February 22, 2024 •
Oregon Campaign Contribution Limits In Negotiation
State business and labor groups have been working on legislation to limit campaign contributions in state races. Oregon is one of just five states with no limits on political contributions. These negotiations come as a proposal, known as Initiative Petition […]
State business and labor groups have been working on legislation to limit campaign contributions in state races.
Oregon is one of just five states with no limits on political contributions.
These negotiations come as a proposal, known as Initiative Petition 9, has a chance of qualifying for the November ballot.
The petition would impose additional campaign finance disclosures and strict contribution limits for individuals, political parties, and interest groups.
February 22, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Michigan: “Nessel Levels Charges Against Two GOP Political Fundraisers in Campaign Against Whitmer” by Craig Mauger for Detroit News National: “Tax Records Reveal the Lucrative World of Covid Misinformation” by Lauren Weber (Washington Post) for MSN Oklahoma: “Bill Preventing Foreign Contributions to Ballot […]
Campaign Finance
Michigan: “Nessel Levels Charges Against Two GOP Political Fundraisers in Campaign Against Whitmer” by Craig Mauger for Detroit News
National: “Tax Records Reveal the Lucrative World of Covid Misinformation” by Lauren Weber (Washington Post) for MSN
Oklahoma: “Bill Preventing Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiatives, Now Going to Ethics Commission” by M. Scott Carter (Oklahoman) for Yahoo News
Texas: “Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Paid Campaign Money to Firm Tied to His New Republican Group” by Everton Bailey Jr. (Dallas Morning News) for MSN
Elections
National: “The Quiet Way Democrats Hope to Expand Their Power at the State Level” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz
Ethics
Missouri: “Missouri Treasurer Under Fire Over Ads on Slot Machines” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
New York: “A Family Affair: Carones give to legal defense fund in the nick of time” by Irie Sentner (Politico) for MSN
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Lobbyists Spent Tens of Thousands of Dollars Wining, Dining Lawmakers” by Daniel Chacón for Yahoo News
February 21, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Maine: “Special Funds Let Maine Lawmakers Raise and Spend with Few Limits” by Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) for centralmaine.com Pennsylvania: “Mayor Cherelle Parker Racked Up a $1 Million Campaign Payroll – but It’s Not Clear Who Got Paid” by Ryan Briggs […]
Campaign Finance
Maine: “Special Funds Let Maine Lawmakers Raise and Spend with Few Limits” by Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) for centralmaine.com
Pennsylvania: “Mayor Cherelle Parker Racked Up a $1 Million Campaign Payroll – but It’s Not Clear Who Got Paid” by Ryan Briggs and Anna Orso (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN
Ethics
California: “Anaheim Begins Implementing Changes from Fall of Reform Debates” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC
Georgia: “Fani Willis’ Testimony Evokes Long-Standing Frustrations for Black Women Leaders” by Matt Brown and Jocelyn Noveck (Associated Press) for MSN
Idaho: “Support This Bill or Else: Idaho lawmakers cite pressure from ‘wealthy’ campaign donor” by Ian Max Stevenson (Idaho Statesman) for MSN
Ohio: “Summer Homes and (Attempted) Florida Trips. FirstEnergy Bribery Case Puts Millionaires on Trial” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Tennessee: “New TN House Ticketing Policy Allowable Under State Constitution, Attorney General Says” by Melissa Brown (Tennessean) for MSN
Redistricting
New York: “New York Congressional Map Would Make Modest Tweaks to Swing House Seats” by Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) for MSN
February 20, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Arizona: “House Bill Would Close ‘Loophole’ Regarding Campaign Finance Reports” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for Eastern Arizona Courier Ethics California: “Former CBS Chief Leslie Moonves to Pay $11,250 Fine to Settle L.A. Ethics Case” by Meg James (Los Angeles Times) […]
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “House Bill Would Close ‘Loophole’ Regarding Campaign Finance Reports” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for Eastern Arizona Courier
Ethics
California: “Former CBS Chief Leslie Moonves to Pay $11,250 Fine to Settle L.A. Ethics Case” by Meg James (Los Angeles Times) for MSN
Kentucky: “Ethics Experts Say Kentucky Lawmaker’s Push to Ease Pollution Penalties for Local Companies – Including His Employer – Is a Problem” by R.G. Dunlop for Louisville Public Media
Maryland: “Ethics Board Won’t Require Last Names of Mayor Scott’s Baby Registry Donors” by Mark Reutter for Baltimore Brew
New York: “Appellate Court Hears Cuomo’s Challenge to Fledgling Ethics Agency” by Dan Clark for Albany Times Union
Lobbying
California: “Fight Continues Over Whether Nonprofits Should Have to Disclose Lobbying Activity” by Jason Ruiz for Long Beach Post
Illinois: “As Corruption Trials Continue, Illinois Lobbyist Reform Effort Pushed in General Assembly” by Ray Long and Dan Patella (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News
Redistricting
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Signs His New Legislative Maps into Law after Republicans Pass Them” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for Yahoo News
February 19, 2024 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “Anaheim Changes How Political Candidates Fundraise in Wake of Corruption Scandal” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC Hawaii: “Hawaii Has a Voter Enthusiasm Problem, Could Publicly Funded Campaigns Help?” by Jeremy Yurow (USA Today) for Yahoo News Illinois: “In Last-Minute Reversal, […]
Campaign Finance
California: “Anaheim Changes How Political Candidates Fundraise in Wake of Corruption Scandal” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC
Hawaii: “Hawaii Has a Voter Enthusiasm Problem, Could Publicly Funded Campaigns Help?” by Jeremy Yurow (USA Today) for Yahoo News
Illinois: “In Last-Minute Reversal, Former Sen. Sam McCann Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges” by Hannah Meisel for Capitol News Illinois
Ethics
National: “Former FBI Informant Charged with Lying about Biden Business” by Devlin Barrett and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) for MSN
New Mexico: “Lawmakers for Second Year Kick Ethics Fixes Down the Road” by Marjorie Childress for New Mexico In Depth
New York: “Judge Orders Trump and His Companies to Pay $355 Million in New York Civil Fraud Case” by Jonah Bromwich and Ben Protess (New York Times) for DNyuz
Lobbying
National: “Juul’s Internal Playbook Opens a Rare Window into Influence in Washington” by Nicholas Florko for STAT News
Florida: “Orange County Mayor Demings Fires Lobbyist Over Conflict of Interest” by Stephen Hudak (Orlando Sentinel) for MSN
February 16, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 16, 2024
National/Federal Chief Witness Against Gaetz Is Cooperating with House Ethics Investigation DNyuz – Robert Draper and Michael Schmidt (New York Times) | Published: 2/9/2024 A lawyer for the chief witness against U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz said the witness was cooperating with a […]
National/Federal
Chief Witness Against Gaetz Is Cooperating with House Ethics Investigation
DNyuz – Robert Draper and Michael Schmidt (New York Times) | Published: 2/9/2024
A lawyer for the chief witness against U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz said the witness was cooperating with a House ethics committee investigation into whether Gaetz had sex with an underage girl while he was serving in Congress. Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to charges including sex trafficking, is serving an 11-year prison sentence. He had previously cooperated with a Justice Department investigation into whether Gaetz had engaged in sex trafficking of a minor.
