January 8, 2024 •
Elections Canada Publishes Limits on Political Contributions for 2024
![Elections Canada Publishes Limits on Political Contributions for 2024](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Elections-Canada-1000x563.png)
Elections Canada has published the Canadian federal contribution limits for the 2024 calendar year. In 2024, individuals may contribute up to $1,725 to independent candidates, leadership candidates, registered parties, and to, in total, all of the registered associations, nomination contestants […]
Elections Canada has published the Canadian federal contribution limits for the 2024 calendar year.
In 2024, individuals may contribute up to $1,725 to independent candidates, leadership candidates, registered parties, and to, in total, all of the registered associations, nomination contestants and candidates of each registered party.
The limits also apply to any unpaid balance of loans made during a contribution period and the amount of any loan guarantees made during a contribution period.
The limits increase annually by $25 on January 1.
January 8, 2024 •
Contribution Limits Increased in British Columbia
![Contribution Limits Increased in British Columbia](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/British-Columbia-Legislature-1000x563.jpg)
British Columbia Legislature
Campaign contribution limits increased in British Columbia, Canada, for 2024 to $1,450.82 for contributions to registered political parties, including their candidates, nomination contestants and registered constituency associations. Additionally, individuals can also contribute up to $1,450.82 to independent candidates and leadership […]
Campaign contribution limits increased in British Columbia, Canada, for 2024 to $1,450.82 for contributions to registered political parties, including their candidates, nomination contestants and registered constituency associations.
Additionally, individuals can also contribute up to $1,450.82 to independent candidates and leadership contestants, if a leadership contest is called in 2024.
The previous limit from 2023 was $1,401.40.
Also increased to $410 is the limit of a fee paid to attend a leadership convention or other convention of a political party without counting toward the $1,450.82 contribution limit.
These contribution amounts are adjusted at the start of each calendar year.
January 8, 2024 •
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 Alaska: “Alaska Ranked Choice Voting Opponents Fined Over $94K for Campaign Ethics Violations” by Iris Samuels for Anchorage Daily News Elections Massachusetts: “Liberal Group Files Challenge to Remove Trump from Massachusetts Primary Ballot” by Matt Stoudt (Boston Globe) for MSN Ohio: “Transgender Ohio […]
Campaign Finance
Alaska: “Alaska Ranked Choice Voting Opponents Fined Over $94K for Campaign Ethics Violations” by Iris Samuels for Anchorage Daily News
Elections
Massachusetts: “Liberal Group Files Challenge to Remove Trump from Massachusetts Primary Ballot” by Matt Stoudt (Boston Globe) for MSN
Ohio: “Transgender Ohio House Hopeful Appeals Disqualification for Not Listing Birth Name on Paperwork” by Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Texas: “Former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores Accused of Cribbing Others’ Pictures of Mexican Food as Her Own Cooking” by Robert Downen for Texas Tribune
Ethics
National: “Most Jan. 6 Defendants Get Time Behind Bars, but Less Than U.S. Seeks” by Tom Jackman and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN
Illinois: “Ed Burke Is Still in Line for Millions in Payouts from Pension, Campaign Funds After Corruption Conviction” by Mitchell Armentrout and Tim Novack for Chicago Sun-Times
Vermont: “Vermont Senate Beefs Up Financial Disclosure Requirements in Response to VTDigger Reporting” by Paul Heinz for VTDigger.org
Lobbying
National: “Wayne LaPierre Resigns from N.R.A. with Trial Set to Open” by Danny Hakim (New York Times) for MSN
January 5, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 5, 2024
![News You Can Use Digest – January 5, 2024](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NYCU-Logo-e1662491950752-1000x563.png)
National/Federal Bomb Hoaxes and ‘Swatting’ Attempts Target Public Officials as 2024 Begins DNyuz – Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 1/4/2023 State Capitol buildings in seven states were evacuated or placed on lockdown after the authorities said they had received bomb […]
National/Federal
Bomb Hoaxes and ‘Swatting’ Attempts Target Public Officials as 2024 Begins
DNyuz – Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 1/4/2023
State Capitol buildings in seven states were evacuated or placed on lockdown after the authorities said they had received bomb threats that they described as false and nonspecific. The FBI said it had no information to suggest any threats were credible. There was a “swatting” attempt on Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, which was intended to draw a heavily armed law enforcement response. The incidents intensified a climate of intimidation and the harassment of public officials, including those responsible for overseeing ballot access and voting.
