April 25, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Maryland: “Elections Board Orders Nick Mosby to Return ‘Excessive Contributions’ from BGE and Correct Other Errors” by Mark Reutter for Baltimore Brew Elections Arizona: “Meadows, Giuliani and Other Trump Allies Charged in Arizona 2020 Election Probe” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) […]
Campaign Finance
Maryland: “Elections Board Orders Nick Mosby to Return ‘Excessive Contributions’ from BGE and Correct Other Errors” by Mark Reutter for Baltimore Brew
Elections
Arizona: “Meadows, Giuliani and Other Trump Allies Charged in Arizona 2020 Election Probe” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN
Georgia: “Homeless Georgians Could Face Hurdles to Voting Under New Legislation” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz
Texas: “Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Vote-by-Mail Restrictions in Texas” by Maureen Groppe (USA Today) for MSN
Ethics
California: “California Rejects Bill to Crackdown on How Utilities Spend Customers’ Money” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for Yahoo Finance
National: “Ted Cruz Could Be Liable for Taxes on Payments from His iHeartMedia Podcast, Experts Say” by Benjamin Wermund (Houston Chronicle) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “Unfinished Bills, Tax Law Preparation Push Lobbying Spending Up” by Caitlin Reilly (Roll Call) for MSN
Procurement
Oklahoma: “State Audit Critical of Tourism Director Shelly Zumwalt. AG Calls for Director’s Resignation” by M. Scott Carter and Jordan Gerard (Oklahoman) for MSN
April 24, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Trump Campaign Asks for Cut of Candidates’ Fundraising When They Use His Name and Likeness” by Alex Isenstadt (Politico) for MSN Ohio: “FirstEnergy Paid $300k to a Dark Money Org That a Lobbyist Tied to Senate President Matt Huffman” by Jake […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Trump Campaign Asks for Cut of Candidates’ Fundraising When They Use His Name and Likeness” by Alex Isenstadt (Politico) for MSN
Ohio: “FirstEnergy Paid $300k to a Dark Money Org That a Lobbyist Tied to Senate President Matt Huffman” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Elections
Rhode Island: “RI Lawmakers Move to Ban Political ‘Deepfakes’ Ahead of Elections. What That Means.” by Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) for MSN
Ethics
Michigan: “Michigan House Hears Testimony on Campaign Finance, Lobbying Laws after Chatfield Charges” by Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) for Yahoo News
Minnesota: “Minnesota State Senator Arrested on Burglary Charge” by Lauren Sforza (The Hill) for MSN
Pennsylvania: “Philly Sheriff Used Money Meant to Hire Deputies for Executive Raises, Tried to Double Her Salary to $285K” by Ryan Briggs and William Bender (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN
Legislative Issues
California: “California Bill Would Ban NDAs for Legislative Negotiations: ‘This should not happen again'” by Nicole Nixon (Sacramento Bee) for MSN
Lobbying
California: “San Jose Officials Not Reporting Lobbyists Meetings” by Brandon Pho for San Jose Spotlight
April 23, 2024 •
Spring Forward (Back) into Civility!
Spring is finally here! Daylight is making a much longer appearance now, warmer weather will hopefully become more consistent, and people have already started thinking seriously about spring and summer vacation plans! This season, I am also reminding myself that civil […]
Spring is finally here! Daylight is making a much longer appearance now, warmer weather will hopefully become more consistent, and people have already started thinking seriously about spring and summer vacation plans!
This season, I am also reminding myself that civil discourse never goes out of style! It is still okay to disagree with someone respectfully and remember that they are first and foremost human beings.
Diverse viewpoints matter and can make for a healthy dialogue and debate! Let’s, however, do remember to maintain respect and civility – lessons to which (with less than eight months away now from Election Day) we all can take heed!
Happy Connecting!
Gamble
April 23, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of GOP Operative Who Steered Russian Money to Trump Camp” by Kyle Cheney (Politico) for Yahoo News New York: “Adams Defense Trust Returns $22K in Improper Donations from Corporation, People with City Business” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of GOP Operative Who Steered Russian Money to Trump Camp” by Kyle Cheney (Politico) for Yahoo News
New York: “Adams Defense Trust Returns $22K in Improper Donations from Corporation, People with City Business” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for MSN
Pennsylvania: “Pa. House Approves Bills on Campaign Finance Reform, Aimed at Adding Transparency” by Eric Scicchitano (CNHI) for Yahoo News
Elections
National: “G.O.P. Intensifies Scrutiny of Voting: ‘We’re keeping a close eye on you'” by Nick Corasaniti, Alexandra Berzon, and Michael Gold (New York Times) for DNyuz
Ethics
Alabama: “Juneteenth or Jefferson Davis? Ala. State Workers May Have to Choose.” by Rachel Hatzipanagos (Washington Post) for MSN
Ohio: “Area County Among Highest in Open Ethics Probes as Ethics Commission Marks 50th Year” by Avery Kreemer (Dayton Daily News) for Yahoo News
Tennessee: “Tennessee Rep. Gino Bulso Faces Ethics Complaint Over Sponsoring of Book Bill” by Melissa Brown (Tennessean) for MSN
Texas: “Court Rejects Texas AG Ken Paxton’s Bid to Dismiss Ethics Complaint Over 2020 Election Challenge” by Philip Jankowski (Dallas Morning News) for MSN
April 22, 2024 •
Maine Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
The second regular session of the 131st Legislature adjourned sine die on April 17. Lawmakers passed Legislative Document 833, effective July 16, to prohibit individuals who contribute to a governor’s inaugural or transitional committee from registering as lobbyists for the […]
The second regular session of the 131st Legislature adjourned sine die on April 17.
