Campaign Finance

Texas: “Texas Lawmakers Race Against Fundraising Blackout to Fill Campaign Coffers” by Karen Brooks Harper and Nolan McCaskill (Dallas Morning News) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Johnson Aide Discouraged Hutchinson Subpoena Over Concerns About Lawmakers’ ‘Sexual Texts'” by Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Elon Musk’s Business Conflicts Draw Scrutiny Amid White House Role” by Faiz Siddiqui (Washington Post) for MSN

Legislative Issues

West Virginia: “Head of West Virginia Gun Lobby Appointed to Replace Lawmaker-Elect Arrested for Making Threats” by Leah Willingham (Associated Press) for MSN

Lobbying

New Mexico: “Lawmakers, Ethics Commission Want More Lobbying Information Disclosed to Public” by Marjorie Childress for New Mexico In Depth

New York: “NYC Council Votes to Expand Lobbying Ban on Ex-City Hall Officials Amid ‘Revolving Door’ Concerns” by Chris Sommerfeldt and Josephine Stratman (New York Daily News) for MSN

Utah: “Here’s the Loophole Allowing Utah Lawmakers to Become Lobbyists Without ‘Cooling Off'” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune

Redistricting

Georgia: “Georgia Asks Federal Appeals Court to Tighten Voting Rights Act” by Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for MSN

National/Federal

Trump’s D.E.I. Order Creates ‘Fear and Confusion’ Among Corporate Leaders

DNyuz – Emma Goldberg (New York Times) | Published: 1/23/2025

In his first days in office, with series of sweeping moves, President Trump took aim at diversity efforts. Trump ordered federal officials overseeing government diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to be put on leave. His order did not stop with government employment. He revoked an executive order signed in 1965 that prohibited discriminatory hiring and employment practices for private government contractors. Perhaps most alarming for business leaders was the order’s focus on private corporations, whether they do business with the government or not.

Justice Department Says It Will Prosecute Local Officials Over Immigration Enforcement

MSN – Maria Sacchetti and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 1/22/2025

The Trump administration directed federal prosecutors nationwide to investigate and potentially prosecute state and local officials who do not cooperate with the president’s plans to carry out the largest mass deportation campaign in U.S. history. The directive is likely to face fierce blowback from legal advocacy groups and officials in cities and states led by Democrats. Many lawyers say it is legal for state and local officials to stay out of most immigration enforcement.

Who Is Mariann Budde, the Bishop Who Told Trump to ‘Have Mercy’?

MSN – Olivia George and Gaya Gupta (Washington Post) | Published: 1/22/2025

While speaking at an interfaith inauguration prayer service at Washington National Cathedral, a bishop pleaded with President Trump to show compassion toward immigrants, LGBTQ+ children, and “the people in our country who are scared now.” The Right Rev. Mariann Budde also criticized Trump during his first term, particularly over his handling of protests during the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. She has served as the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington since 2011 and was the first woman to be elected to the position.

Justice Department Issues Freeze for Civil Rights Division

MSN – Perry Stein and David Nakamura (Washington Post) | Published: 1/22/2025

The U.S. Justice Department ordered the civil rights division to halt much of its investigative activity dating from the Biden administration and not pursue new indictments, cases, or settlements. Cases that have already been filed would be subject to the discretion of the judge overseeing them. Within the Justice Department, the civil rights division typically experiences the sharpest shift in priorities between Republican and Democratic administrations. But the division typically decides on a case-by-case basis what litigation to pursue from the previous administration.

CNN Found Guilty of Defaming Security Contractor, Ordered to Pay $5 Million

MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 1/17/2025

A jury found CNN guilty of defaming security contractor Zachary Young, who argued his reputation and business were destroyed after he was featured in a segment on the network about the high costs of evacuating Afghans from the country after the Taliban took power. Young was awarded $5 million. The high-dollar verdict could also incentivize more lawsuits against media companies, particularly in a climate of hostility toward the press.