Special Counsel Asks D.C. Judge to Bar Trump Misinformation at Trial
MSN – Perry Stein and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 12/27/2023
Federal prosecutors asked a judge to prohibit Donald Trump’s attorneys from introducing at his federal election obstruction trial “irrelevant disinformation” that is often part of Trump’s campaign speeches, such as President Biden coordinated with the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against him. Such filings are common in legal proceedings and aim to eliminate arguments at trial that prosecutors say are not supported by evidence or are irrelevant to the case and could mislead jurors.
Not Just the Supreme Court: Ethics troubles plague state high courts, too
MSN – Aaron Mendelson (USA Today) | Published: 1/3/2024
Across the country, state Supreme Courts wield enormous power over abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and elections, among other issues. But judicial ethics at the state level receive scant attention. Experts say that is a mistake and potential problems are widespread. Many state high court justices make their own decisions about recusal, with virtually no opportunity for review. They often have a say in their own discipline. In numerous states around the country, they disclose only meager and hard-to-access data about their finances.
Report: Trump businesses received $7.8 million in foreign payments during presidency
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 1/4/2024
During Donald Trump’s presidency, his businesses received at least $7.8 million in payments from the foreign governments and officials of 20 countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, according to a report released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. The report argues the payments were in violation of the Constitution’s foreign emoluments clause, a provision that bars federal officials from accepting money or gifts from foreign governments without permission from Congress.
Appeals Court Reverses Conviction Against Jeff Fortenberry
MSN – Eric Bazail-Eimil (Politico) | Published: 12/26/2023
A federal appeals court overturned a conviction against former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, saying the decision to try the lawmaker from Nebraska in California over alleged foreign campaign donations violated his due process rights. The panel found Fortenberry should not have been tried in Los Angeles, since the specific crimes he was prosecuted for occurred in the District of Columbia and Nebraska. It also rejected prosecutors’ arguments that criminal conduct also occurs where it would have an effect on a federal investigation.
Lawmakers Who Linger After Accepting New Jobs Stir Concerns
MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 12/26/2023
U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins will depart Congress in February to start a new job as the director of Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo but will remain in office in the interim. He is not the only member of the House to accept a new job in November but linger in Congress for several months. Watchdogs argue ethical issues can arise when a member knows they have a set start date to work for another employer. Situations like Johnson’s and Higgins’ highlight the opacity of congressional ethics rules around outside employment and job negotiations.
Roberts Sidesteps Supreme Court’s Ethics Controversies in Yearly Report
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 12/31/2023
The U.S. Supreme Court will be tested in the coming weeks to untangle politically consequential legal questions with the potential to reshape the 2024 presidential election. The court’s reputation remains marred by ethics controversies involving lavish travel and gifts, and public approval ratings remain low following high court rulings to overturn long-standing precedent. But Chief Justice John Roberts did not address any of those contemporary issues in his annual “Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary.”
Sen. Bob Menendez Accused of Aiding Qatar in Exchange for Bribes
MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 1/2/2024
U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez is facing a new set of federal bribery allegations in a superseding indictment that accuses him of providing assistance to the government of Qatar as well as Egypt. While the indictment does not add charges, it makes public previously unknown allegations of corruption by Menendez, who headed the Foreign Relations Committee until he was charged several months ago. It is the second superseding charging document to be filed since Menendez surrendered.
Justice Dept. Accuses 2 Political Operatives of Hiding Foreign Lobbying During Trump Administration
MSN – Eric Tucker and Alan Suderman (Associated Press) | Published: 1/2/2024
Two political consultants provided false information about lobbying work on behalf of a Persian Gulf country during the Trump administration. Charging documents allege Barry Bennett, an adviser to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, spearheaded a covert lobbying campaign aimed at advancing the interests of a foreign country. The country for whom the work was done is not named but it matches the description of Qatar. The Justice Department also reached a similar agreement with Douglas Watts, a political consultant who prosecutors say worked alongside Bennett and failed to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
Special Counsel: Trump immunity claim threatens democracy
MSN – Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 12/30/2023
Donald Trump’s bold claims that he is immune from criminal prosecution over his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election “threaten to undermine democracy,” special counsel Jack Smith warned a federal appeals court. Smith rejected Trump’s contention that the criminal indictment of him for trying to reverse his loss at the polls three years ago is constitutionally invalid because he was serving as president at the time and because he was acquitted by the U.S. Senate after he was impeached for those actions.