Lawmakers passed Legislative Document 833, effective July 16, to prohibit individuals who contribute to a governor’s inaugural or transitional committee from registering as lobbyists for the term of the governor.
This does affect lobbying reporting.
A registered lobbyist who anticipates no further lobbying for a client may file a request for a non-session waiver with their final monthly report for the session due May 15.
April 22, 2024 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Louisiana: “55 Louisiana Lawmakers Raise Campaign Cash During Special Sessions” by Julie O’Donoghue for Louisiana Illuminator Pennsylvania: “The Philly Ethics Board Has Changed Its Rules on Super PACs in the Wake of the 2023 Mayor’s Race” by Sean Collins Walsh (Philadelphia Inquirer) […]
Campaign Finance
Louisiana: “55 Louisiana Lawmakers Raise Campaign Cash During Special Sessions” by Julie O’Donoghue for Louisiana Illuminator
Pennsylvania: “The Philly Ethics Board Has Changed Its Rules on Super PACs in the Wake of the 2023 Mayor’s Race” by Sean Collins Walsh (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN
Wyoming: “It’s Getting More Expensive to Run for Statewide Offices in Wyoming, According to Report” by Hannah Shields (Wyoming Tribune Eagle) for Yahoo Finance
Elections
Arizona: “Election-Denying Arizona Republican Ends Reelection Bid After Allegations of Forged Signatures” by Mary Jo Pitzl (Arizona Republic) for MSN
National: “As Meta Flees Politics, Campaigns Rely on New Tricks to Reach Voters” by Naomi Nix, Michael Scherer, and Jeremy Merrill (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
California: “Los Angeles City Council Committee Takes Steps on Ethics Reform at City Hall” by City News Service for Los Angeles Daily Breeze
National: “Cannon Denies Dismissal Motions by Trump Co-Defendants in Documents Case” by Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN
Hawaii: “The Maui Ethics Board Has So Few Members That It’s Struggling to Even Meet” by Brittany Lyte for Honolulu Civil Beat
April 19, 2024 •
Virginia Legislature Reconvenes to Tackle Governor’s Vetoes
Virginia lawmakers reconvened for a one-day session to debate Gov. Youngkin’s various vetoes and amendments to legislation. The vetoed bills included a bill concerning the right to contraception, the skill games regulations bill, and a tax decrease. Lawmakers agreed to […]
Virginia lawmakers reconvened for a one-day session to debate Gov. Youngkin’s various vetoes and amendments to legislation.
The vetoed bills included a bill concerning the right to contraception, the skill games regulations bill, and a tax decrease.
Lawmakers agreed to set aside the version of the budget passed in March and plan to meet for a vote on a new compromised version in a special session beginning May 13.
The new budget needs to be approved before June 30 to avoid a government shutdown.
April 19, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 19, 2024
National/Federal Ex-Congressman Asks 11th Circuit to Toss Six-Figure Campaign Finance Penalty Courthouse News Service – Kayla Gogging | Published: 4/16/2024 Former U.S. Rep. David Rivera took his fight against a six-figure campaign finance penalty to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, asking […]
National/Federal
Ex-Congressman Asks 11th Circuit to Toss Six-Figure Campaign Finance Penalty
Courthouse News Service – Kayla Gogging | Published: 4/16/2024
Former U.S. Rep. David Rivera took his fight against a six-figure campaign finance penalty to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, asking the panel to let a jury decide whether he made campaign contributions in another person’s name to undermine a Democratic rival in a Florida election. Rivera’s attorney told a three-judge panel that a federal judge ignored conflicting evidence in siding with the FEC and ordering Rivera to pay a $456,000 fine for violating the Federal Election Campaign Act.
Elections Have Gotten More Accessible for Disabled Voters, but Gaps Remain
DNyuz – Maggie Astor (New York Times) | Published: 4/18/2024
A series of laws – including the Help America Vote Act in 2022, which created new standards for election administration and grant for states to maintain those standards – have sought to make it easier for those facing physical challenges to vote. They have, but major gaps remain. While the gap has shrunk, disabled Americans still vote at much lower rates than those who are not disabled.
Conservative Broadcaster OAN Settles Defamation Claims by Voting-Machine Company Smartmatic
MSN – Erin Mulvaney (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 4/16/2024
One America News Network reached a confidential settlement to resolve a defamation lawsuit by voting-machine company Smartmatic over the conservative outlet’s broadcasting of false election-theft claims in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential contest. Smartmatic sued One America News in 2021, alleging the network provided a platform for false claims that voting machines helped tilt the election outcome for President Biden.
