National/Federal

Appeals Court Upholds ‘Obstruction’ Charge Used Against Hundreds of Jan. 6 Rioters, for Now

ABC News – Ryan Reilly | Published: 4/7/2023

A federal appeals court panel affirmed the government’s use of an obstruction charge used against hundreds of defendants arrested in connection with the attack on the U.S. Capitol, though the complex opinion appears likely to result in additional litigation and leaves questions about the future of the use of the statute. A three-judge panel upheld the use of the obstruction of an official proceeding charge against defendants who assaulted law enforcement during the attack.

NPR Quits Elon Musk’s Twitter Over ‘Government-Funded’ Label

ABC News – Timothy O’Brien (Associated Press) | Published: 4/12/2023

National Public Radio (NPR) is quitting Twitter after the social media platform owned by Elon Musk stamped NPR’s account with labels the news organization says undermine its credibility. Twitter labeled NPR’s main account as “state-affiliated media,” a term also used to identify media outlets controlled or heavily influenced by authoritarian governments, such as Russia and China. Twitter later changed the label to “government-funded media.”

Judge Limits Fox’s Options for Defense in Dominion Trial

DNyuz – Jeremy Peters (New York Times) | Published: 4/11/2023

A judge ruled Fox News could not argue it broadcast false information about Dominion Voting Systems on the basis that the allegations were newsworthy, limiting a key line of defense for the network as it faces the beginning of a potentially costly defamation trial. The judge also ruled Dominion could not refer to the assault on the Capitol except in very narrow circumstances, saying he did not want jurors to be prejudiced by events that were not relevant to the central question in the case: did Fox air wild claims about Dominion’s purported involvement in a conspiracy to steal the 2020 presidential election from Donald Trump knowing they were lies?

New Pressure to End Old Senate Practice After Mississippi Judicial Pick Is Blocked

DNyuz – Carl Hulse (New York Times) | Published: 4/11/2023

Democrats hoped they were on the verge of a judicial breakthrough when President Biden nominated a Baton Rouge lawyer for a U.S. District Court vacancy and the two Republican senators from Louisiana offered no objections. Getting Republican senators to sign off on Biden nominees in their home states has been a struggle, slowing the Democratic drive to fill as many judicial slots as possible. But U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Republican of Mississippi, then said she would not allow the nomination of Scott Colom, a candidate for a court vacancy in the state, to move forward, citing his past political support from the left, among other reasons.

Witnesses Asked About Trump’s Handling of Map with Classified Information

DNyuz – Maggie Haberman, Adam Goldman, and Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 4/12/2023

Investigators are asking witnesses whether former President Trump showed off to aides and visitors a map he took with him when he left office that contains sensitive intelligence information. The map has been just one focus of the Justice Department probe into Trump’s handling of classified documents after he departed the White House. One person briefed on the matter said investigators have asked about Trump showing the map while aboard a plane. Another said investigators appeared to believe Trump showed the map to at least one adviser after leaving office.

Special Counsel Focuses on Trump Fundraising Off False Election Claims

MSN – Josh Dawsey, Devlin Barrett, Rosalind Helderman, and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 4/12/2023

Federal prosecutors probing the attack on the U.S. Capitol have in recent weeks sought a wide range of documents related to fundraising after the 2020 election, looking to determine if former President Trump or his advisers scammed donors by using false claims about voter fraud to raise money. The fundraising prong of the investigation is focused on money raised during the period between November 3, 2020, and the end of Trump’s time in office, and prosecutors are said to be interested in whether anyone associated with the operation violated wire fraud laws, which make it illegal to make false representations over email to swindle people out of money.

Meta Won’t Say If Politicians Can Post AI-Made Fakes Without Warnings

MSN – Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) | Published: 4/7/2023

Political campaign operatives wrote to Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, asking how the company planned to address AI-generated fake images on its platforms. The inquiry testified to growing concern about the technology’s impact on American democracy among some of the top strategists preparing for the 2024 election. A Meta employee replied to the operatives saying such images, rather than being treated as manipulated media and removed under certain conditions, were being reviewed by independent fact-checkers who work with the company to examine misinformation and apply warning labels to dubious content.

New Report Outlines the Deep Political Polarization’s Slow and Steady March

MSN – Paul Kane (Washington Post) | Published: 4/8/2023

New research by David Wasserman, senor editor at the Cook Political Report, examines all 435 U.S. House districts to explain the geographical roots of political polarization and how hollowed-out the political middle has become. Although legislative gerrymandering plays a key role in letting representatives choose their constituents, the nation’s “urban/rural polarization” has been a much bigger factor over the past 25 years, Wasserman wrote. “The electorate has simply become much more homogenous than it used to be,” he said.

Clarence Thomas and the Billionaire

ProPublica – Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott, and Alex Mierjeski | Published: 4/6/2023

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas accepted luxury trips around the globe for more than two decades, including travel on a superyacht and private jet, from a prominent Republican donor without disclosing them. ProPublica reported on an array of trips funded by Harlan Crow, a Dallas businessperson. There are few restrictions on what gifts justices can accept. But Thomas’s failure to report the flights appears to violate a law that requires justices, judges, members of Congress, and federal officials to disclose most gifts, ethics law experts said.

Pressured by Their Base on Abortion, Republicans Strain to Find a Way Forward

Yahoo News – Jonathan Weisman (New York Times) | Published: 4/11/2023

Republican leaders have followed an emboldened base of conservative activists into what increasingly looks like a political cul-de-sac on the issue of abortion – a tightly confined absolutist position that has limited their options ahead of the 2024 election season, even as some in the party push for moderation. Some Republicans are warning the uncompromising position of their party’s activist base could be leading them over an electoral cliff next year.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Republican Said She ‘Barely’ Met with Lobbyists, but Her Calendar Shows Otherwise

Arizona Mirror – Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Published: 4/10/2023

Arizona Sen. Justine Wadsack recently said she “barely” meets with lobbyists after she faced criticism from gun control lobbyists who she refused to meet, but a copy of her legislative calendar shows the lawmaker meets regularly with lobbyists and special interest groups. Public records revealed the majority of Wadsacks’ meetings were with lobbyists, many of whom do not reside in her legislative district. Wadsack’s calendar listed four meetings with voters from her district, and more than 30 meetings with lobbyists and special interest groups.

Arizona – Arizona House Republicans Expel One of Their Own

DNyuz – Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 4/12/2023

The Arizona House expelled a Republican lawmaker who organized a presentation by an insurance agent who made unsubstantiated accusations that a wide range of politicians, judges, and public officials of both parties took bribes from a Mexican drug cartel. Rep. Liz Harris’s ouster came a day after the House Ethics Committee determined Harris violated legislative rules by inviting a witness to present false testimony.

