Campaign Finance

Michigan: “Michigan Bill Aims to Crack Down on Dark Money” by Thérèse Boudreaux for The Center Square

New York: “Eric Adams Allegedly Abused the City’s Matching Funds Program. A City Council Member Wants Him to Stop Having Access to It” by Sahalie Donaldson for City & State New York

Elections

National: “Justice Dept. Charges Three Men in Alleged Iran Hack of Trump Campaign” by Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Trump Allies Bombard the Courts, Setting Stage for Post-Election Fight” by Nick Corasaniti, Danny Hakim, and Alexandra Berzon (New York Times) for Seattle Times

Ohio: “‘That’s Highly Illegal’: Complaints Allege Inmates Did Work for Portage Sheriff’s Campaign” by Diane Smith (Ravenna Record-Courier) for MSN

Ethics

Massachusetts: “Massachusetts Deputy Sheriff Fired, Fined After Auctioning Home to His Wife Who Sold It for $300K-Plus” by Rick Sobey (Boston Herald) for MSN

Lobbying

California: “Irvine Officials Backtrack Approving New Lobbying Rules” by Angela Hicks for Voice of OC

Redistricting

North Carolina: “She’s Running with All She’s Got for a Seat She Can’t Win. That’s the Point.” by Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) for MSN

Gov. Newsom signed bills into law this week dealing with pay-to-play provisions contained in the Levine act.

Senate Bill 1181 and 1243 increase the permissible campaign contribution threshold from $250 to $500 regarding contributions to state and local agency officials from certain entities such as corporations and individuals with business before the agency.

The bills also expand the definition of participant and license, permit, or other entitlement for use to exempt certain types of proceedings from being subject to the requirements of the Levine Act.

Other changes include an increase in the period an official may cure a violation from 14 to 30 days.

A section of the bill also clarifies a contribution of an agent will not be aggregated with contributions from a party or participant when determining whether a contribution has exceeded $500.

The bills become effective January 1, 2025.

Effective October 1, 2024, lobbyist registration fees with the District of Columbia Board of Ethics and Government Accountability (BEGA) will increase.

Registration will increase from $250 to $350 for registrants that are not nonprofit entities.

The registration fees for nonprofit registrants will increase from $50 to $100.

This only applies to nonprofits or lobbyists who lobby only for nonprofits.

BEGA states if one lobbies for many nonprofits and only one for-profit entity, the lobbyist is required to pay the $350 registration fee for each client, even the nonprofits.

The nonprofit organizations would pay $100 for their own registration.

Additionally, late filing fees will increase from $10 per day up to 30 days to $100 per day up to 60 days for a total of $6,000 per report.

If a person continues to fail to register or file a report after fines have been assessed, BEGA may bring the matter before the Ethics Board as an enforcement matter for willful failure to file or refer the matter to the Office of the Attorney General for collection of the fine.

Campaign Finance

Texas: “In an Unusual Hearing, Ethics Commission Advances Complaints Against Greco and Watson to Next Phase” by Amy Smith for Austin Monitor

Utah: “Cox Campaign Accepted $10K from Foreign Subsidiary as Appointee Reviewed Controversial Lithium Project” by Emily Anderson Stern and Anastasia Hufham (Salt Lake Tribune) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “Democrats Take Legal Action Against Georgia Election Board” by Amy Gardner (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Voting Technology Firm, Conservative Outlet Reach Settlement in 2020 Election Defamation Case” by Randall Chase (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Ethics

Washington DC: “Rudy Giuliani Disbarred in D.C. for His Role in 2020 Election Subversion” by Keith Alexander (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “When Nonprofits and Others Pay for House Members’ Global Travel, Families Often Go, Too” by Philip Randazzo, Haiyi Bi, and Akanksha Goyal (Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland) for MSN

Illinois: “With Jury Deadlock Ending La Schiazza Trial, Prosecutors in Looming Madigan Case Face Clear Challenge” by Jason Meisner and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

Redistricting

Ohio: “Ohio Supreme Court Justice Says Democrats Want Redistricting Reform Because They ‘Can’t Win'” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

National/Federal

As President, Trump Demanded Investigations of Foes. He Often Got Them.

DNyuz – Michael Schmidt (New York Times) | Published: 9/21/2024

Donald Trump deployed his power as president against his perceived enemies despite warnings not to do so by top aides. A look back at the cases of 10 individuals brings the pattern into clearer focus. After Trump made repeated public or private demands for them to be targeted by the government, they faced federal pressure of one kind or another. Even without his direct order, Trump’s indirect influence could serve his ends and leave those in his sights facing expensive, time-consuming legal proceedings or other high-stress inquiries.

FEC Forgoes New AI Rulemaking Ahead of Election

MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 9/19/2024

A bipartisan cohort of commissioners on the FEC voted to forgo new rulemaking on Artificial Intelligence (AI), citing a lack of authority to limit or prohibit the use of the developing technology in federal elections. Public Citizen had asked the agency to revise the existing ban on the fraudulent misrepresentation of campaign authority to make clear it prohibits deliberately deceptive campaign ads that use AI.

Smartmatic’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Newsmax Is Headed to Trial. What’s at Stake?

MSN – Stephen Battaglio (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 9/20/2024

Newsmax will go to court to defend itself against a defamation lawsuit filed by Smartmatic, a voting machine technology company. Smartmatic says its reputation was damaged by false statements made on the network regarding voter fraud allegations in the 2020 presidential election. Smartmatic’s suit says Newsmax provided a platform for its hosts, Donald Trump, and the former president’s attorneys and allies to falsely claim the company’s software was manipulated to deliver the election for President Biden.

Latest Strategy in Fighting Election Skepticism: Radical transparency

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 9/24/2024

Donald Trump’s relentless focus on how votes are cast and counted, along with false and fantastical information floated by him and his prominent supporters, has led to a dramatic increase in the number of people who are observing and scrutinizing the process across the nation. In just a few short years, the election process in many states, especially closely watched battlegrounds, has been transformed. Now, many officials around the nation are taking steps to rebuild confidence in elections.

One Judge, One Courthouse: Why judge-shopping is an issue in the U.S.

MSN – Tobi Raji (Washington Post) | Published: 9/23/2024

Leaders of the federal court system and some members of Congress are trying to limit the practice of judge shopping – when a person or group files a lawsuit in a carefully chosen court where they believe the judge will be inclined to rule in their favor. Neither the Democratic nor Republican legislation seems likely to advance in a polarized Congress, however. Guidance from the policymaking body that oversees the courts was greeted with hostility in some court chambers, with chief judges saying it is up to them to decide case-assignment procedures.

Defense Contracting Firm First to Be Sentenced in SPAWAR Bribery Scheme

MSN – Alex Riggins (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 9/24/2024

A judge sentenced a defense contracting firm to pay more than $4.1 million in fines and forfeitures as part of a corruption scandal in which one of the firm’s executives bribed a civilian employee from San Diego’s Naval Information Warfare Center in exchange for millions of dollars in government contracts. Cambridge International Systems was ordered to forfeit more than $1.67 million and pay a fine of $2.5 million after pleading guilty to a bribery conspiracy. The firm admitted to committing the criminal act through a handful of employees.