Senate Votes to Dismiss Impeachment Charges Against Mayorkas
MSN – Jaqueline Alemany and Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) | Published: 4/17/2024
The U.S. Senate voted to dismiss two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, which allege he mismanaged an influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Both votes were along party lines. The impeachment trial ended a little more than three hours after it started, following a Republican senator’s move to quickly quash an offer for limited debate and the creation of an impeachment committee, marking a rapid close to the first impeachment of a sitting Cabinet secretary.
Judge Cannon Skeptical of Trump Co-Defendants’ Arguments to Dismiss Charges
MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 4/12/2024
U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon seemed skeptical about dropping charges against Donald Trump’s two co-defendants in the classified documents case and suggested their arguments for dismissal would be better suited as a defense at trial. Attorneys for Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira argued the charges against them should be dismissed, in part, because the indictment accused them of obstructing officials’ efforts to retrieve classified materials from Trump’s property without providing clear evidence the employees were aware of an ongoing investigation or knew the boxes of documents contained classified materials.
Leo Rejects Senate Subpoena from Panel Probing Gifts to Supreme Court Justices
MSN – Tobi Raji (Washington Post) | Published: 4/11/2024
The Senate Judiciary Committee sent a subpoena to conservative judicial activist Leonard Leo as part of a months-long inquiry into undisclosed gifts to Supreme Court justices and he promptly rejected it, calling the move “politically motivated.” The committee authorized subpoenas for Leo and billionaire Harlan Crow following reports that Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito accepted and did not disclose free travel and gifts from Crow, Leo, and conservative donor Robin Arkley II.
DNC Uses Political Donations to Pay Biden’s Legal Fees in Special Counsel Probe
MSN – Soo Rin Kim, Isabelle Murray, and Lucien Bruggeman (ABC News) | Published: 4/13/2024
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has been paying President Biden’s legal fees incurred in connection with special counsel Robert Hur’s investigation into his handling of classified documents. The DNC said the money they have paid for Biden’s legal purposes is not coming from their grassroots donors. The Democratic Party providing financial support for Biden’s legal challenges comes amid their criticism of the Republican Party’s fundraising for and paying of Donald Trump’s mounting legal bills.
Supreme Court Snubs House Republicans Who Dodged Metal Detectors in Congress After Jan. 6
MSN – Dan Morrison (USA Today) | Published: 4/15/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court turned away an appeal by three Republican members of Congress who were fined $5,000 each by the House for dodging security scanners installed after the attack on the Capitol. The court’s decision comes months after justices snubbed the case of three other GOP members of Congress who had their pay docked in 2021 for flouting a mask mandate on the House floor during the COVID pandemic.
Corruption or Just Politics? Supreme Court Weighs New Bribery Case as More Clashes Are Brewing
MSN – Jan Wolfe and C. Ryan Barber (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 4/15/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court for years has been making it more challenging for prosecutors to bring corruption cases against public officials, guided by the belief that some of the dealmaking and fundraising in the political realm is unseemly but not illegal. A new batch of cases making their way through the courts shows that where to draw the line remains in flux. The court jumped back into the fray in a case that examines the viability of prosecutions against officials who take gratuities after performing actions that helped their benefactors.
Supreme Court Divided Over Key Charge Against Jan. 6 Rioters and Trump
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 4/16/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court appeared divided over whether prosecutors improperly stretched federal law to charge hundreds of participants in the attack on the Capitol, a decision that will impact those rioters and, potentially, Donald Trump’s election interference trial in the District of Columbia. The court’s conservatives appeared most skeptical of the government’s decision to charge participants under a law that makes it a crime to obstruct or impede an official proceeding – in this case the joint session of Congress that convened to certify Joe Biden’s 2020 victory.
Red States Threaten Librarians with Prison – As Blue States Work to Protect Them
MSN – Hannah Natanson and Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) | Published: 4/16/2024
Legislation advancing nationwide seeks to do things like prohibit book bans or forbid the harassment of school and public librarians, the first such wave in the country, said John Chrastka, director of library advocacy group EveryLibrary. Legislators in 22 mostly blue states have proposed 57 such bills so far this year, and two have become law. But the library-friendly measures are being outpaced by bills in mostly red states that aim to restrict which books libraries can offer and threaten librarians with prison or thousands in fines for handing out “obscene” or “harmful” titles.
Trump Is Funneling Campaign Money into Cash-Strapped Businesses. Experts Say It Looks Bad.
Yahoo Finance – Zac Anderson and Erin Mansfield (USA Today) | Published: 4/17/2024
Donald Trump’s main campaign fundraising operation sharply increased spending at the former president’s properties in recent months, funneling money into his businesses at a time when he is facing serious jeopardy and desperately needs cash. Federal law and FEC regulations allow donor funds to be spent at a candidate’s business so long as the campaign pays fair market value, experts say. While the practice is legal, some campaign finance experts believe it raises ethical concerns when a candidate is generating personal revenue off running for office.
