June 30, 2022 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCNR-scaled-e1662491441383-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance National: “Giuliani Associate Parnas Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison” by Larry Neumeister (Associated Press) for MSN National: “Former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry Avoids Prison Time Over Three Felony Convictions” by Chris Marquette (Roll Call) for MSN Texas: “As […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Giuliani Associate Parnas Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison” by Larry Neumeister (Associated Press) for MSN
National: “Former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry Avoids Prison Time Over Three Felony Convictions” by Chris Marquette (Roll Call) for MSN
Texas: “As They Target South Texas, Republicans Say One Democratic County Isn’t Maintaining Campaign Finance Records” by Patrick Svitek for Texas Tribune
Elections
National: “Colorado GOP Rejects Candidates Who Back Trump Election Lie” by Nicholas Riccardi (Associated Press) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Cassidy Hutchinson’s Testimony Highlights Legal Risks for Trump” by Alan Feuer and Glenn Thrush (New York Times) for Yahoo News
Arizona: “Wendy Rogers Refused to Speak to the Senate Ethics Panel About Her ‘Fed Boy Summer’ Tweet” by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy for Arizona Mirror
Maryland: “Former Hogan Chief of Staff Charged with Additional Count in Corruption Case” by Sam Janesch (Baltimore Sun) for MSN
New York: “New York’s Troubled Ethics Panel Holds Final Meeting” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
North Dakota: “North Dakota Lawmakers Ponder Improvements to Harassment Policy After Rep’s Expulsion” by Jack Dura for Bismarck Tribune
Redistricting
Louisiana: “Supreme Court Frees Louisiana to Use Congressional Map Drawn by GOP” by Robert Barnes (Washington Post) for MSN
June 29, 2022 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCNR-scaled-e1662491441383-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance National: “Tucker Carlson Just Inadvertently Helped Raise $14,000 for Abortion Rights” by Steven Zeitchik (Washington Post) for MSN Oklahoma: “Clean Up Oklahoma Criticized for Not Disclosing Source of Funding” by Janelle Stecklein (CNHI Oklahoma) for Enid News & […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Tucker Carlson Just Inadvertently Helped Raise $14,000 for Abortion Rights” by Steven Zeitchik (Washington Post) for MSN
Oklahoma: “Clean Up Oklahoma Criticized for Not Disclosing Source of Funding” by Janelle Stecklein (CNHI Oklahoma) for Enid News & Eagle
Elections
New York: “Judge Says NYC Can’t Let Noncitizens Vote in City Elections” by Associated Press for NBC News
Ethics
National: “Lawyer Who Advised Trump Says Federal Agents Seized Phone” by Eric Tucker (Associated Press) for Yahoo News
National: “Former White House Aide Delivers Shocking Testimony About Out-of-Control Trump on Jan. 6” by Kyle Cheney, Betsy Woodruff Swan, and Nicholas Wu for Politico
California: “Downtown Real Estate Developer Found Guilty in Jose Huizar Bribery Case” by David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) for Yahoo News
Hawaii: “Permitting Worker Who Took Bribes for a Decade Gets Prison Time” by Christina Jedra for Honolulu Civil Beat
Michigan: “Supreme Court: Flint water indictments against Rick Snyder, others invalid” by Kelly House and Jonathan Oosting for Bridge Michigan
June 28, 2022 •
Arizona Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
![Arizona Legislature Adjourns Sine Die](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Arizona_State_Capitol-2-1000x563.jpg)
Arizona State Capitol - by Visitor7
The 55th Arizona Legislature adjourned its second regular session sine die on June 25. During the session, Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation in March to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in Arizona’s elections, further protecting the state’s voters and strengthening […]
The 55th Arizona Legislature adjourned its second regular session sine die on June 25.
During the session, Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation in March to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in Arizona’s elections, further protecting the state’s voters and strengthening election integrity.
In May, the governor continued to strengthen election laws, signing a bill to update Arizona’s automatic election recount margin threshold to one-half of one percent for specified election contests.
This does not affect lobbying reporting dates.
June 28, 2022 •
Santa Ana Makes First Pass on Lobbying Law
![Santa Ana Makes First Pass on Lobbying Law](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Flag_of_California.svg-1000x563.png)
Flag of California
Santa Ana city council unanimously passed the first reading of a new lobbyist registration ordinance, outlining who must register, when reports are required, and the penalties for failing to follow the rules laid out in the ordinance. The ordinance defines […]
Santa Ana city council unanimously passed the first reading of a new lobbyist registration ordinance, outlining who must register, when reports are required, and the penalties for failing to follow the rules laid out in the ordinance.
The ordinance defines a lobbyist as any individual, business entity or organization, including a non-profit organization, that receives or becomes entitled to receive five hundred dollars or more in consideration in a month to lobby.
Once an individual becomes a lobbyist, they are required to register with the city clerk within 15 days.
If the ordinance follows the typical path to become law, the bill will need to be voted on two more times before it officially passes.