New Spin on a Revolving Door: Pentagon officials turned venture capitalists
Seattle Times – Eric Lipton (New York Times) | Published: 12/31/2023
Former Pentagon officials and military officers have joined venture capital firms and are trying to use their connections in Washington to cash in on the potential to sell a new generation of weapons. They represent a new path through the “revolving door” that has always connected the Defense Department and the military contracting business. Retiring generals and departing Pentagon officials once migrated regularly to the established weapons makers. Now they are increasingly flocking to venture capital firms that have collectively pumped billions of dollars into startups offering the Pentagon new war-fighting tools.
From the States and Municipalities
Canada – Commissioner Says No Conflict in Rolling Stones’ Promo at Vancouver City Hall
Vancouver Is Awesome – Mike Howell | Published: 1/3/2024
Vancouver’s integrity commissioner ruled Mayor Ken Sim and three city council members did not breach the code of conduct when they promoted a Rolling Stones concert scheduled for July 2024 at BC Place Stadium. Sim and council members Sarah Kirby-Yung, Peter Meiszner, and Mike Klassen were the subject of a complaint from a citizen concerned about the band’s iconic tongue-and-lips logo being displayed on the facade of City Hall.
Arizona – Judge Rebuffs GOP Lawmakers’ Bid to Block Arizona Voters’ Dark Money Law
Arizona Daily Star – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 12/29/2023
A judge ruled Arizona voters have an absolute right to enact laws requiring disclosure of “dark money’” political donations, even if Republican legislators do not approve. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Timothy Ryan rejected a bid by House Speaker Ben Toma and Senate President Warren Petersen to block implementation of Proposition 211 ahead of campaign spending for the 2024 election. While Ryan gave the go-ahead for the law to take effect, he did not toss out the entire challenge.
California – Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price Barred from Prosecuting Her Loudest Critic, a Former Prosecutor
MSN – Jakob Rodgers (San Jose Mercury News) | Published: 1/3/2024
A judge barred Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price’s office from prosecuting one her loudest political critics in a misdemeanor case that has become a focal point in the recall effort against her. Superior Court Judge James Cramer ruled Price’s office has a “significant conflict of interest” in prosecuting Amilcar Ford, a former employee of hers who was charged over the summer with violating a little-used section of the state’s business and professions code. As a result, the case will now be handled by the state attorney general’s office.
California – DA Charges Ex-San Francisco Building Inspector Who Inspected His Own Home
San Francisco Standard – Michael Barba | Published: 1/2/2024
A former San Francisco building inspector who had inspected his own home is now facing criminal charges for alleged conflict-of-interest violations, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced Tuesday. Van Zeng was fired and charged after a media investigation revealed he conducted a series of questionable inspections on properties with ties to his family.
Florida – Miami City Manager’s Wife Was Hired for Office Remodeling, Raising Ethics Concerns
WLRN – Daniel Rivero and Joshua Ceballos | Published: 1/4/2024
When Miami City Manager Art Noriega wanted to remodel parts of his office at City Hall, his office picked a familiar salesperson from a familiar company to provide new furniture in contracts worth more than $37,000. The salesperson: Noriega’s wife, Michelle Pradere-Noriega. Her company has been awarded over $440,000 in city contracts for new office furniture and furniture assembly in her husband’s tenure as city manager. Ethics experts say the contracts could raise potential conflicts-of-interest because of Noriega’s high-ranking position in the city and may violate state ethics laws.
Florida – Daughter of Former Broward Mayor Fleeced Thousands of Dollars in Campaign Funds, Feds Say
Yahoo News – Grethel Aguila (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/3/2024
The daughter of former Broward Mayor Dale Holness was charged with fraud, accused of using thousands of dollars in campaign funds for personal expenses. The alleged fraud occurred from April 2019 through October 2020, when Richelle Holness was the treasurer for her father’s campaign. Richelle Holness is not the only family member to have faced federal fraud charges recently.
