National/Federal

Election Officials Fear Copycat Attacks as ‘Insider Threats’ Loom
MSN – Zach Montellaro (Politico) | Published: 7/12/2022

Election officials are confronting a wave of threats and security challenges coming from a troubling source: inside the election system itself. In interviews at the National Association of Secretaries of State’s conference, a dozen chief election administrators detailed a growing number of “insider threats” leading to attempted or successful election security breaches aided by local officials. The most prominent was in Colorado, where a county clerk was indicted for her role in facilitating unauthorized access to voting machines. But there have been similar instances elsewhere.

Judge Rejects Bannon’s Bid to Delay Trial, Executive-Privilege Claim
MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 7/11/2022

U.S. District Court Judge Carl Nichols refused to delay Stephen Bannon’s trial after the Justice Department called an offer by the former Trump aide to testify before the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, insurrection a “last-ditch attempt to avoid accountability” on charges of criminal contempt of Congress. Bannon was indicted for contempt of Congress after refusing to comply with a subpoena for his testimony and records about his actions leading up to the Capitol riot.

Lindsey Graham Argues Constitution Grants Him ‘Absolute Immunity’ in Georgia Election Interference Probe, a Response One Former Prosecutor Calls ‘Disturbing’
Yahoo News – Charles Davis (Business Insider) | Published: 7/13/2022

Lawyers for U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham are arguing that he cannot be forced to testify before a Fulton County grand jury about alleged election interference, claiming he enjoys “absolute immunity” under the Constitution for phone calls he placed to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been investigating efforts by former President Trump and his allies to pressure officials in Georgia to overturn President Biden’s victory.

Michael Flynn Cited for Unauthorized Foreign Payments
MSN – Dan Lamothe and Craig Whitlock (Washington Post) | Published: 7/8/2022

Michael Flynn, the retired Army general and onetime adviser to former President Trump, was cited by the Defense Department inspector general for failing to disclose lucrative speaking engagements and other business arrangements with foreign entities, prompting the U.S. government to pursue tens of thousands of dollars in penalties against him. The Army notified Flynn it would seek to recoup $38,557.06 from him.

Morton’s and Others Brace as Activists Offer Cash for SCOTUS Sightings
Yahoo News – Emily Heil and Tim Carman (Washington Post) | Published: 7/11/2022

The Washington, D.C. location of Morton’s the Steakhouse is the first known restaurant in the city to be dragged into the protests over the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade. Justice Brett Kavanaugh was dining there but left via a side door as a handful of protesters gathered outside. The activist group ShutDownDC tweeted it would pay restaurant workers to tip them off if they spot any of the six justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade.

‘Operation Higher Court’: Inside the religious right’s efforts to wine and dine Supreme Court justices
Yahoo News – Peter Canellos and Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 7/8/2022

Rob Schenck, an evangelical minister who once headed the group Faith and Action, said he arranged for couples to fly to Washington to visit with and entertain Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and the late Antonin Scalia. Schenck said the couples were instructed to use certain phrases to influence the justices while steering clear of the specifics of cases before the court. The calculated nature of Faith and Action’s efforts shows how outside actors can use social activities and expensive dinners to penetrate the court’s highly sealed environment.

Ron Johnson’s $280k Cash Gifts to Chief of Staff and Wife Draw U.S. Senate Ethics Complaint
KPVI – Alexander Shur (Madison.com) | Published: 7/12/2022

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and his wife paid his former chief of staff, Anthony Blando, and Blando’s wife $280,000 in cash gifts while they worked together, an arrangement Democrats say is a breach of Senate rules. The Senate’s ethics rules limit how much congressional aides can be compensated and how much and from whom they can receive gifts. The Johnsons’ cash gifts to Blando appear to follow one guideline allowing aides to receive gifts from senators but appear to clash with another guideline saying cash gifts are not acceptable. They also raise questions about whether they are an attempt to circumvent the compensation limits.

The Fight Over Truth Also Has a Red State, Blue State Divide
Yahoo News – Steven Lee Myers and Cecilia Kang (New York Times) | Published: 7/10/2022

In the absence of action at the federal level, officials in state after state are taking aim at the sources of disinformation and the platforms that propagate them – only they are doing so from starkly divergent ideological positions. In this polarized era, even the fight for truth breaks along partisan lines. The result has been a rush of state bills and legal maneuvers that could reinforce information bubbles in a nation divided over a variety of issues and along geographic lines. The biggest hurdle to new regulations, regardless of the party pushing them, is the First Amendment.

Trump Hid Plan for Capitol March on Day He Marked as ‘Wild’, Panel Says
MSN – Isaac Stanley-Becker and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 7/12/2022

Donald Trump scrawled the words on Twitter that motivated right-wing extremists to seek blood on January 6, 2021, and kept secret a plan to direct his supporters to the Capitol that day, according to evidence and testimony presented at the seventh hearing of the House select committee investigating the riot. The message marked a turning point in Trump’s efforts to stay in power and, in the telling of U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, “would galvanize his followers, unleash a political firestorm and change the course of our history as a country.”

U.S. Appeals Court Upholds Release of Trump Financial Records to House
MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 7/8/2022

A federal appeals court panel ruled House lawmakers can see years of former President Trump’s financial accounting records but narrowed the range of documents Trump must turn over in a long-running legal battle over his compliance with presidential ethics and disclosure laws. Both sides can still appeal the three-judge panel’s ruling. But the decision marked a partial victory for each side over a subpoena issued in 2019 by the House Oversight Committee to Trump’s accounting firm, Mazars USA.

‘Unhinged’: The White House meeting that preceded Trump’s ‘will be wild’ tweet
MSN – Rosalind Helderman and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 7/12/2022

About six weeks after Donald Trump lost his reelection, a fistfight nearly broke out in the White House between the president’s fired national security adviser and a top White House aide. A motley crew of unofficial Trump advisers had talked their way into the Oval Office and an audience with the president to argue the election had been stolen by shadowy foreign powers, perhaps remotely via Nest thermostats. Even for a White House known for its chaos, the December 18, 2020, meeting demonstrated how Trump invited fringe players advocating radical action into his inner sanctum as he searched for a way to remain in office.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Alabama Ethics Commission Says It Doesn’t Have to Share Exculpatory Information with Accused
Yahoo News – Brian Lyman (Montgomery Advertiser) | Published: 7/13/2022

The Alabama Ethics Commission said it did not have to disclose evidence that could potentially clear a person accused of violating state ethics laws during an investigation. The unanimous vote came after a discussion where the state attorney general’s office argued the accused had the right to access such material, and members of the commission raised concerns about its investigatory nature, the potential of discouraging legitimate complaints, and the current wording of the ethics statute.