June 28, 2022 •
Louisiana Lobbying Gift Limit Increases
![Louisiana Lobbying Gift Limit Increases](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Louisiana_State_Capitol_2-1000x563.jpg)
Louisiana State Capitol - by: Jim Plylar, CC BY-SA 3.0
The cap for how much Louisiana’s lobbyists can spend to wine and dine public officials is edging higher July 1. With the start of the new state budget year, the limit lobbyists can spend on food and drink for state […]
The cap for how much Louisiana’s lobbyists can spend to wine and dine public officials is edging higher July 1.
With the start of the new state budget year, the limit lobbyists can spend on food and drink for state lawmakers, other elected officials and public employees is increasing from $65 to $70 per person, per occasion.
The Louisiana Board of Ethics, which oversees the lobbying spending restrictions, made the adjustment to take effect with the latest state fiscal year.
The lobbying cap enacted more than a decade ago started with a $50 limit.
But the 2008 law allows annual adjustments tied to increases in the federal Consumer Price Index for food and beverages.
June 28, 2022 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCNR-scaled-e1662491441383-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance Connecticut: “As a New Field of Candidates Lines Up for CT Taxpayer-Funded Campaign Grants, a Long-Ignored Elections Complaint Causes Concern About Landmark Reforms” by Edmund Mahoney (Hartford Courant) for MSN Elections National: “Violent Threats to Election Workers Are […]
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “As a New Field of Candidates Lines Up for CT Taxpayer-Funded Campaign Grants, a Long-Ignored Elections Complaint Causes Concern About Landmark Reforms” by Edmund Mahoney (Hartford Courant) for MSN
Elections
National: “Violent Threats to Election Workers Are Common. Prosecutions Are Not.” by Michael Wines and Eliza Fawcett (New York Times) for Yahoo News
National: “The Supreme Court Has Chipped Away at the Voting Rights Act for 9 Years. This Case Could Be the Next Blow.” by Zach Montellaro (Politico) for Yahoo News
National: “Ron Johnson Now Says He Helped Coordinate Effort to Pass False Elector Slates to Pence, but His New Explanation Drew a Quick Rebuke” by Molly Beck and Lawrence Andrea (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) for Yahoo Finance
Ethics
Florida: “‘Unsettling,’ ‘Un-American’: FPL consultant obtained personal information, surveillance photo of journalist Nate Monroe” by David Bauerlein (Florida Times-Union) for Yahoo News
Illinois: “GOP Lawmaker Calls Roe Ruling ‘Victory for White Life’ as Trump Rally Cheers” by Jennifer Hassan (Washington Post) for MSN
New Mexico: “NM Department Heads, Others Didn’t Disclose Financial Info” by Dan McKay (Albuquerque Journal) for Yahoo News
Lobbying
Idaho: “Lobbying or Campaigning? Idaho Political Organizations Did Both Before Primary Election” by Kelcie Moseley-Morris for Idaho Capital Sun
June 27, 2022 •
New York Special Session Scheduled
![New York Special Session Scheduled](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1024px-New_York_State_Capitol_28337961392-1000x563.jpg)
NY State Capitol - by formulanone
Gov. Hochul will reconvene the New York General Assembly for a special session on June 30 to address the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision invalidating a portion of the state’s concealed carry law. It is not yet clear when the special […]
Gov. Hochul will reconvene the New York General Assembly for a special session on June 30 to address the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision invalidating a portion of the state’s concealed carry law.
It is not yet clear when the special session will end.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting
June 27, 2022 •
Indiana Special Session Scheduled to Begin July 6
![Indiana Special Session Scheduled to Begin July 6](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Indiana_State_Capitol_Market_St-1000x563.jpg)
Indiana State Capitol - By Daniel Schwen / CC BY-SA
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a proclamation calling a special session of the General Assembly beginning July 6 to take action on his plan to distribute $1 billion in tax relief to Hoosiers due to inflation. The special session also […]
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a proclamation calling a special session of the General Assembly beginning July 6 to take action on his plan to distribute $1 billion in tax relief to Hoosiers due to inflation.
The special session also would open the door for lawmakers to pass legislation addressing other issues.
Special sessions may last up to 30 session days, but no more than 40 calendar days after they begin.
The ban on contributions during session does not apply to special sessions in Indiana.
June 27, 2022 •
St. Louis Announces Special Primary Election for Aldermanic President
![St. Louis Announces Special Primary Election for Aldermanic President](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Flag_of_Missouri.svg-1000x563.png)
Flag of Missouri
The St. Louis city election board announced that a special primary election for Aldermanic President is scheduled for September 13. The notice was issued following a legal opinion from City Counselor Sheena Hamilton because of legal ambiguity in the city […]
The St. Louis city election board announced that a special primary election for Aldermanic President is scheduled for September 13.
The notice was issued following a legal opinion from City Counselor Sheena Hamilton because of legal ambiguity in the city charter and ordinances on how to proceed, noting a special primary election is required to enable anyone who wants to run for the position to do so as a “nonpartisan” candidate.
On September 13, voters will be able to vote for as many candidates as they want for Aldermanic President, with the two candidates receiving the most votes advancing to the November 8 Special General Municipal Election.
Whoever wins in November would serve until what would have been the end of Lewis Reed’s term, next April.
