National/Federal

How Judges Navigate Offers of Free Lunch, Trips and NBA Tickets

Bloomberg Law – Zoe Tillman (Bloomberg News) | Published: 6/25/2023

Recent controversies over perks accepted by Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have raised questions not only about the justices’ conduct off the bench and what they disclose to the public, but also about how the judiciary broadly enforces ethics. Eight current and former federal judges shared their insights into how the judiciary operates as well as their own experiences with ethics issues. Judges said they usually found the rules clear on what to report, what gifts to refuse, and when to step down from a case. But the judges admit there is a gray area as well.

The Attention Was All on Mar-a-Lago. Some of the Action Was at Bedminster

DNyuz – Alan Feuer, Maggie Haberman, and Jonathan Swain (New York Times) | Published: 6/27/2023

For all the attention focused during the investigation into Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents at his private club and residence in Florida, another of Trump’s properties has played a crucial, if quieter, role in the case: his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Bedminster, where Trump spends his summers, has turned out also to have been a focus of investigators and the scene of a central episode in Trump’s indictment: a meeting in which he was recorded showing off what he described as a “highly confidential” plan to attack Iran.

A.I.’s Use in Elections Sets Off a Scramble for Guardrails

DNyuz – Tiffany Hsu and Steven Lee Myers (New York Times) | Published: 6/25/2023

What began a few months ago as a slow drip of fundraising emails and promotional images composed by A.I. for campaigns has turned into a steady stream of materials created by the technology, rewriting the playbook for elections. Political consultants, election researchers, and lawmakers say setting up new guardrails, such as legislation reining in synthetically generated ads, should be a priority. Existing defenses, such as social media rules and services that claim to detect A.I. content, have failed to do much to slow the tide. As the U.S. presidential race starts to heat up, some of the campaigns are already testing the technology.

Senate Panel Finds More Pre-Jan. 6 Intelligence Failures by FBI, DHS

MSN – Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 6/27/2023

A new Senate committee report sharply criticizes the FBI and Department of Homeland Security for what it says were failures to believe the intelligence tips they were receiving in the run-up to the attack on the U.S. Capitol, offering fresh examples of warnings and information that went unheeded. The document sheds new light on the many different types of warnings the FBI received from nongovernmental organizations tracking extremism online, from the public, and from its own field offices.

FEC Deadlocks on Whether to Govern Deepfake Campaign Ads

MSN – Daniela Altimari (Roll Call) | Published: 6/22/2023

The FEC deadlocked on a request to develop regulations for AI-generated deepfake political ads, meaning no action will be taken. Public Citizen submitted a petition asking the commission to establish rules, noting advances in artificial intelligence have given political operatives the tools to produce campaign ads with computer-generated fake images that appear real. Such ads could misrepresent a candidate’s political views, a violation of existing federal law.

Audio Undercuts Trump’s Assertion He Did Not Have Classified Document

Seattle Times – Maggie Haberman and Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 6/26/2023

An audio recording of former President Trump in 2021 discussing what he called a “highly confidential” document about Iran he acknowledged he could not declassify because he was out of office appears to contradict his recent assertion the material that he was referring to was simply news clippings. Portions of a transcript of the two-minute recording were cited by federal prosecutors in the indictment of Trump on charges he had put national security secrets at risk by mishandling classified documents after leaving office and then obstructing the government’s efforts to retrieve them.

Watchdog Alleges Canadian Hedge Fund Gave Illegal Contributions to DeSantis Campaign

Yahoo News – Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) | Published: 6/28/2023

The Campaign Legal Center filed a second complaint against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s campaign, alleging a Canadian hedge fund made more than $167,000 in illegal contributions to his operation. The Federal Election Campaign Act prohibits the contributions to U.S. elections and bans foreign nationals from participating in any decision-making process with regard to making a political donation.

Ethics Committee Expands Investigation into Santos

Yahoo News – Mychael Schnell (The Hill) | Published: 6/23/2023

The House ethics committee expanded its probe into U.S. Rep. George Santos, adding allegations he fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits to the list of investigative areas. Santos is also accused of misleading donors and misrepresenting his finances to the public and government agencies. The indictment accuses Santos of fraudulently receiving more than $24,000 in unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Legal Fees Mount, Trump Steers Donations into PAC That Has Covered Them

Yahoo News – Shane Goldmacher and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 6/24/2023

Facing multiple intensifying investigations, former President Trump has begun diverting more of the money he is raising away from his 2024 presidential campaign and into a PAC he has used to pay his personal legal fees. The change raises fresh questions about how Trump is paying for his mounting legal bills, which could run into millions of dollars, as he prepares for at least two criminal trials, and whether his PAC, Save America, is facing a financial crunch.

The Super PAC Frenzy Redefining Campaign Operations

Yahoo News – Jessica Piper and Sally Goldenberg (Politico) | Published: 6/25/2023

Super PACs have been growing in strength for more than a decade, but this cycle are swimming in more money than ever. The groups are taking new approaches, deploying staffing at campaign events, paying for door-knocking operations, and even sending fundraising texts on candidates’ behalf. Some of the new strategies could test the legal limits on coordination between campaigns and super PACs, though campaign finance experts say the groups so far seem to be complying with how the FEC has interpreted the rules. But the greater on-the-ground presence of super PACs has not gone unnoticed.

Giuliani Sat for Voluntary Interview in Jan. 6 Investigation

Yahoo News – Ben Protess, Alan Feuer, and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 6/28/2023

Rudolph Giuliani, who served as former President Trump’s personal lawyer, was interviewed by federal prosecutors investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The voluntary interview, which took place under what is known as a proffer agreement, was a significant development in the election interference investigation led by Jack Smith, the special counsel, and the latest indication that Smith and his team are actively seeking witnesses who might cooperate in the case.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Federal Lobbying Hit a Record High Last Fiscal Year, Industry Watchdog Says

CBC – Staff | Published: 6/27/2023

Lobbying hit an all-time high in Ottawa during the last fiscal year, says a new report from the industry’s watchdog. Under the law, lobbyists must report their oral and arranged communications with certain public office holders. Consultant lobbyists must also report any communications relating to the awarding of a federal contract. A new code of conduct for the industry will come into effect on July 1.

Alabama – Former Alabama Ethics Commission Director Says New Law Could Silence Whistleblowers

MSN – Mike Cason (AL.com) | Published: 6/25/2023

The former executive director of the Alabama Ethics Commission said the loss of anonymity protection for people who file ethics complaints will result in fewer whistleblowers reporting what they believe are illegal acts. The bill passed by lawmakers requires the commission to tell a person under investigation who filed the complaint that sparked the probe. Legislators said public officials should know the identity of their accuser in an ethics investigation, just as they would in a criminal or civil trial.

Arizona – Kari Lake Accused of Defamation in Suit Filed by Arizona Election Official

MSN – Yvonne Winget Sanchez and Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 6/22/2023

A key election official in Arizona’s most populous county filed a defamation lawsuit on against Kari Lake, the former television newscaster who narrowly lost her 2022 race for governor and has falsely blamed widespread fraud and malfeasance in the months since. The lawsuit by Stephen Richer, the Maricopa County recorder, marks the most aggressive attempt to hold Lake and her allies accountable for election-related misinformation. It comes amid other efforts to make right-wing figures and media answerable for spreading election fabrications.

California – A Big Contract Went to a San Jose Private School Run by the Mayor’s Wife. Was It Competitive?

MSN – Gabriel Greschler (Bay Area News Group) | Published: 6/27/2023

A city contract worth nearly $1 million was awarded to a San Jose private high school run by Mayor Matt Mahan’s wife, with officials assuring it went through the routine competitive bidding process, though leaders at other schools say they were not aware of the opportunity. City officials insisted they performed the proper outreach to numerous schools so everyone had a fair chance. The private school, they contended, was the only one that applied for the funding for the work-study program at City Hall for high school students.

California – San Francisco’s Ex-Utilities Chief Accused of Shady Business Dealings on First Day of Corruption Trial

San Francisco Standard – Michael Barba | Published: 6/27/2023

To some, Harlan Kelly was a corrupt San Francisco official who exploited his role overseeing one of California’s largest public utilities for personal gain, including a lavish vacation to China. To others, the former head of the city’s Public Utilities Commission was an exemplary public servant whose key mistake was trusting a shady businessperson who sought to corrupt him. Those are the two versions of Kelly that jurors heard as his federal corruption trial began. Which version the jury chooses to believe could hinge on their trust in Walter Wong, the businessperson who is expected to testify against Kelly.

District of Columbia – D.C. Council Majority Calls for 3rd-Party Investigation into Ex-Aide

MSN – Meagan Flynn and Michael Brice-Saddler (Washington Post) | Published: 6/20/2023

A majority of District of Columbia Council members called for a broader, independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Mayor Muriel Bowser’s former top adviser, John Falcicchio, following an investigation by Bowser’s legal office that substantiated some of the complaints a female employee made against him. Bowser faces mounting questions from lawmakers about whether it is sufficient for the investigative arm of the executive branch to investigate itself when a sexual harassment complaint is lodged against a mayoral appointee.

Florida – Former Broward Mayor Accused of Firing Staffer to Clear Developer for $102M Loan

MSN – Grethel Aguila (Miami Herald) | Published: 6/25/2023

A new report sheds more light into how a former Broward official allegedly bent the rules, and fired a staffer in the process, to help a developer secure $102 million in loans while in public office. Lynn Stoner, the former mayor of Plantation, was charged with official misconduct, falsification of records, and two counts of influencing a building official. If convicted, she faces up to eight years in prison.

Florida – DeSantis Agency Sent $92 Million in Covid Relief Funds to Donor-Backed Project

MSN – Michael Scherer, Isaac Arnsdorf, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 6/29/2023

The administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis steered $92 million last year in leftover federal coronavirus stimulus money to a controversial highway interchange project that directly benefits a top political donor. The decision by the state Department of Transportation to use money from the American Rescue Plan for an I-95 interchange near Daytona Beach fulfilled a years-long effort by Mori Hosseini, a politically connected housing developer who owns two large tracts of largely forested land abutting the planned interchange.

Illinois – Do You Believe in ‘Magic’ Lobbyists? Illinois Businesses Stick by Madigan-Connected Lobbyists.

WBEZ – Dave McKinney | Published: 6/23/2023

More than two dozen lobbyists were on a handwritten registry of “magic lobbyists” that former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s now-convicted aide, Michael McClain, memorialized on a sheet of hotel stationery. The list helped convict four former Commonwealth Edison executives and lobbyists of bribing Madigan to boost the power company’s legislative fortunes. Despite being publicly identified in the corruption case, none of the other “magic” lobbyists are facing charges due to that investigation and these lobbyists appear to have faced no employment fallout from the scandal.

Kentucky – Kentucky Attorney General Is Accused of Seeking Donations from Company His Office Is Investigating

Yahoo News – Bruce Schreiner (Associated Press) | Published: 6/26/2023

State Attorney General Daniel Cameron directly solicited donations for his gubernatorial campaign from executives of a Kentucky drug treatment organization that his office began investigating last year, according to an attorney for the Edgewater Recovery Centers. Several Edgewater executives later gave $7,600 to Cameron’s campaign, which has been refunded. But the solicitations and their timing have led to demands for an investigation from the campaign of Gov. Andy Beshear.

Louisiana – Supreme Court Clears Way for Redrawing of Louisiana Congressional Map

MSN – Melissa Quinn (CBS News) | Published: 6/26/2023

The U.S. Supreme Court tossed out a bid by Louisiana Republicans seeking to reverse a lower court ruling that ordered it to redraw its congressional map, paving the way for new voting lines to be drawn to include a second majority-Black congressional district before the 2024 election. The case had been put on hold while the Supreme Court weighed a similar challenge to Alabama’s congressional voting lines.

Maryland – National Climate Group Asks: Should Md. lobbying firms take fossil fuel clients?

Maryland Matters – Josh Kurtz | Published: 6/28/2023

A new advocacy group is pressing clean energy lobbyists in Maryland and at state Legislatures across the country to part ways with fossil fuel interests. In Maryland, scores of institutions, nonprofit groups, and even clean energy organizations use statehouse lobbyists who are also representing fossil fuels interests. Most Annapolis lobbying firms usually hire teams of politically savvy generalists, who tend to work a range of issues for a broad variety of clients.

Massachusetts – Galvin Pushes to Update Lobbying Laws

Eagle-Tribune – Christian Wade | Published: 6/23/2023

Secretary of State William Galvin wants to bar individuals convicted on federal charges from serving as state lobbyists for at least 10 years. A proposal in the Legislature would expand a state statute “automatically” disqualifying people convicted of certain state crimes from registering as lobbyists to include individuals convicted of federal offenses. The move comes in response to a recent Supreme Judicial Court ruling that cleared former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi to lobby the state Legislature and executive branch, despite his prior convictions on federal charges.

Massachusetts – Councilor Ricardo Arroyo Admits to Ethics Violation, Pays Penalty in Connection with Representing His Brother

MSN – Danny McDonald (Boston Globe) | Published: 6/27/2023

Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo admitted to a conflict-of-interest violation and paid a $3,000 penalty for continuing to represent his brother in a sexual harassment lawsuit after Arroyo became a member of the city council. The announcement from the state Ethics Commission is the latest controversy to enmesh Arroyo. One of his council colleagues suggested he consider resigning after two investigative reports found former U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins improperly tried to influence last year’s primary election for Suffolk district attorney in Arroyo’s favor.

Mississippi – Mississippi Dems Not Reporting Campaign Spending, Could Face Ethics Penalties

Mississippi Free Press – Ashton Pittman | Published: 6/28/2023

The Mississippi Democratic Party could face fines and other penalties after failing to file periodic campaign finance reports. Unless the party takes action by June 30, the secretary of state’s office will turn the issue over to the Mississippi Ethics Commission. In emails, Democratic Party Executive Director Andre Wagner said the party did not have to file campaign finance reports because they had not engaged in spending that would necessitate reporting.

Missouri – Ethics Commission Fines Ex-St. Louis Candidate $6,000, Citing Campaign Violations

St Louis Post-Dispatch – Austin Huguelet | Published: 6/24/2023

The Missouri Ethics Commission fined one of last year’s candidates for president of the St. Louis City Council $6,000, citing a litany of campaign finance violations. The commission said entrepreneur Mark Kummer failed to report donations of more than $5,000 within 48 hours, neglected to itemize a raft of in-kind contributions worth more than $50,000, and never filed a key disclosure when he terminated a campaign committee.

Nebraska – Nebraska State Senator Sues Conservative Lobbying Group That Accused Her of Grooming

Courthouse News Service – Andrew Nelson | Published: 6/28/2023

Nebraska Sen. Megan Hunt is suing a conservative PAC for defamation after it called her a groomer on Twitter. The Nebraska Freedom Coalition’s Tweet included childhood photos of her now 13-year-old, transgender son. The group also published a tweet in which it described the lawmaker’s “skills” as “grooming children, including her own.” The tweets were published after Hunt shared that her son was transgender on the floor of the Legislature during a debate on a measure that would restrict gender-affirming care for those younger than 19.

Nevada – Analyst, Consultant, or Lobbyist?

Nevada Current – Dana Gentry | Published: 6/28/2023

When consultant Jeremy Aguero co-presented a bill to pump hundreds of millions of dollars of public money into a homeless facility in Las Vegas, he never disclosed working on the project for Wynn Resorts. When Aguero touted to state lawmakers the potential benefits of investing hundreds of millions of dollars to publicly subsidize a baseball stadium, he once again failed to disclose he was working for the Oakland A’s, the team hoping to profit from the venture. Despite his frequent presence at the Nevada Legislature, Aguero is not registered as a lobbyist, a process that would require him to publicly disclose his clients.

New York – Adams’ Confidante Frank Carone Inks Another Deal with Real Estate Big – Advocates Give It a Wary Eye

Yahoo News – Michael Gartland (New York Daily News) | Published: 6/26/2023

Mayor Adams’ former chief of staff, Frank Carone, signed a consulting deal with Related Companies, one of the biggest players in the city’s real estate sector, a development that has good-government advocates concerned about the potential for influence peddling. Carone, who worked as one of Adams’ top lieutenants for a year before leaving to launch his Oaktree Solutions consulting firm, remains close to the mayor and is serving as chairperson of his reelection campaign. Carone said the company retained his firm to provide “strategic advice and ideas.”

North Carolina – Supreme Court Rejects Theory That Would Have Meant Radical Changes to Election Rules

MSN – Robert Barnes (Washington Post) | Published: 6/28/2023

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a legal theory that would have radically reshaped how federal elections are conducted by giving state Legislatures largely unchecked power to set rules for federal elections and to draw congressional maps distorted by partisan gerrymandering. Maintaining the status quo is seen as significant for a court that in recent years has constricted voting and election protections in federal law and the Constitution.

Ohio – Ex-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder Gets Maximum 20 Years in Prison for Largest Bribery Scandal in State History

Cleveland Plain Dealer – Adam Ferrise | Published: 6/29/2023

Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the largest corruption scandal in state history. Jurors found Householder orchestrated a $60 million bribery scheme secretly funded by FirstEnergy to secure Householder’s power, elect his allies, pass legislation containing a $1 billion bailout for two aging nuclear power plants owned by a FirstEnergy affiliate, and then to use a dirty tricks campaign to stifle a ballot effort to overturn the bill.

Ohio – Ohio Froze an Ex-Utility Regulator’s $8 Million in Assets. Lawyers Disagree Over Whether It’s Legal.

MSN – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 6/28/2023

Lawyers disagreed sharply in arguments before the Ohio Supreme Court over whether $8 million in assets belonging to the state’s former top utility regulator should have been frozen after he was caught up in a sweeping bribery investigation. Sam Randazzo resigned as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio after FBI agents searched his home, close on the heels of the arrest of then-House Speaker Larry Householder. He has not been charged in conjunction with the House Bill 6 scandal, which remains under investigation.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Lobbyist Spending Rebounds from Pandemic-Era Decline

Oklahoma Watch – Keaton Ross | Published: 6/26/2023

With COVID-19 concerns heightened, advocacy groups in Oklahoma scaled back large in-person gatherings during the 2021 legislative session. Expenditure reports show that sort of spending has rebounded. Lobbyists have spent nearly $380,000 this year on gifts, meals, and beverages for state legislators and other elected officials through May, a 42 person increase over the same period two years ago.

Oregon – Defying Pledges to Limit Campaign Contributions, Oregon Lawmakers Again Fail to Do So

MSN – Grant Stringer (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 6/22/2023

In a repeat of years past, state lawmakers ended the legislative session without tightening Oregon’s loose campaign finance laws, falling short on a key pledge to do so. Tony Lapiz, legislative director for Speaker Dan Rayfield, said lawmakers will continue to meet after the session with the goal of referring the issue to voters in 2024. Unlike the vast majority of states, Oregon law allows unlimited donations from corporations, unions, individuals, and other entities to candidates for governor, state offices, and the Legislature.

Oregon – Oregon Lawmakers Would Be Able to Remove the Governor Under a Measure Headed to Voters

Oregon Public Broadcasting – Dirk VanderHart | Published: 6/26/2023

Oregon lawmakers would gain the ability to remove the governor and other statewide elected officials under a proposal lawmakers sent to voters. It will appear on the November 2024 ballot. Oregon is the only state where lawmakers do not have the power to impeach the governor. The proposal gained steam after a scandal that forced Secretary of State Shemia Fagan to resign in May.