From the States and Municipalities
Europe – EU Auditors Say Lobbyists Can Easily Slip Under Bloc’s Radar
Yahoo Finance – Nette Noestlinger (Reuters) | Published: 4/16/2024
Lobbyists can easily bypass European Union (EU) transparency rules to influence policy, auditors said. The European Court of Auditors’ report comes as institutions discuss a new ethics entity to guide the conduct of officials and ahead of a planned review of the EU’s lobbyist register. That review follows a scandal at the heart of the European Parliament in which Qatar and Morocco have been accused of bribing decision-makers.
Canada – Federal Lobbying Commissioner Assessing Allegations Against Firm, Top Conservative Adviser
CBC – Benjamin Lopez Steven | Published: 4/16/2024
The federal lobbying commissioner confirmed that a “preliminary assessment” was opened into allegations against political strategist Jenni Byrne and a lobbying firm. It has been reported that a federal lobbying firm, Forecheck Strategies, is located at the same office as Jenni Byrne + Associates, a provincial lobbying firm. In addition to employing many of the same staff as Jenni Byrne + Associates, Forecheck Strategies is owned by Andrew Kimber and Simon Jefferies, who are also part-owners of Jenni Byrne + Associates. Although Byrne’s exact role with the Conservative Party is murky, she is viewed as one of the most powerful strategists in Canada.
Arkansas – Audit Says Arkansas Governor’s Office Potentially Violated Laws with $19,000 Lectern Purchase
Yahoo News – Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) | Published: 4/15/2024
Auditors found the purchase last year of a $19,000 lectern by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ office potentially violated state law. The auditors referred the findings to local prosecutors and the state attorney general, and lawmakers planned to hold a hearing on the report. It cited several potential violations, including paying for the lectern before it was delivered and the handling of records regarding the purchase.
California – L.A. Ethics Panel Approves Fine for Former CBS Exec Leslie Moonves Over Interference with LAPD Investigation
MSN – Richard Winston and Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 4/17/2024
Former CBS President Leslie Moonves will pay $15,000 to settle an ethics complaint over his role in an alleged cover-up of sexual assault accusations against him. The Los Angeles City Ethics Commission unanimously approved the settlement after previously rejecting a proposal for $11,250 in fines as too low. Under the settlement, Moonves also admitted he violated city law by interfering with a police investigation into the sexual assault allegations.
California – Questions Swirled About Millions of Tax Dollars in OC. After Months of Silence, a Key Figure Weighs In
MSN – Nick Gerda (LAist) | Published: 4/17/2024
An Orange County supervisor’s daughter at the center of a controversy over what happened to millions of taxpayer dollars she had a limited role in the nonprofit that handled the money, despite records stating otherwise. Rhiannon Do also said she no longer works for the organization, Viet America Society (VAS). At Supervisor Andrew Do’s direction, VAS has received more than $9 million from the county to feed needy residents, plus $1 million to build a Vietnam War memorial. He also joined votes to fund up to $3.1 million in mental health subcontracts for the group, all without disclosing his close family connection.
Florida – Florida GOP Operative Admits Role in ‘Ghost’ Candidate Scheme That Defeated Utility-Targeted Dem
Floodlight – Mario Alejandro Ariza | Published: 4/12/2024
For the first time, the lead consultant to Florida Senate Republicans admitted to hiring a disgraced ex-senator and approving a dirty trick to recruit a third-party candidate to siphon votes from a South Florida Democrat. The scheme succeeded. In 2020, Jose Javier Rodriguez, the Democrat targeted by the GOP and by Florida Power & Light, lost by 32 votes to Ileana Garcia, the founder of Latinas for Trump. A third-party candidate who did not campaign and who shared the same last name as Rodriguez drew over 6,000 votes.
Georgia – New Prosecutor to Decide Fate of Georgia Lieutenant Governor in Trump Case
MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 4/11/2024
A state official tasked with finding a special prosecutor to investigate whether Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones should face criminal charges for his alleged role in seeking to overturn Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss in the state announced he had appointed himself to the case. Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, was assigned 21 months ago to find someone to oversee the investigation into Jones after a judge disqualified Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case over a fundraiser she hosted for Jones’s political rival.
Hawaii – Retired State Ag Official’s Return to The Agency Has Critics Concerned Over Conflicts of Interest
Honolulu Civil Beat – Thomas Heaton | Published: 4/9/2024
The Department of Agriculture (DOA) is seeking to renew the contract of Hawaii’s acting biosecurity chief, Carol Okada, a controversial figure who many in the conservation community fear is protecting the industry she is supposed to be regulating. Okada, whose title is Acting Plant Industry Division Administrator, is the primary state official overseeing the plant nursery industry, whose products have been found to spread destructive pests throughout Hawaii. Okada retired in 2019 but returned to DOA last year. Her relationship with the nursery industry has fueled concern among lawmakers as well.