A separate election will be held then for the office’s next four-year term, preceded by a March primary.
June 27, 2022 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCNR-scaled-e1662491441383-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance New Jersey: “Campaign Finance Reform Bill Would Double Donor Limits” by Nikita Biryukov for New Jersey Monitor New York: “Suffolk County Has Repealed Its Public Campaign Finance Program” by J.D. Allen for WSHU Oklahoma: “Epic Charter Schools Co-Founders […]
Campaign Finance
New Jersey: “Campaign Finance Reform Bill Would Double Donor Limits” by Nikita Biryukov for New Jersey Monitor
New York: “Suffolk County Has Repealed Its Public Campaign Finance Program” by J.D. Allen for WSHU
Oklahoma: “Epic Charter Schools Co-Founders Made Political Donations with State Dollars, OSBI Says” by Nuria Martinez-Kee for The Oklahoman
Elections
National: “Democrats Seize on Abortion Ruling in Midterms, as Republicans Tread Carefully” by Annie Linskey and Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) for MSN
Rhode Island: “Officer Running for State Senate Drops Out After Punching Opponent” by Timothy Bella and James Bikales (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Home of Jeffrey Clark, Trump DOJ Official, Searched by Federal Agents” by Spencer Hsu, Devlin Barrett, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN
Illinois: “Negotiations Underway on Stalled Ethics Reform Package, Lightfoot Says” by Heather Cherone for WTTW
Lobbying
California: “Santa Ana Moves to Increase Transparency with Lobbyist Registration Law” by Ben Brazil for Los Angeles Times
June 24, 2022 •
Wisconsin Legislature Immediately Ends Special Session
![Wisconsin Legislature Immediately Ends Special Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Wisconsin-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Wisconsin State Capitol Building
Lawmakers convened the special session called by Gov. Tony Evers on June 22 and immediately adjourned without considering Wisconsin’s criminal abortion ban. Evers called the special session for lawmakers to consider legislation to repeal the abortion ban enacted in 1849. The […]
Lawmakers convened the special session called by Gov. Tony Evers on June 22 and immediately adjourned without considering Wisconsin’s criminal abortion ban.
Evers called the special session for lawmakers to consider legislation to repeal the abortion ban enacted in 1849.
The ban on contributions while lawmakers are in special session ended when the special session adjourned.
June 24, 2022 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 24, 2022
![News You Can Use Digest – June 24, 2022](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NYCU-Logo-e1662491950752-1000x563.png)
National/Federal 2022 Primary Results: Alabama Senate runoff, D.C. and Virginia primaries CBS News – Fin Gómez and Aaron Navarro | Published: 6/21/2022 Virginia and the District of Columbia held primaries on June 21 and Georgia also held runoff elections, but perhaps […]
National/Federal
2022 Primary Results: Alabama Senate runoff, D.C. and Virginia primaries
CBS News – Fin Gómez and Aaron Navarro | Published: 6/21/2022
Virginia and the District of Columbia held primaries on June 21 and Georgia also held runoff elections, but perhaps the most closely watched race was the Alabama Republican U.S. Senate runoff for retiring Sen. Richard Shelby’s seat, which pitted U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks against Katie Britt, Shelby’s former chief of staff. The two candidates shared the unusual distinction having both had, at one point, the sought-after endorsement of former President Trump. Brooks, who was a longtime Trump ally, won his first endorsement, but Trump withdrew it just before the primary election on May 24, when polls showed Brooks sliding in the polls.
American Influence Has a New Address on State Street
Yahoo News – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 6/22/2022
According to a new report from OpenSecrets, total spending on state lobbying increased across 19 states from which it has collected data dating back to 2015. Interest groups spent a record $1.8 billion on state lobbying in 2021. As partisan divides ensnare congressional lawmakers in stalemates, many lobbying firms find it faster to take their efforts to governors and state Legislatures. State leaders have become as influential as they have ever been and are now shaping the national conversation on issues as diverse as energy policy and abortion rights.
Caught in the Culture Wars, Teachers Are Being Forced from Their Jobs
MSN – Hannah Natanson and Moriah Balingit (Washington Post) | Published: 6/16/2022
More than 160 educators were either fired or resigned their jobs in the past two academic years due to the culture wars that are roiling many of the nation’s schools, according to a Washington Post analysis. On average, slightly more than two teachers lost their jobs for every week that school remained in session. The teachers included in the analysis all lost their employment when hot-button cultural, racial, political, or pandemic issues intersected with their ability to teach, either because the teacher sought to address controversial topics in the classroom or administrators took issue with the teacher’s views as expressed inside or outside the classroom.
‘First-Degree Puppetry’: Stephen Colbert defends ‘Late Show’ staffers after arrest at Capitol
Yahoo News – Naledi Ushe (USA Today) | Published: 6/21/2022
Stephen Colbert addressed the arrest of his production crew by U.S. Capitol Police and joked they were guilty of “puppetry in the first degree.” Seven members of the “Late Night” team were arrested in the Longworth House Office Building and charged with unlawful entry. CBS said the crew was recording a segment featuring Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and had filmed authorized and pre-arranged interviews with members of Congress. Colbert called it “shameful and grotesque” that his staff’s behavior had been compared in the media to the insurrection on January 6, 2021.
