National/Federal

With Debate Deal, Trump and Biden Sideline a Storied Campaign Institution

DNyuz – Adam Nagourney (New York Times) | Published: 5/16/2024

The agreement by President Biden and Donald Trump to move ahead with two presidential debates, and sideline the Commission on Presidential Debates, is a debilitating and potentially fatal blow to an institution that had once been a major arbiter in presidential politics. But the roots of the commission’s decline go back at least a decade and came to a head in 2020, when the commission struggled to stage a debate with Trump and Biden during the pandemic.

Senate Democrats Open Inquiry into Trump’s $1 Billion Request of Oil Industry

DNyuz – Lisa Friedman (New York Times) | Published: 5/23/2024

Senate Democrats opened an investigation into Donald Trump’s recent meeting with oil and gas executives to determine whether Trump offered a “policies-for-money transaction” when he asked for $1 billion for his 2024 campaign so he could retake the White House and delete President Biden’s climate regulations. Trump told about 20 oil and gas executives they would save far more than $1 billion in avoided taxes and legal fees after he repealed environmental regulations, according to several people who were present.

Peter Thiel-Funded Super PAC That Backed JD Vance Didn’t Break the Law, FEC Rules

MSN – Bryan Metzger (Business Insider) | Published: 5/23/2024

The FEC dismissed a complaint that accused U.S. Sen. JD Vance’s campaign and a super PAC funded primarily by billionaire Peter Thiel of violating federal election laws. The complaint focused on the existence of an obscure website set up by the super PAC. That site contained troves of materials seemingly intended for use by Vance’s campaign and other potential supporters, including polling data, B-roll camera footage, opposition research, and other strategy documents. The complaint argued those materials were essentially an illegal contribution to Vance, given that his campaign could presumably access the materials.

Fat Leonard Bribery Cases Fall Apart Because of Prosecution Blunders

MSN – Craig Whitlock (Washington Post) | Published: 5/20/2024

Numerous Navy officers were charged with taking payoffs from Leonard Glenn Francis, a Malaysian defense contractor known as Fat Leonard. But a pattern of prosecutorial misconduct in the probe has caused several cases to unravel so far and is threatening to undermine more. The cases collapsed after defense attorneys alleged prosecutors from the U.S. attorney’s office in San Diego elide on flawed evidence and withheld information favorable to the defense during the 2022 bribery trial of five officers.

On the Week Trump’s Fla. Trial Was Scheduled to Start, Uncertainty and a Pretrial Hearing

MSN – David Ovalle and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 5/22/2024

Donald Trump’s classified-documents trial was supposed to begin with jury selection this week. It is the case that Trump’s attorneys have been the most worried about, with prosecutors offering evidence a former president who is running to hold the office again took sensitive government documents from the White House and obstructed officials’ attempts to retrieve them. But U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon indefinitely postponed the trial. Instead of Trump sitting at the defense table for the first week of trial, Cannon held two hearings on long-shot requests from a Trump co-defendant to dismiss the case.

Paul Pelosi’s Attacker Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

MSN – Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 5/17/2024

David DePape, the man whose embrace of right-wing conspiracy theories led him to break into Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco home and bludgeon her 82-year-old husband, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Federal prosecutors had asked for a 40-year term, arguing the attack constituted an act of terrorism. A jury convicted DePape on federal charges of trying to kidnap the then-House speaker and assaulting Paul Pelosi because of his wife’s work in Congress.

FEC Rejects Proposal to Weaken Disclosure Laws but Agrees to Further Rulemaking

Open Secrets – Jimmy Cloutier | Published: 5/16/2024

The FEC declined to advance a temporary measure that would have made it easier for political donors to hide identifying information from the American public, but commissioners agreed to move forward in creating new rules to standardize how disclosure exemption requests are evaluated and approved. The FEC has granted exemptions when an organization or individual donor can demonstrate a “reasonable probability” the public disclosure of personal information will subject them to threats and harassment.

Another Provocative Flag Was Flown at Another Alito Home

Seattle Times – Jodi Kantor, Aric Toler, and Julie Tate (New York Times) | Published: 5/22/2024

A second flag of a type carried by rioters during the attack on the U.S. Capitol was displayed outside a house owned by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. An “Appeal to Heaven” flag was flown outside Alito’s vacation home last summer. An inverted American flag, another symbol carried by rioters, was seen at Alito’s Virginia home less than two weeks after the violence at the Capitol. The revelations prompted concerns from legal scholars and ethicists, and calls from Democratic lawmakers that Alito recuse himself from cases related to January 6.

Congress Aims to Overhaul Presidential Ethics Rules with a Plan Led by an Unlikely Pair of Lawmakers

Yahoo News – Farnoush Amiri (Associated Press) | Published: 5/22/2024

Bipartisan legislation in the House would require presidents and vice presidents to publicly disclose tax returns before, during, and after their time in the White House as Congress makes an election-year push to curb foreign influence in American politics. Democrats introduced rival legislation that would enforce the Constitution’s ban on emoluments, which prohibits a president from accepting foreign gifts and money without the permission of Congress.

Republican Chair Investigating Chamber of Commerce in Seismic K Street Shift

Yahoo News – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 5/16/2024

A decade ago, a Republican committee chairperson investigating Washington’s biggest business advocacy organization would have been unthinkable. But times have changed. House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith demanded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce answer questions about the more than $12 million its foundation received from the Tides Foundation, a left-leaning nonprofit, between 2018 and 2022.

‘We’ll See You at Your House:’ How fear and menace are transforming politics

Yahoo News – Eileen Sullivan, Danny Hakim, and Ken Bensinger (New York Times) | Published: 5/19/2024

A steady undercurrent of violence and physical risk has become a new normal in American public life. From City Hall to Congress, public officials increasingly describe threats and harassment as a routine part of their jobs. Often masked by online anonymity and propelled by extreme political views, the barrage of menace has changed how officials do their work, terrified their families, and driven some from public life altogether. By almost all measures, the evidence of the trend is striking.

In the Aging Senate, 80-Somethings Seeking Re-Election Draw Little Criticism

Yahoo News – Kayla Guo (New York Times) | Published: 5/17/2024

While President Biden tries to assuage voter concerns about his age in a presidential race that includes the two oldest men ever to seek the White House, a couple of miles away in the U.S. Senate, the gerontocracy remains alive and well – and little commented upon. The recent news that two octogenarians – Sens. Bernie Sanders, 82, and Angus King, 80 – are each running for another six-year term generated little in the way of criticism or worry over age of the kind that Biden has faced.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Conservative Candidate Didn’t Register on Time as Travel Nurse Lobbyist

Yahoo News – Jacques Poitras | Published: 5/23/2024

A lobbyist and federal Conservative election candidate did not promptly report his lobbying for a company supplying travel nurses to New Brunswick’s struggling health care system. New Brunswick’s Lobbyists’ Registration Act requires a lobbyist to submit a return to the provincial integrity commissioner “within 15 days after commencing performance of an undertaking on behalf of a client.” But Brian Macdonald, who represented Canadian Health Labs in 2023, did not register as a lobbyist for the company until this year, after it made national headlines.

Arizona – Arizona Weighs When Lawyers’ Long-Shot Election Challenges Cross the Line

Arizona Mirror – Jen Fifield (Votebeat) | Published: 5/21/2024

At a state bar association event on election law, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said lawyers need to do a better job of upholding their professional standards. Election lawyers are filing too many frivolous cases “just because the plaintiffs are mad at their political opponents,” Fontes said, adding that they are endangering public faith in democracy. The rise in sanctions and disciplinary scrutiny is prompting debate about exactly when lawyers who bring election challenges are crossing the line, and whether professional standards of conduct have shifted.

Arizona – Rudy Giuliani and Other Trump Allies Plead Not Guilty in Arizona

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 5/21/2024

Eleven Republicans who allegedly tried to deliver Arizona’s presidential electoral votes to Donald Trump after his 2020 defeat pleaded not guilty to the same nine criminal counts, which include conspiracy, fraud, and forgery. Arizona is one of four states where Republicans have been charged in the formation of an alternate slate of presidential electors falsely claiming Trump won the 2020 presidential election.

California – LA City Council Expansion, Once Hailed as Much Needed Reform, Is Dead for Now

MSN – Frank Stoltze (LAist) | Published: 5/20/2024

For years, advocates for a more democratic Los Angeles have called for expanding the size of the city council beyond the current 15 members. The idea gained momentum in 2022 after the release of secretly recorded audio that came to be known as the City Hall tapes scandal. Many proponents of council expansion hoped it would be placed on the November ballot, while the fervor for reform remained strong. That is not going to happen.

Colorado – Wolf Advocates Charged with Illegal Lobbying at State Capitol

Denver Gazette – Marianne Goodland (Colorado Politics) | Published: 5/16/2024

Complaints filed in Colorado claim Stephen Capra and his organization, Bold Visions Conservation, lobbied state legislators on behalf of a paying client without registering or disclosing the client’s identity as required by law.  The Elections Division of the Secretary of State’s office determined Capra lobbied on behalf of Bold Visions Conservation, which pays him for his services, and should have registered as a professional lobbyist.

Connecticut – CT Supreme Court Finds Public Financing Law Restricts Free Speech

Connecticut Mirror – Mark Pazniokas | Published: 5/20/2024

The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled state elections officials violated the free speech rights of two Republicans running for the state Legislature when it fined them for criticizing the Democratic governor in ads paid for by their publicly funded campaigns in 2014. At issue was whether criticism of former Gov. Dannel Malloy’s fiscal policies by former Sen. Joe Markley and then-Rep. Rob Sampson in campaign materials was intended to further their own candidacies or improperly use their public grants to undermine the governor or help his challenger, Tom Foley.

Hawaii – Not Guilty: Ex-Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, businessman Dennis Mitsunaga and others walk in bribery case

Honolulu Civil Beat – Chrstina Jendra | Published: 5/17/2024

A jury found longtime Honolulu prosecuting attorney Keith Kaneshiro did not conspire with Dennis Mitsunaga, the former chief executive of a prominent engineering firm, and several company employees to arrange for the prosecution of Laurel Mau, a former Mitsunaga employee. Prosecutors said Mitsunaga’s company sought to use the criminal justice system to exact revenge on Mau for suing her former employer, and Kaneshiro benefitted from some $50,000 in campaign donations.

Hawaii – Hawaii Ethics Commission Grapples with Pay-to-Play Issues

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 5/15/2024

The Hawaii Ethics Commission is trying to figure out how to wrangle two groups of people who are proving particularly challenging: high-level state employees who are politically active and legislators who have outside jobs with companies that have government business. Those were some of the issues raised in a recent media investigation that examined loopholes in Hawaii’s campaign spending laws.

Louisiana – Mayor Cantrell Takes French Quarter Resident Who Photographed Her to Court Over Stalking Claim

NOLA.com – John Simerman and Missy Wilkinson | Published: 5/21/2024

Anne Breaud photographed Mayor LaToya Cantrell sharing a meal with her bodyguard, New Orleans Police Department Officer Jeffrey Vappie, on the balcony of restaurant. That moment has since placed Breaud in the mayo”s crosshairs, the subject of a temporary restraining order filed by Cantrell that alleged Breaud had been stalking her. Breaud sent her photos of Cantrell and Vappie to the Metropolitan Crime Commission, which filed a complaint raising new questions about Vappie’s conduct with the mayor:

Montana – Montana Commissioner Opens Complaints Against AG Candidates

Yahoo News – Darrell Ehrlick (Daily Montanan) | Published: 5/16/2024

The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices accepted two complaints that center on the Republican primary race for attorney general, including one involving current state Attorney General Austin Knudsen. The Daily Montanan that an audio recording appeared to capture Knudsen calling Montana’s campaign finance laws “ridiculous” and saying he asked a friend to run against him in the partisan primary as a way to raise more money.

New Hampshire – Democratic Operative Indicted Over Biden AI Robocalls in New Hampshire

MSN – Maegan Vazquez, Meryl Kornfield, and Hayden Godfrey (Washington Post) | Published: 5/23/2024

Steve Kramer, a Democratic operative who admitted to commissioning an artificial intelligence-generated robocall of President Biden that instructed New Hampshire voters to not vote early this year, is now facing criminal charges and federal fines. New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella announced Kramer had been indicted on charges of felony voter impression and misdemeanor impersonation of a candidate. The Federal Communications Commission said it would propose fining Kramer $6 million for violating the Truth in Caller ID Act.

New Jersey – Campaign Finance Watchdog Taps Top Lawyer to Helm Agency

New Jersey Monitor – Nikita Biryukov | Published: 5/21/2024

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) appointed Amanda Haines, its acting legal director, to head the campaign finance watchdog months after the retirement of its longtime executive director. Haines, who joined ELEC in 2005 as assistant legal counsel, will be the first woman to head the commission in its 51-year history.

New Jersey – Jersey City Ed Board Approves Ethics Charges Against Member Over Pro-Palestinian Slogan. Will State End Controversy?

Newark Star Ledger – Joshua Rosario (Jersey Journal) | Published: 5/15/2024

The Jersey City school board approved ethics charges against one of its members over a controversial pro-Palestinian slogan, and now it is asking the state to decide whether it is antisemitic hate speech or a peaceful rallying cry. While dozens of speakers during the public portion of the meeting were split on the meaning and intent of “From the rivers to the sea, Palestine will be free,” most of the board agreed Trustee Younass Barkouch should not have shouted the inflammatory phrase at a school board meeting in April.

New Mexico – Disclosure Rules Unclear for Commissioners Set to Decide on O&G Wastewater Rules

Source New Mexico – Danielle Prokop | Published: 5/23/2024

Changes for rules concerning New Mexico’s oil and gas wastewater are under consideration, but questions about how the people responsible for adopting those rules, specifically their personal business dealings, have taken the debate into murky waters. Environmental groups said failures to add financial disclosures and declare alleged conflicts-of-interest threaten a potential decision about a contentious proposal to expand uses for oil and gas wastewater.

New York – BOE Mails Paper Checks to State Legislative Candidates, Delaying Matching Funds

City & State New York – Rebecca Lewis | Published: 5/21/2024

The New York State Public Campaign Finance Board approved the first round of matching funds during a meeting on May 7, with an issuance date of May 13. But many candidates were left waiting for days, in some cases nearly a week, to receive their public money. Several of those candidates were surprised to learn the reason for that delay. They were expecting direct deposit but wound up receiving a paper check in the mail for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

New York – City Hall Aide Is Cooperating with Corruption Investigation into Adams

DNyuz – William Rashbaum, Dana Rubenstein, and Michael Rothfeld (New York Times) | Published: 5/20/2024

An aide to New York Mayor Eric Adams who served as his longtime liaison to the Turkish community has turned against him and is cooperating with the corruption investigation into Adams and his 2021 campaign. The cooperation of Rana Abbasova could represent a significant development in the broad corruption inquiry, which has focused in part on whether Adams’ campaign conspired with the Turkish government to funnel illegal foreign donations into campaign coffers, and whether Adams pressured Fire Department officials to sign off on a new high-rise Turkish consulate despite safety concerns.

New York – NYC Mayor Adams’ Involvement in Brother’s Charity Group Event Sparks Concerns Over Backdoor Donors

MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 5/22/2024

New York City Mayor Eric Adams appeared at a fundraiser for a new charity that aims to provide cultural programs for disadvantaged children. Angels Helpers NYC is the brainchild of the mayor’s brother, Bernard Adams, who is being paid $10,000 annually for his work, covered by private donations to the group. Bernard Adams’ involvement in the charity, along with the mayor’s participation in the gala, raised concern among watchdogs that wealthy players in the city will see giving to Angels Helpers as a legal backdoor for currying favor with the mayor.

New York – More Adams Administration Officials in Talks to Join Ex-Chief of Staff Frank Carone’s Lobbying Firm

New York Daily News – Chris Sommerfeldt | Published: 5/17/2024

Two more senior officials in New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration are in talks to join former chief of staff Frank Carone’s lobbying firm. If the officials come on board, Carone’s firm, which is actively lobbying both city and state government officials, will be employing five Adams administration alums.

North Carolina – GOP Candidate for NC Governor Blasts Public Spending as His Family Nonprofit Rakes in Taxpayer Funds

MSN – Brian Slodysko and Bill Barrow (Associated Press) | Published: 5/22/2024

In his bid to become North Carolina’s first Black governor, Republican Mark Robinson assails government safety net spending as a “plantation of welfare and victimhood” that has mired generations of Black people in “dependency” and poverty. But the lieutenant governor’s [political rise would not have been possible without it. Over the past decade, Robinson’s household has relied on income from Balanced Nutrition, a nonprofit founded by his wife that administered a free lunch program for children. The organization, funded entirely by taxpayers, has paid out at least $830,000 in salaries to Robinson and other members of his family.

Ohio – Ohio Lawmakers Won’t Pass Biden Ballot Fix, House Speaker Says

MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 5/21/2024

If President Biden is going to make it on the ballot in Ohio, it will not be because of the Republican-controlled state Legislature, according to House Speaker Jason Stephens. He said the push to fix the state law that is posing a barrier for the Democratic president has stalled out. “It’s a hyper political environment at this at this time of year and there are some Republicans who just didn’t want to vote on it. … I think there are other alternatives to it, so why create a stir that’s not necessary,” said Stephens.

Oregon – Republican Fundraisers Ran Afoul of Oregon Liquor Rules, Investigation Finds

MSN – Noelle Crombie (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 5/21/2024

The Columbia County Republican Central Committee violated state liquor regulations when it auctioned bottles of high-end bourbon, including Pappy Van Winkle, during fundraisers in 2022 and 2023, a state investigation found. The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission inquiry followed a media report that determined the rural political group’s Bourbon in the Barn events appeared to skirt state rules.

Oregon – Why the First Lady’s Involvement with a Big Pharmaceutical Company Is Noteworthy

Willamette Week – Nigel Jaquiss | Published: 5/22/2024

Oregon first lady Aimee Kotek Wilson arranged a meeting for representatives of Johnson & Johnson with Ebony Clarke, the state’s director of behavioral health. The Oregon Health Plan paid nearly $1.4 billion for prescription drugs last year. Gov. Tina Kotek’s staff has a rigorous process for vetting access to the governor and her top advisers. Emails show that when a request for a meeting or even a phone call comes in, there is a detailed evaluation process and often a formal memo. For the first lady, however, there was no such process.

Pennsylvania – Can Republicans Embrace Voting by Mail? Pennsylvania Offers a Test

DNyuz – Michael Wines (New York Times) | Published: 5/21/2024

Republican Party leaders in Pennsylvania have pledged to spend millions of dollars this year to promote voting by mail despite claiming for years, without evidence, that mailed votes are riddled with fraud. The national party is also pressing a pro-mail publicity campaign called “Bank Your Vote,” apparently after concluding that staking its candidates’ fates on a hefty Election Day turnout was not an optimal strategy.

Pennsylvania – Pa.’s Judges Must Reveal the Perks They Accept, but the Public Won’t Find Those Disclosures Online

Yahoo News – Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 5/20/2204

Every year, thousands of officials in state government must fill out reports by May 1 that disclose their sources of income, creditors, and business interests, as well as any gifts, hospitality, or other perks they accepted. Those reports are then made publicly searchable and available online. Pennsylvania’s judges, however, play by somewhat different rules.