Hawaii – Inside the Late-Night Parties Where Hawaii Politicians Raked in Money
Honolulu Civil Beat – Eric Sagara and Irene Casado Sanchez (Big Local News), and Blaze Lovell | Published: 4/17/2024
In response to a series of scandals, Hawaii legislators in 2005 passed a law that barred government contractors from giving money to politicians. It was billed as one of the nation’s most ambitious efforts to end “pay-to-play” in contracting and designed to change the political culture of a state steeped in corruption. But the ban only applies to donations from the actual corporate entities that got contracts, but not to their owners, employees, or any related businesses.
Illinois – Giannoulias Calls for Disclosure of Lobbyist Contracts
NPR Illinois – Peter Hancock (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 4/11/2024
Legislative lobbyists in Illinois are required to report how much they spend entertaining lawmakers. Currently, though, there is no law requiring lobbyists to disclose how much they are paid by corporations, industry groups, or other special interest organizations. That would change under a bill now pending in the Illinois House. It would, for the first time, require lobbyists to disclose how much they are paid by each of their clients.
Illinois – Chicago Lobbyists Escape Serious Punishment for Improper Donations to Mayor Johnson’s Campaign
WBEZ – Tessa Weinberg | Published: 4/17/2024
The Chicago Board of Ethics dismissed an enforcement action against four City Hall lobbyists who donated to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign. The board said it lacks the authority to enforce a decade-old executive order meant to curb such contributions. An outside law firm found that enforcement language for former Mayor Rahm Emmanuel’s order is not codified in the law. It was the first time the board has been confronted with trying to enforce the order since it was issued, said Executive Director Steve Berlin.
Illinois – Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Fined $60K for Violating Ethics Ordinance
WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 4/15/2024
The Chicago Board of Ethics fined City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin $60,000 for violating the government ethics ordinance by using city resources to host a prayer service. The board found Conyears-Ervin committed 12 total infractions for violating her fiduciary duty to the city, the unauthorized use of city property, and prohibited political activity. It levied the maximum fine of $5,000 for each individual violation of the ordinance.
Kentucky – Ethics Commission Urges Metro Council to Amend Laws Following Greenberg Complaint
Yahoo News – Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 4/16/2024
In its opinion dismissing the complaint against Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, the Ethics Commission called on Metro Council to specify local guidelines concerning the mayor’s spouse and other volunteers. Media reports said Rachel Greenberg had a Metro Hall office, a government email account, and gave orders to staffers. Ethics experts said the arrangement might violate the city’s ethics rules, which the administration denied.
Maryland – Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott Issues Refunds, Amends Donations After Reporting 9 Over $6K Max
MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 4/14/2024
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott amended several of his state campaign finance reports to correct errors regarding five individual contributors and issued refunds to four other donors after it was reported the campaign accepted donations above the $6,000 maximum limit from nine entities. Scott’s campaign manager said the campaign’s mistakes were likely due to donations submitted via company credit cards.
Michigan – Nessel Accuses Ex-Speaker Chatfield of Stealing Political Funds in Criminal Charges
Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 4/16/2024
State Attorney General Dana Nessel unveiled 13 criminal charges against former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, saying he misused nonprofit dollars to pay off his personal credit card and fund purchases at wineries and luxury retail stores. Chatfield’s wife, Stephanie, was also charged for her role in the alleged scheme. Lee Chatfield got kickbacks from his associates and used $132,000 from his nonprofit organization to pay off his personal Chase credit card, Nessel said. Lee Chatfield’s actions were the product of a “dark money fueled culture” in Michigan’s capital, said Nessel.
Michigan – Democratic Majority in Michigan House Restored with Special Elections
MSN – Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 4/17/2024
Democrats in the Michigan House saw their majority restored with a pair of victories in special elections. The Democratic victories could end the legislative gridlock that has defined the tied chamber for the past several months. The pair of seats have sat empty since late November last year after former state Reps. Kevin Coleman and Lori Stone were sworn in as mayors of their respective hometowns.
Mississippi – Lawmakers Update Public Service Commissioner Campaign Finance Law
Magnolia Tribune – Frank Corder | Published: 4/16/2024
Mississippi Public Service Commission members and candidates for the three offices have been required to adhere to strict guidelines regarding direct and indirect gifts and campaign contributions, specifically related to any person acting in any respect for utilities they regulate. But renewable energy lobbyists or company executives were not specifically covered by the campaign finance restrictions. The Legislature passed a bill changing the language to “covered person” to capture all entities or persons that may come before the commission.
Missouri – Speaker Dean Plocher Accused of ‘Absolute Obstruction’ in House Ethics Investigation
Missouri Independent – Jason Hancock | Published: 4/15/2024
Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher obstructed an investigation of his official acts through pressure on potential witnesses and refusing to issue subpoenas, leaders of the chamber’s Ethics Committee alleged. Details of the alleged obstruction were contained in a report laying out findings from the committee’s months-long investigation. The report concluded the committee lacked direct evidence of ethical misconduct in Plocher’s advocacy for a six-figure software contract, in his firing of a former staffer, or in years of filing false expense reimbursement reports.