GOP Spends Millions on Election Volunteers to Search for Fraud
MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 6/15/2022
The Republican National Committee (RNC) is spending millions of dollars this year in 16 critical states on an unprecedented push to recruit thousands of poll workers and watchers, adding firepower to a growing effort on the right to find election irregularities that could be used to challenge results. The RNC was until recently barred from bringing its substantial resources to bear on field operations at polling sites because of a decades-old court order. Now, the party apparatus is mobilizing volunteers to scrutinize voting locations for suspected fraud.
Jan. 6 Committee Reveals New Details About Pence’s Terrifying Day
MSN – Rosalind Helderman and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 6/16/2022
The House committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol disclosed new details of Mike Pence’s terrifying day on January 6, 2021, as it sought to explain how easily democracy could have fallen if the then-vice president had not resisted an unrelenting campaign from Trump to ignore legal advisers and his own conscience and use his role to give Trump a second term. Pence announced he did not believe the Constitution allowed him to follow Trump’s wishes. The committee demonstrated the crowd’s immediate reaction using video clips of rioters taken that day.
Justice Dept. Expands Jan. 6 Probe with Fresh Subpoenas
MSN – Spencer Hsu, Josh Dawsey, and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 6/22/2022
The Justice Department’s investigation of the attack on the U.S. Capitol ratcheted up as federal agents issued subpoenas on people in at least two states, in what appeared to be a widening probe of how political activists supporting then-President Trump tried to use invalid electors to thwart Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral victory. FBI officials confirmed that agents conducted court authorized law enforcement activity at the address of Brad Carver, a Georgia lawyer who allegedly signed a document claiming to be a Trump elector, and another the home of Thomas Lane, who worked on the Trump campaign’s efforts in Arizona and New Mexico.
Liberal Groups Devote Millions to Blocking GOP Election Deniers
MSN – Michael Scherer (Washington Post) | Published: 6/22/2022
Pouring liberal donors’ money into the midterms to elect Democrats is hardly novel. What is different about a new strategy is a large portion of the 2022 efforts are aimed at 2024 –attempting to block Republican 2020 election deniers from gaining power and potentially upending valid results in a presidential election year. LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, one of the nation’s top political donors, gathered more than a dozen billionaires or their representatives over Zoom to sound an alarm about the coming elections. “MAGA leaders intend to use 2022 midterm wins to install Trump in 2024 regardless of the vote,” read a slide of the PowerPoint Hoffman presented to the group.
Sen. Ron Johnson Under Fire Over Fake-Electors Disclosure at Hearing
MSN – Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) | Published: 6/22/2022
The House committee investigating January 6 Capitol riot revealed that U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson’s chief of staff tried to deliver to Vice President Mike Pence a slate of fake electors backing then-president Trump, raising questions about Johnson’s role in a deliberate and coordinated plan to block Joe Biden’s win and give Trump the presidency. The disclosure also underscores the extent of Johnson’s role as one of Congress’s most prominent election deniers and January 6 apologists.
Supreme Court Justices Don’t Have a Code of Ethics. Hundreds of Judges Say That’s a Problem
Yahoo – Tami Abdollah (USA Today) | Published: 6/22/2022
Hundreds of judges said U.S. Supreme Court justices should be bound by a code of ethics, and many said they were shocked to find out that was not already the case. The National Judicial College surveyed judges across the nation on whether the Supreme Court should be held to a higher standard. The survey came amid a contentious and high-profile calendar that has involved questions of bias, as well as investigations into Justice Clarence Thomas’ family ties to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Trump’s Pressure Drew Violence, Threats to Local Officials, Committee Shows
Anchorage Daily News – Rosalind Helderman and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 6/21/2022
In the weeks after the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump engaged in an unrelenting campaign targeting state and local officials – many of them fellow Republicans – riling up his supporters and putting in physical danger officials who refused to help overturn his election loss, according to the House committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol. At its fourth public hearing, the committee laid out how menace and violence trailed Trump’s election falsehoods, afflicting everyone who resisted, from high-level elected officials to ordinary election workers.
From the States and Municipalities
Alaska – Campaign Finance Regulators Withdraw $56,600 Fine Levied Against Anchorage Rep. Tuck
Yahoo News – Nathaniel Herz (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 6/18/2022
The Alaska Public Offices Commission withdrew a $56,500 fine it had imposed on state Rep. Chris Tuck, saying he showed the 2020 campaign contribution the agency alleged was late reported past the deadline was actually made outside of a required reporting window. Tuck has announced he was not seeking reelection.
California – Anaheim City Council Deadlocks on Campaign Finance Reform Following FBI Corruption Probe
Voice of OC – Spencer Custodio | Published: 6/22/2022
Anaheim City Council members deadlocked on a campaign finance reform proposal to lessen special interests’ influence on policy decisions, which has come under intense scrutiny since revelations of an FBI corruption probe into City Hall. The ordinance would have required a 72-hour reporting window for all campaign contributions of $250 or more, along with mandatory recusal periods for council members. Residents have been calling for the council to limit the influence that special interests like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, the Los Angeles Angels, and Disney-funded PACs have on City Hall. Many of those same interest groups funded a majority of the council members’ election campaigns.