South Carolina – Supreme Court Allows Disputed South Carolina Voting Map

MSN – Patrick Marley and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/23/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the use of a South Carolina congressional map that a lower court said “exiled” thousands of Black voters to carve out a district safer for a White Republican incumbent. At issue for the court was whether South Carolina’s new map, which was created by the GOP-led Legislature and moved Black voters from one district to another, was permitted to bolster the Republican majority or was an unconstitutional effort to divvy up voters by race. The conservative majority sent the case back to the lower court, giving Republicans a victory by finding it erred when it determined race predominated the map-drawing process.

Tennessee – Concerns Over Free Speech Grow as Abortion Travel Ban Heads to Tennessee Governor’s Desk

MSN – Angele Latham (Nashville Tennessean) | Published: 5/16/2024

Some free speech advocates are raising the alarm over wording in a new Tennessee bill that could potentially restrict a person’s right to speak about abortion health care. The law, passed by state lawmakers this year, makes it a felony to recruit or transport a minor for an illegal abortion without parental consent. It closely mirrors a recent law passed in Idaho, which a federal judge halted on First Amendment grounds.

Washington – Prominent Seattle Lobbying Firm Exits Bankruptcy, Cuts CEO’s Pay

Seattle Times – Jim Brunner | Published: 5/20/2024

A major Seattle lobbying and public affairs firm wrapped up its bankruptcy with a reorganization that will pay off debtors, including $6 million owed to its estranged former co-founder. Strategies 360 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November, a move prompted by a rancorous financial dispute between Chief Executive Officer Ron Dotzauer and his ex-business partner Eric Sorenson.

Washington – Tanya Woo Should Recuse from Minimum Wage Vote, Ethics Head Says

Seattle Times – David Kroman | Published: 5/20/2024

When the Seattle City Council votes on a new, lower pay standard for app-based delivery drivers, Councilperson Tanya Woo should recuse herself, said Wayne Barnett, director of the Ethics and Elections Commission The reason is that Woo’s father-in-law owns Kau Kau BBQ and uses delivery apps, giving Woo’s family a possible financial stake in the vote. “For me, that’s just too close,” Barnett said.

National/Federal

A White-Collar Indictment Shatters a Congressman’s Blue-Collar Image

DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel and Kitty Bennett (New York Times) | Published: 5/13/2024

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar has often reminisced about growing up in Laredo, Texas, where his parents, one-time migrant workers, raised him and his seven siblings to value hard work and beware the dangers of debt. He and his wife have now been criminally charged for accepting at least $598,000 over from a Mexican bank and an oil company owned by the Azerbaijani government. Members of Congress are often invited to exclusive clubs and functions by donors, wealthy colleagues, and lobbyists. The lure can be harder to resist for the relatively small group of politicians from humble backgrounds who sometimes struggle to make ends meet.

Democrats Aim for a Breakthrough for Black Women in the Senate

DNyuz – Jonathan Weisman (New York Times) | Published: 5/16/2024

The national Democratic Party has faced criticism that it has declined to back Black women to the hilt, either in primaries or general elections, when they have run for statewide offices. Out of 75 Black women who have run or are running for the U.S Senate since 2010, 10 have secured major-party nominations. No Black woman has ever been elected governor, and out of the 28 who have run for the position since 2010, only four have become major-party nominees.

‘Mom’ Legislators See Their Numbers, Influence Grow but Barriers to Elected Office Remain

Louisiana Illuminator – States Newsroom | Published: 5/12/2024

The number of women serving in state Legislatures has more than quintupled since 1971, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. Nearly 33 percent of the 7,386 state legislative seats are occupied by 2,432 women, the center reported. The Vote Mama Foundation estimates 23 percent of lawmakers are mothers. Still, moms are struggling to get elected and remain in office. Beyond childcare, there are myriad impediments.

House Ethics Panel Probing Troy Nehls’s Campaign Rent Payments

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 5/10/2024

The House Committee on Ethics announced it would further probe allegations that U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls may have misused campaign funds for personal purposes. Despite Nehls’ campaign committee listing its headquarters as “Freedom Hall,” in Richmond, Texas, it made no rent payments to that location, which was formerly a bar and later became an Islamic center. Instead, the Office of Congressional Ethics found the campaign made more than $25,000 in rent payments to an entity known as Liberty 1776 that is owned and operated by Nehls.

Biden and Trump Agree to CNN Debate in June, ABC Faceoff in September

MSN – Michael Scherer and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 5/15/2024

President Biden and Donald Trump agreed to a June 27 debate on CNN and a September 10 debate broadcast by ABC News, hours after Biden announced he would bypass the decades-old tradition of three fall meetings organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The first debate will be held after the expected conclusion of Trump’s New York trial. The CNN debate will be conducted without a live audience and is open to any presidential candidate who consistently polls above 15 percent in approved public surveys and is on enough state ballots to win a majority of electoral college votes.

Steve Bannon’s Bid to Undo Jan. 6 Contempt Conviction Fails

MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 5/10/2024

Former Trump adviser Stephen Bannon was rightfully convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to testify in front of the committee that investigated the Capitol attack, an appellate court ruled. The court did not immediately order Bannon to begin serving his four-month prison sentence; instead, he has seven days to ask for reconsideration at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Bannon maintains he was following legal advice in refusing to cooperate with the committee.

Sen. Bob Menendez’s Trial, Where Gold Bars May Shine, Begins Monday

MSN – Salvador Rizzo (Washington Post) | Published: 5/12/2024

Sen. Bob Menendez is on for the second time in a decade on federal charges he used his position and influence to benefit a trio of businesspeople who were plying him with luxury gifts. Menendez’s previous corruption case featured similar bribery allegations but ended in 2017 with a deadlocked jury. This time, experts say the once-powerful chair of the Foreign Relations Committee faces a tougher task: convincing jurors he legally obtained the gold bars, cash, convertible, and other items seized from his home in 2022.

Justice Clarence Thomas Calls Criticism of Him ‘Nastiness’ and Lies’

MSN – Justin Jouvenal, Tobi Raji, and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/10/2024

After facing harsh questions about his judicial decisions and acceptance of lavish gifts from a billionaire, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas pushed back at his critics, saying he and his wife, Virginia Thomas, have endured “nastiness” and “lies.”  Thomas’s remarks were markedly different in tone from an earlier public appearance by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who said consistency, transparency, and mutual respect are the keys to improving public trust in the judiciary.

Federal Prosecutors Reissue Criminal Charges Against Ex-Rep. Jeff Fortenberry

Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 5/9/2024

Federal prosecutors charged former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry in the District of Columbia for allegedly lying to investigators in connection with a campaign finance probe of a foreign billionaire’s political contributions. Fortenberry was convicted of the same charges in Los Angeles in 2022, but an appeals court reversed the conviction, determining the case should have been brought in either the then-lawmaker’s Nebraska district or in Washington.

Felons or Dupes? Treatment of Trump’s Fake Electors Has Varied Wildly by State

Yahoo News – Betsy Woodruff Swan and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 5/11/2024

Eighty-four Republicans in seven states falsely claimed to be Donald Trump’s presidential electors in December 2020. Now, dozens of them are facing criminal charges that could land them in prison for years. Dozens of others have not been charged at all. Even though the fake electors all participated in the same scheme, some have been charged as dangerous criminals while others have been treated as mere dupes. These disparities depend almost entirely on where they live.

House Ethics Panel Subpoenas DOJ for Gaetz Records

Yahoo News – Jordain Carney (Politico) | Published: 5/16/2024

The House Committee on Ethics subpoenaed the Justice Department for information tied to the panel’s ongoing investigation into U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a person familiar with the congressional investigation said. House investigators demanded documents and other records to assist with their ongoing ethics investigation into allegations that Gaetz had sexual contact with a minor. The Justice Department closed its investigation of Gaetz without filing charges.

From the States and Municipalities

Europe – New EU Ethics Body Adopted – but Will Have No Investigative Powers

EUobserver – Nikolaj Nielsen | Published: 5/16/2024

A new European Union (EU) ethics body was formed to curtail scandals and keep the EU institutions free from corruption. But years of debate and opposition by some have soured its initial ambitions, leaving the body without any investigative powers. The latest iteration will not cover the European Council or the activities and officials of the member state holding the EU’s six-month rotating presidency.

Arizona – Ethics Panel Mulls GOP Complaint That Dems Committed ‘Insurrection’ by Protesting on the Floor

Arizona Mirror – Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Published: 5/15/2024

During a contentious ethics committee hearing, Republican lawmakers accused two Democrats who protested on the floor of the Arizona House after their GOP colleagues avoided repealing a century old abortion law of inciting a riot and making others fear for their safety. Committee Chairperson Joseph Chaplik dismissed arguments that the Democratic lawmakers were simply reacting passionately, saying lawmakers are passionate about many proposals and the chamber’s rules exist to bar the kind of “chaos” that occurred.

California – Ethics Reform Measure Will Go to L.A. Voters. Critics Say It’s Watered Down

MSN – Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 5/15/2024

Los Angeles voters in November will weigh in on a ballot measure that would strengthen the city’s ethics oversight after a string of scandals at City Hall. Watchdog groups were disappointed, saying the measure does not go far enough after the city council watered down a proposal that had included more sweeping changes, such as giving the volunteer Ethics Commission unilateral power to put items on the ballot.

California – California Lawmakers Keep Killing Bills by Not Voting on Them. Do the Rules Need to Change?

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 5/9/2024

Not voting is a common practice for California legislators. Last year, at least 15 bills died due to lack of votes instead of lawmakers voting “no” to kill them. So far this year, at least 12 bills have died because lawmakers declined to vote. Insiders say it is a way for lawmakers to be polite to colleagues and perhaps avoid a “no” vote on their own legislation. But critics say it is also a way for lawmakers to dodge responsibility for their decisions.

Colorado – Why Pueblo’s Mayor Allowed a Lobbyist to Write an Opinion for Her (and May Do So Again)

Pueblo Chieftan – Anna Lynn Winfrey | Published: 5/16/2024

Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham submitted similar opinion pieces to two Colorado newspapers but she did not write them herself. A lobbyist working for Evraz, the company that owns Pueblo’s steel mill and is one of the city’s largest employers, penned the op-ed as part of an advocacy push to defeat some bills introduced. at the state Legislature that business leaders said could hurt Pueblo.

Florida – DeSantis Clears Some Ethics Cases After 2 Years, but Others Still Languish

MSN – Skyler Swisher (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 5/10/2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis cleared part of a backlog of ethics orders punishing the misdeeds of Florida politicians that politicians piled up over two years of inaction, but some high-profile cases are still languishing. DeSantis quietly signed 17 orders in October and November imposing fines and penalties for violations of the state’s ethics code, shortly after an Orlando Sentinel report highlighted dozens of cases awaiting his signature. The orders were only recently posted on the governor’s website.

Hawaii – New Maui Ethics Board Member Instructed Not to Participate Due to Legal Dispute

Honolulu Civil Beat – Brittany Lyte | Published: 5/8/2024

Weakened by numerous vacancies and a shortage of resources to prosecute ethics violations, Maui County’s short-handed Board of Ethics could soon get a badly needed boost from new membership. But the recent appointment of Chivo Ching-Johnson is effectively on hold pending the resolution of a legal dispute over the process by which the county selected nominees to serve on a number of boards and commissions.

Idaho – ‘We Are Paying Attention’: Idaho Secretary of State sees influx of campaign finance complaints

Idaho Capital Sun – Mia Maldonado | Published: 5/16/2024

Idaho legislative candidates have more than doubled the amount of money raised toward their campaigns than the 2022 election. With more money coming into campaigns this year, more than 60 campaign finance complaints have been filed with his office, Secretary of State Phil McGrane said. “It’s important for the public to know that we are paying attention and enforcing these rules,” he said.

Idaho – Idaho State Police Warned Media Outlet That Publishing Its Story Might Violate Idaho Law

Yahoo News – Daniel Walters (InvestigativeWest) | Published: 5/14/2024

InvestigateWest published a story about a secret recording of a nearly two-hour conversation between Idaho Rep. Heather Scott and lobbyist Maria Nate. A copy of the recording had been provided to the news outlet by a third party. InvestigateWest later got a call from Idaho State Police Detective Sean Walker, who said he believed the recording may have been made illegally. Then, he read a state law suggesting if InvestigateWest wrote about the contents of a recording it knew had been illegally made, it could violate Idaho’s communications security laws, a crime punishable by up to five years in state prison.

Illinois – Illinois Democrats’ Law Changing the Choosing of Legislative Candidates Faces GOP Opposition

MSN – John O’Connor (Associated Press) | Published: 5/8/2024

Illinois Democrats changed the way candidates for the General Assembly get on the ballot. Republicans are complaining they changed the rules mid-game. The Legislature’s majority party speedily made the change by introducing the proposal, shepherding it through votes of approval by the House and Senate, and securing the governor’s signature within 30 hours. The law, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker hailed as an ethics update, eliminates the drafting of legislative candidates by local political parties without putting them through primary elections.

Illinois – Chicago Ethics Board Wants Fines and Suspensions for Lobbyists Who Give Money to Mayoral Candidates

WBEZ – Tessa Weinberg | Published: 5/14/2024

The Chicago Board of Ethics wants a law on the books that allows it to fine and even temporarily suspend lobbyists if they contribute to a mayor’s campaign in violation of a decade-old ethics rule. The board recommended that the city council update the ethics ordinance to give enforcement teeth to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s 2011 executive order that bars lobbyists from donating to a mayor’s political committees.

Illinois – ‘We’re on the Friends and Family Plan Now’: New details emerge in alleged AT&T scheme to bribe House speaker

Yahoo News – Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 5/13/2024

Former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza will stand trial on charges he approved a scheme to funnel payments to an associate of then-House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for the speaker’s help passing legislation important to the company. A recent court filing alleged for the first time that Madigan was directly involved in legislation that allowed companies such as AT&T to put up micro-towers on light poles and elsewhere in public rights-of-way. Madigan helped to advance the bill and helped defeat an amendment to the legislation that would have been harmful to AT&T’s interests, according to prosecutors.

Kansas – ‘I Didn’t Say It Was Valid’: Johnson County sheriff admits he didn’t have signed warrant

Yahoo News – Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/9/2024

Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden acknowledged no judge signed off on seizing old ballots in his long-running elections investigation after he falsely said he had a “search warrant in hand.” The admission came after Hayden, a Republican in a competitive race for reelection, in April accused county Election Commissioner Fred Sherman and other officials of rushing to destroy old ballots from several past elections, suggesting they were attempting to eliminate evidence just as the sheriff was on the verge of obtaining a search warrant for them.

Louisiana – Gov. Jeff Landry, in Dispute with State Ethics Board, Might Gain More Control Over Its Members

Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 5/15/2024

Gov. Jeff Landry has yet to resolve a months-long dispute with the Louisiana Board of Ethics for failing to disclose private flights he took to Hawaii on a campaign donor’s plane.  Now, state lawmakers may give Landry more control over the board that seeks to discipline him. Senate Bill 497 would give the governor direct control over who fills the majority of the ethics board seats. It would go into effect August 1.

Louisiana – Supreme Court Restores Louisiana Voting Map with Majority-Black District

MSN – Patrick Marley, Justin Jouvenal, and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/15/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court restored a congressional voting map in Louisiana that includes an additional majority-Black district, handing a victory to Democrats less than six months before the November election.  The order was in response to emergency appeals filed after a federal three-judge panel in the state threw out the recently redrawn map, ruling it was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

Michigan – Michigan Lawyer Seeks Ruling on Lobbyist-Gifted Tickets After News Investigation

Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 5/15/2024

Michigan law bars registered lobbyists from providing legislators with gifts valued at more than $76, but The Detroit News reported lobbyists have found ways around the prohibition. One of their main strategies has been securing tickets to events for lawmakers and then asking the lawmakers, through private letters later, to reimburse the price of the tickets over $76. Bob LaBrant, the former general counsel for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, asked Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to rule on whether the system is legal.

Missouri – Missouri Ethics Agency Clears Some Officials to Spend Taxpayer Money on Election Campaigns

Yahoo News – Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/14/2024

The Missouri Ethics Commission gave tacit approval for some public officials to spend taxpayer dollars on election campaigns, a decision spurring fears of a new “wild west” in election spending. For decades, the state has prohibited the direct use of public funds to support or oppose any ballot measure or candidate. But following a 2021 change in the law, the ethics panel is now interpreting the ban in a way that excludes fire districts, hospital districts, water districts, and other special districts that comprise some of the smallest units of government.

Montana – Knudsen Calls Laws ‘Ridiculous’ and Says He Got Opponent to Run So He Could Raise More Money

Daily Montanan – Darrell Ehrlick | Published: 5/14/2024

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said he had put a friend and fellow Republican up to running against him in his bid for re-election to raise more money and he believes state law is “ridiculous,” according to a recording that captured part of his remarks. Those remarks may have given audience members more than information about the race for the top law enforcement officer in the state. They may have provided the basis for several campaign violations.

New York – Appellate Court Sides with Cuomo, Ruling Ethics Panel Is Unconstitutional

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 5/9/2024

The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government was created unconstitutionally, an appeals court said in a ruling in favor of former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He is fighting an attempt by the agency to force him to forfeit $5 million he got for writing a book about his administration’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cuomo’s attorneys argued since most of the appointees to the commission were nominated by the Legislature, comptroller, and attorney general, it violates the separation of powers doctrine.

North Dakota – Judge Orders Community Service, Fine for North Dakota Lawmaker Tied to Building Controversy

MSN – Jack Dura (Associated Press) | Published: 5/9/2024

North Dakota Rep. Jason Dockter was ordered to serve 250 hours of community service and pay a $2,500 fine after he was convicted of a misdemeanor in connection with a state-leased building he has an ownership stake in. Dockter is a co-owner of companies that own the building leased by the late Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. Dockter has denied any wrongdoing in the lease arrangement. The building drew scrutiny when Stenehjem’s successor disclosed a construction cost overrun of over $1 million incurred under Stenehjem.

Ohio – Did Jury in P.G. Sittenfeld Case Get It Wrong? Ex-Councilman Hopes Appeals Court Frees Him from Prison

WCPO – Paula Christian | Published: 5/9/2024

Attorneys for former Cincinnati City Councilperson P.G. Sittenfeld asked a three-judge panel of the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to throw out his public corruption. He is serving a 16-month sentence for bribery and attempted extortion. Sittenfeld has maintained he did nothing illegal by accepting $20,000 in campaign donations from undercover FBI agents who were posing as developers and championing their project to redevelop a blighted property into a boutique hotel because he was a pro-development politician.

Oregon – No Criminal Charges for OLCC Managers Who Set Aside Rare Bourbon for Themselves, State Says

MSN – Noelle Crombie (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 5/13/2024

The state Department of Justice said it would not pursue criminal charges against the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) director and other managers who used their positions to access prized Kentucky bourbon. The Justice Department’s investigators were not able to locate anyone who could identify specific OLCC employees who had completed particular purchases. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Udland emphasized the agency limited its review to possible crimes and did not “separately address whether the conduct of any OLCC employee violated Oregon’s civil ethics laws.”