Arizona – Arizona Activists Want a Vote on Expanding Access to Voting
MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 7/7/2022

Citing efforts by Arizona’s Republican-controlled Legislature to restrict access to voting, a coalition of advocacy organizations, community groups and volunteers is attempting to expand voting rights in the state through a ballot initiative. The coalition gave state elections officials the signatures of more than 475,000 Arizonans who want to see the issue put to a vote in November. The initiative would also limit the amount of money that lobbyists could spend on special events and travel for lawmakers at $500.

Arkansas – Groups Use Arkansas PACs Loophole to Donate Above Campaign Contribution Limits
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Lisa Hammersly | Published: 7/10/2022

In Arkansas, each PAC can donate the state limit of $2,900, a loophole in state campaign finance laws when one organization fields many PACs, experts say. Disclosure data shows groups of business and political interests and lobbyists with multiple PACs give some favored candidates substantially more in contributions than Arkansas allows for one individual or a group with only one PAC. While Arkansas permits such donations from related PACs, federal election rules and some other states do not.

California – Campaign Finance Reform Efforts in Anaheim Deadlock Again – And Again
Los Angeles Times – Gabriel San Román | Published: 7/13/2022

When the Anaheim City Council debated campaign finance reform for a third meeting in a row, it proved to be anything but a charm. Election spending in Anaheim has come into sharper focus since an FBI probe into former Mayor Harry Sidhu. Councilperson Jose Moreno introduced a bill intended to curb what he called “pay-to-play” politics, but another tie vote by the council sunk the reform effort again.

California – Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Faces $12,000 State Fine Over ‘Pay to Play’ Politics
Voice of OC – Spencer Custodio and Hosam Elattar | Published: 7/11/2022

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is facing a $12,000 fine for steering lobbyist contracts to his own campaign donors, something the California Fair Political Practices Commission says violates state “pay-to-play” restrictions. FPPC investigators said it happened while Do was serving on the CalOptima board, the agency that oversees the county’s medical insurance plan. The FPPC also found Do violated regulations on a series of behested payments.

Colorado – 3rd Arrest Made in Alleged Colorado Election Security Breach
MSN – Colleen Slevin (Associated Press) | Published: 7/13/2022

The former elections manager for a Colorado clerk indicted on charges of tampering with voting equipment has been arrested on allegations she was part of the scheme. Sandra Brown, who worked for Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, surrendered in response to a warrant issued for her arrest on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation and attempting to influence a public servant. Peters and her chief deputy, Belinda Knisley, are being prosecuted for allegedly allowing a copy of a hard drive to be made during an update of election equipment in May 2021.

Connecticut – A West Haven Official Approved Contracts, Payments for His Family Business
MSN – Andrew Brown (Connecticut Mirror) | Published: 7/12/2022

Robert Bruneau, a city council member and fire commissioner in West Haven, used his elected position as a leader of the West Shore Fire District to authorize contracts and payments for a company owned by his wife and son. Documents show Bruneau, along with his two fellow fire commissioners, approved more than $81,000 in payments to Bruneau’s Garage, which he and his family have owned and operated for more than a decade. Bruneau was also recently singled out in a state audit that examined questionable spending by the West Haven city government.

Connecticut – Wife of Former CT Lawmaker Pleads Guilty in West Haven Theft Case
MSN – Andrew Brown (Connecticut Mirror) | Published: 7/12/2022

Lauren DiMassa, who is now married to former Connecticut Rep. Michael DiMassa, admitted her part in stealing more than $147,000 from the city of West Haven. Records show Michael DiMassa, who served as an assistant to the West Haven City Council, approved 16 payments that went to his future wife. The records show Lauren DiMassa sent invoices to the city and claimed to be performing services under a youth violence prevention grant. She billed for things like meals, equipment, supplies, transportation, personal protective equipment, “counseling,” and “support clinics.”

Florida – Election Issues: Two candidates say Sheriff Ivey tried to get them to drop out, offered jobs in exchange
Yahoo News – Eric Rogers and Bobby Block (Florida Today) | Published: 7/13/2022

For years, a political endorsement by Sheriff Wayne Ivey has been seen by would-be candidates for elected office and many voters in Brevard County as an anointment of approval by the area’s most prominent politician and law enforcement officer. But there is another side to Ivey’s endorsements, some candidates say. According to them, Ivey seeks to control who gets to compete in Brevard elections and who should not. Two candidates this year said Ivey pushed for them to leave the field and throw their support behind his favored candidates. In exchange, they say, Ivey has offered them political jobs worth up to $50,000 a year.

Florida – Lobbyists, Including Former Governor Staff, Push Client for Emergency Management Warehouse Contract
Orlando Sentinel – Jeffrey Schweers | Published: 7/14/2022

Two of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ former top staffers were among the lobbyists that sought to make sure their client was well positioned for a new Emergency Management warehouse and inventory control contract, emails show. The Division of Emergency Management originally planned to bid out the contract itself and asked the Legislature for $75 million to build and retrofit new warehouse space for supplies it was required to purchase for public health emergencies. But it agreed to side-step its normal bidding process after talking to legislative leaders.

Georgia – Limits Set for Lawmaker Testimony in Georgia Election Probe
Yahoo News – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 7/7/2022

Georgia lawmakers appearing before a special grand jury in the investigation into whether former President Trump and others illegally meddled in the state’s 2020 election have broad immunity but can be asked about their conversations with people outside of the Legislature, a judge ruled. A former state lawmaker and Georgia’s lieutenant governor asked the judge to squash subpoenas seeking their testimony before the grand jury, citing legislative privilege and immunity.

Georgia – State Ethics Agency Drops Charges in Abrams Fundraising Probe as Campaign Steams Ahead
Georgia Recorder – Stanley Dunlop | Published: 7/12/2022

Georgia’s ethics commission dismissed two charges against Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams connected to her 2018 campaign. The commission’s action was based on documentation showing the Abrams campaign did not illegally receive donations from two supporting organizations, while other forms cleared up questions about an expense charged during her run against Gov. Brian Kemp. It marked the latest development in the wide-spanning investigation into whether the Abrams team coordinated with groups to help her election in 2018.

Hawaii – Prosecutors Want Enhanced Punishment for Public Corruption
Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 7/13/2022

County prosecutors in Hawaii want to see harsher sentences for public officials who try to defraud the government and are calling for better resources to investigate such crimes. The Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct, a group tasked with beefing up government standards and ethics, heard from FBI agents, former state attorneys general, and county prosecutors during a forum to generate more ideas to crack down on public corruption in Hawaii.