Judge Allows Lengthy Brief in Trump Case, Rejecting Claim of Election Impact

MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 9/24/2024

A federal judge granted prosecutors’ request to file an up-to-180-page legal brief arguing why Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election should not be immune from criminal prosecution, rejecting the former president’s claims that its timing was unfair or politically motivated with the election approaching. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan agreed with special counsel Jack Smith’s office, which argued the briefing was necessary because the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity required her as trial judge to decide what allegations and evidence against Trump could be admissible.

US Supreme Court Justices, Other Judges Can Stay at Corporate-Owned Homes Without Disclosure

MSN – Nate Raymond (Reuters) | Published: 9/24/2024

Supreme Court justices and federal judges on lower courts do not have to publicly disclose when they dine or stay at someone’s personal residence, even one owned by a business entity, under a revised ethics rule. The Judicial Conference’s Committee on Financial Disclosure said the disclosure regulations were updated to “clarify” the extent to which gifts received at personal residences owned by corporate entities could be deemed “personal hospitality” that judges did not need to list on their disclosure reports.

A New York Republican Flipped His District Red, Then Hired His Mistress and His Fiancé’s Daughter

MSN – Marin Scotten (Salon) | Published: 9/24/2024

A member of Congress could be in breach of House ethics rules after he hired a woman that he was having an affair with and his fiancée’s daughter to work in his office, the New York Times reported. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito got his break in politics thanks in part due to his connections with a group of powerful Republicans in Nassau County, who are famous for hiring their friends and family into local government.

Senate Panel Calls for Changes at the Secret Service and a Budget Evaluation

MSN – Maria Sacchetti and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 9/25/2024

A Senate committee investigating the July 13 shooting at a Donald Trump rally is urging Congress to evaluate the Secret Service’s budget and require the agency provide security to U.S. leaders and political candidates based on the threats they face, and not whether they are in office. The Secret Service has said it is seeking a significant increase to the agency’s $3 billion annual budget to hire more agents, update equipment, and increase training after the Pennsylvania shooting and a potential attack against Trump in Florida.

A New Mystery Firm Enters Trump’s Orbit, Rekindling Criticism of His Presidential Campaign Spending

Yahoo News – Richard Lardner (Associated Press) | Published: 9/26/2024

Launchpad Strategies was incorporated less than a year ago and has since received $15 million from Donald Trump’s election fundraising machine. For what is mostly a mystery. Campaign finance experts said Launchpad Strategies was built for anonymity and is the latest example of how the Trump campaign has used secretive businesses to obscure its spending from the public.

Lobbyists Exploit Massive Loophole to Wine and Dine Lawmakers, Aides at Fancy Getaways

Yahoo News – Adriana Navarro, Caley Fox Shannon, Taylor Nichols, and Heidi Przybyla (Politico) | Published: 9/22/2024

Members of Congress and their staff have taken at least 17,000 trips since 2012 that were paid for by private parties, many of them nonprofits with deep ties to lobbyists and special interests, such as the Congressional Institute. Congressional travel rules generally bar lobbyists from playing a significant role in organizing or participating in trips sponsored by corporate entities. None of these restrictions apply to nonprofits such as the Congressional Institute, which arranges multiday trips to luxury hotels and resorts. There is nothing preventing lobbyists and industry officials from participating as speakers or attendees at the events.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Campaign Funds Can Be Used for Child Care, AG Kris Mayes Says

Arizona Mirror – Caitlin Sievers | Published: 9/17/2024

Arizona candidates for public office can use their campaign funds to pay for childcare needs while they are campaigning, state Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a legal opinion. Just seven weeks out from the general election in November, the opinion is unlikely to have a great impact this election cycle. But supporters hope they can spread the word over the next two years to spur single mothers and fathers, and others who were held back by childcare costs, to run for office.

Arizona – Arizona’s Top Court Says Voters Missing Citizenship Proof Can Receive Full Ballots

MSN – Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 9/20/2024

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled nearly 100,000 voters should receive regular ballots this fall even though there is no record they had submitted documentation to state officials proving they are citizens. The battleground state’s high court issued its ruling three days after officials told the justices they had recently discovered state computer systems had identified some longtime residents as having provided citizenship documents even though they had not.

California – Critics Say Lawmakers Watered Down California’s Lemon Car Law after Secret Lobbyist Negotiations

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 9/23/2024

Californians have relied on the state’s “lemon law” to fight back against car makers that sell them defective vehicles. Now, critics say the state’s ability to recoup their money after buying a clunker could become more difficult, due to a hastily passed bill that lobbyists representing U.S. auto manufacturers and powerful attorneys groups drafted in secret. How the bill came to end up on the governor’s desk is the latest example of how bills are often passed with little time for public input or legislative debate.

California – Should Oakland Allow for Bigger Political Campaign Contributions?

MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 9/20/2024

The amount of money individuals can give to candidates running for Oakland City Council and other positions this November might increase by a couple of hundred dollars, a possibility that some ethics officials and good government advocates oppose. The proposal would essentially restore the higher contribution limits that existed in Oakland before passage of Measure W in 2022. Supporters of the change say the lower contribution amounts has created a financial crunch that has been especially hard for candidates running for the at-large council seat and for city attorney.

California – O.C. Board of Supervisors Censures Embattled Member Andrew Do

MSN – Andrew Campa (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 9/24/2024

The Orange County Board of Supervisors censured Andrew Do, marking another significant, if ceremonial, rebuke of the embattled politician. The board condemned Do “for his failure to abide by the code of ethics and commitment to public service, and for the reckless judgment and favoritism he has demonstrated.” Do, who is in the last year of his final term, has not attended a board meeting since August 13. The censure follows the board’s decision to remove Do from all committee and board appointments.

California – Oakland’s Chief Ethics Investigator Quits

MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 9/25/2024

Simon Russell, the enforcement chief of Oakland’s Public Ethics Commission, is resigning. Russell’s primary reason for leaving is the city’s refusal to give his team more resources, despite his repeated warnings about a staffing crisis. “I can only conclude that this failure is largely deliberate, even despite (or perhaps because of) the considerable public interest in our cases that have been brought partially to light,” Russell wrote.

Georgia – Pro-Trump Georgia Election Board Votes to Require Hand Counts of Ballots

MSN – Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 9/20/2024

Georgia’s State Election Board passed a measure requiring local precincts to conduct hand counts for the November election and confirm the figures match machine counts before certifying election results. The change was led by a pro-Donald Trump majority that has enacted a series of changes to the state’s election rules. Critics accused the board of intentionally injecting chaos and uncertainty into the presidential contest. Election supervisors said hand counts would take too long, cost money, and almost certainly produce counting errors.