Pennsylvania – Ousted Head of Philly Health Care Workers’ Union Charged with Stealing to Illegally Support Democratic Campaigns

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 5/14/2024

Prosecutors say Chris Woods, former head of District 1199C of the National Union of Hospital and Healthcare Employees, illegally supported candidates in Philadelphia’s 2019 Democratic primary with union funds. Woods stole more than $150,000 from his members to use in the election. He disguised the missing money as payments to renovate the bar in his union’s headquarters. Instead, grand jurors found, the funds went to pay a political consultant, who handled get-out-the-vote efforts for several candidates that Woods and his union endorsed.

Pennsylvania – Super Bowl Tickets, Luxury Resort Stay Among Perks Pa. Lawmakers Accepted in 2023

Yahoo News – Stephen Caruso and Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 5/13/2024

Pennsylvania’s gift law is one of the loosest in the country. Public officials can accept gifts of any size, as long as they report those that meet a certain threshold. The law does bar lawmakers from taking gifts if doing so will influence their votes and positions. Under both chambers’ ethics rules, lawmakers are also barred from accepting cash gifts from a lobbyist or anyone else seeking a specific legislative outcome. But watchdogs have lamented that there are few ways to enforce these rules.

Vermont – Vermont Legislature Passes Bill to Create Uniform Ethical Standards in Local Government

VTDigger.org – Shaun Robinson | Published: 5/10/2024

Vermont lawmakers passed a bill that would create new uniform ethical standards for many local government officials, a change proponents said is long overdue. It would establish a “municipal code of ethics” that is similar to one for state officials that went into effect two years ago. The new code would set baseline standards for cities, towns, and villages to adopt around conflicts-of-interest, preferential treatment, gifts, and other potential issues.

Washington – Why One Man Filed 800 Campaign Finance Complaints Against WA Candidates

Centralia Daily Chronicle – Jim Brunner (Seattle Times) | Published: 5/9/2024

Conner Edwards has filed more than 800 complaints with the Washington Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) against candidates and political committees since late last year. Despite the state’s image as a leader in campaign finance transparency, he says the PDC is failing to crack down when campaigns do not file important reports detailing who is giving them money and how it is spent. PDC staff defended its work and said Edwards is making a mountainous caseload for the agency over a relative molehill of offenses by mostly small-dollar campaigns.

Washington – Ethics Commission Looks into Possible Conflict of Interest on Seattle City Council Vote

KNKX – Lilly Ana Fowler | Published: 5/14/2024

The Seattle City Council will vote on legislation that would roll back a law that mandates delivery drivers for DoorDash and other app companies make the equivalent of the city’s minimum wage. The Ethics and Elections Commission is now looking into whether city council President Sara Nelson has a conflict-of-interest. Nelson recently sold Fremont Brewing to Seattle Hospitality Group, one of the state’s largest hospitality companies.

West Virginia – Incumbent Tops Primary Candidate Who Filmed Himself in the Capitol on Jan. 6

MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 5/14/2024

U.S. Rep. Carol Miller won the Republican primary in West Virginia’s First Congressional District, defeating Derrick Evans, a former state lawmaker who served three months in prison after pleading guilty to a felony for participating in the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Miller voted against certifying election results from some states on January 6, 2021.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin’s Top Court Signals It Will Reinstate Ballot Drop Boxes

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 5/13/2024

Liberals who control the Wisconsin Supreme Court signaled they were prepared to overturn a two-year-old decision that banned absentee ballot drop boxes and allow them for the 2024 election. The justices’ comments during oral arguments offered the latest sign the liberal majority is prepared to change policies that conservatives put in place during their 15 years controlling the court in one of the country’s most important swing states.

National/Federal

Candidates for Federal Office Can Raise Unlimited Funds for Ballot Measures

DNyuz – Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 5/5/2024

The FEC issued an advisory opinion allowing candidates to raise unlimited money for issue-advocacy groups working on ballot measures in elections in which those candidates are on the ballot. The opinion could alter the landscape in the fall in terms of the capacity that candidates aligned with these groups have to help them raise money.

Noem Dog Shooting Sparks Congressional Dog Lovers Caucus

MSN – Mia McCarthy (Politico) | Published: 5/3/2024

A bipartisan group of lawmakers launched the Congressional Dog Lovers Caucus, less than a week after South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s killing of her dog disgusted Democrats and Republicans alike. “Given recent dog-related news, it’s evident that both sides of the aisle reject animal cruelty and support protecting man’s best friend,” U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz said.

Congresswoman Battling Brain Disorder Delivers House Speech Using a Text-to-Voice App

MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 5/6/2024

U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton stepped to the microphone on the House floor recently to speak about one of her latest pieces of legislation, as she has done many times before during her five years in Congress. But the voice that gave the speech was not hers – it was from a text-to-voice application, an assistive device she uses to help her navigate a degenerative brain condition with which she was diagnosed last year.

Congressman: Racist trope not ‘focal point’ of video he shared of Ole Miss counterprotesters

MSN – Maegan Vazquez and Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) | Published: 5/6/2024

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins denounced racism and discrimination several days after he shared a video of counter-protesters at the University of Mississippi that included a shot of one participant making apelike gestures and noises in front of a Black woman. The move came after Collins shared a video of counter-protesters shouting down pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the campus while praising the actions as “Ole Miss taking care of business.”

Judge Indefinitely Delays Trump’s Classified Documents Trial in Florida

MSN – Perry Stein and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 5/7/2024

Donald Trump’s trial for allegedly mishandling classified documents and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them has been pushed back indefinitely, U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon ruled, increasing the chance the former president’s ongoing New York criminal trial may be the only one to happen before the November election. Cannon had originally set the trial date for late May, but that has seemed unlikely for months, with the judge still needing to make decisions on a number of key legal issues before a jury can hear the case.

Greene Booed as Republicans Turn on Her Over Bid to Oust Speaker Johnson

MSN – Paul Kane, Maegan Vazquez, Marianna Sotomayor, Mariana Alfaro, and Theodoric Meyer (Washington Post) | Published: 5/8/2024

They heckled her and shouted boos as she rose to speak, and some hissed at her – and those were the voices from the same side of the aisle as U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. She tried to oust Speaker Mike Johnson from leadership, but Republicans overwhelmingly opposed her bid. That effort proved to be the final straw for many of her GOP colleagues who have expressed a growing distaste for her antics during her three years in Congress. It even led to a rare admonishment by Donald Trump.

Rep. Henry Cuellar Accused of Taking Bribes from Azerbaijan, Mexican Bank

MSN – Perry Stein and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 5/3/2024

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife were indicted on conspiracy and bribery charges in connection with a Department of Justice probe into ties between American business leaders and the former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan. The indictment accuses Cuellar and wife Imelda Cuellar of accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan-controlled energy company and a bank in Mexico from 2014 to 2021, in exchange for Rep. Cuellar advancing the interests of the country and the bank in the U.S.

Major Corporations Reluctant to Make a Splash at the 2024 Political Conventions

MSN – Amanda Terkel and Brian Schwartz (CNBC), and Natasha Korecki (NBC) | Published: 5/3/2024

Some corporations may not be sponsors at this summer’s political conventions. NBC News interviewed more than 15 major corporate fundraisers and consultants with corporate clients. Many expressed concerns over a charged political climate that they worry could backfire on their brand or where an investment would not pay off. Some said they feared being tied to Donald Trump, given the litany of criminal charges against the former president. Others said the environment is too fragile, given the unrest exploding at college campuses across the country.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Legislation to Change Alabama Ethics Law Dies in Committee

Yahoo News – Ralph Chapoco (Alabama Reflector) | Published: 5/8/2024

A push to change Alabama’s ethics laws for elected officials died in a Senate committee, with supporters saying they would try to bring legislation back next year. The bill was the latest attempt to address a series of changes made to the state’s ethics laws in 2010. The changes, pushed through by what were then new Republican majorities in the House and Senate, were touted at the time as the strongest ethics laws in the nation.

Alaska – Report: Internal emails at Alaska Permanent Fund show financial manager raising ethical concerns about fund’s vice chair

Yahoo Finance – Alex DeMarban (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 5/6/2024

A top financial manager with the $80 billion Alaska Permanent Fund in emails raised concerns about efforts by the fund’s vice chairperson to set up meetings between Permanent Fund staff and business associates or companies with ties to a company she owns. Marcus Frampton, the fund’s chief executive officer, asserts in the emails that Ellie Rubenstein, vice chair of the fund’s board of trustees, has conflicts that involve business associates with ties to Manna Tree Partners, her private equity firm.

Arizona – Arizona Legislature Challenges Campaign Spending Law in Appeals Court

Courthouse News Service – Joe Duhownik | Published: 5/7/2024

Legislative leaders appeared before the state Court of Appeals to challenge a voter-backed campaign finance disclosure law they say violates the Arizona Constitution. Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma, both Republicans, say Proposition 211 takes rulemaking authority away from the Legislature delegates too much authority to the Arizona Clean Elections Commission, an agency of the executive branch.

Arizona – In Arizona, Election Workers Trained with Deepfakes to Prepare for 2024

MSN – Sarah Ellison and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 5/8/2024

Over two days, the election workers in Arizona maneuvered through a training exercise involving the kinds of attacks generated by artificial intelligence they might face in this politically competitive state during the coming election cycle. They tackled situations that plunged them into AI-generated scenarios ranging from law enforcement operations to attempts to infiltrate technology systems.

Arizona – Dem Lawmakers Say Ethics Complaints Over Abortion Ban Repeal Outburst Should Be Thrown Out

Yahoo News – Gloria Rebecca Gomez (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 5/6/2024

The ethics complaints lodged against two Democratic lawmakers for protesting Arizona Republicans’ refusal to repeal a near-total abortion ban should be thrown out, according to the duo’s attorney. Democrats in the state House pushed for a vote to repeal the1864 law. After the GOP-majority chose instead to block that move, Democrats in the chamber erupted into shouts of “Shame!”, “Save women’s lives!” and “Blood on your hands!”, while pointing and waving at Republican lawmakers across the aisle, most of whom quickly filed out through a side door.

District of Columbia – D.C. Court Temporarily Suspends Trump Lawyer John Eastman’s Law License

MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 5/4/2024

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals suspended John Eastman’s law license after a similar decision in California, which did so over his role in a legal strategy to help Donald Trump stay in power after his 2020 election loss. Eastman also faces potential disbarment in the District of Columbia.; that challenge to his license is on hold during the California litigation.

Florida – Miami Mayor Subpoenaed to Testify in SEC’s Case Against Developer Who Paid Him

Yahoo Finance – Jay Weaver, Tess Riski, Sarah Blaskey, and Joey Flechas (Miami Herald) | Published: 5/6/2024

When the Securities and Exchange Commission sued developer Rishi Kapoor, accusing him of defrauding investors in his real estate projects, the lawsuit made no mention of his company’s consulting agreement with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. But Suarez was compelled under subpoena to give a sworn statement related to the Kapoor case. The Miami Herald has reported the mayor received a $10,000 monthly retainer and was also promised commissions if he helped woo investors, find real estate, and secure financing for Kapoor’s projects in Miami and elsewhere.

Georgia – Georgia Court to Hear Trump Appeal Seeking to Disqualify Fani Willis

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 5/8/2024

A Georgia appellate court agreed to hear Donald Trump’s appeal of a state court ruling allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting the election interference case against the former president and several allies, making it increasingly unlikely the case will go to trial before the November election. The timing of when the case might be taken up by the appellate court was unclear though it likely would not be until late summer at the earliest, with a ruling expected late this year or early next.

Georgia – Georgia Court Candidate Sues to Block Ethics Rules So He Can Keep Campaigning on Abortion

MSN – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 5/6/2024

Former U.S. Rep. John Barrow, who is running for the Georgia Supreme Court, filed a federal lawsuit claiming a state agency is unconstitutionally trying to block him from talking about abortion. Among the rules the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission complaint alleges Barrow is violating is one that bars candidates from making commitments about how they will rule on issues that are likely to come before the court.

Georgia – With 2024 Presidential Contest Looming, Georgia Governor Signs New Election Changes into Law

Yahoo News – Jeff Amy and Sudhin Thanawala (Associated Press) | Published: 5/7/2024

Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation that makes additional changes to Georgia’s election laws ahead of the 2024 presidential contest in the battleground state, including defining probable causes for removing voters from the rolls when their eligibility is challenged. The bill lists death, evidence of voting or registering in another jurisdiction, a tax exemption indicating a primary residence elsewhere, or a nonresidential address as probable causes for removing voters from the rolls. Opponents said the changes would enable more baseless attacks on voters that would overwhelm election administrators and disenfranchise legitimate voters.

Hawaii – Lessons For Hawaii: Other states have strong pay-to-play laws

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 5/5/2024

Hawaii banned contractors from donating to campaigns in 2005, but media analysis found that a loophole applying that ban only to corporate entities and not officers or family members has allowed more than $24 million from people tied to contractors to flow to local campaign coffers. Recent attempts by the Legislature to close that loophole have failed, although some lawmakers and watchdog groups say they plan to examine new “pay-to-play” proposals in light of the findings.

Hawaii – Campaign Spending Commission Fines Kaniela Ing Another $18,000

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 5/8/2024

The Campaign Spending Commission fined former Hawaii Rep. Kaniela Ing $18,000 for failing to make records available to the commission and falsifying nearly two dozen campaign finance reports during his time as a state representative from 2012 to 2018. Ing was previously fined and has since paid $20,000 for campaign spending violations in 2018 over misfiled reports. These new charges stem from additional violations that commission staff say they found in Ing’s revised reports.

Louisiana – Judges Say They’ll Draw New Louisiana Election Map If Lawmakers Don’t by June 3

Yahoo News – Kevin McGill (Associated Press) | Published: 5/7/2024

A panel of federal judges who recently threw out a congressional election map giving Louisiana a second mostly Black district said the Legislature must pass a new map by June 3 or face having the panel impose one on the state. But voting rights advocates and Attorney General Liz Murrill said they would take an appeal in defense of the new map to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Maryland – Former Baltimore Mayoral Candidate Thiru Vignarajah Must Return Unspent Public Funds

MSN – Emily Opilo and Hannah Gaskill (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 5/8/2024

Baltimore mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah will need to return his campaign funds that were unspent at the time of his withdrawal from the race. Vignarajah, who qualified for the funds by raising small-dollar contributions from hundreds of donors, received $668,881 in public money. Questions remain however about whether the four-time candidate for public office should return all of the public money he received, not just the unspent funds.

Massachusetts – MassGOP Blasts Wu’s Holiday Party Spending: ‘Blatant disregard for public finance rules’

MSN – Gayla Cawley (Boston Herald) | Published: 5/8/2024

The Massachusetts Republican Party is calling for an investigation into Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s “clear-cut violation” of public finance rules in mixing campaign funds and City Hall resources for a private holiday party. The GOP also said campaign finance regulations prohibit elected officials from leveraging public resources for campaign endeavors, which, it asserts, the holiday party became when the mayor opted to dip into her $1.4 million campaign account.

Massachusetts – AI, Deepfakes and Political Campaigns: Mass. lawmakers look to set some rules

MSN – Kinga Borondy (Worcester Telegram & Gazette) | Published: 5/7/2024

Concern over the possible use of computer-generated images and sound recordings that could confuse and alienate voters prompted Massachusetts lawmakers to consider a bill that would require any artificial intelligence (AI)-generated campaign material to carry a warning label. The bill would ban the use of synthetic media in the 90 days preceding an election without disclosing that the material had been manipulated or generated by AI.

Massachusetts – Potential Conflicts of Interest Widespread at Mass. Special Ed Schools

WBUR – Patrick Madden | Published: 5/6/2024

Among the schools that Massachusetts approves to teach students with special needs, there are widespread potential conflicts-of-interest, from family hires to deals with board members. Of the 76 organizations, a media investigation found nearly three-quarters awarded contracts and jobs to relatives of school leaders or board members from 2019 to 2023. In some cases, the leaders or board members landed their own deals.

Minnesota – Ethics Panel Says Sen. Gruenhagen Should Be Instructed on How to Send Emails to Colleagues

MSN – Rochelle Olson (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 5/8/2024

State Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen should receive instruction by Republican leaders on how to appropriately email his colleagues, an ethics subcommittee said. Sen. Erin Maye Quade filed a complaint over a Gruenhagen email linking to a video of male to female gender-affirming surgery, saying it made her uncomfortable and violated Senate norms. In a lengthy hearing, Gruenhagen said he was trying to educate his colleagues about an upcoming bill.

Minnesota – Senate Ethics Panel Deadlocks on Mitchell Complaint; Next Meeting Will Follow June Court Date

MSN – Alex Derosier (St. Paul Pioneer Press) | Published: 5/7/2024

Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell did not answer any questions about her felony burglary charge from a Senate ethics panel with her attorney decrying the investigation as a “witch hunt.” Mitchell allegedly broke into her stepmother’s home in April. Her attorney said the criminal case should be resolved before lawmakers investigate ethics violations. Senate Republicans have been calling for Mitchell’s resignation following her arrest and filed an ethics complaint citing the felony charges.

Missouri – In This Missouri County, Republicans Go to ‘War’ Over Who Can Run as a Republican

Yahoo News – Eric Adler (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/6/2024

No one blinks when Republicans and Democrats go to battle with each other. But eyebrows and tempers rise when the fight turns inward. That is what is happening now in rural Vernon County, Missouri, where the county’s Republican Committee is headed to court against the county clerk, a Republican, over who determines who runs for office and call themselves a Republican.

Missouri – County Official Who Put Stadium Tax on Ballot Sought Suite Tickets as Talks Were in Play

Yahoo News – Mike Hendricks (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/6/2024

As the Kansas City Royals and Jackson County began formal negotiations for taxpayer support of a $1 billion ballpark last June, the chairperson of the county Legislature asked a top team executive for a personal favor. “Hi Adam,” legislator DaRon McGee’s email began to Adam Sachs, the team’s the chief legal counsel and point man on the stadium issue. “Is it possible (to) get 4 suite tickets for Saturday’s game?”

New Hampshire – In New Hampshire Governor’s Race, Some Finance Reports Are Clearer Than Others

New Hampshire Bulletin – Ethan DeWitt | Published: 5/8/2024

New Hampshire’s online campaign finance system was designed to provide the public a clear window into who is donating to campaigns and how candidates are spending that money. The process is meant to save candidates time and effort as well, sparing them the possibility that their paper submissions are out of compliance because of small technicalities. But the system is voluntary, and most have opted to use the paper filing option. To some observers, the lack of rules around legibility incentivizes campaigns to make their filings as difficult to read as possible.

New Mexico – With City Ethics Review Underway, Critics Try to Unmask ‘Jay Baker’

Yahoo News – Carina Julig (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 4/27/2024

Jay Baker is Santa Fe’s pseudonymous critic who posts on Facebook under a Guy Fawkes mask avatar. He is disliked by many, who argue Baker is a bully who slings baseless accusations against city officials and anyone else he dislikes. City Councilor Pilar Faulkner accused Baker of buying digital ads during the 2023 municipal election that lied about her and could have damaged her professional reputation as a lobbyist. Those ads are at the center of a complaint she filed with the Ethics and Campaign Review Board, which most recently met to discuss a potential investigation into Baker’s identity.

