limits” by Sandra Fish for Colorado Sun

Ethics

National: “Sen. Menendez Convicted of Bribery, Other Charges in Corruption Trial” by Salvador Rizzo and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “U.S. Begins Dropping Jan. 6 Obstruction Charges for Some Proud Boys, Others” by Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “Lawyers for Illinois Ex-Speaker Madigan Ask Judge to Gut Indictment in Light of SCOTUS Ruling” by Jason Meisner, Ray Long, and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

New York: “Trial to Decide N.R.A.’s Financial Future Begins in Manhattan” by Danny Hakim and Kate Christobek (New York Times) for DNyuz

North Dakota: “North Dakota Lawmakers Work to Update Harassment Policy” by Mary Steuer for North Dakota Monitor

Procurement

New York: “In New York, Wage Theft Violators Get Millions in Government Contracts” by Marcus Baram (Documented) for ProPublica

National/Federal

Democrats Announce a $10 Million Push for State Legislatures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mystery Fundraising Firm Takes in Millions from the Trump Campaign

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Anti-China Pressure Hits DC Trade Groups

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

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

New Documents Show Unreported Trips by Justice Clarence Thomas

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

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

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

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

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

Stanford’s Top Disinformation Research Group Collapses Under Pressure

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

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

Senators in Summer Suits? Let’s See These ‘Suckers.

MSN – Rachel Tashjian (Washington Post) | Published: 6/14/2024

Seersucker Day dates back to the 1990s, when U.S. Sen. Trent Lott would designate a warm June day as an occasion to don the striped cotton summer suits popularized in the South. In a 2014 resolution, then-U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy revived the tradition a decade ago, then partnered with colleagues when he joined the Senate to promote National Seersucker Day. The day creates a visual record of bipartisanship that can be otherwise difficult to see.

Lack of Regulation for ‘Zombie’ Campaign Accounts

NJ Spotlight News – Benjamin Hulac | Published: 6/20/2024

When campaigns end, candidates retire, lose reelection, or die, the spending that fueled their runs for public office continues. This overlooked world of post-election political spending has prompted bipartisan interest in Congress to require campaigns to close out these so-called zombie campaigns, placing particular focus on lobbyists and foreign agents. But legislation to do so is highly unlikely to become law soon, leaving former candidates the chance to use their donors’ money to scare off would-be rivals, aid political allies, and give money to benefit their lobbying interests.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Trump Adviser Boris Epshteyn, Other Allies Plead Not Guilty in Arizona

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 6/18/2024

Boris Epshteyn, a key adviser to Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, pleaded not guilty to nine felony charges for his alleged role after the 2020 election to try to deliver Arizona’s 11 electoral votes to Trump instead of the rightful winner, Joe Biden. Two other co-defendants in the case pleaded not guilty to the same counts that Epshteyn faces, including conspiracy, fraud, and forgery: Jim Lamon, a GOP elector from Arizona who signed paperwork purporting Trump had won the state, and Jenna Ellis, an attorney who presented baseless claims of widespread malfeasance in states lost by Trump.

California – Hundreds of Vacancies at San Diego City and County Boards Hobble Missions, Delay Work

MSN – Jeff McDonald and Emily Alvarenga (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 6/16/2024

Nearly seven percent of political appointments across the San Diego County government are vacant, either because the terms expired, they were abandoned by seat holders, or they are languishing while elected officials ponder fresh nominations. Persistent vacancies on San Diego city boards and commissions are even more widespread, with nearly one in five positions available for public appointment vacant. The vacancies across every sector of the city and county governments have prompted delays in policymaking, enforcement, and land-use planning, among other routine duties.

California – San Joaquin Supervisor’s Car Wash Paid to Clean County Cars

MSN – Aaron Leathley (Stockton Record) | Published: 6/18/2024

Several times a month, staff at the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office take their work vehicles to Canepa’s, a Stockton car wash belonging to first-term county Supervisor Paul Canepa and his family. Last year’s washes came to about $1,700. In May, the Board of Supervisors voted to allow the medical examiner’s office to use Canepa’s car wash for up to $200,000 in services the coming fiscal year, without having to go through further board votes.

