January 8, 2025 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Colorado: “Election Officials Advance Campaign Finance Complaint Against State Senator Prompted by Colorado Sun Reporting” by Jesse Paul for Colorado Sun Elections Canada: “Trudeau Resigns After Nine Years in Power as Liberals Force Him Out” by Brian Platt and Thomas Seal (Bloomberg) […]
Campaign Finance
Colorado: “Election Officials Advance Campaign Finance Complaint Against State Senator Prompted by Colorado Sun Reporting” by Jesse Paul for Colorado Sun
Elections
Canada: “Trudeau Resigns After Nine Years in Power as Liberals Force Him Out” by Brian Platt and Thomas Seal (Bloomberg) for MSN
Georgia: “Giuliani Is Held in Contempt of Court, But Avoids Jail” by Erica Orden (Politico) for MSN
Minnesota: “GOP Sues Over Timing of Special Election Crucial to Minnesota House Power Balance” by Clay Masters for MPR News
North Carolina: “North Carolina Justices Block Certification of Election Outcome in Race for One of Its Own Seats” by Associated Press for MSN
Ethics
National: “Judge Aileen Cannon Temporarily Blocks Release of Special Counsel Report on Trump Cases” by Eric Tucker for Associated Press News
National: “Meta Ends Fact Checks as It Prepares for Trump Era” by Naomi Nix, Will Oremus, and Aaron Gregg (Washington Post) for MSN
Texas: “A Former Midtown Redevelopment Authority Official and Two Vendors Face Felony Charges. What’s Next?” by Mike Morris (Houston Chronicle) for MSN
January 7, 2025 •
North Carolina Campaign Contribution Limits Increase

Campaign contribution limits for individual and PAC donors in 2025 are raised from $6,400 to $6,800 per election. The State Board of Elections has calculated the new limit based on changes to the consumer price index. A notice of increase […]
Campaign contribution limits for individual and PAC donors in 2025 are raised from $6,400 to $6,800 per election.
The State Board of Elections has calculated the new limit based on changes to the consumer price index.
A notice of increase will appear in the North Carolina Register on January 15 and the new limit has already gone into effect as of January 1.
January 6, 2025 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “House Ethics Panel Recommends Further Review of Campaign Finance Allegations Against 2 Lawmakers” by Taylor Giorno (The Hill) for MSN Ethics National: “Federal Courts Won’t Refer Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to Attorney General Over Ethics” by Lindsay Whitehurst (Associated Press) […]
Campaign Finance
National: “House Ethics Panel Recommends Further Review of Campaign Finance Allegations Against 2 Lawmakers” by Taylor Giorno (The Hill) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Federal Courts Won’t Refer Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to Attorney General Over Ethics” by Lindsay Whitehurst (Associated Press) for MSN
National: “Biden Awards Liz Cheney a Presidential Medal for Challenging Jan. 6 Attack” by Maeve Reston (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Elon Musk Goes Global with His Playbook for Political Influence” by Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) for MSN
New York: “Judge Upholds Trump’s Felony Conviction, but Does Not Plan to Order Jail Time” by Shayna Jacobs and David Nakamura (Washington Post) for MSN
Lobbying
Ohio: “An Ohio Mayor’s Company Hired a Lobbyist to Weaken a State Ethics Law. The Legislature Passed It During Lame Duck.” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Texas: “Republicans Prepare Fresh Effort to Ban Local Governments from Using Public Funds for Lobbying” by Andrew Schneider for Houston Public Media
West Virginia: “Senate President Craig Blair to Take Up Leadership Position Within a Leading Lobbying and Government Relations Firm” by Katherine Skeldon for West Virginia MetroNews
January 3, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 3, 2025

National/Federal Social Media Companies Face Global Tug-of-War Over Free Speech DNyuz – Cecilia King and Adam Satariano (New York Times) | Published: 12/30/2024 Donald Trump and his allies have vowed to squash an online “censorship cartel” of social media firms they say […]
National/Federal
Social Media Companies Face Global Tug-of-War Over Free Speech
DNyuz – Cecilia King and Adam Satariano (New York Times) | Published: 12/30/2024
Donald Trump and his allies have vowed to squash an online “censorship cartel” of social media firms they say targets conservatives. Trump’s newly chosen regulators at the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission outlined plans to stop social media platforms from removing content the companies deem offensive and punish advertisers that leave less restrictive platforms like X in protest of the lack of moderation. Trump’s return to the White House is expected to widen the speech divide that has long existed between the U.S. and Europe, setting up parallel regulatory systems.
The Big Companies Funding Trump’s Inauguration Despite Denouncing Jan. 6
MSN – Rebecca Ballhaus, Dana Mattioli, Shalini Ramachandran, and Maggie Severn (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 12/25/2024
The Wall Street Journal identified at least 11 companies and trade associations that are backing Donald Trump’s inauguration after earlier pledging to suspend or reconsider PAC donations after January 6, 2021. Now, as corporate executives hurry to make inroads with an incoming president whose agenda will have sweeping ramifications for the business world, many of those pledges are a thing of the past. Donors who give $1 million or raise $2 million from others receive six tickets to a series of events, including a reception with cabinet appointees, a “candlelight dinner” with Trump and Melania Trump, and a black-tie ball.
Senate Review of Supreme Court Ethics Finds More Luxury Trips and Urges Enforceable Code of Conduct
MSN – Lindsay Whitehurst (Associated Press) | Published: 12/24/2024
A nearly two-year investigation by Democratic senators of Supreme Court ethics details more luxury travel by Justice Clarence Thomas and urges Congress to establish a way to enforce a new code of conduct. Any movement on the issue appears unlikely as Republicans prepare to take control of the Senate in January, underscoring the hurdles in imposing restrictions on a separate branch of government even as public confidence in the court has fallen to record lows.
House Ethics Report Says Matt Gaetz Paid for Sex, Possessed Drugs
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany, Justine McDaniel, and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 12/23/2024
Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz regularly paid for sex, possessed illegal drugs, and paid a 17-year-old girl for sex in 2017, according to a report released by the House Committee on Ethics on Donald Trump’s former pick for attorney general. The committee also investigated a 2018 trip Gaetz made to the Bahamas where the panel found he accepted transportation and lodging in violation of the House rules and laws on gifts.
Foreign-Company Lobbyists Would Need to Register Under Proposed DOJ Regulation
National Law Review – Dan Novak | Published: 12/27/2024
The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires certain lobbyists and organizations to register as foreign agents if they have ties to foreign governments. Under the current law, individuals working on behalf of commercial businesses are largely exempt from disclosing foreign ties under FARA. But for some entities, such as state-owned enterprises, the line between economic and political interests is thin. Under proposed changes to the law, completely private companies could no longer claim an exemption in certain situations, said Murad Hussain, an attorney who advises clients on FARA compliance and investigations.