Washington Lobbyists Turn to Musk’s DOGE to Influence Trump

MSN – Gregory Korte and Ted Mann (Bloomberg) | Published: 1/19/2025

The Department of Government Efficiency, run by Elon Musk, is supposed to advise Donald Trump on spending cuts and regulatory reform. It does not yet, and may never, have any formalized responsibilities or authority. So far, its recruits have been organizing in clandestine meetings blocks from the White House. But already, companies and industry groups have started looking to the department, above the more traditional committees of Congress and federal agencies, to advance their agendas and protect their interests.

Biden Preemptively Pardons Milley, Fauci, Jan. 6 Panel – and His Family

MSN – Sabrina Rodriguez and Matt Viser (Washington Post) | Published: 1/20/2025

President Biden issued preemptive pardons to retired Gen. Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci, members and staff of the January 6 congressional committee, and police officers who testified before the panel, just hours before Donald Trump’s inauguration. Biden’s decision comes after Trump has repeatedly threatened to go after those who have crossed him politically or attempted to hold him accountable for his role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Trump Signs Order to End ‘Government Censorship’ of Social Media

MSN – Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 1/20/2025

President Trump signed an executive order intended to “immediately stop all government censorship,” a sweeping action that could chill years of efforts to combat the proliferation of false information online. Conservatives have argued in multiple lawsuits that efforts to limit the spread of false information online about public health and elections amount to illegal censorship. The order will create legal uncertainty for government officials who communicate with tech companies.

DOJ Can’t Show Jack Smith’s Report on Trump Classified Docs Case to Lawmakers, Cannon Rules

MSN – Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 1/21/2025

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon blocked the Justice Department from showing selected lawmakers portions of special counsel Jack Smith’s report on the classified documents case against Donald Trump. Cannon said there is no legal basis for the department to confidentially share the report with leaders of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. The ruling could make it easier for the Trump administration to bury the report, which recounts Smith’s investigation into the classified records that Trump stored at his Mar-a-Lago home and his alleged attempt to obstruct efforts to retrieve them.

Clemency for Oath Keepers, Proud Boys Fuels Extremism Threat, Experts Say

MSN – Spencer Hsu, Ellie Silverman, and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 1/21/2025

Counterterrorism experts say Donald Trump’s decision to free all the roughly 1,600 January 6 riot defendants, including the leaders of two extremist groups who played outsize roles in the Capitol riot, could further embolden fringe groups and hamper the Justice Department’s fight against political violence. Extremism researchers raised concerns over the message their freedom sends to armed militia-style groups or others with violent anti-government views. If those convicted of plotting such violence against the government walked free with support from the nation’s commander in chief, would others be energized to take up more action?

Trump Promotes Meme Coin, Raising Ethics Issues as Value Soars

MSN – Tony Romm (Washington Post) | Published: 1/19/2025

Ahead of his inauguration, Donald Trump launched and promoted a new cryptocurrency venture, raising fresh ethical questions about his attempts to monetize the incoming administration’s deepening political ties to the industry. Trump’s new project is known as a meme coin, a highly volatile sort of token that crypto enthusiasts can buy and sell tied to an online trend or personality.

Patagonia’s Ties to Nonprofit Raise Campaign Finance Concerns

Yahoo News – Tony Biasotti (Ventura County Star) | Published: 1/21/2025

A new nonprofit filed its incorporation paperwork with an address in Ventura and the name Save Our Home Planet Action. Its stated purposes included “raising awareness of the current environmental crisis,” land preservation and restoration, and lobbying and advocacy. It had no website, no known donors, and no apparent source of revenue. But it did have money. Ten days after its founding, it gave nearly $900,000 to two PACs.

Trump Revokes Lobbying Ban for Biden Appointees

Yahoo News – Caitlin Oprysko (Politico) | Published: 1/22/2025

President Trump revoked an executive order signed by Joe Biden that set ethics and lobbying rules for appointees. Biden’s order banned outgoing appointees from registering to lobby until the end of his administration or for two years, whichever is later. It extended an existing ban on officials communicating with their former agency to include communications with senior White House staff. Trump’s order could make it easier for Biden alumni to land well-paying jobs in the private sector, where former officials can immediately cash in on their intimate knowledge of how the levers of power work to influence policy.