Illinois – Ex-Cook County Official Patrick Doherty Pleads Guilty to Several Corruption Schemes
Chicago Sun-Times – Jon Seidel | Published: 7/13/2022

Patrick Doherty, a former high-ranking Cook County official, admitted to a wide-ranging set of corruption schemes totaling $148,000 that involved the late Illinois Sen. Martin Sandoval and ex-Cook County Commissioner Jeff Tobolski. Doherty was originally hit with three bribery counts for his work as a sales agent for SafeSpeed. Prosecutors then expanded the indictment, he also schemed with Tobolski, who doubled as mayor of McCook, as well as Sandoval, who served as chair of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee.

Kentucky – Gov. Beshear Scores Victory Against GOP Effort to Strip His Power Over Ethics Commission
MSN – Joe Sonka (Louisville Courier-Journal) | Published: 7/12/2022

A judge sided with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear in his lawsuit to block a new law shifting the governor’s appointment power with the Executive Branch Ethics Commission to other Republican constitutional officers. Jefferson Circuit Court Judge McKay Chauvin granted Beshear’s motion for a summary judgment to permanently block House Bill 334 because it violates the state constitution. Under the new law, the commission’s members are increased to seven by reducing the governor’s appointees to just two, while also granting one appointment each to five other constitutional officers.

Louisiana – Ethics Board: Oliver Thomas can’t be paid by WBOK while station takes city money
New Orleans Advocate – Jeff Adelson and Mark Ballard | Published: 7/8/2022

The Louisiana Board of Ethics formally approved an opinion that would bar New Orleans City Councilperson Oliver Thomas from continuing to be paid for his talk show on WBOK as long as the radio station continues to receive city money for advertising. In reaching their decision, ethics board staff cited state laws prohibiting elected officials from working for companies that receive revenues from the government they work for.

Michigan – Ex-State Rep. Inman Can [Face] Bribery, Extortion Charges Again, Court Rules
Detroit News – Hayley Harding | Published: 7/10/2022

Former Michigan Rep. Larry Inman can face a new trial after a federal appeals court reversed a lower court’s decision to dismiss bribery and extortion charges. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Jonker ruled in 2021 that Inman’s constitutional rights to speech would be violated and to retry him could be barred by the double jeopardy clause of the Constitution if he faced another trial on charges of soliciting a bribe and attempted extortion. The ruling means Inman can face trial for allegedly trying to get union lobbyists to buy his 2018 vote on repealing the state’s prevailing wage law.

Michigan – Secretary of State Benson’s Husband Registered to Lobby for Billionaire’s Company
Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 7/8/2022

The husband of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who ran for office vowing to reform Michigan’s lobbying laws, is now a registered lobbyist himself. Ryan Friedrichs registered to lobby on June 29, according to a database maintained by the secretary of state’s office, which oversees lobbyists’ fillings. Friedrichs is one of three lobbyists in the state working on behalf of Related Companies, a New York-based real estate firm.

Minnesota – Campaign Finance Board Finds Probable Cause in Action 4 Liberty Case
Minnesota Reformer – Baylor Spears | Published: 7/13/2022

The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board found probable cause that the right-wing activist group Action 4 Liberty, which has been working to boost allies in upcoming Republican primaries, violated state campaign law. The board alleges the group made illegal corporate campaign donations to gubernatorial candidate Neil Shah and failed to report the contributions. The determination comes after a complaint to the board said certain Action 4 Liberty-connected emails mentioned Shah, which constituted an endorsement.

Montana – Ninth Circuit Decision Takes Issue with Montana Rule Defining ‘Political Committees’
Fairfield Sun Times – Sam Wilson (Helena Independent Record) | Published: 7/7/2022

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit found a portion of Montana’s law defining political committees is unconstitutionally vague in the case of Ed Butcher, a former Republican state lawmaker who maintains Legistats, a website that grades GOP legislators on party loyalty. The appeals court stopped short of striking down the administrative rule, which governs whether political spending in Montana needs to be reported and sent the case back to a lower court.

New York – Hochul’s Vow to Fix Albany’s Culture Finds an Unexpected Foe: Herself
News Networks – Jay Root (New York Times) | Published: 7/11/2022

In Albany, billions of taxpayer dollars can be directed, redirected, or shut off in negotiations far from public view. Gov. Kathy Hochul vowed to change that culture, promising “a new era of transparency,” including an ethics watchdog agency with “real teeth.” Yet as Hochul faces the November election, her promises of transparency and a changed culture appeared to have fallen short.

New York – NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Got OK from Conflicts Board on Contracts with Nonprofits Tied to Wife’s Group
MSN – Michael Gartland and Clayton Guse (New York Daily News) | Published: 7/6/2022

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander said he asked for guidance and got the go-ahead from the Conflicts of Interest Board for his office’s review of contracts with nonprofits tied to a group run by his wife. Lander sought the advice a day after The New York Daily News reported dozens of nonprofits that have contracts with the city are also members of Meg Barnette’s group, Nonprofit New York. Since January, when Lander took office, nonprofits tied to the group have gotten contracts totaling at least $544 million from the city.

New York – Report: Cuomo’s office ‘overpowered’ ethics watchdog in book approval
Spectrum News – Mick Reisman | Published: 7/7/2022

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office “overpowered” staff at the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) to win approval of a multimillion-dollar book deal for the then-governor, according to a report from JCOPE. The vote to release the report is expected to be one of JCOPE’s final acts after lawmakers voted to create a new commission to oversee lobbying and ethics. The sole vote against releasing the report was by Commissioner William Fisher, the remaining Cuomo appointee on the panel.

North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Panel Chooses Next Executive Director
Bismarck Tribune – Jack Dura | Published: 7/12/2022

The North Dakota Ethics Commission selected Rebecca Binstock as its next executive director, replacing Dave Thiele. Binstock is a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland. She will begin her new job in September.

Ohio – ‘Green Energy’ Initiative Leader Gets 120 Days in Jail for False Campaign Finance Report
MSN – Jordan Laird (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 7/12/2022

A Franklin County judge described the ongoing effort to put a “green energy” initiative on the Columbus ballot as an illegitimate attempt to steal taxpayer money when he sentenced its leader to 120 days in jail for filing a false campaign finance report in 2019. The judge also sentenced John Clark Jr. to pay a $2,500 fine. Clark has led multiple petition drives in recent years to get a “green energy” initiative put on the ballot that, if any had passed, would have diverted more than $40 million of taxpayer money toward ProEnergy Ohio, a limited partnership group led by Clark.