House Member in Assisted Living Draws Fresh Scrutiny to an Aging Congress
Seattle Times – Katie Edmondson (New York Times) | Published: 12/23/2024
A conservative outlet in Texas revealed U.S. Rep. Kay Granger had not voted in the House since July and has been living in an independent living facility, an arrangement her office had not disclosed. Granger, who is 81, stepped down as the top Republican on the Appropriations Committee in March and said she would not seek reelection, but she continued to serve out the rest of her term. The episode brought renewed attention to how Capitol Hill is powered by a crop of septuagenarians and octogenarians, including some who refuse to relinquish power even far past their primes.
From the States and Municipalities
Alabama – Alabama Ethics Bill Cited in Report on Attempts to Reduce Ethics Commission Powers
Yahoo News – Ralph Chapoco (Alabama Reflector) | Published: 12/31/2024
A new report from the Campaign Legal Center found a number of efforts to reduce the power of ethics commissions, legislatively or legally, to investigate the conduct of public officials and gauge misconduct. The report comes after an attempt in the Alabama Legislature earlier this year to reclassify some ethics offenses and limit the ability of the state Ethics Commission to impose penalties. Of the 12 states included in the report, the report cited nine, including Alabama’s, as challenging ethics commissions, while two, Washington and Vermont, have strengthened ethics commissions.
Alaska – Alaska Ranked-Choice System Threatened with Fresh Repeal Efforts
MSN – Caroline Vaki and Jared Gans (The Hill) | Published: 12/30/2024
Opponents of Alaska’s ranked-choice system are renewing their efforts to overhaul the voting method ahead of 2026 after an effort to undo the system narrowly failed in November. Two groups submitted petitions that would get rid of ranked-choice voting and open primaries. One of those groups is also seeking to undo a provision aimed at offering greater transparency in campaign finance disclosures.
California – Number of Registered Lobbyists Jumps to a Record High in California
MSN – Sameea Kamal (CalMatters) | Published: 12/26/2024
California saw its biggest increase in registered lobbyists last session since at least 2011, when a change in the law caused the number to more than double. There was a roughly 10 percent increase in the number of lobbyists who registered for the 2023-24 session compared to the previous one for a record of 3,245 people. Longtime lobbyist Chris Micheli sees it as the result of the high turnover in the Legislature, leading to an “exodus of legislative staff” who went into advocacy.
Georgia – Court Rules Georgia Lawmakers Can Subpoena Fani Willis for Information Related to Her Trump Case
MSN – Kate Brumback and Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 12/27/2024
A judge ruled the Georgia Senate can subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Lewis as part of an inquiry into whether she has engaged in misconduct during her prosecution of Donald Trump but is giving Willis the chance to contest whether lawmakers’ demands are overly broad. Willis has until January 13 to submit arguments over whether the subpoenas seek legally shielded or confidential information.
Georgia – Fani Willis Disqualified from Trump Election Case by Georgia Appellate Court
MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 12/19/2024
A Georgia appellate court overturned a judge’s ruling allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to remain in charge of the criminal racketeering case against Donald Trump and several allies charged with conspiring to overturn Trump’s 2020 election loss in the state, a decision that could doom the high-profile prosecution. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee had rejected a motion to disqualify Willis and her office after she was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with an outside attorney she hired to lead the election interference case.
Hawaii – Legislature May Take a Stand Against Decades of Pay-To-Play Politics
Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 12/26/2024
Hawaii lawmakers said they plan to revisit the ban on campaign contributions from state contractors when the legislative session convenes in January. There is also momentum building in other areas meant to combat public corruption. A bigger budget is proposed for the office that monitors political donations and new ethics rules seek to crack down on the relationship between contractors and state workers.
MSN – Nell Salzman, Alice Yin, and Gregory Royal Pratt (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/25/2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson declined to resign his position with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) after a high-ranking CPS official raised ethics concerns about a potential conflict-of-interest, according to a memorandum. CPS Chief Talent Officer Ben Felton wrote a memo less than two months after the mayor’s May 2023 inauguration documenting conversations Felton had with Johnson’s deputy mayor for education, Jen Johnson, about their leaves from the Chicago Teachers Union. Members of the union can sometimes take leaves of absence to take other jobs and return later.
Illinois – Former AT&T Illinois Executive Accused of Bribing Mike Madigan Gets New Trial Date
WBEZ – Tina Sfondeles and Jon Seidel (Chicago Sun-Times) | Published: 12/19/2024
Former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza will face trial again on June 3 after his first trial ended in September with a hung jury. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Gettleman shot down La Schiazza’s bid for an acquittal, so the former executive still faces charges he bribed former House Speaker Michael Madigan in 2017 by paying $22,500 to former state Rep. Edward Acevedo after Acevedo left the Illinois General Assembly.
Indiana – Indiana Sen. Greg Taylor Out as Democratic Leader Despite Denying Sexual Harassment
Yahoo News – Tony Cook, Kayla Dwyer, and Hayleigh Colombo (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 12/18/2024
Indiana Sen. Greg Taylor is out as the chamber’s Democratic leader a day after three more women accused the lawmaker of sexual harassment. Taylor categorically denied allegations of sexual harassment, distancing himself from a previous statement in which he apologized and accepted some responsibility. In all, six women – former legislative staffers, interns, and a lobbyist – have accused Taylor of sexual harassment or misconduct.
Maine – Maine Delays Enforcement of Campaign Donor Limits
Yahoo News – Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 12/20/2024
Maine agreed to temporarily suspend the enforcement of a new law limiting contributions to super PACs until May 30, 2025, in response to a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new requirements. The Institute for Free Speech says the $5,000 contribution limit directly contradicts the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling. That decision said the First Amendment allows PACs to spend as much money as they want in elections.
Maryland – New Year, Same Old Scramble for Campaign Cash in Annapolis
Maryland Matters – Josh Kurtz | Published: 1/2/2025
Thanks to the way the 2025 calendar is aligned, this year’s General Assembly session in Maryland is opening on the earliest date possible, January 8, which means the annual pre-session scramble by lawmakers and statewide elected officials to raise money before a three-month fundraising ban goes into effect is more condensed and intense than ever. Every year, between New Year’s Day and the session kickoff, there are a mind-numbing number of fundraising events on tap as politicians scurry to fill their campaign coffers just as lobbyists, special interest groups, and political donors begin to pay attention to the policymakers’ work.
Michigan – Michigan Transparency Plans Die Again, Keeping Public in the Dark
Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 12/20/2024
The state House adjourned without taking up a Senate-approved plan to expand Michigan’s open records law to the Legislature and governor, which remains one of only two states with such broad exemptions. House leadership also never took up a package of ethics reforms aimed at curbing conflicts-of-interest and strengthening the implementation of a voter-approved personal financial disclosure system that shed little light on politicians’ entanglements.
Missouri – Missouri Ethics Commission Fines ‘Truth In Politics’ $250K for Defying Campaign Laws
Yahoo News – Claudette Riley (Springfield News-Leader) | Published: 12/28/2024
The Missouri Ethics Commission imposed a penalty of almost $250,000 against Truth In Politics, a group which primarily sought to influence the outcome of Springfield school board races. The commission found that for a two-year period, while taking in more than $127,000, Truth In Politics failed to register as a committee, report contributions and spending, and file the required campaign finance reports.