Hawaii – Hawaii Lawmaker to Pay $12,500 To Settle Ethics Commission Complaint

Honolulu Civil Beat – Kevin Dayton | Published: 9/19/2024

The Hawaii Ethics Commission agreed to settle a complaint against state Rep. David Alcos over allegations he failed to disclose an array of debts on disclosures that candidates and lawmakers are required to file. Those debts include more than $3.2 million in federal and state tax liens filed against Alcos to collect taxes owed by Alcos’ company, D.A. Builders LLC.

Illinois – With Jury Stuck 11-1, Judge Declares Mistrial in Case of Ex-AT&T Boss Accused of Bribing Speaker Madigan

MSN – Jason Meisner, Rebecca Johnson, and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 9/20/2024

A federal judge declared a mistrial in the bribery case of former AT&T executive Paul La Schiazza after the jury said it was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. La Schiazza was accused of secretly funneling payments to an ally of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for the speaker’s assistance passing key legislation for AT&T in Springfield, allegations that are also included in the racketeering indictment against Madigan and his co-defendant, Michael McClain.

Indiana – Council OKs Revised Elected-Official Pay, Ethics Disclosure Ordinances

Indianapolis Business Journal – Taylor Wooten | Published: 9/24/2024

The Indianapolis City-County Council approved two ordinances at their recent meeting, one that increases long-stagnant countywide elected official pay and the other requiring councilors to fill out more in-depth, publicly available disclosure forms. The ordinance makes councilor financial disclosure, currently available only through a public records request, easily accessible online. It would also expand the amount of information councilors are required to report about their employer and finances.

Kansas – ‘A Breakdown’: Kansas missed signs dead ex-official worked both sides of $425k grant

Yahoo News – Chance Swaim and Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) | Published: 9/20/2024

A former Kansas Department of Commerce official suspected of embezzling public funds handled money for a community foundation that received a $425,000 grant while he oversaw the same grant at the state agency that awarded it, an apparent conflict-of-interest now coming under scrutiny. Two top Commerce officials – Lt. Gov. David Toland, who leads the agency, and Robert North, the agency’s general counsel – signed off on the grant amid warning signs that the official was working on both sides of the grant.

Michigan – Lobbyist Sold His Condo to a Lawmaker at a Loss While Another Rents Rooms to Legislators

MSN – Alex Walters and Jack Armstrong (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 9/25/2024

A lobbyist sold his Lansing condominium to a state representative at a financial loss in the largest-ever financial transaction between a lobbyist and a Michigan legislator over the last 20 years. Nathan Piwowarski, while registered as a lobbyist, disclosed he sold his condo to then-state Rep. Phil Potvin. Piwowarski bought the condo for $106,900 in 2003 and sold it to Potvin for $79,000 in 2011. Piwowarski said he sold the condo for fair market value. Michigan law does not require an independent evaluation of that claim.

Michigan – Michigan Lawmakers Feast and Fly for Free, but the System for Tracking Freebies Is Broken

Yahoo News – Eye on Michigan | Published: 9/23/2024

Lobbyists spend millions of dollars entertaining state officials in Michigan, but it is difficult to determine what lawmakers accept because the state’s system for tracking influencers’ gifts to legislators is flawed, rife with loopholes, and relies on the honor system, according to a media investigation. Nearly two-thirds of all spending was classified as “group food & beverage,” making it impossible to determine how much each lawmaker received in free meals.

Mississippi – Late-Arriving 2024 Ballots Challenged by GOP at Appeals Court

MSN – Zoe Tillman (Bloomberg) | Published: 9/24/2024

A federal appeals court weighed a Republican challenge to Mississippi counting mail ballots that arrive within five days of an election as long as they are postmarked by that date, in a showdown that could wind up at the U.S. Supreme Court. While Mississippi is not a battleground state in the presidential race, the case could fuel other 2024 legal challenges in states with similar rules four years after the pandemic made absentee voting an election flashpoint.

Nebraska – State Sen. Mike McDonnell Deflates GOP Hopes for Nebraska Winner-Take-All in 2024

Nebraska Examiner – Aaron Sanderford | Published: 9/23/2024

The Republican push to change how Nebraska awards its Electoral College votes and boost Donald Trump ran into political reality as a key lawmaker, state Sen. Mike McDonnell, announced he would not support the change. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that award a single Electoral College vote to the winner in each congressional district, plus two votes to the statewide winner of the presidential popular vote. McDonnell’s “no” on winner-take-all leaves Republicans in Nebraska’s Legislature with no path to overcoming a promised filibuster unless a Democrat or nonpartisan senator defects.

New Jersey – Party Boss George Norcross’ Indictment Details a Web of Corruption Across South Jersey

Gothamist – Nancy Solomon | Published: 9/22/2024

The indictment of New Jersey political boss George Norcross provides new evidence of how he wielded political power in Camden, creating a patronage pipeline that placed his allies in well-paying, influential jobs. George Norcross, his brother Philip, former Camden Mayor Dana Redd, and three others are charged with running a criminal enterprise that used political power to steal property and development rights along the Camden waterfront from the rightful owners.

New Mexico – Settlement Reached on Disclosure of Donors, Expenditures of Latino Election Group

Yahoo News – Colleen Heild (Albuquerque Journal) | Published: 9/23/2024

New Mexicans will find out the identities of the individuals and organizations that contributed to a political committee aimed at combating the influence of progressive Democrats in this year’s legislative elections. The New Mexico Project, and one of its founders, Jeff Apodaca, agreed to settle a legal battle over the project’s failure to comply with state campaign reporting laws. In a settlement, The New Mexico Project registered with the state and promised to disclose its contributions and expenditures by October 2.

New York – NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on 5 Federal Public Corruption Charges, Including Bribery and Wire Fraud

MSN – Evan Perez, Mark Morales, Kara Scannell, Brynn Gingras, and Gloria Pazmino (CNN) | Published: 9/26/2024

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on corruption charges following a federal investigation. Adams, the first mayor of New York City to ever be charged with a crime while in office, faces, five charges related to bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals. The indictment alleges illegal actions stretching back to 2014, from when he was Brooklyn Borough president.

North Carolina – N.C. Republican Vows to Continue Campaign for Governor Amid Fallout of CNN Story

MSN – Patrick Svitek, Amy Gardner, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 9/19/2024

Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor in North Carolina, vowed to continue his campaign amid the fallout over a CNN story about comments he made on a pornographic website’s message board more than a decade ago. CNN reported Robinson called himself a “black NAZI!” on the forum in 2010 and voiced support for bringing back slavery the same year. Robinson, who has expressed hostility toward transgender people in his campaign, also said on the message board that he liked to watch transgender pornography.

North Dakota – Ethics Commission to Seek Legislation to Bolster Transparency, Investigative Authority

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 9/25/2024

The North Dakota Ethics Commission is planning to propose legislation during next year’s session that would overhaul how it investigates potential violations. Staff say the changes would bring the panel more in line with the original vision for the Ethics Commission approved by voters. The proposed changes would also give the commission more control over when and how it conducts investigations. The commission would also for the first time have the freedom to dismiss or informally resolve allegations before an official investigation is launched.