Arizona – Printer Glitches in Ariz. Election Not Due to Malfeasance, Review Finds

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) | Published: 4/10/2023

The combination of heavier paper and longer ballots was responsible for problems tabulating votes at dozens of polling places in Maricopa County, Arizona, during last November’s midterm elections. The report’s public release marks the latest chapter in the board of supervisors’ quest to tamp down conspiracy theories about elections in the county, which is home to more than half the state’s voters. The printer problems caused confusion on Election Day as tabulators at the affected sites rejected faulty ballots.

California – What Happened on Ash Street? How a Criminal Probe into Suspected Conspiracy to ‘Defraud the City’ Was Settled with a Single Misdemeanor

MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union Tribune) | Published: 4/9/2023

When an investigator for District Attorney Summer Stephan was seeking warrants to search Jason Hughes’ home and office, he described a far-reaching conspiracy to swindle San Diego taxpayers out of millions of dollars through two separate real estate deals. Nearly two years later, Hughes pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor charge, the only defendant in a criminal probe that had earlier implicated some of the most powerful elected officials and political donors in the city. Legal experts and pundits are debating what drove judges to push for settlements in the criminal and civil cases and why San Diego officials agreed to them.

California – Bredefeld, Chavez Slap Back at Fresno County Campaign Transfer Limit. It’s Heading to Court

Yahoo News – Tim Sheehan (Fresno Bee) | Published: 4/12/2023

Two Fresno City Council members filed a motion asking a judge to find unconstitutional a county ordinance limiting what they can transfer into their pending campaigns for county office. Fresno County adopted an ordinance in 2020 that put a $30,000 cap on transfers or contributions from a candidate’s campaign account for non-county elective offices into their campaign for county offices. In its lawsuit the county is asking a court for declaratory relief and decide whether that limit can be applied.

Colorado – Tina Peters, Trump Loyalist and Former Clerk, Is Sentenced in Obstruction Case

DNyuz – Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 4/11/2023

Tina Peters, who was barred from overseeing elections in a Colorado county after her indictment on charges relating to tampering with voting equipment, was sentenced to home detention after she was convicted in a separate obstruction case. Peters, the former clerk in Mesa County, was given four months of house arrest and 120 hours of community service. A jury convicted her of stonewalling investigators from the district attorney’s office when they tried to seize an iPad from her that she had used to record a court proceeding.

District of Columbia – D.C. Housing Director’s $41,250 Bonus at Issue in Council Hearing

MSN – Steve Thompson (Washington Post) | Published: 4/12/2023

District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Director Brenda Donald recently received a $41,250 bonus on top of the $275,000 she makes annually to lead the embattled authority. She was questioned about the bonus by city council member Donald White. He also raised concerns that the DCHA is not sufficiently transparent about its affairs. At the routine oversight hearing, Donald told White that who approved the bonus and by what rationale was not his business as chair of the Housing Committee.

Hawaii – Ex-Hawaii Lawmaker Gets 2 Years in Prison for Taking Bribes

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 4/6/2023

Former state Rep. Ty Cullen was sentenced to two years in prison for taking cash bribes of more than $25,000 as well as payments in the form of poker chips totaling $22,000 between 2015 and 2021 as part of a scheme to influence legislation involving wastewater and cesspools. He was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine on top of a $23,000 forfeiture. Cullen assisted federal prosecutors as part of an ongoing investigation into public corruption in Hawaii.

Hawaii – Campaign Cash Flowed to Hawaii Senators Just Before an Energy Bill Vote. Reform Measures Won’t Stop It

Honolulu Civil Beat – Stewart Yerton | Published: 4/10/2023

Hawaii lawmakers are considering a bill that would prohibit registered lobbyists from donating to lawmakers during the legislative session. Individuals and entities who are not registered lobbyists, like the energy company executives, would still be allowed to donate during a session. A bill that would have prohibited all contributions was defeated. The bill is headed to a conference committee, where lawmakers will try to work out differences in House and Senate versions.

Illinois – Chicago Will Host 2024 Democratic Convention as Party Returns to Midwest

MSN – Katie Glueck and Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 4/11/2023

Chicago will host the 2024 Democratic National Convention, elevating a large liberal city in the heart of the Midwest, a critical battleground region. In the final deliberations, Chicago beat out New York – another progressive city whose advocates had boasted of its infrastructure and fundraising resources – as well as Atlanta, in a presidential battleground state. Republicans plan to hold their national convention in Milwaukee, underscoring the fierce competition for the Midwest on the cusp of another presidential election.

Illinois – Federal Judge Sentences Longtime Political Operative to Probation in Corruption Probe

Yahoo News – Madeline Buckly and Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 4/12/2023

A federal judge lamented the pervasiveness of public corruption in Illinois as she ordered a one-year probation sentence for a longtime Chicago fire inspector and precinct captain who admitted to lying to the FBI in connection with a bribery probe into former state Sen. Martin Sandoval. Rudy Acosta pleaded guilty to misleading the FBI in a series of interviews about its investigation into Sandoval and other elected officials. The judge stressed the importance of sending a message to those in positions of power to deter official misconduct but took into account Acosta’s health issues and his “extensive” cooperation in FBI probes.

Kansas – Judge Won’t Toss Subpoenas Directed at Kansas Republican Officials Amid Ethics Probe

Yahoo News – Andrew Bahl (Topeka Capital-Journal) | Published: 4/11/2023

A judge declined to toss a sweeping series of subpoenas issued to local Republican Party leaders, clearing a potential path for the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission to be able to be enforce the documents in court.  The probe into the campaign finance activities of prominent legislators and state GOP officials has become increasingly open in recent months, with the ethics panel going to court to enforce the subpoenas and drawing pushback.

Kansas – Wichita Council OKs Airport Marketing Contract, Will Talk More About Conflicts of Interest

Yahoo News – Michael Kelly (Wichita Eage) | Published: 4/11/2023

The Wichita City Council approved a media buying contract for Eisenhower National Airport with Copp Media. The contract, approved a week after the council voted it down, includes new language prohibiting Copp from taking on mayoral or city council candidates as clients while doing business with the city. The council also voted to schedule a workshop where staff will present a policy for discussion about the ethics of double-dipping in city campaign work and city contract work.

Maryland – Chaos Erupts in House of Delegates as Tension Grips Final Moments of General Assembly Session

Maryland Matters – William Zorzi | Published: 4/11/2023

The Maryland General Assembly ended the 2023 session with high drama in both chambers as the final minutes in the House of Delegates devolved into a partisan shouting match, and the Senate president interrupted a motion for final adjournment with a last-seconds vote. The House descended into pandemonium in the final minutes amid a debate over a bill that would prohibit police from stopping or searching a person based solely on the odor of marijuana.

Michigan – Feds Unveil Corruption Charges in Mich. Marijuana Probe Involving Rick Johnson

Detroit News – Robert Snell and Craig Mauger | Published: 4/6/2023

Rick Johnson, the former chair of Michigan’s now-defunct Medical Marijuana Licensing Board, pleaded guilty alongside three others as part of a public corruption probe surrounding the state’s system for regulating medical marijuana. Johnson, who also served as House speaker, was charged with accepting bribes in exchange for licenses to launch marijuana facilities, federal prosecutors said. Also pleading guilty were two lobbyists who were charged with conspiracy to commit bribery – Brian Pierce and Vincent Brown.