New York – Mayor Adams’ Campaign Faces Potential ‘Breach of Certification’ Finding Over Federal Corruption Case
MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 12/20/2024
Citing New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ federal corruption indictment, the Campaign Finance Board is weighing the possibility of finding his campaign in “breach of certification,” the panel’s most severe penalty that could potentially cost the campaign as much as $10 million. Danielle Willemin, the board’s auditing director, said Adams’ indictment “establishes probable cause” he committed wire fraud to illicitly obtain public matching funds for his 2021 and 2025 campaigns and solicited illegal donations from foreign nationals for both his mayoral runs.
New York – Trump Loses Appeal in $5 Million E. Jean Carroll Defamation, Sexual Abuse Case
MSN – Perry Stein and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 12/30/2024
A federal appeals court upheld a $5 million New York civil trial jury verdict that found Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. In May 2023, jurors determined Carroll had sufficiently proved she was sexually abused in a dressing room at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in the mid-1990s after a chance encounter with Trump. The jury also found Trump defamed Carroll years later on social media, after she publicly accused him of rape. The jury awarded Carroll a total of $5 million.
North Carolina – A North Carolina Supreme Court Candidate’s Bid to Overturn His Loss Is Based on Theory Election Deniers Deemed Extreme
MSN – Doug Bock Clark (ProPublica) | Published: 12/23/2024
A novel theory is now at the center of a legal challenge by North Carolina Judge Jefferson Griffin, who lost a race for a state Supreme Court seat to the Democratic incumbent, Allison Riggs, by 734 votes and is seeking to have the result overturned. The state election board dismissed a previous version of the challenge, which is now being considered in federal court. Before the election, judge denied an attempt by the Republican National Committee to remove 225,000 voters from the roles based on the same theory.
Ohio – Ohio Lawmakers Pass Surprise Law Letting Police Charge Public Up to $75 Per Hour for Body Cam Videos
MSN – Cory Shaffer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/20/2024
First Amendment and government transparency advocates said they were blindsided by a law the Ohio Legislature passed that lets police departments make it harder for the public to keep tabs on them. An amendment to the state’s sunshine laws that was slipped into the 441-page bill that was introduced and passed in an hour would give state and local law enforcement departments the power to charge up to $75 for each hour of video released in response to a public records request. The proposal, which is not mandatory, would cap the charge at $750 per request for copies of records that most departments currently provide for little to no cost.
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/30/2024
Nearly a year after a transgender Ohioan was kicked off the ballot for not putting her “deadname” on her campaign form, Secretary of State Frank LaRose altered candidate paperwork to prevent such issues from happening in the future. The Stark County Board of Elections disqualified Vanessa Joy from running for an Ohio House seat for violating a little-known state law requiring candidates filing to run for elected office to disclose any other names they have gone by in the past five years (except those who changed their last name because of marriage).
Ohio – No Trial Dates. Endless Disputes. Here’s Why the FirstEnergy Bribery Cases Are Mired in Delay
MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/29/2024
Those waiting for a resolution on the bribery cases against FirstEnergy’s chief executive officer and vice president are going to have to wait. A review of the remaining action – the criminal cases against the executives accused of orchestrating the public corruption scheme, the lawsuit against the company brought by its investors, and the regulatory investigations from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and the Securities and Exchange Commission – suggest three of the four remain mired in early stage legal squabbles unlikely to resolve quickly or easily. The cases are increasingly intersecting, with one hampering or slowing down the other.
Ohio – Former Cleveland City Councilman Basheer Jones Pleads Guilty to Federal Corruption Charges
MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/18/2024
Former Cleveland City Councilperson Basheer Jones admitted to using his influence as a first-term council member to bank money for himself and his girlfriend through nonprofits and real-estate schemes. The plea agreement calls for a recommended prison term that ranges from two years and nine months to three years and five months. Jones also agreed to pay restitution. Jones is the sixth city council member in the last two decades to be convicted of crimes in office.
Oregon – New Lobbying Regulations Introduced in Portland Aim to Enhance Transparency and Oversight
Hoodline – Samuel Hanson | Published: 12/13/2024
The city auditor’s office finalized new lobbying regulations in Portland. The adopted administrative rules pertaining to lobbying entities’ registration and reporting requirements, as well as the stipulations for city officials and enforcement protocols. One rule defines the responsibilities of lobbying entities in registering and reporting their activities, emphasizing indirect lobbying activities such as those conducted through third parties.
Pennsylvania – Are Lobbyist Emails to Lawmakers Public Records? A Pa. Court Will Decide.
MSN – Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 12/20/2024
A court case in Pennsylvania could, for the first time, result in the public gaining access to emails between the state legislators and the lobbyists who try to influence them. The case pits the news organization against the Pennsylvania Senate, which last year denied a request for emails between lawmakers and a group of lobbyists. The Senate asserted that emails do not fall under one of the 19 categories of records the Legislature must make public under the law. Those categories, which largely encompass financial records, are unique to the Legislature.
Rhode Island – RI Advocacy Group Files Complaint Over McKee’s ILO Controversy. What to Know.
MSN – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 12/19/2024
Though state Attorney General Peter Neronha found insufficient evidence to file a criminal charge against anyone connected to the award of a $5.2 million education consulting contract to ILO, Common Cause Rhode Island filed a complaint with the secretary of state against Michael Magee, a political ally of Gov. Dan McKee. Common Cause alleged Magee aggressively lobbied the executive branch to award a contract to the newly created ILO Group without officially registering as a lobbyist.
Texas – Ex-Harris County Health Director Charged with Three New Felonies in Awarding $40M-Worth of Contracts
MSN – Eric Dexheimer and Dylan McGuinness (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 12/27/2024
Barbie Robinson, the former head of the Harris County Public Health Department, was charged with three more crimes for allegedly funneling inside information to help companies she had previous connections to secure lucrative county contracts. The new allegations relate to $40 million worth of contracts given to IBM and DEMA Management & Consulting, two companies Robinson worked with previously in California. The Houston Chronicle in August reported on potentially improper connections between Robinson and DEMA. Harris County’s lead administrator, Diana Ramirez, fired her from her job just days later.
Virginia – Former Virginia Sheriff Convicted of Bribery in Badges-for-Dollars Scheme
MSN – Paul Duggan (Washington Post) | Published: 12/18/2024
Scott Jenkins, the former rural Virginia sheriff accused of deputizing wealthy untrained civilians who authorities said paid him tens of thousands of dollars for badges, was convicted of federal bribery and fraud charges. Prosecutors said Jenkins enriched himself and his campaigns by swearing in business owners from the Washington area as unpaid auxiliary deputies, giving them police powers for bribes ranging from $5,000 to $25,00, more than $60,000 in all, often in cash-stuffed envelopes.
West Virginia – Jim Justice to Delay Senate Swearing-In to Avert Knotty Succession in West Virginia
MSN – Daniela Altimari (Roll Call) | Published: 12/27/2024
When newly elected U.S. senators are sworn in January 3 at the Capitol, one member will not be there. Jim Justice says he will serve out his term as West Virginia governor and postpone joining the Senate until his gubernatorial successor is inaugurated on January 13. Justice said he wanted to avoid a scenario under which the state would shuffle through four different governors over a 10-day span.
