Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed legislation inspired by the 2023 session’s chief judge battle.

Senate Bill 4152 would have required lobbying groups to disclose spending on campaigns for or against gubernatorial nominees to state office, including the nomination or confirmation of any person for a position subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Hochul’s initial nominee for chief judge of the state Court of Appeals, Hector D. LaSalle, sparked fierce efforts to support and oppose his appointment, including unregulated campaigns that sought to alter the outcome.

The groups lobbying for LaSalle’s nomination voluntarily reported their lobbying while the groups lobbying against LaSalle’s nomination declined to do so, stating there was no requirement to report.

Senate Democrats blocked the nomination of LaSalle, marking the first time the Legislature has not confirmed a candidate for the Court of Appeals.

Hochul cited significant new reporting requirements and implementation costs not already accounted for in her veto memo.

The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board issued draft rule language staff considers to be potentially controversial.

The language will be considered by the board’s three-member rulemaking committee at one or more public meetings to be announced at a later date.

Interested parties will have an opportunity to comment on the draft rule language.

Once it is available staff will also release draft rule language intended to implement changes made by the Legislature in 2023 to statutes governing lobbyist regulation and reporting.

Information related to the rulemaking process, including how to sign up for the rulemaking notice list, the dates of any scheduled rulemaking committee meetings, copies of official documents, copies of formal comments received by the board, and draft rules, will be posted on the board’s rulemaking docket webpage at cfb.mn.gov/citizen-resources/the-board/statutes-and-rules/rulemaking-docket.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation ordering a special election on February 13, 2024, to fill the vacancy in the United States House of Representatives Third Congressional District for the unexpired term of George Santos.

Santos was expelled on December 1, causing House Republicans to be down a seat for the next two months, with an even narrower majority in the closely divided chamber.

The seat in Nassau and Queens counties is a key piece in the Democrats’ plan to retake the House majority next year.

Former Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi, who left in 2022 to mount a failed run for governor, is a lead contender to reclaim his old seat.

Campaign Finance National: “Kevin McCarthy Uses PAC to Lavish Cash on High-End Resorts, Private Jets and Fine Dining” by Paul Pringle and Adam Elmahrek (Los Angeles Times) for MSN Maine: “Anti-Super PAC Campaign Says They Have Enough Signatures to Get on the Maine Ballot” by Dan Neuman for Maine Beacon Elections Georgia: “Giuliani Could Pay Millions as Ga. Election Worker Defamation Trial Starts” by Spencer Hsu and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics National: “Trump Gag Order Reinstated but Narrowed in Jan. 6 Case” by Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) for MSN National: “House Ethics Committee Requests Interview with Witness in Gaetz Probe” by Paula Reid and Annie Grayer (CNN) for MSN Michigan: “Whitmer Signs Bills Implementing Proposal 1” by Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) for MSN Oklahoma: “Okla. Ethics Commission Names New Executive Director” by Michael McNutt for NonDoc Lobbying New York: “Hochul Vetoes Lobbying Loophole Bill After Chief Judge Battle” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union

National/Federal

George Santos Reveals One Truth: It’s easy to abuse campaign finance laws

DNyuz – Rebecca Davis O’Brien (New York Times) | Published: 12/2/2023

Perhaps no federal officeholder in modern American history has been accused of ignoring, testing, or breaking as many aspects of campaign finance law so flagrantly, in such a short span of time, as George Santos has. But his case, while sensational, illustrates the weaknesses of the system, and its potential for abuse. The system, which largely relies on campaigns and political committees to self-report thousands of donations, expenditures, loans, and refunds, has been left wide open for anyone willing to mislead, experts said.

Doug Burgum Suspends Long-Shot Presidential Campaign

MSN – Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 12/4/2023

Long-shot Republican presidential candidate and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum suspended his campaign after failing to gain momentum with voters in a crowded primary field. Burgum pitched himself as a job creator uniquely qualified to build the economy and bridge connections between small towns and big cities, but that platform never found traction with a base that has favored Donald Trump as Burgum mostly avoided attacking the front-runner.

Special Counsel Alleges Trump ‘Sent’ Supporters on Path to Jan. 6 Violence

MSN – Spencer Hsu and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 12/5/2023

Federal prosecutors accused Donald Trump of a pattern of lying about elections and encouraging violence, saying he “sent” supporters to the Capitol on January 6, 2021, to criminally block the election results. Prosecutors working for special counsel Jack Smith went further than they did in their indictment in attempting to tie Trump to the riot. They said at Trump’s criminal trial they intend to introduce evidence of his acts before the 2020 election, and his subsequent alleged threats, to establish his motive, intent, and preparation for attempting to subvert Joe Biden’s election victory.

Senate Democrats Vote to Subpoena Harlan Crow, Leonard Leo in Supreme Court Ethics Probe as GOP Storms Out

MSN – Riley Beggin and John Fritze (USA Today) | Published: 11/30/2023

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to subpoena a wealthy donor and a legal activist with ties to conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices after partisan bickering ended with Republicans storming out of the hearing as the final vote was tallied. Democrats requested details of gifts, transportation, lodging, travel, and private club access provided to justices by billionaire Harlan Crow that appear to have been tied in some cases to conservative legal activist Leonard Leo.

House Expels New York Rep. George Santos. It’s Just the Sixth Expulsion in the Chamber’s History

MSN – Kevin Frekking (Associated Press) | Published: 12/1/2023

The U.S. House voted to expel Rep. George Santos after a critical ethics report on his conduct that accused him of converting campaign donations for his own use. He was just the sixth member in the chamber’s history to be ousted by colleagues. The first-term lawmaker initially was celebrated as an up-and-comer after he flipped a district from Democrats last year and helped Republicans win control of the House. But soon after, troubles began.

Pro-DeSantis Super PAC Fires CEO Amid Turmoil

MSN – Michael Scherer and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 12/3/2023

Never Back Down, a super PAC that has overseen much of Ron DeSantis’s presidential operation, fired its chief executive officer less than two weeks after the previous chief executive resigned. It was the latest upheaval as fighting between the Florida governor’s allies has erupted into public view. The chairperson of Never Back Down, former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, also resigned.

Trump Pardoned Them. Now They’re Helping Him Return to Power.

MSN – Beth Reinhard, Manuel Roig-Franzia, and Clara Ence Morse (Washington Post) | Published: 12/2/2023

Before Donald Trump, no president used his constitutional clemency powers to free or forgive so many people who could be useful to his future political efforts. A review of Trump’s 238 clemency orders found dozens of recipients have gone on to plug his 2024 candidacy through social media and national interviews, contribute money to his front-running bid for the Republican nomination, or disseminate his false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election.