Oregon – Voters Will Be Asked to Create Commission to Change Elected Leaders’ Salaries

Salem Statesman-Journal – Dianne Lugo | Published: 6/25/2023

Oregon voters will get to decide on the creation of an independent commission to make decisions about elected officials’ compensation. The bipartisan effort to address the issue came at the heels of the resignation of Secretary of State Shemia Fagan. She faces ethical and criminal investigations after it was revealed she was being paid $10,000 a month by a cannabis company while her office was overseeing an audit of the cannabis industry. Fagan said accepted the contract because her salary as secretary of state was not enough to make ends meet.

Rhode Island – Ethics Panel Votes to Investigate R.I. Officials’ Conduct During Philly Trip, and Speaker Shekarchi

MSN – Edward Fitzpatrick (Boston Globe) | Published: 6/27/2023

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted to launch an investigation into potential ethics violations by the two former state officials who were accused of “outrageous behavior” during a business trip to Philadelphia, and it will probe a separate allegation against House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. Commission staff members initiated the complaint filed against David Patten and James Thorsen, the two former state officials who took a now-infamous trip to visit Scout Ltd., a Philadelphia company seeking to redevelop the Cranston Street Armory in Providence.

Rhode Island – Rhode Island Senator Arrested, Accused of Keying Car with Anti-Biden Bumper Sticker

MSN – Steph Machado (Boston Globe) | Published: 6/23/2023

State Sen. Josh Miller was arrested recently, accused of keying a car in a shopping center parking lot that was sporting a bumper sticker reading “Biden sucks.” Body-worn camera videos showed Miller initially denied keying the man’s car when stopped by police, but at his home later acknowledged he did so because he felt he was being threatened by the man. Miller said he has been stalked at the statehouse by “gun nuts” because he is the lead sponsor of a bill to ban assault-style weapons in Rhode Island.

Tennessee – Legislative Office Lawyers Say TN Records Laws Don’t Apply to Them in Lawsuit Over Ethics Docs

Tennessee Lookout – Adam Friedman | Published: 6/23/2023

Lawyers for the Tennessee legislative office believe the state’s public records do not apply to the legislative body, and it would violate the separation of government powers for a court to compel to release the documents related to their investigation into sexual harassment allegations against former Rep. Scotty Campbell. The case has the potential to widen the door on what records fall under the deliberative process privilege exemption, which Gov. Bill Lee has used to deny numerous public records’ request by journalists.

Texas – DeSantis’s Taxpayer-Funded Helicopter Ride in Texas Draws Scrutiny

DNyuz – Neil Vigdor and Nicholas Nehamas (New York Times) | Published: 6/28/2023

A photo op intended to turbocharge Republican voters, one showing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis posing in front of a helicopter at the southern border in Texas. But the display is creating an unwanted spotlight for DeSantis: The helicopter is funded by Texas taxpayers, raising questions about the political nature of the flight and its cost. Reflecting the split nature of his duties, DeSantis wore a shirt that said “Governor Ron DeSantis” on the right and “DeSantis for President” on the left.

The general assembly officially ended the 2023 legislative session on June 16.

Lawmakers passed a bevy of bills addressing procurement small purchase limits, contribution limits, and primary election dates.

House Bill 5962 and Senate Bill 0846 raise the minimum aggregate reporting limit for candidates and committees of all contributions received and expenditures made from any one source within a calendar year from $100 to $200.

The bills also raise the contribution limit for individuals and political action committees from $1,000 to $2,000 per year.

If signed by the Governor the bills would take effect on January 1, 2024.

House Bill 5463 increases the maximum state and municipal small purchase limits from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other state and municipal purchases.

If signed by the governor this bill will take effect on December 31, 2023.

Finally, House Bill 6033 allows the first Tuesday after the first Monday in the month preceding the special election to be available to hold the special primary. This bill has been signed by the Governor and will take effect immediately.

The 98th session of the Legislature adjourned sine die on March 27.

During the session, lawmakers passed House Bill 1060 increasing the threshold for requiring a purchasing agency to advertise for bids or proposals for a contract for the purchase of supplies or services, other than professional services, from $25,000 to $50,000 and any public improvement contract from $50,000 to $100,000.

A lobbying bill prohibiting the spouse of a member of the legislature from being employed as a lobbyist and a campaign finance bill to increase contribution limits did not pass.

National/Federal

As Chatbots Spread, Conservatives Dream About a Right-Wing Response

DNyuz – Stuart Thompson, Tiffany Hsu, and Steven Lee Myers (New York Times) | Published: 3/20/2023

Artificial intelligence has become another front in the political and cultural wars in the U.S. and other countries. Even as companies scramble to join the commercial boom prompted by the release of ChatGPT, they face a debate over the use, and potential abuse, of artificial intelligence. The technology’s ability to create content that hews to predetermined ideological points of view, or presses disinformation, highlights a danger – that an informational cacophony could emerge from competing chatbots with different versions of reality, undermining the viability of artificial intelligence as a tool in everyday life and further eroding trust in society.

Two Gifts to Trump Family from Foreign Nations Are Missing, Report Says

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 3/17/2023

Federal officials cannot find two gifts received by former President Trump and his family from foreign nations, including a life-size painting of Trump from the president of El Salvador and golf clubs from the Japanese prime minister, according to a new report from House Democrats. The gifts are among more than 100 foreign gifts, with a total value of nearly $300,000, that Trump and his family failed to report to the State Department in violation of federal law, according to the report, which cites government records and emails.

Trump Lawyer Must Turn Over Evidence on Classified Documents, Court Rules

MSN – Josh Dawsey, Devlin Barrett, Jacqueline Alemany, and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/22/2023

A federal appeals court ruled that a lawyer for Donald Trump must provide notes, transcripts, and other evidence to prosecutors investigating how classified documents remained at the former president’s Mar-a-Lago home months after a subpoena to return all sensitive files. The order from a panel of three judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ends an emergency hold on a ruling by a lower-court judge. It is possible Trump will seek to carry the fight up to the Supreme Court.

The Jan. 6 Investigation Is the Biggest in U.S. History. It’s Only Half Done.

MSN – Spencer Hsu, Devlin Barrett, and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2023

The District of Columbia’s federal court system is bracing for many years more of trials stemming from the riot at the U.S. Capitol, with new charges possible against as many as 1,000 more people. Prosecutors are hopeful many will be incentivized to plead to help manage the crush of cases, which already have strained the court in the nation’s capital. A Washington Post analysis of the cases so far shows defendants who seek a trial rather than plead guilty end up getting about a year of prison time added to their sentences.

Is Sean Hannity a Journalist? Role of Hosts Is Key in Fox News Lawsuit.

MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2023

FEC Eyes New Rules for Candidates to Draw Pay, Perks from Campaigns

MSN – Kate Ackley (Roll Call) | Published: 3/22/2023

U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost and a slate of former congressional candidates urged the FEC to loosen restrictions on using campaign funds for salaries and benefits for those seeking office. Making it easier for candidates to draw a regular salary, plus health care and other benefits, would help encourage more diversity among House, Senate, and presidential hopefuls, they argued.

Jan. 6 Panel’s Video Depositions Become Tantalizing Tool for Probes

Roll Call – Michael Macagnone | Published: 3/22/2023

Clips from videotaped depositions with allies of Donald Trump were one of the most effective tools employed by the House select committee investigating the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to make the public case against Trump’s role. Experts expect that will change the dynamics of congressional committees this year and beyond. Lawmakers will come around to those technological advancements that grab public attention and allow them to better shape their arguments, and witnesses will recalculate how their answers might later be used at hearings.

Abortion on the Ballot? Not If These Republican Lawmakers Can Help It.

Yahoo News – Alice Mianda Ollstein and Megan Messerly (Politico) | Published: 3/19/2023

After watching the pro-choice side win all six ballot initiative fights related to abortion in 2022, including in red states, conservatives are mobilizing to avoid a repeat. Legislatures in Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oklahoma are debating bills this session that would hike the filing fees, raise the number of signatures required to get on the ballot, restrict who can collect signatures, mandate broader geographic distribution of signatures, and raise the vote threshold to pass an amendment from a majority to a supermajority.

George Santos Never Filed a Key Financial Disclosure. Enforcement Has Been Lax for Years.

Yahoo News – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 3/19/2023

Though it was obvious at the time that George Santos missed the deadline in 2021 to file a financial disclosure report, the issue did not attract much attention until after he had been elected to Congress and a series of resumé fabrications began to surface. Dozens of candidates who should have filed financial disclosures over the past two election cycles avoided doing so or filed the forms late without asking for an extension. The fact that such violations are rarely even flagged, and penalties are essentially non-existent, makes it easy for candidates to avoid disclosing key financial information, ethics experts say.

US Lawmakers Resume Globetrotting Paid by Special Interests

Yahoo News – Billy House (Bloomberg) | Published: 3/18/2023

Members of Congress and their staffers rebounded from pandemic travel anxiety in 2022, accepting more than $6.6 million worth of airline tickets, hotel rooms, and meals paid for by special-interest groups. Destinations included more than 40 foreign countries, including Israel, Spain, and Japan, as well as U.S. cities such as Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Miami. Some lawmakers took spouses and other family members, also free-of-cost, on the excursions.

From the States and Municipalities

Oceania – How Well-Connected Lobbyists Ask For – and Receive – Urgent Meetings, Sensitive Information and Action on Law Changes for Their Corporate Clients

RNZ – Guyon Espiner | Published: 3/22/2023

A media investigation unearthed thousands of emails, text messages, and even encrypted Signal communications, revealing the extent of the lobbying industry in New Zealand. The documents show lobbyists targeting ministerial advisors, inviting them to drinks, dinner, and sports events with text messages addressing them as “brother” and “comrade.” New Zealand has among the weakest regimes in the developed world for regulating lobbying and the industry largely operates in the shadows, with little information about the client lists of many of the major firms.

Arizona – Group Attempts to Quash New Campaign Finance Law

White Mountain Independent – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 3/20/2023

A conservative advocacy group founded by the Koch brothers is asking a federal judge to quash new voter-approved campaign finance laws aimed at exposing “dark money” contributions for political purposes. Attorneys for Americans for Prosperity contend the First Amendment protects the right of individuals to donate to advocacy organizations without fear their identities would be disclosed. But in a new lawsuit, they contend Proposition 211 “trammels that right by subjecting countless Americans nationwide to governmental doxxing for doing nothing more than supporting their chosen non-profit organizations and charities.”

California – San Francisco Will Allow City Officials to Fundraise for Safe-Consumption Sites

KQED – Sydney Johnson | Published: 3/21/2023

San Francisco leaders are making an exception to their own ethics policy so city officials can solicit donations for safe-consumption sites. The Board of Supervisors passed a resolution on that allows Mayor London Breed, her officers, and officials at the Department of Public Health to seek out contributions for nonprofits, which would then use the private funds to operate safe-consumption sites, where medical staff can supervise people using drugs and respond if there is an overdose.

California – City Blacklists 4 More Firms Tied to Mohammed Nuru Scandal

San Francisco Standard – Michael Barba | Published: 3/22/2023

The federal cases against two Bay Area executives accused of bribing former San Francisco Public Works head Mohammed Nuru with a $40,000 tractor are about to cost them more city business. A city investigation digging deeper into the corruption cases against Alan Varela and William Gilmartin of ProVen Management, a construction and engineering firm behind major infrastructure projects, has revealed new links between the executives, their firm, and four other companies. Now City Attorney David Chiu is suspending the firms from bidding on city contracts.

California – Should San Jose Require Nonprofits to Register as Lobbyists?

San Jose Spotlight – Jana Kadah | Published: 3/16/2023

Like corporate lobbyists, nonprofit leaders meet regularly with San Jose officials to influence policy decisions. But nonprofits, which are often awarded millions in city contracts, do not have to disclose their meetings like other lobbyists. Ethics experts say more transparency is needed, while nonprofit leaders worry changing the rules will make it harder for them to advocate for policies and discourage smaller nonprofits from working with the city.

California – Stockton Councilman Files Restraining Order Against 209 Times Founder, Cites Threats, Harassment

Yahoo News – Ben Irwin and Aaron Leathley (Stockton Record) | Published: 3/22/2023

A temporary restraining order was granted protecting Stockton City Councilperson Brando Villapdua, who accused the 209 Times founder, Motecuzoma Sanchez, of harassing the lawmaker. Court documents say Sanchez harassed and threatened Villapudua into supporting the removal of City Manager Harry Black “and others.” After a closed meeting of the council, Sanchez began verbally attacking and threatening Villapudua and became “physically aggressive in such a quick manner” that the 209 Times founder had to be physically restrained at Valley Brewin the city, according to court documents.

California – State Launches Probe of Cannabis Licensing to ‘Clean House’ of Corruption

Yahoo News – Adam Elmahrek (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/23/2023

Corruption in California’s cannabis industry has become widespread and brazen. There have been “pay-to-play” schemes, including a demand for cash in a brown paper bag for a marijuana license, threats of violence against local officials, and city council members accepting money from cannabis businesses even as they regulated them. Those problems and more were uncovered by a Los Angeles Times investigation. Now state officials are launching an audit aimed at curtailing bribery, conflicts-of-interest, and other misdeeds.

Colorado – Kelly Brough’s Partner Has Long Influenced City Politics on Behalf of Businesses Like Frontier Airlines, Kroenke and Large Developers

Denverite – Ben Markus | Published: 3/21/2023

Before Kelly Brough decided to run for mayor of Denver, she had a conversation with her partner, David Kenney. Brough said she has been in a relationship for about 10 years with Kenney, a longtime political consultant and city and state lobbyist, whose clients make up some of the largest developers in Denver. He has exercised his connections in the current administration, meeting with Mayor Michael Hancock and several of his top deputies at least 31 times between 2011 and 2022. His firm has been involved in a series of successful ballot issue campaigns on behalf of business interests.

Connecticut – Former West Haven Employee Sentenced to Prison for Fraud

Connecticut Mirror – Andrew Brown | Published: 3/22/2023

John Bernardo, a former West Haven employee, was sentenced to 13 months in prison for participating in a scheme to steal federal relief funds that were meant to help the city and its residents weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Bernardo was the first defendant to be sentenced as part of a federal probe, which uncovered more than $1.2 million that was embezzled through a network of bogus companies and a stream of fake invoices paid by the city’s Finance Department.

Florida – Randy Fine Pulls $2 Million Request as Brevard Zoo Considers Ban on Campaign Events

Yahoo News – Eric Rogers and Dave Berman (Florida Today) | Published: 3/16/2023

Florida Rep. Randy Fine pulled a $2 million state funding request for the Brevard Zoo’s aquarium project at Port Canaveral. The move came after Brevard Zoo Executive Director Keith Winsten said the zoo’s board would consider halting rentals for political campaign events after the 2024 election cycle in the wake of controversy over a fundraiser held at the zoo’s Nyami Nyami River Lodge for Fine’s 2024 state Senate run.

Georgia – Grand Jury Heard Audio of Another Trump Call Seeking to Overturn Election

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 3/16/2023

An Atlanta-area special grand jury that investigated efforts by Donald Trump and his allies to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia heard audio of another phone call in which Trump pressed a top state official to help overturn Joe Biden’s victory in the state. Five members of the special grand jury said they listened to a recording of a 2020 phone call between Trump and the Georgia House speaker at the time, David Ralston, in which Ralston resisted Trump’s requests to convene a special session of the legislature to overturn Biden’s narrow election win.

Hawaii – Why This Hawaii Lawmaker’s Job with a Major Construction Company Raises Concern

Honolulu Civil Beat – Kevin Dayton | Published: 3/20/2023

In a state in which construction and development interests wield strong influence, first-term Rep. Micah Aiu’s job outside the Hawaii Legislature could be seen as problematic. Aiu works as an in-house lawyer for Nan Inc., a major construction company that competes for state jobs. Since last summer, Nan was awarded eight contracts worth $325 million. Aiu also sits on the House Finance Committee, which plays an outsized role in developing the state budget and the list of construction projects the state will fund each year. Freshmen lawmakers are routinely assigned to that committee to help them absorb the nuances of the budget process.

Illinois – Suburb Tries New Tack, an Elected Ethics Board, to Nip Illinois-Style Corruption; Critics Say It May Not Have Enough Teeth

Yahoo News – Caroline Kubzansky (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/21/2023

Critics note most or all ethics boards in Illinois, which range throughout the state, are limited because they have only advisory powers. They can investigate wrongdoing by officials but then must refer their findings to that same board so its members can consider whether to take action. Niles, a town shaken by an ethics scandal in which the mayor was convicted on federal corruption charges in 2010, floated a different approach. On April 4, voters there will elect the members of their ethics board, creating what may be the first entity of its kind in Illinois.

Indiana – Numerous Indiana Lawmakers Do Private Consulting. But Who Are They Working For?

Indiana Capital Chronicle – Casey Smith | Published: 3/13/2023

At least 15 legislators in the Indiana General Assembly provide professional advice and guidance to private businesses outside of the Capitol. Other lawmakers have outside limited liability companies that do not specifically reference consulting work but still could provide that service. While some lawmakers choose to list individual clients in their financial disclosure forms, they are not required to do so unless they are a significant income source, leaving the public in the dark about who they are affiliated with.

Kansas – Kansas Lawmakers Are Among Worst Paid in Nation. Some Say It Impedes True Representation

MSN – Ketie Bernard (Kansas City Star) | Published: 3/20/2023

Since 2009, Kansas lawmakers have been paid $88.66 per day. Assuming an eight-hour workday, lawmakers make roughly $11.08 per hour, not including the per diem received for travel and living expenses in Topeka. But oftentimes the hours far exceed the traditional eight-hour day once constituent services on unpaid days, evening meetings, and late-night debates are factored in. Lawmakers are expected to continue serving their constituents year-round even though they are only paid for the 90-day legislative session. Kansas may be paying below the federal minimum wage to the officials tasked with determining the policies and laws of the state.

Kansas – Kansas Lawmakers Back Off Aggressive Campaign Finance Overhaul. Here’s What They Will Do.

Yahoo News – Andrew Bahl (Topeka Capital Journal) | Published: 3/22/2023

Kansas lawmakers backed off a more aggressive overhaul of the state’s campaign finance laws, instead opting for a more limited set of changes that focuses on the Governmental Ethics Commission’s administrative procedures. The initial bill was criticized as an attempt to eviscerate limits on campaign donations and effectively render the commission powerless. It raised eyebrows at the Capitol as it came amid an investigation into prominent legislators and state Republican Party officials, despite arguments from GOP lawmakers that the bill was unrelated to the high-profile investigation.

Maryland – Baltimore Council President Nick Mosby Complies with Ethics Order on Legal-Defense Fund

MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/21/2023

Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby closed a nearly yearlong saga over a legal-defense fund formed in his name by complying with a Board of Ethics order. A judge upheld the board’s findings that Mosby violated the law by indirectly soliciting donations for the fund and by failing to disclose its existence on his ethics filing in 2022, which covered activity in 2021. The fund was established for the defense of the council president and also his wife, former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, as federal authorities investigated their financial dealings.

Massachusetts – Residents’ Right to Be Rude Upheld by Massachusetts Supreme Court

Yahoo News – Jenna Russell (New York Times) | Published: 3/17/2023

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reaffirmed the right to be rude at public meetings. Stemming from a lawsuit filed against the town of Southborough by a resident who said members of the Select Board had silenced her unlawfully, the decision pushed back against attempts to mandate good manners. Many local public officials experienced fierce disputes over masks, vaccines, and remote learning during the coronavirus pandemic that erupted at meetings.