January 2, 2025 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “The Big Companies Funding Trump’s Inauguration Despite Denouncing Jan. 6” by Rebecca Ballhaus, Dana Mattioli, Shalini Ramachandran, and Maggie Severn (Wall Street Journal) for MSN Maine: “Maine Delays Enforcement of Campaign Donor Limits” by Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) for Yahoo […]
Campaign Finance
National: “The Big Companies Funding Trump’s Inauguration Despite Denouncing Jan. 6” by Rebecca Ballhaus, Dana Mattioli, Shalini Ramachandran, and Maggie Severn (Wall Street Journal) for MSN
Maine: “Maine Delays Enforcement of Campaign Donor Limits” by Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) for Yahoo News
Elections
Ohio: “Ohio Secretary of State’s Office Moves to Keep Little-Known Law from Tripping Up Transgender Candidates’ Campaigns” by Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Ethics
Alabama: “Alabama Ethics Bill Cited in Report on Attempts to Reduce Ethics Commission Powers” by Ralph Chapoco (Alabama Reflector) for Yahoo News
Illinois: “Mayor Brandon Johnson Faced Ethics Concerns Over Ties to Chicago Public Schools and Teachers Union, According to Memo” by Nell Salzman, Alice Yin, and Gregory Royal Pratt (Chicago Tribune) for MSN
Michigan: “Michigan Transparency Plans Die Again, Keeping Public in the Dark” by Simon Schuster for Bridge Michigan
National: “Social Media Companies Face Global Tug-of-War Over Free Speech” by Cecilia King and Adam Satariano (New York Times) for DNyuz
New York: “Trump Loses Appeal in $5 Million E. Jean Carroll Defamation, Sexual Abuse Case” by Perry Stein and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN
Virginia: “Former Virginia Sheriff Convicted of Bribery in Badges-for-Dollars Scheme” by Paul Duggan (Washington Post) for MSN
December 31, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Hawaii: “Legislature May Take a Stand Against Decades of Pay-To-Play Politics” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat Missouri: “Missouri Ethics Commission Fines ‘Truth In Politics’ $250K for Defying Campaign Laws” by Claudette Riley (Springfield News-Leader) for Yahoo News Elections Georgia: “Court Rules […]
Campaign Finance
Hawaii: “Legislature May Take a Stand Against Decades of Pay-To-Play Politics” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat
Missouri: “Missouri Ethics Commission Fines ‘Truth In Politics’ $250K for Defying Campaign Laws” by Claudette Riley (Springfield News-Leader) for Yahoo News
Elections
Georgia: “Court Rules Georgia Lawmakers Can Subpoena Fani Willis for Information Related to Her Trump Case” by Kate Brumback and Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for MSN
Ethics
National: “House Ethics Report Says Matt Gaetz Paid for Sex, Possessed Drugs” by Jacqueline Alemany, Justine McDaniel, and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) for MSN
Ohio: “No Trial Dates. Endless Disputes. Here’s Why the FirstEnergy Bribery Cases Are Mired in Delay” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Legislative Issues
National: “House Member in Assisted Living Draws Fresh Scrutiny to an Aging Congress” by Katie Edmondson (New York Times) for Seattle Times
Lobbying
California: “Number of Registered Lobbyists Jumps to a Record High in California” by Sameea Kamal (CalMatters) for MSN
National: “Foreign-Company Lobbyists Would Need to Register Under Proposed DOJ Regulation” by Dan Novak for National Law Review
December 26, 2024 •
GAO Publishes Report on Public Financing Programs

On December 19, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report on public financing programs in selected states and localities. The report, required by the 2023 federal appropriations bill, attempts to describe several key characteristics of public campaign financing […]
On December 19, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report on public financing programs in selected states and localities.
The report, required by the 2023 federal appropriations bill, attempts to describe several key characteristics of public campaign financing programs in selected states and localities, such as grant funding, matching funds plans, voucher programs, and qualification and participation requirements.
The GAO also interviewed officials from nine programs to obtain perspectives on candidate participation and reasons for and for not participating in the programs.
Additionally, the report looks at the various legal frameworks of the programs and how observations of campaign financing programs in other states and localities influenced aspects of the respondents’ own program structures.
According to the report, which is relying on a 2024 Brennan Center for Justice report, 14 states and 26 localities offer programs through which candidates running for state or local offices can use public funds to finance their campaigns.
December 23, 2024 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance New York: “Mayor Adams’ Campaign Faces Potential ‘Breach of Certification’ Finding Over Federal Corruption Case” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for MSN Elections Georgia: “Fani Willis Disqualified from Trump Election Case by Georgia Appellate Court” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) […]
Campaign Finance
New York: “Mayor Adams’ Campaign Faces Potential ‘Breach of Certification’ Finding Over Federal Corruption Case” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for MSN
Elections
Georgia: “Fani Willis Disqualified from Trump Election Case by Georgia Appellate Court” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
Illinois: “Former AT&T Illinois Executive Accused of Bribing Mike Madigan Gets New Trial Date” by Tina Sfondeles and Jon Seidel (Chicago Sun-Times) for WBEZ
Ohio: “Former Cleveland City Councilman Basheer Jones Pleads Guilty to Federal Corruption Charges” by Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Indiana: “Indiana Sen. Greg Taylor Out as Democratic Leader Despite Denying Sexual Harassment” by Tony Cook; Kayla Dwyer, and Hayleigh Colombo (Indianapolis Star) for Yahoo News
Lobbying
Oregon: “New Lobbying Regulations Introduced in Portland Aim to Enhance Transparency and Oversight” by Samuel Hanson for Hoodline
Pennsylvania: “Are Lobbyist Emails to Lawmakers Public Records? A Pa. Court Will Decide.” by Angela Couloumbis for Spotlight PA
Rhode Island: “RI Advocacy Group Files Complaint Over McKee’s ILO Controversy. What to Know.” by Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) for MSN
December 20, 2024 •
News You Can Use Digest – December 20, 2024

National/Federal A Constitutional Convention? Some Democrats Fear It’s Coming. DNyuz – Heather Knight and Katr Selig (New York Times) | Published: 12/16/2024 As Republicans prepare to take control of Congress and the White House, among the many scenarios keeping Democrats up at […]
National/Federal
A Constitutional Convention? Some Democrats Fear It’s Coming.
DNyuz – Heather Knight and Katr Selig (New York Times) | Published: 12/16/2024
As Republicans prepare to take control of Congress and the White House, among the many scenarios keeping Democrats up at night is an event that many Americans consider a historical relic: a constitutional convention. The 1787 gathering in Philadelphia to write the Constitution was the only time state representatives have convened to work on the document. But a line in the Constitution allows Congress to convene a rewrite session if two-thirds of state Legislatures have called for one. Most states have long-forgotten requests that could be enough to trigger a new constitutional convention, some scholars and politicians believe.