Ohio – PG Sittenfeld Found Guilty of Bribery and Extortion, Not Guilty on Other Four Charges
WCPO – Paula Christian, Felicia Jordan, and Taylor Weiter | Published: 7/8/2022

Former Cincinnati City Councilperson P.G. Sittenfeld was convicted on federal charges of bribery and attempted extortion but was acquitted on four other counts. He could face two to three years in prison. Sittenfeld faced allegations that he agreed to accept $40,000 in payments to his PAC to “deliver the votes” in the city council for a proposed real estate development. He had been considered a top contender to run for mayor before he was indicted in 2020.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Commission Fines PAC [$62,750]
Center Square – Kim Jarrett | Published: 7/8/2022

A PAC that worked to get Republicans elected to the state Senate will pay a $62,750 penalty, according to a settlement agreement with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. The Republican Senatorial Committee agreed to pay $37,750 for impermissible contributions it accepted, as well as a $25,000 civil penalty. The commission also ordered the PAC to dissolve within 60 days.

Rhode Island – AG Reviewing Prov. Council Candidate’s Campaign Finances
MSN – Steven Machado (WPRI) | Published: 7/7/2022

A candidate for Providence City Council was referred to the stet attorney general’s office for possible prosecution following a series of campaign finance violations. The Rhode Island Board of Elections voted to refer Gerard Catala to prosecutors after auditing his campaign account and finding more than $7,000 worth of spending that was not accounted for on his disclosure reports.

Washington – Seattle Foundation Cops to Eight Campaign Finance Violations, Pays a Fine
Big Country News – Brett Davis (Center Square) | Published: 7/8/2022

The Seattle Foundation acknowledged a total of eight violations of campaign disclosure and contribution laws and paid a fine of $1,000. A complaint alleged the foundation failed to register and report in timely fashion as an “incidental committee” in 2019 and 2020 regarding a $50,000 contribution by Yes for Transit, a $50,000 donation from the Washington Fairness Coalition, and a $50,000 contribution from Keep Washington Rolling. Under state law, a nonprofit entity may be required to register as an incidental committee and disclose the top 10 donors whose contributions aggregate to $10,000 or more in the calendar year.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Disallows Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes
Yahoo News – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 7/8/2022

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that absentee ballot drop boxes may be placed only in election offices and no one other than the voter can return a ballot in person, dealing a defeat to Democrats who said the decision would make it harder to vote in the battleground state. The court did not address whether anyone other than the voter can return his or her own ballot by mail. That means that anyone could still collect multiple ballots for voters and, instead of using a drop box, put them in the mail.

Campaign Finance

Georgia: “State Ethics Agency Drops Charges in Abrams Fundraising Probe as Campaign Steams Ahead” by Stanley Dunlop for Georgia Recorder

Minnesota: “Campaign Finance Board Finds Probable Cause in Action 4 Liberty Case” by Baylor Spears for Minnesota Reformer

Washington: “Seattle Foundation Cops to Eight Campaign Finance Violations, Pays a Fine” by Brett Davis (Center Square) for Big Country News

Elections

National: “Election Officials Fear Copycat Attacks as ‘Insider Threats’ Loom” by Zach Montellaro (Politico) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Judge Rejects Bannon’s Bid to Delay Trial, Executive-Privilege Claim” by Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

Alabama: “Alabama Ethics Commission Says It Doesn’t Have to Share Exculpatory Information with Accused” by Brian Lyman (Montgomery Advertiser) for Yahoo News

Illinois: “Ex-Cook County Official Patrick Doherty Pleads Guilty to Several Corruption Schemes” by Jon Seidel for Chicago Sun-Times

New York: “Hochul’s Vow to Fix Albany’s Culture Finds an Unexpected Foe: Herself” by Jay Root (New York Times) for News Networks

A special election has been scheduled for the vacant District 5 seat to be held on November 8.

The District 5 seat became vacant when Councilor Corey O’Connor was appointed the new Allegheny County Controller by the Pennsylvania Senate.

The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the term set to expire at the end of 2023.

Elections

Ohio: “‘Green Energy’ Initiative Leader Gets 120 Days in Jail for False Campaign Finance Report” by Jordan Laird (Columbus Dispatch) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Trump Hid Plan for Capitol March on Day He Marked as ‘Wild’, Panel Says” by Isaac Stanley-Becker and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Ron Johnson’s $280k Cash Gifts to Chief of Staff and Wife Draw U.S. Senate Ethics Complaint” by Alexander Shur (Madison.com) for KPVI

Connecticut: “A West Haven Official Approved Contracts, Payments for His Family Business” by Andrew Brown (Connecticut Mirror) for MSN

Kentucky: “Gov. Beshear Scores Victory Against GOP Effort to Strip His Power Over Ethics Commission” by Joe Sonka (Louisville Courier-Journal) for MSN

Louisiana: “Ethics Board: Oliver Thomas can’t be paid by WBOK while station takes city money” by Jeff Adelson and Mark Ballard for New Orleans Advocate

North Dakota: “North Dakota Ethics Panel Chooses Next Executive Director” by Jack Dura for Bismarck Tribune

Lobbying

California: “Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Faces $12,000 State Fine Over ‘Pay to Play’ Politics” by Spencer Custodio and Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC

Campaign Finance

Arkansas: “Groups Use Arkansas PACs Loophole to Donate Above Campaign Contribution Limits” by Lisa Hammersly for Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Ethics Commission Fines PAC [$62,750]” by Kim Jarrett for Center Square

Ethics

National: “The Fight Over Truth Also Has a Red State, Blue State Divide” by Steven Lee Myers and Cecilia Kang (New York Times) for Yahoo News

National: “U.S. Appeals Court Upholds Release of Trump Financial Records to House” by Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

Michigan: “Ex-State Rep. Inman Can [Face] Bribery, Extortion Charges Again, Court Rules” by Hayley Harding for Detroit News

Ohio: “PG Sittenfeld Found Guilty of Bribery and Extortion, Not Guilty on Other Four Charges” by Paula Christian, Felicia Jordan, and Taylor Weiter for WCPO

Lobbying

National: “‘Operation Higher Court’: Inside the religious right’s efforts to wine and dine Supreme Court justices” by Peter Canellos and Josh Gerstein (Politico) for Yahoo News

New York: “NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Got OK from Conflicts Board on Contracts with Nonprofits Tied to Wife’s Group” by Michael Gartland and Clayton Guse (New York Daily News) for MSN

On July 4, 2022, America will celebrate 246 years of independence from Great Britain’s rule, as the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. This important document professed “…that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”  Fast forward to 2022, however, and it continues to be evident that not everyone is seen as being deserving of these basic human rights – calling into question the lack of equality that exists, particularly amongst underrepresented populations.