Michigan – Can ‘Deradicalization’ Reform Extremists? Michigan Program to Find Out in Limbo

Bridge Michigan – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 3/22/2023

Michigan’s experiment in deradicalizing young extremists may be over before it begins, after the second arrest of a man who had agreed to participate in the program. In a first-of-its kind arrangement, Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office last fall agreed to pay up to $10,000 for a pair of consultants to help Andrew Nickels disengage “from extremist organizations” and avoid violence through counseling and support, according to a contract.

Michigan – Former Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Marrocco Sentenced to 3 Months in Prison in Corruption Probe

Detroit News – Anna Liz Nichols | Published: 3/16/2023

Former Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Anthony Marrocco was sentenced to three months in prison followed by two years of supervised release in connection with a long-running federal corruption probe. Marrocco was sentenced for trying to extort a developer into buying tickets to a campaign fundraiser and threatening to delay or withhold a county permit. He agreed to plead guilty to attempted extortion in exchange for prosecutors dropping three other extortion-related charges that each carried a 20-year possible prison sentence.

Montana – Lawmakers Opt to Keep ‘Clean Campaign Act’ Despite Judge Striking It Down

Helena Independent Record – Sam Wilson | Published: 3/22/2023

A campaign finance law struck down by a federal judge last year will live on in Montana’s law books after legislators from both parties voted down a proposal to repeal the defunct statute. The state’s requirement that candidates give their opponent a heads-up on attack ads published or broadcast in the last 10 days before an election was ruled unconstitutional. The judge found the disclosure requirement violated the free-speech rights of a conservative political committee.

Nebraska – Filibuster Over Transgender Bill Jams Nebraska Legislature for Weeks

MSN – Maham Javaid (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2023

The Nebraska Legislature has been unable to pass a single bill this year. One senator’s distaste with the advancement of a bill seeking to ban gender-affirming care for Nebraskans under 19, coupled with the state’s unique filibustering rules, has brought the session to a standstill. While filibustering is not rare for Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature, state Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh is the first lawmaker to filibuster every bill introduced to the floor. Senators opposing the bill seeking to restrict gender-affirming care say this is the first time their Legislature has become a part of the national culture war around transgender rights.

New Jersey – Independent Election Watchdog Sues Murphy for Trying to Force Him Out. ‘It’s Political Thuggery.’

MSN – Susan Livio, Matt Arco, and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 3/16/2023

Election Law Enforcement Commission Executive Director Jeff Brindle filed a lawsuit against New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and three of his top aides, alleging a conspiracy to force Brindle from his job. The suit alleges the Murphy administration sought to remove Brindle over a satirical op-ed he wrote that was critical of groups that engage in political activity but do not publicly disclose their donors. Brindle says he has been the subject of a “concerted and joint action and conspiracy to extort and coerce” him to resign by citing a homophobic email he allegedly sent and a racist statement he allegedly made. Brindle has denied the allegations.

New Jersey – NJ Senate Passes Money-in-Politics Overhaul That Would Give Phil Murphy Sway Over Election Watchdog

Yahoo News – Ashley Balcerzak (Bergen Record) | Published: 3/20/2023

The New Jersey Senate passed an amended campaign finance overhaul critics say continues to gut “pay-to-play” laws, weakens the watchdog agency overseeing all elections in the state, and contains a second attempt to give the governor more power to choose who leads that agency. The Elections Transparency Act includes substantial changes to how money flows in New Jersey elections, including increasing the amounts that individuals and corporations can donate to politicians and parties; illuminating certain “dark money” donors; and cutting down the time accounts can be investigated for violations.

New York – New York Is Overhauling Campaign Finance. But Not the Loophole That Makes Party Fundraising Stronger

Buffalo News – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/21/2023

Soon after Gov. Kathy Hochul was elected last year, 43 members of her campaign staff received a total of $363,000 in payments from the New York State Democratic Party’s so-called called housekeeping account, a type of fundraising allowed under state election law but long criticized by reform groups. Housekeeping accounts can receive unlimited contributions from donors, including corporations. Watchdogs argued that, in practice, donations to housekeeping accounts have been used to subsidize favored candidates backed by political parties, permitted by loopholes and lackluster election law enforcement.

North Carolina – Biden Administration Suggests Supreme Court Drop Election Case

Bloomberg Law – Greg Stohr | Published: 3/20/2023

The Biden administration suggested the U.S. Supreme Court drop a closely watched election case after an unusual twist raised fresh questions about the court’s jurisdiction. The dispute centers on the “independent state legislature theory,” which would oust state judges and other officials from longstanding roles in shaping the rules for federal elections. The case, argued in December, centers on the North Carolina Supreme Court’s rejection of a Republican-drawn congressional map.

Ohio – Cuyahoga County Gave No-Bid, $120,000 Lobbying Contract to Ronayne Campaign Donor

MSN – Lucas Daprile (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/18/2023

A company whose president donated $10,000 to Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne’s campaign later received a $120,000 no-bid lobbying contract from the county. The year-long contract to McCaulley&Company was approved by the Board of Control following a recommendation from the county executive’s office. The board also approved an exemption from competitive bidding on the contract, even though the county interviewed multiple firms before approving its last federal lobbying contract.

Tennessee – Nashville Sues State Over New Council-Slashing Law

MSN – Cassandra Stevenson (Tennessean) | Published: 3/15/2023

Days after Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill that will slash Nashville’s metro council in half, the city filed a lawsuit against the state claiming the law violates the Tennessee Constitution and the rights of Davidson County voters. The new law requires city and metropolitan governments to cap their councils at 20 members. In practice, Nashville’s 40-member council is the only body in the state immediately impacted by the legislation. No other city or metropolitan government has a council larger than 20 members.

Texas – The Justice Department’s Fight Against Judge Shopping in Texas

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 3/19/2023

The Justice Department challenged three high-profile lawsuits filed in Texas against Biden administration policies, accusing state politicians of choosing small, conservative federal court divisions that have little relevance to their cases but nearly guarantee them a sympathetic judge. It is part of the administration’s first concerted effort to fight what some legal experts say is a growing problem of “forum shopping” – a strategy in which plaintiffs are alleged to cherry-pick judges they want to hear their cases, bucking the random assignment of judges that is considered a tenet of the American legal system.

Utah – Got an Ethics Complaint Against an Elected Official? You’ll Need Insider Knowledge and Email Address.

MSN – Emily Anderson Stern (Salt Lake Tribune) | Published: 3/20/2023

The Executive Branch Ethics Commission was created one decade ago after Utah was rattled by two major scandals that led to the FBI investigating a state attorney general and his predecessor, as well as a lieutenant governor. Annual reports indicate the commission has heard just two complaints, none of which seemingly have been found to have merit and referred to the Legislature for potential action. In that time, the governor-appointed volunteer panel’s operations have been supplemented with nearly $50,000 from the Legislature.

National/Federal

Group Seeks Disbarment of a Trump-Aligned Lawyer for a Key Jan. 6 Witness

DNyuz – Charlie Savage (New York Times) | Published: 3/6/2023

In appearing before the January 6 committee last year, Cassidy Hutchinson, the former White House aide who recounted Donald Trump’s conduct in the lead-up to the attacks on the Capitol, shared how her original lawyer had tried to influence her testimony. While represented by Stefan Passantino, Cassidy told the committee she remembered little. But after hiring a different lawyer, she provided damaging details about Trump and disclosed Passantino pressured her to protect Trump. Now, several dozen prominent legal figures are seeking to revoke Passantino’s license to practice law.

Election Deniers Take Aim at Group That Helps States Maintain Voter Rolls

MSN – Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2023

At a time of hyperpolarization over voting and elections, Democrats and Republicans had largely managed to agree on one thing – that a little-known data-sharing consortium of more than 30 states has helped keep voter rolls updated and free of opportunities for fraud. But the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) has been straining lately under the weight of accusations and misinformation from election deniers. Now, ERIC’s survival is in jeopardy. Should ERIC collapse, its boosters say the country would lose one of its most powerful tools for keeping ballot fraud at bay just as states are beginning to prepare for the 2024 elections.

John Fetterman Sponsored a Bill from the Hospital. Here’s What He Can and Can’t Do in the Senate During Treatment.

MSN – Jonathan Tamari (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 3/7/2023

Despite remaining hospitalized while undergoing treatment for depression, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman cosponsored a bill to avert future crises like the one unfolding after a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Fetterman’s office says it is one example of how he is staying engaged with his job. In the face of scrutiny on his recovery, and questions about his long-term health after a stroke in May, Fetterman’s team points to the early activity to argue he is still able to fulfill key aspects of his new job.

Trump Can Be Sued by Police Over Jan. 6 Riot, Justice Department Says

MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/2/2023

Former President Trump can be held liable in court for the actions of the mob that overtook the Capitol January 6, 2021, the Justice Department said. Two officers with the U.S. Capitol Police, joined by 11 Democratic House members, are seeking to hold Trump liable for physical and psychological injuries they suffered during the riot. Trump has argued he is protected from the lawsuit by the absolute immunity conferred on a president performing his official duties.

Met Gala Getup Gets Ethics Review for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 3/2/2023

The House ethics committee published findings from an Office of Congressional Ethics investigation into U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on allegations she failed to pay in a timely manner for rental clothes, accessories, and services related to her attendance at the 2021 Met Gala. The report states Ocasio-Cortez may have “accepted impermissible gifts” in connection with the September 2021 event in violation of House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law.

House Ethics Committee Launches Investigation of Rep. George Santos

MSN – Amy Wang and Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 3/2/2023

The House Committee on Ethics will investigate U.S. Rep. George Santos, who has admitted to fabricating large swaths of his biography and who has been accused of breaking campaign finance laws. The committee voted to establish an investigative subcommittee to look into a litany of claims about the freshman congressman, including about his past business practices, campaign finance expenditures, and an allegation of sexual misconduct.

Trump Spurred ‘Existential Crisis’ at Fox News, Lawsuit Exhibits Show

MSN – Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) | Published: 3/7/2023

For years, Fox News executives and hosts cultivated a close relationship with Donald Trump. But after he lost the 2020 presidential election and turned his back on the network – inspiring many once-loyal viewers to do the same – the relationship curdled. The ensuing pressure caused tension, second-guessing, and infighting within Fox on the scale of an “existential crisis,” as one senior executive called it, a cache of internal communications released as part of a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit indicates.

‘Just a Lie’: Senate Republicans blast Tucker Carlson’s Jan. 6 narrative

MSN – Paul Kane, Marianna Sotomayor, Liz Goodwin, and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) | Published: 3/7/2023

Senate Republicans blasted Fox News for airing a show that twisted details of the attack on the U.S. Capitol into a conspiracy-fueled narrative, breaking ranks with House GOP colleagues who cheered on the show. From Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to rank-and-file lawmakers, Republican senators largely rejected Fox personality Tucker Carlson’s vision of the deadly insurrection as a mostly peaceful protest that involved little violence. The criticism from left House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on the defensive following his decision to grant Carlson exclusive access to 41,000 hours of video from Capitol Police security cameras that day.

Trump-Endorsed Congressional Candidate Admits Taking Illegal Donation

MSN – Paul Duggan (Washington Post) | Published: 3/8/2023

A failed congressional candidate pleaded guilty to committing a felony campaign finance violation during her bid to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, a political ally and family friend, after Meadows chose not to seek reelection. Lynda Bennett admitted she borrowed $25,000 from a family member in 2019 and illegally funneled the money, in her own name, into her Republican campaign in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.

New Democratic Digital Firm Wants to Make Candidate Fundraising Less Annoying

MSN – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 3/8/2023

As 2024 Race Begins, Special Counsel Advances with Focus on Trump Lawyers

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Josh Dawsey, Spencer Hsu, and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 3/3/2023

The actions of federal prosecutors investigating efforts to overturn the 2020 election highlight the ways in which the probes are unusual and complex – turning some of Donald Trump’s many current or former attorneys into witnesses or potential investigative targets. Special counsel Jack Smith’s pace appears to be quickening as the 2024 presidential election starts to take shape, with Trump once again a candidate. Legal experts say if Smith brings criminal charges against Trump, they would likely be pending when the GOP primary debates begin in August.

More Black Women Run for Office, but Prospects Fade the Higher They Go

Yahoo News – Jazmine Ulloa (New York Times) | Published: 3/8/2023

Black women have made tremendous gains: Kamala Harris broke barriers as the nation’s first Black, Asian American and female vice president. More Black women are leading major cities, and many more have sought U.S. Senate seats and governorships. But winning those offices still poses enduring challenges for women of color, and Black women in particular. Many confront both blatant racism and sexism, along with subtler forms of racial and gender bias that, candidates said, make it more difficult for them to raise money to pay for the costly work of hiring staff and buying advertising in expensive markets.

GOP Bill Would Bar Fellow Rep. George Santos from Profiting from Campaign Lies

Yahoo News – Michael McAuliff (New York Daily News) | Published: 3/7/2023

U.S. Rep. George Santos should not be able to cash in on his infamy, a group of Republican lawmakers declared. They introduced a pair of bills that they said would block him from profiting from his web of lies. Santos’ notoriety soared after reports revealed much of his life story that he campaigned on could not be confirmed. Among other things, he claimed to be the descendent of Jews who fled the holocaust, that he worked for Goldman Sachs, and that his mother died in the Twin Towers on September 11, none of which appears to be true.

International

Canada – Doug Ford’s Campaign Finance Law Struck Down by Court

Toronto Star – Robert Benzie | Published: 3/6/2023

The Ontario Court of Appeal struck down Premier Doug Ford’s controversial campaign finance law that limits spending by unions and other third parties. The court gave Ford’s government “12 months to allow Ontario to fashion Charter-compliant legislation.” The coalition of plaintiffs argued their members’ rights were unfairly hindered by the law preventing third-party PACs from spending more than $600,000 on advertising and other activities in the 12 months before an election.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Sues After County Puts an Election Skeptic in Charge of Voting

DNyuz – Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 3/8/2023

An Arizona county is being sued by the state’s attorney general after it transferred voting oversight to the county’s Republican recorder, who has cast doubts about past election results in a place where former President. Trump won nearly 60 percent of the vote in 2020. It is the latest clash between Democrats in statewide office and Cochise County, a deeply Republican area in southeastern Arizona, where conspiracy theories about voter fraud and irregularities still swirl.

Arizona – Judge Orders Sanctions Against Arizona GOP Candidate Who Refused to Accept Loss

MSN – Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2023

A judge ordered sanctions against Mark Finchem and his attorney over false claims they made about election fraud after Finchem, the Republican candidate for Arizona secretary of state, lost his race in November and refused to accept the results. Weeks after the election, Finchem sued his Democratic opponent, Adrian Fontes, and then-Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, challenging the results of the vote and requesting that a new election be held. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Melissa Iyer Julian tossed his suit in December, saying it was groundless.

California – Ninth Circuit Upholds San Francisco Initiative Donor Disclosure Rules

Courthouse News Service – Eric Burkett | Published: 3/8/2023

A federal appeals court panel affirmed a lower court ruling that said providing the public with information about donors of ballot measures is in the public interest. San Franciscans Supporting Prop B sued in 2022, protesting the city’s requirement that committees must run a message disclosing their campaign’s top three donors of $5,000 or more at the top of campaign ads.

California – Nonprofits, Neighborhood Groups Push Back Against Rule That Would Regulate Them as Lobbyists

Long Beach Post – Jason Ruiz | Published: 3/6/2023

As the Long Beach Ethics Commission readies its recommendations for changes to the city’s lobbying ordinance, community groups, nonprofits, and others are apprehensive over what it could mean for the future of their ability to engage with city officials. The law has exempted nonprofits, neighborhood organizations, and business improvement districts. But that could soon change, according to proposed amendments that could be sent to the city council.

California – Ex-SF Department Head to Get $4K Fine After City Hall Scandal

San Francisco Standard – Michael Barba | Published: 3/7/2023

Yahoo News – Matt Hamilton and Katie Licari (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/6/2023

When a federal grand jury indicted Mark Ridley-Thomas on corruption charges, the veteran Los Angeles politician protested his innocence and vowed to fight. There was one problem: how would he pay his lawyers? The lifelong civil servant lost his income after the city council suspended him, and the city controller halted his salary and benefits. Then a network of supporters opened their wallets. These donors helped him amass nearly $1.5 million in two defense funds and allowed him to retain an elite legal team.

Georgia – Ga. Republicans Push for Prosecutorial Oversight Amid Trump Election Probe

MSN – Matthew Brown (Washington Post) | Published: 3/7/2023

Georgia’s Republican legislators are pushing bills that would make it easier to remove local prosecutors from office, an effort that prominent Democratic prosecutors have decried as “dangerous” overreach. The move comes as Atlanta-area prosecutor Fani Lewis considers bring charges against former President Trump and his allies over 2020 election interference. GOP lawmakers have said the measures are needed to rein in reform-minded prosecutors and crack down on crime.

Idaho – Rape Victim Sues Idaho Lawmakers for Outing and Harassing Her

Courthouse News Service – Edvard Pettersson | Published: 3/8/2023

A woman who was raped by former Idaho Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger sued him and state Rep. Priscilla Giddings for allegedly outing and harassing her after she came forward with her allegations. Jane Doe reported the rape, and the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into her allegations. This prompted von Ehlinger to provide unredacted copies of his confidential response to the committee, which contained intimate details about Doe, and to the media. The conservative online publication Redoubt News then ran a story that included a photo of Doe when she was a minor.

Idaho – The MAGA-fication of North Idaho College

Yahoo News – Charles Homans (New York Times) | Published: 3/6/2023

For most of the past two years, North Idaho College’s (NIC) governing board has been a volatile experiment in turning grievances into governance. Trustees backed by the county Republican Party hold a majority on the board. They have denounced liberal “indoctrination” by the college faculty and vowed to bring the school administration’s “deep state” to heel and “Make N.I.C. Great Again.” The injection of such sweeping political aims into the routine administration of a community college of 4,600 students, one better known locally for its technical training programs than the politics of its faculty, has devolved into a full-blown crisis.

Illinois – Vallas Loans $100,100 to His Bid for Mayor, Lifting State Limits on Campaign Contributions

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 3/2/2023

Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson can now raise nearly unlimited amounts of cash for their campaigns for mayor of Chicago after Vallas loaned $100,100 to his campaign. Had Vallas not contributed more than $100,000 to his campaign, state-imposed donation limits would have been in place for the April 4 runoff. Caps on contributions imposed by city law remain in place.

Kansas – As Special Interests Try to Influence Kansas Lawmakers, Some Want to Loosen the Rules

MSN – Jonathan Shorman and Katie Bernard (Kansas City Star) | Published: 3/6/2023

In response to a sprawling campaign finance investigation by the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission, Republican lawmakers authored a bill that would expand the ability of legislators to seek campaign contributions during the legislative session. It would also substantially weaken the commission’s investigatory powers, including its authority to issue subpoenas. Collectively, the changes could shift the balance of power between lawmakers and special interests, campaign finance experts and other critics of the legislation argue.

Louisiana – Council Opens Investigation of Cantrell Mailer and Lobbying Firm Connected to Vitter, Scalise

NOLA.com – John Stanton | Published: 3/8/2023

The New Orleans City Council opened an investigation into a mailer touting Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s work in office and whether she hired a public relations firm represented by former U.S. Sen. David Vitter and a former top aide to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. The mailer was sent to thousands of city voters at taxpayer expense as organizers of a campaign to recall the mayor faced a February 22 deadline. The mailer appears to violate several state laws, including a prohibition of using public funds to produce ads that feature an elected official’s name or likeness.

