Campaign Finance

Maryland: “Baltimore Council President Nick Mosby Complies with Ethics Order on Legal-Defense Fund” by Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) for MSN

New Jersey: “NJ Senate Passes Money-in-Politics Overhaul That Would Give Phil Murphy Sway Over Election Watchdog” by Ashley Balcerzak (Bergen Record) for Yahoo News

New York: “New York Is Overhauling Campaign Finance. But Not the Loophole That Makes Party Fundraising Stronger” by Chris Bragg for Buffalo News

Elections

North Carolina: “Biden Administration Suggests Supreme Court Drop Election Case” by Greg Stohr for Bloomberg Law

Ethics

Hawaii: “Why This Hawaii Lawmaker’s Job with a Major Construction Company Raises Concern” by Kevin Dayton for Honolulu Civil Beat

Illinois: “Suburb Tries New Tack, an Elected Ethics Board, to Nip Illinois-Style Corruption; Critics Say It May Not Have Enough Teeth” by Caroline Kubzansky (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

National: “Is Sean Hannity a Journalist? Role of Hosts Is Key in Fox News Lawsuit.” by Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Kansas: “Kansas Lawmakers Are Among Worst Paid in Nation. Some Say It Impedes True Representation” by Katie Bernard (Kansas City Star) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Group Attempts to Quash New Campaign Finance Law” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for White Mountain Independent

Ethics

National: “Judge Rules Trump Lawyer Corcoran Must Testify, People Familiar Say” by Josh Dawsey, Jacqueline Alemany, and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “George Santos Never Filed a Key Financial Disclosure. Enforcement Has Been Lax for Years.” by Jessica Piper (Politico) for Yahoo News

Michigan: “Former Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Marrocco Sentenced to 3 Months in Prison in Corruption Probe” by Anna Liz Nichols for Detroit News

Texas: “The Justice Department’s Fight Against Judge Shopping in Texas” by Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN

Utah: “Got an Ethics Complaint Against an Elected Official? You’ll Need Insider Knowledge and Email Address.” by Emily Anderson Stern (Salt Lake Tribune) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Nebraska: “Filibuster Over Transgender Bill Jams Nebraska Legislature for Weeks” by Maham Javaid (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Ohio: “Cuyahoga County Gave No-Bid, $120,000 Lobbying Contract to Ronayne Campaign Donor” by Lucas Daprile (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Campaign Finance Florida: “Randy Fine Pulls $2 Million Request as Brevard Zoo Considers Ban on Campaign Events” by Eric Rogers and Dave Berman (Florida Today) for Yahoo News New Jersey: “Independent Election Watchdog Sues Murphy for Trying to Force Him Out. ‘It’s Political Thuggery.'” by Susan Livio, Matt Arco, and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) for MSN Elections Georgia: “Grand Jury Heard Audio of Another Trump Call Seeking to Overturn Election” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics National: “Two Gifts to Trump Family from Foreign Nations Are Missing, Report Says” by Jacqueline Alemany and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN Indiana: “Numerous Indiana Lawmakers Do Private Consulting. But Who Are They Working For?” by Casey Smith for Indiana Capital Chronicle Massachusetts: “Residents’ Right to Be Rude Upheld by Massachusetts Supreme Court” by Jenna Russell (New York Times) for Yahoo News Legislative Issues Tennessee: “Nashville Sues State Over New Council-Slashing Law” by Cassandra Stevenson (Tennessean) for MSN Lobbying California: “Should San Jose Require Nonprofits to Register as Lobbyists?” by Jana Kadah for San Jose Spotlight

Q: As a registered lobbyist, I am often contacted by elected officials to make a corporate contribution to the officials’ charity of choice, foundation, or scholarship fund.  Is this legal?  Am I required to disclose these contributions on my lobbying reports?

A: This scenario is happening more and more every day.  Even though the official does not derive direct, political contributions for his or her campaign, such charitable contributions nonetheless result in positive exposure for the official, goodwill by the lobbyist, and beneficiaries that include the underprivileged, the sick, and the elderly.  Furthermore, the monetary amount of corporate charitable donations can surpass the amount of permissible political contributions under campaign finance law.