New York – Assembly’s Free Day Care for Lawmakers Reopens Quietly on Concourse

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 5/8/2024

A taxpayer-funded day care center operated by the New York Assembly majority office that provides free childcare services to a select group of Democratic lawmakers has reopened. The Albany Times Union had reported the Assembly majority’s office was operating an unlicensed day care center in the Legislative Office Building. The new facility is now licensed by the state as a “small day care center.” Attorney David Grandeau said providing taxpayer-funded childcare to a select group of lawmakers could run afoul of Public Officers Law, especially because it is being provided in a state-owned building that is staffed by Assembly employees.

New York – This Obscure N.Y. Election Law Is at the Heart of Trump’s Hush Money Trial

MSN – David Nakamura (Washington Post) | Published: 5/6/2024

An obscure New York state election law that has rarely been prosecuted over five decades has been elevated to a prominent role in Donald Trump’s criminal trial over allegedly falsifying documents related to a hush money payment during the 2016 election campaign. The law makes it a misdemeanor for two or more people to “conspire to promote or prevent the election of any person to a public office by unlawful means.” Trump is not being charged under that statute, which apparently has been used only a few times in cases related to state or local elections, though it is a key factor in his case.

North Carolina – NC Election Directors Grapple with Pay, Politics and More Pressure Than Ever

Yahoo News – Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 5/8/2024

Across North Carolina, 100 people are responsible for making sure every registered voter in their county has a chance to cast their ballot in every election. The position of county election director is one that has drastically increased in complexity over the years as voting, list maintenance, and campaign finance processes become highly technical endeavors subject to frequent legislative change. Since 2019, there have been 60 changes in county election directors, mostly due to retirements or resignations. For about 30 directors, 2024 will be the first time they have ever served in the position during a presidential election.

North Dakota – Jury Finds Rep. Dockter Guilty of Misdemeanor Conflict-of-Interest Charge

North Dakota Monitor – Mary Steurer | Published: 5/3/2024

A jury found a state lawmaker guilty of violating an obscure conflict-of-interest law. At issue in the case was Rep. Jason Dockter’s involvement in the lease of a Bismarck building to the attorney general’s office and the North Dakota Department of Health and his subsequent votes on agency budgets. The building deal originally came together during Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s tenure. The representative was friends with Stenehjem, and previously served as his campaign treasurer.

Oregon – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek Apologizes, Walks Back Plan to Expand her Wife’s Role in Administration

OPB – Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Drake | Published: 5/1/2024

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is backing off of plans to expand her wife’s role in the administration and apologizing for her handling of the subject, as mounting public scrutiny on First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson becomes an increasing threat to the governor’s policy agenda. The governor appeared to close the door on an effort public records show she has quietly pursued for months: creating a formal office for her spouse.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Game Commission Director Resigns Amid Ethics Concerns About His ‘Wellness’ Side Business

MSN – Gillian McGoldrick (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 5/4/2024

The executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission resigned following ethics concerns about a “wellness” side business the agency admitted he had been working on with other commission employees. Even before the questions about Bryan Burhans’ side business emerged, the commission had already been under scrutiny in recent years.

Pennsylvania – Group That Doesn’t Disclose Its Donors Paid $12K for Shapiro to Attend Phillies Games, Other Sporting Events

Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso and Angela Couloumbis | Published: 5/3/2024

Gov. Josh Shapiro reported receiving $12,194.62 from Team PA on his new statement of financial interest. The nonprofit bills itself as a public-private partnership to bolster Pennsylvania’s economic development. A gubernatorial spokesperson said Team PA paid for Shapiro to attend six sporting events. The money for those tickets came from a fund that Team PA manages called Pennsylvania Growth Partnership. It is not publicly known which individuals, groups, or businesses have donated to the growth partnership fund.

Pennsylvania – Gov. Josh Shapiro Uses Pennsylvania’s State Plane Much More Than His Predecessor

Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 5/6/2024

Public records show the heavy use that Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration has made of the state-owned plane as he has barnstormed Pennsylvania. The aircraft has sometimes touched down in as many as seven airfields around the commonwealth in a single day. As many as two-thirds of the costs of those flights were accrued directly by the governor’s office, a dramatic increase in plane travel compared to Shapiro’s predecessor. But the administration has argued the plane connects people with their government officials.

Rhode Island – Campaign Finance Offender Lost Seven Bids for Office but Wins Mercy from Elections Panel

Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 5/7/2024

A perennial candidate for state and local office will be the first offender of state campaign finance requirements to have his fines reduced. The Rhode Island Board of Elections voted to slash financial penalties owed by former candidate Daniel Grzych by nearly 90 percent. He previously owed more than $71,000 in fines for submitting late reports required during his time as a candidate. Now, Grzych owes just $6,600. The board’s decision marks the first time using a new regulation giving the elections panel more leeway to reduce fines for offenders.

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Arizona Legislature Challenges Campaign Spending Law in Appeals Court” by Joe Duhownik for Courthouse News Service

New Hampshire: “In New Hampshire Governor’s Race, Some Finance Reports Are Clearer Than Others” by Ethan DeWitt for New Hampshire Bulletin

Rhode Island: “Campaign Finance Offender Lost Seven Bids for Office but Wins Mercy from Elections Panel” by Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) for Yahoo News

Elections

Georgia: “With 2024 Presidential Contest Looming, Georgia Governor Signs New Election Changes into Law” by Jeff Amy and Sudhin Thanawala (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Massachusetts: “AI, Deepfakes and Political Campaigns: Mass. lawmakers look to set some rules” by Kinga Borondy (Worcester Telegram & Gazette) for MSN

North Carolina: “NC Election Directors Grapple with Pay, Politics and More Pressure Than Ever” by Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News and Observer) for Yahoo News

Ethics

Alabama: “Legislation to Change Alabama Ethics Law Dies in Committee” by Ralph Chapoco (Alabama Reflector) for Yahoo News

Redistricting

Louisiana: “Judges Say They’ll Draw New Louisiana Election Map If Lawmakers Don’t by June 3” by Kevin McGill (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

National/Federal

Gateway Pundit to File for Bankruptcy Amid Election Conspiracy Lawsuits

MSN – Will Sommer (Washington Post) | Published: 4/24/2024

Gateway Pundit, the popular far-right blog, is filing for bankruptcy as it faces lawsuits alleging it promoted bogus claims about the 2020 election. Since its launch in 2004, the site has become a clearinghouse for conspiracy theories about the election, school shootings, and other topics, helping to funnel such flimsy stories from the fringes of the internet to the broader pro-Trump right thanks to its substantial audience.

Push to Restrict LGBTQ+ Rights Hits a Snag in State Legislatures

MSN – Casey Parks (Washington Post) | Published: 4/29/2024

State lawmakers introduced a record number of bills targeting gay and transgender Americans this year, but hardly any have passed, raising questions about whether the push to restrict LGBTQ++ rights is losing momentum. Similar bills sailed through state Legislatures in recent years. This year, they failed even in states where Republicans have supermajorities and governors demanded wins. Strategists on both sides say Republicans appear increasingly unwilling to stake their reelections on cultural issues. Polls have found the issues are not especially important to voters.

A Ukraine-Born Congresswoman Voted No on Aid. Her Hometown Feels Betrayed

MSN – Siobhán O’Grady, Anastacia Galouchka, and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 4/25/2024

U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz grew up in a small town north of Kyiv, and later moved to America and became the first Ukrainian-born member of Congress. But after Spartz voted against a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, the esteem that locals held for her turned to anger and a sense of betrayal. Spartz’s “no” vote was the latest twist in her transformation from a pro-Ukraine advocate who toured war wreckage in her hometown to a critic of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in line with the Republican Party’s most right-wing camp.

Democrats, Political Figures Dogpile onto Trump VP Hopeful After Story of Animal Killings

MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 4/27/2024

It does not matter if you are a Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative – a growing number of elected officials and political groups all suddenly want you to know that they love their dogs. The outpouring of animal love from political social media is all in response to South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who is believed to be in the running to be Donald Trump’s running mate, admitting in her forthcoming book that she killed a family dog and goat in a gravel pit with a gun on the same day.

They Staffed the Jan. 6 Committee. Threats Still Follow Them

MSN – Chris Marquette and Michael Macagnone (Roll Call) | Published: 4/30/2024

Some staff members of the now-disbanded January 6 panel in Congress say their work exposed them to threats, raised doubts about their safety, and required additional safety precautions. Their experiences, recounted in interviews, serve as an example of concerns among Capitol Hill staffers about whether their work could make them a target for political violence.

Federal Elections Regulator from Texas Has Ted Cruz Campaign Sign in Front Yard

MSN – Joseph Morton (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 5/1/2024

A recent post on X shows a campaign sign for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the yard of FEC member Trey Trainor. Cruz is the subject of a complaint filed with the agency over more than $630,000 in advertising revenue that flowed from the senator’s podcast to a super PAC backing his reelection. The public show of support for Cruz does not violate the law, but it could raise the appearance of bias by a government regulator, campaign finance lawyer Brett Kappel said.

After Weeks of College Protests, Police Responses Ramp Up

MSN – Danielle Paquette, Hannah Natanson, Joanna Slater, and Emily Wax-Thibodeaux (Washington Post) | Published: 5/1/2024

Colleges and universities reckoned with the aftermath of major shows of police force across the country that cleared some protest encampments and emptied a Columbia University classroom building in a turning point following two weeks of contagious pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Even after a fragile calm resettled over campuses that have seen the bulk of the chaos, footage of officers in riot gear extracting students from Columbia’s Hamilton Hall sparked debates nationwide as Americans struggled to make sense of it all.

House Passes Antisemitism Bill Over Complaints from First Amendment Advocates

MSN – Abigail Hauslohner (Washington Post) | Published: 5/1/2024

The House passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which its advocates said would empower the federal government to crack down on anti-Israel protests on campuses by codifying a definition of antisemitism that encompasses not just threats against Jews, but also certain criticisms of Israel itself. The definition has drawn opposition from First Amendment advocates such as the American Civil Liberties Union and liberal Democrats, who say it veers into the realm of restricting political views.

How Online Donations Are Fueling the Election

Politico – Jessica Piper, Paula Friedrich, Anna Wiederkehr, and Madison Fernandez | Published: 4/30/2024

The ease of giving online has dramatically expanded the pool of donors in just a few election cycles and helped campaigns bring in greater hauls than ever before. As online donations ballooned in recent years, they became a majority of funds raised by congressional candidates. A new analysis shows how it has helped establish new dynamics in campaigning and fundraising.

States Move to Label Deepfake Political Ads

Roll Call – Gopal Ratnam | Published: 4/24/2024

At least 39 states are considering measures that would add transparency to artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfake ads or calls as campaigns intensify ahead of the November election. The efforts are largely focused on identifying content produced using AI as opposed to controlling that content or prohibiting its distribution, according to Megan Bellamy, vice president of law and policy at the Voting Rights Lab.

When Judges Get Free Trips to Luxury Resorts, Disclosure Is Spotty

Texas Public Radio – Tom Dreisbach and Carrie Johnson (NPR) | Published: 5/1/2024

Dozens of federal judges failed to fully disclose free luxury travel to judicial conferences around the world, as required by internal judiciary rules and federal ethics law, an NPR investigation found. As a result, the public remained in the dark about potential conflicts-of-interest for some of the country’s top legal officials. Many judges defend these events as helpful forums to discuss important issues, and they reject criticism that a stay at a fancy hotel could influence their decisions. Critics call them “junkets” and glorified vacations that reward ideological allies.

Government Watchdog Alleges Trump Campaign Broke the Law Trying to Hide Legal Payments

Yahoo News – Zach Anderson (USA Today) | Published: 4/25/2024

A complaint filed with the FEC alleges Donald Trump’s 2024 White House campaign and its related political committees engaged in a scheme to conceal who is being paid for much of the former president’s legal work in a possible violation of federal law. The complaint centers on a company called Red Curve Solutions, which allegedly received $7.2 million from Trump’s campaign and four other related political committees.

Rep. Golden Doubles Down on Campaign Finance Reform with New Legislation

Yahoo News – Emma Davis (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 5/2/2024

U.S. Rep. Jared Golden introduced six bills aimed to increase transparency and limit spending in elections. These latest proposals build on Golden’s Government Integrity and Anti-Corruption Plan, an existing package of nine bills with similar objectives that he introduced or co-sponsored during the 118th Congress, though they have yet to receive votes.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – GOP Ethics Complaints Target 2 Arizona House Democrats for ‘Attempted Insurrection’

Arizona Republic – Mary Jo Pitzl | Published: 4/26/2024

Two House Democrats were hit with ethics complaints for behavior that Republicans characterized as “an attempted insurrection” in the aftermath of a debate about Arizona’s 1864 abortion law. The complaint names Reps. Oscar de los Santos and Analise Ortiz. They led fellow Democrats in chants of “shame, shame” after the House abruptly went into a recess rather than consider a motion to repeal the law. They also called out Rep. Matt Gress when he was answering questions about his attempt to get a repeal vote.

Arkansas – Gosses Sentenced in Bribery Scheme That Included Former Arkansas Lawmakers

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Ron Wood | Published: 4/29/2024

A Missouri couple was sentenced to federal prison in a Medicaid fraud scheme that saw five former Arkansas lawmakers convicted on bribery-related charges. Tommy Ray Goss, former chief financial officer of Preferred Family Healthcare, received six years in prison. Bontiea Goss, his wife and former chief operating officer of the same company, was sentenced to three years behind bars. They were ordered to jointly pay $4.35 million in forfeiture and restitution.

California – California Passed a Law to Stop ‘Pay to Play’ in Local Politics. After Two Years, Legislators Want to Gut It

CalMatters – Yue Stella Yu | Published: 5/1/2024

Described by its author as the “most significant political reform” in decades, a 2022 law designed to limit attempts by businesses and contractors to sway local elected officials with campaign contributions cleared the California Legislature without a single “no” vote. Two years later, some of the same lawmakers who backed the measure want to water it down, and they have the backing of developers and labor unions.

California – Legislative Non-Disclosure Agreement Bill Fails First Vote in California Committee

Courthouse News Service – Alan Riquelmy | Published: 4/25/2024

A bill in the California Legislature that would have banned non-disclosure agreements when crafting legislation, a response to the “Paneragate” scandal, failed to pass out of the Assembly Elections Committee. Assembly Bill 2654 would have prohibited certain people – including lobbyists, public officials, lawmakers, and employees of the governor’s office – from entering a non-disclosure agreement when drafting, negotiating, or discussing bills.

Florida – Florida’s ‘Pro-Corruption’ Ethics Bill Sits in Gubernatorial Limbo

Jacksonville Today – Casmira Harrison | Published: 5/1/2024

Florida lawmakers passed Senate Bill 7014, which would eliminate the ability of citizens to file anonymous ethics complaints against government officials. Local ethics regulators have said it would “reduce anti-corruption efforts and undermine the investigation process. Gov. Ron DeSantis has yet to act on the bill. The governor still has time to veto the bill or put the full weight of his office behind it by signing the legislation. He could just let it quietly become law. That is what Catherine Klancke, executive director of the Florida Ethics Institute, expects.

Hawaii – Ethics Chief Robert Harris: Give legislators their due, but keep pushing for more reform

Honolulu Civil Beat – Richard Wiens | Published: 4/28/2024

Robert Harris has had a front-row seat for efforts to reform government in Hawaii as executive director of the State Ethics Commission and a member of the special House commission created in response to a series of public scandals. As another legislative session winds down, Harris gave an interview on the ongoing effort to make state and local governments more transparent.

Illinois – At Secret Meeting, Right-Wing Radio Host Dan Proft Dangled $20 Million to Darren Bailey’s Governor Run

Yahoo News – Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 4/29/2024

A year and a half after Republican Darren Bailey lost his campaign to challenge Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, state election officials are weighing whether he illegally colluded with conservative radio show host and political operative Dan Proft in the 2022 campaign. If the board finds the two organizations did illegally coordinate, Proft’s organization and Bailey’s campaign could be on the hook for millions of dollars in fines. Proft has also faced criticisms and an FEC complaint over his publishing and use of a network of free “newspapers” and corresponding websites to support conservative candidates.

Indiana – ‘Wealthy Person’s Game’: Self-funders drive up the cost to win Indiana elections

MSN – Kayla Dwyer and Brittany Carloni (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 5/2/2024

This year, campaign spending has eclipsed gubernatorial primary expenditure records in Indiana by multitudes, and multiple wealthy candidates are self-funding their campaigns, both for governor and for Congress, to the tune of millions of dollars. Money has become a defining feature of this election cycle. Self-funders have risen to prominence in Indiana, a national trend that has surged dramatically in the last two decades.

Kentucky – This Oldham County Teen May Be Kentucky’s Youngest Lobbyist

Yahoo News – Krista Johnson (Louisville Courier-Journal) | Published: 5/1/2024

High school freshman Kiera Dunk has traveled to the state Capitol in Frankfort dozens of times, and her passion for advocacy led her to write her own bill – one that increased penalties for child abuse – and get it passed at age 13. She has met with some of the state’s most powerful politicians to garner their support. Dunk has successfully advocated for the passage of two bills, and she is working on a third. “She is certainly wise beyond her years – there’s a lot of lobbyists that could learn from her,” House Speaker David Osborne said.

Kentucky – Judge Reverses Ethics Charge Against Alison Lundergan Grimes

Yahoo News – Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 4/29/2024

Former Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes was cleared of ethics charges against her related to her access and sharing of voter data. Judge Phillp Shepherd ruled against charges brought against Grimes by the Executive Branch Ethics Commission. The commission previously fined Grimes $10,000 and reprimanded her for ordering the downloading and distribution of voter registration data from her public office while she was secretary of state.

Louisiana – Federal Judges Strike Down La. Congressional Map with Second Black-Majority District

MSN – Maegan Vazquez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 4/30/2024

A federal three-judge panel threw out Louisiana’s recently redrawn congressional map that included an additional majority-Black district, leaving the state without a settled map just months before the November elections. The ruling is the latest in a broader set of legal challenges to electoral maps across the South. The outcome of these suits is likely to play a crucial role in deciding which party controls the House next year.

Maryland – How Publicly Financed Campaigns Are Working in Baltimore

Baltimore Banner – Adam Willis and Emily Sullivan | Published: 4/23/2024

A new public financing system for Baltimore elections is now in effect. Under the system, publicly financed candidates commit to accepting no more than $150 from any donor, well below the $6,000 limit for traditionally financed campaigns, and no contributions from PACs, corporations, and unions. The city multiplies small-dollar contributions from Baltimore residents, with smaller donations being more heavily rewarded.

Massachusetts – Massachusetts Water Employees Pay Fines for Accepting Free Ski Trips, Red Sox Tickets, Rooftop Drinks at The Envoy Hotel

Boston Herald – Rick Sobey | Published: 4/29/2024

Four water services employees in Massachusetts paid fines for accepting free ski trips, Boston Red Sox tickets, rooftop drinks at The Envoy Hotel, and other gifts, according to the State Ethics Commission. The municipal workers in Danvers, Salem, Southampton, and Sudbury admitted to violating the state’s conflict-of-interest law multiple times by accepting valuable gifts from a water meter manufacturer and its distributor. The law bans public employees from receiving anything worth $50 or more that’s given to them because of their official positions.