Trump Not Immune from Criminal, Civil Liability Over Jan. 6, Judges Rule

MSN – Rachel Weiner and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 12/1/2023

Donald Trump has no absolute immunity from civil or criminal consequences for his attempts to stay in power following the 2020 election, two federal courts ruled, a pair of decisions that set the stage for a legal battle over presidential power probably headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Hours after an appellate court ruled Trump could be sued by police officers over injuries they suffered during the riot, the judge overseeing his criminal case on election subversion charges ruled he had no protection from prosecution as a former president.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the Ousted Speaker, Announces He’s Leaving Congress

NBC News – Scott Wong and Sahil Kapur | Published: 12/6/2023

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who this fall became the first speaker to be ousted from power in the middle of a congressional term, said he will resign from office at the end of December. His exit is a blow to his successor, Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Republicans, further cutting the already narrow GOP majority and making passing legislation in 2024 even more challenging. For McCarthy, winning the speaker’s gavel in January after a grueling floor fight marked the pinnacle of a long political career in Sacramento and Washington.

Congressional Lawmakers, Advocacy Groups Urge FEC Regulation on Deceptive AI

OpenSecrets – Harshawn Ratanpal and Jimmy Cloutier | Published: 11/30/2023

More than 50 lawmakers and 30 organizations urged the FEC to regulate the use of deceptive artificial intelligence (AI) in campaign ads in support of a petition from Public Citizen. While the Federal Election Campaign Act does not address the use of deceptive AI explicitly, federal campaign finance law does prohibit politicians and those working for them from posing as another campaign. Public Citizen has argued the provision on “fraudulent misrepresentation” should apply to AI-generated content that falsely shows a federal candidate saying or doing something they did not.

China-Backed DeSantis Donor Hires Top GOP Lobbyist, Foreign Ties Not Disclosed

Yahoo News – Ben Wieder and Theo Hockstader (Miami Herald) | Published: 12/5/2023

The lobbying registration form filed by Ballard Partners for iGas USA failed to indicate iGas is partially owned by a state-controlled Chinese company, as required by law. Under the Lobbying Disclosure Act, lobbyists are required to indicate whether any foreign entity holds at least a 20 percent stake in the company they are lobbying for. But this rule is frequently ignored by lobbyists, according to Craig Holman, the lobbyist for Public Citizen.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – New Complaint Alleges Anchorage Church Illegally Aided Campaign Against Ranked-Choice Voting

Anchorage Daily News – Iris Samuels | Published: 12/4/2023

Supporters of Alaska’s voting system are alleging its opponents have again violated the law in their quest to repeal the system by ballot initiative. In a third complaint filed by Alaskans for Better Elections to the state Public Offices Commission, it alleges opponents of ranked-choice voting are part of an “intentional conspiracy to violate the law” by not disclosing their funding and expenses, including the involvement of an Anchorage Christian organization called Wellspring Ministries.

Alaska – Committee Dismisses Complaints That 2 Alaska Lawmakers Committed Ethics Violations

KTOO – Andrew Kitchenman (Alaska Beacon) | Published: 12/5/2023

The body charged with policing the ethics of members of the Alaska House dismissed complaints alleging two members improperly allowed an Alaska Right to Life representative to misuse state resources. The complaints said current Rep. David Eastman and former Rep. Christopher Kurka violated the ethics law during a visit to the state Capitol by Pat Martin. The complaints alleged Martin was an “unregistered lobbyist” for Alaska Right to Life. Martin’s official title with the group is outreach and development director.

Arizona – Goldwater Says Ballot Measure Site Is ‘Resource to Educate.’ Others Disagree

MSN – Stacy Barchenger (Arizona Republic) | Published: 12/6/2023

A spokesperson for the Goldwater Institute says its new website is “a resource to educate Arizonans about the ballot initiative process.” That resource educates Arizonans not about existing ballot initiative processes, however, but about procedures that would be put in place if a majority of voters approve a question on their November ballots. The website falls into a murky area of law when it comes to backing ballot measures, one that is often sorted out through legal challenges. It also signals the sometimes behind-the-scenes and often carefully crafted push by special interests to sway public opinion in the 2024 election cycle.

Arkansas – At University of Arkansas, a State Law Stifles Pro-Palestinian Speakers

Buffalo News – Vimal Patel (New York Times) | Published: 11/22/2023

Nathan Thrall, a Jewish American writer whose work strongly supports Palestinian rights, was invited to speak to students at the University of Arkansas about a new book. But there was one catch: to be paid for his visit, Thrall was told he had to pledge, according to a 2017 state law, that he would not boycott Israel. He declined. When news broke that Thrall would not sign the pledge, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders applauded the university. At college campuses around the country, students and faculty have been engulfed in bitter debates over students’ pro-Palestinian speech.

California – LA City Council Votes to Take First Step in Creating ‘Office of Compliance’

Los Angeles Daily News – City News Service | Published: 12/1/2023

The Los Angeles City Council took a step to formally establish an Office of Compliance that would proactively assist council members with identifying and avoiding potential conflicts-of-interest. The council requested a detailed report that would guide council members in the creation of an Office of Compliance to ensure higher standards of ethics. Council members must follow ethics rules and laws such as those imposed by the city charter, and state and federal laws. According to the council members, those standards have increased and grown in complexity over the years, making compliance more difficult.

California – Mayor Bass Announces Stricter Ethics Rules for L.A. City Staff

MSN – City News Service | Published: 12/1/2023

Staff working in Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office will be expected to abide by new, stricter ethics rules. In early November, the mayor also adopted restrictions on charitable donations from registered city lobbyists and city developers to the Mayor’s Fund of Los Angeles and the Getty House Foundation.

California – S.F. Corruption Scandal: Ex-parole officer going to prison for bribes to Mohammed Nuru

MSN – St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 11/30/2023

A former state parole officer in San Francisco will spend six months in prison after pleading guilty to passing $20,000 in bribes to former Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru to convince Nuru to hire an engineer. Ken Hong Wong had hoped to avoid jail time, but U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick noted Wong’s criminal acts “tarnished” a lengthy and distinguished history of public service. “It’s one of the sleaziest and lowest things that somebody could do,” Orrick said as he handed down his sentence.

California – Irvine Leaders Consider Potential Reforms to Its Lobbying Laws

Orange County Register – Hanna Kang | Published: 12/6/2023

Irvine leaders are talking about changes to how the city’s lobbyists are governed, which officials say has largely stayed the same for nearly two decades. City Attorney Jeffrey Melching offered a series of potential proposals recently, including lowering the compensation threshold at which an individual is required to register as a lobbyist.

California – What Could Campaign Finance Reform Look Like in Two OC Cities?

Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 12/4/2023

Officials in a couple Orange County cities are contemplating tightening the rules on campaign spending amid the continued fallout of one of the largest corruption scandals in county history. The debate is taking off in the largest city, Anaheim, but also likely going to hit one of the county’s smallest cities, Stanton, which neighbors Anaheim but has gone untouched by the scandal.