Most states allow a lobbyist’s employer to make charitable contributions at the behest of an elected official and there are no reporting obligations.  Some of the other jurisdictional requirements include:

FEDERAL:  Pursuant to House and Senate Rules, charitable contributions made by a registered lobbyist at the behest or designation of a legislative member or employee are prohibited, unless the member or employee has designated the contribution to a charitable organization in lieu of an honorarium.

Please note, however, a charitable organization established by a person before that person became a covered official and where that covered official has no relationship to the organization after becoming a covered official, is not considered to be established by a covered official.

CALIFORNIA:  Payments may be made at the behest of a state elected officer for a charitable, legislative, or governmental purpose.  The state official must report the payment.

CONNECTICUT:  If a client lobbyist makes a charitable contribution at the behest of a public official, the contribution generally will be deemed to have been made to foster goodwill with the public official and hence to constitute an expenditure in furtherance of lobbying. If deemed in furtherance of lobbying, the expenditure must be reported on the client lobbyist’s ETH-2D report as lump sum under “Other Expenses.”

DELAWARE:  Charitable contributions made at the behest of an official are required to be disclosed on lobbying reports. A charitable contribution made at the behest of a legislator must be reported as a gift. If the amount is over $50, it must be itemized and the specific legislator must be named. A notation may be made if it was a donation to a charity.

NEW YORK:  A state official may not designate or recommend a third party to receive a gift, and no prohibited gift may be offered to, or received by, a third party under circumstances in which it would be reasonable to infer the gift was intended to influence a public official. In other words, an interested source is presumptively prohibited from giving a gift to a third party, even a charity, at the behest of a public official.

A gift offered on behalf of or at the designation or recommendation of a public official is only permissible if, under the circumstances, all of the following criteria are met:

It is not reasonable to infer the gift was intended to influence such public official;

The gift could not reasonably be expected to influence the public official in the performance of his or her official duties; and

It is not reasonable to infer the gift was intended as a reward for any official action on the public official’s part.

NEVADA:  Charitable contributions are reportable if made in the legislator’s name. A registered lobbyist is required to report the total expenditures made to any other person on behalf and for the benefit of a legislator.

The Ohio office of Secretary of State has published increased contribution limits.

The contribution limits for PACs, PCEs and individuals may contribute to statewide candidates, candidates for General Assembly, county parties, PACs, and PCEs increased from $13,704.41 to $15,499.69 per election; and from $41,113.24 to $46,499.08  per calendar year to state parties; and from $20,556.62 to $23,249.54 per calendar year to legislative campaign funds.

The amount of gifts corporations and labor unions may provide per year to a state political party, county political party, or legislative campaign fund, for certain specified purposes, such as facilities; equipment, and supplies, increased from $11,274.23 to $12,751.16.

Campaign Finance New Mexico: “Money in Politics Transparency Nears Finish as Legislative Session Winds Down” by Marjorie Childress for New Mexico In Depth New York: “NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Thousands in Fines for Potential Campaign Finance Violations” by Gwynne Hogan for Gothamist Elections North Carolina: “N.C. High Court Mulls Throwing Out Rulings on Redistricting, Voter ID” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics National: “Sold: Yacht with a waterfall. Price: $19 million. Broker: George Santos.” by Rebecca Davis O’Brien and William Rashbaum (New York Times) for Yahoo News Hawaii: “Hawaii’s New Deputy Economy Chief Has a Powerful Business Partner in The Senate” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat Kansas: “Kansas Republicans Push Forward with Changes to Ethics Rules Amid Ongoing Investigations” by Sherman Smith for Kansas Reflector Oklahoma: “Okla. Lawmaker Says Bible Endorses Corporal Punishment of Disabled Children” by María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) for MSN Lobbying Minnesota: “Revolving Door at Minnesota Capitol Creates Windstorm” by Michelle Griffith for Minnesota Reformer

 

The 2023 session for the West Virginia Legislature adjourned sine die on March 12. Before adjourning, lawmakers passed bills modifying grassroots lobbying and independent expenditure reporting.