Massachusetts – Cape Lawmaker Repeatedly Lied to State Regulators Investigating His 2022 Election

CommonWealth Beacon – Gintautas Dumicus | Published: 4/30/2024

Massachusetts regulators found state Rep. Christopher Flanagan violated campaign finance law and lied about it to officials. The infractions stemmed from a mailer sent out to local homes, ostensibly from a group called “Conservatives for Dennis,” in support of Flanagan, a Democrat who previously chaired the Dennis Select Board. In a letter to Flanagan, Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) Director William Campbell wrote that “OCPF’s review eventually revealed that you created an alias, ‘Jeanne Louise’, to conceal your financial role in the creation of the mailer in support of your election.”

Massachusetts – Massachusetts DA Pays Ethics Fine After Car Crash Response, Promoting Campaign Donor’s Rental Apartments to Staff

MSN – Rick Sobey (Boston Herald) | Published: 5/1/2024

Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois, who reportedly sped away from an accident scene and boosted a campaign donor’s rental apartments paid a $5,000 civil penalty for violating the state’s conflict-of-interest law. Following the crash, Galibois directed his staff to issue a statement that would promote a public narrative favorable to himself. He ended up referring two of his assistant district attorney’s to the donor for the apartments last year.

Massachusetts – DA Kevin Hayden Pays $5,000 Ethics Fine Over Controversial Primary

MSN – Molly Farrar (Boston.com) | Published: 4/24/2024

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden will pay a civil penalty of $5,000 for violating a conflict-of-interest law when his office discredited an opponent in a press statement, resulting in a political advantage, the state Ethics Commission announced. Hayden’s conflict was regarding his response to sexual assault allegations against his then-opponent for district attorney, Ricardo Arroyo.

Minnesota – DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell Returns to Capitol After Burglary Charge, Casts Votes Amid Criticism

MSN – Ryan Faircloth (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 4/29/2024

Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell returned to the statehouse and began voting for the first time since she was arrested and charged with felony first-degree burglary. Mitchell voted on motions directly related to whether she should be allowed to vote going forward. Republicans offered a motion to prohibit any member who has been charged with a crime of violence from voting on bills until the chamber’s ethics committee has weighed in on their case. They argued other Minnesotans would be put on leave from their jobs if they faced such a serious criminal charge.

Missouri – Missouri House Ethics Panel Drops Probe of Dean Plocher After Blocking Push to Release Evidence

Missouri Independent – Rudi Keller | Published: 4/29/2024

The Missouri House Ethics Committee dismissed allegations against Speaker Dean Plocher for misuse of taxpayer dollars, using his influence to push a pricey contract with a company with ties to his employer, and retaliating against staffers who raised complaints. The vote officially ended the committee’s months-long investigation into numerous scandals connected to Plocher, including revelations he received nearly $4,000 in government reimbursements for travel expenses already paid by his campaign.

New Jersey – This N.J. Agency Calls Out Political Corruption. Politicians Want More Control Over It.

MSN – Jelani Gibson and Susan Livio (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 4/26/2024

The Office of the State Comptroller, an independent government agency tasked with tracking government corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse in New Jersey, is facing organized pushback from county officials who are demanding state lawmakers rein in its authority and “bullying” tactics. The New Jersey Association of Counties sent a letter asking Senate President Nick Scutari to put the comptroller under more control and establish procedures that could challenge the agency’s findings.

New Jersey – Assembly Speaker’s Law Firm Has Made Millions Since He Took Power. Critics Cry Foul.

MSN – Riley Yates and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 4/25/2024

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin’s law firm has seen explosive growth in the seven years since it opened its doors. Representing local governments, the firm has earned more than $38 million from public contracts since its inception, with annual revenues that now place it among New Jersey’s top law firms with public business. With the firm’s rise in revenue coinciding with Coughlin’s role as speaker, good government groups say the financial ties raise questions about whether he is profiting from his public role from municipalities seeking a friend in the speaker.

New Jersey – Elections Watchdog Asks for Daniel’s Law Tweaks, More Time to Investigate

New Jersey Monitor – Nikita Biryukov | Published: 5/1/2024

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission recommended lawmakers provide them more time to probe violations, expand reporting requirements for independent expenditure groups, and reconcile a state law that shields some addresses from disclosure with a statute requiring they be reported. The recommendations follow the enactment of the Elections Transparency Act last year.

New York – Judge’s Contempt Punishment Takes Aim at Trump’s Tendency to Lie

DNyuz – Alan Feuer, Ben Protess, Jonah Bromwich, and William Rashbaum (New York Times) | Published: 4/30/2024

The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s criminal case in New York held him in contempt, fining the former president $9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order and warning he could go to jail if he continued to attack witnesses and jurors. Judge Juan Merchan determined Trump flouted the gag order by making public statements on social media and on his campaign website in which he attacked witnesses and the jury. He ordered Trump to remove the posts. The judge’s ruling and admonition came one week after a hearing in which prosecutors had argued Trump’s statements threatened the trial.

New York – State Campaigns Are About to Rake in $100 Million of Public Funding – While Also Spending All the Private Money They Want

New York Focus – Alyssa Katz | Published: 5/1/2024

A controversial aspect of New York’s new campaign finance system is that there is no limit to how much participating campaigns can spend outside the program – so candidates can benefit from small-dollar matching and big-donor spending at once. In contrast, New York City’s public finance system imposes a strict spending cap. “You have candidates who try to exploit the campaign finance system while spending their own and independent expenditure money …, which defeats the purpose of having a democratic matching system in the first place,” said state Assemblyperson Ron Kim.

New York – Emails Reveal Top Trump Accountant Had Secret Campaign Role

Yahoo News – Roger Sollenberger (Daily Beast) | Published: 5/2/2024

The prosecution is calling witnesses in Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial that can attest to Trump’s personal involvement in the underlying crime the case is built on, but one witness will not be at their disposal. Trump Organization financial controller Allen Weisselberg will not testify due to a plea agreement. But Weisselberg left behind a paper trail that could potentially incriminate Trump.

Ohio – FirstEnergy Document Trove Reveals Dark Money’s Extensive Influence Over Ohio Politics. Here’s How It Works.

MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 4/28/2024

Internal FirstEnergy documents offer a candid look at how and why operatives use anonymous political giving to influence Ohio’s elected officials. “Our preferred manner of giving is through section 501(c) groups as these are considered ‘dark money’ because they are not required to disclose where the donations come from,” then-company lobbyist Michael Dowling wrote. FirstEnergy admitted to using “dark money” groups to bribe ex-House Speaker Larry Householder and others to ensure a bill’s passage.

Oregon – Tina Kotek Staffers Raised Concerns About Using Powers, Perks of Governor’s Office for Wife, Records Show

MSN – Hillary Borrud (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 4/27/2024

Top staffers for Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek expressed concerns internally in recent months over the degree to which the governor and her wife, Aimee Kotek Wilson, sought to use the perks and powers of the governor’s office to benefit the first lady. In emails, the high-level aides worried about the impact that Kotek Wilson’s growing role might have on the governors’ office budget, as well as public trust, accountability, and the success of the administration.

Oregon – Portland Shelter Operator Urban Alchemy Accused of Violating City Lobbying Rules

OPB – Alex Zielinski | Published: 5/1/2024

Urban Alchemy, the nonprofit running many of Portland’s homeless shelters, violated the city’s lobbying rules two years ago, according to an audit. Urban Alchemy spent a significant amount of money and time with officials in 2022 to convince the city that the nonprofit should run Portland’s alternative shelter sites. But auditors found it failed to register and report the lobbying activity with the city.

Campaign Finance

California: “California Passed a Law to Stop ‘Pay to Play’ in Local Politics. After Two Years, Legislators Want to Gut It” by Yue Stella Yu for CalMatters

National: “Federal Elections Regulator from Texas Has Ted Cruz Campaign Sign in Front Yard” by Joseph Morton (Dallas Morning News) for MSN

Massachusetts: “Cape Lawmaker Repeatedly Lied to State Regulators Investigating His 2022 Election” by Gintautas Dumicus for CommonWealth Beacon

New York: “State Campaigns Are About to Rake in $100 Million of Public Funding – While Also Spending All the Private Money They Want” by Alyssa Katz for New York Focus

Ethics

Arkansas: “Gosses Sentenced in Bribery Scheme That Included Former Arkansas Lawmakers” by Ron Wood for Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

National: “When Judges Get Free Trips to Luxury Resorts, Disclosure Is Spotty” by Tom Dreisbach and Carrie Johnson (NPR) for Texas Public Radio

Lobbying

Oregon: “Portland’s Homeless Services Contractor Urban Alchemy Violated Lobbying Rules” by Nicole Hayden (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Redistricting

Louisiana: “Federal Judges Strike Down La. Congressional Map with Second Black-Majority District” by Maegan Vazquez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

National/Federal

From Pizzagate to the 2020 Election: Forcing liars to pay or apologize

Las Vegas Sun – Elizabeth Williamson (New York Times) | Published: 4/2/2024

Michael Gottlieb, a partner at the firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher and a former associate counsel in the Obama White House, is at the forefront of a small but growing cadre of lawyers deploying defamation, one of the oldest areas of the law, as a weapon against a tide of political disinformation. Gottlieb has worked with Protect Democracy, a nonpartisan group that pushes for laws and policies to counter what it sees as authoritarian threats. Before the Trump era and the explosion of social media, though, such cases were virtually nonexistent.

Appeals Court Sides with Judge Who Threatened Peter Navarro with Contempt

MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 4/1/2024

A federal appeals court rejected arguments from former Trump adviser Peter Navarro, one of a series of legal losses that has the economist facing sanction for defying court orders even as he serves a four-month prison sentence for ignoring similar demands from Congress. A judge threatened him with contempt if he did not hand over more records from his years in the Trump administration. On appeal, Navarro argued the Justice Department had no authority to enforce the Presidential Records Act. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed that claim.

How Corporate PAC Money Could End Up in the Personal Coffers of Sens. JD Vance and Markwayne Mullin

MSN – Brian Metzger (Business Insider) | Published: 3/28/2024

U.S. Sens. JD Vance and Markwayne Mullin have spent the last year using campaign cash to pay themselves back for hefty loans they sunk into their 2022 races. At the same time, they have been taking tens of thousands of dollars in corporate PAC money, some of which may be ending up directly in the senators’ bank accounts. The murky reality of both Vance’s and Mullin’s finances can be attributed in part to the work of Sen. Ted Cruz.

FEC Fines Mike Braun Senate Committee $159k for Campaign Finance Violation

MSN – Kayla Dwyer (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 3/29/2024

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun’s campaign owes $159,000 for violating campaign finance rules during the 2018 election, among the largest fines in the FEC’s history, ending a multi-year saga with the campaign and Braun’s former treasurer. Since 1980, only about 50 cases have warranted larger fines, but the penalty represents a small percentage of the approximately $11.5 million in campaign loans that were misreported.

Trump Special Counsel Fires Back at Cannon Order That Could Disrupt Case

MSN – Perry Stein and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 4/3/2024

Special counsel Jack Smith warned the judge overseeing Donald Trump’s classified documents case she is pursuing a legal premise that “is wrong” and said he would probably appeal to a higher court if she would rule a federal records law can protect the former president from prosecution. Smith’s office pushed back against an unusual instruction from U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon, one that veteran national security lawyers and former judgers have said badly misinterprets the Presidential Records Act and laws related to classified documents.

Trump Media Stock Plunges as 2023 Truth Social Loss Put at $58 Million

MSN – Drew Harwell (Washington Post) | Published: 4/1/2024

Donald Trump’s social media company lost more than $58 million last year, sending its stock plunging more than 21 percent only days after a highflying public debut set the company’s value at more than $8 billion. The new figures throw into stark relief the gap between Trump Media’s highly hyped investor-driven valuation on the public stock market and the reality of its business performance. They also raise questions about the possibility that Trump could use the company as a financial lifeline. Trump cannot sell his shares or use them as collateral for a loan for six months because of a provision in the company’s merger agreement.

To Comply with Court, Federal Agency Lets White People Claim Social Disadvantage

MSN – Julian Mark (Washington Post) | Published: 4/3/2024

A federal judge ordered the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to open its doors to entrepreneurs from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, ruling its presumption that minorities are inherently disadvantaged violated the Constitution’s equal protection clause. The MBDA directed its business centers to forgo racial considerations when vetting applicants. Instead, candidates must sign a form, attesting their disadvantage to certify they are “minority business enterprises.” It is the latest sign the government is untethering its definition of social disadvantage from broad racial and ethnic classifications.

Freedom Caucuses Push for Conservative State Laws, but Getting Attention Is Their Big Success

Yahoo News – Elaine Povich (Stateline) | Published: 4/2/2024

The State Freedom Caucus Network aims to push the Republican Party further to the right on issues such as immigration, voting access, and transgender restrictions. It is an outgrowth of the group in the U.S. House. The state chapters are proposing conservative legislation and slowing measures they do not like, even bills that were once considered routine and noncontroversial. Some Republicans say members of the Freedom Caucus gum up the legislative works and are more interested in publicity and grandstanding than conservative policymaking.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Alabama House Approves Legislation Overhauling State Ethics Code

Alabama Reflector – Alander Rocha | Published: 4/3/2024

The Alabama House approved a bill that would repeal the current ethics laws for public officials and employees, replace the code with tougher punishments for violations, and weaken the powers of the state Ethics Commission. House Bill 227 would raise the gift ban limit to public officials and employees to $100 per occasion and $500 per year. The legislation now goes to the Senate.

Arizona – UA President Robbins OK’d Effort to Erase Millions in Fines Against Fraudulent Online University

Yahoo News – Hannah Dreyfus and Helen Rummel (Arizona Republic) | Published: 3/27/2024

Lobbyist Richard Smotkin was ostensibly hired by the University of Arizona Foundation to help build the university’s relationship with Morocco. But behind the scenes, Smotkin worked to persuade the California attorney general to erase millions of dollars in fines against a fraudulent online school acquired by the university, documents show. While Smotkin has extensive connections in Morocco, he had another important relationship: a yearslong bond with California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

California – Former L.A. Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan Found Guilty in Sprawling City Hall Corruption Case

MSN – David Zahniser and Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/27/2024

A jury found Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan secured bribes for himself and for former city Councilperson Jose Huizar as part of a sprawling “pay-to-play” scheme. Chan was f0und guilty on all 12 counts of corruption in a case focused on financial benefits provided by real estate developers with projects in Huizar’s district. During the trial, prosecutors portrayed Chan as a crucial intermediary between Huizar, who wielded huge power over downtown development projects, and Chinese real estate developers.

Colorado – Colorado Appeals Court Upholds Fine, Requirement for ‘Dark Money’ Group to Disclose Spending

Colorado Politics – Michael Karlik | Published: 3/28/2024

Colorado’s second-highest court agreed that a group that spent $4 million backing conservative causes on the ballot in 2020 is required to disclose its contributions and spending and pay a $40,000 fine for failing to register as an advocacy group. A trial judge previously believed Unite for Colorado, which spent roughly $17 million during 2020, was not subject to the registration and disclosure requirement because its $4 million spent across multiple ballot initiatives was not substantial enough when broken down issue-by-issue.

Florida – Federal Court Upholds DeSantis-Backed Congressional Map

Yahoo News – Gary Fineout (Associated Press) | Published: 3/27/2024

A panel of federal judges upheld Florida’s congressional map, turning away a challenge that alleged it was discriminatory against Black voters after the district held by former U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat, was dismantled. The decision is a victory for Republicans and Gov. Ron DeSantis, who muscled the map through Florida’s GOP-controlled Legislature. The congressional map his administration crafted ultimately resulted in Republicans gaining four seats, helping the GOP flip the House during the 2022 midterm elections.

Florida – With Abortion Ballot Question, a ‘Path to Relevance’ for Democrats in Florida?

Yahoo News – Patricia Mazzei (New York Times) | Published: 4/2/2024

Florida, once the biggest battleground in presidential politics, has become less important as its election results have trended repeatedly toward the political right. Few consider it a true swing state anymore. But three rulings from the Florida Supreme Court on abortion and marijuana may inject new life into Democratic campaigns before the general election on November 6.

Florida – Can Elected Officials Do Business with Their City? Here’s What Ethics Commission Say

Yahoo News – Tess Riski (Miami Herald) | Published: 4/3/2024

Elected officials in Miami-Dade County can run businesses that interact with their city’s government if the scope of work is clerical in nature and does not involve advocacy, according to a draft opinion from the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust. The county ethics code prohibits public officials from receiving compensation from third parties, directly or indirectly, if the compensation is related to matters where the third parties are seeking a benefit from the city.

Georgia – Georgia Lawmakers Approve New Election Rules That Could Impact 2024 Presidential Contest

Yahoo News – Sudhin Thanawala and Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 3/29/2024

Georgia lawmakers approved new rules for challenging voters and qualifying for the state’s presidential ballot that could impact the 2024 presidential race in the battleground state. The bill would grant access to Georgia’s ballot to any political party that has qualified for the presidential ballot in at least 20 states or territories. The change could be a boost to independent candidates. It also spells out what constitutes “probable cause” for upholding challenges to voter eligibility.

Iowa – Republican Candidate’s Wife Sentenced to Prison for Voter Fraud

MSN – Kim Bellware (Washington Post) | Published: 4/3/2024

An Iowa woman who sought to boost her husband’s unsuccessful congressional bid in 2020 through a voter fraud scheme was sentenced by a federal judge to four months in prison in a rare case of fraudulent voting. Kim Taylor was convicted on 52 counts including fraudulent voting and providing false information in registering and voting. During the 2020 primary and general elections, federal prosecutors said, Taylor filled out voter registrations and absentee ballots for members of the Vietnamese community under the guise of offering translation help.

Kansas – Does Wichita Mayor’s Trip Abroad Fall Under City’s Ethics Policy? Here’s What We Found Out

Yahoo News – Chance Swaim (Wichita Eagle) | Published: 4/1/2024

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu’s trip to Switzerland – paid for by the Swiss government – falls in a gray area of a city council ethics policy that sought to limit gifts to elected and appointed city officials. The travel costs, which include flights, hotel stays, and dinners, are expected to far exceed the $150 gift limit council members can accept from a single source during a calendar year. But Wu says the all-expenses-paid trip is not a gift.

Kentucky – Louisville Mayor’s Wife Repeatedly Turned to City Worker for Social Media Help, Texts Show

Yahoo News – Eleanor McCrary and Josh Wood (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 4/2/2024

Text messages show a Communications Department staffer was frequently called upon by Rachel Greenberg, wife of Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, to assist her with her Instagram account by creating and providing content and offering advice. The texts also show Rachel Greenberg, described by the administration as a volunteer, instructed the staffer to edit posts on the mayor’s Instagram account. Two sources said the mayor’s wife had a Metro Hall office, a government email address, and gave orders to staffers. Experts said that arrangement might violate the city’s ethics rules.