New Jersey – Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and His Wife Are Accused of Assaulting Their Teenage Daughter
MSN – Jesse Bunch (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 4/15/2024
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his wife, schools superintendent La’Quetta Small, were charged with assaulting their daughter, including an incident in which the mayor allegedly knocked the teenager unconscious with a broom, prosecutors announced. They are alleged to have physically and emotionally abused the 16-year-old “on multiple occasions” in December and January.
New York – How a Hush Money Scandal Tied to a Porn Star Led to Trump’s First Criminal Trial
Associated Press News – Michael Sisak and Eric Tucker | Published: 4/13/2024
It was the kind of tawdry tale that Donald Trump might have relished before politics: an adult film actress claiming they had sex. But on the eve of the 2016 presidential election, Trump feared the story, which he says is false, would cost him votes. So, prosecutors say, he arranged to pay Stormy Daniels to keep quiet. Now, after years of fits and starts before an indictment last year, Trump is on trial New York on state charges related to the scandal.
New York – Charged With Regulating Conflict of Interests, Ethics Commission Hides Its Own
New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 4/17/2024
The chairperson of New York’s ethics watchdog agency praised its staff for their quick processing of Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests. The achievement, he said, showed the body’s commitment to “ultimate transparency in how we do our business.” But Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government staff fulfilled a FOIL request about the commissioners’ personal potential conflicts-of-interest and redacted all information about relationships that could force commissioners to recuse themselves from votes.
Ohio – Randazzo’s Death Clouds Path Forward on Criminal, Civil FirstEnergy Bribery Cases
MSN – Jake Zuckerman and Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 4/11/2024
The death of a former Ohio regulator has wrenched state and federal criminal cases accusing him of accepting a $4.3 million bribe from a power company before doing its bidding inside the government. Sam Randazzo was found dead in what officials said was a “suspected suicide.” The state also charged two top officials at FirstEnergy for allegedly orchestrating the bribes.
Oklahoma – Will You have to Vote on Your State Lawmaker in November? Most Races Will Already Be Decided
Oklahoma Watch – Keaton Ross | Published: 4/11/2024
For the third consecutive general election cycle, most Oklahoma voters will not elect their state lawmakers in November. Fifty of the 127 Senate and House seats up for re-election were decided on April 5, when just one candidate filed for office. Thirty-five races will be settled in the June 18 primary or August 27 runoff election. Uncompetitive races can cause voters to become apathetic and less interested in the democratic process, research has found.
Pennsylvania – Pa. House Amends Campaign Finance Bills to Cover All Nonprofits and Require More Detailed Reports
Pennsylvania Capital-Star – Peter Hall | Published: 4/15/2024
Lawmakers approved amendments to a pair of Pennsylvania House bills to make campaign finance reporting requirements for state lawmakers more robust and increase the transparency of independent expenditures in elections. House Bill 1472 would require campaign finance reports from civic leagues and 501(c)(4) tax-exempt social welfare organizations that independently advocate for or against candidates. The amendment would make the bill more broadly cover all tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c) of the federal tax code.
South Dakota – Four South Dakota Tribes Bar Gov. Kristi Noem, Trump V.P. Contender, From Lands
Spokane Spokesman-Review – Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 4/13/2024
Four of South Dakota’s federally recognized Native American tribes have barred the state’s governor, Kristi Noem, from their reservations. Three of the tribes barred Noem in April, joining another tribe that had sanctioned the governor after she told state lawmakers in February that Mexican drug cartels had a foothold on their reservations and were committing murders there. Noem further angered the tribes by appearing to suggest the tribes were complicit in the cartels’ presence on their reservations.
Virginia – Unleash America Was Supposed to Be About Supporting Va. Candidates. But the Money Didn’t Go There.
Yahoo News – Elizabeth Beyer (Staunton News Leader) | Published: 4/14/2024
Robert Landrum thought he was supporting Republicans in Virginia’s statehouse elections when he donated $500 to a federal super PAC in April 2023. Unleash America had one stated goal: to get Republicans elected during Virginia’s 2023 contests to support Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s agenda. But according to the FEC and State Board of Election, not a single Republican candidate for state or local office received any direct financial support from Unleash America.
Washington – Lobbying the Legislature from Behind Bars
Oregon Capital Chronicle – Grace Deng (Washington State Standard) | Published: 4/16/2024
The Department of Corrections (DOC) recorded 32 requests from prisoners to testify on bills during this year’s legislative session in Washington, and at least 18 got to testify. Advocates say testimony from prisoners has grown in Olympia since virtual testimony became common during the pandemic. But some prisoners allege the DOC has made it difficult for them to engage with lawmakers. Activists in prison say they feel silenced by what they describe as the agency’s lack of support for – and sometimes even interference with – their political advocacy.
Wisconsin – Business Group Challenges Evers’ Creative Veto That Extended School Aid for 400 Years
Yahoo News – Jessie Opoien (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 4/15/2024
Attorneys with Wisconsin’s largest business lobby asked the state Supreme Court to strike down Gov. Tony Evers’ use of his partial veto authority to increase funding for public schools for the next four centuries. Wisconsin gives its governors some of the most sweeping executive powers in the country, although partial veto authority has been scaled back over time.