Senate Bill 508, which addresses grassroots lobbying groups, would raise limits triggering certain reporting requirements.

Currently, a person who contributes more than $500 in the aggregate within any three-month period or $200 in the aggregate within any one-month period to a grassroots lobbying campaign would have to register with the State Ethics Commission and comply with certain reporting obligations.

Under the new bill these thresholds would increase to $5,000 and $1,000.

Senate Bill 516 increases the limit to report contributions that are given toward advocating for or against a candidate when not in coordination with a candidate, their political committee, or a political party committee, from $250 to $1,000.

Both bills now head to the governor for signature.

Campaign Finance

Pennsylvania: “‘Ya Fav Trashman’ Mishandled Campaign Funds and Bilked Staffers. He Says He Wants to Make Things Right.” by Mike Martin (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “Little-Known Lawyer, a Trump Ally, Draws Scrutiny in Georgia” by Danny Hakim and Richard Fausset (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Ethics

Arizona: “Commissioner Will Change Response to Ethics Complaint Following 12News Reports” by Joe Dana (KPNX) for MSN

California: “Inside the Financial Ties Between a Controversial Housing Nonprofit and Kevin de León” by Liam Dillon, Benjamin Oreskes, and Doug Smith (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

Florida: “Inside Ron DeSantis’s Politicized Removal of an Elected Prosecutor” by Alexandra Berzon and Ken Bensinger (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Illinois: “‘ComEd Four’ Bribery Trial to Put Focus on Ex-Speaker Madigan’s Power, State’s Blurry Line Between Politics and Crime” by Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

Tennessee: “Lt. Gov. Randy McNally Faces Criticism for Comments on Young Man’s Mature Instagram Photo” by Melissa Brown (Tennessean) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

New York: “NY Troopers PBA Removes Political Director Amid FBI Investigation” by Brendan Lyons for Albany Times Union

National/Federal

Group Seeks Disbarment of a Trump-Aligned Lawyer for a Key Jan. 6 Witness

DNyuz – Charlie Savage (New York Times) | Published: 3/6/2023

In appearing before the January 6 committee last year, Cassidy Hutchinson, the former White House aide who recounted Donald Trump’s conduct in the lead-up to the attacks on the Capitol, shared how her original lawyer had tried to influence her testimony. While represented by Stefan Passantino, Cassidy told the committee she remembered little. But after hiring a different lawyer, she provided damaging details about Trump and disclosed Passantino pressured her to protect Trump. Now, several dozen prominent legal figures are seeking to revoke Passantino’s license to practice law.

Election Deniers Take Aim at Group That Helps States Maintain Voter Rolls

MSN – Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2023

At a time of hyperpolarization over voting and elections, Democrats and Republicans had largely managed to agree on one thing – that a little-known data-sharing consortium of more than 30 states has helped keep voter rolls updated and free of opportunities for fraud. But the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) has been straining lately under the weight of accusations and misinformation from election deniers. Now, ERIC’s survival is in jeopardy. Should ERIC collapse, its boosters say the country would lose one of its most powerful tools for keeping ballot fraud at bay just as states are beginning to prepare for the 2024 elections.

John Fetterman Sponsored a Bill from the Hospital. Here’s What He Can and Can’t Do in the Senate During Treatment.

MSN – Jonathan Tamari (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 3/7/2023

Despite remaining hospitalized while undergoing treatment for depression, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman cosponsored a bill to avert future crises like the one unfolding after a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Fetterman’s office says it is one example of how he is staying engaged with his job. In the face of scrutiny on his recovery, and questions about his long-term health after a stroke in May, Fetterman’s team points to the early activity to argue he is still able to fulfill key aspects of his new job.

Trump Can Be Sued by Police Over Jan. 6 Riot, Justice Department Says

MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/2/2023

Former President Trump can be held liable in court for the actions of the mob that overtook the Capitol January 6, 2021, the Justice Department said. Two officers with the U.S. Capitol Police, joined by 11 Democratic House members, are seeking to hold Trump liable for physical and psychological injuries they suffered during the riot. Trump has argued he is protected from the lawsuit by the absolute immunity conferred on a president performing his official duties.