From the States and Municipalities

California – Santa Clara County Weighs Raising Campaign Donation Limits

MSN – Brandon Pho (San Jose Spotlight) | Published: 1/16/2025

Santa Clara County supervisors could relax restrictions on how much they can raise for their reelection campaigns. The issue sparked a debate at a Board of Supervisors meeting about whether a higher ceiling for candidate fundraising would help or hurt poorer people’s chances of winning elected county office.

California – Sheng Thao and Partner Andre Jones Sought More than $300,000 in Bribes, Feds Allege

MSN – Natalie Orenstein and Darwin BondGraham (Oaklandside) | Published: 1/17/2025

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao was indicted on bribery charges, along with her longtime boyfriend and a father-son team who run the company on contract for the city’s recycling services, alleging a corruption scheme involving cash payments and campaign mailers in exchange for city contracts. The indictment alleges Thao and Andre Jones accepted bribes from David and Andy Duong in exchange for promising to extend their recycling services contract and purchase housing units from a company the Duongs ran if Thao was elected in 2022.

Colorado – Colorado Senate Committee to Review Ethics Complaint Against Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis

Colorado Politics – Marianne Goodland | Published: 1/21/2025

The Colorado Senate formed an ethics committee to investigate claims that Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis mistreated staff members, a move that could ultimately lead to a reprimand or removal from office. A workplace misconduct complaint alleged she paid an aide to do landscaping work and tend bar and paid him with a campaign check. She did not report those expenditures in her campaign finance reports.

Florida – Ethics Commission Dismisses Baxter Complaint but Says She ‘Probably Violated’ County Code

MSN – Mike Diamond (Palm Beach Post) | Published: 1/22/2025

The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics dismissed a complaint against county Commissioner Sara Baxter over gifts she received from lobbyist Ron Book. The commission upheld a staff finding there was “probable cause” to conclude Baxter violated the law for failing to report the gifts. But it rejected a staff recommendation to issue “a letter of instruction” to her, which would have warned her not to do it again. It may be one of the last anonymous complaints to be investigated by an ethics commission in Florida.

Florida – Judge Dismisses Díaz de la Portilla ‘Shakedown’ Lawsuit, Citing Legislative Immunity

MSN – Tess Riski (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/17/2025

A judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing former Miami City Commissioner Alex Díaz de la Portilla of orchestrating a “shakedown” scheme by pressuring the longtime operator of the Rickenbacker Marina to take on the commissioner’s associate as a business partner in exchange for the commissioner’s vote on a redevelopment deal. The ruling marks the second legal victory for Díaz de la Portilla. The Broward State Attorney’s Office dismissed a criminal corruption case against him.

Florida – DeSantis Picks Florida Attorney General to Replace Marco Rubio in Senate

MSN – Hannah Knowles and Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) | Published: 1/16/2025

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would appoint Ashley Moody, his state’s attorney general, to replace Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate, elevating a close ally. Moody previously worked as a federal prosecutor in Florida and became the youngest judge in the state when she won election to the Circuit Court in Hillsborough County. DeSantis also announced he will select his chief of staff, James Uthmeier, to take Moody’s place as attorney general.

Georgia – Giuliani and Georgia Election Workers Reach Settlement in Defamation Case

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 1/16/2025

Rudy Giuliani and two Georgia election workers reached a settlement in a case to determine whether he would be forced to give up World Series rings, his Florida condominium, and other assets as part of a $148 million defamation judgment. A trial on the matter was scheduled to begin January 16 involving Giuliani and election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, a mother and daughter. Freeman and Moss were included in a false election fraud narrative presented by Giuliani after the 2020 presidential race Donald Trump lost to Joe Biden.

Illinois – Man Banned from Chicago Park District Jobs After Scandal Now Working for Alderman

MSN – Jake Sheridan (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/20/2025

A November 2021 investigation cited Alonzo Williams, then the Chicago Park District’s chief programs officer, and other executives for mishandling allegations of abuse and sexual harassment in the lifeguard program. Williams resigned when the report came out and was designated “do not rehire” by the agency. But Williams quickly found contracting work in the city council. Despite the still-in-place label from the sister city agency, Ald. Greg Mitchell has hired Williams, payroll records show.

Illinois – Regardless of Verdict, Could Madigan Trial Be Make-or-Break Moment for Illinois?