April 18, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Ex-Congressman Asks 11th Circuit to Toss Six-Figure Campaign Finance Penalty” by Kayla Gogging for Courthouse News Service Hawaii: “Inside the Late-Night Parties Where Hawaii Politicians Raked in Money” by Eric Sagara and Irene Casado Sanchez (Big Local News), and Blaze Lovell […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Ex-Congressman Asks 11th Circuit to Toss Six-Figure Campaign Finance Penalty” by Kayla Gogging for Courthouse News Service
Hawaii: “Inside the Late-Night Parties Where Hawaii Politicians Raked in Money” by Eric Sagara and Irene Casado Sanchez (Big Local News), and Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat
Michigan: “Nessel Accuses Ex-Speaker Chatfield of Stealing Political Funds in Criminal Charges” by Craig Mauger for Detroit News
Mississippi: “Lawmakers Update Public Service Commissioner Campaign Finance Law” by Frank Corder for Magnolia Tribune
Ethics
California: “Questions Swirled About Millions of Tax Dollars in OC. After Months of Silence, a Key Figure Weighs In” by Nick Gerda (LAist) for MSN
Kentucky: “Ethics Commission Urges Metro Council to Amend Laws Following Greenberg Complaint” by Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) for Yahoo News
National: “Red States Threaten Librarians with Prison – As Blue States Work to Protect Them” by Hannah Natanson and Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) for MSN
New York: “Charged With Regulating Conflict of Interests, Ethics Commission Hides Its Own” by Chris Bragg for New York Focus
Lobbying
Europe: “EU Auditors Say Lobbyists Can Easily Slip Under Bloc’s Radar” by Nette Noestlinger (Reuters) for Yahoo Finance
Illinois: “Chicago Lobbyists Escape Serious Punishment for Improper Donations to Mayor Johnson’s Campaign” by Tessa Weinberg for WBEZ
April 17, 2024 •
Kentucky Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
The 2024 regular session of the General Assembly adjourned sine die on April 15. Lawmakers passed and Gov. Beshear signed a law amending requirements for independent expenditure committees and political advertising disclaimers. House Bill 595 requires federally registered political committees […]
The 2024 regular session of the General Assembly adjourned sine die on April 15.
Lawmakers passed and Gov. Beshear signed a law amending requirements for independent expenditure committees and political advertising disclaimers.
House Bill 595 requires federally registered political committees to register in Kentucky if they make an independent expenditure in support of or in opposition to a Kentucky candidate or a slate of candidates.
The bill requires disclaimers on political advertising to appear and be presented in a clear and conspicuous manner to give the reader or observer adequate notice of the identity of the purchaser of the communication.
The bill also increases the penalty for campaign finance violations from $100 per day to $200 per day.
Lawmakers overrode vetoes on two dozen measures to pass everything vetoed by Beshear, including House Bill 622 requiring special elections for vacancies in the U. S. Senate.
Previously, the governor filled vacancies by appointment.
April 17, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Pennsylvania: “Pa. House Amends Campaign Finance Bills to Cover All Nonprofits and Require More Detailed Reports” by Peter Hall for Pennsylvania Capital-Star Ethics Arkansas: “Audit Says Arkansas Governor’s Office Potentially Violated Laws with $19,000 Lectern Purchase” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) for […]
Campaign Finance
Pennsylvania: “Pa. House Amends Campaign Finance Bills to Cover All Nonprofits and Require More Detailed Reports” by Peter Hall for Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Ethics
Arkansas: “Audit Says Arkansas Governor’s Office Potentially Violated Laws with $19,000 Lectern Purchase” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) for Yahoo News
National: “Supreme Court Divided Over Key Charge Against Jan. 6 Rioters and Trump” by Ann Marimow (Washington Post) for MSN
Illinois: “Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Fined $60K for Violating Ethics Ordinance” by Heather Cherone for WTTW
Missouri: “Speaker Dean Plocher Accused of ‘Absolute Obstruction’ in House Ethics Investigation” by Jason Hancock for Missouri Independent
New Jersey: “Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and His Wife Are Accused of Assaulting Their Teenage Daughter” by Jesse Bunch (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Wisconsin: “Business Group Challenges Evers’ Creative Veto That Extended School Aid for 400 Years” by Jessie Opoien (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) for Yahoo News
Lobbying
Washington: “Lobbying the Legislature from Behind Bars” by Grace Deng (Washington State Standard) for Oregon Capital Chronicle
April 16, 2024 •
Meet Our Expert – Carlo Aguja, Esq.
As a Manager of Compliance Services, Carlo Aguja, Esq., has been providing his expertise and helping our clients for six years. He first began as a Manager of Research Services at State and Federal Communications, Inc. in 2018. Carlo came […]
As a Manager of Compliance Services, Carlo Aguja, Esq., has been providing his expertise and helping our clients for six years. He first began as a Manager of Research Services at State and Federal Communications, Inc. in 2018.
Carlo came to Ohio from the East Coast. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware, majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Economics. It wasn’t until he attended law school at the University of Detroit Mercy that he found an affinity for law, with a particular interest in criminal and immigration law.