New Jersey – Advocates See Few Upsides to Recent Pay-to-Play Overhaul

New Jersey Monitor – Nikita Biryukov | Published: 4/10/2023

Good government advocates warn changes to New Jersey’s “pay-to-play” laws under the Elections Transparency Act will enable corruption. Advocates warn the campaign finance bill Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law  will weaken safeguards meant to prevent local and state officials from steering public contracts to donors. The law ends local “pay-to-play” ordinances that are often stricter than state law, permits the executive branch to award contracts through a system that critics have decried as a loophole, and removes donations to political parties from the list of those that invoke the anti-corruption protections.

New Jersey – N.J. Town Approves Legal Weed Business Represented by State Democratic Chair’s Lobbying Firm

Newark Star Ledger – Jelani Gibson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 4/13/2023

The East Orange City Council approved a cannabis dispensary applicant represented by a lobbying firm belonging to New Jersey Democratic Party Chairperson Leroy Jones Jr. while rejecting a local applicant who had pointed out that connection, a move that drew scorn from residents at a council meeting. Precious Osagie-Erese, co-founder of the local applicant for a dispensary, Roll-Up Life, had been critical of Nimbus Holdings being represented in the municipality’s selection process by Jones’ lobbying firm, 1868 Public Affairs.

New York – Key Campaign Player for NYC Mayor Adams Raised Reelection Funds While Taking Money to Lobby His Office, Sparking Ethics Concerns

MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 4/9/2023

New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign fundraising manager solicited donations for the mayor’s reelection bid last year while simultaneously being paid to lobby his administration on behalf of a Manhattan property owner with business before the city, according to a review of public records. There is no indication the aide, Brianna Suggs, ran afoul of any laws in playing the dual roles.

New York – Manhattan D.A. Sues Congress Members for ‘Brazen’ Attack on Trump Prosecution

MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 4/11/2023

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg filed a federal lawsuit against U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan and others for what the prosecutor says is a brazen and unconstitutional attack by members of Congress on the prosecution and investigation of former President Trump. The civil complaint in seeks to interrupt an investigation launched by Jordan, chair of the House Judiciary Committee. Jordan and his committee are trying to obtain confidential investigative materials compiled during the district attorney’s criminal probe.

North Dakota – Bills to Boost Campaign Finance Transparency Hit Dead End in North Dakota Legislature

Fargo Forum – Jeremy Turley | Published: 4/10/2023

A recent rise in nebulous political spending has increased the desire among lawmakers for reforming North Dakota’s campaign finance law, but most measures to expand reporting requirements fell flat this year. A unique feature of thew law means groups designated as multicandidate committees are not required to list the recipients of their expenditures.

Oregon – Oregon Secretary of State’s Office Uses Business Registry to Try to Drum Up Support for Budget Request

Oregon Capital Chronicle – Julia Shumway | Published: 4/10/2023

An email from a state division director asking customers to advocate for the agency’s budget raised eyebrows among business owners and lawmakers. The request comes as legislative budget writers urge agencies to trim their budgets, keeping open positions vacant and spending less amid economic uncertainty. Corporation Division Director Eloisa Miller emailed everyone who has registered a business in Oregon asking them to submit written testimony supporting the request.

Pennsylvania – The Philadelphia Board of Ethics Is Accusing Mayoral Candidate Jeff Brown of Illegally Coordinating with a Super PAC

MSN – Chris Brennan, Sean Collins Walsh, and Anna Orsco (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 4/10/2023

The Philadelphia Board of Ethics accused a super PAC called For a Better Philadelphia and a nonprofit of the same name of coordinating with mayoral candidate Jeff Brown to circumvent the city’s contribution limits. The board asked Common Pleas Court Judge Joshua Roberts to issue an emergency order prohibiting the groups from spending money to influence the May 16 primary election and cancel any planned television advertising or other efforts to support Brown’s campaign. The board is also seeking $162,000 in fines to be paid jointly by the two groups for repeatedly violating the city’s campaign finance laws as part of the alleged scheme.

Pennsylvania – How a Pa. City Manager Allegedly Stole Thousands of Taxpayer Dollars with Virtually No Oversight

Spotlight PA – Min Xian and Angela Couloumbis | Published: 4/10/2023

Herm Suplizio, the manager of DuBois, a small city about two hours from Pittsburgh, was arrested for stealing more than $600,000 from public accounts over which he had signatory control. The scheme was so elaborate, according to officials, that investigators with backgrounds in organized and financial crimes were brought in to untangle what charging documents describe as a web of money moving in and out of accounts, with little oversight or accountability. Residents are wondering if Suplizio is convicted, how could such a large theft in a place so small occur without anyone noticing?

Tennessee – Black Lawmaker Who Was Expelled Reinstated to Tennessee Seat

Associated Press News – Jonathan Mattise, Travis Loller, and Kimberlee Kruesi | Published: 4/11/2023

One of the two Black Democrats who were expelled from the Republican-led Tennessee House was reinstated after Nashville’s governing council voted to send him back to the Legislature. The unanimous vote by the Metropolitan Council took only a few minutes to restore Rep. Justin Jones to office just four days after Republicans stripped him of his seat. The expulsions made Tennessee a new front in the battle for the future of American democracy and propelled the ousted lawmakers into the national spotlight.

Tennessee – In Tennessee, Second Expelled Black Democratic Lawmaker Is Reappointed

MSN – Robert Klemko and Karin Brulliard (Washington Post) | Published: 4/12/2023

Justin Pearson, one of two Black Democratic lawmakers expelled by Republican representatives for leading a gun-control protest on the Tennessee House floor, was reappointed to the office, returning to his seat after a tumultuous week that deepened partisan rancor in the state and transformed the pair into national political figures. Shelby County commissioners voted unanimously to reinstate Pearson two days after commissioners in Nashville voted unanimously to return the other expelled lawmaker, Justin Jones, to the statehouse.

Tennessee – Tennessee Expulsions Prompt Senate Democrats to Call for DOJ Inquiry

MSN – Matthew Brown (Washington Post) | Published: 4/12/2023

U.S. Senate Democrats urged the Department of Justice to investigate the expulsions of two state representatives in Tennessee to determine whether their removal violated the Constitution or federal civil rights law. Their letter is the first formal effort by federal lawmakers in response to the removals. The Republican-dominated Tennessee House expelled Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson both Democrats, after they led protesters in chants for gun control from the floor of the chamber.