Georgia – Conservative Group Wins Legal Victory Over 2020 Voting Challenges in Georgia
DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 1/2/2024
U.S. District Court Judge Steve Jones ruled a conservative group’s efforts to challenge the eligibility of hundreds of thousands of voters in the U.S. Senate runoff elections in Georgia in 2021 did not violate the Voting Rights Act under a clause outlawing voter suppression. The decision was relatively narrow, applying only to Jones’s district, and will do little to change the status quo. Right-wing election groups have already tried to help bring thousands of challenges to voter registrations in states across the country. But the opinion is likely to encourage conservative activists hunting for voter fraud during the 2024 presidential election.
Georgia – Federal Judge Approves Georgia’s Republican-Drawn Congressional Districts
MSN – Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 12/28/2023
A federal judge in Georgia approved congressional districts redrawn by the state’s Republican-led legislature, ruling the new map did not continue to illegally dilute the power of Black voters as Democrats and civil rights groups have argued. Georgia is among several states where challenges to congressional maps could affect the makeup of the U.S. House next year.
Illinois – Ex-Illinois House Speaker Wins Six-Month Raincheck in Federal Corruption Trial
Courthouse News Service – Dave Byrnes | Published: 1/3/2024
A federal judge postponed the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. The decision pushes back the trial start date from April 1 of this year to October 8. Madigan faces 23 charges for racketeering, fraud, conspiracy, and bribery. Central to the charges against Madigan is the definition of “bribery” for public officials in the law. The Supreme Court threw a wrench into the government’s case against Madigan when it agreed to hear a bribery case out of Indiana challenging the interpretation of the section of the law.
MSN – Jason Meisner, Ray Long and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/21/2023
A jury found former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke guilty on 13 of 14 corruption charges, including racketeering conspiracy, for scheming to use his clout at City Hall to pressure people into hiring his private law firm. Also convicted was real estate developer Charles Cui, who was accused of hiring Burke’s firm to do property tax appeals in exchange for the council member’s intervention in a permit dispute. Burke’s longtime ward aide, Peter Andrews Jr., was acquitted of all counts against him.
Kansas – Wichita City Council Votes to Amend Campaign Finance Ordinance
KSN – Ryan Newton and Zena Taher | Published: 1/2/2024
The Wichita City Council voted to amend the campaign finance ordinance. The amendment prohibits candidates from accepting contributions from foreign and domestic corporations and limited liability companies in city elections. Other entities, such as sole proprietorships, professional associations, partnerships, and PACs, would continue to be permitted to make political contributions.
Maine – Donald Trump Removed from Maine Primary Ballot by Secretary of State
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 12/29/2023
Maine barred Donald Trump from the primary ballot, becoming the second state to block the former president from running again because of his actions before and during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The challenges to Trump’s candidacy have focused on primaries because Republicans will not choose their nominee until states hold their nominating contests and the party holds its national convention in July. If Trump’s ability to run has not been resolved by then, attention would shift to the general election.
Baltimore Brew – Mark Reutter | Published: 12/29/2023
Two days after it was reported that Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott was soliciting online for cash, gift cards, and baby supplies for his newborn son, the registry was switched to a private setting. The action came after the chairperson of the city Ethics Board and Baltimore’s inspector general said the mayor never requested a gift solicitation waiver to conduct online fundraising. Scott and his fiancée, Hana Pugh, have so far received more than 95 gifts on their Babylist site. They include at least six $50 cash gifts. The is a city ban on gifts $20 and over.
Michigan – Staffers for Ex-Speaker Lee Chatfield Plead Not Guilty in Financial Misconduct Case
Detroit Free Press – Arpan Lobo | Published: 1/3/2024
Anne and Rob Minard, who worked for former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, were arraigned as they face a series of charges stemming from their alleged misappropriation of funds. Affidavits paint a picture of alleged repeated reimbursements to the couple for expenses that were actually paid for with funds from various nonprofits associated with Chatfield.
Michigan – Michigan Supreme Court Allows Trump to Appear on 2024 Primary Ballot
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 12/27/2023
Donald Trump’s name is set to appear on Michigan’s primary ballot after the state Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to his candidacy. The decision provides Trump with a new victory as he tries to get himself restored to the ballot in Colorado and avoid getting knocked off the ballot in other states.
New Jersey – ELEC Moves to Assert Jurisdiction in Jersey Freedom ‘Dark Money’ Lawsuit
Press of Atlantic City – Michelle Brunetti Post | Published: 1/3/2024
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) is asserting its “primary jurisdiction” over investigating and punishing election reporting violations in an amicus brief in a lawsuit against the “dark money” group Jersey Freedom. The New Jersey Republican State Committee sued Jersey Freedom, alleging the group was not complying with state law on reporting its donors and expenditures. Jersey Freedom’s lawyer moved to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing ELEC should handle any complaints against Jersey Freedom.