California – Court Says California Utilities Commission Must Obey State Public Records Act
MSN – Seth Rosenfeld (San Francisco Public Press) | Published: 6/20/2022
An appeals court ruled the California Public Utilities Commission must comply with a state law requiring all agencies to promptly release information to the public. A three-judge panel of the First District Court of Appeal said the commission’s lengthy and open-ended administrative procedures violate the strict timelines of the state’s Public Records Act. The ruling could bring more accountability to the commission, which has faced criticism of excessive secrecy and ineffectiveness. It regulates corporations ranging from utilities to ride-hailing services.
California – State Attorney General Bonta Gives Mark Ridley-Thomas Backers a Chance to Fight His Removal from LA City Council
Los Angeles Daly News – Elizabeth Chou | Published: 6/22/2022
The state attorney general gave plaintiffs the go-ahead to challenge the Los Angeles City Council’s decision to appoint former council member Herb Wesson to a seat vacated by Councilperson Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was suspended by his colleagues after being indicted on federal corruption charges. The plaintiffs’ attorneys contend Wesson is ineligible to be a temporary replacement because the appointment violates city charter rules for term limits and appointments to vacant seats. They had also challenged the suspension of Ridley-Thomas by the city council and sought his reinstatement.
Colorado – Colorado Guilty Plea a First for US Election Task Force
Yahoo News – Associated Press | Published: 6/20/2022
A Nebraska man pleaded guilty to making death threats against Colorado’s top elections official in a what officials say is the first such plea obtained by a federal task force devoted to protecting elections workers across the U.S. who have been subject to increasing threats since the 2020 presidential election. Travis Ford admitted sending threats to Secretary of State Jena Griswold on social media. Griswold is a national advocate for elections security who has received thousands of threats over her insistence that the 2020 election was secure and that former President Trump’s claims it was stolen from him are false.
Connecticut – It’s Official: CT candidates can start spending campaign money on child care
CT Insider – Julia Bergman | Published: 6/19/2022
Candidates for elected office in Connecticut can now spend public campaign money on childcare while they are campaigning. The new election rule was finalized recently and follows a years-long fight by a Fairfield mother and former state House candidate that gained national attention. When she first ran for office in 2018, Caitlin Clarkson Pereira often had her daughter, Parker, who was three years old at the time, in tow
Florida – Federal Judge Blows Up Florida’s Law Limiting Contributions for Ballot Initiatives
MSN – Jim Saunders (News Service of Florida) | Published: 6/16/2022
A federal judge struck down a Florida law limiting contributions to people or political committees championing ballot initiatives, ruling it violates the First Amendment. U.S. District Court Judge Allen Winsor issued a permanent injunction against the law that limited such donations to $3,000. The Florida Elections Commission had argued the law limited the potential for fraud and corruption. “But those concerns don’t legally justify the restriction at issue,” Winsor said.
Florida – Former Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Andrew Gillum Indicted on Federal Charges
Politico – Matt Dixon and Arek Sarkissian | Published: 6/22/2022
Andrew Gillum, a former Tallahassee mayor who was the Democratic nominee for Florida governor in 2018, was indicted on charges he illegally solicited campaign contributions between 2016 and 2019 and promised political favors in return for the financial support. The indictment outlines a series of interactions with two undercover FBI agents who posed as developers seeking contracts in Tallahassee. Gillum’s adviser, Sharon Lettman-Hicks, also faces 19 counts, including allegations that some of those contributions were funneled to a separate company she operates.
Hawaii – Hu Honua Lobbyist Hosted Fundraiser for Senators Who Were Key to Energy Bill
Honolulu Civil Beat – Stewart Yerton and Chad Blair | Published: 6/20/2022
As far as the public could tell from official disclosures, a recent campaign fundraiser was paid for by the candidate committees of four Hawaii senators: Donovan Dela Cruz, Glenn Wakai, Michelle Kidani, and Bennette Misalucha. But undisclosed in public filings required for such events was a behind-the-scenes host: Joanne Hamm, an energy industry lobbyist. Hamm’s client Hu Honua Bioenergy had just scored big wins in the state Legislature, thanks in part to Wakai and Misalucha, who are the chair and vice chair of the Energy, Economic Development and Tourism Committee; and Kidani and Dela Cruz, who sit on the Ways and Means Committee, which Dela Cruz chairs.
Illinois – Ex-State Sen. Thomas Cullerton Sentenced to a Year in Federal Prison in Ghost Payrolling Case
MSN – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 6/21/2022
Former Illinois Sen. Thomas Cullerton was sentenced to a year in prison for pocketing more than $250,000 in salary and benefits from the Teamsters union despite doing little or no work. In rejecting a defense request for probation, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Gettleman said people are tired of the “depressing” amount of public corruption and he had to send a message to other elected officials that breaching the public trust will not be tolerated. Former Teamsters boss John Coli Sr. said he hired Cullerton to his do-nothing position “as a favor to Senator A.” The two ignored complaints from supervisors when Cullerton failed to even show up for work.