Met Gala Getup Gets Ethics Review for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 3/2/2023

The House ethics committee published findings from an Office of Congressional Ethics investigation into U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on allegations she failed to pay in a timely manner for rental clothes, accessories, and services related to her attendance at the 2021 Met Gala. The report states Ocasio-Cortez may have “accepted impermissible gifts” in connection with the September 2021 event in violation of House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law.

House Ethics Committee Launches Investigation of Rep. George Santos

MSN – Amy Wang and Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 3/2/2023

The House Committee on Ethics will investigate U.S. Rep. George Santos, who has admitted to fabricating large swaths of his biography and who has been accused of breaking campaign finance laws. The committee voted to establish an investigative subcommittee to look into a litany of claims about the freshman congressman, including about his past business practices, campaign finance expenditures, and an allegation of sexual misconduct.

Trump Spurred ‘Existential Crisis’ at Fox News, Lawsuit Exhibits Show

MSN – Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) | Published: 3/7/2023

For years, Fox News executives and hosts cultivated a close relationship with Donald Trump. But after he lost the 2020 presidential election and turned his back on the network – inspiring many once-loyal viewers to do the same – the relationship curdled. The ensuing pressure caused tension, second-guessing, and infighting within Fox on the scale of an “existential crisis,” as one senior executive called it, a cache of internal communications released as part of a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit indicates.

‘Just a Lie’: Senate Republicans blast Tucker Carlson’s Jan. 6 narrative

MSN – Paul Kane, Marianna Sotomayor, Liz Goodwin, and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) | Published: 3/7/2023

Senate Republicans blasted Fox News for airing a show that twisted details of the attack on the U.S. Capitol into a conspiracy-fueled narrative, breaking ranks with House GOP colleagues who cheered on the show. From Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to rank-and-file lawmakers, Republican senators largely rejected Fox personality Tucker Carlson’s vision of the deadly insurrection as a mostly peaceful protest that involved little violence. The criticism from left House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on the defensive following his decision to grant Carlson exclusive access to 41,000 hours of video from Capitol Police security cameras that day.

Trump-Endorsed Congressional Candidate Admits Taking Illegal Donation

MSN – Paul Duggan (Washington Post) | Published: 3/8/2023

A failed congressional candidate pleaded guilty to committing a felony campaign finance violation during her bid to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, a political ally and family friend, after Meadows chose not to seek reelection. Lynda Bennett admitted she borrowed $25,000 from a family member in 2019 and illegally funneled the money, in her own name, into her Republican campaign in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.

New Democratic Digital Firm Wants to Make Candidate Fundraising Less Annoying

MSN – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 3/8/2023

As 2024 Race Begins, Special Counsel Advances with Focus on Trump Lawyers

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Josh Dawsey, Spencer Hsu, and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 3/3/2023

The actions of federal prosecutors investigating efforts to overturn the 2020 election highlight the ways in which the probes are unusual and complex – turning some of Donald Trump’s many current or former attorneys into witnesses or potential investigative targets. Special counsel Jack Smith’s pace appears to be quickening as the 2024 presidential election starts to take shape, with Trump once again a candidate. Legal experts say if Smith brings criminal charges against Trump, they would likely be pending when the GOP primary debates begin in August.

More Black Women Run for Office, but Prospects Fade the Higher They Go

Yahoo News – Jazmine Ulloa (New York Times) | Published: 3/8/2023

Black women have made tremendous gains: Kamala Harris broke barriers as the nation’s first Black, Asian American and female vice president. More Black women are leading major cities, and many more have sought U.S. Senate seats and governorships. But winning those offices still poses enduring challenges for women of color, and Black women in particular. Many confront both blatant racism and sexism, along with subtler forms of racial and gender bias that, candidates said, make it more difficult for them to raise money to pay for the costly work of hiring staff and buying advertising in expensive markets.