Tennessee – Judges Block Tennessee Move to Cut Nashville Council in Half

Yahoo News – Jonathan Mattise (Associated Press) | Published: 4/10/2023

The Democratic-leaning city of Nashville’s Metropolitan Council will get to keep all 40 of its seats for now under a temporary decision issued by three state judges. The ruling stymies an effort by state Republican lawmakers to cut the council in half after it blocked the 2024 Republican National Convention from coming to the Music City. Nashville has operated under a combined city-county government system with 40 council members since 1963, when leaders were wrestling with consolidating the city and surrounding county as advocates worked to ensure Black leaders maintained strong representation.

Texas – Texas Senate Approves Ban on Local Governments Using Public Funds on Lobbyists

MSN – Hogan Grace (Austin American-Statesman) | Published: 4/12/2023

The Texas Senate approved legislation that would restrict how local governments could fund lobbyists to help them influence proposed state laws and policies moving through the Legislature. Senate Bill 175 would ban cities, counties and school districts from spending public funds to hire registered lobbyists tasked with pressing lawmakers for action. The bill also prohibits political subdivisions from using public funds to pay nonprofit state associations or organizations, such as the Texas Municipal League, that contract registered lobbyists.

Texas – Gov. Greg Abbott Announces He Will Push to Pardon Daniel Perry After Murder Conviction

MSN – Tony Plohetski, Claire Osborn, and Ryan Autullo (Austin American-Statesman) | Published: 4/10/2023

Less than 24 hours after a jury found Daniel Perry guilty of shooting to death a protester, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced he would pardon the convicted killer as soon as a request “hits my desk.” The unprecedented effort came as Abbott faced growing calls from national conservative figures to undo the conviction. “Texas has one of the strongest ‘Stand your ground’ laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or progressive district attorney,” Abbott said in a statement.

Virginia – Hounded by Baseless Voter Fraud Allegations, an Entire County’s Election Staff Quits in Virginia

MSN – Jane Timm (NBC News) | Published: 4/10/2023

Three weeks ago, Buckingham County Registrar Lindsey Taylor, along with two part-time staffers, quit. Their resignations followed a deputy registrar who left in February. The four departures left residents without a functioning registrar’s office; there was no way to register to vote or certify candidate paperwork, at least temporarily. In January, the GOP assumed control of the Buckingham County Electoral Board that oversees Taylor’s office, and local Republicans began advancing baseless voter fraud claims that baffled her. The electoral board made it clear it wanted her out of the job.

Wisconsin – Two Candidates Tied in a Town Election. They Settled It with a Dice Roll.

MSN – Kyle Melnick (Washington Post) | Published: 4/10/2023

When Nate Bell received a photo of his Wisconsin village’s election results, he was in disbelief. The photo showed he and the other candidate for the village board’s president, Rob Zoschke, had each received 256 votes. Bell wondered how the tie would be resolved. The Village of Sister Bay’s board settled on a game of chance: a dice roll. A dice representing Bell landed on six; Zoschke’s dice stopped on two. Bell’s number was larger, so he was selected as the village’s new president.

Elections National: “Judge Limits Fox’s Options for Defense in Dominion Trial” by Jeremy Peters (New York Times) for DNyuz Wisconsin: “Two Candidates Tied in a Town Election. They Settled It with a Dice Roll.” by Kyle Melnick (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics Washington DC: “D.C. Housing Director’s $41,250 Bonus at Issue in Council Hearing” by Steve Thompson (Washington Post) for MSN Kansas: “Judge Won’t Toss Subpoenas Directed at Kansas Republican Officials Amid Ethics Probe” by Andrew Bahl (Topeka Capital-Journal) for Yahoo News National: “NPR Quits Elon Musk’s Twitter Over ‘Government-Funded’ Label” by Timothy O’Brien (Associated Press) for ABC News Legislative Issues Arizona: “Ethics Committee Says Liz Harris Damaged the Integrity of the House, Should Be Punished” by Caitlin Sievers for Arizona Mirror National: “New Pressure to End Old Senate Practice After Mississippi Judicial Pick Is Blocked” by Carl Hulse (New York Times) for DNyuz Tennessee: “In Tennessee, Second Expelled Black Democratic Lawmaker Is Reappointed” by Robert Klemko and Karin Brulliard (Washington Post) for MSN

Campaign Finance North Dakota: “Bills to Boost Campaign Finance Transparency Hit Dead End in North Dakota Legislature” by Jeremy Turley for Fargo Forum Elections Arizona: “Printer Glitches in Ariz. Election Not Due to Malfeasance, Review Finds” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) for MSN Illinois: “Chicago Will Host 2024 Democratic Convention as Party Returns to Midwest” by Katie Glueck and Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) for MSN National: “Pressured by Their Base on Abortion, Republicans Strain to Find a Way Forward” by Jonathan Weisman (New York Times) for Yahoo News Ethics New York: “Manhattan D.A. Sues Congress Members for ‘Brazen’ Attack on Trump Prosecution” by Shayna Jacobs and Amy Wang (Washington Post) for MSN Pennsylvania: “How a Pa. City Manager Allegedly Stole Thousands of Taxpayer Dollars with Virtually No Oversight” by Min Xian and Angela Couloumbis for Spotlight PA Legislative Issues Tennessee: “Black Lawmaker Who Was Expelled Reinstated to Tennessee Seat” by Jonathan Mattise, Travis Loller, and Kimberlee Kruesi for Associated Press News Lobbying Oregon: “Oregon Secretary of State’s Office Uses Business Registry to Try to Drum Up Support for Budget Request” by Julia Shumway for Oregon Capital Chronicle

Campaign Finance Hawaii: “Campaign Cash Flowed to Hawaii Senators Just Before an Energy Bill Vote. Reform Measures Won’t Stop It” by Stewart Yerton for Honolulu Civil Beat New Jersey: “Advocates See Few Upsides to Recent Pay-to-Play Overhaul” by Nikita Biryukov for New Jersey Monitor Pennsylvania: “The Philadelphia Board of Ethics Is Accusing Mayoral Candidate Jeff Brown of Illegally Coordinating with a Super PAC” by Chris Brennan, Sean Collins Walsh, Anna Orsco (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN Elections National: “New Report Outlines the Deep Political Polarization’s Slow and Steady March” by Paul Kane (Washington Post) for MSN Virginia: “Hounded by Baseless Voter Fraud Allegations, an Entire County’s Election Staff Quits in Virginia” by Jane Timm (NBC News) for MSN Ethics National: “Meta Won’t Say If Politicians Can Post AI-Made Fakes Without Warnings” by Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) for MSN Texas: “Gov. Greg Abbott Announces He Will Push to Pardon Daniel Perry After Murder Conviction” by Tony Plohetski, Claire Osborn, and Ryan Autullo (Austin American-Statesman) for MSN Lobbying Arizona: “Arizona Republican Said She ‘Barely’ Met with Lobbyists, but Her Calendar Shows Otherwise” by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy for Arizona Mirror

The Idaho Legislature adjourned sine die Thursday, April 6.