Maine – Paul LePage’s Campaign Fined $3K for Late Finance Report
Bangor Daily News – Caitlin Andrews | Published: 6/22/2022
Maine’s ethics commission hit former Gov. Paul LePage’s 2022 campaign with a $3,000 fine on for filing a campaign finance report a few hours late. The total amount of money raised had been released to the media on May 3, but campaign staffer Joe Turcotte said he had fallen asleep due to illness while submitting the report. He did not wake up until four a.m. the next day to finish filing the report, which was after the deadline.
Maryland – Judge’s Donation to Baltimore State’s Attorney Candidate Thiru Vignarajah Raises Ethical Questions
MSN – Lee Sanderlin (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 6/17/2022
Maryland District Court Judge Flynn Owens is listed as having donated $100 to Thiru Vignarajah’s campaign for Baltimore State’s Attorney. Owens’ listed employer and occupation, a requirement for donors, is “State of MD” and “Legal.” It is a violation of the state’s Judicial Code of Conduct for any sitting judge to make a political contribution to any candidate, let alone a someone running for a political office that the judge is involved with. As a District Court judge overseeing Baltimore, Owens oversees cases brought by the state’s attorney’s office.
Massachusetts – Mass. High Court to Hear Arguments in DiMasi Lobbying Case
MSN – Matt Stout (Boston Globe) | Published: 6/21/2022
The Supreme Judicial Court will take up a lobbying case involving former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi. At issue is whether those found guilty of federal corruption charges should be barred from lobbying state lawmakers, the governor, and other officials for 10 years after their conviction, even if their crimes are not directly cited in the state law. While DiMasi is at the center of the case, he will not be impacted by any ruling as the 10-year ban on him expired in 2021. The court reasoned the legal issue at the case’s core is still of “great public importance and is likely to recur.”
Massachusetts – MassHealth Director Fined $6,000 for Receiving Free Red Sox Tickets
Boston.com – Susannah Sudborough | Published: 6/16/2022
A former MassHealth official paid a $6,000 penalty for breaking the state’s conflict-of-interest law by receiving free Boston Red Sox tickets from the contractor administering the agency’s dental program. Stacia Castro, while serving as director of the MassHealth Specialty Provider Network, asked DentaQuest’s regional director if the company had access to the Red Sox tickets. It then gave Castro four free tickets valued at $120 apiece, a tour of Fenway Park, and a $500 voucher for dinner at Fenway Park’s EMC Club.
Michigan – How One Firm in a ‘Wild West’ Industry Upended the Michigan GOP Governor Race
Bridge Michigan – Yue Stella Yu, Mike Wilkinson, and Joel Kurth | Published: 6/16/2022
Some say signature gathering for candidates to qualify for the ballot is the “Wild West” side of politics. A now-inactive website for the signature-gathering firm First Choice Contracting claimed it was “your best chance at getting on the ballot.” Instead, it was anything but. Fraudulent signatures disqualified five of 10 Republican gubernatorial candidates in Michigan from the race, and a Bridge Michigan investigation found First Choice Contracting worked for all five campaigns. Elections officials have submitted their findings of fraud to state Attorney General Dana Nessel for a criminal investigation.
Missouri – Eric Greitens Ad Touts ‘Hunting Permit’ for GOP Rivals in Missouri U.S Senate Race
Missouri Independent – Rudi Keller | Published: 6/20/2022
In a video of a fake no-knock home raid, former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens ––flanked by extras in body armor, using flash grenades and carrying firearms – promoted a fundraising program offering a “RINO Hunting Permit” to supporters of his U.S. Senate campaign. RINO stands for “Republican in Name Only.” Within a few hours of posting, the video was hidden behind a warning message but remained visible on Twitter to those who wish to see it. The video was removed from Facebook. Violent imagery has been a part of Greitens political persona since he began running for office.
Missouri – Missouri Supreme Court Asks Eric Schmitt to Stop Using Judge Photo in Campaign Mailers
KSHB – David Medina | Published: 6/17/2022
The Missouri Supreme Court asked state Attorney General Eric Schmitt to stop using photos of the court’s judges for campaign mailers used for his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. The mailer shows Schmitt along with three of the justices. The photo was taken by a member of Schmitt’s staff during Missouri’s bicentennial celebration last August. The judges were there in official capacities and were not aware the photo would be used in such a context.
Montana – Convention of States Group Violated Campaign Law
Montana Free Press – Alex Sakariassen | Published: 6/20/2022
An out-of-state super PAC that spent $126,752 supporting a trio of Republican legislative primary candidates in Montana violated state campaign finance laws, according to Commissioner of Political Practices Jeff Mangan. A complaint filed against the Convention of States Political Fund said the organization failed to adequately disclose its spending on mailers and radio ads. Mangan also said the group did not meet the state’s definition of a nonresident political committee because it had failed to file its activity in its home state.