For these individuals, what equality looks like in the workplace can be especially challenging. For some, equality may mean having a fair opportunity to compete and apply for a desired position; for others, it may mean that they are not discriminated against based on any multitude of characteristics that make them the unique individuals whom they are. I would argue that equality in the workplace should include both of these things, in addition to other elements, such as:  providing everyone with a safe and hostile-free working environment; allowing everyone to take advantage of opportunities for additional growth and professional development; and providing a space for all employees to come to work as their true, authentic selves. For me, this is equality in action – “walking the talk” as I like to say!

I invite you to think about what equality currently looks like in your own workplace? Are your company’s policies, procedures, and overall office culture conducive to an atmosphere that champions equality for all who work there? I hope the answer is Yes! If your organization, however, is not where it wants or needs to be, it may be time to take a step back and reassess its core mission and values – there may be some tough questions to answer, but in the end, the organization in its entirety will be better and stronger for it!

Campaign Finance

Montana: “Ninth Circuit Decision Takes Issue with Montana Rule Defining ‘Political Committees’” by Sam Wilson (Helena Independent Record) for Fairfield Sun Times

Rhode Island: “AG Reviewing Prov. Council Candidate’s Campaign Finances” by Steven Machado (WPRI) for MSN

Elections

Arizona: “Arizona Activists Want a Vote on Expanding Access to Voting” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Supreme Court Disallows Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “Michael Flynn Cited for Unauthorized Foreign Payments” by Dan Lamothe and Craig Whitlock (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Report: Cuomo’s office ‘overpowered’ ethics watchdog in book approval” by Mick Reisman for Spectrum News

Legislative Issues

Georgia: “Limits Set for Lawmaker Testimony in Georgia Election Probe” by Kate Brumback (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

Michigan: “Secretary of State Benson’s Husband Registered to Lobby for Billionaire’s Company” by Craig Mauger for Detroit News

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit has ruled against Montana, holding the state’s laws regarding political committees are unconstitutionally vague.

The court took umbrage with the state’s rule which governs whether political spending needs to be reported.

In Montana, any group of two or more people who spend $250 or more in an election cycle to support or oppose political candidates must register and report as a political committee.

Volunteer activities do not count towards the $250 threshold, but the court held Montana’s administrative scheme did not give plaintiffs fair notice that their activities fell outside the definition of volunteer services.

The decision opens the pathway to challenge the state’s definition of a political committee.

National/Federal

A Trump-Appointed Official Who Gets an Important Vote on Whether Trump Broke Election Laws Spoke at a Texas GOP Event Where He Was Billed as a Part of the ‘Trump Elections Team’
MSN – Madison Hall | Published: 6/30/2022

FEC member Trey Trainor, who was appointed by Donald Trump, spoke at a Republican-sponsored “election integrity” event in Texas in November 2021. The event’s host advertised Trainor as a “Trump Elections Team” member. In a series of Facebook ads promoting Trainor’s appearance, the Denton County Republican Party made no mention of his service on the FEC. Trainor, who regularly votes on Trump-related cases, said he was not aware of his billing. Several campaign finance experts, including former FEC members, expressed concern about a commissioner involving himself or herself in overtly partisan activities.

Amazon, Disney, AT&T Gave to Abortion Foes Like DeSantis While Vowing to Help Employees
MSN – Ike Swetlitz and Spencer Soper (Business Insider) | Published: 6/30/2022

Amazon, AT&T, and Walt Disney Co. have said they will help cover travel costs for employees who need care that is not available where they live. At the same time, records show the companies or company affiliates have financially supported leaders who are trying to reduce access to abortions. Governors Bill Lee of Tennessee, Greg Abbott of Texas, Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, and Ron DeSantis of Florida – Republicans seeking to limit abortion rights – each received contributions from at least one of the companies or associated PACs before the court’s decision. Aside from Youngkin each are facing re-election fights this year.

Comey and McCabe, Two Trump Foes, Both Faced Intensive IRS Audits
Mineapolis Star Tribune – Michael Schmidt (New York Timer) | Published: 7/6/2022

The odds of being selected for the most invasive type of random audit carried out by the IRS in any given year are tiny – roughly one out of 30,600. One of the few who were subjected to such an audit James Comey, who had been fired as FBI director in 2017 by then-President Trump. Among those who were chosen to have their 2019 returns scrutinized was the man who had been Comey’s deputy at the bureau: Andrew McCabe, who served several months as acting FBI director after Comey’s firing. It is illegal under federal law for anyone in the executive branch, with a few narrow exceptions, to request the IRS conduct an audit of someone’s taxes.

Despite Rebukes, Trump’s Legal Brigade Is Thriving
Yahoo News – Heidi Pryzbyla (Politico) | Published: 7/5/2022

Sixteen lawyers who represented plaintiffs in five lawsuits promoting Donald Trump’s baseless election fraud claims in the battlegrounds of Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Arizona remain in good standing or have no record of disciplinary action with their respective bar associations or licensing authorities. Fourteen of them have since engaged in additional work in support of the election fraud conspiracies or conspiracists behind Trump’s attempt to remain in power despite losing the election to President Biden. Critics say those who helped legitimize the former president’s lies should not be allowed to use it as a foundation to build their legal practices.

How Trump World Pressures Witnesses to Deny His Possible Wrongdoing
MSN – Rosalind Helderman, Josh Dawsey, and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 6/30/2022

Evidence across multiple state, federal, and congressional investigations points to a similar pattern: Donald Trump and his allies privately shower potential witnesses with flattery and attention, extending vague assurances that staying loyal to Trump would be better than crossing him. Meanwhile, Trump publicly blasts those who offer testimony against him in personal terms, offering a clear example to others of the consequences of stepping out of line. U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney said such messages had been received by witnesses who have testified for the House committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Jan. 6 Panel Secures Deal for Cipollone to Be Interviewed
MSN – Maggie Haberman and Luke Broadwater (New York Times) | Published: 7/6/2022

Pat Cipollone, the White House counsel to former President Trump who repeatedly fought Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, reached a deal to be interviewed by July 8 before the House committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The agreement was a breakthrough for the panel, which has pressed for weeks for Cipollone to cooperate – and issued a subpoena to him recently – believing he could provide crucial testimony. Cipollone will sit for a videotaped, transcribed interview. He is not expected to testify publicly.

Members of Congress Call for an Investigation of Intuit’s Lobbying Practices Amid Mounting TurboTax Controversies
OpenSecrets – Anna Massoglia | Published: 6/30/2022

Members of Congress are calling for an investigation of Intuit, the company that owns TurboTax, after it failed to adequately respond to questions from U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren in an April letter citing OpenSecrets’ reporting on the tax preparation company’s lobbying. Following scrutiny of the company’s lobbying and escalating tensions around its marketing practices, members of Congress are calling for an investigation into what they describe as Intuit’s “revolving door scheme.” Warren accused the company of “extensive lobbying and adroit influence peddling” and requested a response to questions about their activities.