MSN – Ray Long, Megan Crepeau, and Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/19/2025

The outcome of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial will be watched closely well beyond Chicago’s federal courthouse, with the verdict representing a potential make-or-break moment at the Illinois Capitol. Gov. JB Pritzker and state lawmakers must now brace themselves for the culmination of a trial that has put a spotlight on Illinois’ messy intersection of money, special interests, and power politics.

Indiana – 3 More Women Accuse Indiana Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor of Sexual Misconduct

MSN – Hayleigh Colombo, Tony Cook, and Kayla Dwyer (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 1/19/2025

Three more women are accusing Indiana Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor of sexual misconduct, the latest in a string of allegations against the chamber’s most powerful Democrat.  The new accusations date back to Taylor’s early years in the Legislature, but together with more recent allegations show a nearly decade-long pattern of unwelcomed sexual conduct toward younger interns, lobbyists, and staff.

Kentucky – Biden Pardons Kentuckian Jerry Lundergan for Campaign Finance Conviction

Yahoo News – Jack Brammer (Kentucky Lantern) | Published: 1/20/2025

President Biden pardoned businessperson Jerry Lundergan for his conviction on federal campaign finance charges. Lundergan was sentenced to 21 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for making illegal contributions to the failed U.S. Senate campaign of his daughter, former Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, and for causing the concealment of those contributions from the FEC.

Kentucky – He Ran Kentucky’s Nursing Home Inspections. Now He’s a Nursing Home Lobbyist. Is That OK?

Yahoo News – John Cheves (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 1/16/2025

The state official in charge of nursing home inspections might have violated Kentucky’s ethics law by moving too quickly a year ago into a job as a nursing home industry lobbyist, promoting the interests of his new employer throughout 2024 in meetings and communications with his old employer. In December 2023, Adam Mather quit his $135,086 state job and registered as a Frankfort lobbyist for the nursing home industry’s trade group, becoming president of the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities.

Maryland – Delegate’s Canceled Check Answers One Campaign Finance Question, Raises Another

Yahoo News – Bryan Sears (Maryland Matters) | Published: 1/23/2025

A state delegate may have inadvertently run afoul of Maryland campaign finance law as she sought to address questions recently about a missing 2023 payment to rent a venue for a campaign event. There were allegations that Del. Dana Jones failed to report a payment or in-kind contribution for the venue. Jones produced canceled checks that show her campaign paid the Annapolis Maritime Museum $850 for use of the venue.  But the checks also showed something else: Jones’s signature at the bottom of the payments.

Mississippi – MS Secretary of State Outlines Campaign Finance Reform Among His Legislative Priorities for 2025

MSN – Pam Dankins (Mississippi Clarion Ledger) | Published: 1/16/2025

Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson outlined his legislative priorities during a press conference, continuing his call for campaign finance reform and voicing the importance of election integrity in the state. During last year’s legislative session, Watson pushed lawmakers to approve and pay for a new campaign finance reporting system, so the public can easily view and search donations to candidates. His efforts were struck down.

Montana – Montana Senate Republican Leaders Looking into Use of $170K of State Funds by Former President

Yahoo News – Micah Drew (Daily Montanan) | Published: 1/17/2025

Sen. Jason Ellsworth, the former Montana Senate president, denied any wrongdoing in connection with a $170,000 no-bid contract he signed in his final days in office, an expenditure that is now under scrutiny by new Senate leadership. The contract is between Ellsworth and Bryce Eggleston of Agile Analytics. A Federal Trade Commission case from more than a decade ago identified Ellsworth and Eggleston as having a previous professional relationship, with businesses registered at the same address.

New Jersey – George Norcross’ Attorneys Argue in Court Their ‘Well-Connected’ Client Turned Camden Around as They Seek Dismissal

WHYY – P. Kenneth Burns | Published: 1/22/2025

New Jersey Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw heard arguments over whether the corruption indictment against George Norcross III and his five co-defendants should be dismissed. They are accused of executing an enterprise that muscled out Norcross’s business rivals from owning properties on the Camden waterfront, while reaping benefits of a tax incentive program that was written by Philip Norcross. Defense attorney Michael Critchley described the arguments as “a complaint about how our political and economic system begins and operates.”