GOP Bill Would Bar Fellow Rep. George Santos from Profiting from Campaign Lies

Yahoo News – Michael McAuliff (New York Daily News) | Published: 3/7/2023

U.S. Rep. George Santos should not be able to cash in on his infamy, a group of Republican lawmakers declared. They introduced a pair of bills that they said would block him from profiting from his web of lies. Santos’ notoriety soared after reports revealed much of his life story that he campaigned on could not be confirmed. Among other things, he claimed to be the descendent of Jews who fled the holocaust, that he worked for Goldman Sachs, and that his mother died in the Twin Towers on September 11, none of which appears to be true.

International

Canada – Doug Ford’s Campaign Finance Law Struck Down by Court

Toronto Star – Robert Benzie | Published: 3/6/2023

The Ontario Court of Appeal struck down Premier Doug Ford’s controversial campaign finance law that limits spending by unions and other third parties. The court gave Ford’s government “12 months to allow Ontario to fashion Charter-compliant legislation.” The coalition of plaintiffs argued their members’ rights were unfairly hindered by the law preventing third-party PACs from spending more than $600,000 on advertising and other activities in the 12 months before an election.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Sues After County Puts an Election Skeptic in Charge of Voting

DNyuz – Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 3/8/2023

An Arizona county is being sued by the state’s attorney general after it transferred voting oversight to the county’s Republican recorder, who has cast doubts about past election results in a place where former President. Trump won nearly 60 percent of the vote in 2020. It is the latest clash between Democrats in statewide office and Cochise County, a deeply Republican area in southeastern Arizona, where conspiracy theories about voter fraud and irregularities still swirl.

Arizona – Judge Orders Sanctions Against Arizona GOP Candidate Who Refused to Accept Loss

MSN – Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2023

A judge ordered sanctions against Mark Finchem and his attorney over false claims they made about election fraud after Finchem, the Republican candidate for Arizona secretary of state, lost his race in November and refused to accept the results. Weeks after the election, Finchem sued his Democratic opponent, Adrian Fontes, and then-Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, challenging the results of the vote and requesting that a new election be held. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Melissa Iyer Julian tossed his suit in December, saying it was groundless.

California – Ninth Circuit Upholds San Francisco Initiative Donor Disclosure Rules

Courthouse News Service – Eric Burkett | Published: 3/8/2023

A federal appeals court panel affirmed a lower court ruling that said providing the public with information about donors of ballot measures is in the public interest. San Franciscans Supporting Prop B sued in 2022, protesting the city’s requirement that committees must run a message disclosing their campaign’s top three donors of $5,000 or more at the top of campaign ads.

California – Nonprofits, Neighborhood Groups Push Back Against Rule That Would Regulate Them as Lobbyists

Long Beach Post – Jason Ruiz | Published: 3/6/2023

As the Long Beach Ethics Commission readies its recommendations for changes to the city’s lobbying ordinance, community groups, nonprofits, and others are apprehensive over what it could mean for the future of their ability to engage with city officials. The law has exempted nonprofits, neighborhood organizations, and business improvement districts. But that could soon change, according to proposed amendments that could be sent to the city council.

California – Ex-SF Department Head to Get $4K Fine After City Hall Scandal

San Francisco Standard – Michael Barba | Published: 3/7/2023

Yahoo News – Matt Hamilton and Katie Licari (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/6/2023

When a federal grand jury indicted Mark Ridley-Thomas on corruption charges, the veteran Los Angeles politician protested his innocence and vowed to fight. There was one problem: how would he pay his lawyers? The lifelong civil servant lost his income after the city council suspended him, and the city controller halted his salary and benefits. Then a network of supporters opened their wallets. These donors helped him amass nearly $1.5 million in two defense funds and allowed him to retain an elite legal team.

Georgia – Ga. Republicans Push for Prosecutorial Oversight Amid Trump Election Probe

MSN – Matthew Brown (Washington Post) | Published: 3/7/2023

Georgia’s Republican legislators are pushing bills that would make it easier to remove local prosecutors from office, an effort that prominent Democratic prosecutors have decried as “dangerous” overreach. The move comes as Atlanta-area prosecutor Fani Lewis considers bring charges against former President Trump and his allies over 2020 election interference. GOP lawmakers have said the measures are needed to rein in reform-minded prosecutors and crack down on crime.