New Watchdog Group Seeks Records About Efficiency Department’s Talks with Agencies
DNyuz – David Fahrenthold (New York Times) | Published: 12/18/2024
A watchdog nonprofit said it was asking 16 federal agencies to detail any interactions they have had with Elon Musk’s new budget-cutting effort. The State Democracy Defenders Fund was founded by Norman Eisen, who was an ethics official during the Obama administration. The group says its initial focus during the Trump administration will be the Department of Government Efficiency Department, which is not a government department, but a loosely organized effort run by Musk and another wealthy entrepreneur, Vivek Ramaswamy.
Justice Dept. Is Examining Special-Counsel Team That Investigated Trump
MSN – Perry Stein and Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 12/18/2024
The Justice Department is conducting an internal review to determine whether special counsel Jack Smith and his team of prosecutors ran afoul of any agency regulations when prosecuting Donald Trump. The Office of Professional Responsibility opened the review after a prosecutor reported a defense attorney in one of Trump’s cases had accused him of misconduct. It is standard procedure for Justice Department prosecutors to make such reports when wrongdoing is alleged. The initiation of an internal review does not suggest the Justice Department believes any wrongdoing occurred.
More Former Members of Congress Win Election for Lower Office This Year
MSN – Nathan Gonzales (Roll Call) | Published: 12/18/2024
While hundreds of candidates spend tens of millions of dollars trying to get to Capitol Hill, a handful of lawmakers willingly leave Congress each cycle and run for state or local office. Inside the Beltway, the move is often portrayed as a demotion, but some of these former members find themselves representing more people in their new roles, along with having more influence and a better quality of life than when they served in Washington.
Opaque Nonprofit Donation to Shadowy Super PAC Raises ‘Several Red Flags’
MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 12/12/2024
The super PAC Save Western Culture drew scrutiny ahead of the election as it spent nearly $1.4 million on controversial ads, mailers, and robocalls that boosted libertarian candidates and attacked Republicans in battleground Senate and House races, helping Democrats clinch some key seats. A $1.6 million donation the super PAC’s sole source of funding, from a newly formed nonprofit called Stop China Now Inc. was not disclosed until after Election Day.
Thirteen 2020 Fake Electors Will Cast Real Electoral College Votes for Trump on Tuesday
MSN – Marshall Cohen (CNN) | Published: 12/17/2024
Thirteen Republicans who participated in the 2020 fake electors plot, including some who are facing criminal charges, cast real Electoral College votes for President-elect Donald Trump, as electors in the states finalize his victory. The voting is largely ceremonial, but serving as an elector is an honor often bestowed upon party leaders and respected community members, not alleged criminals.
Judges Punt Retirement Plans After Trump Win, Raising Ethics Questions
MSN – Ella Lee (The Hill) | Published: 12/18/2024
A handful of federal judges appointed by Democrats have put off retirement plans in the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory, raising questions about the ethics of their decisions as judicial vacancies for the next administration dwindle. Legal experts said judges have discretion to decide when to retire, and while walk-backs are rare, it has become increasingly common to hinge those decisions on who is in the White House to pick their successors and in the Senate to confirm them.
House Ethics Committee Set to Release Investigation Report on Matt Gaetz
MSN – Jacqueline Alemany and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 12/18/2024
The House Committee on Ethic is set to release its report on former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a reversal for the panel that previously voted along party lines not to release the results of a long-running investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. The committee’s turnaround was the culmination of a contentious debate over whether to release the report after Gaetz had resigned from Congress and withdrawn from consideration for attorney general.
New Charges Target Ex-Miami Congressman for Lobbying on Behalf of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tycoon
MSN – Joshua Goodman (Associated Press) | Published: 12/18/2024
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against former David Rivera for failing to register as a foreign agent of a sanctioned Venezuelan media tycoon on whose behalf the former member of Congress allegedly lobbied the Trump administration. The indictment is the second set of criminal charges to examine Rivera’s relationship with Raúl Gorrín, a billionaire businessperson charged in 2018 and again in 2024 with bribing senior Venezuelan officials in corrupt deals to embezzle state funds from Nicolas Maduro’s administration.
Trump and His Picks Threaten More Lawsuits Over Critical Coverage
Seattle Times – David Enrich (New York Times) | Published: 12/15/2024
A flurry of threatened defamation lawsuits is the latest sign the incoming Trump administration appears poised to do what it can to crack down on unfavorable media coverage. Before and after the election, Trump and his allies have discussed subpoenaing news organizations, prosecuting journalists and their sources, revoking networks’ broadcast licenses, and eliminating funding for public radio and television.
Massages and Country Clubs: Customer bills may be funding power companies’ lavish perks
Yahoo News – Mario Alejandro Ariza (Floodlight) | Published: 12/12/2024
Power companies across the country have been quietly trying to charge their customers for millions of dollars’ worth of luxury expenses, including access to exclusive country clubs and private jet travel, according to a new report from the Energy and Policy Institute , a utility watchdog. The regulated companies are only supposed to charge for expenses that directly benefit customers, such as upgrades to the electric grid. But the regulatory system allows gas and electric companies to also charge nonessential lobbying and advertising costs into customers’ electric bills, the report found.
From the States and Municipalities
Arizona – GOP-Linked Groups Want Court to End Voter-Approved Campaign Finance Requirements
Arizona Daily Star – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 12/16/2024
Two groups that support Republicans are making a last-ditch effort to have the Arizona Supreme Court end campaign finance requirements that voters have approved. The goal of their legal effort is to let them keep secret who really is funding their efforts to influence elections. Lawyers for the Arizona Free Enterprise Club and the Center for Arizona Policy argue Proposition 211, adopted by voters in 2022, violates the free speech clause in the state constitution.
California – Los Angeles Times Owner Wades Deeper into Opinion Section
DNyuz – Katie Robinson (New York Times) | Published: 12/12/2024
After Donald Trump announced a cascade of cabinet picks, the Los Angeles Times prepared an editorial arguing the Senate should follow its traditional process for confirming nominees, particularly given the editorial board’s concerns about some of his picks and ignore Trump’s call for recess appointments. But the newspaper’s owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, told the opinion department’s leaders the editorial could not be published unless the paper also published an editorial with an opposing view.
California – Sales Tax Hike May Head to Special Election in April. Oakland Public Watchdog Funding Will Not
MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 12/16/2024
The Oakland City council voted down a proposal to increase funding for the city’s oversight bodies, which carry out duties ranging from monitoring the police department to enforcing campaign finance rules. The tax would have raised $23.2 million yearly to fund the Public Ethics Commission, the city auditor, and two arms of the Oakland Police Commission. Good government advocates said these groups would be better shielded from political meddling if they had funding from dedicated tax dollars instead of relying on money from the general purpose fund, which the council has significant control over.
California – New Stanton City Council Nixes Tightest Campaign Finance Rules in OC
Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 12/17/2024
The Stanton City Council decided to get rid of an ordinance before it went into effect that would have been the strongest campaign finance law in Orange County minutes after two new council members were sworn into office. Mayor David Shawver, who earlier voted in support of the ordinance, argued it was contrary to state law and would leave the city liable to lawsuits.