AI Companies Agree to Limit Election ‘Deepfakes’ but Fall Short of Ban
MSN – Gerrit De Vynck (Washington Post) | Published: 2/13/2024
Leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies are planning to sign an “accord” committing to developing tech to identify, label, and control AI-generated images, videos, and audio recordings that aim to deceive voters ahead of crucial elections in multiple countries this year. It does not ban deceptive political AI content. X, previously Twitter, was not a signatory to the agreement.
House Republicans Impeach Alejandro Mayorkas by a Single Vote
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 2/13/2024
House Republicans moved in historic fashion and impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by a single vote, succeeding on their second try in punishing the steward of President Biden’s immigration policy. The unprecedented and partisan resolution may not go very far in the Senate, as some Republicans in the upper chamber do not believe Mayorkas’s actions clear the bar as the “high crimes and misdemeanors” necessary for conviction. Some bipartisan and legal observers worry the most serious tool the U.S. Constitution provides to rein in a public official is being misused as partisan weapon.
Families Using Re-Created Voices of Gun Violence Victims to Call Lawmakers
MSN – Terry Spencer (Associated Press) | Published: 2/14/2024
The families of six young people killed by guns are using artificial intelligence to create messages in their loved ones’ voices and robocalling them to U.S. senators and House members who support the National Rifle Association and oppose tougher gun laws. Manuel and Patricia Oliver, parents of Joaquin Oliver, who was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, say the campaign is based on the oft-cited idea that if someone wants laws changed, the first step is calling elected representatives.
The Mystery Behind $10 Million of ‘Bridge Funding’ Supporting RFK Jr.’s Presidential Bid
MSN – Brittany Gibson (Politico) | Published: 2/14/2024
The super PAC supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. padded its account with millions of dollars in contributions from one of the best-known private security executives in the country, Gavin de Becker. Then it did something remarkable: it returned nearly all of the funds, making his donations effectively a loan. Campaign finance watchdogs said they have never seen such an arrangement before. The contributions helped the PAC report a high fundraising total that can, in turn, be seen as a sign of legitimacy for the committee. All told, de Becker made $10 million in donations to the super PAC; $9.65 million of which was returned.
Trans Adults on Edge as Legislatures Broaden Focus Beyond Children
MSN – Casey Parks (Washington Post) | Published: 2/15/2024
A record number of bills introduced across the country significantly reshape the way transgender people live their lives. Republican-dominated Legislatures have already enacted more than 100 laws to limit LGBTQ+ rights over the past few years, but most affected adolescents and schools. Now, policymakers are increasingly turning their focus to adults. The lawmakers pushing the bills universally contend there should be limits on how far society goes to embrace transgender adults.
Special Counsel Asks Supreme Court to Let Trump’s D.C. Trial Proceed
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 2/14/2024
Special counsel Jack Smith asked the Supreme Court to clear the way for the prosecution of Donald for his efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election, pushing back against the former president’s claim that he should be shielded from standing trial as he again seeks the White House. The Supreme Court’s response will have a significant impact on whether and when Trump goes on trial in Washington, where the presiding judge has already postponed a planned March 4 start date.
County Election Officials Call for More Funding, Better Security Ahead of 2024 Elections
MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 2/12/2024
Threats and harassment are causing a crisis for election workers and could endanger the integrity of upcoming elections, speakers said at an annual gathering of local officials from around the country. The problem is personal for Bill Gates, a member of Maricopa County’s board of supervisors who has repeatedly shared his own experience with threats in Arizona. But it goes beyond any one county and reflects “a time today very different than what we had in the past,” Gates said.
From the States and Municipalities
Oceania – Lobbyists Are Back at Parliament – with a New Privacy Measure Hiding Their Identities
RNZ – Guyon Espiner | Published: 1/21/2024
The identities of people allowed to freely come and go from the New Zealand Parliament have been made secret by the new speaker. Gerry Brownlee said he did not agree with the blanket ban on lobbyists having swipe card access and some discretion was needed. He had approved swipe card access for about four new people, who he said could be described as having lobbying roles. But they were not employed by professional lobbying firms and largely had jobs assisting parties in Parliament.
Alabama – Rep. Simpson on New Ethics Bill: We want you to know where the line is
Alabama Daily News – Mary Sell | Published: 2/9/2024
State Rep. Matt Simpson is circulating a draft of legislation that would make several significant changes to Alabama’s ethics laws. The proposal revises multiple sections of code dealing with the rules about 300,000 elected officials and state and local government employees, and sometimes their family members, must obey. Simpson plans to file the bill soon, but said he first wants to give his colleagues and anyone else a chance to “poke holes in” his attempt to clean up ethics law revisions made in 2010 and some of the unintended consequences they created.
Arizona – To Avoid Election Crisis, Arizona Lawmakers Try Bipartisanship
MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 2/9/2024
Alarmed that Arizona’s 11 electoral votes might not be counted in the process for selecting the next president, Republicans and Democrats in this political battleground state did something rare: they found consensus. After months of warnings and a frantic series of negotiations, the narrowly divided Legislature passed a bill aimed at giving election officials more time to run the 2024 primary and general elections.
Arizona – Arizona Congressional Candidate’s 3 Young Children Gave Almost $10K to His Campaign
MSN – Laura Gersony (Arizona Republic) | Published: 2/12/2024
It is standard for candidates to draw on their personal connections to raise funds, asking for buy-in from family members, friends, or work colleagues. But Conor O’Callaghan, a Wall Street executive running in the crowded Democratic primary in Arizona’s First Congressional District, has accepted money from an unusual network: his young children, who are minors.
California – Can Judges Endorse Political Candidates? Competitive Bay Area Races Are Testing Boundaries
MSN – Bob Egelko (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 2/14/2024
Candidates for Superior Court judge generally look for endorsements wherever they can find them. But endorsements by a judicial candidate can trigger ethical concerns, an issue that has been raised in upcoming votes in Alameda County and San Francisco. In Alameda County, Court Commissioner Mark Fickes’ opponent in the March 5 election, Michael Johnson, filed a formal complaint against Fickes for publicly supporting District Attorney Pamela Price, whose office regularly argues cases in Superior Court.
California – San Francisco’s New Ethics Watchdog Hates This Election Loophole
San Francisco Standard – Josh Koehn | Published: 2/12/2024
As the new leader of the San Francisco Ethics Commission, Patrick Ford has one of the most important roles in the city, especially in an election year. The commission is tasked with processing and publishing a huge volume of campaign records, investigating reports of violations, proposing improvements in local ethics laws, and rooting out corruption. Ford has his hands full with the upcoming Democratic County Central Committee race, where some candidates for the little-known body are raising six-figure sums.
Delaware – Supreme Court Rules in Former State Auditor Kathy McGuiness’ Criminal Conviction Appeal
Yahoo News – Xerxes Wilson (Delaware News Journal) | Published: 2/13/2024
The Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the misdemeanor conflict-of-interest conviction of former state Auditor Kathy McGuiness while overturning her other misdemeanor conviction, remanding that charge for a potential second trial. McGuiness was the first sitting, statewide public office holder in Delaware to be convicted of criminal charges when a jury found her guilty of two misdemeanors, tied to her hiring her daughter as a part-time employee in the auditor’s office. A third guilty verdict based on state purchasing rules was tossed by the trial judge after the verdicts.