Colorado – Colorado Supreme Court Justices Question Whether the State Can Bar Trump from the 2024 Ballot

Associated Press News – Nicholas Riccardi and Christine Fernando | Published: 12/6/2023

Colorado Supreme Court justices sharply questioned both sides about whether they could exclude former President Trump from the 2024 ballot in a case that seeks to upend his bid for a second term by claiming the Constitution’s insurrection clause bars him from another run for the White House. At issue is the wording of the clause itself, whether the courts have a right to intervene at this stage if Trump has otherwise met the basic requirements to appear on Colorado’s 2024 primary ballot, and whether Trump incited an insurrection when his supporters stormed the Capitol.

Colorado – Divided by Politics, a Colorado Town Mends Its Broken Bones

DNyuz – Jonathan Weisman (New York Times) | Published: 11/30/2023

In April 2020, Shane Fuhrman, a progressive lawyer from New York, beat the longtime fire chief Gilbert Archuleta by 10 votes to become the new mayor of Silverton, Colorado. To supporters, Fuhrman represented progress. To his opponents in the town of 796 residents, he would make Silverton into the incarnation of Aspen, with staggering housing prices, luxury outposts, and billionaire denizens. Their skepticism turned to anger when he declared the town council would stop reciting the Pledge of Allegiance until further notice. But Silverton came back together again.

Florida – Lobbying Restrictions Get Go-Ahead from Federal Appeals Court

Law.com – Jim Saunders (News Service of Florida) | Published: 12/4/2023

A federal appeals court allowed Florida to enforce, with one exception, a 2018 constitutional amendment imposing restrictions on lobbying while a legal battle continues to play out. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals approved a request for a partial stay of an injunction that District Court Judge Beth Bloom issued this summer to block the restrictions statewide. The amendment prevented state and local officials from lobbying other government bodies while in office.

Georgia – Georgia County Signs Up to Use Voter Database Backed by Election Deniers

DNyuz – Alexandra Berzon and Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 12/1/2023

A suburban county in Georgia agreed to use a new voter information database endorsed by the election denial movement, a move that defied warnings from voting rights groups, election security experts, and state election officials. Columbia County, a heavily Republican county outside Augusta, is the first in the country known to have agreed to use the platform, called EagleAI. Its supporters claim the system will make it easier to purge the rolls of ineligible voters.

Kentucky – How Wealthy Donors Legally Gave Even More to Democratic Party During Beshear’s Campaign

Kentucky Lantern – Tom Loftus | Published: 12/6/2023

Ahead of the November governor’s race, London Mayor Randall Weddle and other Kentuckians gave big to a type of political committee that allows wealthy donors to make massive contributions. Weddle, whose earlier excess contributions to Gov. Andy Beshear’s reelection effort had drawn regulatory scrutiny, contributed $550,000 to a national Democratic Party committee known as the Democratic Grassroots Victory Fund (DGVF). Weddle’s was by far the largest contribution reported by the DGVF during the general election season, but within the legal limits of how much a person can give to such a committee.

Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board Accuses Former LSU Professor of Unlawful Lobbying

Louisiana Illuminator – Piper Hutchinson | Published: 12/6/2023

The Board of Ethics alleges David Sobek, a former Louisiana State University political science professor, instructed a graduate assistant with whom he was reportedly having an affair, to investigate material in courses his “estranged wife” taught. The graduate assistant was allegedly told to look for anything that touches on critical race theory (CRT) and to distribute that information to legislators who might favor anti-CRT legislation. Louisiana law prohibits state employees acting in their official capacity or on behalf of their agency from lobbying the Legislature.

Maine – Documents Reveal NextEra’s Hidden Attempts to Derail CMP’s Transmission Line Corridor

Maine Public Radio – Steve Mistler | Published: 11/30/2023

NextEra Energy’s attempts to derail a transmission corridor through western Maine involved a significant secret donation to the state Democratic Party in 2018 as well as the 2019 financing of a group that helped organize a referendum to scuttle the project. NextEra’s financing of a 2021 referendum was publicly disclosed, but the documents released reveal how consultants hired by the company originally attempted to defeat the New England Clean Energy Contract by secretly financing two groups that became targets of investigations by the Maine ethics commission.

Mississippi – Gov. Reeves Mum on Health Care Meetings, Claims No Documents Exist

Mississippi Today – Devna Bose | Published: 12/6/2023

As the state’s hospital crisis continues, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has held meetings on health care, but his office refuses to say what they are about. His staffers also claim there are no official documents for those meetings, despite internal correspondence that indicates otherwise and despite Reeves proposing detailed health policy changes. Several experts, including a former governor, say the lack of documentation for meetings and the lack of detail on Reeves’ calendar is unusual. One national expert called it “bad practice.”

Missouri – Pot Company Owner in Legal Fight with Missouri Hosts Fundraiser for AG Andrew Bailey

St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kurt Erickson | Published: 12/7/2023

The co-owner of a Missouri cannabis company hosted a fundraiser at his home for Attorney General Andrew Bailey at the same time his business is involved in a lawsuit against the state. Bailey is overseeing the case involving a company that lost its license to operate over allegations of problems with its products. Although Bailey’s campaign says it is unaware it received contributions from the host of the November event, the incident is similar to one in which Bailey cited a conflict-of-interest and withdrew from a case involving a campaign donor.

Nevada – Pro-Trump Electors Indicted in Nevada, the Third State to Issue Charges

MSN – Amy Gardner and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 12/6/2023

A Nevada grand jury charged six Republicans who claimed to be presidential electors in 2020 and submitted certificates to Congress falsely asserting that Donald Trump had won the election in their state. Nevada is the third state after Georgia and Michigan to seek charges against the pro-Trump activists who met and cast ballots for the then-president on December 14, 2020, despite Joe Biden’s victory.

New York – Bill That Would Close Judicial Lobbying Loophole Remains in Play

Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 12/4/2023

Legislation intended to close a loophole that allows those seeking to influence the outcome of judicial nominations without state oversight is under review by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, but it remains unclear whether she will sign the measure into law. Judicial nominations at all levels of government have become increasingly politicized and the lawmakers empowered to approve or reject candidates for the bench have arguably grown more demanding that the judges they support adhere to their political ideologies.

New York – N.Y. Appeals Court Reinstates Trump Gag Order in Civil Fraud Case

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 11/30/2023

A New York appeals court reinstated a limited gag order on Donald Trump, preventing him from making public comments about court staffers in a civil business fraud case brought by the state. The court upheld Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron’s set of orders that prevented Trump and his defense team from mentioning court staffers, including a law clerk who has been the subject of antisemitic and other threats and messages since the case began.

New York – Eric Adams Donor Claims Boss Reimbursed Campaign Contribution Tied to Event Now Under FBI Investigation

The City – George Joseph, Bianca Pallaro, and Rosalind Adams | Published: 12/7/2023

A donor to Eric Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign said their boss reimbursed them for a contribution recorded at an event that is at the center of the federal probe into whether the campaign conspired with the Turkish government to accept unlawful foreign donations. Such a reimbursement would constitute an illegal straw donation, enabling the true source of the funding to remain unknown to evade campaign finance laws that set limits on who can give and how much they can contribute.