Colorado – Colorado Secretary of State Finds Pro-Wolf Advocate Engaged in Illegal Lobbying During 2024 Legislative Session

Denver Gazette – Marianne Goodland (Colorado Politics) | Published: 6/18/2024

Stephen Capra must pay a $250 fine for violating Colorado’s lobbying law. Capra lobbied state lawmakers but failed to register with the state and file disclosure reports. The Elections Division noted “mitigating factors,” that the violation was not extensive and occurred for only a few hours over a two-day period, and it was only on one House bill that did not pass.

Delaware – Delaware Gubernatorial Candidate Bethany Hall-Long Has Taken $25,000 in Donations That Exceed Legal Limit

WHYY – Chris Barash | Published: 6/17/2024

Delaware Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long’s gubernatorial campaign has accepted tens of thousands of dollars in contributions from PACs and individuals that exceed the $1,200-per-donor limit.  The donations have come from at least two PACs that are not registered with the state Department of Elections, as required by law, as well as doctors, developers, lawyers, and other supporters who have contributed to her since 2021.

Hawaii – Honolulu Council Adopts Gift Ban Bill for City Officials

Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Ian Bauer (Honolulu Star-Advertiser) | Published: 6/8/2024

The Honolulu City Council voted to adopt Bill 23, meant to tighten existing rules that bar city employees from accepting gifts valued in excess of $50, also clarifying which gifts may be solicited or accepted. It replaces Bill 26, a similar 2022 measure that expired earlier this year after surpassing its two-year deadline without council passage.

Illinois – State Elections Board Dismisses Illegal Campaign Coordination Complaint, Declines to Clarify Law

WCBU – Hannah Meisel (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 6/18/2024

Illinois elections officials indicated they were unlikely to step in to clarify what constitutes illegal campaign coordination after voting to dismiss a complaint alleging such coordination in the 2022 campaign for governor. The Illinois State Board of Elections dismissed a complaint alleging conservative radio host and political operative Dan Proft illegally coordinated with former state Sen. Darren Bailey during his 2022 campaign for governor. A hearing officer had agreed with Proft and Bailey’s contention that state law was not specific enough to find a violation had occurred.

Illinois – Ethics Committee Chair Pushes Call for Public Financing for City Council Elections into City Hall Spotlight

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 6/18/2024

Calling Chicago’s campaign finance system broken, the chair of the city council’s Ethics Committee urged his colleagues to approve a plan to use taxpayer money to match small contributions from Chicagoans to candidates for the council. Ald. Matt Martin said the plan, which is estimated to cost approximately $9.5 million per election, was designed to reduce the influence of “big special interest donors.”

Louisiana – Gov. Jeff Landry, in Dispute with Ethics Board, Signs Law Giving Himself More Control Over It

Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 6/17/2024

Gov. Jeff Landry signed a new law to give him control over the Louisiana Board of Ethics, even as a dispute between him and board members continues. The ethics board charged Landry last year with failing to disclose flights he took to and from Hawaii on a political donor’s private plane while Landry was attorney general. Landry and the board are still in negotiations about what an appropriate punishment for his violation should be.

Louisiana – Louisiana Requires Ten Commandments to Be Displayed in Public Classrooms

MSN – Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) | Published: 6/19/2024

Gov. Jeff Landry signed legislation requiring every public classroom in Louisiana to display the Ten Commandments, becoming the first state with such a law and inflaming tensions over the separation between church and state. Critics vowed to challenge the law in court, calling it unconstitutional and warning that it will lead to religious coercion of students.

Minnesota – Utility Regulators Hosted Annual Conference in Minneapolis with Money from Entities They Oversee

MSN – Walker Orenstein (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 6/18/2024

Minnesota’s utility regulators hosted more than 600 people in Minneapolis for an annual regional conference, but some of the sponsors helping to pay for the event are also at the whim of the regulators’ rulings. That financial relationship at the center of the Mid-America Regulatory Conference has some energy advocacy groups feeling uneasy about what they worry is a conflict-of-interest. But the lead organizer of this year’s event, Katie Sieben, chairperson of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, argued the gathering helps commissioners foster connection and make stronger decisions, not blur the lines between government and business.

Montana – Political Practices Commissioner Rules That AG Candidate Was Ineligible

Daily Montanan – Darrell Ehrlick | Published: 6/13/2024

The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices ruled Daniels County Attorney Logan Olson Logan Olson was not qualified to run for state attorney general in the 2024 primary election, but stopped short of saying he knowingly violated the law. Commissioner Chris Gallus said even if he had found Olson knowingly violated the law, he lacked enforcement power. Because Gallus could not prove that Olson broke the law, he dismissed the complaint against him.