Florida – Lobbyist Wrote Bill to Protect Visit Orlando but Sought to Hide His Role
MSN – Stephen Hudak (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 2/11/2024
Senate Bill 1594, filed by Florida Sen. Linda Stewart at a time Orange County commissioners were eyeing cuts to Visit Orlando’s $100 million county subsidy, was written by the county’s own lobbyist, Chris Carmody, not the lawmaker. The bill would have required a supermajority of five of the seven commissioners to make such cuts. Carmody sought to hide his role in the legislation, which is now stirring anger among commissioners who believe he was undermining the county’s interests when he is paid to defend them.
Florida – Florida Senate Committee Advances Lobbying Transparency Bill
MSN – Andrew Powell (The Center Square) | Published: 2/10/2024
Florida lawmakers advanced legislation that would add transparency to lobbying in the state. Senate Bill 734 would make various changes to ethics rules for local governments and prohibit state and local officials from accepting or soliciting anything from a foreign country of concern. Under the bill, individuals would be required to register as a lobbyist with the Florida Commission on Ethics if they plan to lobby a municipality, county, or special district.
Florida – Jacksonville Ethics Commission: Florida House amendments would ‘handcuff local watchdogs’
Yahoo News – Hanna Holthaus (Florida Times-Union) | Published: 2/12/2024
Changes to a Florida ethics bill would “dismantle” government oversight efforts, the Jacksonville Ethics Commission said in a letter. The commission joined with offices of four other municipalities to oppose the changes. The amendment would eliminate the ability of state and local ethics commissions to research the informal complaints or tips they receive for their independent investigations into government offices and employees.
Georgia – What Happens if Fani Willis Is Disqualified from the Trump Case?
DNyuz – Richard Fausset and Danny Hakim (New York Times) | Published: 2/15/2024
A judge in Georgia seeks to determine whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be disqualified from leading the prosecution of former President Trump on election interference charges. If Judge Scott McAfee finds Willis has a conflict-of-interest because of her romantic relationship with the prosecutor she hired to manage the case, and that it merits disqualification, his decision would disqualify her entire office. The case would be reassigned to another prosecutor, who would have the ability to continue with the case as it is, make major changes, or to even drop the matter.
Georgia – Black Churches in Georgia Unite to Mobilize Voters in a Key Battleground
Seattle Times – Nick Corasaniti and Maya King (New York Times) | Published: 2/11/2024
Two of the largest Black church groups in Georgia are formally uniting for the first time to mobilize Black voters in the battleground state before the November presidential election. The two congregations, the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, plan to combine their resources and their more than 140,000 parishioners in the state for the get-out-the-vote program.
Illinois – Feds Accuse Ex-Lawmaker of ‘Greed, Fraud and Arrogance’ in Misusing Campaign Funds
Capitol News Illinois – Hannah Meisel | Published: 2/13/2024
Former Illinois Sen. Sam McCann is accused of illegally using campaign funds for personal expenses, including paying two mortgages, financing multiple vehicles and vacations, and double-dipping on reimbursement for miles driven. His trial finally got underway after a week of delays stemming from McCann’s sudden hospitalization. U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless ordered him arrested and detained for violating her direct orders to communicate with the federal probation office after being discharged from the hospital.
Chicago Sun-Times – Jon Seidel | Published: 2/12/2024
Former Illinois Sen. Annazette Collins was convicted in federal court of cheating on her taxes, in a case tied to the larger corruption investigation that led to the indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Prosecutors said used Collins used money from her lobbying firm to make car, tuition, and mortgage payments, and to fund a trip to Punta Cana, all while filing income tax returns that made it seem she earned sums of as little as $11,000 a year after leaving public office.
MSN – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/12/2024
Tim Mapes, who spent decades in Michael Madigan’s inner circle while serving as the ex-Illinois House speaker’s chief of staff, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after he was convicted of lying under oath to protect his former boss. The hearing punctuated a stunning downfall for Mapes, who in addition to his role as Madigan’s chief gatekeeper was also the executive director of the Illinois Democratic Party and clerk of the House before he was forced to resign in 2018 amid a sexual harassment scandal.
Indiana – Indiana AG’s Site to Report School Content Ignites Fear for Teachers
MSN – Praveena Somasundaram and Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) | Published: 2/14/2024
Teachers’ unions in Indiana are calling for the state attorney general to shut down a new website that invites parents to report “potentially inappropriate materials” in schools, describing the measure as a “blatant attack” on educators. Attorney General Todd Rokita recently launched the Eyes on Education website, which he said is a “transparency portal” for parents to see “real examples of socialist indoctrination from classrooms.” Its implementation follows attempts by conservative politicians across the country to restrict how students learn about race and gender.
Kansas – Senate Bill Aims to Stop Government Entities in Kansas from Using Tax Dollars for Lobbying
Kansas Reflector – Tim Carpenter | Published: 2/13/2024
A bill in the Kansas Senate would prohibit the use of public dollars for direct or indirect lobbying, to pay membership dues of associations engaged in lobbying, or for gifts or campaign contributions to elected officials or government workers. Violations would leave public employees – those working for a county, township, city, school district, or state agency, authority, or institution – open to disciplinary action ranging from suspension to termination.
Michigan – Michigan House Disciplines Lawmaker Over His Tweets on Racist Theory
MSN – Daniel Wu (Washington Post) | Published: 2/13/2024
The Michigan House stripped Rep. Josh Schriver of his staff members and a committee positions, days after Schriver posted online about a racist conspiracy theory. Schriver sparked furor when he shared a post on social media of an image captioned, “The great replacement!” The image referenced the far-right conspiracy theory that non-White immigrants are deliberately brought into White-majority countries to undermine the political power and cultures of White people.
New Mexico – Ivey-Soto Bill Raises Conflict of Interest Questions
Source New Mexico – Justin Horwath (New Mexico In Depth) | Published: 2/14/2024
A bill meant to modernize New Mexico’s marriage laws would increase the money people pay to the state’s county clerks for a marriage license. Meanwhile, the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, is paid by numerous county clerks on a contract basis for technical, legal, and training services. The State Ethics Commission investigates complaints that accuse Ivey-Soto, in part, of using his position as a lawmaker to curry favor with his clients.
New York – Suozzi Wins New York Special Election, Replacing George Santos
MSN – Hannah Knowles and Julie Zauzmer Weil (Washington Post) | Published: 2/13/2024
Democrat Tom Suozzi won a hotly contested special election for Congress, retaking a seat in suburban New York to replace George Santos. National issues dominated the campaign, making the vote this year’s first high-profile test of the parties’ messages on abortion, the economy, and immigration. Suozzi represented the area for six years previously and campaigned as a moderate.
New York – New York Hush Money Case Will Be First Trump Criminal Trial, Set for March
MSN – Devlin Barrett and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 2/15/2024
A judge said jury selection for Donald Trump’s trial in New York will begin on March 25, setting a date with history for what would be the first criminal prosecution of an ex-president, one who also leads the Republican field of 2024 candidates for the White House. State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan said he will go forward with the trial on charges that Trump falsified business records during the heat of the 2016 political campaign to keep secret a past sexual liaison with an adult-film star.
New York – Top NYCHA Chiefs Repeatedly Rejected New Rules to Curb Corrupt Contracts
The City – Greg Smith | Published: 2/12/2024
When law enforcement officials arrested 70 mid-level New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) bureaucrats on bribery charges, they touted the sweep as a very public splash meant to send a clear anti-corruption message. It appears that NYCHA’s top managers received and rejected a similar message years earlier when the city Department of Investigation looked into the same issue: bribes paid to superintendents and assistant superintendents to obtain small contracts of less than $10,000 for repairs without competitive bidding.