During the contentious session, legislators were able to pass a revised Medicare budget, a new public school budget, and overturn a veto to enact a property tax reduction bill.

Legislators also passed House Bill 11, expanding the prohibition regarding the use of private moneys for the purpose of election administration to include officials and state employees.

This does affect lobbying reporting. The final lobbyist activity report for the year is due May 15.

State Representatives Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson were officially expelled from the legislature after individual resolutions were brought by Republicans proposing their removal.

A procedural vote cleared the chamber, and the two-thirds vote of the House needed to formally expel the representatives was received.

The lawmakers’ districts comprised the cities of Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis.

Rep. Gloria Johnson also faced expulsion but was not removed as the two-thirds vote failed by a single vote.

Special elections will be held to fill the seats vacated by the two members.

The Mississippi Legislature adjourned sine die on April 5 after a little over 90 days in session.

This session was highlighted by increased funding for hospitals, roads, and bridges, along with a $100 million dollar increase in educational funding.

The lobbyist end-of-session activity report is due April 15.

The City Council has voted to raise contribution limits for the 2023 biannual.

The increase reflects changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).

Contribution limits for councilmembers increased to $2,050 per person and $6,800 per Large Political Committee, and limits for mayor increased to $4,050 per person and $13,550 per Large Political Committee.

Aggregate off-year contributions have been raised to $34,000 and $67,900 per councilmember and mayor, respectively.

The legal defense fund contribution limit has been raised to $1,350 for councilmembers and mayors.

The 2023 regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly adjourned sine die on March 30.

A procurement bill and a bill requiring special elections for Louisville passed.

House Bill 0522 increases the small purchase amounts for public agencies from $30,000 to $40,000 before requiring a newspaper advertisement seeking bids.

House Bill 0191 requires a special election must be held 60 days after the declaration of vacancy, to fill an open Louisville Metro Council seat if the vacancy occurs over three months before a regular election.

Several Campaign finance bills did not pass, including:

• A bill requiring campaign consultants to register
• A bill permitting paper filings
• A bill prohibiting candidates, committees, and contributing organizations from making an expenditure to an intermediary.

The Georgia Campaign Finance Commission has voted to approve the increase to the campaign contribution limits.

The limit for statewide offices increased from $800 to $8,400 for each primary and general election and from $400 to $4,800 for each runoff.

The limit for other offices increased from $300 to $3,300 for each general and primary election and from $200 to $1,800 for each runoff.

These changes are effective immediately.

On April 3, Gov. Murphy signed Senate Bill 2866, the Elections Transparency Act.

The act doubles the limit on contributions to candidates; triples contribution limits to state and political parties; and decreases the threshold for reporting contributions from $300 to $200.

The act also creates additional independent expenditure reporting requirements and eliminates local pay-to-play rules, replacing them with the statewide pay-to-play law.

The Election Law Enforcement Commission’s operations are also affected.

The agency will now have only two years, instead of 10, to investigate violations of campaign finance law and Murphy is permitted to appoint an entirely new slate of commissioners to the Election Law Enforcement Commission without Senate approval in the next 90 days.

The new campaign finance limits and independent expenditure reporting requirements go into effect on June 27, while the provisions affecting state and local pay-to-play law took effect immediately.

Ethics

California: “What Happened on Ash Street? How a Criminal Probe into Suspected Conspiracy to ‘Defraud the City’ Was Settled with a Single Misdemeanor” by Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union Tribune) for MSN

National: “Clarence Thomas and the Billionaire” by Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott, and Alex Mierjeski for ProPublica

National: “Appeals Court Upholds ‘Obstruction’ Charge Used Against Hundreds of Jan. 6 Rioters, for Now” by Ryan Reilly for ABC News

Hawaii: “Ex-Hawaii Lawmaker Gets 2 Years in Prison for Taking Bribes” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat

Michigan: “Feds Unveil Corruption Charges in Mich. Marijuana Probe Involving Rick Johnson” by Robert Snell and Craig Mauger for Detroit News

National: “Amid Backlash, Twitter Changes NPR’s Account to ‘Government Funded Media'” by Paul Farhi (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Key Campaign Player for NYC Mayor Adams Raised Reelection Funds While Taking Money to Lobby His Office, Sparking Ethics Concerns” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Tennessee: “Tenn. GOP Deepens Racial Tension After Expelling Black Lawmakers” by Annie Gowan and Hadley Green (Washington Post) for MSN

National/Federal

Attacks on Dominion Voting Persist Despite High-Profile Lawsuits

DNyuz – Stuart Thompson | Published: 4/6/2023

Claims that election software companies like Dominion Voting Systems sent helped orchestrate widespread fraud in the 2020 election have been widely debunked in the years since former President Trump and his allies first pushed the theories. But far-right Americans on social media and influencers in the news media have continued in recent weeks and months to make unfounded assertions about the company and its electronic voting machines, pressuring government officials to scrap contracts with Dominion, sometimes successfully.

Feds: Fugees rapper Pras Michel ran global influence-peddling scheme for cash

MSN – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 3/30/2023

In opening arguments, federal prosecutors portrayed rap star Pras Michel as a washed-up, money-hungry entertainer who embarked on a brazen secret-influence scheme aimed at the highest levels of the U.S. government. The trial is a chance for the government to recover from a string of high-profile courtroom defeats it has suffered in recent years as it followed through on promises to crack down on foreign-influence efforts.

Nashville Shooting Exploited by Right to Escalate Anti-Trans Rhetoric

MSN – Fenit Nirappil (Washington Post) | Published: 3/30/2023

Conservative commentators and Republican politicians unleashed a new wave of anti-trans rhetoric following the shooting at a Nashville Christian school that killed six people, escalating a broader backlash to the rising visibility of transgender people in public life. The attempts on the right to connect violence to transgender people come even though transgender people are rarely the perpetrators of mass shootings.

Justice Dept. Said to Have More Evidence of Possible Trump Obstruction at Mar-a-Lago

MSN – Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 4/2/2023

Justice Department investigators have amassed fresh evidence pointing to possible obstruction by former President Trump in the investigation into top-secret documents found at his Mar-a-Lago home, according to people familiar with the matter. The new details highlight the degree to which special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into the potential mishandling of hundreds of classified national security papers at Trump’s Florida home and private club has come to focus on the obstruction elements of the case – whether the former president took or directed actions to impede government efforts to collect all the sensitive records.

Dominion’s Historic Defamation Case Against Fox News Will Go to Trial, Judge Rules, in Major Decision Dismantling Key Fox Defenses

MSN – Marshall Cohen (CNN) | Published: 3/31/2023

Dominion Voting Systems’ defamation case against Fox News will proceed to a jury trial, a judge ruled, in a decision that dismantled several of the network’s key defenses. The network’s highest-ranking executives and most prominent hosts could be called to the stand to testify about the 2020 election lies that were promoted on its programs. One question that jurors will not need to weigh was whether Fox’s claims about Dominion were true or false. “The evidence developed in this civil proceeding demonstrates that is CRYSTAL clear that none of the Statements relating to Dominion about the 2020 election are true,” Superior Court Judge Eric Davis wrote.