Ohio – Sam Randazzo, Ohio’s Former Top Utilities Regulator, Charged with Bribery, Embezzlement Crimes

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer and Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/4/2023

Ohio’s former top utility regulator, Sam Randazzo, was indicted on federal bribery and fraud charges. The indictment says Randazzo accepted a $4.3 million bribe in exchange for helping FirstEnergy secure its policy priorities, including helping with House Bill 6, the law at the center of a federal bribery probe. In one instance, Randazzo pushed to cancel a review the company believed would hurt its bottom line by forcing it to reduce the rates it charged customers. If convicted, Randazzo could face up to 20 years in prison.

Ohio – Friend of Ex-Councilman Jeff Pastor Admits Creating Nonprofit to ‘Sanitize’ Bribe Payments

MSN – Kevin Grasha and Sharon Coolidge (Cincinnati Enquirer) | Published: 12/5/2023

A friend of former Cincinnati City Councilperson Jeff Pastor admitted creating a nonprofit designed solely to “sanitize” tens thousands of dollars in bribes. In one instance, Pastor told undercover agents posing as investors he would vote in favor of their projects and agreed to accept $15,000 for his support. Pastor said he could receive the money through Marshall’s nonprofit, “Ummah Strength.”

Rhode Island – As More Sexual Harassment Allegations Come to Light, McKee’s Ethics Appointee Withdraws. What We Know.

MSN – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 12/1/2023

As details of multiple sexual harassment complaints resurfaced, Gov. Dan McKee’s appointee to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission resigned, with the governor’s office acknowledging the “vetting process was not adequate.” The announcement came after John Marion, head of Common Cause Rhode Island, called on McKee to “take another look” at his appointment of Bryant Da Cruz, a former South Kingstown Council member who admitted to town officials his behavior was “unacceptable” after six women accused him of sexual harassment.

South Dakota – Yes, Sioux Falls Councilors Can Accept Gifts, but an Updated Ethics Policy Now Clarifies How

Yahoo News – Trevor Mitchell (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 12/6/2023

The Sioux Falls City Council approved an update to the ethics ordinance. Rules about gifts, including the payment of travel expenses, are clarified in the new ordinance. Employees or officers of the city could receive “gift of travel, lodging, registration fees, entrance fees, food and drink, and other incidental expenses” as long as it is related to a “widely attended gathering” related to the duties of the recipient or the city’s legislative or policy interests.

Virginia – Newport News Drafts Rules, Ethics Handbook After Council Credit Card Misuse

Virginian-Pilot – Josh Janney | Published: 12/2/2023

Newport News City Council plans to adopt a handbook that includes a code of ethics and will guide council conduct and codify roles and responsibilities. The handbook was suggested by Mayor Phillip Jones after concerns were raised about council members’ misuse of city-issued credit cards earlier in the year. Jones said the handbook would help clarify what is an allowed expenditure.

Washington – Candidate Loses by Single Vote After He Didn’t Cast a Ballot for Himself

MSN – Jonathan Edwards (Washington Post) | Published: 12/5/2023

Ryan Roth mailed his ballot in a few days ahead of the November 7 election, unaware he was casting the most consequential vote of his life. Having run a four-month campaign to convince others he should serve on the Rainier City Council, Roth voted for himself. Roth did not know he was casting the decisive ballot in a race that would be determined by one vote. His opponent, Damion Green, had chosen not to vote for himself in the election, which would take nearly a month for officials to sort out.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Trump Electors Settle Lawsuit, Agree Biden Won in 2020

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 12/6/2023

In a legal settlement, the 10 Republicans who signed official-looking paperwork falsely purporting Donald Trump won Wisconsin in 2020 have agreed to withdraw their inaccurate filings, acknowledge Joe Biden won the presidency, and not serve as presidential electors in 2024 or in any election where Trump is on the ballot. The settlement comes as Republicans in two other states face criminal charges for falsely claiming to be presidential electors, and investigations are underway in three additional states.

Campaign Finance Arizona: “Goldwater Says Ballot Measure Site Is ‘Resource to Educate.’ Others Disagree” by Stacy Barchenger (Arizona Republic) for MSN Kentucky: “How Wealthy Donors Legally Gave Even More to Democratic Party During Beshear’s Campaign” by Tom Loftus for Kentucky Lantern Elections Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Trump Electors Settle Lawsuit, Agree Biden Won in 2020” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics California: “LA City Council Votes to Take First Step in Creating ‘Office of Compliance'” by City News Service for Los Angeles Daily News National: “Special Counsel Alleges Trump ‘Sent’ Supporters on Path to Jan. 6 Violence” by Spencer Hsu and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN Mississippi: “Gov. Reeves Mum on Health Care Meetings, Claims No Documents Exist” by Devna Bose for Mississippi Today Ohio: “Friend of Ex-Councilman Jeff Pastor Admits Creating Nonprofit to ‘Sanitize’ Bribe Payments” by Kevin Grasha and Sharon Coolidge (Cincinnati Enquirer) for MSN Legislative Issues National: “Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the Ousted Speaker, Announces He’s Leaving Congress” by Scott Wong and Sahil Kapur for NBC News Lobbying Alaska: “Committee Dismisses Complaints That 2 Alaska Lawmakers Committed Ethics Violations” by Andrew Kitchenman (Alaska Beacon) for KTOO

Campaign Finance

Alaska: “New Complaint Alleges Anchorage Church Illegally Aided Campaign Against Ranked-Choice Voting” by Iris Samuels for Anchorage Daily News

National: “George Santos Reveals One Truth: It’s easy to abuse campaign finance laws” by Rebecca Davis O’Brien (New York Times) for DNyuz

Elections

National: “Doug Burgum Suspends Long-Shot Presidential Campaign” by Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) for MSN

Washington: “Candidate Loses by Single Vote After He Didn’t Cast a Ballot for Himself” by Jonathan Edwards (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Arkansas: “At University of Arkansas, a State Law Stifles Pro-Palestinian Speakers” by Vimal Patel (New York Times) for Buffalo News

California: “S.F. Corruption Scandal: Ex-parole officer going to prison for bribes to Mohammed Nuru” by St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “China-Backed DeSantis Donor Hires Top GOP Lobbyist, Foreign Ties Not Disclosed” by Ben Wieder and Theo Hockstader (Miami Herald) for Yahoo News

New York: “Bill That Would Close Judicial Lobbying Loophole Remains in Play” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union

Campaign Finance California: “What Could Campaign Finance Reform Look Like in Two OC Cities?” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC National: “Pro-DeSantis Super PAC Fires CEO Amid Turmoil” by Michael Scherer and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) for MSN National: “Congressional Lawmakers, Advocacy Groups Urge FEC Regulation on Deceptive AI” by Harshawn Ratanpal and Jimmy Cloutier for OpenSecrets Elections Georgia: “Georgia County Signs Up to Use Voter Database Backed by Election Deniers” by Alexandra Berzon and Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz Ethics National: “Trump Pardoned Them. Now They’re Helping Him Return to Power.” by Beth Reinhard, Manuel Roig-Franzia, and Clara Ence Morse (Washington Post) for MSN Ohio: “Sam Randazzo, Ohio’s Former Top Utilities Regulator, Charged with Bribery, Embezzlement Crimes” by Jeremy Pelzer and Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN Virginia: “Newport News Drafts Rules, Ethics Handbook After Council Credit Card Misuse” by Josh Janney for Virginian-Pilot Lobbying Florida: “Lobbying Restrictions Get Go-Ahead from Federal Appeals Court” by Jim Saunders (News Service of Florida) for Law.com

Moving is not for the weak. After 21 years, State and Federal Communications moved to our new offices at 222 S. Main Street in downtown Akron. Yours truly was the only person on staff who never moved to a different office … so I had 21 years of stuff everywhere.