Maryland – Baltimore Bought $30,000 in Tickets to CIAA Tournament; Officials Strike Deal for Lower Price Amid Questions

MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/8/2023

As Baltimore makes a play to continue as host for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament, the pressure has been on city officials to show their enthusiasm. Visit Baltimore President Al Hutchinson appeared at a city council meeting to encourage council members and their families to attend. He also said Visit Baltimore, the city’s nonprofit marketing group, would give each council member a free ticket to the final games of the tournament. Visit Baltimore’s offer, however, proved not to be aligned with the city’s ethics ordinance.

Massachusetts – Campaign Finance Regulators Investigating Whether MassGOP Coordinated with Super PAC, in Violation of Law

MSN – Emma Platoff (Boston Globe) | Published: 3/6/2023

State campaign finance regulators are investigating whether the Massachusetts Republican Party coordinated with an outside super PAC, in a potential violation of state law. E-mails show Jim Lyons, the former state GOP chairperson, sent multiple messages last fall to Antoine Nader, chair of the Mass Freedom Independent Expenditure PAC, referring to opposition research Lyons had solicited on Maura Healey during her bid for governor.

Minnesota – Tighter Lobbyist Rules Considered at Capitol Would Get at Disclosure of Topics Lobbied, Not Just Paper Clips

MinnPost – Peter Callaghan | Published: 3/2/2023

Three years of negotiations between the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board and people who lobby the Legislature has produced an agreement to tighten disclosure rules. The deal is found in Senate File 2121 that has bipartisan sponsorship. It would update decades-old rules that required lobbyists to disclose how much they spent on phones and postage but did not require them to disclose many details about which issues they were trying to influence. The bill requires more specifics in twice-a-year lobbyist reports and the annual reports by the companies and organizations that hire lobbyists.

Minnesota – Session Fundraising Lockdown Doesn’t Close Off All Avenues

MPR – Brian Bakst | Published: 3/2/2023

A long-standing law in Minnesota restricts certain political donations during the regular legislative session but it is not the barrier to influence that it has been held up to be. Major political groups and state parties remain open for contributions. They also can rely on the same officials restricted by law, such as registered lobbyists or associations with matters before the Legislature, to draw donors to fundraisers as long as the lawmakers are not called hosts.

New Jersey – The Last New Jersey Reporter on Capitol Hill Just Got Laid Off

MSN – Elahe Izadi (Washington Post) | Published: 3/4/2023

As Washington, D.C. correspondent for the Newark Star-Ledger and several affiliated media outlets, Jonathan Salant combed through campaign finance reports, monitored voting patterns, and cornered members of Congress in Capitol hallways to answer his questions – until he was laid off. Even at a time of mass layoffs across the news industry, Salant’s recent dismissal caused alarm in both Washington and New Jersey, with the same politicians he so closely scrutinized protesting the decision and imploring the newspaper’s parent company to reverse it.

New Mexico – Lawmakers Pass Legislation Through the Senate Specifying Standards of Political Conduct

Source New Mexico – Megan Gleason | Published: 3/8/2023

Bills to ensure professionalism and safety at the Capitol are making their way through the New Mexico Legislature. Rep. Kathleen Cates said the legislation was spurred because the state Supreme Court held that New Mexico’s main anti-corruption provisions are not specific enough to be criminally enforceable.

Oregon – Oregon Democrats Say They’re Serious About Capping Political Donations, but Their Proposals Include Loopholes

MSN – Hillary Borrud (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/8/2023

Oregon – Portland Cop-Stacked Firm Loses City’s Truth-and-Reconciliation Contract After No-Bid Process

MSN – Maxine Bernstein (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/8/2023

City officials were set last year to award a $200,000 contract for a truth and reconciliation project to a firm stacked with retired Portland police officers as advisers until a tip revealed that the city failed to seek competitive bids. TrustLab had no track record of doing the kind of restorative justice work the project demanded: improving trust between Portland police and city residents, the city auditor’s office found. The city has since put bids on indefinite hold.

Pennsylvania – Pa. House Lawmaker Accused of Sexual Harassment Says He Will Resign

Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 3/8/2023

Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Zabel, who is accused of sexually harassing multiple people including two sitting state lawmakers, said he will resign. His decision comes a week after union lobbyist Andi Perez publicly accused him of sexually harassing her, and the same day that state Rep. Abby Major made a similar accusation. At least two other people have accused Zabel of similar harassment. One is a sitting lawmaker who has requested anonymity; the other is Zabel’s former campaign manager, Colleen Kennedy, who wrote a public essay about his behavior.

Rhode Island – Can a Firefighter Preside Over Firefighter Bills? Here’s What the RI Ethics Commission Said

Yahoo News – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 3/7/2023

State Rep. Stephen Casey, a Woonsocket firefighter, won Rhode Island Ethics Commission clearance to preside over hearings and vote on a package of bills sought by the state’s firefighter lobby. While the Ethics Code bars public officials from taking part “in any matter in which he has an interest, financial or otherwise, which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his duties in the public interest,” there is what is broadly called “a class exception.”

South Dakota – Bill to Ban South Dakota Lawmakers’ Spouses from Being Private Lobbyists Fails

Yahoo News – Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 3/6/2023

Texas – Changes to City Lobbying Rules OK’d by Ethics Review Commission

Austin Monitor – Chad Swiatecki | Published: 3/6/2023

The Ethics Review Commission approved a series of amendments to Austin’s lobbying regulations. The city clerk’s office suggested them to clarify issues regarding lobbyists’ registration and renewal fees and quarterly activity reports, as well as how the city levies the $50 late fees when filings and payments are late. The changes are set to be voted on by the city council on March 23.

Texas – Houston PAC Leaders Face $45K in Fines for Operating Illegally, Not Filing Finance Reports

MSN – Yilun Cheng (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 3/2/2023

The state Ethics Commission issued a $45,000 fine for Terrence Shanks and Damella Wilkerson, the president and the director of finance of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats – Harris County for operating without a campaign treasurer, failing to file required reports, and possibly selling endorsements to local candidates. PACs are required to submit semiannual reports. The last time the PAC filed a report was in 2014. Since then, however, it has continued to carry out political activities, including publishing endorsements lists that included candidates who have donated to the group, commission investigators found.

Virginia – Virginia General Assembly Adjourns for 2023 After Passing Modest Campaign Finance Reform

OpenSecrets – Jimmy Cloutier | Published: 2/28/2023

The Virginia General Assembly ended the 2023 legislative session having passed only one campaign finance bill to the dismay of activists who say the state’s election laws need reform. Virginia’s laws governing political spending are among the least restrictive in the country. Under this system, total state-level fundraising in legislative races more than tripled over the last two decades. The legislation that passed, Senate Bill 1427, would expand disclosure laws by creating new filing deadlines and require PACs to report large donations more frequently.

Campaign Finance

Oregon: “Oregon Democrats Say They’re Serious About Capping Political Donations, but Their Proposals Include Loopholes” by Hillary Borrud (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Elections

National: “Trump Spurred ‘Existential Crisis’ at Fox News, Lawsuit Exhibits Show” by Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “More Black Women Run for Office, but Prospects Fade the Higher They Go” by Jazmine Ulloa (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Georgia: “Ga. Republicans Push for Prosecutorial Oversight Amid Trump Election Probe” by Matthew Brown (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “‘Just a Lie’: Senate Republicans blast Tucker Carlson’s Jan. 6 narrative” by Paul Kane, Marianna Sotomayor, Liz Goodwin, and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) for MSN

California: “Ex-SF Department Head to Get $4K Fine After City Hall Scandal” by Michael Barba for San Francisco Standard

Louisiana: “Council Opens Investigation of Cantrell Mailer and Lobbying Firm Connected to Vitter, Scalise” by John Stanton for NOLA.com

Maryland: “Baltimore Bought $30,000 in Tickets to CIAA Tournament; Officials Strike Deal for Lower Price Amid Questions” by Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) for MSN

Pennsylvania: “Pa. House Lawmaker Accused of Sexual Harassment Says He Will Resign” by Stephen Caruso for Spotlight PA

Procurement

Oregon: “Portland Cop-Stacked Firm Loses City’s Truth-and-Reconciliation Contract After No-Bid Process” by Maxine Bernstein (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

National/Federal

An ‘Imperial Supreme Court’ Asserts Its Power, Alarming Scholars
Yahoo News – Adam Liptak (New York Times) | Published: 12/19/2022

The conventional critique of the U.S. Supreme Court these days is that it has lurched to the right and is out of step with the public on many issues. Recent legal scholarship makes a deeper point, saying the current court is distinctive in a different way: it has rapidly been accumulating power at the expense of every other part of the government.

Bribery Case Cracks Open European Parliament – and Finds Hidden Cash
DNyuz – Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Monika Pronczuk, Tariq Panja, and Sarah Hurtes (New York Times) | Published: 12/15/2022

Belgian authorities uncovered what prosecutors say was a cash-for-favors scheme at the heart of the European Union. It highlighted the vulnerabilities in an opaque, notoriously bureaucratic system that decides policies for 450 million people in the world’s richest club of nations. The investigation has jolted Brussels and unleashed a flurry of whispered accusations of corrupt behavior by lawmakers of all political stripes. It has also sparked scrutiny of foreign influence at a time when the European Union is asserting itself on issues like human rights and the war in Ukraine.

Congress Passes Bill to Rein in Conflicts of Interest for Consultants Such as McKinsey
ProPublica – Ian MacDougall | Published: 12/16/2022

Congress passed a bill that takes aim at the risk of improper influence when government contractors work for both federal agencies and private-sector clients. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the legislation. The bill makes several changes to federal contracting rules. It includes provisions requiring contractors to disclose information about potential conflicts-of-interest and clarifying when a contractor’s work for outside clients may create such a conflict. The bipartisan group of senators who sponsored the bill cited the consulting giant McKinsey & Company’s work for the Food and Drug Administration.

House Committee Votes to Make Public Trump’s Tax Returns
MSN – Michael Kranish, Jonathan O’Connell, Amy Wang, Azi Paybarah, and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 12/20/2022

The House Ways and Means Committee voted to release former President Trump’s tax returns, capping a protracted legal and political battle. After the vote, the committee revealed the IRS did not audit Trump’s returns during his first two years in office, despite a rule mandating such reviews, and never completed any audits while he served. The IRS began its first audit of Trump’s returns on the same day that Ways and Means Committee Chairperson Richard Neal sent a written request in April 2019 for the information and then assigned the bulk of the work to just one agent, the panel said.

In Testimony, Hannity and Other Fox Employees Said They Doubted Trump’s Fraud Claims
Seattle Times – Jeremy Peters (New York Times) | Published: 12/21/2022

Sean Hannity said in a sworn deposition he did not believe Sidney Powell’s claims that voting machines were rigged to help Joe Biden in the 2020 election when she appeared on his show. Dominion Voting Systems is suing Fox News for defamation. Hannity’s disclosure, along with others that emerged from court about what Fox News executives and hosts really believed as their network became one of the loudest megaphones for lies about the 2020 election being stolen from Donald Trump, is among the strongest evidence yet to emerge publicly that some Fox employees knew what they were broadcasting was false.

Jan. 6 Panel Urges Trump Prosecution with Criminal Referral
MSN – Eric Tucker, Mary Claire Jalonick, and Farnoush Amiri (Associated Press) | Published: 12/19/2022

The House committee investigating the January 6 insurrection recommended criminal charges against former President Trump and associates who helped him launch a wide-ranging campaign to overturn his 2020 election loss. The committee alleged violations of four criminal statutes by Trump, in both the run-up to the riot and during the insurrection itself, as it recommended the former president for prosecution to the Justice Department. Among the charges is aiding an insurrection, an effort to hold him directly accountable for his supporters who stormed the Capitol that day.

Lawyer for Key Jan. 6 Witness Seeks to Rebut Panel’s Claim of Interference
MSN – Maggie Haberman and Luke Broadwater (New York Times) | Published: 12/20/2022

A former lawyer for a White House aide who became a key witness for the January 6 House select committee took a leave of absence from his law firm and defended himself against what he said were false insinuations that he had interfered with his client’s testimony. Stefan Passantino represented Cassidy Hutchinson, an aide to the White House chief of staff at the end of the Trump administration. The committee suggested that people connected to Donald Trump had attempted to influence at least one witness’s testimony, promising her jobs that never materialized and coaching her to be less than forthcoming with the panel.

Scam PAC Operator Uncovered by CNN’s KFile Pleads Guilty in Federal Court
MSN – Andrew Kaczynski and Em Steck (CNN) | Published: 12/20/2022

Matthew Tunstall pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering while operating two so-called scam PACs during the 2016 election and collecting more than $3 million from unwitting donors. Tunstall was one of three men the Justice Department charged with multiple counts in perpetuating the fraud. The scheme tricked people into giving them money by using robocalls and written solicitations meant to imply they were supporting 2016 presidential candidates. The PACs’ operators used the funds to enrich themselves and pay for more robocalls and radio advertisements.

Skepticism Before a Search: Inside the Trump Mar-a-Lago documents investigation
Anchorage Daily News – Devlin Barrett, Jacqueline Alemany, Perry Stein, Josh Dawsey, Ann Marimow, and Carol Leonnig (Washington Post) | Published: 12/21/2022

FBI officials had a lot to worry about as they discussed whether to search one of Donald Trump’s homes for evidence of crimes. They decided any search warrant should be authorized by the attorney general himself, and they did not want the former president to be at Mar-a-Lago when it happened. The FBI also was wary of the remote possibility of a confrontation between the federal agents searching the location and the Secret Service agents who guard the former president. Leaders of the Justice Department were proceeding cautiously as well, agreeing with the FBI on these points even as tensions sometimes flared between agents and prosecutors.

‘THE Central Issue’: How the fall of Roe v. Wade shook the 2022 election
Yahoo News – Elena Schneider and Holly Otterbein (Politico) | Published: 12/19/2022

In May 2022, the midterm elections looked bleak, if not disastrous, for Democrats. But in dozens of focus groups, held by Democrats and Republicans in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that struck down Roe v. Wade, campaign strategists kept making the same finding: abortion had not simply awakened Democratic voters, it was influencing swing voters. In many battleground and red-leaning states and districts, especially where Democrats spent millions of dollars to keep it at the forefront for voters, abortion access played an outsized role, reversing the party’s once abysmal outlook and stemmed the GOP’s expected “red wave.”

This Year’s Ballot Measures Will Change How Many Americans Vote
Center for Public Integrity – Aaron Mendelson | Published: 12/15/2022

Voting itself was on the ballot in the 2022 midterm elections, with initiatives seeking to revamp election laws in states across the country. Measures that promoted early voting and increased access to the ballot box saw wins in multiple states, but so did restrictive proposals that tightened voter ID laws or barred non-citizens from voting on local matters. The ballot measures suggest voters may take a more nuanced view on democracy than the politicians they elect, said Jasleen Singh of the Brennan Center for Justice.

Top Government Ethics Officer Was Late Disclosing His Personal Finances on Multiple Occasions
MSN – Kimberly Leonard (Business Insider) | Published: 12/20/2022

Office of Government Ethics General Counsel David Apol missed deadlines to report at least 12 different financial transactions since 2015. In two instances representing five transactions, he filed his federally mandated reports several months passed the deadline. Improperly reporting purchases and sales of bonds or stocks is a violation of the STOCK Act. Apol paid a fine for a late disclosure in 2020, certified documents show. His responsibilities include reviewing financial disclosures and writing ethics guidance for nearly 3 million federal employees.

U.S. Scrutinizes Political Donations by Sam Bankman-Fried and Allies
DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel and Ken Bensinger (New York Times) | Published: 12/17/2022

After cryptocurrency entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried was charged with multiple crimes, including campaign finance violations, prosecutors reached contacted campaigns and committees that had received millions of dollars from Bankman-Fried and his colleagues. The Justice Department’s inquiries appear to be an effort to gather evidence against Bankman-Fried and other former FTX executives, rather than against their political beneficiaries. Bankman-Fried is accused of conspiring with unnamed others to violate campaign finance laws that prohibit corporate donations to candidates’ campaigns and bar “straw donations.”

While Advising Trump on Judges, Conway Sold Her Business to a Firm with Ties to Judicial Activist Leonard Leo
MSN – Heidi Przybyla (Politico) | Published: 12/20/2022

Judicial activist Leonard Leo appears to have helped facilitate the sale of former White House adviser Kellyanne Conway’s polling company in 2017 as she was playing a key role in advocating for Leo’s handpicked list of U.S. Supreme Court candidates. The transaction came at a critical moment for Conway, shortly after her ownership of The Polling Company had come under scrutiny from a congressional committee for potential “conflicts-of-interest,” likely creating pressure to unload it even though its value was unclear because she was its biggest asset and committed to her White House job.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Campaign Donors Attended Suns Games, Concerts with Council Members in Phoenix Suite
Axios – Jessica Boem | Published: 12/21/2022

Donors to Phoenix City Council campaigns attended concerts and sporting events with those council members in a city suite. The suite is to be used to promote the city, host distinguished guests, and enhance relationships with public agencies. It can also be used for youth groups or adults with developmental disabilities. Councilperson Laura Pastor said as the chair of the Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee, her time in the suite was “spent promoting the city and building strong relationships with businesses and labor groups.”

California – Beverly Hills Developer Gets 4 Years in Prison for Bribing L.A. County Official
MSN – Michael Finnegan (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/15/2022

A developer was sentenced to four years in prison for bribing a Los Angeles County official. Arman Gabaee admitted giving Thomas Shepos dozens of cash payoffs during furtive meetings in cars, restaurants, and men’s rooms while reaping lucrative real-estate leases in return. He also offered to buy Shepos a $1-million home in return for the county spending $45 million to lease office space at a Gabaee property. U.S. District Court Judge George Wu called the case an example of “systemic” public corruption. “There is so much of it going around,” the judge said.

California – Oakland Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan Fined $19,000 for Not Disclosing Property She Owned
MSN – Shomik Mukherjee (Bay Area News Group) | Published: 12/15/2022

Oakland City Council member Rebecca Kaplan was fined $19,000 for voting to fund millions of dollars in improvements for a large waterfront park after failing to disclose she and her parents owned a condominium nearby. Investigators determined Kaplan most likely made an honest mistake, though she had enough experience to know better. She did not list the condo’s address on her Form 700, in which elected officials must disclose annually their real property interests, later telling investigators she had not fully understood the reporting requirements.

Colorado – $10,000 Contribution to County Commissioner Did Not Require Recusal, Appeals Court Says
Denver Gazette – Michael Karlik (Colorado Politics) | Published: 12/16/2022

A judge was wrong to conclude a Larimer County Commission member needed to recuse himself from a land-use vote in which one of the parties was responsible for nearly 20 percent of his campaign contributions, the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled. Applying U.S. Supreme Court precedent, Judicial District Court Judge Juan Villaseñor considered the contributions so outsized as to suggest Donnelly would not be a neutral decision-maker, which is a key component of due process.

Colorado – The Fair Elections Fund Rollout Is Facing Issues. City Council and the Clerk and Recorder’s Office Are Discussing Last-Minute Fixes
Denverite – Kyle Harris | Published: 12/14/2022

The rollout of Denver’s Fair Election Fund, which aims to level the playing field between well-funded candidates and those with fewer resources, has been sort of messy. The April 4 election cycle is well underway, but questions about issues like donation limits, the qualifying period, and reporting deadlines linger. Now, the Clerk and Recorder’s Office is taking tweaks to the rules to the city council’s Finance and Governance Committee, hoping to make last-minute changes.