Key Senate Dems Want Supreme Court Funding Tied to an Ethics Code for Justices

MSN – Tierny Sneed (CNN) | Published: 4/3/2023

Key Senate Democrats are calling for next year’s funding for the U.S. Supreme Court to be conditioned on the creation of an ethics code for the justices. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who leads the appropriations subcommittee charged with writing the annual funding bill for the judiciary, has expressed support for the idea. Other members of the Democratic caucus are proposing language to be attached to next year’s funding bill that would require the Supreme Court to adopt more transparent processes for recusals and for investigating ethics allegations lodged against the justices.

Twitter Slaps NPR with a Dubious New Tag: ‘State-affiliated media’

MSN – Paul Farhi (Washington Post) | Published: 4/5/2023

Is NPR “U.S. state-affiliated media”? Twitter and its new owner, Elon Musk, seem to think so. Over NPR’s protests, Twitter placed that label on its account, implying the nonprofit news organization is somehow connected to, if not controlled by, the federal government. The designation puts NPR, which has 8.8 million followers on the site, in the same Twitter category as propaganda outlets like the Russian-government-owned RT and the Chinese Communist Party’s People’s Daily newspaper.

Pence Won’t Appeal Ruling That Compels His Grand Jury Testimony on Jan. 6

MSN – Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 4/5/2023

Former Vice President Mike Pence will not appeal a judge’s ruling that requires him to testify in front of a grand jury exploring the attack on the U.S. Capitol, likely setting up a pivotal moment in the special counsel investigation related to former President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Pence’s decision means he will probably testify under oath about Trump’s attempts to pressure him, and he could be a key witness. Trump’s team could still appeal the ruling, but they have lost similar cases previously.

The Price of a Ballot Signature Is Way Up, and Experts Worry It’s Encouraging Fraud

NPR – Ashley Lopez | Published: 4/6/2023

Michigan’s election for governor was upended last year when several Republicans were removed from the primary ballot for problems with their voter signatures. The news highlighted instances of suspected fraud in the process, which experts say could be encouraged by higher rates signature-gathering companies are now charging for their services. As a result, states such as Colorado and California are hoping to crack down on bad actors in the signature-gathering industry.

From the States and Municipalities

Oceania – Government’s Proposed Crackdown on Lobbyists Dismissed as Too Tentative

Radio New Zealand – Staff | Published: 4/4/2023

Following a media investigation into lobbying in New Zealand, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins commissioned long-term work on regulating the industry, but in the meantime wanted lobbyists to develop their own code of conduct and is removing their swipe card access to Parliament. Hipkins said while there may not be a problem with lobbying in New Zealand, there was the perception of a problem.

Arizona – Legislative Election Committees Catered to Conspiracy Theorists

Arizona Mirror – Caitlin Sievers | Published: 4/5/2023

Republican-controlled committees in both chambers of the Arizona Legislature that were charged with vetting election-reform bills used their time this year to cater to fringe right-wing conspiracy theorists and to approve measures that would make big changes to how elections are run in this state. Both the Senate and House elections committees, chaired by Sen. Wendy Rogers and Rep. Jacqueline Parker, had their last meetings recently. They used their hearings to host presentations by election conspiracy theorists and then to advance legislation that would cater to supposed election problems and alleged fraud at the heart of those conspiracy theories.

Arizona – Legislator Testifies That She Had No Idea Guest Speaker Would Make Bribery Allegations

White Mountain Independent – Bob Christie (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 3/31/2023

An Arizona lawmaker defending herself against an ethics complaint swore she was not aware ahead of time that an insurance agent planned to present what were later called “unsubstantiated and defamatory allegations” at a legislative hearing. But Rep. Liz Harris’s repeated statements that she did not know what Jacqueline Breger was going to say at a special election hearing appeared to be contradicted by a series of text messages the Ethics Committee released.

California – Planned Construction Could Forever Change the California Capitol’s West Steps. What Would That Mean for Protests and Events?

Capital Public Radio – Nicole Nixon | Published: 4/6/2023

For more than a century, the state Capito’s west steps have been one of the definitive Sacramento and California gathering places. The historic granite steps, which lead to the Capitol’s original entrance and overlook the downtown Mall, have hosted everything from decades of pro- and anti-war demonstrations and the Women’s March to gubernatorial inaugurations. But critics say plans to build an underground visitor’s center on the west side of the Capitol could displace large gatherings for years, or permanently, and forever alter the west steps’ ability to host thousands of people.

California – Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor’s Mystery ‘Special Advisor’ Raises Legal Concerns, Experts Say

East Bay Times – Grace Hase (Bay Area News Group) | Published: 4/3/2023

Santa Clara resident and small business owner Kirk Vartan has been a special advisor to Mayor Lisa Gillmor for the last three years, but now the city says it was never aware of the appointment and few records between the two exist, sparking concerns about transparency, ethics, and even legal complications. Vartan and Gillmor said the position is volunteer only and he is not paid, and Vartan asserted the city was notified.

California – Mark Ridley-Thomas Found Guilty in Corruption Case

MSN – Matt Hamilton (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/30/3023

A longtime Los Angeles politician was convicted on federal corruption charges in a scheme in which prosecutors said he promised to help steer a multimillion-dollar government contract to the University of Southern California (USC) if his son got a scholarship and a teaching job. Mark Ridley-Thomas now faces the possibility of years in federal prison and the permanent loss of his seat on the city council, from which he has been suspended for the last 17 months. The foreperson of the jury said the funneling of a $100,000 donation from Ridley-Thomas’ campaign committee through USC to a nonprofit led by the politician’s son persuaded jurors to convict.

Colorado – State Increases Campaign Finance Limits

Grand Junction Daily Sentinel – Charles Ashby | Published: 4/6/2023

Voters can give a little more money to state and local candidates under new rules adopted by the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. In its normal periodic adjustment of campaign contribution limits to account for inflation, donors can give $100 more per election to candidates as governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. For contributors to legislative races, the limit goes from $200 to $225 per election, which means a primary race and the general election, among other changes.

Florida – Florida Republicans Poised to Make More Changes to Election Laws

MSN – Gary Fineout (Politico) | Published: 4/3/2023

Florida Senate Republicans released a comprehensive elections bill that includes a provision designed to undercut legal arguments that were made by those who were charged as part of a crackdown on voter fraud. The lengthy bill also changes campaign finance deadlines, speeds up when local officials must scrub voter rolls for dead and ineligible voters, and increases fines on voter registration groups if they break the law.