Minnesota – ‘Book Senator Hoffman to speak’: DFL state senator’s consulting firm raises ethical questions

Yahoo News – Ryan Faircloth (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 4/3/2024

Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman prominently touted his political status on his personal consulting firm’s website as recently as a week ago, prompting government ethics experts to question whether he was promoting his official position for personal gain. The homepage of the website for Hoffman Strategic Advisors featured a posed photograph of the senator inside the state Capitol. Hoffman said he always considers himself a senator and had not thought about the optics of promoting his position on his personal website.

Missouri – Recall of Columbia First Ward Councilperson Nick Knoth Passes

KOMU – Hunter Walterman | Published: 4/2/2024

Columbia City Councilperson Nick Knoth was recalled over his lobbying work outside the council. Knoth was elected for a three-year term in April 2023 and took a job as a lobbyist for a trade association for real estate agents later that year. In October, a group of voters launched a campaign to recall Knoth, arguing his position amounted to a conflict-of-interest.

Nebraska – Nebraska Lawmakers Vote Against Trump-Fueled Push to Change Electoral Vote System

MSN – Patrick Svitek and Michael Scherer (Washington Post) | Published: 4/4/2024

Donald Trump’s push to get the Nebraska Legislature to change the way it awards electoral votes faced a major setback when lawmakers voted to prevent the change from being attached to an unrelated bill. Nebraska is one of only two states that divide electoral votes among statewide and congressional district winners. But Gov. Jim Pillen and Trump endorsed a proposal to return the state to a winner-take-all system.

New Jersey – New Jersey’s Unique Ballot Design Struck Down by Judge

MSN – Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 3/29/2024

New Jersey’s unique way of displaying county-endorsed candidates on the ballot was struck down by a federal judge after a lawsuit by U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, who is running for Senate, and two other Democrats running for Congress, who called the design unfair and unconstitutional. The state’s ballot design process is unlike any other in the nation, and it allows parties to place their endorsed candidates in a specific portion of the ballot known as “the line.”

New York – Meet NYC’s New Campaign Finance Watchdog, Arriving Amid Probe into Mayor Adams’ Campaign

Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 3/27/2024

The New York City Campaign Finance Board took a reputational hit last year when then-Executive Director Beth Rotman was asked to resign over allegations of mismanagement. As the agency’s new leader, Paul S. Ryan is now responsible for charting the board’s path forward amid concerns over its oversight of campaigns, especially that of Mayor Eric Adams. “I’ve long considered this to be a model agency administering model laws for the country at a time when democracy in many places is really in crisis …,” Ryan said.

New York – Trump Ramps Up Attacks on Judges, Sparking Concerns as Criminal Trial Nears

MSN – Marianne LeVine, Clara Ence Morse, and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 4/1/2024

Donald Trump is ramping up efforts to disparage judges overseeing his criminal and civil cases, reprising a long-standing strategy and prompting growing concerns from legal experts. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s approach, part of an election-year attempt to portray the judicial system as weaponized against him, was evident in a slew of attacks. Trump’s personal attacks against the daughter of the New York judge overseeing a hush money case prompted the judge to expand an existing gag order to include his family and the district attorney’s family.

New York – How a California Billionaire Known for Auto Loans Provided Trump’s Bond

MSN – Michael Kranish and Jonathan O’Connell (Washington Post) | Published: 4/2/2024

Donald Trump struggled to post a bond for more than $450 million to keep authorities from seizing his properties, billionaire Don Hankey and his wife started discussing a solution: Hankey’s business could cover it. But when a court reduced the bond to $175 million and Trump said he had the cash to post it himself, the matter seemed moot. Then the Trump team revived the talks and asked Hankey if he would back the new amount. Hankey agreed.

New York – Lobbyist Dating Carl Heastie Cleared to Return to Assembly – and Ethics Attorney Quits

New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/26/2024

The lobbyist dating New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has been cleared to return to work at the Assembly. A spokesperson for the Greater New York Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust said after being barred on the advice of its former ethics lawyer, legislative and communications director Rebecca Lamorte can resume lobbying the Assembly, including Heastie’s staff, but not the speaker himself. After Lamorte was cleared to return, the former ethics attorney quit.

New York – Ex-NYPD Deputy Inspector Sentenced in Mayor Adams Campaign Straw Donor Scheme

Yahoo News – Molly Crane-Newman (New York Daily News) | Published: 4/2/2024

Dwayne Montgomery, a former New York Police Department deputy inspector who was friendly with Mayor Eric Adams, was sentenced to community service for his ringleader role in a straw donor scheme that gamed the system to boost Adams’ 2021 City Hall run and curry political favors. The cash funneled to Adams’ campaign in others’ names triggered a major injection of cash from the Campaign Finance Board that matches donations of up to $250 by eight-to-one, allowing the scheme’s architects to subvert caps on how much they could give.

North Carolina – Court Rejects Claim Challenging North Carolina Map for Diluting Black Vote

MSN – Rachel Weiner and Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) | Published: 3/28/2024

A federal appellate court rejected an emergency challenge to North Carolina’s Republican-drawn legislative map, all but ensuring elections will go forward this year under contested lines drawn up in 2023 that Democrats and voting rights advocates say were created to weaken Black representation. That means 2024 elections will go forward with a map experts say will help Republicans retain a supermajority in the state Legislature. The new maps are also expected to give Republicans at least three more seats in Congress.

Ohio – The Randazzler: Court records detail chummy relationship between Sam Randazzo, FirstEnergy

Yahoo News – Jessie Balmert (Cincinnati Enquirer) | Published: 4/1/2024

Former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo had a close, chummy relationship with ex-executives of FirstEnergy and its allies. For example, Randazzo texted an image of himself dressed as a superhero and surrounded by terms like “Randazzler” to some of the executives. But Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost alleges Randazzo’s sophomoric communication with FirstEnergy leaders extended beyond memes to a “pay-to-play” scheme at ratepayers’ expense.

Oklahoma – Gov. Stitt Task Force Calls for Changing Campaign Donation Limits

Yahoo News – Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) | Published: 4/2/2024

A task force created by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is calling for no limits on how much money state politicians can accept from individuals in campaign donations. The Governor’s Task Force on Campaign Finance and Election Threats said a change is needed to combat the impact of “dark money” groups. A candidate currently can accept $3,300 from an individual per election. Fewer than a dozen states have no limits on individual donations.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Official with White Nationalist Ties Is Ousted in Recall Vote

Yahoo News – Brandy Zadrozny, Nnamdi Egwuonwu, and Micki Fahner (NBC News) | Published: 4/3/2024

Voters in Enid, Oklahoma, removed city Councilperson Judd Blevins over his ties to white nationalist groups. He faced the recall vote after local activists learned he had marched alongside neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 and led an Oklahoma chapter of the white nationalist group Identity Evropa. Blevins will be replaced by Cheryl Patterson, a former teacher who campaigned on a return to “normalcy” for this small city, which was divided by the furor over Blevins.

Oregon – Gov. Tina Kotek Signs Historic Campaign Finance Bill

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 4/3/2024

Gov. Tina Kotek signed into law a bill that will limit the amount of money that individuals and groups can contribute to campaigns starting in 2027. The law is historic for Oregon, which has seen increasingly large sums of money poured into campaigns. The bill cleared the Legislature with overwhelming support. Good government groups, labor unions, and business groups, negotiated the details of the legislation.

South Carolina – South Carolina Latest State to Use Congressional Map Deemed Illegal

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 3/28/2024

In a scenario that has played out in three states in recent years, a federal court ruled time had run out to draw a new congressional district in South Carolina and the state would have to proceed this fall with an existing election map the court had previously deemed illegal. The ruling echoes redistricting cases in other Southern states where courts found congressional maps violated the voting rights of Black voters and other people of color but allowed them to be used anyway, at least temporarily.

Texas – Texas Appeals Court Overturns Crystal Mason’s Conviction, 5-Year Sentence for Illegal Voting

MSN – Karen Brooks Harper (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/28/2024

A Texas appeals court overturned the illegal voting conviction of Crystal Mason, who was given a five-year prison sentence for casting a provisional ballot in the 2016 election while on supervised release for federal tax evasion. The court said there was no evidence Mason knew she was ineligible to vote when she cast her ballot, which is a condition that must be met to convict her of illegal voting. The case thrust Mason, who is Black, into the political fray amid a Republican-led crackdown on voter fraud, partly fueled by baseless claims of rampant illegal voting.

Texas – Texas Could Require Social Media Influencers to Disclose Paid Political Posts

MSN – Robert Downen (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/28/2024

The Texas Ethics Commission gave initial approval to a proposal that would require social media users to disclose if they are being paid to share or create political advertisements. The action comes just months after it was reported that a secretive and politically connected company called Influenceable LLC paid internet influencers to defend state Attorney General Ken Paxton ahead of his impeachment trial. The proposed rule could be finalized at the commission’s next meeting in June.

Virginia – A Skill Game Company Gave a Va. Senator a $1.9K Trip. No One Will Explain It

Virginia Mercury – Graham Moomaw | Published: 4/1/2024

In 2022, Virginia Sen. Bryce Reeves disclosed a campaign finance report that skill game company Pace-O-Matic paid for a trip he took worth $1,900. Pace-O-Matic was hosting hundreds of guests in Wyoming at Cheyenne Frontier Days. But the campaign finance report gave no indication where Reeves went on the dime of a company that has lobbied the General Assembly for permission to put slot machine lookalikes in convenience stores and truck stops. Under the current rule, lawmakers cannot accept more than $108 in gifts from any single lobbying interest per calendar year, but there are several exceptions to that limit.

Washington – Washington State Legislative Maps Survive Supreme Court Appeal in Latest Battle Over Latino Voting Rights

Courthouse News Service – Kelsey Reichmann | Published: 4/2/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to block the use of Washington state’s new legislative district maps that give Latino voters greater representation. A Republican lawmaker and two voters asked the justices to allow the state’s 2024 election to move forward under a map that was found to have violated a section of the Voting Rights Act that prohibits race discrimination. A lower court judge recently enacted a remedial map after claims of Latino vote dilution, but the Republicans say the new map is more discriminatory than the first.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Becomes Latest State to Ban Private Funding of Elections

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 4/2/2024

Wisconsin voters opted to ban private funding for election administration, joining more than two dozen states that have ended or limited the practice after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife spent $350 million to help local governments run elections during the coronavirus pandemic. They also approved a second proposal that limits who can perform election-related duties. Both measures were initiated by Republican state legislators.

Wisconsin – What Are Wisconsin’s Biggest Lobbying Law Violation Settlements Since 2016?

PBS Wisconsin – Hina Suzuki (The Badger Project) | Published: 3/26/2024

Wisconsin has strict lobbying laws – so strict that lobbyists are not allowed to give anything of monetary value to the politicians and government officials they lobby. If a lobbyist breaks the rules, the Wisconsin Ethics Commission will negotiate a settlement with the lobbyist or lobbying organization in lieu of civil litigation. Money received from settlements goes to the Common School Fund, the primary, and often only, funding source for school libraries in the state. The Badger Project obtained a list of the largest lobbying fines since 2016.

Elections

Georgia: “Georgia Lawmakers Approve New Election Rules That Could Impact 2024 Presidential Contest” by Sudhin Thanawala and Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “Appeals Court Sides with Judge Who Threatened Peter Navarro with Contempt” by Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) for MSN

Kentucky: “Louisville Mayor’s Wife Repeatedly Turned to City Worker for Social Media Help, Texts Show” by Eleanor McCrary and Josh Wood (Louisville Courier Journal) for Yahoo News

New York: “Trump Ramps Up Attacks on Judges, Sparking Concerns as Criminal Trial Nears” by Marianne LeVine, Clara Ence Morse, and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “The Randazzler: Court records detail chummy relationship between Sam Randazzo, FirstEnergy” by Jessie Balmert (Cincinnati Enquirer) for Yahoo News

Virginia: “A Skill Game Company Gave a Va. Senator a $1.9K Trip. No One Will Explain It” by Graham Moomaw for Virginia Mercury

Lobbying

Wisconsin: “What Are Wisconsin’s Biggest Lobbying Law Violation Settlements Since 2016?” by Hina Suzuki (The Badger Project) for PBS Wisconsin

Redistricting

Florida: “Federal Court Upholds DeSantis-Backed Congressional Map” by Gary Fineout (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

National: “FEC Fines Mike Braun Senate Committee $159k for Campaign Finance Violation” by Kayla Dwyer (Indianapolis Star) for MSN

New York: “Meet NYC’s New Campaign Finance Watchdog, Arriving Amid Probe into Mayor Adams’ Campaign” by Brigid Bergin for Gothamist

Elections

New Jersey: “New Jersey’s Unique Ballot Design Struck Down by Judge” by Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) for MSN

Texas: “Texas Appeals Court Overturns Crystal Mason’s Conviction, 5-Year Sentence for Illegal Voting” by Karen Brooks Harper (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Ethics

Kansas: “Does Wichita Mayor’s Trip Abroad Fall Under City’s Ethics Policy? Here’s What We Found Out” by Chance Swaim (Wichita Eagle) for Yahoo News

National: “From Pizzagate to the 2020 Election: Forcing liars to pay or apologize” by Elizabeth Williamson (New York Times) for DNyuz

Lobbying

Arizona: “UA President Robbins OK’d Effort to Erase Millions in Fines Against Fraudulent Online University” by Hannah Dreyfus and Helen Rummel (Arizona Republic) for Yahoo News

Redistricting

South Carolina: “South Carolina Latest State to Use Congressional Map Deemed Illegal” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Colorado: “Colorado Appeals Court Upholds Fine, Requirement for ‘Dark Money’ Group to Disclose Spending” by Michael Karlik for Colorado Politics

National: “How Corporate PAC Money Could End Up in the Personal Coffers of Sens. JD Vance and Markwayne Mullin” by Brian Metzger (Business Insider) for MSN

Texas: “Texas Could Require Social Media Influencers to Disclose Paid Political Posts” by Robert Downen (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “GOP Official Who Claimed 2020 Was Stolen Voted Illegally Nine Times, Judge Rules” by Amy Wang (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Former L.A. Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan Found Guilty in Sprawling City Hall Corruption Case” by David Zahniser and Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

National: “Trump’s Social Media Company Opens New Avenue for Conflicts of Interest” by Sharon LaFraniere (New York Times) for Seattle Times

Lobbying

New York: “Lobbyist Dating Carl Heastie Cleared to Return to Assembly – and Ethics Attorney Quits” by Chris Bragg for New York Focus

Redistricting

North Carolina: “Court Rejects Claim Challenging North Carolina Map for Diluting Black Vote” by Rachel Weiner and Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) for MSN

National/Federal

Lawmakers Across the U.S. Seek to Curb Utility Spending on Politics, Ads and More Extras

Arkansas Advocate – Robert Zullo | Published: 2/27/2024

After a string of scandals and amid rising bills, lawmakers in statehouses across the country have been pushing legislation to curb utilities spending ratepayer money on lobbying, expert testimony in rate cases, goodwill advertising, charitable giving, trade association memberships, and other costs. At least a dozen states have considered bills to limit how gas, water, and electric utilities can spend customers’ money.

N.R.A. Stung by Corruption Verdict Tied to Millions of Misspent Dollars

DNyuz – Jesse McKinley, Liset Cruz, and Kate Christobek (New York Times) | Published: 2/23/2024

In a sweeping rebuke of the National Rifle Association (NRA), a jury ruled its leaders had engaged in a yearslong pattern of financial misconduct and corruption. The jury found the group’s former leader, Wayne LaPierre, had used NRA funds pay for personal expenses, including vacations, luxury flights for his relatives, and yacht rides, and that two other top executives had failed in their duties to the nonprofit organization.

Instagram’s Uneasy Rise as a News Site

DNyuz – Sapna Maheshwari and Mike Isaac (New York Times) | Published: 2/22/2024

A crop of personalities figured out how to package information and deliver it on Instagram, increasingly turning the social platform into a force in news. Many millennials and Gen X-ers, in an echo of how older generations used Facebook, have grown more comfortable reading news on Instagram and reposting posts and videos for friends on Instagram Stories, which disappear after 24 hours. Traditional news organizations have large Instagram feeds where they share reporting, but these news accounts hold a different appeal and have become more visible in recent years.

RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel Will Leave Post on March 8 as Trump Moves to Install New Loyalists

MSN – Steve Peoples (Associated Press) | Published: 2/26/2024

Republican National Committee Chairperson Ronna McDaniel will leave her post on March 8, having been forced out of the GOP’s national leadership as Donald Trump moves toward another presidential nomination and asserts control over the party. McDaniel was a strong advocate for the former president and helped reshape the party in his image. But the MAGA movement increasingly blamed McDaniel for Trump’s 2020 loss and the party’s failures to meet expectations in races the last two years.

As Trump Continues to Trounce Haley, She Presses on as MAGA Antagonist

MSN – Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 2/25/2024

Nikki Haley suffered another blow in the lopsided race for the Republican presidential nomination, losing to Donald Trump by about 20 points in her home state of South Carolina. Yet she promised to press on. As the last Republican candidate standing against Trump, she has drawn polarized reactions as she has become a vehicle for the deep discontent that some in the party feel about a Trump rematch with President Biden.

Court Battle Reveals Effort to Undermine No Labels Presidential Bid

MSN – Michael Scherer (Washington Post) | Published: 2/26/2024

Political operatives opposed to No Labels’ potential 2024 presidential ticket took over the NoLabels.com domain last year and purchased Google search ads aimed at spreading the misleading claim that the group supported Donald Trump and other right-wing causes, according to testimony. The court case comes amid ongoing debate over the goals of the No Labels effort, which aims to potentially place a yet-to-be-identified bipartisan presidential ticket on as many ballots as possible.

Supreme Court to Weigh Trump’s Immunity Claim in D.C. 2020 Election Trial

MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 2/28/2024

Donald Trump’s trial for seeking to subvert the 2020 election is likely to remain on hold for several more months while the U.S. Supreme Court takes up his argument that he is immune from prosecution for actions he took while president. The justices set arguments for the week of April 22 to consider a lower court ruling that rejected Trump’s sweeping assertion of immunity from prosecution. The move puts the Supreme Court in the politically fraught position of influencing the timing of an election obstruction trial for the leading Republican presidential candidate.

Justices Skeptical of Tex., Fla. Laws That Bar Platforms from Deleting Content

MSN – Ann Marimow and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 2/26/2024

A majority of the U.S. Supreme Court seemed broadly skeptical that state governments have the power to set rules for how social media platforms curate content, with both liberal and conservative justices inclined to stop Texas and Florida from immediately implementing laws that ban the removal of certain controversial posts or political content. A majority of the court seemed to think the First Amendment prevents state governments from requiring platforms such as Facebook and YouTube to host certain content.