Idaho – Rape Victim Sues Idaho Lawmakers for Outing and Harassing Her

Courthouse News Service – Edvard Pettersson | Published: 3/8/2023

A woman who was raped by former Idaho Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger sued him and state Rep. Priscilla Giddings for allegedly outing and harassing her after she came forward with her allegations. Jane Doe reported the rape, and the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into her allegations. This prompted von Ehlinger to provide unredacted copies of his confidential response to the committee, which contained intimate details about Doe, and to the media. The conservative online publication Redoubt News then ran a story that included a photo of Doe when she was a minor.

Idaho – The MAGA-fication of North Idaho College

Yahoo News – Charles Homans (New York Times) | Published: 3/6/2023

For most of the past two years, North Idaho College’s (NIC) governing board has been a volatile experiment in turning grievances into governance. Trustees backed by the county Republican Party hold a majority on the board. They have denounced liberal “indoctrination” by the college faculty and vowed to bring the school administration’s “deep state” to heel and “Make N.I.C. Great Again.” The injection of such sweeping political aims into the routine administration of a community college of 4,600 students, one better known locally for its technical training programs than the politics of its faculty, has devolved into a full-blown crisis.

Illinois – Vallas Loans $100,100 to His Bid for Mayor, Lifting State Limits on Campaign Contributions

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 3/2/2023

Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson can now raise nearly unlimited amounts of cash for their campaigns for mayor of Chicago after Vallas loaned $100,100 to his campaign. Had Vallas not contributed more than $100,000 to his campaign, state-imposed donation limits would have been in place for the April 4 runoff. Caps on contributions imposed by city law remain in place.

Kansas – As Special Interests Try to Influence Kansas Lawmakers, Some Want to Loosen the Rules

MSN – Jonathan Shorman and Katie Bernard (Kansas City Star) | Published: 3/6/2023

In response to a sprawling campaign finance investigation by the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission, Republican lawmakers authored a bill that would expand the ability of legislators to seek campaign contributions during the legislative session. It would also substantially weaken the commission’s investigatory powers, including its authority to issue subpoenas. Collectively, the changes could shift the balance of power between lawmakers and special interests, campaign finance experts and other critics of the legislation argue.

Louisiana – Council Opens Investigation of Cantrell Mailer and Lobbying Firm Connected to Vitter, Scalise

NOLA.com – John Stanton | Published: 3/8/2023

The New Orleans City Council opened an investigation into a mailer touting Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s work in office and whether she hired a public relations firm represented by former U.S. Sen. David Vitter and a former top aide to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. The mailer was sent to thousands of city voters at taxpayer expense as organizers of a campaign to recall the mayor faced a February 22 deadline. The mailer appears to violate several state laws, including a prohibition of using public funds to produce ads that feature an elected official’s name or likeness.

Maryland – Baltimore Bought $30,000 in Tickets to CIAA Tournament; Officials Strike Deal for Lower Price Amid Questions

MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/8/2023

As Baltimore makes a play to continue as host for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament, the pressure has been on city officials to show their enthusiasm. Visit Baltimore President Al Hutchinson appeared at a city council meeting to encourage council members and their families to attend. He also said Visit Baltimore, the city’s nonprofit marketing group, would give each council member a free ticket to the final games of the tournament. Visit Baltimore’s offer, however, proved not to be aligned with the city’s ethics ordinance.

Massachusetts – Campaign Finance Regulators Investigating Whether MassGOP Coordinated with Super PAC, in Violation of Law

MSN – Emma Platoff (Boston Globe) | Published: 3/6/2023

State campaign finance regulators are investigating whether the Massachusetts Republican Party coordinated with an outside super PAC, in a potential violation of state law. E-mails show Jim Lyons, the former state GOP chairperson, sent multiple messages last fall to Antoine Nader, chair of the Mass Freedom Independent Expenditure PAC, referring to opposition research Lyons had solicited on Maura Healey during her bid for governor.