New York – Hochul Vetoes Controversial Campaign Finance Changes
Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 12/27/2023
Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill that would have amended the state’s newly established system to publicly finance political campaigns by changing the dollar threshold for candidates to qualify in state elections. The bill would have allowed for the first $250 of any contribution to a campaign in an election cycle to be matched by state funding. Currently, the program only allows matching donations for contributors who gave no more than $250 in a cycle. The amended version would have allowed larger contributions from wealthy donors to receive a taxpayer-funded boost.
Oregon – Oregon Lawmakers’ Overseas Trips Funded by Lobby Groups, Taiwanese Government
Oregon Capital Chronicle – Julia Shumway | Published: 12/22/2023
Oregon lawmakers jetted off to Taiwan, Portugal, Denmark, and technology hubs in California this fall, all paid for by companies and groups that have a keen interest in the laws they pass. These junkets, once common, have been rarer in recent years due to the COVID pandemic and associated travel restrictions. While some trips took lawmakers to tourist destinations, those who went say they were a far cry from the luxurious lobbyist-paid trips to Hawaii, China, and Israel taken by lawmakers in the 2000s that resulted in stricter state ethics laws.
Pennsylvania – Despite Ethics Concerns, Shapiro Will Keep Accepting Tickets from a Group That Gets State Money
Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso and Katie Meyer | Published: 12/22/2023
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will continue to receive gifts from Team Pennsylvania, a public-private partnership that says it works to improve the state’s “competitiveness and economic prosperity.” This year it paid for tickets and lodgings for Shapiro to attend the Super Bowl in Arizona and funded his tickets to a Philadelphia Phillies playoff game and a Penn State football game. One expert said taking tickets from Team PA could conflict with Shapiro’s gift ban, which bars executive branch employees from accepting goods or services, like tickets, from any “person or entity” that “has financial relations with the commonwealth.”
South Dakota – ‘Governor’s Cup’ Rodeo Among Recipients of Millions from Public Fund Controlled by Noem
Yahoo News – Joshua Haiar (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 12/29/2023
In September, Gov. Kristi Noem carried the American flag on horseback into a Sioux Falls arena full of fans. It was the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup with $1 million in prize money. Noem handed out awards, posed for photos with the winners, and shared the images with thousands of followers on her social media accounts. Several months earlier, Noem had decided to use tax dollars from South Dakota employers to help pay for the event.
Tennessee – Tennessee Legislature Can Shield Its Harassment Investigation Records, Judge Rules
MSN – Melissa Brown (Tennessean) | Published: 1/3/2024
The Tennessee General Assembly can legally shield its records of sexual harassment investigations from the public, a judge ruled in a lawsuit related an investigation last spring that led to the abrupt resignation of then-Rep. Scotty Campbell. A Nashville attorney sued the Office of Legislative Administration and its director over unfulfilled public records requests regarding the Legislature’s response to Campbell’s harassment complaint and the General Assembly’s related expenditures.
Virginia – Push for Campaign Finance Reform to Return in Virginia Legislative Session
Richmond Times-Dispatch – Katie King (Virginian-Pilot) | Published: 1/1/2024
Virginia Del. Marcus Simon prefiled legislation for the next General Assembly session that would prohibit politicians from using campaign donations on personal expenditures. Virginia politicians can legally spend campaign donations on essentially anything, and there is no limit on who can contribute or how much donors can give. Although past efforts were unsuccessful, the General Assembly will have many new faces this year, meaning the bill could potentially find new supporters.
January 4, 2024 •
Wichita Prohibits Corporate Contributions
![Wichita Prohibits Corporate Contributions](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1024px-Downtown_Wichita_From_Lincoln-1000x563.jpg)
Downtown Wichita - by StarksWinter
The Wichita City Council amended the campaign finance ordinance to prohibit city candidates from accepting political contributions from corporations and limited liability companies. Individuals, political action committees, sole proprietorships, professional associations, and partnerships continue to be permitted to make campaign […]
The Wichita City Council amended the campaign finance ordinance to prohibit city candidates from accepting political contributions from corporations and limited liability companies.