New FEC Complaint Alleges Gun Manufacturing Company Violated Federal Contractor Contribution Ban
OpenSecrets – Taylor Giorno | Published: 7/1/2022

The Campaign Legal Center filed a complaint with the FEC alleging Ohio Ordinance Works, a gun manufacturer, donated $100,000 to a super PAC, Club for Growth Action, while performing federal contracts. Federal campaign finance law bars federal contractors from contributing to any political committees while negotiating or performing contracts. USASpending.gov, the open data source for federal contracts, lists two active contracts valued at $4.2 million and $39,600 at the time of the donation.

Questions Arise Over Warnock’s Use of Campaign Funds to Fight Lawsuit
Politico – Natalie Allison | Published: 7/6/2022

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock used campaign money to cover legal expenses for a lawsuit relating to his time as a church minister, transactions that raise questions about whether the spending runs afoul of federal rules governing personal use of campaign funds. Warnock’s unique situation presents a gray area because the allegations dating back 17 years do not involve him being a member of Congress or a candidate for office. The senator’s campaign maintains the use of campaign money was permissible because the second lawsuit was filed while Warnock was in office.

Republican States Are Trying to Use Federal Covid Aid to Cut Taxes
MSN – Tony Romm (Washington Post) | Published: 7/5/2022

More than a year after Congress approved a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, Republicans in nearly two dozen states have increased efforts to tap some of those funds for an unrelated purpose: paying for tax cuts. The moves have threatened to siphon off aid that might otherwise help states fight the pandemic, shore up their local economies, or prepare for a potential recession. At the urging of the nation’s mayors and governors, Congress delivered what largely amounted to a blank check for every city and state to bolster their budgets. Congress ultimately laid down few conditions for how local leaders could use the pot of money.

SCOTUS Justices ‘Prayed With’ Her – Then Cited Her Bosses to End Roe
Yahoo News – Kara Voght and Tim Dickinson (Rolling Stone) | Published: 7/6/2022

At an evangelical victory party in front of the U.S. Supreme Court to celebrate the downfall of Roe v. Wade, a prominent Capitol Hill religious leader, Peggy Nienaber, was caught on a hot mic claiming she prays with sitting justices inside the high court. This disclosure was a serious matter on its own terms, but it also suggested a major conflict-of-interest. Nienaber’s ministry’s umbrella organization, Liberty Counsel, frequently brings lawsuits before the Supreme Court. The majority in Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health cited an amicus brief authored by Liberty Counsel in its ruling.

Supreme Court Marshal Presses Md., Va. Leaders to Stop Home Protests
MSN – Jasmine Hilton and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 7/2/2022

The U.S. Supreme Court’s chief security officer requested that Maryland and Virginia officials move to halt protests outside the homes of justices. In his letters, the marshal cited Maryland law, which states that a “person may not intentionally assemble with another in a manner that disrupts a person’s right to tranquility in the person’s home.” Some officials said federal law enforcement should respond to the court’s concerns, while others cast the directive as unconstitutional. Police officials said they worked to keep justices safe while respecting the First Amendment rights of demonstrators.

Canada

Canada – Democracy Watch and Other Groups Rally Support for Campaign Against ‘Unethical’ Lobbying Changes
Yahoo News – Cloe Logan (National Observer) | Published: 7/6/2022

A lobbyist who works on a politician’s election campaign in Canada cannot contact them for a full election cycle afterwards. Lobbying commissioner Nancy Bélanger’s reform proposals would make that period two years for lobbyists who work closely with a candidate and one year for lobbyists who are less involved in the campaign. Bélanger has suggested a slew of other shifts to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct, including more stringent rules around gift-giving. Democracy Watch, Climate Action Network and other groups sent a joint letter to Bélanger voicing concern over the reforms.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Justice Dept. Sues Arizona Over Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Vote
MSN – David Nakamura and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 7/5/2022

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit challenging an Arizona law that requires voters in presidential elections to show proof of citizenship, setting up a fight over a provision similar to one the U.S. Supreme Court called unconstitutional in 2013. State Republicans, who passed the new measure on a party-line vote, said the law is a safeguard against voter fraud, which supporters of then-President Trump falsely claimed was a factor in him losing the state to President Biden in 2020. Arizona’s attorney general said in April his office found no evidence of any irregularities that would have affected the presidential election.

Arizona – The FBI Subpoenaed Karen Fann and Kelly Townsend for Information on the January 6 Insurrection
Arizona Mirror – Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Published: 6/30/2022

Arizona Senate President Karen Fann and state Sen. Kelly Townsend were subpoenaed by the FBI for an on-going investigation into former President Trump’s alleged pressure campaign on state officials to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The subpoenas follow a string of other subpoenas to other high profile Arizona politicians who have found themselves enmeshed in election fraud claims and other legal battles. The document at the heart of the matter involves 11 Arizona Republicans who met at the state party headquarters to falsely declare themselves the state’s official presidential electors.

California – Ethics Commission Considers How to Tighten Lobbying Rules in Long Beach
Long Beach Post – Jason Ruiz | Published: 6/30/2022

The Long Beach Ethics Commission discussed potentially tightening the city’s lobbying ordinance by requiring elected officials to report their contacts with lobbyists, changing who has to register as a lobbyist, and adjusting how often they have to file disclosures. Earlier this year, commissioners started reviewing the 12-year-old law, which, thus far, has never been used to charge anyone with violating lobbying rules.

Connecticut – Consultant on New London Pier Project Fined $10,000 by State Ethics Office
MSN – Keith Phaneuf (CT Mirror) | Published: 7/5/2022

Seabury Maritime, a consulting and investment firm, will pay $10,000 in fines for providing Connecticut Port Authority board members and employees with gifts valued at more than $3,100, according to an order from the Office of State Ethics. Seabury Maritime provided some of those gifts while pursuing a business relationship with the authority, and others after securing a contract to help find an operator for State Pier in New London. Peter Lewandowski, executive director of the Office of State Ethics, said the agency would “forcefully prosecute” violations of ethics rules regarding gifts.

Delaware – Jury Returns Verdict in Delaware Auditor Kathy McGuiness Criminal Corruption Case
Yahoo News – Xerxes Wilson (Delaware News Journal) | Published: 7/1/2022

A jury found Delaware Auditor Kathy McGuiness guilty of three public corruption misdemeanors. Each carries the potential for one year of imprisonment. The jury returned not-guilty verdicts for the two felonies she faced, theft and witness intimidation. McGuiness becomes the first statewide-elected official to be both criminally charged and found guilty of a crime while in office Earlier this year, McGuiness filed to run for reelection. After the verdict, she said she will continue her campaign.