California – California Lawmaker Questioned in Sprawling Cannabis Corruption Investigation
Yahoo News – Anabel Sosa (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/12/2024
Documents made public by federal prosecutors allege a public official who fits the profile of California Sen. Susan Rubio was part of sprawling bribery scheme when she served on the Baldwin Park City Council and campaigned for state office in 2018. The information was revealed in a plea agreement in which former Baldwin Park City Attorney Robert Tafoya admitted his role in a cannabis bribery scheme and agreed to cooperate in ongoing public corruption investigations.
Colorado Sun – Jesse Paul | Published: 12/18/2024
A constituent of embattled Colorado Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis lodged an ethics complaint, alleging Jaquez Lewis has failed to uphold her office with integrity and the public interest by mistreating her Capitol aides. The complaint could lead to the most serious consequences yet for Jaquez Lewis, who has already been stripped of her committee assignments and barred from having state-paid staffers because of the aide allegations.
Colorado – Denver Gave $8M to Political Candidates in 2023. Now, It’s Considering Changes
Denverite – Kyle Harris | Published: 12/18/2024
The Denver City Council is considering changes to the city’s Fair Election Fund, a voter-approved program that gives public money to political candidates. The program has been praised for allowing more people to be competitive in fundraising, but it also has raised concerns as the city has awarded millions of taxpayer dollars to dozens of candidates.
District of Columbia – D.C. Council Committee Recommends Expelling Trayon White Over Rules Violations
MSN – Meagan Flynn and Jenny Gathright (Washington Post) | Published: 12/16/2024
A District of Columbia Council ad hoc committee voted to recommend that council member Trayon White Sr. be expelled from the council after an investigative report found “substantial evidence” he violated ethics rules when he allegedly accepted tens of thousands of dollars in bribes involving government contracts. The vote means the council may vote to expel White in early 2025. White, who has pleaded not guilty in a federal bribery case, will have at least 30 days to prepare a defense to his proposed expulsion.
Florida – Questions of ‘Pay to Play’ Linger Over Santa Rosa GOP Candidate Forum
MSN – Jim Little (Pensacola News Journal) | Published: 12/16/2024
Some candidates in the special election to fill the congressional seat vacated by Matt Gaetz felt like they had no choice but to donate $1000 to the Santa Rosa County Republican Executive Committee to participate in a candidate forum which has raised allegations of pay-to-play from one local lawmaker. State Rep. Alex Andrade said he is looking into the situation to decide whether to notify the Florida Division of Elections about the donation request he believes violated the law.
Illinois – Judge Denies Acquittal Bid for Ex-AT&T Boss Accused of Bribing Madigan
MSN – Jason Meisner and Megan Crepeau (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/12/2024
Three months after his trial ended in a hung jury, ex-AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza’s bid for acquittal was denied by a federal judge, who ruled prosecutors had shown ample evidence of a quid pro quo scheme to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. The ruling not only sets the stage for a potential retrial for La Schiazza, but also comes as jurors in Madigan’s own corruption trial are hearing the same evidence of the alleged scheme to steer a do-nothing contract to ex-state Rep. Edward Acevedo to help win the powerful speaker’s support on key legislation in Springfield.
Illinois – Paper Tigers
MSN – Dan Petrella and Gregory Royal Pratt (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/15/2024
A key factor in Illinois’ pervasive political corruption is that public officials create systems of oversight that often thwart accountability for elected officials and government employees. A review of Illinois and Chicago ethics laws found consistent weaknesses, including restrictions on the types of misconduct watchdogs are permitted to probe, a lack of transparency when wrongdoing is uncovered because of limitations on how the results of investigations can be made public, and limited ability to impose sanctions on those found to have broken laws or ethics rules.
Iowa – Trump Sues Des Moines Register and Iowa Pollster, Escalating Attacks on Media
MSN – Elahe Izadi, Laura Wagner, and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2024
Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register newspaper and its highly respected former pollster, adding to his ongoing legal attacks against news media companies. The suit – which names the newspaper’s parent company, Gannett, its former pollster J. Ann Selzer, and her polling firm – centers on a Selzer poll released three days before the presidential election that showed trailing Vice President Kamala Harris.
Maine – Maine Sued Over New Voter-Approved Campaign Finance Limits
Yahoo News – Randy Billings (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 12/13/2024
A national conservative group is suing to overturn new campaign finance limits approved by Maine voters in November. The Institute for Free Speech argues the initiative violates the Constitution by limiting free speech and forcing groups to disclose their donors, including those who donate less than $50. The Institute says the new law would prevent PACs from spending money they have already raised and unfairly excludes PACs controlled by political parties and those campaigning for ballot questions.
Massachusetts – Boston Considers Ethics Committee After City Councilor’s Arrest on Corruption Charges
MSN – Tréa Lavery (MassLive) | Published: 12/11/2024
At the first Boston City Council meeting since Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested by federal authorities and accused of running a kickback scheme, fellow Councilor Ed Flynn proposed creating a new committee focused on ethics. The charges are not the first scandal, or even the first arrest, to hit the city council in recent years.
Massachusetts – Fed Subpoena Revealed: Investigators wanted Fernandes Anderson’s notes, chats, images and more
MSN – Gayla Cawley and Joe Dwinell (Boston Herald) | Published: 12/17/2024
The federal grand jury subpoena sent to Boston City Hall in September set forth wide-ranging demands for detailed copies of now indicted Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson’s emails, drafts, and “Lotus notes” in a kickback probe that left no stone unturned. It also lists 22 secretaries and administrative assistants who have served under Fernandes Anderson in some capacity. The subpoena suggests they were at the crossroads of “electronic communications: of Fernandes Anderson’s alleged $7,000 kickback scheme.
Deadline Detroit – Jack Armstrong, Miranda Dunlap, Lily Guiney, Andrew Miller-Thomas, Sarah Moore, and Chloe Trofatter (Eye on Michigan) | Published: 12/17/2024
A media investigation found Michigan’s system for tracking what lobbyists give to lawmakers is flawed, rife with loopholes, and relies on the honor system. Problems with the state’s attempt to bring transparency to officials’ interactions with lobbyists are compounded because many of the lawmakers who took the most gifts refuse to discuss why they accepted hundreds of free meals and trips. Despite the flaws in the system, Eye On Michigan found lobbyists spent more than $6.3 million on state lawmakers and officials between 2001 and 2023.
New York – $100,000 Loan for Porsche at Center of Charges Against Former Adams Aide
DNyuz – William Rashbaum, Dana Rubenstein, and Michael Rothfeld (New York Times) | Published: 12/18/2024
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former chief adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, is expected to surrender on bribery charges involving two businesspeople who gave her son a $100,000 loan to buy a Porsche, several people with knowledge of the matter said. Her son, Glenn Martin II, and the other two men were also expected to surrender for arraignment on the charges, which are being brought by the Manhattan district attorney. The accusations grew out of a broad corruption investigation focused on Lewis-Martin, who recently announced her resignation hours before it was reported a grand jury was hearing evidence against her.