New York – NYC Council Pushing Lobbying Ban on Mayor’s Office Staffers – but Excludes Itself from Crackdown

MSN – Carl Campanile (New York Post) | Published: 1/17/2025

The New York City Council is poised to pass legislation that extends lobbying restrictions to cover more power brokers in the mayor’s office after they leave the government but the tougher regulation to crack down on potential influence peddling excludes the council’s own members and staff. The measure comes at a time when Mayor Eric Adams is contesting federal corruption and bribery charges, and several former top aides have also either resigned or face criminal charges.

New York – Adams Legal Defense Fund Almost $1 Million in Debt as Donations Dwindle

The City – Yoav Gonan | Published: 1/16/2025

New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ legal defense fund raised just $2,200 from two donors over the last three months, even as his expenses to battle federal corruption charges mount ahead of an expected April trial, new filings show. The trust has refunded roughly $167,000 in contributions, many of which came from family members of people engaged in business with city government, who are prohibited from giving.

North Carolina – To Gain a Court Seat, Republicans Seek to Throw Out Thousands of Votes

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 1/23/2025

The election for an open seat on the North Carolina Supreme Cort may be decided by the very justices who will sit alongside whoever is ultimately declared the winner. The fight over the court seat reveals the intensifying politics of judicial elections and the spread of election litigation in the years since Donald Trump unsuccessfully challenged his 2020 presidential loss. The state Supreme Court justices blocked the elections board from certifying Justice Allison Riggs’ narrow win so they could consider a challenge. The justices recently kept that order in place but said they would let a lower court consider the challenge first.

Ohio – Ramaswamy Will Bow Out of Cost-Cutting Project and Run for Governor in Ohio

DNyuz – Theodore Schleifer and Madeleine Ngo (New York Times) | Published: 1/20/2025

The advisory group called the Department of Government Efficiency is losing one of its leaders before it even begins. Vivek Ramaswamy, whom President Trump named in November as co-leader of the initiative alongside Elon Musk, will quit the project because he plans to run for governor of Ohio.

Ohio – American Electric Power Pays $19M to Settle with SEC Over Its HB6 Entanglement

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/22/2025

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission agreed to enter a $19 million settlement with American Electric Power (AEP) after regulators accused the company of misleading investors about its involvement in a criminal corruption scandal. Four men, including ex-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, have been criminally convicted of racketeering. AEP had insisted that neither the company nor its subsidiaries contributed to a dark money nonprofit Householder controlled. But tax records show AEP contributed $1.2 million between 2017 and 2020 to two Householder-controlled groups.

Ohio – Feds Charge Former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones, Ex-Senior Vice President in Bribery Scheme

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/17/2025

Former FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling, a former lobbyist for the company, face federal racketeering charges for their roles in a public corruption scandal to pass a $1 billion bailout for the utility’s nuclear plants. The charges come nearly a year after Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost charged the men in state court over some of the same conduct. Typically, the U.S. Justice Department does not charge for the same crimes after the state, but the new indictment covers more ground.

Ohio – Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted Will Succeed JD Vance in the US Senate

MSN – Julie Carr Smyth and Stephen Groves (Associated Press) | Published: 1/17/2025

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted will succeed Vice President JD Vance in the U.S. Senate. Gov. Mike DeWine’s decision ends months of jockeying among top Ohio Republicans for the seat, which Vance had held for less than two years. DeWine said a large consideration was that Husted has extensive government experience that Ohio’s last two U.S. senators, Vance and businessperson Bernie Moreno, both political novices when elected, lacked.

Ohio – Ohio Utility Regulators Move Ethics Questions to Start of Application Process as Part of Reforms

WOSU – Renee Fox | Published: 1/16/2025

Five people have applied to fill an opening on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). There is something new about the process this year. PUCO spokesperson Matt Schilling said this time the agency required applicants to fill out Ohio Ethics Commission forms in order to apply, instead of later in the process.

Oklahoma – Second Ethics Probe Examines Ryan Walters for Social Media, Political Activity

NonDoc – Michael McNutt and Sasha Ndisabiye | Published: 1/17/2025

With his handling of 2022 campaign funds already being questioned, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters is also being investigated over whether certain posts on social media and certain comments on issues mostly concerning Donald Trump violate ethics rules about the use of state money, property, or time. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission authorized Executive Director Lee Anne Bruce Boone to “pursue prosecution in district court.”