In a previous role, Carlo worked at an IT company as the company’s legal corporate counsel, as well as helping with HR and managing immigration processes for employees moving to the United States. In this role, he became comfortable with work related to regulations and following standards set by the United States government.
As family members made the move to Northeast Ohio, Carlo felt it was time for a change, so he followed them. He found that State and Federal Communications, Inc. included work that was already in his wheelhouse.
“In my previous job. I had to make sure I was up to date in the laws that would affect the company, research it, interpret it, and then disperse it companywide. It was different law, but the same skill set,” he explained.
While understanding compliance laws is a major part of the job, Carlo says that not only is it important to answer what the client is asking, but it’s critical to anticipate the questions they may not think to ask.
“Issues may arise from innocuous questions,” he pointed out. “A client may ask me about getting coffee with a legislator in Connecticut, but he’s not registered in Connecticut, or he’s never even mentioned Connecticut before in his areas of responsibility. You’re always trying to do what’s in front of you and then anticipate.”
Carlo also says it’s important to understand the culture of different jurisdictions when working with lobbyists and legislators in different parts of the country.
“For example, states that are predominantly in the Northeast may have dealt with a specific issue over the last hundred years and will treat it differently than somewhere else that maybe never experienced that issue. These differences can affect how they choose to regulate the same issue. So, the Northeast might handle things a certain way, whereas the South is different,” Carlo explained.
Not only are the cultures of those states completely different, but their state legislatures may also operate very differently.
“In some places, a lobbyist can give a political contribution. In other places, they restrict it completely,” he explained.
The State and Federal Communications, Inc. team is full of experts you can trust. Learn more about what they can do for you at https://stateandfed.com/services/.
April 16, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Maryland: “Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott Issues Refunds, Amends Donations After Reporting 9 Over $6K Max” by Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) for MSN Virginia: “Unleash America Was Supposed to Be About Supporting Va. Candidates. But the Money Didn’t Go There.” by Elizabeth Beyer […]
Campaign Finance
Maryland: “Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott Issues Refunds, Amends Donations After Reporting 9 Over $6K Max” by Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) for MSN
Virginia: “Unleash America Was Supposed to Be About Supporting Va. Candidates. But the Money Didn’t Go There.” by Elizabeth Beyer (Staunton News Leader) for Yahoo News
Elections
National: “Election Workers Face Flood of Threats, but Charges Are Few” by Eileen Sullivan (New York Times) for DNyuz
Ethics
National: “Corruption or Just Politics? Supreme Court Weighs New Bribery Case as More Clashes Are Brewing” by Jan Wolfe and C. Ryan Barber (Wall Street Journal) for MSN
Hawaii: “Retired State Ag Official’s Return to The Agency Has Critics Concerned Over Conflicts Of Interest” by Thomas Heaton for Honolulu Civil Beat
New York: “How a Hush Money Scandal Tied to a Porn Star Led to Trump’s First Criminal Trial” by Michael Sisak and Eric Tucker for Associated Press News
South Dakota: “Four South Dakota Tribes Bar Gov. Kristi Noem, Trump V.P. Contender, From Lands” by Neil Vigdor (New York Times) for Spokane Spokesman-Review
Legislative Issues
National: “Supreme Court Snubs House Republicans Who Dodged Metal Detectors in Congress After Jan. 6” by Dan Morrison (USA Today) for MSN
April 15, 2024 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “DNC Uses Political Donations to Pay Biden’s Legal Fees in Special Counsel Probe” by Soo Rin Kim, Isabelle Murray, and Lucien Bruggeman (ABC News) for MSN Elections Florida: “Florida GOP Operative Admits Role in ‘Ghost’ Candidate Scheme That Defeated Utility-Targeted […]
Campaign Finance
National: “DNC Uses Political Donations to Pay Biden’s Legal Fees in Special Counsel Probe” by Soo Rin Kim, Isabelle Murray, and Lucien Bruggeman (ABC News) for MSN
Elections
Florida: “Florida GOP Operative Admits Role in ‘Ghost’ Candidate Scheme That Defeated Utility-Targeted Dem” by Mario Alejandro Ariza for Floodlight
Georgia: “New Prosecutor to Decide Fate of Georgia Lieutenant Governor in Trump Case” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) for MSN
Oklahoma: “Will You have to Vote on Your State Lawmaker in November? Most Races Will Already Be Decided” by Keaton Ross for Oklahoma Watch
Ethics
National: “Judge Cannon Skeptical of Trump Co-Defendants’ Arguments to Dismiss Charges” by Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Leo Rejects Senate Subpoena from Panel Probing Gifts to Supreme Court Justices” by Tobi Raji (Washington Post) for MSN
Ohio: “Randazzo’s Death Clouds Path Forward on Criminal, Civil FirstEnergy Bribery Cases” by Jake Zuckerman and Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Lobbying
Illinois: “Giannoulias Calls for Disclosure of Lobbyist Contracts” by Peter Hancock (Capitol News Illinois) for NPR Illinois
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.