Connecticut – Bacon Brothers and Lobbyists Are Players at Lamont’s Inaugural Ball
MSN – Mark Pazniokas (Connecticut Mirror) | Published: 12/20/2022

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s second inaugural ball on January 4 will feature live music by the Bacon Brothers and a pre-party reception with the governor to thank sponsors who give as much as $25,000. Inaugural balls are perhaps the last place where a lobbyist or state contractor can exceed a $50 annual limit on entertaining an elected official. Contributions to an inaugural are deemed a gift to the state, not an individual. The inauguration itself is free and open to the public.

Florida – Miami Beach Limits Developers’ Spending on Elections. Here’s How They Get Around It
MSN – Aaron Leibowitz (Miami Herald) | Published: 12/16/2022

Developers and lobbyists seeking certain city approvals in Miami Beach, as well as active city vendors, are barred from donating to campaigns under rules that have expanded over the past two decades. The city’s laws, which are among the strictest in Miami-Dade County, say those on a list maintained by the city clerk’s office, cannot give to campaigns, either “directly or indirectly.” A Miami Herald review found that despite the city’s efforts to curb the influence of money in politics, Miami Beach developers routinely circumvent the rules and give to campaigns in various ways.

Florida – Pompano Vice Mayor Beverly Perkins Accused of Misusing Leftover Campaign Funds in 2020 Election
MSN – Lisa Huriash (South Florida Sun-Sentinel) | Published: 12/20/2022

Pompano Beach Vice Mayor Beverly Perkins, under investigation by Broward’s top government watchdog, is accused of misusing thousands of dollars in leftover campaign funds following her successful reelection campaign in 2020. The Broward Office of the Inspector General found Perkins and her treasurer made 22 post-election expenditures totaling $7,381.92, including J. Mark’s Restaurant and Bar, Costco, and Dollar Tree. The inspector general’s office will refer the case to prosecutors.

Hawaii – Honolulu Teacher Violated Ethics by Accepting $16,600 From School Volunteer
Honolulu Civil Beat – Viola Gaskell | Published: 12/16/2022

The Hawaii Ethics Commission said a teacher at Moanalua Elementary School must return $16,600 given to her by an elderly donor who volunteered at the school. The donor gave Irene Bayudan six cashier’s checks while working on volunteer projects with her at the school, all of which she deposited into her personal bank account. The donor told the commission he gave Bayudan the money because “he felt that teachers were underpaid and he wanted to help her out.”

Illinois – Judge Gives 16 Months to Chinatown Developer Whose Cooperation Helped Kick Off Massive Corruption Probe
MSN – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/21/2022

Developer See Wong was sentenced to 16 months in prison for a $1.65 million fraud scheme stemming from a condominium project in Chicago that collapsed amid the global financial crisis in the late 2000s. Wong received a break on his sentence because of his cooperation with federal authorities – including wearing a wire on former Ald. Daniel Solis – that helped ensnare Solis, former Ald. Edward Burke, and ex-House Speaker Michel Madigan in what has become one of the biggest public corruption cases ever brought in Chicago.

Maryland – Ethics Board Asks Judge to Fine Council President Mosby $1,000 Per Day
MSN – Chris Berinato and Maxine Streicher (WBFF) | Published: 12/20/2022

The Baltimore City Board of Ethics is asking a judge to fine city council President Nick Mosby up to $1,000 per day for failing to comply with its order to stop fundraising and disclose legal defense fund donors. In May, the Board determined Mosby violated ethics rules when a legal defense fund was established in his name and some contributions had come from city contractors.

Maryland – Harford County Withholds Jacob Bennett’s Council Paycheck Amid Lawsuit
MSN – Jason Fontelieu (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 12/20/2022

Harford County Councilperson Jacob Bennett did not receive a paycheck from the county when council members were paid. Bennett has faced backlash from County Executive Bob Cassilly due to a provision in the law that Cassilly believes prevents Bennett from serving on the council while maintaining his job as a public-school teacher. Lawyers for the Maryland State Education Association and Harford County Public Schools have said there is no conflict-of-interest preventing Bennett from serving on the council.

Massachusetts – A Charlie Baker-Aligned Super PAC Broke State Law by Touting Him as ‘Special Guest’ at Fundraiser, Regulators Say
MSN – Matt Stout (Boston Globe) | Published: 12/16/2022

A super PAC aligned with Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker broke state campaign finance law when it advertised him as a special guest at a summer fundraiser, despite being previously warned by regulators that using Baker’s name to raise cash was not allowed, according to a letter officials sent the group. The Massachusetts Majority PAC was forced to purge $17,500, the amount it raised from the event. State law strictly prohibits coordination between candidates and super PACs, including barring elected officials from helping “finance” a PAC.

Minnesota – Lobbying Law Could Squeeze Some Minnesota Legislators
MPR News – Brian Bakst | Published: 12/16/2022

A lobbying law about to take effect in Minnesota aims to bar legislators from working for entities that exist primarily for lobbying or government affairs work. The same prohibition would apply to lawmakers who take on certain roles at organizations that employ or contract with lobbyists. Depending on how the statute is interpreted and enforced, it could require some lawmakers to choose between serving in the Legislature or continuing in their outside occupations. Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board Executive Director Jeff Sigurdson said one aspect of the law redefined who could fall under the lobbyist umbrella.

Minnesota – Regulators Push for More Financial Transparency in Minnesota Politics
Minneapolis Star Tribune – Jessie Van Berkel | Published: 12/17/2022

Spouses of public officials in Minnesota, unlike many other states, do not publicly report their financial interests. That would change if legislators follow the direction of the state’s Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, which made numerous recommendations largely aimed at improving transparency in campaigns and government. The board also proposed regulating cryptocurrency donations to campaigns and expanding public reporting on lobbying and on ads that do not expressly advocate for a candidate but can influence votes.

Nevada – For These Nevada Lobbyists, Politics Is a Family Affair
MSN – Taylor Avery (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 12/17/2022

Having the opportunity to follow in a family member’s footsteps and carry on the legacy of their work is a dream many envision but few realize. In Nevada’s political sphere, however, many have successfully taken up the helm and followed their parents into the world of lobbying. Even before joining his father’s firm, the Ferraro Group, becoming a lobbyist was Tommy Ferraro’s dream job since “Day One.”

New York – Foes of Drag Queen Story Hours Invade New York Councilman’s Home
DNyuz – Liam Stack (New York Times) | Published: 12/20/2022

Protesters descended on the home and the office of a gay member of the New York City Council, vandalizing the walls with homophobic graffiti and attacking one of his neighbors over his support for Drag Story Hour events at local libraries. The council member, Erik Bottcher, documented the vandalism on social media, where he also shared a video of protesters screaming and banging on his office door. Drag story hour events have drawn an increasing number of protests and threats across the country in recent years, including a series of tense demonstrations in New York, a city known for its inclusivity.

New York – Who Is Rep.-Elect George Santos? His Résumé May Be Largely Fiction.
Yahoo News – Grace Ashford and Michael Gold (New York Times) | Published: 12/19/2022

George Santos’ upset victory in a Long Island district helped Republicans gain control of the U.S. House. His campaign biography amplified his storybook journey. He is the son of Brazilian immigrants and is the first openly gay Republican to win a U.S. House seat as a non-incumbent. By his account, he became a “seasoned Wall Street financier and investor” with a family-owned real estate portfolio and an animal rescue charity. But a New York Times review of public documents and court filings, as well as various attempts to verify claims that Santos made on the campaign trail, calls into question key parts of the résumé he sold to voters.

North Carolina – N.C. Court Strikes Down Voter ID Law as Intentional Racial Discrimination
MSN – Eugene Scott, Azi Paybarah, and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 12/16/2022

The North Carolina Supreme Court struck down a state voter identification law, ruling Republican lawmakers acted unconstitutionally to minimize Democratic voters’ power with a law that intentionally discriminated against Black voters. Senate Bill 824 required every voter to present one of a few specific forms of photo identification, a measure the justices ruled was passed in part to discriminate against Black voters. Despite most voters having at least one of the forms of identification, the risk of having voters suppressed was very real, they said.

Ohio – Butler County Auditor Found Guilty on One Felony Count
WCPO – Lauren Pack and Rick McCrabb | Published: 12/21/2022

A jury found Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds guilty of one of the five charges he faced in a public corruption trial. Because he was convicted of a felony, he will not be able to serve as auditor. The charge was related to Reynolds advocating for Lakota Schools to build a golf academy at a private country club with tax money that school districts receive from the auditor’s office.

Ohio – FirstEnergy Execs Promised DeWine Administration Would ‘Step In’ for Scandal-Tainted HB6, Emails Show
MSN – Jake Zuckerman and Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/22/2022

A FirstEnergy executive privately pledged that Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s administration would “step in” to support legislation now at the center of the largest public corruption scheme in state history, documents show. As the tainted legislation neared the finish line in 2019, FirstEnergy executives discussed deploying lawmakers and top state officials to push for the law’s passage. Prosecutors allege FirstEnergy paid roughly $60 million to a nonprofit controlled by then-House Speaker Larry Householder so he would champion a bailout of two nuclear plants and energy legislation worth more than $1.3 billion to the company and its subsidiary.

Ohio – Three Former Toledo City Councilmembers Plead Guilty in Corruption Probe
MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/16/2022

Three of four former Toledo City Council members accused of soliciting and taking bribes in exchange for votes pleaded guilty to federal charges. Yvonne Harper pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery, and Larry Sykes and Tyrone Riley each pleaded guilty to one count of extortion. The FBI in July 2020 arrested the group, along with attorney Keith Mitchell, in connection with the probe that shined a light on the tactics the council used to line their pockets with cash in exchange for favors. The four former members of council represented one-third of council at the time of the arrests. All four later resigned from council.

Oregon – Oregon Agencies Scrutinize Controversial Fiber-Optic Deal in Morrow County
MSN – Mike Rogoway (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 12/15/2022

The nonprofit Inland Development Corp. provides fiber-optic internet connections for local government offices and health care agencies. It also served businesses in Morrow County, including Amazon, which has spent more than $8 billion dollars building large data centers in the remote Oregon community. Inland sold the business side of its organization to four local officials as Amazon was seeking new tax breaks. The transaction positioned the local officials to profit from Amazon’s continued growth in the county. The buyers continued to participate in some votes on issues affecting Amazon after the purchase.

South Carolina – SC Coroner Flouts Transparency Laws, Hires Ex-SC State Police Chief Caught in Scam
Charleston Post and Courier – Tony Bartelme | Published: 12/18/2022

In 2019, Michael Bartley applied for a part-time job as a county deputy coroner. He seemed well-qualified, with previous mortuary experience and having served as police chief at South Carolina State University. When asked on a hiring questionnaire whether he had ever stolen anything from his employers, Bartley wrote no. Left unmentioned was his guilty plea to federal charges that he used his public law enforcement job for personal gain in a kickback scheme involved a kickback scheme. His boss, Orangeburg County Coroner Samuetta Marshall, owes the state Ethics Commission $12,430 over violations of open government rules.

South Dakota – Ethics Board Dismisses Noem Plane Case, Says Law Is Unclear
MSN – Stephen Groves (Associated Press) | Published: 12/20/2022

The Government Accountability Board dismissed a complaint against South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem for using state government aircraft to attend events hosted by political organizations because state law does not define what is meant by “state business.” “It is not felt that the board has authority to establish a definition of state business,” board member David Gienapp said, and suggested that was the purview of the Legislature. Hughes County State’s Attorney Jessica LaMie said in October that her office found “no basis” to pursue charges on the allegations that Noem had misused the state plane or that the plane’s flight records had been altered.

Texas – Grid Reforms Becomes Power Company Lobbyist
Texas Observer – Justin Miller | Published: 12/20/2022

The former chairperson of the House State Affairs Committee, Chris Paddie, has registered as a lobbyist. Though many other Texans have gone straight from public office into private sector lobbying, Paddie’s case is unique in that it poses a challenge to an untested “revolving door” law. That law is one of the state’s few restrictions on a former elected official’s otherwise unfettered ability to capitalize on insider access and legislative expertise.

Virginia – Virginia Subcommittee on Campaign Finance Reform Still Failing to Complete Only Job
Virginia Mercury – Graham Moomaw | Published: 12/21/2022

For a second year in a row, the subcommittee created to take a “comprehensive” look at whether Virginia needs stronger limits on money in politics appears to be failing to complete its only task. It has not met in 2022 and no meeting dates have been set ahead of the 2023 legislative session that starts in January. Virginia currently has virtually no limits on how much money political campaigns can accept from one source and no law prohibiting politicians from spending that money on themselves instead of their campaigns.

Washington DC – Rudy Giuliani Likely Committed Misconduct Over 2020 Election, DC Bar Panel Finds
MSN – Zoe Tillman (Bloomberg) | Published: 12/15/2022

Attorney disciplinary regulators recommended Rudy Giuliani be disbarred in Washington, D.C., after a local bar association panel’s preliminary finding he likely committed misconduct in pressing Donald Trump’s failed legal challenge to President Biden’s 2020 win in Pennsylvania. Disciplinary Counsel Hamilton Fox argued the severe sanction was appropriate because Giuliani’s conduct in Pennsylvania was part of a broader effort to undermine the legitimacy of an election. The hearing committee’s decision is not final and could change as the case continues to wind through the District of Columbia Bar Association’s disciplinary process.

Campaign Finance

Colorado: “The Fair Elections Fund Rollout Is Facing Issues. City Council and the Clerk and Recorder’s Office Are Discussing Last-Minute Fixes” by Kyle Harris for Denverite

Connecticut: “Bacon Brothers and Lobbyists Are Players at Lamont’s Inaugural Ball” by Mark Pazniokas (Connecticut Mirror) for MSN

Minnesota: “Regulators Push for More Financial Transparency in Minnesota Politics” by Jessie Van Berkel for Minneapolis Star Tribune

Elections

New York: “Who Is Rep.-Elect George Santos? His Résumé May Be Largely Fiction.” by Grace Ashford and Michael Gold (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “Top Government Ethics Officer Was Late Disclosing His Personal Finances on Multiple Occasions” by Kimberly Leonard (Business Insider) for MSN

National: “While Advising Trump on Judges, Conway Sold Her Business to a Firm with Ties to Judicial Activist Leonard Leo” by Heidi Przybyla (Politico) for MSN

Lobbying

Texas: “Grid Reforms Becomes Power Company Lobbyist” by Justin Miller for Texas Observer

Procurement

National: “Congress Passes Bill to Rein in Conflicts of Interest for Consultants Such as McKinsey” by Ian MacDougall for ProPublica

National/Federal

Democrats Ramp Up Investigation of Kushner Family Business Dealings
MSN – Michael Kranish (Washington Post) | Published: 12/7/2022

Democrats on a pair of congressional committees launched a new effort to obtain information about whether Jared Kushner’s actions on U.S. policy in the Persian Gulf region as a senior White House adviser were influenced by the bailout of a property owned by his family business. Citing previously undisclosed documents related to former President Trump’s son-in-law, the committees sent letters to the State and Defense departments requesting material they say could shed new light on whether “Kushner’s financial conflict of interest may have led him to improperly influence U.S. tax, trade and national security policies for his own financial gain.”

DNC Moves Forward with Dramatic Change to Presidential Primary Calendar
MSN – Elena Schneider (Politico) | Published: 12/2/2022

The Democratic National Committee voted to radically alter its presidential nominating calendar, following President Biden’s recommendations to elevate South Carolina as the first primary state and to eliminate Iowa, breaking with historical precedent. But there are still several logistical hurdles for the party to clear to make the new vision a reality. Members of the party’s Rules and Bylaws Committee, charged with recommending a new calendar, gave a near-unanimous vote of approval for Biden’s proposal, with only minor tweaks to the dates and two ‘no’ votes from Iowa and New Hampshire members.

Ex-Miami US Rep. David Rivera Arrested in Venezuela Probe
Yahoo News – Joshua Goodman and Terry Spencer (Associated Press) | Published: 12/5/2022

Former U.S. Rep. David Rivera, who signed a $50-million consulting contract with the Venezuela government, was arrested on suspicion of money-laundering and representing a foreign government without registering. The indictment alleges Rivera, at the start of the Trump administration, was part of a conspiracy to lobby on behalf of Venezuela to lower tensions with the U.S., resolve a legal dispute with an American. oil company, and end U.S. sanctions against the South American nation – all without registering as a foreign agent.

Fearing Scandal, Air Force Blocked Generals’ Foreign Consulting Deals
MSN – Craig Whitlock and Nate Jones (Washington Post) | Published: 12/5/2022

During the height of the war in Afghanistan, Pentagon officials persuaded Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev to open his country’s borders and airspace to allied supply routes. In exchange, U.S. officials promised a closer diplomatic partnership with Aliyev and steered $369 million in defense contracts to Silk Way Airlines, an Azerbaijan cargo carrier that U.S. investigators say was controlled by the government. Two U.S. Air Force generals, Duncan McNabb and William Fraser III, who oversaw the supply routes later tried to cash in on their Azerbaijan connections. Upon retiring from active duty, they negotiated valuable consulting deals with Silk Way Airlines.

Federal Election Commission Passes New Digital Ad Disclosure Rule
OpenSecrets – Taylor Giorno | Published: 12/1/2022

The FEC adopted a new rule requiring disclosures for political advertising online. Previously, digital ads were not subject to the same disclosure requirements as those in broadcast or print media. The rule expands the definition of “public communication” to “any public communication over the internet that is placed for a fee on another person’s website, digital device, application, or advertising platform.” But the commissioners rejected language requiring those who promote digital political ads to disclose if they are being paid to do so.

House Ethics Committee Admonishes Rep. Madison Cawthorn Over Crypto Promotion, Failure to Disclose Stake
CNBC – Dan Mangan | Published: 12/7/2022

The House Committee on Ethics said it admonished outgoing U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn and ordered him to pay more than $15,000 for violating conflict-of-interest rules by publicly promoting a cryptocurrency he owned and for failing to promptly disclose crypto transactions. The committee also said an investigative subcommittee’s report did not find evidence Cawthorn engaged in an improper romantic or sexual relationship with a staffer, with whom he had been seen in videos “engaging in explicit and sexually suggestive comments and conduct.”

Items with Classified Markings Found at Trump Storage Unit in Florida
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Josh Dawsey, Spencer Hsu, Devlin Barrett, and Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) | Published: 12/7/2022

Lawyers for former President Trump found at least two items marked classified after an outside team hired by Trump searched a storage unit in West Palm Beach, Florida, used by the former president, according to people familiar with the matter. Those items were immediately turned over to the FBI. The search was one of at least three conducted by an outside team of his properties for classified materials in recent weeks, after they were pressed by a federal judge to attest they had fully complied with a grand jury subpoena to turn over all materials bearing classified markings.

Justice Dept. Subpoenas Ariz., Mich., Wis. Officials for Trump Communications
MSN – Amy Gardner, Isaac Stanley-Becker, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 12/6/2022

Special counsel Jack Smith subpoenaed local officials in Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin – three states that were central to former President Trump’s failed plan to stay in power following the 2020 election – for any and all communications with Trump, his campaign, and a long list of aides and allies. They are among the first known subpoenas issued by Smith, who was named to oversee the U.S. Capitol attack case as well as the criminal probe of Trump’s possible mishandling of classified documents at his Florida home.

Rupert Murdoch to Be Deposed in $1.6 Billion Defamation Case Against Fox
MSN – Jeremy Barr and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 12/5/2022

Rupert Murdoch, chairperson of Fox News parent company Fox Corp, will be forced to answer questions under oath about his network’s coverage of the 2020 presidential election. Murdoch will be deposed as part of Dominion Voting Systems’ $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News. The lawsuit alleges the network purposely aired false claims about Dominion’s role in the 2020 presidential election to boost ratings and fight off competition from more-conservative-leaning television networks.