Oregon – New Report Scrutinizes Lobbyists Working for NW Natural Gas and for Public Health, Climate Groups

Yahoo News – Alex Baumhardt (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 1/16/2025

Two lobbying firms advocating on behalf of Oregon’s largest gas utility are also lobbying on behalf of conservation and public health groups and local governments interested in ending natural gas hookups and combating climate change caused by burning gas. Conflicts-of-interest between NW Natural and a number of government bodies and nonprofits were analyzed in a new report. It calls on the Oregon Legislature to require lobbyists to disclose their compensation and their positions on specific bills, so they are not being paid to fight for and against policies that are at odds with one another.

Wyoming – Wyoming’s Money Managers Fear Losses from Freedom Caucus’ Investment Restrictions

WyoFile – Andrew Graham | Published: 1/20/2025

The House Freedom Caucus’ proposed ban on “environmental, social and governance” investing threatens Wyoming’s pensions and stock market returns, the state’s investment chiefs say. Those warnings sparked a flurry of changes by the legislation’s sponsor, Rep. Christopher Knapp, as he scrambled to achieve the caucus’ ideological goals without tanking the state’s returns.

Campaign Finance

Mississippi: “MS Secretary of State Outlines Campaign Finance Reform Among His Legislative Priorities for 2025” by Pam Dankins (Mississippi Clarion Ledger) for MSN

National: “Patagonia’s Ties to Nonprofit Raise Campaign Finance Concerns” by Tony Biasotti (Ventura County Star) for Yahoo News

Elections

Ohio: “Ramaswamy Will Bow Out of Cost-Cutting Project and Run for Governor in Ohio” by Theodore Schleifer and Madeleine Ngo (New York Times) for DNyuz

Ethics

Colorado: “Colorado Senate Committee to Review Ethics Complaint Against Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis” by Marianne Goodland for Colorado Politics

National: “Trump Promotes Meme Coin, Raising Ethics Issues as Value Soars” by Tony Romm (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Justice Department Says It Will Prosecute Local Officials Over Immigration Enforcement” by Maria Sacchetti and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “American Electric Power Pays $19M to Settle with SEC Over Its HB6 Entanglement” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Trump Revokes Lobbying Ban for Biden Appointees” by Caitlin Oprysko (Politico) for Yahoo News

The first person that new State and Federal Communications, Inc. employees meet on their first day is Dave McPeek. As our Manager of Operations and Facilities, he wears many hats and one of those hats is helping to onboard new employees by showing them around the office and giving them the rundown of our digital and safety systems to get them acclimated to our environment.

Dave brings nearly 40 years of experience and a storied background in different aspects of business, programming, and computer and facility operations. Before coming to State and Federal Communications, Inc., he held roles including Operations Supervisor, Programmer, Account Manager, and Manager of Special Projects for several offices.

While Dave had already earned an accounting degree and a minor in programming during the mid-1980s, he returned to the University of Akron in the early 2000s to refocus his career path after being sidelined by a company acquisition. What began as an immersion into newer database programming technologies ultimately became an opportunity as a student to do a co-op for two semesters for State and Federal Communications, Inc.

“It was fun, and it was different,” he mused. “The excitement of the new industry and the potential within a growing company led me to accept a job offer within the IT department upon graduation.”

The company was growing and with it, the needs of the technology infrastructure, procedures, and acquiring more space within the existing building also grew.  By bringing on Dave, the small department doubled in size at the time.

“The two of us in IT did whatever needed to be done behind the scenes, whether it was with our computers, the network, or dealing with the landlord, building, and vendors. I tried to assume as much of the non-technical load as possible so the Director of Information Technology could do the heavy lifting with the programming and development he specialized in at the time.  As the company grew, the department also grew in staff to support evolving client and staff needs in the fast-moving world of technology.  With that growth, I became more focused on the non-technical work and found that I enjoyed it,” Dave explained.