Florida – Ethics Commission Attorneys Recommend That Doug Underhill Be Removed from Office
Yahoo News – Jim Little (Pensacola News Journal) | Published: 7/6/2022

Attorneys for the Florida Commission on Ethics recommended that Escambia County Commissioner Doug Underhill be removed from office. Attorneys for both sides in the case submitted proposed recommended orders for Administrative Law Judge Garnett Chisenhall to consider as the final order in the case. Underhill’s own attorney said Underhill violated two sections of Florida’s ethics law related to failing to disclose gifts from a lobbyist and failure to report a gift over $100. The state ethics attorney said Underhill was guilty of all seven alleged ethics violations and should be removed.

Florida – State University Faculty, Students to Be Surveyed on Beliefs
Tampa Bay Times – Ana Ceballos (Miami Herald) | Published: 6/22/2022

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation that will require public universities and colleges to survey students, faculty, and staff about their beliefs and viewpoints to support “intellectual diversity.” The measure, which went into effect July 1, does not specify what will be done with the results. But DeSantis and state Sen. Ray Rodrigues, the sponsor of the bill, suggested on budget cuts could be looming if universities and colleges are found to be “indoctrinating” students. Democratic lawmakers also have argued the law might allow politicians to meddle in, monitor, and regulate speech on campus in the future.

Florida – Upgrade: Miami-Dade mayor’s free Qatar trip was pricier than first disclosed
MSN – Douglas Hanks (Miami Herald) | Published: 7/1/2022

The free airline tickets Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava accepted for a complimentary tour of Qatar were more expensive than the amount her office disclosed five weeks ago. Her office had said the round-trip airline tickets provided by the monarchy’s U.S. embassy were valued at about $1,400. But a recent gift disclosure form shows the ticket actually was worth $8,750.

Georgia – 7 Trump Allies Subpoenaed in Georgia Criminal Investigation
Seattle Times – Danny Hakim (New York Times) | Published: 7/5/2022

Seven advisers and allies of Donald Trump, including Rudy Giuliani and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, were subpoenaed in the ongoing criminal investigation in Georgia of election interference by Trump and his associates. The move was the latest sign the investigation has entangled prominent members of Trump’s orbit and may cloud the future for the former president himself. The subpoenas underscore the breadth of the investigation being conducted by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

Hawaii – Former State Lawmaker English Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal Prison
Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 7/5/2022

A former Hawaii senator was sentenced to 40 months in prison and fined $100,000 for taking bribes in exchange for influencing legislation while in office. Former Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud in February, admitting he accepted bribes from a local business owner in exchange for shaping legislation that would benefit a company involved in publicly financed wastewater conversion projects. Former state Rep. Ty Cullen pleaded guilty to the same charge in a related case and will be sentenced in October.

Idaho – People’s Pen Publication Under Investigation by Idaho AG for Alleged Sunshine Law Violation
Idaho Capital Sun – Kelcie Moseley-Morris | Published: 6/30/2022

The Idaho Attorney General’s office is investigating a publication called The People’s Pen after a complaint alleged it is not a newspaper, but an electioneering piece produced and paid for by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee. Under Idaho law, newspapers are exempt from what is considered electioneering communications or independent expenditures during elections, meaning a news outlet can publish editorials and endorsements or other commentary about candidates and the communications do not need to be reported to the secretary of state’s office. A newspaper is not exempt if it is owned or controlled by a political party or candidate.

Illinois – Cook County Assessor’s Employee Charged with Taking Sports Tickets, Home Improvements in Exchange for Assessment Reductions
MSN – Staff (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 7/6/2022

An employee of the Cook County assessor’s office was charged with conspiring to accept gifts in exchange for reductions in assessments for commercial properties, the U.S. attorney’s office announced. Lavdim Memisovski was accused of accepting “home improvement materials, home improvement services, jewelry, meals, sporting event tickets” and other items in exchange for the reductions, according to court documents.

Kentucky – Mystery Attack Mailers in Kentucky Republican Primaries Tied to Ohio Dark Money Network
Cincinnati.com – Joe Sonka (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 7/5/2022

A mystery group that reported spending more than $80,000 on ads in Kentucky House Republican primaries this year revealed one of its representatives, an Ohio man tied to a “dark money” network that has spent millions of dollars in GOP primaries. Tyler Conner identified himself as a representative of Commonwealth Conservatives LLC in a letter to the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, responding to complaints accusing the group of violating state campaign finance laws. Conner is director of Prosperity Alliance Inc., a 501(c)(4) that is allowed to spend less than half of its funds on political activities without revealing any of its donors.

Missouri – New Missouri Law Shields Nonprofit Donor Identities, Allows LLCs to Give to Candidates
Missouri Independent – Tessa Weinberg | Published: 7/5/2022

A bill signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson will shield nonprofits from being forced to disclose their donors to government agencies and allow for certain limited liability companies to contribute to candidates. The Missouri Ethics Commission will be able to subpoena the information about donors during an investigation.

New York – Office of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Approves More Than $500M in Contracts to Non-Profits with Ties to Wife’s Group
MSN – Michael Gartland (New York Daily News) | Published: 7/5/2022

The New York City comptroller’s office under Brad Lander approved at least $544 million in city business with more than 35 nonprofits that are members of an umbrella organization Lander’s wife, Meg Barnette, oversees as chief executive officer of Nonprofit New York. Lander’s spokesperson, Naomi Dann, described Nonprofit New York as a trade association that had a relationship with the comptroller’s office before Lander took the job. The group “advocates for the nonprofit industry as a whole,” she said. Dann said while that means every nonprofit makes up its constituency in a sense, none are represented directly in Nonprofit New York’s dealings with the city.

New York – U.S. Supreme Court to Take Up Case of Ex-Cuomo Aide Joseph Percoco
Gothamist – Jon Campbell | Published: 6/30/3022

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments from Joseph Percoco, a former top aide to former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo who was convicted on corruption charges, and consider whether private citizens can be convicted of depriving the public of their honest services. The justices will also consider the constitutionality of the conviction of SUNY Polytechnic Institute founder Alain Kaloyeros in the “Buffalo Billion” bid-rigging case. The court agreed to consider the “right to control” theory under which Kaloyeros was found guilty.