New York – US Supreme Court Leaves Former New York Lieutenant Governor’s Corruption Case Alive
MSN – Luc Cohen (Reuters) | Published: 12/16/2024
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear former New York Lieutenant Gov. Brian Benjamin’s challenge to corruption charges in a case that involves the scope of federal bribery law, allowing the case to proceed. The Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office in 2022 charged Benjamin with funneling a $50,000 state grant to developer Gerald Migdol in exchange for the campaign contributions.
New York – N.Y. Judge Denies Trump’s Motion to Throw Out Hush Money Conviction
MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 12/16/2024
A judge denied a motion by Donald Trump’s lawyers to throw out the president-elect’s 34-count felony conviction based on a broad U.S. Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan ruled the high court’s expansion of presidential immunity did not negate Trump’s conviction for falsifying business records connected to a hush money payment to an adult-film actress.
New York – New York City Mayor’s Campaign Denied Millions in Public Matching Funds
MSN – Joe Anuta and Jeff Coltn (Politico) | Published: 12/16/2024
The New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) announced it was withholding public matching money from Mayor Eric Adams’ reelection campaign, citing a federal criminal case against Adams involving straw donors and his campaign’s noncompliance with the board’s inquiries. The mayor had asked for $4.5 million. CFB Chairperson Frederick Schaffer noted Adams’ campaign would be able to appeal the decision.
New York – GOP Accuses Democrats of Rigging NY Public Campaign Finance System
MSN – Brendan Lyons (Albany Times Union) | Published: 12/13/2024
State Republican lawmakers are accusing Democrats on the New York Public Campaign Finance Board of ramming through a resolution that changed the rules governing campaign funds to retroactively benefit multiple Democratic candidates who had transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee. Republicans contend the resolution had not been on the board’s agenda. Democrats approved a resolution that allows transfers using non-public matching funds to be included in a surplus calculation for the total campaign expenditures.
North Carolina – NC Settlement with Robinson Campaign Over Errors Revealed
Carolina Public Press – Sarah Michels | Published: 12/18/2024
Nearly four years after it began, an investigation into the financial reporting of North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s campaign in 2020 has been completed, leading to fines and a settlement. Robinson’s campaign committee agreed to pay the State Board of Elections $35,000. In return, the board will not pursue any action against Robinson in court or require his committee to pay for the costs of the multi-year investigation.
North Carolina – NC Groups Host Desirable Trips Where NC Lawmakers, Lobbyists Can Mingle. Who Pays?
MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 12/13/2024
Lobbyists and their clients are generally prohibited from taking North Carolina lawmakers on trips, or even buying them a meal. Legislative scandals 20 years ago pushed state legislators to pass a ban on most gifts from lobbyists and their clients. The law allows for exceptions, such as travel for some educational meetings. But social welfare nonprofits, labeled 501(c)(4)s in the federal tax code, have close ties to some state politicians. This year, two of the nonprofits were found to have hosted out-of-state trips with influential state lawmakers.
Ohio – Jimmy Dimora’s Sentence Commuted by President Joe Biden
MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/12/2024
President Biden commuted the sentence of disgraced former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, ending his punishment for widespread corruption that landed him in prison for more than a decade and caused a complete overhaul of the county’s government. Dimora’s 2010 arrest exposed a corrupt scheme that he orchestrated with Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo. The duo gave county contracts to companies in exchange for money, trips, gifts, and favors.
Ohio – Republicans Stoked Fears of Noncitizens Voting. Ohio Shows How Rhetoric and Reality Diverge.
MSN – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 12/15/2024
Before the November presidential election, Ohio’s secretary of state and attorney general announced investigations into potential voter fraud that included people suspected of casting ballots even though they were not U.S. citizens. It coincided with a national Republican messaging strategy warning that potentially thousands of ineligible voters would be voting. The outcome and the stories of some of those now facing charges illustrate the gap between the rhetoric about noncitizen voting and reality. It is rare, is caught and prosecuted when it does happen, and does not occur as part of a coordinated scheme to throw elections.
MSN – Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 12/17/2024
The deputy director of Portland’s public campaign finance program resigned abruptly in November, accusing his boss of bullying behavior and widespread mismanagement. Daniel Lewkow alleged Small Donor Elections head Susan Mottet fostered a toxic work environment that made his job untenable. Mottet characterizing her former deputy as a disgruntled subordinate who repeatedly failed “to perform his job competently.” The allegations mark the latest in a series of setbacks that have dogged the program.
Pennsylvania – Campaign Funds, Secretive Nonprofit Pay for Josh Shapiro’s Sports Tickets
Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 12/17/2024
Gov. Josh Shapiro viewed a Villanova University basketball recently alongside a coach who has won two national championships. A few days later, he watched the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shapiro paid for neither ticket out of pocket. He attended the Villanova game on the dime of Team PA, a nonprofit that spent at least $12,000 last year on sports tickets for Shapiro. Its donors are anonymous. The NFL ticket was “covered with campaign funds,” said Shapiro spokesperson Manuel Bonder, who did not answer a question about whether the governor used money from his campaign fund to buy the ticket or if the ticket itself was donated.
South Carolina – ‘Questionable’ Transactions and Bowl Games. USC Office Misspent $1.7M in Public Funds, Audit Says
MSN – Alexa Jurado (The State) | Published: 12/11/2024
Using public funds for trips to the 2022 Gator Bowl, consistent overspending, and “questionable” financial transactions by a University of South Carolina office and its affiliates, are among findings in a critical new report by the state;s Legislative Audit Council. An investigation spanning 26 months found that the university’s Office of Economic Engagement misspent $1.7 million of grant money and potentially violated state ethics codes.
Texas – Watson, Greco Ethics Complaints Dismissed a Month after Austin’s Mayoral Election
Yahoo News – Kate Winkle (KXAN) | Published: 12/13/2024
The Austin Ethics Review Commission ruled Mayor Kirk Watson and mayoral candidate Doug Greco did not break campaign finance rules during the recent election. Watson and Greco were accused of exceeding the amount of money they can accept from those outside the city: $46,000. Because there is no requirement for donors to tell campaigns their home address, tracking whether campaigns are in compliance can be a challenge, according to James Cousar, who represented Watson in his preliminary hearing.