Ohio – Ohio’s Controversial Ban on Foreign Contributions to State Ballot-Issue Campaigns Takes Effect, at Least for Now

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 9/25/2024

Ohio’s ban on non-citizens contributing money to state ballot-issue campaigns is now in force, at least for the time being, as a federal appeals court panel lifted a temporary freeze on the new law. A District Court judge had ruled that authorities could not enforce the ban because it unconstitutionally restricted free-speech rights of lawful permanent residents, also known as green-card holders.

Ohio – Ohio Sheriff Barred from Working Elections After Posts about Harris Signs

MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 9/24/2024

The Portage County, Ohio, elections board barred its sheriff’s office from providing security during early voting after Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski urged people to collect the addresses of residents displaying yard signs for Vice President Kamala Harris. The messages sparked concerns among local residents, civil rights groups, and regional politicians about voter intimidation during the presidential election.

Oregon – Oregon Is the Only State Where Lawmakers Can’t Impeach Statewide Office Holders. Will Voters Change That with Measure 115?

MSN – Aimee Green (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 9/24/2024

Measure 115 on the November ballot would amend the constitution to make Oregon the final state to allow lawmakers to oust statewide officials of some sort. In Oregon’s case, it would be elected officials in five statewide positions: governor, secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general, and labor commissioner. Currently, the only mechanism the state has for removing elected officials from office is a recall. But the process is long, complicated, and expensive, and critics say relying on recalls to keep in check high-level state officials is not a realistic option.

Pennsylvania – Court Takes ‘Naked Ballots’ Case Over Pennsylvania Mail-in Voting

MSN – Mark Scolforo (Associated Press) | Published: 9/20/2024

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will consider whether counties must accept provisional ballots cast on election day at polling places by voters whose mail-in ballots lacked secrecy envelopes or were rejected for other flaws. It could determine the fate of thousands of votes that could otherwise be canceled in the November 5 election, when Pennsylvania is considered a critical state in the presidential contest.

Rhode Island – RI’s Part-Time Legislators Do Not Go Hungry. Here’s Where They Eat – and Who Pays the Tab

Yahoo News – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 9/20/2024

Legislative leaders spent $235,739.55 in taxpayer dollars this past session making sure Rhode Island’s part-time lawmakers did not go hungry. Some of the food was provided for legislators and staff on the nights House and Senate leaders anticipated long committee meetings or floor sessions, while some of the really big spending begins when the gavels drop each night.

Tennessee – Tennessee Registry Reports Cothren Attorney to Disciplinary Board

Yahoo News – Sam Stockard (Tennessee Lookout) | Published: 9/25/2024

Tennessee’s Registry of Election Finance is reporting the attorney for a former House speaker’s chief of staff to the Board of Professional Responsibility for a potential ethics violation after an encounter between a private investigator and the state’s campaign finance chief. Registry board members voted to notify the board that a private investigator for attorney Cynthia Sherwood went to the home of Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Executive Director Bill Young on and tried to talk to him about a case. It was reported that the private investigator went to several lawmakers’ homes too.

Texas – Jury Clears All but One Defendant in Texas ‘Trump Train’ Trial

MSN – Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) | Published: 9/23/2024

A jury cleared all but one of six Donald Trump supporters who were accused of breaking federal law when they surrounded a Joe Biden campaign bus driving down a Texas highway days before the 2020 election. Jurors said just one of the defendants, Eliazar Cisneros, violated the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 when the so-called Trump Train, a monicker for caravans to show support for the former president, drove up to the bus as it traveled on Interstate 35. The group, which included dozens of vehicles on the highway that day, forced the bus to slow to a crawl.

Wisconsin – Investigation Launched into Wisconsin Mayor Who Removed Ballot Drop Box

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 9/25/2024

A fight over voting rules in Wisconsin sparked a criminal investigation after Wausau Mayor Doug Diny, wearing a hard hat and Department of Public Works jacket, carted off a ballot drop box the city clerk was about to make available to voters. Officials in the battleground are considering with whether to use drop boxes after the state Supreme Court gave them that ability. Officials in Milwaukee, Madison, and other Democratic strongholds have embraced them, while their counterparts in some of Milwaukee’s suburbs and other Republican areas have banned them.

Last September, we welcomed a new Manager of Research Services to our team: Sam Wilkinson, Esq. For the past year, Sam has been refining his expertise in our Research Department, and the jurisdictions he covers, which include Maryland, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Sam knew he wanted to be a lawyer since he was in high school. He was exposed to stories about practicing law through media and was inspired to help people.

“The core tenant was to be the kind of person that could help people in one of the scarier moments of their lives, and that’s what I want to do. That’s the kind of person I want to be,” he explained.

Sam attended the University of Akron School of Law after graduating from Ohio State University with a degree in theatre and an associate’s degree from Stark State College.

When it comes to his role as a Manager of Research Services, Sam finds many aspects of the job rewarding.

For him, the best part of the job is being able to help clients with questions they ask through our “Ask the Experts” feature. When those questions cover topics that may be a gray area or when something doesn’t make sense, our Research Managers like Sam get the chance to help, and sometimes advocate, on behalf of our clients.

An example Sam gave was regarding a special election where a special disclosure was required. When trying to find the filing date for the special disclosure, Sam was looking at the jurisdiction’s ethics commission website and couldn’t find the form. Upon calling around and talking to people at that ethics commission, it was discovered that the wrong form had been uploaded. Sam was able to get the matter sorted with the director of that ethics commission and get the correct information uploaded, making disclosure filing easy and possible for clients and our Compliance Managers who may be doing that on behalf of our clients.

He also said, “Becoming familiar with how government operates and how those intricate rules and ethics go together is the interesting bit for me,” he explained.

In addition to this, Sam’s role includes maintaining the website and guidebook entries for his jurisdictions and answering questions from clients.

The State and Federal Communications, Inc. team is full of experts you can trust. Learn more about what we can do for you at https://stateandfed.com/services/.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed to allow the ban on foreign contributions to ballot measure committees to be enforced until October 8. This will give the panel sufficient opportunity to consider whether to overturn the preliminary injunction granted by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. State lawmakers passed the foreign contribution ban during a special session, adding green-card holders to the list of prohibited contributors. In a statement, Secretary of State Frank LaRose said his office is ready to begin immediate enforcement of the ban.