Florida – DeSantis Wants State Investigation into Disney Power Play

Politico – Andrew Atterbury | Published: 4/3/2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, apparently outflanked by Disney in a tug-of-war over the control over the thousands of acres that is home to theme parks, is now ordering an investigation into how the dynamic shift happened. The governor requested a “thorough review and investigation” by state officials into an agreement reached by the outgoing Walt Disney Co. board aiming to stymie Florida’s efforts to grab greater authority over the company’s special land district near Orlando. That deal swung power away from the new leadership board installed by the governor and created just months ago by the Legislature.

Hawaii – Hawaii Governor Signs 7 Government, Ethics Reform Bills

MSN – Audrey McAvoy (Associated Press) | Published: 3/31/2023

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed seven good-government bills drafted in response to news last year that two former state lawmakers had accepted bribes in exchange for influencing legislation. One measure, House Bill 137, would require lobbyists to report not only the general subject they are advocating for but the specific bill number or the identification number of the program they discussed with officials.

Illinois – Brandon Johnson Projected to Win Chicago Mayoral Election

MSN – Kim Bellware, Sabrina Rodriguez, and Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) | Published: 4/4/2023

Brandon Johnson, a Cook County commissioner and former public school teacher, won Chicago’s mayoral runoff. He will succeed Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who lost her bid for reelection when she came in third in February’s general election. Analysts said Lightfoot bore the brunt of the blame for an increase in crime across the city. Johnson’s win over Paul Vallas, a conservative Democrat, was a major victory for the liberal wing of the party.

Indiana – City Council Creates Committee to Develop Ethics Commission for Muncie Government

Yahoo News – David Penticuff (Muncie Star Press) | Published: 4/4/2023

The Muncie City Council took an initial step toward establishing a ethics commission to provide oversight and guidance for city government. Council members adopted a resolution creating a nine-member ethics advisory committee of people from outside local government to explore the creation of a commission. A proposed ethics code would govern elected officials, appointees to boards and commissions, city employees, and individuals and entities that have a business relationship with Muncie.

Maine – Penobscot County Commissioner Voted to Give Contract to His Business Associate

Bangor Daily News – Sawyer Loftus | Published: 4/5/2023

The chairperson of the Penobscot County Commission voted to hire a lobbyist he personally worked with as recently as last year. Andre Cushing did not recuse himself from a vote in January for the county to enter into a contract with Patriot Consulting, which is owned and operated by Zachary Lingley, a lobbyist and political operative. The ethics policy states county employees should not carry on county business with a firm in which the county employee has an interest.

Maryland – Roy McGrath Shot Dead in Tennessee as FBI Closed in After Three-Week Search

MSN – Alex Mann and Lee Sanderlin (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 4/4/2023

Roy McGrath was fatally shot as federal agents sought to arrest him in Tennessee, ending a three-week fugitive search for former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s ex-chief of staff. McGrath was supposed to stand trial on fraud charges in the U.S. District Court in Baltimore on March 13. He never showed up. Prosecutors allege McGrath stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the state during his tenure at the helm of the government-owned nonprofit Maryland Environmental Service.

Missouri – Judge Rejects Ex-Missouri Lawmaker’s Push to Overturn Revolving-Door Lobbying Ban

Missouri Independent – Rudi Keller | Published: 4/3/2023

Missouri’s ban on lobbying by lawmakers and legislative staff ban does not violate the right to free speech, a federal judge ruled. Former state Rep. Rocky Miller and General Assembly employee John LaVanchy sued to overturn the lobbying ban, which voters approved in 2018 as part of the Clean Missouri amendment to the state constitution. The amendment prohibits current lawmakers and employees of the General Assembly from paid lobbying during their time of service and for two years after they leave office.

Missouri – Missouri Anti-Discrimination Agency Dysfunctional, Lawyers Say, as Chairman Condemned

Yahoo News – Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) | Published: 4/5/2023

When the chairperson of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights spoke against adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the state’s non-discrimination law, the remarks provoked outrage among Democrats and LGBTQ advocates. But the comments from Timothy Faber have also turned a spotlight on the commission itself, which lawyers and employment discrimination experts say is a broken agency unable to effectively respond to allegations of discrimination.

Montana – Proposed Constitutional Amendment Would End Montana Supreme Court Elections

Montana Free Press – Arren Kimbel-Sannit | Published: 3/30/2023

The House Judiciary Committee endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that would end state Supreme Court elections in Montana, giving the governor power to appoint justices to the bench with Senate confirmation. House Bill 915 is the long-awaited culmination of Republican efforts this year to remake the state court system and its processes. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Bill Mercer, framed the bill as an effort to combat the proliferation of campaign money in state judicial elections.

Nebraska – Goins Resigns Amid Questions About Conflicts of Interest, Improper Use of State Email

Nebraska Examiner – Paul Hammel | Published: 4/5/2023

Nebraska’s top economic developer, Tony Goins, announced his resignation amid questions about conflicts-of-interest between his state job and co-ownership of a Lincoln cigar lounge. Goins had served as director of the Department of Economic Development since 2019. Media reports detailed instances when Goins directed business to the Capital Cigar Lounge, in which he has a 51 percent ownership interest.

New Jersey – Murphy Signs Disputed Election Finance Bill That Gives Him More Power Over Watchdog Agency

Yahoo News – Ashley Balcerzak (Bergen Record) | Published: 4/3/2023

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a controversial overhaul of the state’s campaign finance system that drastically raises limits on political contributions, curbs investigations of campaign finance violations, loosens the “pay-to-play” law, and gives Murphy more power over the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC). All three ELEC members resigned in protest after the General Assembly approved the legislation. Lawmakers pulled the bill from scheduled full chamber votes several times after substantial provisions were added and pushed through the process at the last minute.

New York – Trump Indictment Follows 50 Years of Investigation on Many Fronts

MSN – Marc Fisher (Washington Post) | Published: 3/30/2023

Donald Trump has portrayed himself as the consummate dealmaker and the ultimate escape artist, an entrepreneur turned politician who managed to avoid major consequences despite having been investigated in every decade of his adult life by federal and state agencies, by bankers and casino regulators, by legions of prosecutors and competitors. Now, 50 years after federal officials first accused Trump and his father of violating laws that barred racial discrimination in apartment rentals, the former president has been indicted.

New York – Trump Pleads Not Guilty to 34 Felony Charges

Politico – Erica Orden, Kyle Cheney, and Josh Gerstein | Published: 4/4/2023

A stone-faced Donald Trump made a momentous courtroom appearance when he was confronted with a 34-count felony indictment charging him in a scheme to bury allegations of extramarital affairs that arose during his first White House campaign, becoming the first ex-president to ever face criminal charges. The indictment centers on allegations Trump falsified internal business records his private company while trying to cover up an effort to illegally influence the 2016 election by arranging payments that silenced claims potentially harmful to his candidacy.