While every day can be very different in Operations and Facilities, the primary focus of Dave’s days is in keeping our office environment running as smoothly, as comfortable, and as safe and in compliance as possible. He also plays a big part in any larger projects when they occur to enable other staff to remain focused on their client-related activities.  “It’s whatever needs to be done,” he explained.

Dave’s approach to the work is to ensure things around the office run as smoothly as possible so the entire staff is supported in their day-to-day responsibilities.

“I think innovation can exponentially help make sure things are working as well as possible. You innovate to improve, and everyone should benefit when done properly,” he explained.  “I see it as a win-win situation when I have an opportunity to help our staff in any way provide even a bit more of their industry-leading talents for the benefit of our clients. That is a good day.”

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/.

Campaign Finance

Kentucky: “Biden Pardons Kentuckian Jerry Lundergan for Campaign Finance Conviction” by Jack Brammer (Kentucky Lantern) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “Trump Signs Order to End ‘Government Censorship’ of Social Media” by Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Clemency for Oath Keepers, Proud Boys Fuels Extremism Threat, Experts Say” by Spencer Hsu, Ellie Silverman, and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “DOJ Can’t Show Jack Smith’s Report on Trump Classified Docs Case to Lawmakers, Cannon Rules” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) for MSN

Florida: “Judge Dismisses Díaz de la Portilla ‘Shakedown’ Lawsuit, Citing Legislative Immunity” by Tess Riski (Miami Herald) for MSN

Illinois: “Man Banned from Chicago Park District Jobs After Scandal Now Working for Alderman” by Jake Sheridan (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

Indiana: “3 More Women Accuse Indiana Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor of Sexual Misconduct” by Hayleigh Colombo, Tony Cook, and Kayla Dwyer (Indianapolis Star) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Wyoming: “Wyoming’s Money Managers Fear Losses from Freedom Caucus’ Investment Restrictions” by Andrew Graham for WyoFile

The Minnesota Supreme Court canceled a special election for House District 40B set for January 28. The court agreed with Republicans who claimed Gov. Walz scheduled the election too soon, ruling state law allows the governor to call a special election only after the legislative session begins and a vacancy is clear. Democrat Curtis Johnson won a Roseville-area seat in November but was disqualified by a judge over residency questions and declined to appeal.

The decision left Republicans with a one-seat advantage in the chamber over Democrats, who have been boycotting the session as a result. There is a separate legal dispute before the court over the legitimacy of the session convening without Democrats present. Walz has not yet set a new date for the election but stated it will now likely happen in March.

Rep. Matt Gergely has passed away after suffering a medical emergency. Gergely represented Pennsylvania’s 35th district after winning a special election in 2023. A special election will be held to fill the vacancy.

Welcome to 2025! The beginning of a new year always brings with it the possibilities of a fresh start, a renewed perspective, and a “to do” list – and trust me, 2025 will be no exception!

One of the things that I am looking forward to doing this year is continuing to obtain greater knowledge and understanding as it relates to issues of diversity, equity and, inclusion (DEI). There are a number of people out here doing amazing work in the DEI space, and I plan to tap into their wisdom as much as possible! I plan to make new connections, seek out new learning opportunities, and re-commit to doing whatever I can to help counter the anti-DEI narrative.

I mentioned to someone the other day that those of us who are passionate about DEI  need to continue to spread the word about DEI being more than just about matters involving race and gender. While both race and gender are very important to the DEI conversation, for me, DEI encompasses everything that makes a person who they are – “their background, their lived experiences, their stories. These and so many other factors  are what helped to shape us and to make us the people we are today!”

I invite you to commit to seeking out new connections and new learning opportunities – and new ways of talking about DEI in 2025! I also invite you to share your DEI story with someone new to your circle (and invite them to do the same)!

Wishing you a very happy and fulfilling New Year!

Rep. Will Wheeler announced his resignation three days into the new legislative session. Wheeler is a Democrat who represented District 50 and cited his reason for leaving was to take a new path in his life for the sake of his health and his family. His resignation was effective January 17 and a special election is expected to be announced in the coming days.

On January 20, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order revoking mandated enhanced ethics rules for executive branch appointees implemented on January 20, 2021, by former President Joseph R. Biden. President Trump’s Executive Order, entitled “Executive Order—Initial Rescissions Of Harmful Executive Orders And Actions,” revoked over 60 prior presidential Executive orders issued in the last four years.