Ted Cruz’s Podcast Deal With iHeartMedia May Violate Ethics Laws, Watchdog Says in New Complaint
MSN – Zach Everson (Forbes) | Published: 12/1/2022

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz may have violated a federal law barring senators from receiving gifts from registered lobbyists when he accepted podcast production services from iHeartMedia, according to a complaint filed by the Campaign Legal Center with the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. Senators also are barred from accepting honoraria for oral presentations transmitted electronically. The complaint claims that Cruz’s deal with iHeartMedia could not be qualified as a political contribution either, because corporations are banned from donating directly to campaigns, even via in-kind contributions.

Trump Mar-a-Lago Special Master Struck Down by Appeals Court
MSN – Perry Stein and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 12/1/2022

A federal appeals court panel halted an outside review of thousands of documents seized from former President Trump’s Florida residence, ruling a lower-court judge was wrong to appoint an expert to decide whether any of the material should be shielded from criminal investigators. The ruling, which Trump may appeal to the Supreme Court, means criminal investigators can again access the unclassified documents that were recovered in the search. The Justice Department has said those materials may be important in their probe of the possible mishandling of classified documents, obstruction, and destruction of government property at Mar-a-Lago.

Trump’s Committee Paying for Lawyers of Key Mar-a-Lago Witnesses
MSN – Devlin Barrett, Josh Dawsey, and Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) | Published: 12/5/2022

Former President Trump’s PAC is paying legal bills for some key witnesses involved in the Justice Department investigation into whether Trump mishandled classified documents, obstructed the investigation, or destroyed government records. Jim Walden, a former federal prosecutor, said the payment arrangement raises concerns about whether the reimbursement of legal fees may influence what the witnesses say or do. He noted if Justice Department officials have ethical concerns, they could ask a judge to, at a minimum, question the clients about whether they are certain their interests are being protected.

Vows to Reject Corporate PAC Money on the Rise for Incoming Congress
MSN – Kate Ackley (Roll Call) | Published: 12/5/2022

More than 70 members of the 118 Congress say they are swearing off contributions from corporate PACs, indicating that a trend, almost exclusively among Democrats, that caught on during the 2018 election cycle has persisted. Business PACs face an uncertain future as the scramble for their money diminishes. Recent cycles have also seen an explosion in contributions of small amounts by more donors, especially among Democrats.

Canada

Canada – MPs Step in to Delay New Lobbying Code of Conduct Following Complaints
Globe and Mail – Bill Curry | Published: 12/1/2022

Members of Parliament delayed a new code of conduct for lobbyists after receiving a wide range of complaints. Some of the changes are being criticized as a major softening related to situations in which lobbyists campaign for politicians, while some lobbyists are objecting to proposed new restrictions on the many evening events hosted by organizations on Parliament Hill.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Ariz. County Ordered to Certify Election as GOP Lawyers Are Sanctioned
MSN – Isaac Stanley-Becker and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 12/1/2022

A judge in Arizona ordered the governing board of Cochise County to certify the results of the November 8 election, finding its members had no authority to shirk a duty required under state law. The surrender, under court order, ended a standoff that threatened to upend the state’s process for affirming the will of more than 2.5 million Arizona voters. The ensuing chaos could have undermined the projected victories of Republicans in a U.S. House seat and the statewide race for schools superintendent.

California – Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan Faces $19,000 Ethics Fine
MSN – Darwin BondGraham (Oaklandside) | Published: 12/2/2022

Oakland City Councilperson Rebecca Kaplan is facing a $19,000 fine because she allegedly failed to disclose her ownership of a condominium located next to a waterfront park which she and the rest of the council voted to expand, using over $1 million in city funds. The improvement to the park stood to increase the value of her condo. Kaplan purchased the condo in 2013 along with her parents, but for the next seven years she did not list it on the annual financial disclosure forms that elected officials are required to file with the city.

California – L.A. City Council Votes to Reinstate Salary of Indicted Member Mark Ridley-Thomas
MSN – David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/7/2022

The Los Angeles City Council voted to reinstate the salary of indicted Councilperson Mark Ridley-Thomas, more than a year after he was suspended from his post while facing federal corruption charges. Ridley-Thomas sued the city over his suspension earlier this year, saying it violated the City Charter and was politically motivated. He will receive about $265,000, while an additional $99,500 will go to his legal team.

Florida – Florida Lawmaker Charged with Defrauding Pandemic Loan Program
MSN – Andrew Jeong (Washington Post) | Published: 12/8/2022

A Florida lawmaker known for sponsoring legislation that regulates classroom talk about sexual orientation and gender identity was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly trying to illicitly obtain more than $150,000 in federal pandemic relief funds. State Rep. Joseph Harding was accused of making fraudulent applications to the Small Business Administration using the names of dormant business entities. Harding is also accused of submitting “fraudulently created bank statements” in the applications, federal prosecutors said.

Florida – Matt Gaetz Associate Joel Greenberg Gets 11 Years as Probe into Congressman Stalls, Sources Say
ABC News – Will Steakin | Published: 12/1/2022

Joel Greenberg, the former Florida tax collector who sources say agreed to cooperate in the federal probe into his one-time close associate, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to six of the 33 charges he was facing, including stalking, identity theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy to bribe a public official, as well as one charge of sex trafficking. Multiple sources familiar with the probe said the investigation into Gaetz has stalled.

Florida – Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor Resigns Amid Traffic Stop Controversy
MSN – Tony Marrero (Tampa Bay Times) | Published: 12/5/2022

Tampa’s chief of police, Mary O’Connor, resigned after an investigation into a Pinellas County traffic stop where she flashed a badge and asked a deputy to “just let us go.” A deputy pulled over O’Connor and her husband because their golf cart did not have a license plate. Keith O’Connor said they stopped at nearby restaurant and did not usually drive the cart on public roads. The deputy let them go without a citation. Mary O’Connor handed over what appeared to be her business card, telling the deputy, “You ever need anything, call me.”

Georgia – After Georgia Loss, G.O.P. Stares Down Its Trump Dilemma
DNyuz – Jonathan Weisman and Maya King (New York Times) | Published: 12/7/2022

The Democrats’ capstone re-election victory of U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock forced Republicans to reckon with the red wave that was not, as they turned with trepidation to 2024 and the intensifying divisions in the party over former President Trump. For a handful of Republicans, newly emboldened by re-election or retirement to say so aloud, the biggest culprit was Trump. They slammed him for promoting flawed candidates, including Herschel Walker, dividing his party, and turning many swing voters against the GOP for the third election cycle in a row.

Hawaii – ‘A Deep Moral Crisis’: Commission Proposes ‘Bold’ Reforms in Government
Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 12/1/2022

A panel tasked with identifying ways to better Hawaii government is calling for sweeping reforms to restore public trust in government. The report from the Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct details more than 30 proposals to reshape state laws and legislative processes in the areas of ethics, corruption, elections, and government operations. The report was triggered by a string of corruption cases involving government officials statewide that made national headlines and raised doubts about the integrity of local government operations.

Illinois – Despite Ban on Lobbyists’ Campaign Money, Lightfoot Took $68K from Lobbyist’s Companies. Now, She’s Giving Much of it Back.
Chicago Sun-Times – Tim Novak and Frank Main | Published: 12/2/2022

More than a decade ago, then-Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued an executive order that prohibited him and future mayors from taking any campaign money from lobbyists. This year, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has accepted more than $53,000 in 39 campaign contributions from 14 companies affiliated with Carmen Rossi, a registered city lobbyist. Since Lightfoot was elected mayor in 2019, she has gotten a total of $68,500 from companies affiliated with him. A Lightfoot campaign spokesperson said the mayor has decided to return $44,500 in contributions she has received from companies affiliated with Rossi.

Maryland – Mayor Scott Accepts Money from Businessman He Disavowed During Pugh’s Healthy Holly Scandal
Baltimore Brew – Mark Reutter | Published: 12/7/2022

Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott’s campaign committee reported a $5,000 donation from J.P. Grant, who was linked to the scandal surrounding former Mayor Catherine Pugh. Scott got still more money from two parties linked to the construction company that is secretly financed by Grant, Commercial Utilities LLC. The Board of Estimates recently approved a $12 million increase to the conduit contract that Commercial Utilities co-manages. Scott has said that contributions do not influence his votes on the Board of Estimates.

Mississippi – Ethics Commission Says Legislature Not Subject to Open Meetings Law
Daily Journal – Bobby Harrison (Mississippi Today) | Published: 12/2/2022

The Mississippi Ethics Commission determined the state Legislature is not bound by the open meetings law. The ruling came in a complaint filed by the Mississippi Free Press saying the House Republican caucus members, which currently consist of 75 of the 122 House members, are violating the law when they meet behind closed doors to discuss policy. A news report cited reports of various House members and detailed how the caucus meetings were usually the first place that rank-and-file House Republicans were informed of details of major policies developed by Speaker Philip Gunn and a handful of other leaders.

Missouri – ‘A Scar’ on St. Louis: 3 former aldermen get prison for bribery
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Katie Kull | Published: 12/6/2022

Three former St. Louis aldermen, including the longtime board president, will go to prison for accepting bribes. John Collins-Muhammad and Lewis Reed each received sentences of three years and nine months, while Jeffrey Boyd was sentenced to three years. It was a conclusion to a case that involved surveillance, hundreds of hours of recorded phone calls and meetings, and thousands of text messages and emails, prosecutors said. The key player was a local businessperson facing his own federal charges who handed out bribes in exchange for tax breaks and a reduced rate on a city-owned property.

New Mexico – Ethics Agency Settles ‘Revolving Door’ Allegations
Albuquerque Journal – Dan McKay | Published: 12/7/2022

New Mexico’s ethics agency reached a $13,000 settlement to resolve a lawsuit it filed alleging violations of a revolving-door ban. The State Ethics Commission accused a former Sandoval County assessor’s office employee, Gabriel Vargas, and Double Eagle Property Tax Consultants of violating the law, which prohibits an ex-government employee from leaving an agency and then representing clients before the agency on a matter they had worked on, or from being paid to represent anyone before the agency at all for one year.

New Mexico – Ethics Board Advances Complaint Against County Commissioner
Albuquerque Journal – Jessica Dyer | Published: 12/2/2022

A Bernalillo County ethics board advanced a complaint alleging an elected official improperly accepted a $5,000 campaign contribution from a lobbyist. The county’s Code of Conduct Review Board decided the complaint against county Commissioner Charlene Pyskoty warranted an evidentiary hearing. Vanessa Alarid gave a $5,000 in-kind donation to Pyskoty’s reelection campaign in June. Alarid represents the developers behind Santolina, a planned community that has been, and will continue to go, before county commissioners to get necessary approvals.

New York – Bribery, Fraud Charges Dismissed Against Ex-NY Lt. Governor
MSN – Larry Neumeister (Associated Press) | Published: 12/5/2022

Bribery and fraud charges against former New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin were tossed out by a federal judge, leaving Benjamin to face only records falsification charges. U.S. District Court Judge J. Paul Oetken said prosecutors failed to allege an explicit example in which Benjamin provided a favor for a bribe, an essential element of bribery and honest services fraud charges. Benjamin pleaded not guilty to charges he obtained a campaign donation from a real estate developer in exchange for his influence to get a $50,000 grant of state funds for a nonprofit organization the developer controlled.

New York – Trump Organization Convicted in Executive Tax Dodge Scheme
MSN – Michael Sisak (Associated Press) | Published: 12/6/2022

Donald Trump’s company was convicted of tax fraud in a case brought by the Manhattan district attorney in a repudiation of financial practices at the former president’s business. A jury found two corporate entities at the Trump Organization guilty on all 17 counts, including conspiracy charges and falsifying business records. As punishment, the Trump Organization could be fined up to $1.6 million, a relatively small amount for a company of its size, though the conviction might make some of its future deals more complicated.

New York – Twin Friends of Eric Adams Are Dogged by Allegations and Unpaid Debts
DNyuz – Michael Rothfeld, William Rashbaum, and Susan Beachy (New York Times) | Published: 12/5/2022

Over the past decade, Johnny and Robert Petrosyants have boasted of their friendship with New York City Mayor Eric Adams while courting partners for a range of business ventures. The relationship has helped them gloss over that both brothers pleaded guilty in 2014 to financial crimes related to insurance claims. By all accounts, Adams has maintained a close relationship with the brothers. For their part, the brothers have generated tens of thousands of dollars for Adams’ campaigns by holding fundraising events and enlisting friends to solicit contributions.

North Carolina – Supreme Court Seems Poised to Reject Robust Reading of ‘Independent State Legislature’ Theory
MSN – Zach Montellaro (Politico) | Published: 12/7/2022

The Supreme Court seemed splintered about whether to adopt a legal theory that would radically reshape how federal elections are conducted. The North Carolina Supreme Court tossed congressional maps drawn by the Legislature as an illegal partisan gerrymander, with court-drawn maps ultimately being used for the 2022 election. Republican legislators asked the U.S. Supreme Court to toss out those court-drawn maps, advancing a once-fringe legal idea called the “independent state Legislature” theory, which argues that an interpretation of a clause in the U.S. Constitution leaves little, or no, room for state court review of election laws.

Ohio – City Council Bans Cleveland from Doing Business with Companies That Practice Wage Theft
MSN – Courtney Astolfi (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/6/2022

The Cleveland City Council approved an ordinance banning the city from doing business with companies found to practice wage theft and those that commit payroll fraud. The new law bars Cleveland from granting financial assistance to such companies or entering into contracts with them for city services or construction. Wage theft is defined as any violation of state or federal law regarding the prompt payment of wages, payment of minimum wage, or prevailing wage rates. Payroll fraud is defined as the concealment of a business’s true tax liability by not reporting or underreporting applicable wages or by paying employees under-the-table.

Oklahoma – With Weak Laws and Little Enforcement, Oklahoma Sees Record-Breaking Dark Money Spending
The Frontier – Clifton Adcock | Published: 12/6/2022

Spending from outside groups soared to more than $33.6 million in Oklahoma’s election cycle this year, the highest recorded level in the state’s history. In the face of increasing outside political spending from secretive groups, some states have moved to require greater disclosure in state and local elections in recent years. But thanks to a lack of funding from the Legislature, Oklahoma has weak enforcement and some lawmakers have even attempted to head off disclosure requirements for “dark money” groups.

Oregon – Long-Serving Director of Oregon Government Ethics Commission Retires
Willamette Week – Nigel Jaquiss | Published: 12/3/2022

One of the state’s longest-serving agency directors officially retired on November 30. Ron Bersin, who has led the Oregon Government Ethics Commission since 2006, told the commission it was time to find his successor. Bersin ensured that local officials complied with ethics laws and public officials and lobbyists filed disclosure statements in a timely manner to provide a way for the public to track their financial interests and activity. He will stay on as interim director through the legislative session but has asked the commission to find a new director by the end of next year.

Oregon – Portland City Officials Avoid Competitive Process for Gunshot Detection Pilot
OPB – Jonathan Levinson | Published: 12/5/2022

Public records show a yearlong courtship between the Portland police and ShotSpotter, a company providing gunshot detection technology, and almost no consideration of a competitor. Text messages between a Portland Police Bureau officer and a ShotSpotter representative suggest a cozy relationship helped pave the way for the city’s decision to pilot the technology. If the city moves forward and puts ShotSpotter in the five Portland neighborhoods with the most gun violence the contract could be worth over $1 million per year.

South Carolina – Judge to Decide Whether to Dismiss Charges Against Quinn, Alleged Kingpin of Corruption Scandal
MSN – John Monk (The State) | Published: 12/2/2022

After a hearing, the issue of whether to dismiss state grand jury perjury and obstruction of justice charges against political consultant Richard Quinn Sr. is now in the hands of Judge Carmen Mullen. The judge said she would weigh complex legal issues, including the relevance of 2021 South Carolina Supreme Court opinion on corruption charges against a former state representative, whether Quinn was afforded due process, and whether prosecutors were right to have Quinn testify in front of a state grand jury where he made statements that resulted in his indictment.

Virginia – Restaurant Refuses Service to Christian Group, Citing Staff ‘Dignity’
MSN – Emily Heil (Washington Post) | Published: 12/6/2022

A restaurant in Richmond, Virginia, refused to host a private event for a conservative Christian organization over the group’s position on same-sex marriage and abortion rights. The restaurant, Metzger Bar and Butchery, called itself an “inclusive” establishment that has rarely refused service to willing patrons, but said it denied service to the group to protect its staff, many of whom are women or members of the LGBTQ+ community. Family Foundation President Victoria Cobb likened the restaurant’s move to establishments that refused to serve Black customers in the 1950s and 1960s.

Washington – SEIU Secretly Lobbied the Washington State Redistricting Commission, Court Filings Allege
The Olympian – Shauna Sowersby (McClatchy) | Published: 12/7/2022

A lobbyist for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) failed to report lobbying activities related to the Washington State Redistricting Commission in 2021, court records allege. Arthur West, an open government advocate, is suing the commission and the state for withholding and deleting public records. West told said the Legislature recently disclosed more communications the commission intentionally withheld from him in previous public records requests, and they included the unreported lobbying activity by SEIU lobbyist Lindsey Grad.

Washington – WA Appeals Court Largely Upholds Eyman Campaign Finance Violations
Seattle Times – David Gutman | Published: 12/6/2022

A Washington appeals court upheld the majority of campaign finance violations that longtime anti-tax activist Tim Eyman was found liable for last year, keeping in place the multimillion-dollar verdict against him and most of the restrictions barring Eyman from controlling the finances of political committees. It threw out one of the violations against Eyman, a small portion of the restrictions imposed on him, and asked the trial judge to reconsider the size of the fine levied against him. Eyman was fined more than $2.6 million for his campaign finance violations and ordered to pay attorneys’ fees to the state of more than $2.9 million.

Washington DC – Giuliani Puts 2020 Election Back on Trial in DC Ethics Case
MSN – Zoe Tillman (Bloomberg) | Published: 12/5/2022

Rudy Giuliani “weaponized his law license” to try to undermine the U.S. Constitution when he led a failed effort for Donald Trump to invalidate potentially millions of Pennsylvania votes after the 2020 election, District of Columbia Bar officials argued at a hearing. Giuliani’s Washington law license is on the line as he faces allegations that he violated attorney practice rules by filing a “frivolous” post-election lawsuit in federal court that featured baseless claims of widespread fraud. Giuliani’s defense against the ethics complaint involves digging in two years later on his belief there was evidence that the election was tainted by voting irregularities and fraud.