North Dakota – North Dakota Legislature’s Conflict Rules Span Decades of Controversy
North Dakota Monitor – Mary Steuer | Published: 2/8/2024
In 1968, the North Dakota Supreme Court struck down a law aimed at curbing corruption in the statehouse, ending a 14-year tug-of-war between lawmakers and voters. Under the law, no lawmaker nor their spouse, nor any business either one had more than a five percent stake in, could do greater than $10,000 worth of business with the state in a year. North Dakota Ethics Commission Executive Director Rebecca Binstock said the history of the 1954 statute may shed light on why, at least in the opinion of the commission, today’s Legislature remains at odds with the state’s conflict-of-interest regulations.
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer and Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/12/2024
Two former executives with FirstEnergy, Charles Jones and Michael Dowling, face state charges in what has been called the largest corruption scandal in Ohio history. Former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo was also indicted. While the related federal prosecution that sent ex-House Speaker Larry Householder to prison focused on the passage of House Bill 6, the legislation tailor made to benefit FirstEnergy, the state charges focus on a broader picture of a corporation’s corrupt relationship with the helm of state power.
Ohio – Some College Students Find It Harder to Vote Under New Republican Laws
MSN – Maddie Kasper (Washington Post) | Published: 2/7/2024
Legislation signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine last January introduced significant changes to Ohio’s election laws, most notably establishing a photo ID requirement that is considered among the most restrictive in the nation. A federal judge shot down a Democratic attempt to block it, saying the law “imposes no more than a minimal burden, if any, for the vast majority of voters.” But some Ohio college students say they are the exception, and the legislation fits within a nationwide Republican effort in recent years to restrict their voting rights.
Ohio – Judge Denies GOP Lawmakers’ Request to Block House Speaker Jason Stephens’ Access to Campaign Cash
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/14/2024
A judge denied a request by a group of Ohio House Republicans to prevent Speaker Jason Stephens and his allies from accessing the GOP caucus’s multi-million-dollar campaign bank account. Rep. Derek Merrin and legislative allies are trying to wrest control over the House GOP’s campaign arm, the Ohio House Republican Alliance (OHRA) from Stephens. It remains to be seen how the judge will rule on the larger lawsuit over who should be given control of the OHRA.
Oregon – Oregon Power Players in Business, Labor Are Negotiating a Campaign Finance Package
OPB – Dirk VanderHart | Published: 2/9/2024
Oregon business and labor groups have quietly begun negotiating a deal that could result in campaign contribution limits in state races for the first time in decades. The surprising development is an attempt to avoid a potentially costly ballot fight in November. If the two sides can find a workable proposal – a tall order in the compressed timeline of a five-week short session – it could be an opportunity for lawmakers to act. Oregon is one of just five states with no limits on political giving.
Pennsylvania – Former Top Pa. Lawmaker’s Lobbying Firm Paid $41K by Game Commission in Unusual Arrangement
Spotlight PA – Angela Couloumbis | Published: 2/8/2024
The state agency that promotes hunting in Pennsylvania has hired a lobbying firm run by a former top lawmaker using tens of thousands of dollars in public funds, an unusual arrangement that at least one legislator has tried to ban. The Pennsylvania Game Commission entered into a contract with Allegheny Strategy Partners. Joe Scarnati, who once held the top leadership post in the state Senate, is one of three partners in the firm. Though a handful of cities and regional authorities that rely on state aid deploy lobbyists to Harrisburg, state-level government agencies rarely employ these firms to gain influence with people who are essentially colleagues.
Pennsylvania – Josh Shapiro Accepted $1,650 in ‘Event Tickets’ from Powerful Pa. Lobbyist
Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 2/13/2024
Under a policy that Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro instituted in January 2023, the governor and other executive branch employees are not allowed to accept tickets to recreational events from people or entities that have “financial relations” with or are “seeking to obtain business or an outcome” from the state. But Shapiro accepted $1,650 in tickets from a Harrisburg lobbyist last year. The governor’s office did not disclose the tickets as a gift. Rather, it was Shapiro’s campaign committee that reported the tickets as a political contribution.
South Dakota – State Supreme Court Clarifies Conflicts of Interest; Noem Pledges to Fill Legislative Seats
MSN – Seth Tupper and John Hult (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 2/9/2024
A South Dakota Supreme Court ruling enables state legislators to enter into contracts with the government, provided the funds come from the annual budget bill. Language in the state constitution has been a subject of debate since last year, when it was revealed Sen. Jessica Castleberry’s business received federal pandemic relief funds through a state contract. Castleberry resigned and agreed to repay approximately $500,000 to the state.
MSN – Natalie Anderson (Virginian-Pilot) | Published: 2/8/2024
The city of Chesapeake is exploring a potential change that would disclose on public planning documents the names of companies and individuals paid to lobby city leaders for project approval. If the city council eventually votes to approve the change, it could be a first for Virginia municipalities.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Republicans Vote to Weaken Their Lock on the Legislature
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 2/13/2024
Wisconsin Republicans approved maps that would weaken their grip on the state Legislature, backing new district lines supported by the Democratic governor out of fears the state Supreme Court could impose ones that are even worse for them. If approved by Gov. Tony Evers, the package would jettison what experts consider one of the country’s most gerrymandered set of maps in a state that has been one of the most competitive in presidential and other statewide races.