New Mexico – New Mexico County Certifies Election Results, Bowing to Court Order
MSN – Annie Gowan (Washington Post) | Published: 6/17/2022
Commissioners in New Mexico’s Otero County voted two-to-one to comply with a state Supreme Court order and certify primary-election results, reversing an earlier rejection of vote totals over unfounded claims that voting machines were insecure. Commissioner Couy Griffin refused to back down from assertions the machines were not secure or apologize for leading a charge against a normally straightforward procedural vote that caused a week-long uproar. “My vote to remain a no isn’t based on any evidence, it’s not based on any facts, it’s only based on my gut feeling and my own intuition, and that’s all I need,” Griffin said.
New York – Corporate PACs Fail to Disclose Cash Behind Attacks in Primary Races
New York Focus – Sam Mellins | Published: 6/22/2022
With days to go before New York’s primary election, two real estate-backed groups likely spending millions of dollars to boost moderate Democrats may be violating campaign finance law by failing to disclose where they are getting their money and how they are spending it. Common Sense New Yorkers and Voters of New York are independent expenditure committees, which can spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections but cannot coordinate with candidates. New York law mandates that such committees file reports detailing their spending and fundraising 32 and 11 days before a primary, which neither group has done.
New York – Law School Deans Unveil New York’s New Ethics System
Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 6/15/2022
The deans of New York’s accredited law schools announced a rigorous vetting process to select nominees for the state’s new 11-member Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, which was created this year to overhaul the existing state ethics panel, which has for years faced criticism for some of its members’ apparent allegiance to the lawmakers who appointed them. Unlike the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, whose members were generally appointed with little vetting, the new rules will enable a nominating committee comprised of the law school deans to reject someone not found to have “undisputed honesty, integrity and character.”
New York – Supreme Court Justice Robert Berliner Resigns After Being Accused of an Ethics Violation
MSN – Steve Lieberman (The Journal News) | Published: 6/22/2022
State Supreme Court Justice Robert Berliner resigned from the bench rather than contest claims he engaged in prohibited political activity as a jurist. The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct alleged that in September 2015 and November 2017, Berliner accompanied and/or introduced two candidates to three gatherings of community and political leaders in Orange and Rockland counties. “Prohibiting [judges’] involvement in campaigns, except when running for judicial office themselves, is essential to public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary,” said commission Administrator Robert Tembeckjian.
North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Panel Adopts Disclosure Rules for Powerful State Boards
Bismarck Tribune – Jack Dura | Published: 6/22/2022
The North Dakota Ethics Commission adopted rules for how certain state officials should handle potential bias arising from campaign contributions. The new rules take effect immediately and apply to the Public Service Commission and governor-led Industrial Commission, which make decisions usually involving companies in the energy and utility industries. Both boards have their own ethics policies.
Ohio – FirstEnergy Fired Its CEO Amid Bribery Scandal but Let Him Keep Millions, Documents Show
Ohio Capital Journal – Jake Zuckerman | Published: 6/23/2022
As its starring role in a political bribery scandal became clearer and two alleged conspirators pleaded guilty, FirstEnergy fired its chief executive officer, Charles Jones, who was later outed as an architect of the operation. But documents show FirstEnergy’s board of directors declined to invoke a provision in Jones’ contract that would have allowed the company to claw back some of the tens of millions it had paid him during a “pay-to-play” operation the company has admitted to. Between 2017 and 2020, roughly the time frame of the alleged conspiracy, Jones earned more than $51 million.
Ohio – Former Newburgh Heights Mayor Sentenced to 30 Days in Jail for Campaign Finance Violations
WVIZ – Matthew Richmond | Published: 6/21/2022
Former Newburgh Heights Mayor Trevor Elkins was sentenced to 30 days in jail for campaign finance violations. Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Joan Synenberg issued the sentence despite the prosecutor’s recommendation of five years’ probation and no jail time. “I’m surprised quite frankly that the state of Ohio doesn’t recognize the seriousness of the violation of a public official violating the public trust,” Synenberg said. The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections found 651 instances where Elkins used money donated for his campaigns on expenses like bar and restaurants tabs and haircuts, totaling more than $130,000.
Ohio – P.G. Sittenfeld Trial May Expose How Fundraising, Developer Deals at City Hall Really Got Done
WCPO – Paula Christian | Published: 6/20/2022
Former Cincinnati City Councilperson P.G. Sittenfeld’s federal trial on corruption charges is underway. But the trial is not just about Sittenfeld, and whether he traded “official acts” to help a city project in exchange for $40,000 in donations to his PAC. Experts say the trial is really about the murky, sometimes seedy side of campaign fundraising. The trial will likely expose how business at City Hall got done during one of the most explosive periods of development in recent memory. “This is not a case strictly about him and a couple of developer deals, this is a case about the way American politics works,” said University of Cincinnati professor David Niven.
Pennsylvania – Pa. House Eyes Expanding Who Can Bring Sexual Misconduct Complaints Against Lawmakers
Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 6/17/2022
Pennsylvania House leaders are negotiating a deal to close a loophole in the chamber’s rules that protects lawmakers accused of sexual misconduct from facing institutional sanctions. The talks center around a bipartisan resolution that would forbid lawmakers from engaging in sexual harassment “while performing House-related services or duties or in or on any House owned or leased property or facilities.” Consequences could range from censure to expulsion, depending on the outcome of an internal investigation.