North Carolina – N.C. Lawmaker Flips Parties, Handing State GOP a Veto-Proof Majority

MSN – Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) | Published: 4/4/2023

A North Carolina lawmaker elected as a Democrat is defecting to the GOP, handing Republicans a veto-proof supermajority in the state Legislature. Rep. Tricia Cotham’s party change gives the GOP increased power over key issues like abortion and elections. She cited her treatment by Democrats as her motivation to switch parties. Cotham said she has been “bullied” for not toeing the party line and accused Gov. Roy Cooper and the state Democratic Party of demanding she follow the lead of top state officials.

Ohio – Dobos Resigns as Vice Chair of Ohio House Higher Ed Committee Over False MIT Grad Claim

MSN – Bill Bush (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 4/5/2023

Ohio Rep. David Dobos resigned as vice chair of the House Higher Education Committee following a report that he falsely claimed to have graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The claim of holding an MIT degree has been repeated by Dobos often dating back some 30 years, in everything from campaigns to casual conversations. Dobos has already come under scrutiny for not disclosing $1.45 million in outstanding debts. State law requires legislative candidates to disclose people or businesses to whom they owe more than $1,000.

Ohio – AEP Doesn’t Have Much to Say About Its Support for Corrupt Utility Bailout

Ohio Capital Journal – Marty Schladen | Published: 4/3/2023

The utility AEP was not at the center of a bribery and money-laundering scandal in 2019. But it also was not very far away as a corrupt deal was hatched in the Ohio Capitol to use $61 million in bribes to pass a $1.3 billion bailout for nuclear power plants. AEP came up repeatedly in the trial that ended in the racketeering convictions of former House Speaker Larry Householder and former state GOP Chairperson Matt Borges. Through its dark-money group, AEP provided more than $900,000 that was used to help pass the bailout. It has received more than $60 million to subsidize aging coal plants that belong to a consortium in which it owns a 40% stake.

Oregon – Portland Auditor Finds Insufficient Evidence ShotSpotter Violated City Code

Oregon Public Broadcasting – Jonathan Levinson | Published: 4/4/2023

An investigation by the city auditor’s office found insufficient evidence that gunshot detection company ShotSpotter violated Portland’s lobbying rules, clearing the way for the city’s pursuit of the technology. After receiving a complaint, the auditor’s office reviewed whether ShotSpotter had passed the time or monetary thresholds in its courting of the city for a contract that would have required it to register as a lobbying entity. Private companies are required to register as lobbying entities if they have spent eight cumulative hours or at least $1,000 during any calendar quarter lobbying.

Pennsylvania – Campaign Finance, Lobbying Reform Still Receiving Little Attention in Pa. Legislature

Spotlight PA – Angela Couloumbis | Published: 3/31/2023

During the five hours that legislators questioned Pennsylvania Department of State officials during recent hearings, they inquired about the agency’s work on campaign finance and lobbying just twice. For those who follow the Capitol closely, it came as little surprise. Republican legislative leaders have not substantively discussed improving the state’s campaign finance and lobbying disclosure rules for more than a decade, despite calls by good-government advocates and others for changes.

Tennessee – Tennessee GOP Begins Expulsion Process for 3 Democrats, House Session Devolves into Chaos

MSN – Melissa Brown and Vivian Jones (Tennessean) | Published: 4/4/2023

Tennessee House Republicans introduced resolutions to expel three Democrats for “disorderly behavior” after the trio led protest chants for gun reform on the floor of the chamber in the wake of the deadly Covenant School shooting. The three House Democrats had approached the podium between bills without being recognized to speak, a breach of chamber rules. With a bullhorn, Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson led protestors in the galleries in several chants calling for gun reform. House leadership later likened the trio’s behavior to an “insurrection.”

Texas – Texas Judge Orders Banned Books Returned to Library Shelves

MSN – Cheyanne Daniels (The Hill) | Published: 4/3/2023

A federal judge in Texas ruled Llano County officials must return more than a dozen books they had banned and removed from the county’s library shelves during 2021. The preliminary order by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pitman also prohibited the county from removing any other books as the court case is pending. The library’s catalog is required to be updated to show county residents the removed books are once again available. In his ruling, Pitman said, “Defendants removed the books at issue to prevent access to viewpoints and content to which they objected.”

Texas – Bills Advance to Close Loophole Allowing Some Lawmakers to Increase Their Pay to $140,000

Texas Tribune – James Barragán | Published: 3/29/2023

Lawmakers are moving forward with a measure to do away with a loophole that allows long-serving legislators to increase their annual pay by $140,000 by dipping into their pension while continuing to draw a state salary. Pension payments for state employees grow based on years of service and are typically capped at the state worker’s maximum salary. But state lawmakers, who make an annual salary of $7,200, have retirement benefits tied to the salaries of state District Court judges, who make $140,000, meaning lawmakers who stay in office could have an opportunity to collect retirement payments that far exceed their state salaries.

Virginia – Judge Orders GOP Primary in Va. Senate Race After Party Official Sues

MSN – Laura Vozzella (Washington Post) | Published: 3/30/2023

A judge ordered Virginia to hold a Republican primary in a Suffolk-area state Senate contest, ruling in favor of a Republican official who accused Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s chief of staff and Attorney General Jason Miyares of pressuring the state elections chief into canceling it in favor of a convention. Circuit Court Judge Claire Cardwell ordered state Elections Commissioner Susan Beals to once again schedule the June Republican primary that had been announced but then called off.

Wisconsin – Liberals Win Control of Wisconsin Supreme Court Ahead of Abortion Case

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 4/4/2023

Liberals claimed control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, giving them a one-vote majority on a body that in the coming years will likely consider the state’s abortion ban, its gerrymandered legislative districts, and its voting rules for the 2024 presidential election. Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz’s victory over former state Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly will end 15 years of conservative control of the court. Candidates, political parties, and independent groups spent more than $40 million on the race, making it the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history.

Elections Arizona: “Legislative Election Committees Catered to Conspiracy Theorists” by Caitlin Sievers for Arizona Mirror Illinois: “Brandon Johnson Projected to Win Chicago Mayoral Election” by Kim Bellware, Sabrina Rodriguez, and Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics Indiana: “City Council Creates Committee to Develop Ethics Commission for Muncie Government” by David Penticuff (Muncie Star Press) for Yahoo News Missouri: “Missouri Anti-Discrimination Agency Dysfunctional, Lawyers Say, as Chairman Condemned” by Jonathan Shorman (Kansas City Star) for Yahoo News National: “Twitter Slaps NPR with a Dubious New Tag: ‘State-affiliated media'” by Paul Farhi (Washington Post) for MSN Legislative Issues North Carolina: “N.C. Lawmaker Flips Parties, Handing State GOP a Veto-Proof Majority” by Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) for MSN Ohio: “State Rep. Dave Dobos, R-Hilltop, Never Graduated MIT as He Has Claimed for Decades” by Bill Bush (Columbus Dispatch) for MSN Lobbying Oregon: “Portland Auditor Finds Insufficient Evidence ShotSpotter Violated City Code” by Jonathan Levinson for Oregon Public Broadcasting