Campaign Finance

Oklahoma: “With Weak Laws and Little Enforcement, Oklahoma Sees Record-Breaking Dark Money Spending” by Clifton Adcock for The Frontier

Washington: “WA Appeals Court Largely Upholds Eyman Campaign Finance Violations” by David Gutman for Seattle Times

Elections

North Carolina: “Supreme Court Seems Poised to Reject Robust Reading of ‘Independent State Legislature’ Theory” by Zach Montellaro (Politico) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Items with Classified Markings Found at Trump Storage Unit in Florida” by Jacqueline Alemany, Josh Dawsey, Spencer Hsu, Devlin Barrett, and Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Democrats Ramp Up Investigation of Kushner Family Business Dealings” by Michael Kranish (Washington Post) for MSN

Missouri: “‘A Scar’ on St. Louis: 3 former aldermen get prison for bribery” by Katie Kull for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Virginia: “Restaurant Refuses Service to Christian Group, Citing Staff ‘Dignity’” by Emily Heil (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Washington: “SEIU Secretly Lobbied the Washington State Redistricting Commission, Court Filings Allege” by Shauna Sowersby (McClatchy) for The Olympian

Procurement

Ohio: “City Council Bans Cleveland from Doing Business with Companies That Practice Wage Theft” by Courtney Astolfi (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Campaign Finance

National: “Trump’s Committee Paying for Lawyers of Key Mar-a-Lago Witnesses” by Devlin Barrett, Josh Dawsey, and Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) for MSN

Elections

National: “Justice Dept. Subpoenas Ariz., Mich., Wis. Officials for Trump Communications” by Amy Gardner, Isaac Stanley-Becker, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Georgia: “Warnock Beats Walker in Ga. Runoff, Growing Democrats’ Senate Majority” by Sabrina Rodriguez, Dylan Wells, Matthew Brown, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan Faces $19,000 Ethics Fine” by Darwin BondGraham (Oaklandside) for MSN

Florida: “Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor Resigns Amid Traffic Stop Controversy” by Tony Marrero (Tampa Bay Times) for MSN

New York: “Trump Organization Convicted in Executive Tax Dodge Scheme” by Michael Sisak (Associated Press) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Ex-Miami US Rep. David Rivera Arrested in Venezuela Probe” by Joshua Goodman and Terry Spencer (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Procurement

Oregon: “Portland City Officials Avoid Competitive Process for Gunshot Detection Pilot” by Jonathan Levinson for OPB

National/Federal

Cigars, Booze, Money: How a lobbying blitz made sports betting ubiquitous
Yahoo News – Eric Lipton and Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 11/20/2022

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the federal prohibition on sports betting was unconstitutional. Gambling companies and their allies then deployed a full court lobbying campaign to press for sports betting in state capitals, showering lawmakers with money, gifts, and visits from sports luminaries and at times using deceptive arguments to extract tax breaks and other concessions, according to a New York Times investigation. In state after state, while lobbyists cultivated friendly relationships with lawmakers and regulators, the interests of taxpayers and people at risk of gambling problems were often on the back burner.

GOP Operative Found Guilty of Funneling Russian Money to Donald Trump
MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 11/17/2022

A federal jury convicted a Republican political operative, Jesse Benton, for funneling illegal campaign contributions from a Russian national into Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign. Benton worked with another GOP operative to arrange for Roman Vasilenko to attend a fundraiser and take a picture with Trump. Since the event required a contribution, Vasilenko sent $100,000 to Benton’s political consulting firm, $25,000 of which Benton donated in his own name to the Trump campaign and the other $75,000 of which he pocketed.

How Carolyn Maloney’s Ticket to the Met Gala Led to an Ethics Inquiry
Yahoo News – Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) | Published: 11/21/2022

When U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney learned in 2016 that she had been dropped from the guest list for that year’s Met Gala, she evidently could not abide it. Maloney called a powerful friend and appeared to have done her own version of trying to talk her way on the list. In an investigative referral, a congressional ethics watchdog contended her cajoling – including reminding the Met “how much she does for the Met” – may have violated House ethics rules or federal laws that bar lawmakers from soliciting gifts, including invitations.

In New Special Counsel, a Prosecutor Schooled in Corruption Cases
DNyuz – Charlie Savage and Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 11/19/2022

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Jack Smith as special counsel to oversee a pair of criminal investigations involving former President Trump, thrusting him into a political firestorm that will doubtlessly accompany the job. The special counsel’s purview will include the probe of Trump’s alleged retention of highly sensitive national security secrets at his Florida estate, and aspects of the effort by Trump and his allies’ effort to subvert the 2020 election and disrupt the transition of power to President Biden. Smith has been prosecuting criminal cases, including politically charged corruption investigations involving public officials, for nearly 30 years.

Pelosi to Step Down as House Democratic Leader
Yahoo News – Sarah Wire (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/17/2022

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she will not seek to lead House Democrats for another term but remain in Congress. The decision, capping a 35-year career in which Pelosi became the most powerful female member of Congress in U.S. history, followed her party’s narrow loss of the chamber in the midterm election. Pelosi is also abiding by a 2018 agreement with fellow Democrats that she would step down from leadership by the end of 2022 to make way for a new generation. Pelosi also said the attack on her husband, Paul, would be a factor in her decision.

Senior Democratic Lawmakers Demand Answers on Alleged Supreme Court Leak
MSN – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 11/20/2022

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Hank Johnson are demanding that Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts detail what, if anything, the court has done to respond to recent allegations of a leak of the outcome of a major case the justices considered several years ago. Whitehouse and Johnson are also interested in examining claims about a concerted effort by religious conservatives to woo the justices through meals and social engagements. They made clear if the court will not investigate the alleged ethical breaches, lawmakers are likely to launch their own probe.

Trump Family’s Newest Partners: Middle Eastern governments
Yahoo News – Eric Lipton and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 11/21/2022

The Trump Organization signed a deal with a Saudi Arabian real estate company that creates new conflict-of-interest questions for Donald Trump’s just-launched presidential campaign. The deal is for a Trump-branded hotel, villas, and a golf course as part of a $4 billion real estate project in Oman. The agreement continues a practice that had been popular for the Trump family business until Trump was elected president – selling branding rights to an overseas project in exchange for a generous licensing fee.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – APOC OKs Subpoenas for Republican Governors Association Execs in Dunleavy Coordination Case
Midnight Sun – Matt Acuña Buxton | Published: 11/18/2022

The Alaska Public Offices Commission issued subpoenas to two officials with the Republican Governors Association (RGA), Executive Director Dave Rexrode and Chief Financial Officer Erim Canligil. A complaint argues the independent expenditure group illegally coordinated with Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s campaign, violating laws intended to keep candidates separated from unlimited corporate spending.

Arkansas – Ethics Commission Reaches Settlements in Cases Involving Advocacy Group and Arkansas Legislators
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Michael Wickline | Published: 11/18/2022

The Common Ground Arkansas group founded by state Sen. Jim Hendren, along with Sen.-elect Bryan King and state Rep. Mary Bentley, have each been sanctioned with fines and public letters of caution by the Arkansas Ethics Commission. The fines range from $50 to $150. In a complaint, Sen. Trent Garner alleged Hendren, as founder and board member of Common Ground, violated state election law by engaging in expressed advocacy for the purpose of influencing the nomination for election or election of candidates.

California – Anaheim Residents Pressure City Council to Publicly Release Corruption Probe
Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 11/16/2022

Anaheim residents will get to see if their elected leaders are corrupt after they pressured the city council to commit to releasing the findings of an internal probe. The results could implicate city staff and officials themselves. It comes after revelations of an FBI probe into City Hall and former Mayor Harry Sidhu. Federal agents allege Sidhu tried ramming through the Angel Stadium land sale for $1 million in campaign support from team officials.

California – California Raises Campaign Contribution and Gift Limits for 2023-2024
Lexology – Kimberly Railey (Covington & Burling LLP) | Published: 11/18/2022

The California Fair Political Practices Commission voted to increase limits on campaign contribution and gifts to public officials. The new caps take effect on January 1, 2023.

Connecticut – After Record Spending in CT Governor Race, Questions Arise Over Future Spending by Wealthy Candidates
CT Insider – Ken Dixon | Published: 11/21/2022

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and challenger Bob Stefanowski avoided the state’s public campaign financing program in this year’s gubernatorial election, dipping into their own wealth to spend more than $30 million and raising the question of whether top of the ticket candidates will continue doing this in the future and just how wealthy someone must be to run for the state’s highest office. If the current maximum $9 million grant is not increased for governor candidates, it could subvert the purpose of the law aimed at removing lobbyist and special-interest money from statewide and General Assembly races while opening the pool of potential candidates.

Connecticut – Manager at CT State Pier Recommended Itself for $87M in Contracts
Connecticut Mirror – Andrew Brown | Published: 11/21/2022

The company hired to oversee the redevelopment of the State Pier in New London, Kiewit Corporation, recommended itself for tens of millions of dollars in subcontracts under the project, even in some cases where another construction firm submitted a lower-priced bid to the state. That arrangement is now drawing criticism from a few Connecticut lawmakers who are concerned about the potential for a conflict-of-interest. Sen. Paul Formica, who represents the district where the new pier is being built, argued it was a poor business practice to allow Kiewit to both manage the public bidding process and submit offers for work at the site.

Florida – Judge Blocks DeSantis Law on Barring ‘Woke’ Education
Yahoo News – Anthony Izaguire (Associated Press) | Published: 11/17/2022

U.S. District Court Judge Mark Walker blocked a law pushed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts certain race-based conversations and analysis in colleges. Walker issued a temporary injunction against the so-called Stop Woke act in a ruling that called the legislation “positively dystopian.” The law prohibits teaching that contend members of one ethnic group are inherently racist and should feel guilt for past actions committed by others. It also bars the notion that a person’s status as privileged or oppressed is necessarily determined by their race or gender, or that discrimination is acceptable to achieve diversity.

Georgia – Judge Says Georgia Law Allows Saturday Voting for Runoff
MSN – Kate Brumback and Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 11/18/2022

A judge said Georgia law allows counties to offer early voting on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is the only possibility for Saturday voting before the runoff election between U.S. Sen Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker. Warnock’s campaign filed a lawsuit arguing that early voting should be allowed that day. They were challenging guidance by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger that said it would be illegal to hold early voting on Saturday, November 26, the day after a state holiday.

Idaho – September Special Session Leads to $24,000 in Fines Against 91 Idaho Lobbyists for Late Filings
Idaho Capital Sun – Kelcie Moseley-Morris | Published: 11/21/2022

Ninety-one lobbyists were fined for filing late reports following Idaho’s one-day special session on September 1. There are 393 registered lobbyists in Idaho, meaning about 23 percent of the registered lobbyists were fined. According to emails sent to the affected lobbyists, the report was due October 15, and a fine of $50 is assessed each day the report is late. Those fines are also applicable for campaign finance reports that candidates must file monthly according to election cycles. While 13 of the fines were $150 or less, the rest were $300 after the secretary of state’s office decided to reduce what were initially $700 to $900 fines.

Illinois – Madigan: Indicted but still pitching for (and getting) money
Chicago Sun-Times – Tim Novak and Dave McKinney | Published: 11/18/2022

Since being indicted last March as part of a wide-ranging corruption investigation, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been personally soliciting campaign contributions for his Democratic ward organization and has gotten more than $400,000 for the political fund. These contributions have helped replenish $302,000 in legal fees Madigan’s groups has spent since being subpoenaed by a federal grand jury as part of the ongoing criminal case. It is unusual to see such a large haul associated with someone in the crosshairs of federal prosecutors, someone who no longer can dole out political favors and jobs, as Madigan did for decades.

Illinois – With New Campaign Fund, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Allies Are Raising Cash Outside City Ethics Rules Limits
MSN – Gregory Pratt (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 11/21/2022

The establishment of a new independent expenditure committee in October underscores the political battle that Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s supporters are anticipating in the coming months and the loopholes that exist in campaign finance laws and city ethics rules designed to limit the influence political backers have on elected officials’ government actions. The 77 Committee, which is being run by a longtime top adviser to Lightfoot, is allowed to accept unlimited funds for her reelection, including from city contractors who are restricted under ethics rules from contributing to the mayor’s campaign or a Lightfoot-aligned PAC.

Indiana – Doctor Says She Shouldn’t Have to Turn Over Patients’ Abortion Records
MSN – Kim Bellware (Washington Post) | Published: 11/19/2022

A physician who provided an abortion to a 10-year-old rape victim has asked a judge to stop the Indiana attorney general from accessing patient medical records as part of an investigation into consumer complaints her lawyers have called a “sham.” Caitlin Bernard’s lawyers said Attorney General Todd Rokita’s efforts to obtain the patient’s medical charts are a troubling violation of patient privacy that, if allowed, would shake trust in doctor-patient confidentiality. The state countered that Rokita’s office is allowed to access the records as it investigates complaints accusing Bernard of professional lapses.

Louisiana – Federal Grand Jury Probing Purchases by LaToya Cantrell’s Image Consultant
NOLA.com – David Hammer (WWL), John Simerman, and Gabriella Killett | Published: 11/17/2022

At least two New Orleans area stores have received subpoenas from a federal grand jury and been questioned by FBI agents about clothing purchases made by Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s image consultant, Tanya Haynes. Gray Sexton, the former lawyer for the Louisiana Board of Ethics Board, said such expenditures are proper under state law only if they are truly spent on consulting, not clothing. He noted a few limited exceptions to that rule, such as people who hold elected positions that might require them to wear a uniform, such as an elected police chief, might be able to tap their campaign funds.

New Jersey – Former Top Aide to NJ Senate Leader Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion and Wire Fraud Conspiracy
Yahoo News – Steve Janoski and Ashley Balcerzak (Bergen Record) | Published: 11/21/2022

The former chief of staff to the New Jersey Senate president pleaded guilty to tax evasion and wire fraud charges. Tony Teixeira admitted he conspired with Sean Caddle, a former Hudson County political operative, to overcharge various campaigns, PACs, and nonprofits for work done by Caddle’s consulting firm. Caddle paid a portion in cash and the rest through checks made out to Teixeira’s relatives to conceal the kickbacks. Teixeira never reported the earnings to the IRS. Caddle remains on home confinement after pleading guilty to a plot in which he hired two hitmen to kill a former friend and associate.

New York – ‘Investment in Democracy’: NY begins matching campaign donations for state candidates
Auburn Citizen – Robert Harding | Published: 11/19/2022

A new program will allow candidates for state-level offices in New York to receive public funds to match small-dollar donations. The Public Campaign Finance Board launched the matching program recently for the 2024 election cycle. Candidates for state Legislature will be the first group eligible to apply and receive matching funds. The program will be in place for statewide candidates running in the 2026 election.

New York – Manhattan Prosecutors Again Consider a Path Toward Charging Trump
MSN – Jonah Bromwich, Ben Protess, and William Rashbaum (New York Times) | Published: 11/21/2022

The Manhattan district attorney’s office has moved to jump-start its criminal investigation into Donald Trump, seeking to breathe new life into an inquiry that once seemed to have reached a dead end. Under the new district attorney, Alvin Bragg, the prosecutors have returned to the long-running investigation’s original focus: a hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels, who said she had an affair with Trump. The renewed scrutiny of the hush money comes amid an intensifying swirl of legal and political drama around Trump.

Texas – Austin Candidates Say Bad Advice from City Made Them Miss Out on Election Funds
MSN – Sarah Asch (Austin American-Statesman) | Published: 11/21/2022

Despite following guidance from the city clerk’s office, two Austin City Council candidates will miss out on thousands of dollars they had sought from a fund set up to help candidates pay for election activities. José Velásquez and Ryan Alter filed a lawsuit asking for a restraining order to prevent the city from distributing the funds, which they say they are entitled to receive. The money is held in the Fair Campaign Finance Fund, which was set up in 2008 for candidates who sign a pledge to limit the amount of campaign contributions they accept from special interest groups or from outside the city. A judge denied the restraining order.

Washington – Public Disclosure Commissions Fines Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich for Electioneering, Lobbying; Sheriff Vows Appeal
Spokane Spokesman-Review – Kip Hill | Published: 11/18/2022

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich violated a pair of state laws prohibiting the use of public office for electioneering and use of public funds for indirect lobbying when he produced a YouTube video attacking Democratic lawmakers for their stance on crime, the Washington Public Disclosure Commission ruled. Knezovich was fined $300.

National/Federal

Conservative Group Pressing States to Adopt Laws Protecting Companies from ‘Political Boycotts’: Report
Yahoo News – Jared Gans (The Hill) | Published: 11/11/2022

A conservative group is planning to push state lawmakers across the country to adopt legislation to shield American companies from “political boycotts.” It was reported that the American Legislative Exchange Council will lobby legislators to back its proposal at its States and Nation Policy Summit. The plan would require all government entities to include a clause in their contracts with businesses that they will promise to not “engage in economic boycotts.” The move comes amid strong Republican pushback to financial institutions seeking to distance themselves from industries such as fossil fuels.

Departing Lawmakers Are Lining Up Cushy Lobbying Gigs
MSN – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 11/17/2022

Departing lawmakers are cashing in on their public service in Washington, D.C. by securing high-paying jobs on K Street. Former lawmakers are prohibited from directly lobbying their onetime colleagues during a waiting period that lasts one year for House members and two years for senators. But they may begin advising clients – except for foreign entities intending to influence the government – immediately. In that capacity, they can offer guidance on the inner workings of their congressional conference and access to their list of contacts.

DHS Blocked Vital Research on Domestic Threats, Say Terrorism Experts
MSN – Hannah Allam (Washington Post) | Published: 11/15/2022

As attacks rose in 2019, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials pledged to step up their response to domestic terrorism, funding in-depth research that would help them understand the scale of the problem. But that data collection has not begun, and $10 million languishes unused. About 20 research projects faced delays because of rulings by the department’s Privacy Office that deemed them high-risk even after researchers explained the information they intended to use was available to the public. A DHS official said federal agencies are facing criticism by both major parties for their response to political violence.

Documents Show Big Foreign Government Spending at Trump Hotel
MSN – Bernard Condon (Associated Press) | Published: 11/15/2022

The Trump hotel in Washington, D.C. took in more than $750,000 from six foreign governments at sensitive moments in their U.S. relations, with guests spending as much as $10,000 per room a night, according to documents released by a congressional committee. The Trump hotel near the White House, now a Waldorf Astoria, drew criticism from the start of Trump’s presidency for taking money from Republican politicians, companies, and foreign governments eager to curry favor with him.

FEC Targets Digital Ad Disclosure
Axios – Lachlan Markey | Published: 11/10/2022

The FEC is taking a significant step towards regulating digital political ads, taking up a measure to force disclosure of paid advertising on leading social and streaming platforms. The proposed regulation would require digital ads to disclose the entity paying for them. It would also expand the types of digital ads subject to the regulations, not just traditional banner ads or videos, but also paid social media endorsements and “influencer marketing” efforts.

Feds End Ukraine-Related Foreign Lobbying Investigation into Rudy Giuliani Without Filing Charges
MSN – Kara Scannell (CNN) | Published: 11/14/2022

Federal prosecutors investigating Rudy Giuliani’s activities in Ukraine closed their probe and said no criminal charges will be brought. Prosecutors have been investigating Giuliani, the onetime personal attorney to former President Trump, for possible violations of foreign lobbying laws since early 2019. Prosecutors had examined whether Giuliani operated on behalf of Ukrainian officials when he sought the ouster of the then-U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, while urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.

Judge Fines Trump Lawyers in Clinton Case Thrown Out in September
MSN – Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 11/11/2022

A federal judge fined lawyers for former President Trump more than $66,000 and admonished them for filing frivolous and baseless claims in Trump’s defamation case against Hillary Clinton and her allies stemming from the 2016 presidential election. The fines include a $50,000 sanction to the court and an additional $16,274.23 payment to one of the 29 defendants in the case for expenses incurred as a result of the suit, which the judge dismissed in September.

McConnell Reelected Senate GOP Leader: ‘Not going anywhere’
Yahoo News – Lisa Mascaro, Brian Slodysko, and Mary Clare Jalonick (Associated Press) | Published: 11/16/2022

Sen. Mitch McConnell was reelected as Republican leader, quashing a challenge from Sen. Rick Scott after a disappointing performance in the midterm elections that kept Democrats in control. The unrest in the Senate GOP is similar to the uproar among House Republicans in the aftermath of the midterm elections that left the party split over Donald Trump’s hold on the party. The challenge by Scott, who was urged by Trump to confront McConnell, escalated a feud between Scott, who led the Senate Republican’s campaign arm this year, and McConnell over the party’s approach to try to reclaim the majority.