Most of it was moved over to our new office and I am slowly going through it. Slowly being the operative word here. For the first month of being in the office, I had only been in for six days because of travel. I am now completing my first full week in the office this very week … and I still have a lot to unpack. At least I know where all my pens are — the first three weeks I had two on my desk.

I do have to say the office is fabulous. We are all on the same floor and not in four different quadrants on two floors as we were before. We are all taking our steps in to greet and catch up with our colleagues.

It still is not all done … and I am not talking about just my office. There is artwork all over the place. We need to decide where it all goes. Some unidentified boxes are still lying around, which need to be opened and moved or pitched. And I really have no idea why a television is leaning up against a wall.

It really is all okay because we are all on one floor, the lights automatically turn on when we walk in the room, and the coffee machine is working and turning out some good joe.

This is the first of five major items off my to do list. Stay tuned for what is next.

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season.

@elizabethbartz

Campaign Finance Maine: “Documents Reveal NextEra’s Hidden Attempts to Derail CMP’s Transmission Line Corridor” by Steve Mistler for Maine Public Radio Ethics California: “Mayor Bass Announces Stricter Ethics Rules for L.A. City Staff” by City News Service for MSN Colorado: “Divided by Politics, a Colorado Town Mends Its Broken Bones” by Jonathan Weisman (New York Times) for DNyuz National: “Senate Democrats Vote to Subpoena Harlan Crow, Leonard Leo in Supreme Court Ethics Probe as GOP Storms Out” by Riley Beggin and John Fritze (USA Today) for MSN National: “Trump Can Be Held Civilly Liable in Jan. 6 Riot, Judges Rule” by Rachel Weiner and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN New York: “N.Y. Appeals Court Reinstates Trump Gag Order in Civil Fraud Case” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN Rhode Island: “As More Sexual Harassment Allegations Come to Light, McKee’s Ethics Appointee Withdraws. What We Know.” by Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) for MSN Legislative Issues National: “House Expels New York Rep. George Santos. It’s Just the Sixth Expulsion in the Chamber’s History” by Kevin Frekking (Associated Press) for MSN

The City Council recently passed an ordinance codifying lobbyist registration fees and fee penalties.

The registration fee is $500 with a late filing fee of $10 per day for registrations and reports and a fee cap of $1,000.

The ordinance also implements a partial or complete waiver of registration fees for a local governmental lobbyist who, along with other criteria, is a salaried employee of an organization or association that is a 501(c)(3).

The ordinance also establishes a lobbyist training requirement and lobbyists must complete an online training session offered by the Public Ethics Commission with 60 days of initial registration.

Quarterly reports will now be due no later than the last day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter.

This ordinance is effective immediately.

 

On December 1, over two-thirds of the United States House of Representatives voted to expel Rep. George Santos.

The resolution to expel him from Congress passed 311 to 114, with 105 Republicans and all but two Democrats voting to remove him.

On November 16, the Investigative Subcommittee of the House Committee on Ethics completed its investigation and unanimously concluded that there was substantial evidence that Santos:

• Knowingly caused his campaign committee to file false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission;
• Used campaign funds for personal purposes;
• Engaged in fraudulent conduct in connection with RedStone Strategies LLC; and
• Engaged in knowing and willful violations of the Ethics in Government Act as it relates to his Financial Disclosure Statements filed with the House.

The committee then immediately referred these allegations to the Department of Justice, according to the Committee’s press release.

Santos is only the sixth member of the House to be removed by this type of vote in its history.

The last member removed was Rep. James A. Traficant in 2002.

A special election to fill the now-vacant seat is expected to be announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

National/Federal

Antagonisms Flare as Red States Try to Dictate How Blue Cities Are Run

MSN – Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) | Published: 11/27/2023

Despite long advocating small government and local control, Republican governors and legislators across a significant swath of the country are increasingly overriding the actions of Democratic cities – removing elected district attorneys or threatening to strip them of power, taking over election offices, and otherwise limiting local independence. The antagonisms between red states and blue cities are all the more notable because the urban areas in the crosshairs are mostly majority-minority, with many mayors and district attorneys of color.

Donations to GOP Drop as Worries Mount About the Party’s Finances

MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 11/27/2023

The Republican Party’s finances are increasingly worrisome to party members, advisers to former President Trump, and other operatives involved in the 2024 election effort. The Republican National Committee (RNC) disclosed it had $9.1 million in cash on hand as of October 30, the lowest amount for the RNC in any FEC report since February 2015. Donors have not cut as many large checks to the RNC in recent years, and the party’s small-dollar program has also suffered, according to people familiar with the party’s finances.

Trump Lawyers Seek to Probe U.S. Handling of 2020 Election Fraud Claims

MSN – Spencer Hsu and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 11/28/2023

Attorneys for Donald Trump asked a federal judge to allow them to investigate several U.S. government agencies about their handling of investigations into him and allegations of voter fraud three years ago as the former president moves to defend himself from charges that he criminally conspired to subvert the results of the 2020 election. His demands in the historic prosecution are wide-ranging. Trump’s lawyers argued for broad leeway to compel special counsel Jack Smith’s prosecution team to turn over vast swaths of information.

‘Shrugged Off and Ignored’: Lawmakers disagree on how to ease pain of election churn

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 11/30/2023

Constituent casework is a basic function of any congressional office. But in North Carolina, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards’ predecessor, embattled former Rep. Madison Cawthorn, declined to give him access to any constituent case files after Edwards beat him in a closely fought primary. The situation exposed a long-standing problem of rocky transitions, with constituents caught in the middle, and lawmakers have not agreed on how to fix it.

Details of Scott Perry’s Role in Trump Efforts to Stay in Power Unsealed

MSN – Rachel Weiner, Spencer Hsu, and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 11/30/2023

A batch of communications was released in the case of U.S. Rep. Scott Perry by the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals, which has heard litigation over special counsel Jack Smith’s effort to access the communications stored on Perry’s cell phone. The court partially blocked Smith’s effort in a ruling that relied on the Constitution’s “speech or debate” clause. Later, the documents appeared to have been removed from the court’s public docket, suggesting it may have been posted inadvertently.