Minnesota – Tighter Lobbyist Rules Considered at Capitol Would Get at Disclosure of Topics Lobbied, Not Just Paper Clips

MinnPost – Peter Callaghan | Published: 3/2/2023

Three years of negotiations between the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board and people who lobby the Legislature has produced an agreement to tighten disclosure rules. The deal is found in Senate File 2121 that has bipartisan sponsorship. It would update decades-old rules that required lobbyists to disclose how much they spent on phones and postage but did not require them to disclose many details about which issues they were trying to influence. The bill requires more specifics in twice-a-year lobbyist reports and the annual reports by the companies and organizations that hire lobbyists.

Minnesota – Session Fundraising Lockdown Doesn’t Close Off All Avenues

MPR – Brian Bakst | Published: 3/2/2023

A long-standing law in Minnesota restricts certain political donations during the regular legislative session but it is not the barrier to influence that it has been held up to be. Major political groups and state parties remain open for contributions. They also can rely on the same officials restricted by law, such as registered lobbyists or associations with matters before the Legislature, to draw donors to fundraisers as long as the lawmakers are not called hosts.

New Jersey – The Last New Jersey Reporter on Capitol Hill Just Got Laid Off

MSN – Elahe Izadi (Washington Post) | Published: 3/4/2023

As Washington, D.C. correspondent for the Newark Star-Ledger and several affiliated media outlets, Jonathan Salant combed through campaign finance reports, monitored voting patterns, and cornered members of Congress in Capitol hallways to answer his questions – until he was laid off. Even at a time of mass layoffs across the news industry, Salant’s recent dismissal caused alarm in both Washington and New Jersey, with the same politicians he so closely scrutinized protesting the decision and imploring the newspaper’s parent company to reverse it.

New Mexico – Lawmakers Pass Legislation Through the Senate Specifying Standards of Political Conduct

Source New Mexico – Megan Gleason | Published: 3/8/2023

Bills to ensure professionalism and safety at the Capitol are making their way through the New Mexico Legislature. Rep. Kathleen Cates said the legislation was spurred because the state Supreme Court held that New Mexico’s main anti-corruption provisions are not specific enough to be criminally enforceable.

Oregon – Oregon Democrats Say They’re Serious About Capping Political Donations, but Their Proposals Include Loopholes

MSN – Hillary Borrud (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/8/2023

Oregon – Portland Cop-Stacked Firm Loses City’s Truth-and-Reconciliation Contract After No-Bid Process

MSN – Maxine Bernstein (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/8/2023

City officials were set last year to award a $200,000 contract for a truth and reconciliation project to a firm stacked with retired Portland police officers as advisers until a tip revealed that the city failed to seek competitive bids. TrustLab had no track record of doing the kind of restorative justice work the project demanded: improving trust between Portland police and city residents, the city auditor’s office found. The city has since put bids on indefinite hold.

Pennsylvania – Pa. House Lawmaker Accused of Sexual Harassment Says He Will Resign

Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 3/8/2023

Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Zabel, who is accused of sexually harassing multiple people including two sitting state lawmakers, said he will resign. His decision comes a week after union lobbyist Andi Perez publicly accused him of sexually harassing her, and the same day that state Rep. Abby Major made a similar accusation. At least two other people have accused Zabel of similar harassment. One is a sitting lawmaker who has requested anonymity; the other is Zabel’s former campaign manager, Colleen Kennedy, who wrote a public essay about his behavior.

Rhode Island – Can a Firefighter Preside Over Firefighter Bills? Here’s What the RI Ethics Commission Said

Yahoo News – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 3/7/2023

State Rep. Stephen Casey, a Woonsocket firefighter, won Rhode Island Ethics Commission clearance to preside over hearings and vote on a package of bills sought by the state’s firefighter lobby. While the Ethics Code bars public officials from taking part “in any matter in which he has an interest, financial or otherwise, which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his duties in the public interest,” there is what is broadly called “a class exception.”

South Dakota – Bill to Ban South Dakota Lawmakers’ Spouses from Being Private Lobbyists Fails

Yahoo News – Annie Todd (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 3/6/2023

Texas – Changes to City Lobbying Rules OK’d by Ethics Review Commission

Austin Monitor – Chad Swiatecki | Published: 3/6/2023

The Ethics Review Commission approved a series of amendments to Austin’s lobbying regulations. The city clerk’s office suggested them to clarify issues regarding lobbyists’ registration and renewal fees and quarterly activity reports, as well as how the city levies the $50 late fees when filings and payments are late. The changes are set to be voted on by the city council on March 23.