December 19, 2024 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance California: “New Stanton City Council Nixes Tightest Campaign Finance Rules in OC” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC Oregon: “Portland Public Campaign Finance Deputy Slams Program Head in Searing Resignation; Director Fires Back” by Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) for MSN […]
Campaign Finance
California: “New Stanton City Council Nixes Tightest Campaign Finance Rules in OC” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC
Oregon: “Portland Public Campaign Finance Deputy Slams Program Head in Searing Resignation; Director Fires Back” by Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) for MSN
Ethics
California: “Los Angeles Times Owner Wades Deeper into Opinion Section” by Katie Robinson (New York Times) for DNyuz
National: “Judges Punt Retirement Plans After Trump Win, Raising Ethics Questions” by Ella Lee (The Hill) for MSN
National: “House Ethics Committee Set to Release Investigation Report on Matt Gaetz” by Jacqueline Alemany and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) for MSN
Illinois: “Paper Tigers” by Dan Petrella and Gregory Royal Pratt (Chicago Tribune) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “New Charges Target Ex-Miami Congressman for Lobbying on Behalf of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tycoon” by Joshua Goodman (Associated Press) for MSN
Michigan: “Lobbyists Spend Millions Wining and Dining Michigan Lawmakers, But Flawed System Prevents Public from Knowing Specifics” by Jack Armstrong, Miranda Dunlap, Lily Guiney, Andrew Miller-Thomas, Sarah Moore, and Chloe Trofatter (Eye on Michigan) for Deadline Detroit
December 18, 2024 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance New York: “US Supreme Court Leaves Former New York Lieutenant Governor’s Corruption Case Alive” by Luc Cohen (Reuters) for MSN Elections National: “Thirteen 2020 Fake Electors Will Cast Real Electoral College Votes for Trump on Tuesday” by Marshall Cohen (CNN) for MSN […]
Campaign Finance
New York: “US Supreme Court Leaves Former New York Lieutenant Governor’s Corruption Case Alive” by Luc Cohen (Reuters) for MSN
Elections
National: “Thirteen 2020 Fake Electors Will Cast Real Electoral College Votes for Trump on Tuesday” by Marshall Cohen (CNN) for MSN
Florida: “Questions of ‘Pay to Play’ Linger Over Santa Rosa GOP Candidate Forum” by Jim Little (Pensacola News Journal) for MSN
Ohio: “Republicans Stoked Fears of Noncitizens Voting. Ohio Shows How Rhetoric and Reality Diverge.” by Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) for MSN
Ethics
California: “Sales Tax Hike May Head to Special Election in April. Oakland Public Watchdog Funding Will Not” by Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) for MSN
Massachusetts: “Fed Subpoena Revealed: Investigators wanted Fernandes Anderson’s notes, chats, images and more” by Gayla Cawley and Joe Dwinell (Boston Herald) for MSN
New York: “N.Y. Judge Denies Trump’s Motion to Throw Out Hush Money Conviction” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN
Pennsylvania: “Campaign Funds, Secretive Nonprofit Pay for Josh Shapiro’s Sports Tickets” by Stephen Caruso for Spotlight PA
December 17, 2024 •
Texas Lobbying and Campaign Finance Thresholds Increase

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Lobbying and campaign finance thresholds increase January 1, 2025, to reflect changes in the consumer price index. The thresholds for lobbyist compensation and reimbursement increased from $1,870 to $1,930. Lobbyist expenditures increased from $940 to $970 per calendar quarter, not […]
Lobbying and campaign finance thresholds increase January 1, 2025, to reflect changes in the consumer price index.
The thresholds for lobbyist compensation and reimbursement increased from $1,870 to $1,930.
Lobbyist expenditures increased from $940 to $970 per calendar quarter, not including expenditures for an individual’s travel, food, lodging, or membership dues.
If a lobbyist does not intend to exceed $2,220 during a calendar year in expenditures, the lobbyist may file an annual report due on January 10.
Salary reporting thresholds have also increased.
Compensation or reimbursement required to be reported must be reported as an exact amount if the compensation or reimbursement received exceeds $1,112,200.
Regarding campaign finance, a general-purpose and specific-purpose committee may not accept political contributions or expenditures totaling more than $1,080 without filing a campaign treasurer appointment.
Other changes include the threshold at which a contribution from an out-of-state PAC requires certain paperwork increased from $1,080 to $1,110.
December 17, 2024 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Arizona: “GOP-Linked Groups Want Court to End Voter-Approved Campaign Finance Requirements” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star New York: “New York City Mayor’s Campaign Denied Millions in Public Matching Funds” by Joe Anuta and Jeff Coltn (Politico) for […]
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “GOP-Linked Groups Want Court to End Voter-Approved Campaign Finance Requirements” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star
New York: “New York City Mayor’s Campaign Denied Millions in Public Matching Funds” by Joe Anuta and Jeff Coltn (Politico) for MSN
Texas: “Watson, Greco Ethics Complaints Dismissed a Month after Austin’s Mayoral Election” by Kate Winkle (KXAN) for Yahoo News
Ethics
California: “California Lawmaker Questioned in Sprawling Cannabis Corruption Investigation” by Anabel Sosa (Los Angeles Times) for Yahoo News
Washington DC: “D.C. Council Committee Recommends Expelling Trayon White Over Rules Violations” by Meagan Flynn and Jenny Gathright (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Trump and His Picks Threaten More Lawsuits Over Critical Coverage” by David Enrich (New York Times) for Seattle Times
South Carolina: “‘Questionable’ Transactions and Bowl Games. USC Office Misspent $1.7M in Public Funds, Audit Says” by Alexa Jurado (The State) for MSN
Legislative Issues
National: “A Constitutional Convention? Some Democrats Fear It’s Coming.” by Heather Knight and Katr Selig (New York Times) for DNyuz
December 16, 2024 •
Ask the Experts – Contribution Limits for Parent Corporations, Subsidiaries, and Other Affiliated Entities

Image by ToonPhotoClub (Getty Images)
Q: My employer is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a parent corporation. Does a parent corporation, a subsidiary, or other affiliated entity have its own contribution limit or must the contributions be aggregated and have a shared limit? A: The answer […]
Q: My employer is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a parent corporation. Does a parent corporation, a subsidiary, or other affiliated entity have its own contribution limit or must the contributions be aggregated and have a shared limit?
A: The answer varies and is jurisdiction-dependent. If a limit is shared, the parent, subsidiary, or other affiliated entity must have an open line of communication when it comes to making political contributions.
In California, a parent and subsidiary share a contribution limit if the decision to make a contribution is directed and controlled by a majority of the same persons. If the parent and subsidiary act wholly independent of each other in deciding to make a contribution, the parent and subsidiary each have their own limit.
In New Jersey, if a corporation has subsidiaries, affiliates, branches, or locals then the contributions of these organizations cannot exceed the applicable contribution limit in the aggregate. Two or more corporations will be conclusively deemed to be affiliated if:
- Any individual, corporation, partnership, company, association, or other entity owns, directly or indirectly, more than a 30 percent interest in each of such corporations; or
- One such corporation owns, directly or indirectly, more than a 30 percent interest in the other such corporation.
In New York, an organization financially supported by a corporation may not make expenditures for political purposes (including contributions to candidates, political parties, and political committees) in excess of $5,000 in the aggregate in any calendar year.
An organization financially supported by a corporation is an entity, among other things, run by the corporation, features no discernible differences between the organization and the corporation, and is simply doing the corporation’s business under a different name. If a political committee is created by a corporation, but is run separately and distinctly, then it is not an organization financially supported by a corporation and is not subject to the $5,000 yearly contribution limit.
Each affiliated or subsidiary corporation, if a separate legal entity, has its own limit.
These are just a few broad examples of aggregation of limits. As always, we advise you follow best practice to verify the rules in your jurisdiction before making political contributions.
For more information, be sure to check out the “Contribution” section of the U.S. Political Contributions Compliance Laws online publication. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
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.