Campaign Finance

Ohio: “Ohio’s Controversial Ban on Foreign Contributions to State Ballot-Issue Campaigns Takes Effect, at Least for Now” by Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Tennessee: “Tennessee Registry Reports Cothren Attorney to Disciplinary Board” by Sam Stockard (Tennessee Lookout) for Yahoo News

Elections

Mississippi: “Late-Arriving 2024 Ballots Challenged by GOP at Appeals Court” by Zoe Tillman (Bloomberg) for MSN

Ohio: “Ohio Sheriff Barred from Working Elections After Posts about Harris Signs” by Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “O.C. Board of Supervisors Censures Embattled Member Andrew Do” by Andrew Campa (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

National: “Defense Contracting Firm First to Be Sentenced in SPAWAR Bribery Scheme” by Alex Riggins (San Diego Union-Tribune) for MSN

National: “Judge Allows Lengthy Brief in Trump Case, Rejecting Claim of Election Impact” by Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “US Supreme Court Justices, Other Judges Can Stay at Corporate-Owned Homes Without Disclosure” by Nate Raymond (Reuters) for MSN

New York: “New York City Mayor Eric Adams Has Been Indicted, Sources Say” by Jake Offenhartz, Larry Neumeister, and Anthony Izaguirre (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

Michigan: “Lobbyist Sold His Condo to a Lawmaker at a Loss While Another Rents Rooms to Legislators” by Alex Walters and Jack Armstrong (Detroit Free Press) for MSN

Campaign Finance

California: “Should Oakland Allow for Bigger Political Campaign Contributions?” by Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) for MSN

New Mexico: “Settlement Reached on Disclosure of Donors, Expenditures of Latino Election Group” by Colleen Heild (Albuquerque Journal) for Yahoo News

Elections

National: “Latest Strategy in Fighting Election Skepticism: Radical transparency” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Indiana: “Council OKs Revised Elected-Official Pay, Ethics Disclosure Ordinances” by Taylor Wooten for Indianapolis Business Journal

National: “One Judge, One Courthouse: Why judge-shopping is an issue in the U.S.” by Tobi Raji (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “U.S. Inquiry into N.Y. Mayor’s Foreign Ties Said to Include 6 Countries” by William Rashbaum, Dana Rubinstein, and Michael Rothfeld (New York Times) for DNyuz

Texas: “Jury Clears All but One Defendant in Texas ‘Trump Train’ Trial” by Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Oregon: “Oregon Is the Only State Where Lawmakers Can’t Impeach Statewide Office Holders. Will Voters Change That with Measure 115?” by Aimee Green (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Elections

Arizona: “Arizona’s Top Court Says Voters Missing Citizenship Proof Can Receive Full Ballots” by Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN

Nebraska: “State Sen. Mike McDonnell Deflates GOP Hopes for Nebraska Winner-Take-All in 2024” by Aaron Sanderford for Nebraska Examiner

Pennsylvania: “Court Takes ‘Naked Ballots’ Case Over Pennsylvania Mail-in Voting” by Mark Scolforo (Associated Press) for MSN

Ethics

National: “As President, Trump Demanded Investigations of Foes. He Often Got Them.” by Michael Schmidt (New York Times) for DNyuz

New Jersey: “Party Boss George Norcross’ Indictment Details a Web of Corruption Across South Jersey” by Nancy Solomon for Gothamist

Legislative Issues

California: “Critics Say Lawmakers Watered Down California’s Lemon Car Law after Secret Lobbyist Negotiations” by Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Lobbyists Exploit Massive Loophole to Wine and Dine Lawmakers, Aides at Fancy Getaways” by Adriana Navarro, Caley Fox Shannon, Taylor Nichols, and Heidi Przybyla (Politico) for Yahoo News

Michigan: “Michigan Lawmakers Feast and Fly for Free, but the System for Tracking Freebies Is Broken” by Eye on Michigan for Yahoo News

The state Democratic Party filed suit against Gov. Kemp in federal court over a 2021 state law allowing candidates to accept unlimited contributions through leadership committees.

Last Thursday, a federal judge ruled in favor of Gov. Kemp.

U.S. District Judge Mark Cohen found the complaint to be speculative in nature and the Democratic Party lacked standing to sue the governor.

Democrats could not point to a specific contribution that had infringed the right of free speech and equal protection rights.

The court noted the attorney general and the Georgia Ethics Commission would be the appropriate parties to sue.

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Campaign Funds Can Be Used for Child Care, AG Kris Mayes Says” by Caitlin Sievers for Arizona Mirror

National: “FEC Forgoes New AI Rulemaking Ahead of Election” by Taylor Giorno (The Hill) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “Pro-Trump Georgia Election Board Votes to Require Hand Counts of Ballots” by Amy Gardner (Washington Post) for MSN

North Carolina: “N.C. Republican Vows to Continue Campaign for Governor Amid Fallout of CNN Story” by Patrick Svitek, Amy Gardner, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Hawaii: “Hawaii Lawmaker to Pay $12,500 To Settle Ethics Commission Complaint” by Kevin Dayton for Honolulu Civil Beat

Illinois: “With Jury Stuck 11-1, Judge Declares Mistrial in Case of Ex-AT&T Boss Accused of Bribing Speaker Madigan” by Jason Meisner, Rebecca Johnson, and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

Kansas: “‘A Breakdown’: Kansas missed signs dead ex-official worked both sides of $425k grant” by Chance Swaim and Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) for Yahoo News

Legislative Issues

Rhode Island: “RI’s Part-Time Legislators Do Not Go Hungry. Here’s Where They Eat – and Who Pays the Tab” by Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) for Yahoo News

National/Federal

In New York Case, Signs of a Familiar China Playbook

DNyuz – David Pierson (New York Times) | Published: 9/16/2024

Before Linda Sun, a former senior aide in the New York governor’s office, was charged with using her position benefit the Chinese government, suspected cases of Chinese foreign meddling had been on the rise in Western democracies. The intelligence work is focused on influencing political discourse so that it leans more favorably toward China’s positions on contentious issues like the status of Taiwan. China’s attempts to interfere with Western democracies are likely to grow more acute as relations between Beijing and the West fray, said Anne-Marie Brady, a political scientist at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

How Roberts Shaped Trump’s Supreme Court Winning Streak

DNyuz – Jodi Kantor and Adam Liptak (New York Times) | Published: 9/15/2024

In a momentous trio of January 6-related cases last term, the U.S. Supreme Court found itself more entangled in presidential politics than at any time since the 2000 election, even as it was contending with its own controversies related to that day. Chief Justice John Roberts responded by deploying his authority to steer rulings that benefited Donald Trump, according to a New York Times examination that uncovered new information about the court’s decision making.

Violent Threats and Attacks Escalate Tensions in Trump-Harris Race

MSN – Hannah Knowles and Hannah Allam (Washington Post) | Published: 9/17/2024

The 2024 election season has been repeatedly marked by extraordinary acts and threats of violence that have become a more contentious issue in the presidential race, escalating tensions in an already heated political environment and prompting heightened security measures at events with seven weeks of campaigning left to go. While the country’s history includes examples of violence upending campaigning and governance, this year’s race stands out from others in recent memory, experts said, with some long-simmering fears of violent acts breaking into the open.

The Rush to Get Close to Kamala Harris and Her Inner Circle Is On

MSN – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 9/19/2024

Lobbyists are scrambling to figure out Kamala Harris. Lobbyists spent decades cultivating ties with President Biden’s inner circle; Harris has spent less than eight years in Washington. During her time as a U.S. senator, Harris’ office was seen as either ambivalent to or dismissive of the requests of corporate interests. During her years as vice president, she was seen as superfluous to the core policymaking process. But K Street is now setting its sights on the new Democratic ticket-leader and rushing to catch up on years of relationship-building.