McConnell Will Step Down as the Senate Republican Leader in November After a Record Run in the Job

Yahoo News – Michael Tackett (Associated Press) | Published: 2/28/2024

Mitch McConnell, the longest serving Senate leader in history who maintained his power in the face of dramatic turmoil in the Republican Party or almost two decades, will step down from that position in November. McConnell said he plans to serve out his Senate term, which ends in January 2027. His decision punctuates an ideological transition underway in the Republican Party, from Ronald Reagan’s brand of traditional conservatism and strong international alliances, to the fiery, often isolationist populism of Donald Trump.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Ethics Commission Pushes Back on Proposed Law Changes

Alabama Daily News – Mary Sell | Published: 2/29/2024

Alabama Rep. Matt Simpson said he is not giving up on efforts to add clarity to the state’s ethics law. During a public hearing, those speaking against Simpson’s reform bill included Alabama Ethics Commission Executive Director Tom Albritton, and commission member and former state Supreme Court Justice Lyn Stuart. “There are specific provisions which can be addressed and should be addressed, but an entire rewrite of the act would be overkill and would be bad for the people of Alabama.,” said Albritton.

California – California Lawmakers Can’t Take Lobbyist Donations – Unless They’re Running for Congress

MSN – Julia Wick, Anabel Sosa, and Gabrielle LaMarr LeMee (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 2/24/2024

State law forbids California lobbyists from donating to the campaigns of state lawmakers. But there are no such restrictions on lobbyists donating to campaigns for federal office, even when the candidate is a state lawmaker. So as state Sen. Susan Rubio runs for Congress this year, she can take donations for her federal campaign from lobbyists who may seek to influence her votes in Sacramento. Lobbyists are not required to publicly report which lawmakers they have attempted to influence on various bills, making it difficult to draw direct lines between their lobbying efforts and their donations.

California – Orange County’s Wild West of Campaign Finance: The Board of Education

Voice of OC – Noah Biesiada | Published: 2/28/2024

Almost every campaign for city, county and state government in Orange County has a limit on how much donors can give to their favorite candidates. But one big outlier is the county Board of Education, which has no limitations on political contributions. A review of the most recent election cycle found over $700,000 in contributions to the current board that would violate state campaign finance limits for cities and counties without their own campaign financing caps. But they are legal for school districts and boards of education.

Florida – The End of Public Campaign Finance? Senate Approves Referendum to Repeal Standing Law

Florida Politics – A.G. Gancarski | Published: 2/28/2024

Florida voters may soon decide whether to end a program providing matching state funds for candidates that agree to spending limits. The Senate approved a measure approving a ballot referendum asking voters to weigh in on repealing the Florida Election Campaign Financing Act. Accessing that money is one way that candidates who are not wealthy can get a leg up to make their cases to the voters.

Florida – DeSantis Staffers Blocked Public Records, Ex-Law Enforcement Officials Say

MSN – Beth Reinhard (Washington Post) | Published: 2/23/2024

Top aides to Gov. Ron DeSantis blocked the release of records detailing his taxpayer-funded travel and retaliated against those who favored making them public, according to sworn statements from two former Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials. The statements were filed as part of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new state law limiting release of the governor’s travel records. The officials describe DeSantis’s staff demanding a close review of many requests from media organizations, often hampering the release of public information.

Georgia – ‘Star Witness’ Testifies His Claims About Fani Willis Were Only ‘Speculation’

MSN – Holly Bailey and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 2/27/2024

A lawyer billed as the “star witness” in the case to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis testified it was mere “speculation” when he told a defense attorney that Willis began a romantic relationship in 2019 with the outside lawyer that she appointed to lead the case against Donald Trump, years earlier than Willis has publicly acknowledged. Defense attorneys had claimed his testimony would “refute” claims by Willis and Wade that their romantic relationship began months after Wade was appointed to manage the Trump case.

Hawaii – City Ethics Commission Reviews Gift Prohibitions for Employees

Yahoo News – Ian Bauer (Honolulu Star-Advertiser) | Published: 2/22/2024

A proposal to prohibit city and county of Honolulu employees from accepting gifts related to their official duties is under scrutiny. But Bill 26 is on a tight two-year deadline, with a looming expiration date in April, to either pass or die while it awaits further council review. As drafted, it would prohibit gifts to the mayor, prosecuting attorney, council members, city administration officers, or any person employed by the city, to curb potential conflicts-of-interest or even prevent public corruption.

Illinois – Unlimited Funds Can Flow in State’s Attorney, Board of Review, Circuit Court Clerk Races

MSN – A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/27/2024

Retired Judge Eileen O’Neill Burke has opened the door for unlimited cash to flow into the Cook County state’s attorney primary, making that race the latest county contest without contribution limits. Candidates can also rake in as much cash as they want in the Circuit Court clerk and the county’s Board of Review races. The shattered contribution limits are thanks to the personal wealth of the candidates or in one case, their main benefactor.

Kentucky – ‘It’s the Metro Council That’s on Trial’: Opening arguments made on day one of Piagentini trial

MSN – Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 2/27/2024

Louisville Metro Council Court began to weigh the removal of member Anthony Piagentini. He is accused of using his position to land a $40 million grant for the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council, a nonprofit, to receive federal American Rescue Plan money. He removed himself as a sponsor of the ordinance and did not vote on it, citing a conflict-of-interest. The day after the vote, he accepted a one-year consulting position with the organization.

Kentucky – $25 Million Was Spent in 2023 to Influence KY Legislators. Who Wrote the Biggest Lobbying Checks?

Yahoo News – Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 2/23/2024

How do you try to influence Kentucky’s Legislature and win their favor? Spending nearly $25 million to lobby lawmakers is one way, state records reveal. Despite the odd-numbered short session year, the spending topped the record set in 2022, which was about $22.4 million. Several lobbyists were paid well as a result.

Massachusetts – Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden Is Facing Two Ethics Probes from Separate State Entities

MSN – Danny McDonald (Boston Globe) | Published: 2/24/2024

Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden is facing two ethics investigations related to statements he made about his opponent during the 2022 race. The contest to serve a full term as district attorney was Boston city politics at its most bare-knuckled. One of the ethics probes is by the state’s Office of Bar Counsel, which investigates allegations of lawyer misconduct. Hayden is also being investigated by the state ethics commission for similar allegations.

Michigan – Indiana Man Andrew Nickels Indicted in Threats About 2020 Election Results Pleads Guilty

Detroit News – Robert Snell | Published: 2/27/2024

An Indiana man accused of threatening to kill former Rochester Hills Clerk Tina Barton for defending the integrity of the 2020 presidential election pleaded guilty, a development coinciding with Michigan’s 2024 presidential primary election. Andrew Nickels pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce, which carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.

Michigan – Biden Wins Michigan Primary but Faces Notable Showing by ‘Uncommitted’

MSN – Yasmeen Abutaleb and Marianne LeVine (Washington Post) | Published: 2/27/2024

President Biden won Michigan’s Democratic primary but faced a challenge from voted selecting “uncommitted” to protest his handling of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, a potential sign of vulnerability for Biden. Donald Trump continued his sweep of early primary contests, but former Nikki Haley appeared poised to garner a significant share of the vote, an indicator of Trump’s own potential vulnerabilities in November’s general election.

Missouri – ‘Dark Cloud’: Ethics investigation of Dean Plocher continues to hang over Missouri House

Missouri Independent – Jason Hancock | Published: 2/27/2024

Dean Plocher’s last year as Missouri House speaker was not supposed to go this way. He was riding high at the end of the 2023 legislative session, able to point to big wins while pinning any disappointments on continued dysfunction in the state Senate. Ploucher had amassed an impressive campaign fund he hoped would help carry him to the lieutenant governor’s office in the upcoming elections. But in the midst of the 2024 session, things could not get much worse.

Nevada – Judge Blocks 2024 Ballot Initiatives Seeking Independent Redistricting

MSN – Jessica Hill (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 2/20/2024

A judge ruled that two initiative petitions aiming to change how Nevada redraws state and federal legislative districts were legally deficient and cannot be placed on the 2024 November ballot. The judge sided with Clark County resident Eric Jeng, who argued the petitions violated the state constitution because they would require government funding.

New Hampshire – Democratic Operative Admits to Commissioning Biden AI Robocall in New Hampshire

MSN – Pranshu Verma and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 2/26/2024

Steve Kramer, a longtime Democratic consultant working for presidential candidate Dean Phillips, admitted he commissioned the artificial intelligence-generated robocall of Joe Biden that was sent to New Hampshire voters in January and triggered a state criminal investigation. After the robocall, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a ruling that clarified generating a voice with AI for robocalls is illegal and issued a cease-and-desist letter to Kramer.

New Jersey – N.J. AG Corruption Investigation Focuses on George Norcross’ Influence Over Camden Waterfront Developments, Sources Say

MSN – Andrew Seidman and Jeremy Roebuck (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 2/29/2024

South Jersey Democratic power broker George Norcross III has found himself under scrutiny from state and federal authorities repeatedly over the last two decades. They have tapped his phones, had an informant record his conversations, and reviewed scores of documents. But they have never filed criminal charges. Now, prosecutors appear to be trying again, this time with a wide-ranging probe by the state attorney general’s office and the FBI.

New York – Democrats Propose Slight Changes to N.Y. Congressional Districts

Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 2/27/2024

Democratic state lawmakers unveiled a slightly reconfigured map for New York’s 26 congressional districts they are proposing should be used for the remainder of the decade. The map was issued a day after they voted to reject a bipartisan commission’s map. Republican lawmakers, who had warned they would file new litigation if Democrats created new boundaries that would benefit their candidates, remained relatively quiet as the proposed maps would have only marginal impacts on either party.

New York – NYC’s Public Housing Agency Seeking ‘Restitution’ in Corruption Scheme

Gothamist – Dave Brand and Brittany Kriegstein | Published: 2/27/2024

New York City’s public housing agency will belatedly implement more than a dozen recommendations meant to stop low-level corruption within the next year while seeking “restitution” from employees implicated in a long-running kickback scheme, administrators said. Top officials from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) made the commitments during a city council hearing, three weeks after 70 current and former NYCHA employees were charged with taking cash bribes from vendors in exchange for small repair contracts.

New York – Judge Won’t Delay Trump Financial Penalty but Lets Sons Remain atop Company for Now

MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Mark Berman (Washington Post) | Published: 2/28/2024

A judge rejected a request from Donald Trump to delay enforcement of a judgment totaling at least $4500 million while he appeals that order but allowed the former president’s adult sons to remain in leadership positions at the Trump Organization for the time being. New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron had determined Trump and others had given false data to financial institutions and insurance companies so they could borrow money at lower rates and save on costs.

New York – N.Y. Prosecutor Seeks Trump Gag Order, Jury Protections Ahead of 1st Criminal Trial

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 2/26/2024

Prosecutors preparing for Donald Trump’s first criminal trial in March are seeking a partial gag order to prevent the former president and those speaking on his behalf from disparaging witnesses, jurors, and others involved in the case, and have asked a judge to protect jurors by shielding their names and addresses from public view. The motions show the high stakes and tensions surrounding the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president, one of four prosecutions Trump faces as he closes in on the 2024 Republican nomination for president.

Ohio – A Former Ohio House Speaker Is in Prison. A Top Regulator Is Indicted. But State Lawmakers Still Haven’t Touched Ethics Reform

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/25/2024

There is little sign that Ohio lawmakers will pass legislation addressing the largest corruption case in the state’s history, even following the recent indictments of former top state utilities regulator Sam Randazzo and two former FirstEnergy executives, and a 20-year prison sentence for former House Speaker Larry Householder. Randazzo and Householder were charged with accepting millions of dollars in bribe money to secure FirstEnergy’s policy priorities. Democratic lawmakers, who are behind a majority of the reform bills, say it is a reflection of how dominant of a hold Republicans have on the statehouse.

Oklahoma – How Libs of TikTok Became a Powerful Presence in Oklahoma Schools

MSN – Taylor Lorenz (Washington Post) | Published: 2/24/2024

Far-right activist Chaya Raichik splits her time between California, where she is registered to vote, and Florida, where she often travels. But the place where she arguably is having the biggest impact these days is Oklahoma, a state she has visited only once. Raichik, who operates the social media account Libs of TikTok, has amassed an audience of millions on X, largely by targeting LGBTQ+ people. In January, Raichik was appointed to the Oklahoma Library Media Advisory Committee.

Oregon – Lawmakers Push to Pass Oregon Campaign Finance Limits in Next 2 Weeks, Amid Concerns About Loopholes

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 2/24/2024

Oregon lawmakers from both parties indicated that passing campaign finance limits has become a priority this legislative session. During a hearing in the House Rules Committee, lawmakers, union leaders, and lobbyists for business groups testified in support of House Bill 4024, a compromise to restrict campaign contributions and require additional disclosure of political spending.

Oregon – Portland, Businesses Push for Public Records Exemption Amid Pending Release of Which Firms Paid Clean Energy Tax

MSN – Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 2/28/2024

Oregon lawmakers are considering a change to the state’s public records law as Portland officials and business groups attempt to block the release of information related to the city’s voter-approved climate fund. But journalists have raised alarms that the proposal could have broad unintended consequences that would lessen government accountability.

Pennsylvania – McClelland’s Pa. Treasurer Campaign Raised and Spent Money Months Before It Officially Existed

Pennsylvania Capital-Star – Peter Hall | Published: 2/28/2024

Erin McClelland, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for state treasurer, campaigned and accepted donations months before registering a fundraising committee with the Pennsylvania Department of State, as candidates for state office are required to do. While McClelland’s campaign chairperson said the donations and spending were properly reported to Allegheny County, election law experts say Pennsylvania’s campaign finance reporting rules are clear that statewide candidates must report their campaign donations and spending to the state.

Pennsylvania – Philly’s Ethics Board Is Changing the Rules at the Heart of Its Fight with the ‘Super PAC’ That Backed Jeff Brown’s Bid for Mayor

Philadelphia Inquirer – Sean Collins Walsh | Published: 2/21/2024

The Philadelphia Board of Ethics is moving to amend city campaign finance regulations in the wake of its botched lawsuit against the super PAC that supported Jeff Brown’s unsuccessful campaign in last year’s mayoral election. A notable change would clarify what constitutes illegal coordination between candidates and independent expenditure committees. That issue was at the center of the legal fight between the ethics board, Brown, and the super PAC supporting him.

Pennsylvania – Transparency and Accountability: Pennsylvania lawmakers target dark money in campaigns

WESA – Ben Wasserstein | Published: 2/26/2024

In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court opened the floodgates for corporations and nonprofits to make unlimited hidden contributions to political causes. While Pennsylvania cannot override this federal decision, one state lawmaker believes it can make those entities more transparent with their spending. Rep. Joe Webster is proposing legislation that would require the disclosure of corporate expenditures on elections and limit donations, among other provisions.

Rhode Island – Providence NAACP President Found Guilty of Violating Campaign Finance Laws

MSN – Steph Machado (Boston Globe) | Published: 2/28/2024

The president of the Providence NAACP was found guilty of violating state campaign finance laws when he ran for city council in 2022. District Court Judge Anthony Capraro sentenced Gerard Catala to 20 hours of community service and a one-year filing, which means the case can be expunged if Catala stays out of trouble for a year. In handing down the sentence, Capraro noted Catala was given ample time and latitude to come into compliance with campaign finance laws, but it appeared “he just didn’t seem to want to.”

Virginia – Virginia’s Finance Reform Bill to Prevent Personal Use of Campaign Funds Defeated Again

MSN – Sarah Rankin (Associated Press) | Published: 2/28/2024

Virginia lawmakers defeated campaign finance reform legislation that would have prohibited elected officials from spending donations on personal expenses such as mortgages, vacations, or gym memberships. Virginia – which allows unlimited donations from individuals, corporations, and special interest groups – is a national outlier for lacking such a ban, and advocates at the General Assembly have been trying for more than a decade to put personal use restrictions on candidates’ spending.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Ethics Commission Alleges Illegal Scheme by Trump Fundraising Committee and Rep. Janel Brandtjen

MSN – Molly Beck (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 2/23/2024

The Wisconsin Ethics Commission recommended that state prosecutors file felony charges against a fundraising committee for Donald Trump and a state lawmaker related to an effort to unseat Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. The commission alleges Save America PAC and Rep. Janel Brandtjen conspired in a scheme to evade campaign donation limits to support the Republican primary challenger to Vos in 2022, steering at least $40,000 to the bid.

Campaign Finance

Pennsylvania: “Transparency and Accountability: Pennsylvania lawmakers target dark money in campaigns” by Ben Wasserstein for WESA

Elections

National: “RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel Will Leave Post on March 8 as Trump Moves to Install New Loyalists” by Steve Peoples (Associated Press) for MSN

New Hampshire: “Democratic Operative Admits to Commissioning Biden AI Robocall in New Hampshire” by Pranshu Verma and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Kentucky: “‘It’s the Metro Council That’s on Trial’: Opening arguments made on day one of Piagentini trial” by Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) for MSN

Missouri: “‘Dark Cloud’: Ethics investigation of Dean Plocher continues to hang over Missouri House” by Jason Hancock for Missouri Independent

National: “Instagram’s Uneasy Rise as a News Site” by Sapna Maheshwari and Mike Isaac (New York Times) for DNyuz

New York: “N.Y. Prosecutor Seeks Trump Gag Order, Jury Protections Ahead of 1st Criminal Trial” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN

Redistricting

New York: “Democrats Propose Slight Changes to N.Y. Congressional Districts” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union

Campaign Finance Oregon: “Lawmakers Push to Pass Oregon Campaign Finance Limits in Next 2 Weeks, Amid Concerns About Loopholes” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN Elections National: “Court Battle Reveals Effort to Undermine No Labels Presidential Bid” by Michael Scherer (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics National: “Supreme Court Seems Divided on Cases That Could Lead to a Rethinking of the First Amendment” by Brian Fung and John Fritze (CNN) for MSN Massachusetts: “Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden Is Facing Two Ethics Probes from Separate State Entities” by Danny McDonald (Boston Globe) for MSN National: “Clock Is Ticking for Trump to Post Bonds Worth Half a Billion Dollars” by Jonathan O’Connell, Shayna Jacobs, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN Oklahoma: “How Libs of TikTok Became a Powerful Presence in Oklahoma Schools” by Taylor Lorenz (Washington Post) for MSN Lobbying Kentucky: “$25 Million Was Spent in 2023 to Influence KY Legislators. Who Wrote the Biggest Lobbying Checks?” by Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) for Yahoo News Redistricting Nevada: “Judge Blocks 2024 Ballot Initiatives Seeking Independent Redistricting” by Jessica Hill (Las Vegas Review-Journal) for MSN

National/Federal

The Quiet Way Democrats Hope to Expand Their Power at the State Level

DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 2/20/2024

Locked out of power on the U.S. Supreme Court and still playing catch-up against Republicans in the federal judiciary, Democrats are hoping to gain a political advantage on a less visible but still important playing field: the state courts. Governors have the power to appoint judges in nearly every state. These responsibilities are set to take center stage in political campaigns this year, as the Democratic Governors Association begins a multimillion-dollar effort, called the Power to Appoint Fund, aimed at key governor’s races.

Election Deniers Seek to Rewrite the Law

DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 2/22/2024

More than three years after the 2020 election, the lies and falsehoods about President Biden’s victory persist, and they continue to influence efforts to pass election laws across the country. More than 70 bills in at least 25 states draw some connection to conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. Those theories include falsehoods about the security of ballot drop boxes and voting by undocumented citizens, as well as questions about fraudulent absentee ballots and corrupted election machines, all of which have been debunked.