Questions About Donald Trump’s Campaign Money, Answered
MSN – Fredreka Schouten (CNN) | Published: 11/15/2022

With his formal announcement of a third presidential bid, Donald Trump now will face new limits on raising and spending money ahead of the 2024 election. But election lawyers and campaign finance experts said loopholes in federal election rules, and lax enforcement by federal regulators of existing laws, still offer Trump several potential routes to capitalize on the massive fundraising operation he and his aides have built since his 2020 loss.

Republicans Narrowly Win House, Ending Full Democratic Control of Congress
MSN – Hannah Knowles, Marianna Sotomayor, and Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) | Published: 11/16/2022

Republicans were projected to win back control of the U.S. House with a narrow majority, dealing a blow to President Biden and his agenda even as Democrats defied predictions of a rout to limit the GOP’s power. Republicans sought to harness dismay at inflation, crime, and the direction of the country. Their gains fell far short of the red wave they once envisioned, as Democrats countered with campaigns centered on abortion rights and fighting Republican extremism. The GOP gains the ability to launch investigations and block legislation.

They Rallied in D.C. on Jan. 6. Now They’ll Join Congress.
MSN – Michael Kranish (Washington Post) | Published: 11/14/2022

While the Republican Party suffered surprising losses in the midterms, including defeats of many who bought into Donald Trump’s false election claims, the arrival of freshman lawmakers in Congress who had come to Washington as pro-Trump activists on January 6, 2021, underscores the extent to which the House Republican caucus remains a haven for election deniers. At least 150 election deniers were projected to win House races, compared with the 139 who voted against certifying President Biden’s election.

Trump Wanted IRS Investigations of Foes, Top Aide Says
Yahoo News – Michael Schmidt (New York Times) | Published: 11/14/2022

While in office, former President Trump repeatedly told John Kelly, his White House chief of staff, that he wanted a number of his perceived political enemies to be investigated by the IRS, Kelly said. Kelly said Trump’s demands were part of a broader pattern of him trying to use the Justice Department and his authority as president against people who had been critical of him. Kelly said he made clear to Trump there were serious legal and ethical issues with what he wanted.

Trump, Who as President Fomented an Insurrection, Says He Is Running Again
MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) | Published: 11/15/2022

Donald Trump, who refused to concede defeat and inspired a failed attempt to overturn the 2020 election culminating in a deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol, officially declared he is running to retake the White House in 2024. The announcement came in a moment of political vulnerability for Trump as voters rejected his endorsed candidates in the midterm elections. Since then, elected Republicans have blamed Trump for the party’s performance and potential rivals are already plotting to challenge him for the nomination.

Two Anonymous $425 Million Donations Give Dark Money Conservative Group a Massive Haul
MSN – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 11/16/2022

One of the biggest conservative “dark money” organizations in the nation was boosted last year by two separate anonymous gifts, each totaling more than $425 million dollars. The money was sent to DonorsTrust, a 501(c)(3) charity that has become one of the most influential conduit of funds in Republican-leaning circles. They are among the largest ever donations to a politically connected group. Under law, the individual or individuals behind those $425 million donations were not required to be disclosed to the public. DonorsTrust did not reveal them.

U.S. Intelligence Report Says Key Gulf Ally Meddled in American Politics
MSN – John Howard (Washington Post) | Published: 11/12/2022

A classified report outlines legal and illegal efforts by United Arab Emirates (UAE) to steer U.S. foreign policy in ways favorable to the country. It reveals the UAE’s bid, spanning multiple administrations, to exploit the vulnerabilities in American governance, including its reliance on campaign contributions, susceptibility to powerful lobbying firms, and lax enforcement of disclosure laws intended to guard against interference by foreign governments. The intelligence community’s scrutiny of the UAE indicates a heightened level of concern and a departure from the laudatory way the country is discussed in public by U.S. officials.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Katie Hobbs Elected Arizona Governor, Defeating Trump-Backed Election Denier Kari Lake
MSN – Stacey Barchenger (Arizona Republic) | Published: 11/14/2022

Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, built a national profile by standing up to false claims about the 2020 presidential election, won the state’s gubernatorial election. With her win, Arizonans followed voters in other battleground states who rejected gubernatorial candidates who pushed false claims about election results. Hobbs will be the fifth female to hold the top elected office in Arizona, more than in any other state.

Arizona – Supreme Court Turns Down Arizona GOP Head’s Request to Shield Records
MSN – Robert Barnes (Washington Post) | Published: 11/14/2022

The U.S. Supreme Court turned down a request from Arizona Republican Party Chairperson Keli Ward to shield her phone records from the congressional committee investigating the assault on the Capitol. A divided three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit had said it was proper for the committee to issue a subpoena seeking information about calls placed from Ward’s cellphone between November 2020 and January 202. Ward argued that would violate her First Amendment right to freedom of association.

California – Anaheim and Its Ex-Mayor Won’t Disclose His Emails and Texts, So We Took Them to Court
MSN – Gabriel San Román (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/16/2022

The Los Angeles Times asked a judge to compel the city of Anaheim and former Mayor Harry Sidhu to disclose records related to an FBI corruption investigation into a self-described “cabal” that allegedly ran the city. The Times is also seeking records of other city business, including any messages related to negotiations surrounding the aborted Angel Stadium sale, which collapsed after the probe became public. Sidhu, who resigned while under criminal investigation, has refused to turn over emails and text messages from personal accounts he used to conduct city business.

California – Capt. Hollywood: Who is the ex-LAPD commander who tipped off CBS to assault claim?
MSN – Richard Winton and Meg James (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/13/2022

Known around the Los Angeles Police Department as “Capt. Hollywood,” Cory Palka played the part. He was a regular at Hollywood Boulevard star dedication ceremonies and picked up a lucrative off-duty assignment as a bodyguard for CBS’ former chief, Leslie Moonves. His actions now are under scrutiny after it was revealed that five years ago, Palka tipped off CBS executives to the existence of a confidential complaint alleging Moonves sexually assaulted a co-worker. Palka, then captain of the Hollywood station, worked closely with CBS to contain the allegations.

California – Jury Finds L.A. Skyscraper Developer Paid Jose Huizar More Than $1 Million in Bribes
MSN – Michael Finnegan (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/10/2022

The development company Shen Zhen New World I was convicted of paying former Los Angeles City Council member Jose Huizar more than $1 million in bribes to win his support for a proposed skyscraper in the city. It was the second conviction of a developer accused of paying off Huizar, who left office in 2020. A federal jury found developer Dae Yong Lee guilty of paying Huizar $500,000 in cash. Huizar is scheduled to go on trial in February. From 2013 to 2018, prosecutors say, he used his city office as an extortion racket to secure more than $1.5 million in illicit payments from developers seeking city approval of projects.

California – Karen Bass Elected Mayor, Becoming First Woman to Lead L.A.
MSN – Julia Wick (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/16/2022

U.S. Rep. Karen Bass defeated Rick Caruso in the Los Angeles mayor’s race, making her the first woman and second Black Angeleno elected to lead the city. Confidence in local government is seemingly at a nadir after a series of City Hall indictments in recent years, and the release of a leaked audio recording less than a month before the election that revealed top officials making racist comments and scheming to maintain political power. The city’s first competitive mayoral race in nearly a decade was a story of contrasts, with two candidates who symbolized divergent visions of the city.

Georgia – Democrats Sue to Allow Saturday Voting in Georgia Runoff Amid Holiday Dispute
MSN – Mattherw Brown (Washington Post) | Published: 11/16/2022

Democrats are suing to force Georgia election officials to allow early voting on a Saturday ahead of the U.S. Senate runoff election on December 6. The suit comes in response to a determination by state officials that the law forbids voting right after Thanksgiving and a state holiday that once honored Robert E. Lee. The lawsuit argues that current guidance “applies only to primary and general elections, not runoffs.” The early voting period is set for November 28 through December 2, a stretch that does not include a weekend day, which voting rights advocates say makes it more difficult for some people to cast ballots.

Hawaii – County Ethics Watchdogs Need More Money to Do the Job Right, State Panel Says
Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 11/11/2022

A commission wants Hawaii’s county ethics watchdogs to have more funding to monitor, and if need be, investigate public officials after a string of public corruption cases put a spotlight on government ethics and transparency. Unlike the Honolulu Ethics Commission, with 11 full-time staff and a total budget over $650,000, the ethics boards for Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii island operate with either no funds or very little to cover travel or food expenses. Staff members are usually limited to a secretary and attorney in the county’s corporation counsel office, both of whom may have other responsibilities outside of helping the all-volunteer ethics board.

Hawaii – Hawaii Lawmakers Honored Federal Lobbyist Despite Her Conviction in a Foreign Lobbying Scandal
Honolulu Civil Beat – Nick Grube | Published: 11/14/2022

The Hawaii Senate approved an honorary certificate for businessperson Nickie Lum Davis, lauding her for her “public service and outstanding contributions to her community.” What the certificate did not mention was that Davis pleaded guilty in 2020 to federal charges and was awaiting sentencing in a criminal case. The U.S. Justice Department accused her and others of secretly lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of Chinese and Malaysian interests. Davis has submitted the certificate to a judge to bolster her character and avoid prison.

Illinois – Indicted Ald. Carrie Austin ‘Not Medically Fit’ for Trial, Her Lawyers Say Days After She Voted on City Budget
Chicago Sun-Times – Jon Seidel | Published: 11/11/2022

Lawyers for indicted Chicago Ald. Carrie Austin told a judge she is “not medically fit to stand trial” and they will seek to have her prosecution put on hold. Austin is accused of taking home improvement materials as kickbacks from a developer overseeing a $50 million development in her ward. The lawyers said Austin “cannot cooperate fully with counsel or withstand the stress of a trial.” Austin has been attending city council meetings and voting on legislation. Austin was receiving supplemental oxygen while in the council chambers recently.

Illinois – Where is Ald. Walter Burnett Jr.’s Missing $300,000 in Campaign Money?
Chicago Sun-Times – Tim Novak and Lauren FitzPatrick | Published: 11/11/2022

Since 1999, Chicago Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. reported investing $375,000 of the $4.2 million in campaign contributions he received from political supporters, but $300,000 of the invested money has disappeared from his campaign finance reports. Burnett has declined to answer reporters’ questions about his campaign reports, which he has frequently amended, some of them as many as five times. the State Board of Elections says it has known for several months that Burnett’s campaign fund stopped reporting what it has done with the invested contributions, which it is required to do under state law.

Kansas – Ex-Kansas Democratic Party Officers Disciplined for ‘Unprecedented’ Campaign Finance Errors
MSN – Andrew Bahl (Topeka Capital Journal) | Published: 11/16/2022

The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission disciplined two former state Democratic Party officers over errors in the group’s campaign finance reports that occurred over a seven-year period. Ethics officials termed the scope of the mistakes, which total over $1.5 million in expenditures and contributions that were misreported, to be “unprecedented.” Between 2009 and 2016, the party had underreported over $500,000 in contributions, as well as $507,000 in unreported expenditures, plus additional assets that were overreported.

Kansas – Legislative Veto of Regulations Amendment Fails in Closest Vote of Kansas 2022 Election
MSN – Jason Tidd (Topeka Capital-Journal) | Published: 11/16/2022

Kansas voters appear to have narrowly rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have created a so-called legislative veto over administrative rules and regulations. Supporters of the amendment viewed it as a way to ensure the legislative branch, which generally delegates regulatory authority, had sufficient checks and balances over the executive branch, which typically promulgates and enforces regulations. Opponents feared the extent to which legislators, who are not typically experts on regulations, could be influenced by lobbyists or political motivations.

Kentucky – Lobbyists Who Engage Louisville Officials Must Register with City Under New Ordinance
Yahoo – Billy Kobin (Louisville Courier-Journal) | Published: 11/11/2022

A new ordinance in Louisville requires lobbyists and principles to register if they engage with public officials and file expenditure reports. It sets a $500 limit on gifts from lobbyists to candidates and officials and their families. Lobbyists may pay the cost for an official to attend certain events as long as it does not exceed $300. When he introduced the proposal, Metro Councilperson Bill Hollander said it would fix “a gaping shortfall of our ethics ordinance.”

Louisiana – NOPD Investigating Officer Frequently Inside Cantrell’s City-Owned Apartment
MSN – Lee Zurik and Dannah Kirby (WVUE) | Published: 11/9/2022

Surveillance video has led to more questions about how New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is spending her time and taxpayer dollars. While investigating whether Cantrell was living at a city-owned apartment complex, the video showed she spent many hours inside the apartment, often during the workday, and sometimes stayed overnight. The head of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, Rafael Goyeneche, said that could be a violation of a policy that states city property is for work-related purposes and not personal benefit. The videos also show Cantrell is also spending hours there with one member of her security team.

Maryland – Carroll County Commissioners Approve Updated Ethics Rules on Financial Disclosures and Gifts
MSN – Sherry Greenfield (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 11/11/2022

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners approved new provisions in the county’s ethics ordinance to reflect changes in state law regarding gifts and financial disclosures. Commissioners have been discussing since September state law measures enacted by the General Assembly in 2021 that changed ethics law requirements for local governments.

Nevada – Democrats Keep Control of the Senate with Win in Nevada
MSN – Hannah Knowles and Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) | Published: 11/13/2022

Democrats retained control of the U.S. Senate, clinching a narrow majority as they showed strength in battleground races in a daunting midterm year that handed President Biden a major victory as he looks to his next two years in office. The final blow to Republican hopes of retaking the chamber came in Nevada, where Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto won reelection, ensuring Democrats a 50th seat, with a runoff election still to come in Georgia that could pad their slim majority.

New Mexico – NM Supreme Court Throws Out Couy Griffin’s Appeal
Source New Mexixo – Austin Fisher | Published: 11/15/2022

Former Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin failed to explain to the New Mexico Supreme Court how he would challenge his removal from elected office, so the justices threw out his appeal. A lower court ruling also barred him for life from serving in elected federal and state positions. It was the first time an elected official was unseated by court order as a result of participating in or supporting the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

New York – Free Speech of Ex-State Workers Under Scrutiny in APA Case
Albany Times Union – Gwendolyn Craig (Adirondack Explorer) | Published: 11/11/2022

A retired Adirondack Park Agency staff member’s stymied attempt at submitting input this summer during the agency’s open public comment period could lead New York’s Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government to consider the matter and what it could mean for past and present state employees’ participation in solicited feedback.  APA Associate Counsel Sarah Reynolds wrote Linck that his written comments “appear to contain confidential information” and may violate post-employment restrictions. Reynolds said the agency would not consider them and referred Linck to the state ethics commission.

New York – Groups Urge State Ethics Watchdog to Probe $5M Cuomo Book Approval, Failed Policies
Spectrum News – Kate Lisa | Published: 11/14/2022

Good-government groups want New York’s new ethics commission to learn from the mistakes of its predecessor, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE), which was disbanded this year. The coalition sent a letter to the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, pushing it to revisit the decisions that led to the approval of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s $5 million book deal and JCOPE’s policies. In September, the new commission voted to follow precedent from JCOPE when making decisions, pushing watchdogs to file a complaint. In October, the commission voted to continue any pending cases JCOPE did not finish.

New York – New York City Football Club Stadium Deal Provides Affordable Housing – and a Win for Lobbyist with Ties to Adams
MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt and Michael Gartland (New York Daily News) | Published: 11/16/2022

A $780 million soccer stadium deal in Queens approved by New York City Mayor Eric Adams was a win for one of his top political advisers, who lobbied City Hall for months on behalf of the project’s developer. Nathan Smith, a political strategist who served as a top aide in Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign, signed a lobbying contract with City Football Group to lobby the mayor’s team to develop a facility for the New York City Football Club. So far, Smith’s firm, Red Horse Strategies, has been paid $20,000 by the club’s owner.

Ohio – Jury Convicts Dover Mayor Richard Homrighausen of Six Theft-Related Charges
Yahoo News – Nancy Molnar (The Times-Reporter) | Published: 11/16/2022

Dover Mayor Richard Homrighausen was convicted on theft in office and five other criminal charges. The jury found him guilty of four counts of soliciting improper compensation for taking fees for performing wedding ceremonies. He was also convicted of dereliction of duty for failing to deposit the payments in the city treasury. The theft in office conviction bars Homrighausen from holding public office for life. Authorities said Homrighausen did not claim the fees on his federal, state, or local taxes or declare the payments on financial disclosure forms.

South Dakota – Ethics Board Subpoenas DCI for Investigation Report into If Gov. Kristi Noem Misused the State Airplane
Yahoo News – Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 11/14/2022

The Government Accountability Board issued a subpoena for the Division of Criminal Investigation relating to its investigation into South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s alleged personal use of the state airplane. The move comes after the Hughes County state’s attorney found there were “no facts to support a criminal prosecution under current law” and returned the complaint to the board.

Tennessee – Campaign Finance Watchdog Files Complaint Against Harwell
Tennessee Lookout – Sam Stockard | Published: 11/15/2022

The Campaign Legal Center filed a complaint against former Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell claiming she violated the law by moving $47,000 in “soft money” into her failed congressional campaign this year. The complaint say Harwell appears to have broken federal rules by directing $35,000 from the Beth Harwell Committee and $12,000 from the Harwell PAC, both state accounts, into a super PAC that purchased advertising supporting her Fifth Congressional District campaign in advance of the August primary.

Texas – Texas Investigating Voting Difficulties in Houston’s Harris County
MSN – Molly Hennessey-Fiske (Washington Post) | Published: 11/16/2022

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called for a criminal investigation into “widespread problems” and “allegations of improprieties” in Harris County’s election. He noted voting in the nation’s third-largest county was plagued by understaffing, broken voting machines, and paper ballot shortages, even though turnout was lower than county officials expected. Abbott and other Republicans have claimed the problem was especially acute in conservative areas, although complaints came from Democratic areas as well.

Washington DC – D.C. Housing Authority Internal Auditor Alleges Illegal Contracting
MSN – Steve Thompson (Washington Post) | Published: 11/13/2022

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) illegally contracted with a software company, spending about $1 million without competitive bidding and splitting the amount into smaller purchases to escape scrutiny from the agency’s board, according to a report by the authority’s internal auditor. The review alleges that DCHA under its previous director, Tyrone Garrett, entered the first of the “illegal contracts” in 2019. But in a more immediate concern for the agency’s board, the review also accuses DCHA’s current executive staff of improperly trying “to use emergency contracts to cover up the error of obtaining an illegal contract.”

Campaign Finance

Tennessee: “Campaign Finance Watchdog Files Complaint Against Harwell” by Sam Stockard for Tennessee Lookout

Elections

National: “Trump, Who as President Fomented an Insurrection, Says He Is Running Again” by Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “They Rallied in D.C. on Jan. 6. Now They’ll Join Congress.” by Michael Kranish (Washington Post) for MSN

Arizona: “Katie Hobbs Elected Arizona Governor, Defeating Trump-Backed Election Denier Kari Lake” by Stacey Barchenger (Arizona Republic) for MSN

Ethics

New York: “Groups Urge State Ethics Watchdog to Probe $5M Cuomo Book Approval, Failed Policies” by Kate Lisa for Spectrum News

South Dakota: “Ethics Board Subpoenas DCI for Investigation Report into If Gov. Kristi Noem Misused the State Airplane” by Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

National: “Feds End Ukraine-Related Foreign Lobbying Investigation into Rudy Giuliani Without Filing Charges” by Kara Scannell (CNN) for MSN

Procurement

Washington DC: “D.C. Housing Authority Internal Auditor Alleges Illegal Contracting” by Steve Thompson (Washington Post) for MSN