Abortion Foes Use Government Power to Fight Red-State Ballot Measures

MSN – Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Lori Rozsa, and Annie Gowan (Washington Post) | Published: 9/12/2024

An unprecedented number of abortion initiatives are on state ballots this November, nearly all seeking to protect reproductive rights, but opponents are trying to defeat them even before the start of voting through legal challenges, administrative maneuvers, and critics say, outright intimidation. In part, the intensity reflects what is at stake. Since the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022, every ballot measure put before voters has been approved, including in red states like Ohio. Those seeking to restrict abortion access have failed, even in conservative Kansas.

Vance Amplifies False Claims About Haitian Migrants in Ohio

MSN – Sarah Ellison, Mariana Alfaro, and Lisa Rein (Washington Post) | Published: 9/15/2024

Soon after his unsubstantiated comments on Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, sparked a national firestorm and spurred violent threats in the town, U.S. Sen. JD Vance doubled down on his baseless claims that Haitians are eating their neighbors’ pets “to draw attention to the Biden-Harris immigration policies.” In a contentious interview on CNN, Vance said if he has to “create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

How This Lawsuit Against the IRS Aims to Allow Churches a Greater Role in Politics

MSN – Angele Latham (Nashville Tennessean) | Published: 9/16/2024

A federal rule bans tax-exempt organizations organized under 501(c)(3) of the tax code from “directly or indirectly” participating in politics, specifically in endorsing or opposing candidates. A lawsuit filed by Chistian groups challenges the rule by alleging their speech has been “wrongfully silenced.” Although the IRS often sets churches to 501(c)(3) status by default, the churches in the complaint would likely receive the political benefits they are seeking if they switched registration to 501(c)(4) but the move would mean losing their tax benefits, said Jennifer Safstrom, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Affordable Housing Advocate Penalized for Not Registering as a Lobbyist with City of Hamilton

CBC – Samantha Beattie | Published: 9/18/2024

One of Hamilton’s most vocal affordable housing advocates is being penalized for not registering as a lobbyist with the city before contacting officials on dozens of occasions and in some instances requesting land or money for projects. Graham Cubitt is not allowed to lobby with any city staff or elected officials for 30 days, said lobbyist registrar David Boghosian, who is also the city’s integrity commissioner.

Arizona – Chandler Council Member, Accused of Corruption, Seeks Millions … from Chandler

Bears Wire – Sam Kmack (Arizona Republic) | Published: 9/14/2024

A sitting Chandler City Council member is suing the city she represents, seeking millions of dollars for slander because the city falsely divulged the FBI was investigating her for political corruption. Jane Poston claims former police Chief Sean Duggan and current Assistant Chief Dave Ramer defamed her, caused her emotional distress, and harmed her private public relations company.

Arizona – Court May Decide If Arizonans with Missing Citizenship Records Can Vote in State Races

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 9/17/2024

A key election official in Arizona’s Maricopa County asked the state’s highest court to prohibit nearly 100,000 longtime residents from voting in state and local races this fall after discovering the state has no record of asking them for documents proving their U.S. citizenship. Like other states, Arizona requires voters to swear they are citizens when they register to vote. But for 20 years, Arizona law has gone further and required residents to show birth certificates, naturalization papers, or other documents proving citizenship to vote in state and local elections.

California – Oakland Ethics Commission Declines Proposed Settlement with Libby Schaaf

MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 9/17/2024

The Oakland Public Ethics Commission rejected the advice of its staff by refusing to settle a sprawling set of campaign finance cases involving violations by former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. Several commissioners said they feel the proposed settlement negotiated by commission staff and Schaaf’s attorney does not transparently show how much Schaaf and others will be fined for breaking multiple election rules. The commission met to consider five cases that involved Schaaf and others ranging from the Oakland Chamber of Commerce’s PAC, the Oakland police union, contractors, campaign consultants, and political groups.

California – California Legislature’s Unwritten Rule: Negotiate in secret with lobbyists, not in public

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 9/18/2024

An analysis of every vote cast in the past five years shows Democrats who control the California Legislature vote “no” on average less than one percent of the time, suggesting the fates of most bills are decided before votes are cast. The original language in almost all bills that navigate the legislative process is usually changed through amendments added in committees. That can be a high-stakes discussion done in secret between legislators and staff and lobbyists. When there are political consequences or money is involved, the governor’s office or legislative leaders can also shape bills behind the scenes.

California – California Passes Package of Laws to Combat Election Deepfakes

MSN – Felix Ng (Cointelegraph) | Published: 9/17/2024

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law bills to crack down on politically themed Artificial Intelligence (AI) deepfakes during elections. It comes only weeks after Elon Musk re-posted a parody of a Kamala Harris campaign ad on X that garnered millions of views and used AI-powered voice manipulation to make it seem Harris called herself an incompetent presidential candidate.

California – San Jose Councilmembers Team Up to Lobby City

San Jose Spotlight – Brandon Pho | Published: 9/16/2024

San Jose City Councilperson Sergio Jimenez is jumping into the elected official to lobbyist pipeline. He has formed a new consulting firm before terming out of his council seat at the end of this year. Joining him is former Councilperson Raul Peralez, a San Jose police officer who started his own consulting business after leaving office. It is the latest instance of the city’s “revolving door” through which government officials become paid lobbyists, which has prompted concern over the years about unfair deal making advantages.

California – Silicon Valley Political Groups Fail to Meet Transparency Requirements

San Jose Spotlight – Brandon Pho | Published: 9/14/2024

Nearly 40 campaign committees in Santa Clara County failed to file transparency reports by legal deadlines since 2018, in many cases even after receiving two written warnings. Nearly 30 of those committees have been flagged to county prosecutors and state watchdogs for investigation. For candidates who are new to politics, missed deadlines are an inevitable learning curve. But experts argue more experienced elected officials and candidates who should be well acquainted with the rules are likely ignoring them.

Colorado – Utilities Have to Itemize Some Political Spending in Other States. They Want Regulators to Keep It Secret in Colorado

Colorado Public Radio – Ishan Thakore | Published: 9/17/2024

Colorado lawmakers passed the Utility Regulation Act following a spike in energy bills. The law prevents investor-owned utilities from charging customers for a broad set of political activities, including meetings with lawmakers to influence legislation, some types of advertising, and membership dues to lobbying groups. The law requires utilities to submit an annual report about their spending. But lawmakers left it to regulators to determine much of the law’s fine print, including how much detail utilities must include in the report. Consumer advocates and utilities are now fighting over the scope of the law.