South Dakota – South Dakota AG Convicted on 2 Impeachment Charges, Removed
ABC News – Stephen Groves (Associated Press) | Published: 6/21/2022
The South Dakota Senate convicted state Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg of two impeachment charges stemming from a 2020 fatal automobile crash, removing and barring him from future office in a rebuke that showed most senators did not believe his account of the accident. Ravnsborg told a 911 dispatcher the night of the crash that he might have struck a deer or other large animal and has said he did not know he struck Joseph Boever until he returned to the scene the next morning. Criminal investigators said they did not believe some of Ravnsborg’s statements, and several senators made clear they did not either.
Texas – At Texas GOP Convention, Loyalists Embrace Far Right, Anti-Gay Rhetoric
MSN – Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) | Published: 6/19/2022
Thousands of Republican activists meeting in Houston for the state’s party convention agreed to a resolution that rejects the outcome of the 2020 presidential election and refers to Joe Biden as an illegitimate president. The delegates also called for the repeal of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Separately, a party platform presented to convention delegates labeled homosexuality “an abnormal lifestyle choice.” The platform also advocates for children to learn in school about “the humanity of the preborn child,” promoting new messaging after the state has taken steps to vastly restrict abortion when knocking on constituents’ doors.
West Virginia – Former West Virginia Lawmaker Who Livestreamed Jan. 6 Riot Gets 3 Months in Prison
MSN – Alanna Durkin Richer (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 6/22/2022
Former West Virginia lawmaker who livestreamed himself on Facebook storming the U.S. Capitol and cheering on what he described as a “revolution” was sentenced to three months in prison. Derrick Evans was sworn in as a member of the state’s House of Delegates just weeks before the riot that left more than 100 police officers injured. Evans was arrested two days after the insurrection and resigned a month before the start of the legislative session.
June 23, 2022 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCNR-scaled-e1662491441383-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance National: “Liberal Groups Devote Millions to Blocking GOP Election Deniers” by Michael Scherer (Washington Post) for MSN California: “Anaheim City Council Deadlocks on Campaign Finance Reform Following FBI Corruption Probe” by Spencer Custodio for Voice of OC Florida: […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Liberal Groups Devote Millions to Blocking GOP Election Deniers” by Michael Scherer (Washington Post) for MSN
California: “Anaheim City Council Deadlocks on Campaign Finance Reform Following FBI Corruption Probe” by Spencer Custodio for Voice of OC
Florida: “Former Democratic Candidate for Florida Governor Indicted” by Steven Lemongello and Jeffery Schweers (Orlando Sentinel) for MSN
Maine: “Paul LePage’s Campaign Fined $3K for Late Finance Report” by Caitlin Andrews for Bangor Daily News
Elections
National: “Justice Dept. Expands Jan. 6 Probe with Fresh Subpoenas” by Spencer Hsu, Josh Dawsey, and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
New York: “Supreme Court Justice Robert Berliner Resigns After Being Accused of an Ethics Violation” by Steve Lieberman (The Journal News) for MSN
South Dakota: “South Dakota AG Convicted on 2 Impeachment Charges, Removed” by Stephen Groves (Associated Press) for ABC News
Lobbying
National: “American Influence Has a New Address on State Street” by Hailey Fuchs (Politico) for Yahoo News
Massachusetts: “Mass. High Court to Hear Arguments in DiMasi Lobbying Case” by Matt Stout (Boston Globe) for MSN
June 22, 2022 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCNR-scaled-e1662491441383-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance Montana: “Convention of States Group Violated Campaign Law” by Alex Sakariassen for Montana Free Press Elections National: “Trump’s Pressure Drew Violence, Threats to Local Officials, Committee Shows” by Rosalind Helderman and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) for Anchorage Daily […]
Campaign Finance
Montana: “Convention of States Group Violated Campaign Law” by Alex Sakariassen for Montana Free Press
Elections
National: “Trump’s Pressure Drew Violence, Threats to Local Officials, Committee Shows” by Rosalind Helderman and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) for Anchorage Daily News
National: “2022 Primary Results: Alabama Senate runoff, D.C. and Virginia primaries” by Fin Gómez and Aaron Navarro for CBS News
Missouri: “Eric Greitens Ad Touts ‘Hunting Permit’ for GOP Rivals in Missouri U.S Senate Race” by Rudi Keller for Missouri Independent
Ethics
National: “‘First-Degree Puppetry’: Stephen Colbert defends ‘Late Show’ staffers after arrest at Capitol” by Naledi Ushe (USA Today) for Yahoo News
California: “Court Says California Utilities Commission Must Obey State Public Records Act” by Seth Rosenfeld (San Francisco Public Press) for MSN
Colorado: “Colorado Guilty Plea a First for US Election Task Force” by Associated Press for Yahoo News
Illinois: “Ex-State Sen. Thomas Cullerton Sentenced to a Year in Federal Prison in Ghost Payrolling Case” by Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) for MSN
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