Texas – Houston PAC Leaders Face $45K in Fines for Operating Illegally, Not Filing Finance Reports

MSN – Yilun Cheng (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 3/2/2023

The state Ethics Commission issued a $45,000 fine for Terrence Shanks and Damella Wilkerson, the president and the director of finance of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats – Harris County for operating without a campaign treasurer, failing to file required reports, and possibly selling endorsements to local candidates. PACs are required to submit semiannual reports. The last time the PAC filed a report was in 2014. Since then, however, it has continued to carry out political activities, including publishing endorsements lists that included candidates who have donated to the group, commission investigators found.

Virginia – Virginia General Assembly Adjourns for 2023 After Passing Modest Campaign Finance Reform

OpenSecrets – Jimmy Cloutier | Published: 2/28/2023

The Virginia General Assembly ended the 2023 legislative session having passed only one campaign finance bill to the dismay of activists who say the state’s election laws need reform. Virginia’s laws governing political spending are among the least restrictive in the country. Under this system, total state-level fundraising in legislative races more than tripled over the last two decades. The legislation that passed, Senate Bill 1427, would expand disclosure laws by creating new filing deadlines and require PACs to report large donations more frequently.

The Wyoming State Legislature adjourned sine die March 3, after passing 196 bills during the 37-day session.

Among the passed bills, the legislature ratified Senate Bill 40. Senate Bill 40 closed an exemption for federal political action committees (PACs) active in Wyoming elections.

Under the new law, federal PACs must file state campaign finance reports unless they are solely making contributions or expenditures to federal candidates or issues.

Other major bills passed during the quick session include universal tax-relief and an omnibus bill focusing on rehabilitating the state’s water infrastructure.

Gov. Mark Gordon has signed a bill removing an exemption from state campaign finance reporting for federal political action committees (PACs) active in Wyoming elections.

Senate Bill 40 requires federal PACs to report in Wyoming unless they are making contributions or expenditures only to federal candidates or federal issues.

The law takes effect July 1.

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas loaned $100,100 to his campaign after advancing to the April 4 runoff election against Brandon Johnson.

The two candidates may now receive unlimited contributions because contribution limits do not apply in any city race where the self-funding or independent expenditure threshold of $100,000 is exceeded.

The city’s pay-to-play limits on campaign contributions remain in place.

Companies and people doing business with the city or its sister agencies are limited to contributing $1,500 to any one candidate per year.

Campaign Finance

Oregon: “Oregon Democrats Say They’re Serious About Capping Political Donations, but Their Proposals Include Loopholes” by Hillary Borrud (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Elections

National: “Trump Spurred ‘Existential Crisis’ at Fox News, Lawsuit Exhibits Show” by Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “More Black Women Run for Office, but Prospects Fade the Higher They Go” by Jazmine Ulloa (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Georgia: “Ga. Republicans Push for Prosecutorial Oversight Amid Trump Election Probe” by Matthew Brown (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “‘Just a Lie’: Senate Republicans blast Tucker Carlson’s Jan. 6 narrative” by Paul Kane, Marianna Sotomayor, Liz Goodwin, and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) for MSN

California: “Ex-SF Department Head to Get $4K Fine After City Hall Scandal” by Michael Barba for San Francisco Standard

Louisiana: “Council Opens Investigation of Cantrell Mailer and Lobbying Firm Connected to Vitter, Scalise” by John Stanton for NOLA.com

Maryland: “Baltimore Bought $30,000 in Tickets to CIAA Tournament; Officials Strike Deal for Lower Price Amid Questions” by Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) for MSN

Pennsylvania: “Pa. House Lawmaker Accused of Sexual Harassment Says He Will Resign” by Stephen Caruso for Spotlight PA

Procurement

Oregon: “Portland Cop-Stacked Firm Loses City’s Truth-and-Reconciliation Contract After No-Bid Process” by Maxine Bernstein (Portland Oregonian) for MSN