February 15, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “The Mystery Behind $10 Million of ‘Bridge Funding’ Supporting RFK Jr.’s Presidential Bid” by Brittany Gibson (Politico) for MSN Elections California: “Can Judges Endorse Political Candidates? Competitive Bay Area Races Are Testing Boundaries” by Bob Egelko (San Francisco Chronicle) for MSN […]
Campaign Finance
National: “The Mystery Behind $10 Million of ‘Bridge Funding’ Supporting RFK Jr.’s Presidential Bid” by Brittany Gibson (Politico) for MSN
Elections
California: “Can Judges Endorse Political Candidates? Competitive Bay Area Races Are Testing Boundaries” by Bob Egelko (San Francisco Chronicle) for MSN
Ethics
Delaware: “Supreme Court Rules in Former State Auditor Kathy McGuiness’ Criminal Conviction Appeal” by Xerxes Wilson (Delaware News Journal) for Yahoo News
Indiana: “Indiana AG’s Site to Report School Content Ignites Fear for Teachers” by Praveena Somasundaram and Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) for MSN
New Mexico: “Ivey-Soto Bill Raises Conflict of Interest Questions” by Justin Horwath (New Mexico In Depth) for Source New Mexico
Lobbying
National: “Families Using Re-Created Voices of Gun Violence Victims to Call Lawmakers” by Terry Spencer (Associated Press) for MSN
Kansas: “Senate Bill Aims to Stop Government Entities in Kansas from Using Tax Dollars for Lobbying” by Tim Carpenter for Kansas Reflector
Redistricting
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Republicans Vote to Weaken Their Lock on the Legislature” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN
February 14, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “San Francisco’s New Ethics Watchdog Hates This Election Loophole” by Josh Koehn for San Francisco Standard Elections National: “AI Companies Agree to Limit Election ‘Deepfakes’ but Fall Short of Ban” by Gerrit De Vynck (Washington Post) for MSN New York: “Suozzi Wins […]
Campaign Finance
California: “San Francisco’s New Ethics Watchdog Hates This Election Loophole” by Josh Koehn for San Francisco Standard
Elections
National: “AI Companies Agree to Limit Election ‘Deepfakes’ but Fall Short of Ban” by Gerrit De Vynck (Washington Post) for MSN
New York: “Suozzi Wins New York Special Election, Replacing George Santos” by Hannah Knowles and Julie Zauzmer Weil (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
Alabama: “Rep. Simpson on New Ethics Bill: We want you to know where the line is” by Mary Sell for Alabama Daily News
Florida: “Jacksonville Ethics Commission: Florida House amendments would ‘handcuff local watchdogs'” by Hanna Holthaus (Florida Times-Union) for Yahoo News
Illinois: “Ex-Lawmaker Convicted of Cheating on Taxes, in a Case Tied to Corruption Probe That Led to Madigan Indictment” by Jon Seidel for Chicago Sun-Times
Legislative Issues
National: “House Republicans Impeach Alejandro Mayorkas by a Single Vote” by Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) for MSN
Lobbying
Pennsylvania: “Josh Shapiro Accepted $1,650 in ‘Event Tickets’ from Powerful Pa. Lobbyist” by Stephen Caruso for Spotlight PA
February 13, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Arizona: “Arizona Congressional Candidate’s 3 Young Children Gave Almost $10K to His Campaign” by Laura Gersony (Arizona Republic) for MSN Elections Georgia: “Black Churches in Georgia Unite to Mobilize Voters in a Key Battleground” by Nick Corasaniti and Maya King (New […]
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Arizona Congressional Candidate’s 3 Young Children Gave Almost $10K to His Campaign” by Laura Gersony (Arizona Republic) for MSN
Elections
Georgia: “Black Churches in Georgia Unite to Mobilize Voters in a Key Battleground” by Nick Corasaniti and Maya King (New York Times) for Seattle Times
Ethics
Illinois: “Tim Mapes, Former Aide to Speaker Michael Madigan, Sentenced to 2 1/2 Years for Lying to Federal Grand Jury” by Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) for MSN
New York: “Top NYCHA Chiefs Repeatedly Rejected New Rules to Curb Corrupt Contracts” by Greg Smith for The City
Ohio: “Ex-FirstEnergy CEO, Top Lobbyist, and Former Top Ohio Utility Regulator Indicted in State Government Bribery Scandal” by Jeremy Pelzer and Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
South Dakota: “State Supreme Court Clarifies Conflicts of Interest; Noem Pledges to Fill Legislative Seats” by Seth Tupper and John Hult (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) for MSN
Lobbying
Florida: “Lobbyist Wrote Bill to Protect Visit Orlando but Sought to Hide His Role” by Stephen Hudak (Orlando Sentinel) for MSN
Oceania: “Lobbyists Are Back at Parliament – with a New Privacy Measure Hiding Their Identities” by Guyon Espiner for RNZ
February 12, 2024 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Oregon: “Oregon Power Players in Business, Labor Are Negotiating a Campaign Finance Package” by Dirk VanderHart for OPB Elections Arizona: “To Avoid Election Crisis, Arizona Lawmakers Try Bipartisanship” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN Ohio: “Some College Students Find It […]
Campaign Finance
Oregon: “Oregon Power Players in Business, Labor Are Negotiating a Campaign Finance Package” by Dirk VanderHart for OPB
Elections
Arizona: “To Avoid Election Crisis, Arizona Lawmakers Try Bipartisanship” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN
Ohio: “Some College Students Find It Harder to Vote Under New Republican Laws” by Maddie Kasper (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Chief Witness Against Gaetz Is Cooperating with House Ethics Investigation” by Robert Draper and Michael Schmidt (New York Times) for DNyuz
North Dakota: “North Dakota Legislature’s Conflict Rules Span Decades of Controversy” by Mary Steuer for North Dakota Monitor
Lobbying
Florida: “Florida Senate Committee Advances Lobbying Transparency Bill” by Andrew Powell (The Center Square) for MSN
Pennsylvania: “Former Top Pa. Lawmaker’s Lobbying Firm Paid $41K by Game Commission in Unusual Arrangement” by Angela Couloumbis for Spotlight PA
Virginia: “Should Cities Require Disclosure of Lobbying Efforts on Planning Projects? Chesapeake Is Exploring the Issue.” by Natalie Anderson (Virginian-Pilot) for MSN
February 9, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 9, 2024
National/Federal Luxury Spending, Internal Strife Leave NRA Staggering Into 2024 Election Anchorage Daily News – Beth Reinhard and Sylvia Foster-Frau (Washington Post) | Published: 2/4/2024 In 2016, the National Rifle Association (NRA) endorsed helped catapult Donald Trump to the White House with […]
National/Federal
Luxury Spending, Internal Strife Leave NRA Staggering Into 2024 Election
Anchorage Daily News – Beth Reinhard and Sylvia Foster-Frau (Washington Post) | Published: 2/4/2024
In 2016, the National Rifle Association (NRA) endorsed helped catapult Donald Trump to the White House with $31 million in campaign spending. But as Trump stages his comeback, the NRA has tumbled from power. Internal feuds, corruption allegations, and an onslaught of litigation have ravaged the group’s finances and public image. Longtime chief executive Wayne LaPierre stepped down on the eve of a civil corruption trial, with prosecutors claiming he and other NRA leaders cheated donors by squandering millions on personal expenses.
In More Places This Year, People Can Vote in Their First Language
Center for Public Integrity – Katherine Hapgood | Published: 2/2/2024
A larger swath of the country will have access to translated ballots this year than in any prior presidential election. Under federal Voting Rights Act requirements, 331 voting areas in 30 states must provide language access to more than 24 million voters with limited English proficiency. But voter rights activists say the newest numbers, based on U.S. Census Bureau data, represent an undercount.
The Wild Probe into Investors of DWAC, Trump Media’s Proposed Merger Ally
MSN – Drew Harwell (Washington Post) | Published: 2/3/2024
In October 2021, Donald Trump announced that his media company, the owner of the platform Truth Social, had closed a merger with a “special purpose acquisition company (SPAC)” that would deliver to his firm $300 million toward his promise of giving “a voice to all.” By then, however, the insider trading by investors in the SPAC, Digital World Acquisition, had already begun. Digital World’s chief executive, Patrick Orlando, had been telling investors privately for months that he had been talking with Trump about the deal, filings assert, a violation of federal securities law.
Oversight Board Rebukes Meta’s Policies After Altered Biden Video Spreads
MSN – Naomi Nix (Washington Post) | Published: 2/4/2024
Meta was criticized by a company-funded oversight board for its “incoherent” and “confusing” policies on manipulated media after an altered video of President Biden spread on Facebook. The company opted not to remove the video, which had been edited to show Biden appearing to touch his granddaughter inappropriately. The board upheld the decision to leave the video in place but called on the company to clarify its policies amid widespread concerns about the risks of artificial intelligence.
Federal Appeals Court Rejects Trump’s Claim of Absolute Immunity
MSN – Alan Feuer and Charlie Savage (New York Times) | Published: 2/6/2024
A federal appeals court rejected former President Donald Trump’s claim that he was immune to charges of plotting to subvert the results of the 2020 election, ruling he must go to trial on a criminal indictment accusing him of seeking to overturn his loss to President Biden. The panel’s ruling signaled an important moment in American jurisprudence, answering a question that had never been addressed by an appeals court: can former presidents escape being held accountable by the criminal justice system for things they did while in office?