Individuals, political action committees, sole proprietorships, professional associations, and partnerships continue to be permitted to make campaign contributions.
A violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor, with penalties of up $2,500 in fines and six months in jail.
The ordinance was passed as an emergency measure, making the changes effective immediately.
January 4, 2024 •
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 Kansas: “Wichita City Council Votes to Amend Campaign Finance Ordinance” by Ryan Newton and Zena Taher for KSN Virginia: “Push for Campaign Finance Reform to Return in Virginia Legislative Session” by Katie King (Virginian-Pilot) for Richmond Times-Dispatch Elections Georgia: “Conservative Group Wins Legal […]
Campaign Finance
Kansas: “Wichita City Council Votes to Amend Campaign Finance Ordinance” by Ryan Newton and Zena Taher for KSN
Virginia: “Push for Campaign Finance Reform to Return in Virginia Legislative Session” by Katie King (Virginian-Pilot) for Richmond Times-Dispatch
Elections
Georgia: “Conservative Group Wins Legal Victory Over 2020 Voting Challenges in Georgia” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz
Ethics
California: “DA Charges Ex-San Francisco Building Inspector Who Inspected His Own Home” by Michael Barba for San Francisco Standard
National: “Sen. Bob Menendez Accused of Aiding Qatar in Exchange for Bribes” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Special Counsel: Trump immunity claim threatens democracy” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Tennessee: “Tennessee Legislature Can Shield Its Harassment Investigation Records, Judge Rules” by Melissa Brown (Tennessean) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “Justice Dept. Accuses 2 Political Operatives of Hiding Foreign Lobbying During Trump Administration” by Eric Tucker and Alan Suderman (Associated Press) for MSN
January 3, 2024 •
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 Arizona: “Judge Rebuffs GOP Lawmakers’ Bid to Block Arizona Voters’ Dark Money Law” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for Arizona Daily Star Illinois: “Big Money, Big Problems. Deep-Pocketed, Self-Funding Candidates and Dark Money Mar Illinois Politics” by Tina Sfondeles for Chicago […]
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Judge Rebuffs GOP Lawmakers’ Bid to Block Arizona Voters’ Dark Money Law” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for Arizona Daily Star
Illinois: “Big Money, Big Problems. Deep-Pocketed, Self-Funding Candidates and Dark Money Mar Illinois Politics” by Tina Sfondeles for Chicago Sun-Times
Ethics
National: “Roberts Sidesteps Supreme Court’s Ethics Controversies in Yearly Report” by Ann Marimow (Washington Post) for MSN
Maryland: “Scott Makes His Baby Registry Private, While Ethics Officials Say the Mayor Never Sought a Gift Solicitation Waiver” by Mark Reutter for Baltimore Brew
Pennsylvania: “Despite Ethics Concerns, Shapiro Will Keep Accepting Tickets from a Group That Gets State Money” by Stephen Caruso and Katie Meyer for Spotlight PA
South Dakota: “‘Governor’s Cup’ Rodeo Among Recipients of Millions from Public Fund Controlled by Noem” by Joshua Haiar (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) for Yahoo News
Lobbying
National: “New Spin on a Revolving Door: Pentagon officials turned venture capitalists” by Eric Lipton (New York Times) for Seattle Times
Oregon: “Oregon Lawmakers’ Overseas Trips Funded by Lobby Groups, Taiwanese Government” by Julia Shumway for Oregon Capital Chronicle
January 2, 2024 •
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 National: “Appeals Court Reverses Conviction Against Jeff Fortenberry” by Eric Bazail-Eimil (Politico) for MSN New York: “Hochul Vetoes Controversial Campaign Finance Changes” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union Elections Maine: “Donald Trump Removed from Maine Primary Ballot by Secretary of State” by Patrick […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Appeals Court Reverses Conviction Against Jeff Fortenberry” by Eric Bazail-Eimil (Politico) for MSN
New York: “Hochul Vetoes Controversial Campaign Finance Changes” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union
Elections
Maine: “Donald Trump Removed from Maine Primary Ballot by Secretary of State” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN
Michigan: “Michigan Supreme Court Allows Trump to Appear on 2024 Primary Ballot” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Clarence Thomas’ Clerks: An ‘extended family’ with reach and power” by Abbie VanSickle and Steve Eder (New York Times) for Yahoo News
Illinois: “Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke Convicted on 13 of 14 Counts at Landmark Federal Corruption Trial; Jury Convicts One Codefendant and Acquits the Other” by Jason Meisner, Ray Long and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) for MSN
Legislative Issues
National: “Lawmakers Who Linger After Accepting New Jobs Stir Concerns” by Justin Papp (Roll Call) for MSN
Redistricting
Georgia: “Federal Judge Approves Georgia’s Republican-Drawn Congressional Districts” by Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) for MSN
December 22, 2023 •
District Court Blocks Implementation of New Minnesota Campaign Finance Law
![District Court Blocks Implementation of New Minnesota Campaign Finance Law](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Minnesota-Capitol-Hi-Res.jpg)
Minnesota Capitol Building
The U.S. District Court granted a motion for a preliminary injunction in Minnesota Chamber of Commerce v. Choi (0:23-cv-02015), preventing the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board from enforcing a bill restricting political activities by foreign-influenced corporations. House File […]
The U.S. District Court granted a motion for a preliminary injunction in Minnesota Chamber of Commerce v. Choi (0:23-cv-02015), preventing the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board from enforcing a bill restricting political activities by foreign-influenced corporations.