Mike Lindell Must Pay Man $5M in ‘Prove Mike Wrong’ Challenge, Judge Says

MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Wahington Post) | Published: 2/22/2024

In 2021, MyPillow founder Mike Lindell offered $5 million to anyone who could disprove his claim he had data showing voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Now, he must pay a man from Nevada that award, a federal judge ruled. If someone could “Prove Mike Wrong,” as the challenge was called, and show the data was unrelated to the election, they would get the payout, Lindell said ahead of an August 2021 “cyber symposium.” Robert Zeidman, a computer forensics expert did just that, a federal judge determined, upholding a previous ruling from a private arbitration panel.

Informant Charged with Lies About Bidens Also Claimed Russian Contacts, Feds Say

MSN – Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 2/21/2024

A former FBI informant charged with making up a bribery scheme involving President Biden had contacts with Russian intelligence-affiliated officials, prosecutors said. Alexander Smirnov was charged with lying to the FBI when he claimed to have knowledge of corruption by Biden and his son Hunter. The accusations, memorialized in an FBI document, were championed by congressional Republicans but Smirnov’s indictment and detention memo suggest the allegations were not only false, but possibly a Russian-inspired smear.

Tax Records Reveal the Lucrative World of Covid Misinformation

MSN – Lauren Weber (Washington Post) | Published: 2/21/2024

Four major nonprofits that rose to prominence during the coronavirus pandemic by capitalizing on the spread of medical misinformation collectively gained more than $118 million between 2020 and 2022, enabling the organizations to deepen their influence. The influx of pandemic cash sent executive compensation soaring, boosted public outreach, and seeded the ability to wage legislative and legal battles to weaken vaccine requirements and defend physicians accused of spreading misinformation.

Juul’s Internal Playbook Opens a Rare Window into Influence in Washington

STAT News – Nicholas Florko | Published: 2/15/2024

Juul spent significant sums on registered lobbyists and political donations in 2018 and 2019, when the head of the Food and Drug Administration declared youth vaping an epidemic. Documents show Juul tried everything from orchestrating untraceable campaign contributions to paying think tanks for favorable research, to revamp its image and prevent both Congress and the FDA from taking action that could cost the company financially. The strategies are not necessarily surprising themselves, transparency advocates said. But it is rare to see them laid out like this.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – House Bill Would Close ‘Loophole’ Regarding Campaign Finance Reports

Eastern Arizona Courier – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 2/18/2024

Legislation in the Arizona House would amend the law that allows anyone who serves a four-year term to file the required annual reports on who gave them money and how they have spent it once after they get elected, and then not until January of the year they are on the ballot again. The issue arose after it was revealed that Gov. Katie Hobbs, first elected in 2022, did not file reports this January, which is different from what is required of members of the Legislature.

California – Fight Continues Over Whether Nonprofits Should Have to Disclose Lobbying Activity

Long Beach Post – Jason Ruiz | Published: 2/17/2024

The Long Beach Ethics Commission is continuing to revise its proposal to overhaul Long the lobbying disclosure law, something it plans to eventually present to city council, which will have the final say over any changes. The commission met to discuss the most recent draft addressing who must disclose meeting with city officials and attempts to influence policy, but the commission was again met with concerns from nonprofit leaders whose organizations might be included under the new rules.

California – L.A. Ethics Panel Rejects Proposed $11,250 Fine for Leslie Moonves as Too Low

MSN – Dakota Smithand Meg James (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 2/21/2024

The Los Angeles Ethics Commission rejected a proposed settlement between the city and former CBS Chief Executive Officer Leslie Moonves, saying a tougher penalty was warranted for Moonves, who had been accused of interfering with a police investigation into sexual assault allegations against him. Moonves had agreed to pay $11,250 to settle a complaint that accused him of inducing a government official to violate laws so Moonves would have a tactical advantage in a police complaint against him.

California – Anaheim Begins Implementing Changes from Fall of Reform Debates

Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 2/20/2024

A corruption report alleged Disneyland resort interests and lobbyists exert enormous influence on Anaheim’s policy making. Investigators painted a picture of loose oversight on lobbyists, developer favoritism, and influence peddling by Disneyland Resort interests through the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce. Their findings led Mayor Ashleigh Aitken and city Councilperson Natalie Rubalcava to call for a series of reform proposals to be developed and debated, and which are now being implemented.

California – Anaheim Changes How Political Candidates Fundraise in Wake of Corruption Scandal

Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 2/15/2024

Anaheim City Council members are changing campaign finance laws to limit how long candidates can fundraise debt repayment and how much they can loan themselves during elections. Two council members are calling for city staff to explore making it easier for residents to see who is spending in local elections and the financing behind the mailers they receive in their mailbox every election season.

Florida – Orange County Mayor Demings Fires Lobbyist Over Conflict of Interest

MSN – Stephen Hudak (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 2/15/2024

Orange County fired lobbying firm GrayRobinson less than a week after the Orlando Sentinel revealed the lobbyist assigned to represent the county’s interests was behind legislation directly conflicting with its top legislative priority. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings labeled as “disturbing” the involvement of lobbyist Chris Carmody in a bill to limit the county’s authority over the Visit Orlando tourism marketing agency. But Demings moved more quickly than many expected.

Florida – Florida Law Blasted After Permission Slip Sent to Hear Black Author’s Book

MSN – Kim Bellware (Washington Post) | Published: 2/15/2024

A controversial law in Florida is facing renewed scrutiny after a rule about parental permission slips sparked confusion at a Miami elementary school when it asked parents to sign a slip allowing their children to hear a guest speaker read a book “written by an African American.” The state rule in question is an extension of a law Gov. Ron DeSantis touted as a way to help parents combat what he and other conservative figures claimed was “liberal indoctrination” woven through the K-12 and higher education system.

Georgia – Fani Willis’ Testimony Evokes Long-Standing Frustrations for Black Women Leaders

MSN – Matt Brown and Jocelyn Noveck (Associated Press) | Published: 2/17/2024

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is used to prosecuting high-profile, challenging cases. But as she parried questions about her own personal conduct from the witness stand against the legal teams for defendants her office has accused of election interference, many Black women recognized a dispiriting scene. Willis testified during an extraordinary hearing that could result in her office being removed from the state’s case against Donald Trump.

Hawaii – Hawaii Has a Voter Enthusiasm Problem, Could Publicly Funded Campaigns Help?

Yahoo News – Jeremy Yurow (USA Today) | Published: 2/15/2024

Hawaii taxpayers could soon find themselves footing a $30 million bill to fund state political campaigns. Could this initiative breathe new life into local elections by ensuring more diverse candidates? Several lawmakers, activists, and residents say the answer is yes. The current system in Hawaii is seen as favoring a small group of donors, who often gain undue access to candidates and officials, according to the bill. Despite recent reforms, voter turnout is among the nation’s lowest.

Idaho – Support This Bill or Else: Idaho lawmakers cite pressure from ‘wealthy’ campaign donor

MSN – Ian Max Stevenson (Idaho Statesman) | Published: 2/20/2024

As a controversial bill to implement mandatory minimum prison sentences for fentanyl crimes made its way through the House, several key lawmakers reported having uncomfortable experiences with interested parties that amounted to a pressure campaign. They recounted receiving a clear, straightforward threat: vote against this bill, and I will bankroll your next opponent. House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel said Republicans have been threatened by “a very wealthy individual.”

Illinois – In Last-Minute Reversal, Former Sen. Sam McCann Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges

Capitol News Illinois – Hannah Meisel | Published: 2/13/2024

As federal prosecutors were preparing to rest their case in the corruption trial of former state Sen. Sam McCann plead guilty on all counts. In the trial, prosecutors accused McCann of “greed, fraud and arrogance” in illegally using campaign funds for personal expenses, including paying two mortgages, financing multiple vehicles and vacations, fraudulently cutting himself checks for work not performed, and double-dipping on reimbursement for miles driven.

Illinois – Illinois Democratic PAC Loses Appeal of Massive Fines for Not Timely Reporting Campaign Spending

MSN – Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/21/2024

The State Board of Elections rejected a request to reconsider or lower more than $100,000 in fines levied against a PAC that helped expand the Democratic Party’s majority on the Illinois Supreme Court. The board’s unanimous vote followed a request by All for Justice, an independent expenditure PAC backed by Senate President Don Harmon, after it was fined $108,500 last year for failing to timely file detailed expenditure reports in spending $7.3 million. The fines were among the largest ever levied by the election board.

Illinois – As Corruption Trials Continue, Illinois Lobbyist Reform Effort Pushed in General Assembly

Yahoo News – Ray Long and Dan Patella (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/19/2024

As the Illinois General Assembly begins its spring session, legislation is being proposed that aims to tackle two key issues around lobbying – requiring statehouse lobbyists to report the compensation they receive from their clients and giving the secretary of state’s office the power to boot bad actors. Following a string of corruption trials, including a bribery scandal involving Commonwealth Edison and lobbyists trying to influence ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said, “The timing is ripe for this legislation to be acted on and passed.”

Indiana – Four Goshen School Board Members Criminally Charged with Campaign Finance Violations

WVPE – Mark Mazurek | Published: 2/21/2024

A campaign mailer for the 2022 Goshen School Board elections resulted in criminal charges against five candidates. The mailer endorsed Jose Elizalde, Mario Garber, Roger Nafziger and Andrea Johnson in the general election and denigrated an opposing slate of candidates. The candidates were fined by the election board last year, but now they face felony criminal charges for not disclosing the names of their donors.

Kentucky – Ethics Experts Say Kentucky Lawmaker’s Push to Ease Pollution Penalties for Local Companies – Including His Employer – Is a Problem

Louisville Public Media – R.G. Dunlop | Published: 2/16/2024

State Rep. Jared Bauman asked the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission if he could sponsor and vote on legislation that could benefit his employer. Commission Executive Director said because his proposed bill would affect “other, similarly situated businesses in the same way” it applied to Lubrizol Corp., there was no conflict-of-interest. Ethics experts said while Bauman’s involvement in the bill may not violate state law, it nevertheless highlights questions that arise when the perception of a conflict exists.

Maine – Special Funds Let Maine Lawmakers Raise and Spend with Few Limits

centralmaine.com – Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 2/18/2024

While restrictions remain for campaign contributions to a legislative candidate in Maine, businesses and individuals can donate unlimited amounts to PACs run by candidates after they are elected. More than a dozen lawmakers who have their own committees do not appear to have broken any rules. But disclosures highlight the widely diverging uses of the money and the loose regulations around so-called leadership PACs, which traditionally have been used by lawmakers to help elect political allies and build influence.

Maryland – Ethics Board Won’t Require Last Names of Mayor Scott’s Baby Registry Donors

Baltimore Brew – Mark Reutter | Published: 2/16/2024

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and fiancée Hana Pugh will not be required to fully identify the people or organizations that donated more than $12,000 worth of baby merchandise, gift cards, and cash to an online baby registry they set up, the city Ethics Board decided. Many of the people who sent presents and cash through the Babylist.com portal were identified only by their first names or nicknames, such as Weasel, Garfield, and Aunt Fuff. Others had untraceable organization names.

Michigan – Nessel Levels Charges Against Two GOP Political Fundraisers in Campaign Against Whitmer

Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 2/21/2024

State Attorney General Dana Nessel charged two political operatives connected to the group Unlock Michigan, which protested COVID-era health orders, for their part in a “dark money” scheme. Heather Lombardini faces multiple criminal charges for allegedly violating Michigan campaign finance law by soliciting contributions for the petition drive utilizing two nonprofits to skirt disclosure requirements. Sandy Baxter was charged with perjury for allegedly lying about her involvement in the scheme.

Michigan – Sidney Powell and Other Trump-Aligned Lawyers Will Face Legal Penalties

DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 2/22/2024

Sidney Powell, L. Lin Wood, and several other lawyers who advanced Donald Trump’s false claims of a stolen election will face legal penalties after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up their appeal. The penalties, upwards of $130,000 in legal fees incurred by the election officials they sued, plus referrals to their state bar associations for potential discipline, stem from a lawsuit the lawyers filed in Michigan in November 2020.

Missouri – Missouri Treasurer Under Fire Over Ads on Slot Machines

St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kurt Erickson | Published: 2/21/2024

The chairperson of a House budget panel said the state treasurer is refusing to appear before his committee to answer questions about links he may have to one of the top gas station gambling companies in Missouri. Rep. Scott Cupps had requested that Treasurer Vivek Malek appear before his House Budget subcommittee but was told the treasurer would not be available. Photos and videos taken by Cupps show payout kiosks for the slot machines now include advertisements for the state’s unclaimed property program, which is operated by Malek’s office.

New Mexico – Lawmakers for Second Year Kick Ethics Fixes Down the Road

New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 2/16/2024

An effort to fix the state’s anti-corruption statute after the New Mexico Supreme Court barred prosecutors from bringing criminal charges under several of its provisions was defeated in the Senate. The court ruled that three of the statute’s four provisions used by prosecutors were too vaguely written to result in criminal charges.  The lack of action comes at a time when former Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton is reportedly negotiating a plea deal after being indicted on numerous criminal counts, including racketeering, money laundering, and fraud.

New Mexico – Lobbyists Spent Tens of Thousands of Dollars Wining, Dining Lawmakers

Yahoo News – Daniel Chacón | Published: 2/20/2024

Lobbyists spent close to $150,000 entertaining New Mexico lawmakers during this year’s 30-day legislative session. The spending is almost certainly much higher. Not only does the secretary of state’s office rely on voluntary compliance, but lobbyists are only required to report single expenditures of $500 or more during a legislative session.

New York – Appellate Court Hears Cuomo’s Challenge to Fledgling Ethics Agency

Albany Times Union – Dan Clark | Published: 2/16/2024

Judges on a state appellate court tasked with deciding the constitutionality of New York’s fledgling ethics agency expressed skepticism during a hearing on whether its investigative and enforcement powers should be restored. The case brought by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, centers on the constitutionality of the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, which was formed in 2022 and tasked with regulating and enforcing ethics rules in state government.

New York – New York Congressional Map Would Make Modest Tweaks to Swing House Seats

MSN – Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) | Published: 2/15/2024

A congressional map for New York would make it easier for Democrats to flip at least one seat this year in a state critical to Democrats’ hopes of retaking the U.S. House majority. But an independent commission otherwise left the lines similar to those used in 2022 when Republicans picked up four House seats in New York. Democratic leaders in Albany can choose to instead advance a map that is more favorable to their party but would almost certainly face legal challenges.

New York – Judge Orders Trump to Pay More Than $350 Million after Civil Fraud Trial

MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Mark Berman (Washington Post) | Published: 2/16/2024

A judge ordered Donald Trump to pay more than $350 million in penalties, plus interest, following a civil fraud trial, finding he and others had carried out a years-long scheme to use “blatantly false financial data” to borrow money at lower rates. New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron issued a deluge of punishments, including years-long bans on Trump and his adult sons taking top jobs in companies in the state.

New York – A Family Affair: Carones give to legal defense fund in the nick of time

MSN – Irie Sentner (Politico) | Published: 2/20/2024

Employees of a firm run by Mayor Eric Adams’ former chief of staff registered as lobbyists weeks after he and his relatives gave $15,000 to Adams’ legal defense fund. The arrangement highlighted the murky ethics of contributing to a politician’s attorney fees. People in the city database, along with their spouses, are barred from giving to legal defense trusts. But because the Carones donated before appearing on the list, they were able to evade the prohibition.

Ohio – Summer Homes and (Attempted) Florida Trips. FirstEnergy Bribery Case Puts Millionaires on Trial

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/18/2024

Former FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones, the company’s former top lobbyist Mike Dowling, and former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo sat at the defense tables in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas at a recent hearing. They face charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. The defense arguments previewed what the state of Ohio is up against in a white-collar prosecution alleging a corrupt pipeline between FirstEnergy’s C-suite and Ohio’s top utility regulator: the kind of legal firepower that wealthy defendants can buy from well-heeled law firms.

Oklahoma – Bill Preventing Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiatives, Now Going to Ethics Commission

Yahoo News – M. Scott Carter (Oklahoman) | Published: 2/21/2024

House Bill 3815 in Oklahoma prevents foreign contributions to ballot initiatives. After the state Ethics Commission expressed concern, the bill was withdrawn from the House Rules Committee and is now being considered by the commission. Since the legislation created a new rule for the commission, its staff asked the sponsor to make the measure a rule request instead of going through the legislative process.

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules That GOP Subpoena for Voter Information Cannot Be Enforced

MSN – Megan Lebowitz (NBC News) | Published: 2/21/2024

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that Republicans’ subpoena of voter information after the 2020 election was unenforceable, overturning a previous court ruling.  The justices said the subpoena was unenforceable because the 2021-2022 legislative session had already ended. The move is the latest legal defeat for Republicans who took to courts nationwide over the 2020 election.

Pennsylvania – Mayor Cherelle Parker Racked Up a $1 Million Campaign Payroll – but It’s Not Clear Who Got Paid

MSN – Ryan Briggs and Anna Orso (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 2/20/2024

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s campaign and transition committee took advantage of a gray area in campaign finance laws by filing financial reports that list staff costs as withdrawals by third-party payroll services, rather than payments to specific people. Those companies then cut paychecks to the staffers. Lauren Cristella, president of the Committee of Seventy, said the growing practice of campaigns reporting payments to third-party services instead of to individuals undermines the intent of the rules by obfuscating the recipients of the funds.

Tennessee – New TN House Ticketing Policy Allowable Under State Constitution, Attorney General Says

MSN – Melissa Brown (Tennessean) | Published: 2/19/2024

The Tennessee House’s new ticketing policy for its public galleries is permissible under the state constitution, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said. House Republican leadership began enforcing an unwritten, surprise rule in January requiring tickets to access the west gallery of the House chamber. The east gallery remains open on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Texas – Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Paid Campaign Money to Firm Tied to His New Republican Group

MSN – Everton Bailey Jr. (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 2/21/2024

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson woman reelection in May, then started paying a consulting firm run by his former chief of staff thousands of dollars a month in campaign funds. Adept Strategies, which was registered with the state on the same day the mayor reported making his first payment to it, is also tied to a group created by Johnson to promote Republican mayors.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Signs His New Legislative Maps into Law after Republicans Pass Them

Yahoo News – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 2/19/2024

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed new legislative district maps into law that were passed by Republicans who control the Legislature to avoid having the liberal-controlled state Supreme Court draw the lines. Democrats are almost certain to gain seats in the Assembly and Senate under the new maps, which be in place for the November election. Republicans have been operating since 2011 under maps they drew that were recognized as among the most gerrymandered in the country.

Wyoming – Legislative Housing Task Force Member Denies Conflict of Interest

WyoFile – Angus Thuermer Jr. | Published: 2/21/2024

A member of a legislative housing task force who has plans for an accessory housing unit on his own lot says he does not have a conflict-of-interest, even after recommending the state strip local government control over such developments. Former Jackson Mayor Mark Barron voted last year to remove local control over accessory residential units, essentially making their construction a state-guaranteed right.