DOJ Report on Biden Classified Documents Coming Soon; No Criminal Charges
MSN – Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 2/6/2024
The Justice Department is preparing to release a special counsel report that is critical of President Biden and his aides for mishandling classified documents in Biden’s private home and former office, but prosecutors do not plan to pursue criminal charges in the case. Based on what is publicly known about the two classified documents probes, the investigation of Donald Trump seems significantly different from the Biden investigation.
In Stunning Vote, House Republicans Fail to Impeach Secretary Mayorkas
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Amy Wang, Marianna Sotomayor, and Paul Kane (Washington Post) | Published: 2/6/2024
A House GOP effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas failed as three Republicans joined Democrats in voting against what would have been the second-ever impeachment of a Cabinet official. Democrats have decried the process as a sham, with only two hearings that featured no fact witnesses or testimony from the secretary. Even if the measure had passed, Mayorkas was unlikely to have been convicted in a trial in the Democratic-led Senate.
Lawmakers Clash Over ‘Zuckerbucks’ and How to Stop Private Election Funding
MSN – Jim Saska (Roll Call) | Published: 2/7/2024
A recent House Administration Committee hearing on private donations helping to fund the administration of elections was contentious. The hearing centered on grants the Center for Tech and Civic Life and related groups provided to state and local election offices in 2020. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife donated more than $300 million to the effort. Private funding is now banned or limited in 27 states.
The Evolving Watchdog Group Behind the Ballot Challenge to Trump
Seattle Times – Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 2/7/2024
Since it was founded in 2002, the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has been caught in a tug of war between Democratic donors who wanted it to wage political warfare and less partisan supporters who wanted to expose corruption and ethical lapses regardless of party. Donald Trump’s emergence as a political force changed the equation. During his presidency, CREW was able to satisfy both sides of the internal debate by training its sights almost entirely on him and his allies as they flouted ethics rules.
Yahoo News – Katherine Faulders, Mike Levine, and Alexander Mallin (ABC News) | Published: 2/1/2024
Special counsel Jack Smith’s team has questioned several witnesses about a closet and a “hidden room” inside Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago that the FBI did not check while searching the estate in August 2022, sources said. The line of questioning suggests that long after the FBI seized dozens of boxes and more than 100 documents marked classified from Mar-a-Lago, Smith’s team was trying to determine if there might still be more classified material there.
Cast as Criminals, America’s Librarians Rally to Their Own Defense
Yahoo News – Elizabeth Williamson (New York Times) | Published: 2/3/2024
As America’s libraries have become noisy and sometimes dangerous new battlegrounds in the nation’s culture wars, librarians and their allies have moved from the stacks to the front lines. People who normally preside over hushed sanctuaries are now battling groups that demand the mass removal of books and seek to control library governance. Last year, more than 150 bills in 35 states aimed to restrict access to library materials, and to punish library workers who do not comply.
From the States and Municipalities
Arizona – ‘Issue of Transparency’: Arizona Coyotes’ land interest raises ethics flags for Gov. Katie Hobbs
MSN – Stacey Barchenger (Arizona Republic) | Published: 2/6/2024
After voters rejected the Arizona Coyotes’ plans to build a hockey arena and entertainment district in Tempe, the team’s chief executive officer, Xavier Gutierrez, met with Gov. Katie Hobbs. That June meeting came weeks before an application was filed to buy trust land from the Arizona State Land Department under Hobbs’ oversight. Two months later, schedules show Gutierrez had another meeting in the governor’s office. That time, Gutierrez was to meet with Hobbs’ chief of staff, Chad Campbell, a former lobbyist for the Coyotes and whose consulting firm worked on the team’s Tempe campaign before Campbell joined the Hobbs administration.
Arizona – AZ Democrat Accuses Fellow Latina Lawmakers of ‘False Imprisonment’ Over Political Differences
MSN – Ray Stern (Arizona Republic) | Published: 2/8/2024
Arizona Rep. Lydia Hernandez is accusing fellow Democratic Latino caucus members of holding her hostage in her office for more than an hour last year over political differences. Hernandez also tried to lodge a criminal complaint in January with Department of Public Safety troopers at the Capitol about the incident, which she claims occurred after weeks of bullying, bigotry, and ageism by several Democratic lawmakers.
Arizona – Why Arizonans Can’t See Gov. Katie Hobbs’ Fundraising Numbers, but Can See Others
Yahoo News – Stacey Barchenger (Arizona Republic) | Published: 2/2/2024
According to Arizona law, officeholders serving four-year terms who will run for a second term do not have to make details of their campaign finances public for three years. Prior to 2016, candidates and officeholders were required to make public reports at least every year. Under the law, Gov. Katie Hobbs does not have to publicly detail the money flowing to and from her main campaign bank account until January 2026, when she would face reelection. That leaves Arizonans in the dark for all of 2023, 2024, and 2025 as Hobbs has continued fundraising.
California – A Bill for Every Problem? Why California Lawmakers Introduce Longshots
CalMatters – Sameea Kamal | Published: 2/6/2024
It is common practice for California legislators on both sides of the aisle to author bills to make a political statement. Besides bills that are just political statements, dozens of others do not make it into law because they duplicate existing laws or are deemed “solutions in search of a problem.” Party leaders and committee chairpersons might be hard-pressed to block bill introductions.
Colorado – Supreme Court Sounds Broadly Skeptical of Efforts to Kick Trump Off Ballot over Capitol Attack
Associated Press News – Mark Sherman | Published: 2/8/2024
The Supreme Court sounded broadly skeptical of efforts to kick former President Trump off the 2024 ballot. Both conservative and liberal justices raised questions of whether Trump can be disqualified from being president again because of his efforts to undo his loss in the 2020 election, ending with the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The primary concern was whether Congress must act before states can invoke a constitutional provision that was adopted after the Civil War to prevent former officeholders who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office again.
Florida – Florida Ethics Board Plans Hearing in Miami Mayor’s Gift Case, Tosses Second Complaint
Yahoo News – Sarah Blaskey (Miami Herald) | Published: 2/1/2024
The Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed a complaint against Miami Mayor Francis Suarez that raised concerns over his use of city police officers as his private security while traveling the country campaigning for president last year. Suarez is still the subject of a second, ongoing inquiry by the commission into his attendance at high-priced sporting events. Ethics officials recently completed their months-long investigation, and a hearing date is expected to be set in regarding that case.
Florida – Government Watchdogs Warn Florida Legislation Would Have Chilling Effect in Ethics Cases
Yahoo News – Ana Ceballos and Joey Flechas (Miami Herald) | Published: 2/2/2024
As local ethics investigators dig into government scandals in Miami, state lawmakers are proposing changes that could reign them in by removing their ability to launch their own investigations into alleged public corruption and ethical violations. The Florida Senate passed a broad ethics package that would bar local ethics panels across the state from investigating misconduct by public officials unless someone with personal knowledge of wrongdoing is willing to identify themselves by name and file a complaint under oath.