New Jersey – Explosive Indictment Accuses Powerful N.J. Political Boss in Huge Corruption Scheme

MSN – Ted Sherman and S.P. Sullivan (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 6/17/2024

George Norcross III, a powerful Democratic power broker in New Jersey, was charged with racketeering. The indictment was announced by state Attorney General Matthew Platkin at a press conference attended by Norcross himself, who sat prominently in the front row. Platkin alleged Norcross and others obtained property and property rights on the Camden waterfront while collecting millions of dollars in government-issued tax credits and while controlling or influencing government officials.

New York – Mayor Adams’ 2021 Campaign Stopped Replying to NYC Watchdog. It Still Got Public Funds.

Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 6/13/2024

Newly released documents show the team behind Eric Adams’ mayoral bid in New York City was regularly seeking guidance from campaign finance officials long before Adams declared his candidacy. But when the Campaign Finance Board asked more questions about contributions from small donors to ensure Adams was in compliance, the campaign stopped replying. Adams raised nearly $20 million for his 2021 campaign, including more than $10 million from the public campaign finance program.

New York – How One Woman’s Quest to Fix Her Harlem Housing Complex Got Her Busted on Campaign Finance Charges

MSN – Graham Rayman and Téa Kvetenadze (New York Daily News) | Published: 6/16/2024

When the Manhattan district attorney’s office charged six people in a conspiracy to bundle illegal campaign contributions to the Eric Adams mayoral campaign, prosecutors alleged five of them did it to benefit themselves or companies with business before the city. But the sixth defendant swept up in the “straw donor” case, a 78-year-old retired accountant with no prior record named Millicent Redick, did not fit that narrative.

North Carolina – North Carolina Supreme Court Secretly Squashed Discipline of Two GOP Judges Who Admitted to Violating Judicial Code

MSN – Doug Bock Clark (ProPublica) | Published: 6/18/2024

When it comes to disciplining judges, North Carolina is one of the most secretive states in the U.S. North Carolina is one of only three states, in addition to the District of Columbia, to release information only at the last possible stage of the process, after the state Supreme Court orders discipline. Asher Hildebrand, a professor of public policy at Duke University, explained that North Carolina once had policies designed to keep the judiciary above the political fray. But the gradual dismantling of these policies by the Republican-controlled Legislature has driven the court’s polarization, according to Hildebrand.

Ohio – Federal Appeals Court to Reconsider Case Affecting Attorney General Dave Yost’s Authority to Block Proposed Ballot Issues

MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 6/17/2024

The full Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will consider a recent decision that could affect Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s ability to block future proposed ballot-issue campaigns via a state law that gives his office authority to sign off on proposed language those campaigns must circulate with petitions to qualify for the ballot. A three-judge panel of the court ordered Yost to approve petition language for a proposed state constitutional amendment that would make it easier for Ohioans to sue police for misconduct.

Ohio – ‘Call Mike DeWine on the $500k:’ Governor’s text sparked dark money payment, texts show

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 6/16/2024

In October 2018, polls showed a tight governor’s race between Mike DeWine and Rich Cordray. DeWine sent a text message to then-FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones: “Chuck. Can u call me?” In another text message, DeWine told Jones the teachers’ union had just dumped $1 million into Cordray’s campaign. Jones forwarded DeWine’s outreach to Mike Dowling, a senior vice president – who also was indicted this year on bribery charges alongside Jones. The FirstEnergy men agreed to a “dark money” contribution, which are unlimited in size and not publicly disclosed.

Oklahoma – How Oklahoma Tracks Campaign Finances Is About to Change. Find Out How

MSN – Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 6/14/2024

A $1.2 million appropriation to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission in the recently signed budget will fund the replacement of the Guardian System, a database used to track campaign finance reports and the registration of lobbyists. The system is set to expire in February 2025 and amid an election cycle, replacing the system has become more urgent.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Commission Settles with Make Oklahoma Great Again PAC

Oklahoma Voice – Emma Murphy | Published: 6/17/2024

The Make Oklahoma Great Again Political Action Committee was fined $25,000 to settle a state Ethics Commission complaint. According to the settlement, the organization failed to register as a PAC and file contribution and expenditure reports.