Florida – Ethics Commission: Lobbyist never cashed Baxter’s reimbursement checks for trip, VIP dinner

Austin American-Statesman – Mike Diamond (Palm Beach Post) | Published: 9/18/2024

The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics cited lobbyist Ron Book for failing to cash checks totaling $600 from county Commissioner Sara Baxter for a ride on his private jet to Tallahassee to attend the inauguration of Gov. Ron DeSantis in January 2023. Sitting on the checks after 90 days of receiving them turned the trip and the dinner into gifts, which means Baxter had to report them as such, and she did not. The commission has not charged Baxter with any wrongdoing but the ethics agency is investigating her, too.

Florida – Trial Begins in Alleged Florida Election Conspiracy That Tilted a Miami Senate Race

MSN – Charles Rabin (Miami Herald) | Published: 9/15/2024

A criminal case that opened a window to a plot to help Republicans win important 2020 Florida Senate races by propping up fake progressive candidates with shadowy money is finally headed to trial, with a political operative fighting the charges. State prosecutors are expected to claim in court that former state Sen. Frank Artiles, a Republican, masterminded a scheme to tilt the results of a tight race in Miami by recruiting and paying a straw candidate to siphon votes away from the Democratic incumbent.

Georgia – Georgia Lieutenant Governor Won’t Face Charges Connected to 2020 Election

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 9/13/2024

A special prosecutor concluded criminal charges should not be brought against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for his role in helping Donald Trump overturn his election loss in Georgia. Jones faced scrutiny because he was one of 16 state Republicans who signed a certificate falsely claiming Trump won Georgia in 2020 and declaring themselves to be the “duly elected and qualified electors from Georgia.” As a state senator, Jones also sought to convene a special session of the Legislature aimed at reversing Joe Biden’s narrow victory in the state.

Georgia – Judge in Georgia Election Case Knocks Out 2 Charges Against Trump

MSN – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 9/12/2024

A judge overseeing the Georgia case charging Donald Trump with conspiring to interfere in the 2020 election tossed out three more of the prosecution’s charges, two of which involve the former president. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said the three counts were legally flawed because they involved claims that Trump or his allies violated state law by submitting fraudulent documents to a federal court in Atlanta.

Illinois – City Council Cracks Down on Lobbyist Campaign Donations to Mayor after Johnson Took Contributions

WBEZ – Tessa Weinberg | Published: 9/18/2024

The Chicago City Council passed an ethics ordinance aimed at sanctioning lobbyists for contributions to mayoral candidates after Mayor Brandon Johnson dropped his opposition to the plan. The penalties close an enforcement gap in a 13-year-old ethics rule put in place by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel that prohibits lobbyists from donating to a mayor’s political fund. The reform broadens the original ban by expanding the restrictions to contributions made to mayoral candidates’ political committees, not just the incumbent mayor’s.

Kentucky – Complaint Filed Against a Top Kentucky Democrat for Condo Purchase. She Says It’s Ethical.

Yahoo News – Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 9/16/2024

An ethics complaint was filed against House Minority Caucus Chairperson Cherlynn Stevenson for jointly purchasing a Frankfort condominium with a lobbyist. But Stevenson has copies of correspondence with the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission, the body that handles such complaints, clearing her to purchase the condo with Sarah Bowling earlier this year.

Nebraska – Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission Seeks New Director as Hunter Steps Back

Nebraska Examiner – Aaron Sanderford | Published: 9/16/2024

The Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission needs a new executive director about a year after promoting a leader from within. David Hunter asked to return to his previous job as deputy director for personal reasons, officials said. Hunter succeeded Frank Daley, who retired after a quarter century as executive director.

New Jersey – Atlantic City Mayor and Wife Indicted for Alleged Child Abuse

MSN – Daniel Han (Politico) | Published: 9/18/2024

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his wife, who is the city’s superintendent of schools, face criminal charges for allegedly abusing their teenage daughter. According to prosecutors, Small Sr. and La’Quetta Small physically assaulted their daughter, who was 15 to 16 years old during the time of the alleged abuse. Small Sr. is the latest Atlantic City elected official to face criminal charges.

New Mexico – Judge Orders ‘Dark Money’ Group Back to Court for Failure to Register, Disclose Donors

Yahoo News – Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 9/16/2024

A judge is considering holding a “dark money” group in contempt for failing to comply with an order to register as a political committee and disclose its donors. The New Mexico Project aims to “empower the moderate Latino electorate,” according to its website, and supported a slate of legislative candidates in the Democratic primary. Judge Joshua Allison issued a preliminary injunction requiring the group to register no later than September 4 and report its expenditures and contributions no later than September 9. The group has done neither.

New York – Ex-FDNY Chiefs Indicted on Federal Bribery Charges in ‘Pay-to-Play Corruption’ Scheme

Gothamist – Matt Katz and Elizabeth Kim | Published: 9/16/2024

Two former New York Fire Department chiefs accepted at least $190,000 in bribes in exchange for fast-tracking approvals of buildings’ fire alarm systems, according to an indictment. Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco were the top two chiefs at the department’s bureau of fire prevention, which issues approvals for alarm and suppression systems in businesses and buildings. According to the indictment, from 2021 to 2023 they worked through a retired firefighter who, acting as a middleman, promised to expedite reviews and inspections in exchange for cash.

New York – Mayor Adams’ Team Asked Campaign Watchdog for More Time – Citing Federal Investigation

Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 9/12/2024

Mayor Eric Adams’ team wrote in a letter to New York City’s campaign finance watchdog that the campaign needed more time to respond to questions about apparent sloppy recordkeeping because its lawyer was too busy dealing with a federal inquiry. The Campaign Finance Board granted multiple deadline extensions to respond to an audit of Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign. The audit sought additional documentation for $2.3 million in expenses.

New York – Mayor Adams’ Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg Resigned Over Rebuffed Advice to Fire Officials Amid Probe

MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 9/16/2024

Lisa Zornberg, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ former chief counsel, resigned after the mayor rejected her advice to fire several top administration officials ensnared in federal corruption investigations, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Zornberg presented Adams with the recommendation for firings after concluding an internal review of Ray Martin, a lower-level aide in the mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, the sources said.

New York – New York City Police Commissioner Resigns After His Phone Was Seized in Federal Investigation

Yahoo News – Jake Offenhartz and Michael Sisak (Associated Press) | Published: 9/12/2024

New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned, one week after it emerged his phone was seized as part of federal investigation that touched several members of Mayor Eric Adams’ inner circle. Federal authorities are also investigating Caban’s twin brother, James Caban, a former police sergeant who runs a nightclub security business, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Ohio – SEC Sues Ex-FirstEnergy CEO Jones; Conspiracy Charge Brought Against Him, Ex-Exec Dowling

MSN – Patrick Williams (Akron Beacon Journal) | Published: 9/13/2024

Two former FirstEnergy executives were indicted \on an additional conspiracy charge for their alleged roles in a “pay-to-play” scheme. The indictment also included amended charges against former Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and former Senior Vice President of External Affairs Michael Dowling. As part of a separate lawsuit, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a complaint against Jones, alleging he misled investors about the utility’s payments to former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder in a “pay-to-play” scheme.