Johnson’s Release of Jan. 6 Video Feeds Right-Wing Conspiracy Theories

Seattle Times – Luke Broadwater, Alan Feuer, and Angelo Fichera (New York Times) | Published: 11/23/2023

House Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to publicly release thousands of hours of Capitol security footage from January 6, 2021, has fueled a renewed effort by Republican lawmakers and far-right activists to rewrite the history of the attack that day and exonerate the pro-Trump rioters who took part. For Johnson, beginning to release about 40,000 hours of video footage fulfilled a promise he made to hard-right lawmakers to win their support for the speakership.

He Doesn’t Report Having Checking or Savings. So Where Did Andy Ogles Get $320,000 for His Campaign?

WTVF – Phil Williams | Published: 11/29/2023

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles reported he loaned his campaign $320,000 during the 2022 election. The FEC report raised eyebrows among some because he had never been seen as a person of great wealth. A media investigation shows Ogles has not disclosed any substantial investments. He does not report having a savings account. From the beginning of his campaign for Congress, Ogles was dogged by questions about his fundraising claims.

Members of Congress Head for the Exits, Many Citing Dysfunction

Yahoo News – Kayla Guo (New York Times) | Published: 11/26/2023

More than three dozen members of Congress have announced they will not seek re-election next year, some to pursue other offices and many others simply to get out of Washington. The wave of lawmakers across chambers and parties comes at a time of dysfunction on Capitol Hill, primarily instigated by House Republicans. The chaos has Republicans increasingly worried they could lose their slim House majority next year, a concern that typically prompts a rash of retirements from the party in control. But it is not only GOP lawmakers who are opting to leave.

For Election Workers, Fentanyl-Laced Letters Signal a Challenging Year

Yahoo News – Michael Wines (New York Times) | Published: 11/22/2023

For the people who run elections at thousands of local offices nationwide, 2024 was never going to be an easy year. But the recent anonymous mailing of powder-filled envelopes to election offices in five states offers new hints of how hard it could be. The letters are an indicator of what some officials say is a fresh rise in threats to their safety and the functioning of the election system. They presage the pressure-cooker environment that election officials will face next year in a contest for the White House that could chart the future course of American democracy.

Could Abortion Rights Rescue Red-State Democrats in the Senate?

Yahoo News – Michael Bender and Anjali Huynh (New York Times) | Published: 11/29/2023

Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion rights have become an invaluable political asset for Democrats. They have leveraged the issue to hold onto control of the Senate, limit losses in the House, and fuel victories in key state races in the Midwest and the South. But perhaps the toughest test for the issue’s power will come in U.S. Senate contests like Sherrod Brown’s in Ohio and Jon Tester’s in Montana. The fate of the thin Democratic majority in the chamber could well be sealed in those two places, by the same voters who have installed Republicans in every other statewide office.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Legislative Ethics Committee Dismisses Complaints Against Alaska Lawmakers

Anchorage Daily News – Iris Samuels | Published: 11/29/2023

The Legislative Ethics Committee dismissed complaints against sitting and former Alaska lawmakers who were accused of allowing “an unregistered lobbyist” for an anti-abortion organization to use their Capitol offices as a “base of operations.” The complaints allege Rep. David Eastman and former Rep. Christopher Kurka allowed Pat Martin, head of Alaska Right to Life, to use their offices for several hours when Martin traveled from Wasilla to the state Capitol “with the stated intent to distribute signed petitions to the Legislature.”

Arizona – This Ballot Measure Could Change the Election Game. But Will the Result Be the Same?

MSN – Mary Jo Pitzl (Arizona Republic) | Published: 11/29/2023

A proposed ballot measure would eliminate Arizona’s partisan primary system and replace it with a system in which every voter can vote in every election, regardless of party affiliation or lack of affiliation. Sarah Smallhouse, a supporter of the reform, said the idea is to appeal to independents, the state’s largest voting bloc. Despite their numbers, Smallhouse said independents cannot vote in primaries unless they take the extra step of requesting a partisan ballot.

Arizona – Arizona Officials Charged with Allegedly Conspiring to Delay Midterm Election Outcome

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 11/29/2023

Two Republican members of a county election board in southern Arizona were indicted by a state grand jury. Cochise County Supervisors Peggy Judd and Terry Crosby are charged with interference with an election officer and conspiracy. The indictment alleges the two knowingly interfered with the secretary of state’s ability to finish the statewide canvass for the election by delaying a vote to formally accept their county’s votes during the time period required by state law.

Arizona – Supreme Court Rejects Arizona GOP Leaders’ Effort to Avoid Deposition in Voting Rights Suit

MSN – Ray Stern (Arizona Republic) | Published: 11/27/2023

Arizona legislative leaders will submit to depositions in a lawsuit over two voting rights laws after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected their application for an emergency stay. Senate President Warren Petersen and Speaker Ben Toma both said they would comply. The plaintiffs want to find out if Republican lawmakers created the bills with discriminatory intent.

California – Top OC Official Helped Direct Millions to His Daughter’s Center Without Disclosing Family Connection

LAist – Nick Gerda | Published: 11/22/2023

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has voted to fund millions of dollars to an organization led by his daughter without publicly disclosing his close family connection. Do voted twice to award contracts that included subcontracts to Warner Wellness Center, his daughter Rhiannon Do’s group. During public discussion of one of those votes, Andrew Do said he had two years of conversations with the top county health official leading up to the vote. Both of Councilperson Do’s votes to fund the subcontracts happened with no public mention his daughter was working as Warner Wellness’s president.

California – Family Vacations, Fancy Clothes and a Cigar Humidor: How an O.C. politician got fined for abusing campaign funds

MSN – Faith Pinho (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/24/2023

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) fined former Assemblyperson William Brough $100,000 for using campaign funds to cover myriad personal costs, including family vacations, his children’s cellphone bills, and $2,400 worth of clothing, in violation of state law. Brough used a total of $17,303 in campaign funds for personal expenses and failed multiple record-keeping requirements, even as his campaign treasurer warned him about violations, according to the FPPC.

California – Disney’s Representative Could Soon be Considered a Lobbyist at Anaheim City Hall

Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 11/29/2023

The Anaheim City Council agreed to enhance the city’s lobbying laws for the second time in just over a year. The ordinance expands the definition of lobbying and who needs to register to include both outside lobbyists and those employed directly by the company they are advocating for. A second council vote is needed for the ordinance to take effect. The move comes after investigators said FBI agents concluded in sworn affidavits that City Hall is essentially controlled by lobbyists and Disneyland resort interests.