Oklahoma – Stitt Bans No-Bid PR Contracts. But It Won’t Impact Oklahoma Education Agreement, Spokesman Says.

Yahoo News – Barbara Hoberock (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 6/14/2024

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order prohibiting state agencies from spending money on outside public relations firms by using sole source contracts. But the executive order does not impact existing contracts the State Department of Education has entered. Sole source contracts are issued without competitive bidding. State Superintendent Ryan Walters has used state dollars for an outside firm to promote himself, his ideas, and his administration, drawing criticism.

Oregon – Oregon’s Top Health Official Meddled in Press Release at Behest of Alcohol Industry Lobbyists

Willamette Week – Lucas Manfield | Published: 6/16/2024

Emails show the state’s top health official suggested changing a routine press release after alcohol industry lobbyists said it was too negative. The release was sent out, suggestion included, on April 4. The occasion was Alcohol Awareness Month. On April 3, a top deputy to the state Health Authority’s director gave four representatives of the Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association, the Oregon Wine Council, and other industry groups a draft copy of the release. Lobbyists wanted additions to the press release to make it “more balanced.”

Texas – Texas Conservatives Want to End Countywide Voting. The Costs Could Be High.

MSN – Natalia Contreras (Votebeat) | Published: 6/12/2024

A conservative push to get rid of countywide polling places is winning growing interest from state lawmakers, as well as a spot on the Texas Republican Party’s list of legislative priorities for next year. But election officials are warning if legislators scrap the state’s countywide voting program, they will struggle to pull off the changes that would be required, beginning with increasing their numbers of polling places. That means paying for hard-to-find additional locations, recruiting and paying workers to staff them, and obtaining more voting equipment.

Texas – Texas Ethics Commission Requires Social Media Influencers to Disclose Paid Political Posts

MSN – Bayliss Wagner (Austin American-Statesman) | Published: 6/18/2024

The Texas Ethics Commission approved a new rule that requires social media influencers to disclose their paid political work after an investigation revealed an organization hired dozens of influencers to attend a rally in support of impeached state Attorney General Ken Paxton. The rule will require transparency about such transactions, requiring that a person who is paid to boost a post or make their own video or post by a political actor discloses that to their audience.

Texas – Ex-Legislator Faces Investigation for Possible Violation of Lobbying Law He Co-Sponsored

Texas Observer – Justin Miller | Published: 6/12/2024

A former legislator who chaired a powerful state House committee is under investigation by the Texas Ethics Commission for his alleged violations of a “revolving door” law that restricts lawmakers from leaving office to become lobbyists. Rep. Chris Paddie resigned his seat to become a lobbyist and consultant for private sector interests. His attempted career transition was thwarted by a lobbying law that Paddie co-sponsored, which bans departing legislators who gave campaign funds to fellow lawmakers from lobbying for two years after their last donation.

Vermont – Vermont Lawmaker Apologizes for Repeatedly Drenching Colleague’s Bag

MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 6/19/2024

Rep. Mary Morrissey, a Republican serving her 13th term in the Vermont Legislature, apologized for inconspicuously pouring water into a Democratic colleague’s bag over the course of five months, behavior she described as “most unbecoming” of her position. For months, Rep. Jim Carroll said he could not figure out how the bag he brought to the statehouse ended up soaked until Morrissey was caught on camera a few weeks ago pouring water out of a clear cup into his tote.

Washington – Caught in a Crossfire. Franklin Investigation Reveals Employee Toll of Political Fights

Yahoo News – Cory McCoy (Tri-City Herald) | Published: 6/14/2024

In recent years, Franklin County in Washington has seen an exodus of employees, many of them citing toxicity and bullying by elected officials as their reason for quitting. New recordings of investigative interviews with employees offer a previously unseen look into how the constant infighting has impacted the ability to do their jobs. The interviews are part of a criminal investigation into allegations against several Franklin County elected leaders suspected of official misconduct, witness tampering, criminal conspiracy and making false statements to law enforcement officials.

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

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.

Maryland – Elections Board Orders Nick Mosby to Return ‘Excessive Contributions’ from BGE and Correct Other Errors

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.

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

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.