Georgia – Larry David Breaks Georgia’s Voting Law in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’
DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 2/5/2024
Television comedies like “Veep” and “Parks and Recreation” have poked fun at the absurdities of national and local politics, but it is rare for them to zero in on the fine print of laws passed by state Legislatures. So, it was surprising that the end of the season premiere of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” took aim at the major voting law Georgia passed in 2021. It highlights a provision that bars third-party groups or anyone else who is not an election worker from providing food and water to voters waiting in line within a 150-foot radius of a polling place.
Illinois – Day in Court Postponed for Former Lawmaker Who Checked into Hospital on Eve of Corruption Trial
Capitol News Illinois – Hannah Meisel | Published: 2/7/2024
On what was supposed to be the third day of the corruption trial of former Illinois Sen. Sam McCann, the onetime third-party candidate for governor instead video-conferenced into U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Lawless’ courtroom from his hospital bed. McCann had checked himself into Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis after feeling unwell. McCann allegedly “engaged in a scheme to convert more than $200,000 in contributions and donations made to his campaign committees to pay himself and make personal purchases,” prosecutors allege.
Illinois – Ex-State Legislator Going on Trial on Tax Counts Stemming from Madigan Probe
Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/5/2026
Former Illinois Rep. Annazette Collins’ trial on federal tax charges began nearly three years after she was indicted amid the investigation into an alleged scheme by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. Collins, who worked as a ComEd lobbyist after her career in Springfield ended, faces charges alleging she underreported income and failed to file federal income tax returns for her lobbying and consulting firm.
Iowa – Founder of Group That Opposes Book Bans Files Ethics Complaint Against Iowa Lawmaker
Yahoo News – Chris Higgins (Des Moines Register) | Published: 2/2/2024
Sara Hayden Parris, president of Annie’s Foundation, a group that draws attention to book bans and hands out free copies of books that have been challenged or removed from libraries, filed an ethics complaint against state Rep. Jeff Shipley alleging defamation. Hayden Parris alleges Shipley broke the House ethics code and used social media to defame her and falsely accuse her of breaking the law by giving obscene material to children. Her complaint refers to a back-and-forth thread they had on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Louisiana – Campaign Cash Covers Louisiana Officials Tabs at Washington Mardi Gras
Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 2/5/2024
Each year, thousands of Louisiana residents kick off carnival season at one of the state’s premiere annual political events, Washington Mardi Gras. The four-day festival features a formal ball, industry group luncheons, panel discussions, fundraisers, and plenty of parties thrown by the politically connected. Private businesses the government regulates are among the most visible sponsors of the event. Louisiana elected officials and candidates spent a total of $605,000 from their campaign accounts and PACs on the 2023 celebration.
Maryland – Baltimore Mayoral Candidate Thiru Vignarajah Could Access Up to $1.7M in Public Money for Campaign
Yahoo News – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 2/5/2024
In his previous three bids for office, Baltimore mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah has run financially competitive campaigns, some costing upward of $1 million, fueled by donations from some of the region’s most well-funded business executives and community leaders. In 2024, Vignarajah hopes to harness hundreds of thousands of dollars in public money – potentially up to $1.7 million – to help pay for his campaign.
Michigan – Bipartisan Bills Extending FOIA to the Governor and State Lawmakers Gets Senate Hearing
Michigan Advance – Anna Liz Nichols | Published: 2/7/2024
Michigan is one of only two states that broadly exempt the governor’s office and Legislature from Freedom of Information Act requests. New legislation would remedy that, allowing residents and journalists to seek out records to increase accountability in government. But the legislation’s bipartisan sponsors reviewed various special exemptions that will be afforded to the governor’s office, lieutenant governor’s office, and Legislature outside of exemptions made for other elected officials and state agencies.
New Hampshire – New Hampshire Opens Criminal Probe into AI Calls Impersonating Biden
MSN – Cat Zakrzewski and Pranshu Verma (Washington Post) | Published: 2/6/2024
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella announced a criminal investigation into Life Corp., a Texas-based company that was allegedly behind thousands of AI-generated calls impersonating President Biden in the run-up to the state’s primary elections. A multistate task force is also preparing for potential civil litigation against the company. Formella said the actions were intended to serve notice that New Hampshire and other states will take action if they use AI to interfere in elections.
New York – Scores of N.Y. Public Housing Workers Charged in Record Corruption Case
DNyuz – Jesse McKinley, Mihir Zaveri, and Corey Kilgannon (New York Times) | Published: 2/6/2024
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan unsealed bribery and extortion charges against 70 current and former employees of the New York City Housing Authority, a sweeping indictment for a troubled organization. In describing the scheme, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said dozens of employees, including superintendents and assistant superintendents, had taken more than $2 million in bribes from contractors seeking to do work at apartment buildings throughout the city’s five boroughs.
New York – Donors to Adams’ 2025 Campaign Say They Were Secretly Reimbursed Thousands of Dollars
The City – George Joseph (The Guardian), April Xu (Documented), Yoav Gonen, Bianca Pallaro, and Haidee Chu | Published: 2/1/2024
Three donors to New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2025 re-election campaign recounted in interviews how they, and in two cases their spouses, were reimbursed for a total of more than $10,000 by hotel and construction executives in violation of state law. Suspicions of so-called straw donations spurred an indictment of a fundraising group involved in Adams’ 2021 race, which has led to two guilty pleas, and are part of a federal probe into whether they have been used to veil illegal contributions from the Turkish government.
New York – Eric Adams’ Former NYPD Colleague Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating Straw Donations
Yahoo News – Joe Anuta (Politico) | Published: 2/5/2024
A former colleague of New York City Mayor Eric Adams pleaded guilty to orchestrating a straw donor scheme that allegedly funneled tens of thousands of dollars to Adams’ 2021 campaign. Dwayne Montgomery, whose career in the police department overlapped that of Adams, pleaded guilty to one conspiracy charge. That accusation was one of several included in the original indictment that detailed a scheme to funnel illegal contributions to Adams’ run for office with the hope of reaping kickbacks.
North Dakota – North Dakota Lawmakers Scarcely Declare Conflicts of Interest
North Dakota Monitor – Mary Steurer | Published: 2/5/2024
North Dakota lawmakers are required to speak out if they believe they have a personal or private interest in the outcome of a bill, a policy intended to prevent officials from using their positions for their own personal gain. But conflict declarations are extremely rare. State lawmakers claimed conflicts on bills just three times in 2023.
Ohio – Battle Over the Ohio House: Speaker could be saddled with convicted Householder’s $1.6M debt
MSN – Jake Zuckerman and Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/7/2024
A legal fight over a $1.6 million lease backed by ex-Speaker Larry Householder’s political operation could reverberate in the expensive political battle for control of the Ohio House next year. Just before Householder’s 2020 arrest, his political operation signed a lease for an entire floor of the Chase Tower overlooking the statehouse campus. A slew of criminal convictions scuttled whatever Householder planned with the lease. Now the property managers say they are owed $1.6 million, and they want to collect from current Speaker Jason Stephens’ political arm as he fights to keep control of the chamber.
Ohio – Voting Amendment Backers Accuse Dave Yost of ‘Shameful Abuse of Power’ in New Lawsuit
MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/2/2024
Backers of a proposed constitutional amendment that would expand state voting laws have sued Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost for refusing to sign off on proposed petition language for the amendment due to its proposed title. The lawsuit asks the state Supreme Court to force Yost to approve the petition language, saying the attorney general’s office only has legal authority to determine whether it accurately summarizes the proposal, not to comment on the title, much less reject the proposal over it.