Colorado – Colorado Supreme Court Will Hear Appeal of Ruling That Trump Can Stay on Ballot Despite Insurrection

MSN – Nicholas Riccardi (Associated Press) | Published: 11/21/2023

The Colorado Supreme Court agreed to hear appeals from both a liberal group that sought to disqualify Donald Trump and the former president himself after a state judge ruled Trump “engaged in insurrection” on January 6, 2021, but can still appear on the state’s ballot. The ruling by District Court Judge Sarah Wallace, which said Trump is not covered by the Constitution’s ban on insurrectionists holding office, was the latest in a series of defeats for the effort to end Trump’s candidates with Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

Delaware – Why Delaware Elections Commissioners Rarely Enforce Campaign Finance Laws

Yahoo News – Amanda Fries (Delaware News Journal) | Published: 11/27/2023

Delaware elections officials have the authority to investigate campaign finance violations, but that oversight has never been used. Election officials can investigate campaigns for compliance with state laws regarding campaign expenditures and donations. Yet, elections officials say they have no records of probes conducted under this authority.

Florida – Mayor Suarez Faces Ethics Complaint Over Presidential Campaign Costs Billed to City

Miami New Times – Naomi Feinstein and Alex DeLuca | Published: 11/22/2023

In a complaint filed with the Florida Commission on Ethics, activist Thomas Kennedy accuses Miami Mayor Francis Suarez of violating the law by spending taxpayer funds on personal security during his bid for president. The complaint cites records that showed Miami Police Department officers traveled on the campaign trail with Suarez and billed the city more than $20,000 for their hotels, transportation, and meal expenses.

Illinois – Democratic PAC Shifts Cash Out of Its Account as It Gets Hit with One of the Biggest State Election Board Fines Ever

MSN – Rick Pearson and Jeremy Gorner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 11/21/2023

The State Board of Elections issued $99,500 in fines against the All for Justice PAC. The move followed a report by The Chicago Tribune on the PAC’s reporting deficiencies as it spent more than $7.3 million on independent expenditures supporting Justices Elizabeth Rochford and Mary Kay O/Brien, both of whom won their campaigns and increased the Illinois Supreme Court’s Democratic majority. The PAC had been given 30 days to appeal or seek a reduction in the fines but it transferred its remaining cash balance of $149,516 to another independent expenditure committee that has been dormant since July 2019.

Illinois – Former GOP Senator, Third-Party Governor Candidate to Represent Himself in Corruption Trial

NPR Illinois – Hannah Meisel (Capital News Illinois) | Published: 11/28/2023

On what was supposed to have been the first day of the federal corruption trial of former Illinois Sen. Sam McCann for allegedly misusing more than $200,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses, McCann presented a pair of last-minute motions to represent himself, which delayed the trial for at least the 13th time. He allegedly used some of the money to pay his mortgage, buy personal vehicles, and even pay himself.

Illinois – Ethics Board Urges Chicago City Council to Tighten Rules to Stop Campaign Cash Pleas to City Employees

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 11/27/2023

Chicago’s ethics ordinance should be tightened to apply to political fundraising committees to prevent future city officials from escaping sanctions for violations, including sending emails to city employees at their official email addresses asking them to send cash to their campaigns, the Board of Ethics urged the city council. The recommendation followed the board’s dismissal of a complaint prompted by Inspector General Deborah Witzburg’s determination that former Mayor Lori Lightfoot violated the ethics code by sending pleas for cash to city employees.

Indiana – Former Indiana Lawmaker Pleads Guilty to Casino Corruption Charge

MSN – Isabella Volmert (Associated Press) | Published: 11/28/2023

A former Indiana lawmaker pleaded guilty to supporting a bill favoring a casino in exchange for promises of lucrative employment. According to prosecutors, ex-Rep. Sean Eberhart, a member of the committee that oversees casinos and gaming in the state, used his position to successfully advocate for the relocation of two casinos and to obtain other favorable terms for the company, including tax incentives. In exchange, they said, Eberhart accepted the promise of future employment, which included annual compensation of at least $350,000.

Indiana – Indiana Gunmaker That Offered GOP Lawmakers Discounted Rifles Is Fined After Investigation

MSN – Kayla Dwyer (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 11/30/2023

The Indiana Lobby Registration Commission fined a gunmaker and ordered the company to register. A complaint said Fostech made a flyer available to some lawmakers advertising an “Indiana legislator rifle” at half the suggested retail price. The offer came during a session in which the company also testified in opposition to a major piece of gun legislation. Common Cause Indiana Executive Director Julia Vaughn’s complaint argued Fostech’s actions appeared to fit the definition of lobbying and should have been reported publicly as such.

Iowa – GOP Official’s Wife Convicted in Months-Long 2020 Voter-Fraud Scheme

MSN – Timothy Bella (Washington Post) | Published: 11/23/2023

As Tam and Thien Doan tried to obtain absentee ballots in Iowa in 2020, they were surprised to find out that votes had already been cast in their names. The siblings, both Democrats, were even more astonished to learn their ballots had been cast in support of Republican candidates only. Unbeknownst to the Doans, they were among a group of Vietnamese immigrants targeted in a months-long voter-fraud scheme by the wife of a Republican county supervisor who wanted her husband to win “by any means necessary” in the 2020 primary and general elections, according to prosecutors. Kim Phuong Taylor was convicted of 52 counts of voter fraud.

Kentucky – Top Metro Council Republican Will Face Removal Proceedings Over Ethics Charges

Louisville Public Media – Roberto Roldan | Published: 11/28/2023

Five Louisville Metro Council members voted to move forward with removal proceedings against Councilperson Anthony Piagentini. The process will eventually lead to an ethics trial, where the full Metro Council will act as a jury. Removing Piagentini will take a two-thirds vote. He was found guilty of ethics violations by Louisville’s Ethics Commission, which said there was “clear and convincing evidence” he negotiated a job with a nonprofit while supporting their bid for a major grant.

Maine – State Ethics Commission Fines Group Behind ‘Right to Repair’ Referendum

Yahoo News – Rachel Ohm (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 11/29/2023

Maine’s ethics commission reached an agreement with the political committee that convinced voters to approve Question 4 on the November ballot.  The commission approved a $35,000 penalty against the Automotive Right to Repair Committee because it was late complying with a transparency law for major funders. The maximum fine under state law was $240,000. Maine requires ballot question committees to notify donors who give more than $100,000 that they have to file a report with the ethics commission.

Michigan – Former Democratic Party Chair, AIPAC Deny Offering Nasser Beydoun $20M to Run Against Rashida Tlaib

Yahoo News – Todd Spangler and Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 11/28/2023

Nasser Beydoun, an Arab-American businessperson who is running for the open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, became the second Democratic candidate to say he was offered as much as $20 million in campaign support to abandon that race and run instead against U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib. Beydoun said the offer of “approximately $20 million” in “potential” campaign funding to run against Tlaib was made to him by former state Democratic Party Chairperson Lon Johnson. He denied making an offer to Beydoun.