House File 3 was to be effective January 1, 2024, and would require a corporation making a contribution to a ballot question or an independent expenditure to submit a certification to the board that it was not a foreign-influenced corporation as of the date the contribution or expenditure was made.
The bill defines a foreign-influenced corporation as one for which a single foreign investor owns 1% or more; two or more foreign investors own 5% or more; or a foreign investor participates directly or indirectly in the corporation’s decision-making process with respect to the corporation’s political activities in the United States.
December 21, 2023 •
San Jose City Council Passes Foreign Influence Ban
![San Jose City Council Passes Foreign Influence Ban](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1024px-San_Jose_City_Hall_exterior_-_San_Jose_CA_-_DSC03903-1000x563.jpg)
San Jose City Hall - by Daderot
San Jose City Council voted to pass a memorandum to bar multinational corporations from spending money to influence elections. Corporations would be prohibited from spending money in elections if they are foreign-influenced. This would be defined as 1 percent or […]
San Jose City Council voted to pass a memorandum to bar multinational corporations from spending money to influence elections.
Corporations would be prohibited from spending money in elections if they are foreign-influenced.
This would be defined as 1 percent or more ownership by a single foreign investor or five percent or more ownership by multiple foreign investors.
The passage of this memorandum will go to a final reading at a city council meeting in January where it is expected to pass unanimously.
December 20, 2023 •
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 Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Rural Water Association PAC Turns Itself in for Ethics Violations” by Graycen Wheeler for KOSU Oregon: “Portland’s Campaign Finance Program Scales Back Ahead of 2024 Election” by Alex Zielinski for OPB Elections Colorado: “Trump Disqualified from Colorado’s 2024 Primary Ballot by […]
Campaign Finance
Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Rural Water Association PAC Turns Itself in for Ethics Violations” by Graycen Wheeler for KOSU
Oregon: “Portland’s Campaign Finance Program Scales Back Ahead of 2024 Election” by Alex Zielinski for OPB
Elections
Colorado: “Trump Disqualified from Colorado’s 2024 Primary Ballot by State Supreme Court” by Patrick Marley and Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) for MSN
Georgia: “Appeals Court Shoots Down Mark Meadows’ Bid to Derail Georgia Racketeering Case” by Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein (Politico) for Yahoo News
Ethics
California: “Fresno Councilmember Under Scrutiny for Private Jet Travel with Executive” by Tim Sheehan (Fresno Bee) for Yahoo News
National: “A ‘Delicate Matter’: Clarence Thomas’ private complaints about money sparked fears he would resign” by Justin Elliot, Joshuaq Kaplan, Alex Mierjeski, and Brett Murphy for ProPublica
National: “Material From Russia Investigation Went Missing as Trump Left Office” by Maggie Haberman, Julian Barnes, Charlie Savage, and Jonathan Swan (New York Times) for Seattle Times
Indiana: “Supreme Court to Review Former Indiana Mayor’s Corruption Appeal” by Lydia Wheeler for Bloomberg Law News
Lobbying
California: “Orange Becomes the Latest City in OC to Strengthen Lobbyist Rules” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC
December 19, 2023 •
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 National: “Ron DeSantis Wanted to Change the Way Campaigns Were Funded. Then the Fights Started.” by Michael Scherer, Hannah Knowles, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN South Carolina: “Nancy Mace Racked Up Nearly $17K in Fines as a State Rep. […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Ron DeSantis Wanted to Change the Way Campaigns Were Funded. Then the Fights Started.” by Michael Scherer, Hannah Knowles, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN
South Carolina: “Nancy Mace Racked Up Nearly $17K in Fines as a State Rep. She Will Only Pay a Fraction of It.” by Nick Reynolds for Charleston Post and Courier