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 2/1/2024
The Oregon Supreme Court said 10 state senators who staged a walkout last year to stall bills on abortion, transgender health care, and gun rights cannot run for reelection. The ruling upholds the secretary of state’s decision to disqualify the senators under a voter-approved measure aimed at stopping such boycotts. Measure 113 amended the state constitution to bar lawmakers from reelection if they have more than 10 unexcused absences. Oregon is one of four states that requires a two-thirds majority in the Legislature to meet a quorum.
Pennsylvania – Philly Sheriff’s Campaign Takes Down Bogus ‘News’ Stories Posted to Site That Were Generated by AI
Yahoo News – Maryclaire Dale and Ali Swenson (Associated Press) | Published: 2/5/2024
The campaign team behind Philadelphia’s embattled sheriff acknowledged that a series of positive “news” stories posted to their site were generated by ChatGPT. It came after a Philadelphia Inquirer story reported that local news outlets could not find the stories in their archives. Experts say this type of misinformation can erode public trust and threaten democracy. Bilal’s campaign said the stories were based on real events.
Rhode Island – Records Show ‘Not Adequate’ Vetting of R.I. Ethics Commission Appointee
MSN – Edward Fitzpatrick (Boston Globe) | Published: 2/1/2024
A public records request showed no sign that Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee’s staff knew about the sexual harassment complaints made by six women against state Ethics Commission nominee Bryant Da Cruz until minutes after his appointment was announced. Emails and text messages regarding McKee’s ill-fated choice for the commission last November show the main question raised was whether Da Cruz could serve on the panel while working as a federal political coordinator for the National Association of Realtors.
South Dakota – South Dakota Apologizes to Transgender Advocacy Group, Will Pay $300K Over Cancelled Contract
Yahoo News – Lauren Sforza (The Hill) | Published: 2/7/2024
South Dakota will pay $300,000 and has apologized to a transgender advocacy group after the state cancelled a contract with the organization. The Transformation Project alleged its contract became a “political liability” after a conservative outlet brought it and one of the group’s planned events to Gov. Kristi Noem’s attention. The group alleged its contract was “abruptly terminated” in December 2022 “based purely on national politics.”
Tennessee – Tennessee’s Legislature Can’t Move Past the Bitter Clashes of 2023
DNyuz – Emily Cochrane (New York Times) | Published: 2/2/2024
Tennessee House Republicans in 2023 expelled state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson for leading a gun control protest on the chamber floor, and festering tensions are surfacing even before lawmakers tackle the major work of the 2024 session. With their supermajority, Republicans can easily swat away Democratic objections to their agenda. That ironclad grip has pushed both Democrats and activists to turn to more aggressive tactics to draw attention to their positions.
Texas – When Mental Health Treatment Becomes a Political Identity
DNyuz – J. David Goodman (New York Times) | Published: 2/6/2024
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has spoken openly and often about her mental health, making her struggle with depression an increasingly central part of her political identity. Hidalgo has added her name to a growing list of politicians who have chosen to be public about their mental health. But the approach remains politically risky. Consultants still point to U.S. Sen. Thomas Eagleton, whose history of mental health treatment doomed his prospects as a vice-presidential running mate in 1972.
Texas – Texas AG’s Pursuit of Transgender Medical Records Stirs Privacy Concerns
MSN – Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) | Published: 2/2/2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is using an exception in federal medical-privacy law to demand records from health-care providers far beyond his state’s borders – any hospitals, clinics, and practices that may have treated transgender youth from Texas. The aggressive attack on the LGBTQ community is one that legal experts say could pose a threat to medical privacy for all.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Grants Ballot Access to Presidential Candidate Dean Phillips
MSN – Jessie Opoien (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 2/2/2024
Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips earned a place on Wisconsin’s primary ballot, the state Supreme Court decided. The court ruled unanimously that the state’s Presidential Preference Selection Committee failed to demonstrate it exercised discretion in keeping Phillips off the ballot. Phillips has challenged similar decisions in Florida and North Carolina.
February 8, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Louisiana: “Campaign Cash Covers Louisiana Officials Tabs at Washington Mardi Gras” by Julie O’Donoghue for Louisiana Illuminator Elections Georgia: “Larry David Breaks Georgia’s Voting Law in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz Ethics National: “DOJ Report on Biden […]
Campaign Finance
Louisiana: “Campaign Cash Covers Louisiana Officials Tabs at Washington Mardi Gras” by Julie O’Donoghue for Louisiana Illuminator Elections Georgia: “Larry David Breaks Georgia’s Voting Law in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm'” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz Ethics National: “DOJ Report on Biden Classified Documents Coming Soon; No Criminal Charges” by Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN Illinois: “Ex-State Legislator Going on Trial on Tax Counts Stemming from Madigan Probe” by Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News New York: “Scores of N.Y. Public Housing Workers Charged in Record Corruption Case” by Jesse McKinley, Mihir Zaveri, and Corey Kilgannon (New York Times) for DNyuz Pennsylvania: “Philly Sheriff’s Campaign Takes Down Bogus ‘News’ Stories Posted to Site That Were Generated by AI” by Maryclaire Dale and Ali Swenson (Associated Press) for Yahoo News Legislative Issues National: “In Stunning Vote, House Republicans Fail to Impeach Secretary Mayorkas” by Jacqueline Alemany, Amy Wang, Marianna Sotomayor, and Paul Kane (Washington Post) for MSN Ohio: “Battle Over the Ohio House: Speaker could be saddled with convicted Householder’s $1.6M debt” by Jake Zuckerman and Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN |
February 7, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Maryland: “Baltimore Mayoral Candidate Thiru Vignarajah Could Access Up to $1.7M in Public Money for Campaign” by Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) for Yahoo News Elections New Hampshire: “New Hampshire Opens Criminal Probe into AI Calls Impersonating Biden” by Cat Zakrzewski and […]
February 6, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance New York: “Eric Adams’ Former NYPD Colleague Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating Straw Donations” by Joe Anuta (Politico) for Yahoo News Elections Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Supreme Court Grants Ballot Access to Presidential Candidate Dean Phillips” by Jessie Opoien (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) for MSN Ethics […]
Campaign Finance
New York: “Eric Adams’ Former NYPD Colleague Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating Straw Donations” by Joe Anuta (Politico) for Yahoo News
Elections
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Supreme Court Grants Ballot Access to Presidential Candidate Dean Phillips” by Jessie Opoien (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) for MSN
Ethics
National: “The Wild Probe into Investors of DWAC, Trump Media’s Proposed Merger Ally” by Drew Harwell (Washington Post) for MSN
Florida: “Government Watchdogs Warn Florida Legislation Would Have Chilling Effect in Ethics Cases” by Ana Ceballos and Joey Flechas (Miami Herald) for Yahoo News
National: “Oversight Board Rebukes Meta’s Policies After Altered Biden Video Spreads” by Naomi Nix (Washington Post) for MSN
Rhode Island: “Records Show ‘Not Adequate’ Vetting of R.I. Ethics Commission Appointee” by Edward Fitzpatrick (Boston Globe) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Tennessee: “Tennessee’s Legislature Can’t Move Past the Bitter Clashes of 2023” by Emily Cochrane (New York Times) for DNyuz
Lobbying
National: “Luxury Spending, Internal Strife Leave NRA Staggering Into 2024 Election” by Beth Reinhard and Sylvia Foster-Frau (Washington Post) for Anchorage Daily News
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.