The rescinded order, Executive Order 13989 entitled “Executive Order on Ethic Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel,” required new appointees to sign and be contractually committed to the ethics pledge outlined in the order. Appointees were prohibited from accepting gifts, with limited exceptions, from registered lobbyists and lobbying organizations for the duration of their service as appointees. Appointees were also prohibited from participating in matters involving specific parties directly and substantially related to a former employer for two years after the date of appointment.

Federal lobbyists and individuals registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act could not seek or accept employment with any executive agency with respect to which he or she lobbied within the two years before the date of the appointment. The order also prohibited certain golden parachutes from former employers and includes a general two-year prohibition on lobbying after leaving a position. Covered appointees included every full-time, non-career Presidential or Vice-Presidential appointee, non-career appointees in the Senior Executive Service, and appointees to certain positions excepted from the competitive service. It did not include any person appointed as a member of the Senior Foreign Service or solely as a uniformed service commissioned officer.

President Trump, who issued an Executive Order concerning the ethics of appointed officials in 2017, and rescinded it on January 19, 2021, could still issue another related Executive Order.

Campaign Finance

California: “Santa Clara County Weighs Raising Campaign Donation Limits” by Brandon Pho (San Jose Spotlight) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Biden Preemptively Pardons Milley, Fauci, Jan. 6 Panel – and His Family” by Sabrina Rodriguez and Matt Viser (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “Regardless of Verdict, Could Madigan Trial Be Make-or-Break Moment for Illinois?” by Ray Long, Megan Crepeau, and Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

Montana: “Montana Senate Republican Leaders Looking into Use of $170K of State Funds by Former President” by Micah Drew (Daily Montanan) for Yahoo News

Oklahoma: “Second Ethics Probe Examines Ryan Walters for Social Media, Political Activity” by Michael McNutt and Sasha Ndisabiye for NonDoc

Legislative Issues

Ohio: “Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted Will Succeed JD Vance in the US Senate” by Julie Carr Smyth and Stephen Groves (Associated Press) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Washington Lobbyists Turn to Musk’s DOGE to Influence Trump” by Gregory Korte and Ted Mann (Bloomberg) for MSN

New York: “NYC Council Pushing Lobbying Ban on Mayor’s Office Staffers – but Excludes Itself from Crackdown” by Carl Campanile (New York Post) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “Giuliani and Georgia Election Workers Reach Settlement in Defamation Case” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Sheng Thao and Partner Andre Jones Sought More than $300,000 in Bribes, Feds Allege” by Natalie Orenstein and Darwin BondGraham for Oaklandside

National: “CNN Found Guilty of Defaming Security Contractor, Ordered to Pay $5 Million” by Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Adams Legal Defense Fund Almost $1 Million in Debt as Donations Dwindle” by Yoav Gonan for The City

Ohio: “Feds Charge Former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones, Ex-Senior Vice President in Bribery Scheme” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for NonDoc

Legislative Issues

Florida: “DeSantis Picks Florida Attorney General to Replace Marco Rubio in Senate” by Hannah Knowles and Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Kentucky: “He Ran Kentucky’s Nursing Home Inspections. Now He’s a Nursing Home Lobbyist. Is That OK?” by John Cheves (Lexington Herald-Leader) for Yahoo News

Oregon: “New Report Scrutinizes Lobbyists Working for NW Natural Gas and for Public Health, Climate Groups” by Alex Baumhardt (Oregon Capital Chronicle) for Yahoo News

Gov. Mike DeWine announced Lt. Gov. Jon Husted will fill the seat in the U.S. Senate vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance. Husted will serve at least through 2026 when a special election will be held to fill the remaining term.

Gov. Lee called for a special session on January 27 to address the Education Freedom Act, disaster relief for Hurricane Helene, and public safety measures related to illegal immigration. The Education Freedom Act aims to establish scholarships, increase teacher pay and bonuses, and increase funding for K-12 education. The Hurricane Helene relief will include upwards of $400 million allocated to various programs to provide immediate and long-term disaster relief to those effected by the hurricane. Finally, public safety measures for illegal immigration are being prepared to coincide with the federal policy planned implementations.