Elections
Georgia: “Rudy Giuliani Ordered to Pay $148 Million for False 2020 Election Claims” by Spencer Hsu, Tom Jackman, Rachel Weiner, and Olivia Diaz (Washington Post) for MSN
Michigan: “Appeals Panel Won’t Block Trump from Michigan’s Presidential Primary Ballot” by Beth LeBlanc for Detroit News
Ethics
National: “The Rise of AI Fake News Is Creating a ‘Misinformation Superspreader'” by Pranshu Verma (Washington Post) for MSN
New York: “State Ethics Panel in Limbo as It Appeals Ruling It’s Unconstitutional” by Brendan Lyons for Albany Times Union
Oklahoma: “Ethics Commission Retains Attorney Ahead of ‘Nightmare’ Guardian System Scenario” by Michael McNutt for NonDoc
South Dakota: “New Briefs Details South Dakota Officials’ Questions About Conflict of Interest Clause” by Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) for Yahoo News
December 18, 2023 •
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 National: “FEC Revises Rules for Candidates Drawing Salaries from Campaigns” by Daniela Altimari (Roll Call) for MSN Elections Georgia: “Judges Dubious of Mark Meadows’ Bid to Avoid Facing Charges in Georgia State Court” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) for Yahoo […]
Campaign Finance
National: “FEC Revises Rules for Candidates Drawing Salaries from Campaigns” by Daniela Altimari (Roll Call) for MSN
Elections
Georgia: “Judges Dubious of Mark Meadows’ Bid to Avoid Facing Charges in Georgia State Court” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) for Yahoo News
Kansas: “Kansas Supreme Court Rules Against Kris Kobach and Scott Schwab in Election Law Case” by Jason Alatidd (Topeka Capital Journal) for MSN
National: “A Fight for Black Representation, with a Civil Rights Landmark on the Line” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
California: “Independent Governance Reform Group Calls for Stronger Ethics Commission” by Caroline Petrow-Cohen (Los Angeles Times) for MSN
New Mexico: “Ethics Board Advances Search for Online Critic ‘Jay Baker'” by Carina Julig for Santa Fe New Mexican
New York: “After 40 Witnesses and 43 Days of Testimony, Here’s What We Learned at Trump’s Civil Fraud Trial” by Michael Sisak and Jennifer Pelz (Associated Press) for MSN
Redistricting
Kentucky: “Kentucky Supreme Court Upholds Congressional Boundaries Passed by GOP-Led Legislature” by Bruce Scheiner (Associated Press) for ABC News
December 15, 2023 •
New Michigan Campaign Finance Laws Prohibit Distribution of Deceptive Political Ads
![New Michigan Campaign Finance Laws Prohibit Distribution of Deceptive Political Ads](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/michigan-flag.jpg)
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed three campaign finance bills effective February 13, 2024. House Bill 5141, House Bill 5143, and House Bill 5144, prohibit distributing materially deceptive media and amend the disclaimer requirements for political ads and add definitions to the […]
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed three campaign finance bills effective February 13, 2024.
House Bill 5141, House Bill 5143, and House Bill 5144, prohibit distributing materially deceptive media and amend the disclaimer requirements for political ads and add definitions to the Campaign Finance Act to facilitate the implementation of the new laws.
House Bill 5144 prohibits a person from distributing materially deceptive media if all of the following apply:
- The person knows the media falsely represents a depicted individual;
- The distribution occurs within 90 days before an election;
- The person intends the distribution to harm the reputation or electoral prospects of a candidate in an election and likely to cause that result; and
- The person intends the distribution to change the voting behavior of electors in an election by deceiving the electors.
House Bill 5141 amends the disclaimer requirements for political ads, including special requirements for ads generated by artificial intelligence.
House Bill 5143 adds the definitions to the Michigan Campaign Finance Act including artificial intelligence, ballot question committee, bundling committee, and business.
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