North Carolina – Democracy Advocates Raise Alarm After Supreme Court Takes Election Case
MSN – Colby Itkowitz and Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) | Published: 7/1/2022

Voting rights advocates expressed alarm a day after the U.S. Supreme Court said it will consider a conservative legal theory giving state legislatures virtually unchecked power over federal elections, warning it could erode basic tenets of American democracy. The idea, known as the “independent legislature theory,” represents to some theorists a literal reading of the Constitution. But in its most far-reaching interpretation, it could cut governors and state courts out of the decision-making process on election laws while giving state lawmakers free rein to change rules to favor their own party.

Ohio – Citing Inflation, Akron Proposes Increasing Campaign Contribution Limits
Yahoo Finance – Abbey Marshall (Report for America) | Published: 7/3/2022

The Akron City Council is considering legislation that would increase campaign contribution limits for mayoral and council races. The measure comes in response to rising costs, said the bill’s sponsor, and council Vice President Jeff Fusco. Since campaign contributions were last addressed in 2014, inflation has risen nearly 25 percent.

Oregon – A Measure to Curb Legislative Walkouts Has Qualified for Oregon’s November Ballot
OPB – Dirk VanderHart | Published: 7/5/2022

Oregon voters will have an opportunity to change the state constitution this November to discourage walkouts by lawmakers that have become an increasingly prominent feature of state politics. Elections officials said an effort to prevent the tactic, often used by the state’s Republican minority in recent years, has qualified for the general election ballot. Under the initiative, lawmakers would be barred from seeking re-election if they have 10 or more unexcused absences in a legislative session.

Texas – These Dallas Judges Owe Thousands in Fines for Not Reporting Campaign Donors
MSN – Krista Torralva (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 7/3/2022

A Dallas County candidate who will take over a judicial bench in January owes more than $42,000 to the state for continually failing to report her campaign donors throughout multiple bids for office. Marilynn Mayse owes the second-highest amount on the Texas Ethics Commission’s list of delinquent filers. Judicial candidates must regularly report their campaign fundraising to the commission. But a weak enforcement system means candidates face few penalties for failing to report who is giving them money and how much.

Texas – Voter Fraud Claims Are Heating Up a Battle for Political Control in an Oil-Rich Texas County
NBC News – Susan Carroll | Published: 7/1/2022

Loving County, Texas, is the least populated county in the continental U.S. Voter registration has been suspiciously high for generations, driven by feuds among a handful of families fighting for control of the local government. The voter registration roll lists 97 people, according to the Texas secretary of state, but the Census Bureau estimates only 57 people live there. Elections often come down to tiny margins, but the stakes are high. The county sits atop some of the richest oil and gas reserves in the country, generating a tax base that has hovered around $7 billion to $9 billion. Salaries for top elected officials are in the six figures.

Question: I am hiring an outside lobbying firm soon. What sorts of compliance issues should I be watching for?

Answer: You no doubt have a list of criteria you use when evaluating an outside firm’s ability to advocate for your company, but there are other issues you should be looking for.

Many lobbyists are former government officials and staffers, which means they are likely subject to revolving door provisions. While those restrictions will have expired for the majority of lobbyists if there is a new hire at the firm they may still be subject to time or subject matter restrictions and unable to lobby on your behalf. Revolving door restrictions can be a general ban on any lobbying in that jurisdiction, a ban specific to a particular issue in which the former government employee was heavily involved, or a ban only on lobbying their former government agency. If your firm is recommending a lobbyist who recently left government employment, you will want to confirm the lobbyist has no restrictions that will affect their work.

You will also want to ensure the firm is properly filing required registrations and reports. This information is publicly available on state websites, so it is not difficult to determine if the firm is meeting its obligations. Look for reports that are past due and reports that were filed after the due date. This is especially critical if you are going to be relying on the firm to file your company’s principal reports for you.

Finally, search the state’s website for fines, penalties, and reprimands issued to the firm. Again, your company’s reputation, both with the public and with the government officials contacted, will be tied to the firm.

More information about these topics can be found in the Lobbying Compliance Guidebook on the State and Federal Communications subscriber website. Specifically, information regarding revolving door restrictions can be found in the Important Features of the Law section, report due date information can be found in the Reports Required section, and the Contact Information section has links to state ethics websites.

Campaign Finance

Missouri: “New Missouri Law Shields Nonprofit Donor Identities, Allows LLCs to Give to Candidates” by Tessa Weinberg for Missouri Independent

Texas: “These Dallas Judges Owe Thousands in Fines for Not Reporting Campaign Donors” by Krista Torralva (Dallas Morning News) for MSN

Elections

Arizona: “Justice Dept. Sues Arizona Over Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Vote” by David Nakamura and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN

Georgia: “7 Trump Allies Subpoenaed in Georgia Criminal Investigation” by Danny Hakim (New York Times) for Seattle Times

Ethics

National: “Supreme Court Marshal Presses Md., Va. Leaders to Stop Home Protests” by Jasmine Hilton and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Jan. 6 Panel Secures Deal for Cipollone to Be Interviewed” by Maggie Haberman and Luke Broadwater (New York Times) for MSN

Connecticut: “Consultant on New London Pier Project Fined $10,000 by State Ethics Office” by Keith Phaneuf (CT Mirror) for MSN

Hawaii: “Former State Lawmaker English Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal Prison” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat

Legislative Issues

Oregon: “A Measure to Curb Legislative Walkouts Has Qualified for Oregon’s November Ballot” by Dirk VanderHart for OPB

Lobbying

Canada: “Democracy Watch and Other Groups Rally Support for Campaign Against ‘Unethical’ Lobbying Changes” by Cloe Logan (National Observer) for Yahoo News

Missouri Gov. Parson signed Senate Substitute for House Bill 2400 permitting certain limited liability companies (LLCs) to make campaign contributions to political committees.

To qualify, the LLC must elect not to be classified as a corporation under federal law; be in existence for at least one year prior to making contributions; and must submit a form to the Missouri Ethics Commission indicating the LLC is a legitimate business and not created for the sole purpose of making campaign contributions.

The bill also bars public agencies from requiring nonprofits to share the identities of donors, volunteers or supporters.

The bill is effective August 28, 2022.

The Washington Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has raised the threshold for reporting last-minute contributions from $1,000 to $1,500.

Contributions of or exceeding $1,500 that occur within seven days of a primary election and 21 days before a general election must be reported separately by both the contributors and the campaigns who receive them.

Once the threshold is reached, contributors must file with the PDC a last-minute contribution report within 24 hours of reaching the threshold, while recipients have 48 hours to report the contribution.

The New York General Assembly adjourned its extraordinary session on July 1.

Lawmakers passed new gun safety legislation and approved a proposal to guarantee abortion rights at the state level, taking the first step in a multi-year process to amend the state’s constitution.

This does not affect lobbyist reporting.