New Mexico – New Mexico Supreme Court Upholds Democratic-Drawn Congressional Map

Associated Press News – Morgan Lee | Published: 11/27/2023

The New Mexico Supreme Court upheld a Democratic-drawn congressional map that divvied up a conservative, oil-producing region and reshaped a swing district along the U.S. border with Mexico. The justices affirmed a lower court decision that the redistricting plan enacted by Democratic lawmakers in 2021 succeeded in substantially diluting votes of their political opponents, but the changes fell short of “egregious” gerrymandering.

New York – New York Mayor Eric Adams Is Accused of Sexual Assault

MSN – Mariano Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 11/23/2023

New York Mayor Eric Adams is accused of committing sexual assault in 1993, according to a new court summons filed under the state’s Adult Survivors Act. According to the summons, the plaintiff was sexually assaulted by Adams while they both worked for the city. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the act into law last year, giving adult sexual assault survivors up to one year to file a lawsuit against their alleged attacker, regardless of when the alleged violation happened.

New York – Eric Adams Attended Nearly 80 Events Celebrating Turkey

Politico – Joe Anuta, Jason Beeferman, and Maya Kaufman | Published: 11/17/2023

As Brooklyn borough president, Eric Adams attended nearly 80 events over eight years to celebrate Turkey, including a flag-raising in 2015, a charity ball in 2018, and a Zoom meeting with the Turkish consul in 2020. In 2019, as he was embarking on a run for New York City mayor, he joined Martha Stewart at a gala celebrating Turkish Airlines, a company caught up in in an ongoing FBI probe into Adams’ campaign finances. These revelations shed light on Adams’ unusually strong relationship with Turkey, which has drawn scrutiny from federal investigators.

Ohio – Husted to Be Deposed, DeWine Subpoenaed in Lawsuit Over FirstEnergy Bribery Scheme

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 11/28/2023

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted is scheduled to be deposed by investors suing FirstEnergy in connection with the House Bill 6 scandal, the most significant public corruption case in state history. In addition, Gov. Mike DeWine received a subpoena for documents in connection with the civil case. The lawsuit mirrors allegations that FirstEnergy paid multimillion-dollar bribes to former House Speaker Larry Householder and Sam Randazzo, formerly the state’s top utility regulator, in exchange for legislation and favorable regulatory treatment. DeWine appointed Randazzo shortly after taking office in 2019.

Ohio – Ohio Supreme Court Upholds New State Legislative Redistricting Plan

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 11/27/2023

The Ohio Supreme Court upheld the state’s new legislative redistricting plan, dismissing lawsuits filed by Democratic and good-government groups claiming the new maps are illegally gerrymandered. In a four-to-three party-line ruling, the court’s Republican justices dismissed the lawsuits on procedural grounds. The ruling means that new Ohio House and Senate maps will remain in place through 2030, unless voters approve a proposed overhaul to the redistricting process itself next year.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Republican Party PAC Misreported Millions in Funds, Audit Finds

Oklahoman – Mindy Ragan Wood (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 11/27/2023

A federal audit uncovered millions in misreported income and expenses for a PAC associated with the Oklahoma Republican Party. An FEC draft audit found the Oklahoma Leadership Council’s bank records did not match its federal campaign finance reports by nearly $2 million. The council is a federal PAC the state Republican Party uses to back GOP candidates and fund independent expenditures against their opponents.

Pennsylvania – Federal Judge Says Pennsylvania Mail-In Ballots Should Still Count If Dated Incorrectly

Associated Press News – Michael Runbinkam | Published: 11/21/2023

Mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania without accurate handwritten dates on their exterior envelopes must still be counted if they are received in time, a judge ruled, concluding that rejecting such ballots violates federal civil rights law. The decision has implications for the 2024 presidential election in a key battleground state where Democrats have been far more likely to vote by mail than Republicans.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Legislature Paid $280K to Settle Harassment, Other Claims While Requiring Secrecy in Many Cases

Spotlight PA – Angelea Couloumbis | Published: 11/30/2023

The Pennsylvania Legislature quietly paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past five years to settle sexual harassment and other claims against lawmakers and staffers. Many of the settlements include controversial secrecy clauses and other provisions that prevent public disclosure of the agreement. Female legislators criticized Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office for paying $295,000 to resolve a sexual harassment claim against a top advisor. The settlement, which only became public after several media outlets filed public records requests, included a nondisclosure agreement.

Tennessee – Judges Rule Against Tennessee Senate Redistricting Map Over Treatment of Nashville Seats

Yahoo News – Jonathan Mattise and Kimberlee Kruesi (Associated Press) | Published: 11/22/2023

A Republican-drawn map for Tennessee’s Senate seats violates the state Constitution because lawmakers incorrectly numbered the legislative districts in left-leaning Nashville, which affects which years those seats are on the ballot, a panel of judges ruled. The decision centers on maps passed by the Republican-supermajority Legislature in 2022. According to the ruling, the state’s attorneys “conceded” they would not defend the Senate map in court and instead focused their attention arguing the plaintiffs did not have standing to sue.

Washington – Seattle City Council Candidates Got $2.4M from Democracy Vouchers

Crosscut – Donna Gordon Blankinship | Published: 11/27/2023

Seattle voters were actively involved in financing city council elections this year, distributing nearly 95,000 Democracy Vouchers that pumped nearly $2.4 million into 30 campaigns. Supporters say the idea democratizes political campaigns by giving regular people public money to contribute as they choose, presumably taking some power from wealthy individuals, companies, and organizations that seem to dominate political giving. The program also gives candidates another way to engage directly with voters.

Washington – Seattle Lobbying Firm Strategies 360 Files for Bankruptcy Amid Legal Feud

Seattle Times – Jim Brunner | Published: 11/29/2023

A prominent lobbying and public affairs firm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid a bitter legal dispute between estranged co-owners. Strategies 360 filed a petition to stave off what Chief Executive Officer Ron Dotzauer described in court filings as a hostile and humiliating takeover bid by his former business partner, Eric Sorenson. The Seattle-based firm employs about 140 people in 13 states and Washington D.C.

A lobbyist registry for the city of Kelowna, British Columbia, is now live and operational.

On September 11, the city of Kelowna City Council had established a Lobbyist Registry through a policy, Council Policy 390 Lobbyist Registry, to promote transparency by establishing registration and disclosure requirements for those seeking to influence a decision of council.

The council chose a policy rather than enacting a by-law and gave the city time to establish an electronic registry within the umbrella of the city of Kelowna’s official website.

The Policy applies to all lobbyists engaging in lobbying of a council member.

Lobbying is defined as communicating verbally or in writing, or to meet with an elected official for the purpose of influencing a decision of the council.

A lobbyist is defined as an individual, whether paid or voluntary, who lobbies an elected official regarding a matter within the council’s jurisdiction.

The lobbyist may represent individual interests or represent an organization, whether employed by that organization or on behalf of a different organization.

A lobbyist must register with the city within 5 days of lobbying a council member.

Each registration is considered active for six months, after which a new registration must be filed for lobbying activities.

The Lobbyist Registry allows the public to view and search the Registry online and is updated daily on regular business days with new registrations.