Ohio – Ohio Sheriff Says to ‘Write Down’ Addresses of Homes with Harris Signs

MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 9/16/2024

A sheriff in Ohio who made disparaging remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris and immigrants on social media is suggesting local residents compile a list of addresses where they see yard signs in support of the Democratic presidential nominee. Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski’s Facebook posts sparked tension across Portage County, which Donald Trump carried by 12 points in the 2020 election. Some residents accused Zuchowski of voter intimidation ahead of November’s election.

Ohio – Ohio Supreme Court Clears Ballot Language Saying Anti-Gerrymandering Measure Calls for the Opposite

MSN – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 9/16/2024

The Ohio Supreme Court let stand ballot language that will describe this fall’s Issue 1 as requiring gerrymandering, when the proposal is intended to do the opposite. The bipartisan proposal calls for replacing Ohio’s troubled political map-making system with a citizen-led commission of Republicans, Democrats, and independents. The proposal emerged after seven different versions of congressional and legislative maps created after the 2020 Census were declared unconstitutionally gerrymandered to favor Republicans.

Oklahoma – Ethics Questions Swirl as Oklahoma Lawmaker Stands to Profit from Potential Solar Farm in His District

KOSU – Lionel Ramos | Published: 9/17/2024

Oklahoma Rep. Justin Humphrey met with about a dozen landowners in his district to discuss a deal. He said a company was looking to buy 5,000 of land to build a solar farm.  Humphry also acknowledged he and his brothers were selling land they owned in the proposed deal. State ethics rules say lawmakers cannot negotiate business deals in their district that they or their family would benefit from, especially if there is legislation involved. The same state rules prohibiting Humphrey’s behavior also protect officeholders from formal complaints during an election season.

Oklahoma – Campaign Funds Can Now Be Used by Oklahoma Candidates to Pay for Caregiving Expenses

Oklahoma Voice – Emma Murphy | Published: 9/16/2024

Oklahoma joined 33 other states in allowing candidates running for office to use campaign funds for dependent care, effective immediately. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission issued an advisory opinion permitting candidates who are primary caregivers to use campaign funds to pay for care of dependents such as children, people with disabilities, or elderly relatives.

Oregon – ‘Exceedingly Close Call’ of Illegality in Gonzalez’s Wikipedia Edits, Portland Auditor Says; Calls for State Investigation

MSN – Zane Sparling (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 9/16/2024

A sitting Portland commissioner who tapped public funds to clean up his Wikipedia page walked the razor’s edge of breaking city campaign finance laws, but the evidence is insufficient to prove a violation, the city auditor’s office ruled. Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, a top candidate in the mayoral race, spent $6,400 earlier this year while seeking to remove an errant reference to an apparent Patriot Prayer member he interacted with on social media and highlight his status as a Democrat.

Oregon – Oregon Secretary of State Opens Investigation into Portland City Council Candidates Who Traded Contributions

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 9/11/2024

Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade will investigate Portland City Council and mayoral candidates who agreed to reciprocate campaign contributions to obtain matching funds from the city. At least 13 Portland candidates explicitly agreed to give money to other candidates this summer in exchange for incoming contributions, according to emails and texts. Candidates for city council were trying to gather donations from at least 250 Portland residents to qualify for up to $40,000 in matching taxpayer funds before the August 27 deadline.

Pennsylvania – Protesters Rally Against Dark Money after 35-Mile March from Lancaster to Harrisburg

Lancaster Online – Sarah Nicell | Published: 9/12/2024

After a three-day, 35-mile walk from Lancaster to Harrisburg, protesters demanding changes to Pennsylvania’s campaign finance laws held a rally at the state Capitol against dark money. Several members of the group attended a meeting with representatives for Senate President Kim Ward to discuss their current priority: an anti-dark money bill authored by Free Speech for People that has yet to move in the Republican-majority state Senate.

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Supreme Court Tosses Lower Court’s Decision on Mail-In Ballot Dating Requirement

Yahoo News – Peter Hall (Pennsylvania Capital-Star) | Published: 9/13/2024

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court threw out a lower court’s decision finding the requirement for voters to write the date on mail-in ballots to have them counted unconstitutional. The state’s highest court said the Commonwealth Court lacked jurisdiction to hear a challenge of the dating provision by voters’ rights groups. The lower court concluded the dating requirement violates the fair and equal elections clause of the state constitution because it restricts the right to vote but does not serve a compelling governmental purpose.

Tennessee – Lee Seeks Ethics Panel Advice on Travel Payments, Will Repay Expense If Found Inappropriate

MSN – Vivian Jones (Nashville Tennessean) | Published: 9/13/2024

Following threats of an ethics complaint over his travel to Florida paid by an outside group, Gov. Bill Lee is asking the Tennessee Ethics Commission to clarify whether accepting such payments is allowed under state law. If the panel finds Lee’s travel payments were illegal or unethical, he is pledging to repay the funds. Lee traveled to Marco Island, Florida, to be a keynote speaker of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a group behind a handful of controversial new state laws. ADF, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and its partner 501(c)4 organization both employ Matthew Lorimer, a registered lobbyist in Tennessee.

Washington – Let’s Go Washington Accused of Violating Campaign Finance Law

Yahoo News – Jerry Cornfield (Washington State Standard) | Published: 9/18/2024

A 14-month investigation has led to charges against the political committee founded by businessperson Brian Heywood for allegedly violating campaign finance laws in the course of gathering signatures for six initiatives last year. Staff of the state Public Disclosure Commission filed administrative charges alleging Let’s Go Washington did not “accurately and timely” report its spending on signature-gathering for each of the measures. Staff also assert the committee failed to obtain and disclose information from vendors on their spending on subcontractors for signature-gathering.

Today, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) concluded the use of fraudulent misrepresentation utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in federal campaign advertisements is already covered by existing campaign finance law.

Going forward, the Commission will proceed with any application of allegations of fraud using AI or other specific technologies under 52 U.S.C. §30124  on a case-by-case basis.

On July 13, 2023, a Petition for Rulemaking was submitted to the FEC asking it to undertake a rulemaking “to clarify that the law against ‘fraudulent misrepresentation’ (52 U.S.C. § 30124) applies to deliberately deceptive AI produced content in campaign communications.” The Federal Election Campaign Act currently prohibits any person from falsely representing that they are speaking, writing, or acting on behalf of a federal candidate or a political party for the purpose of soliciting contributions. The law also prohibits a candidate, his or her employee or agent, or an organization under the candidate’s control, from purporting to speak, write, or act for another candidate or political party on a matter that is damaging to the other candidate or party.

Through the Commission’s approval of two drafts of a Notification of Disposition, REG 2023-02 (Artificial Intelligence in Campaign Ads), and an Interpretive Rule Regarding 52 U.S.C. §30124, the Commission decided not to initiate a rulemaking.

Commissioner Dara Lindenbaum stated a clear answer has been given as to whether generative-AI applies to the existing campaign finance laws. In today’s FEC’s open meeting, Lindenbaum stated,  “Yes, the statute is technology neutral. So, I think we have given a very clear response today.”