Campaign Finance

National: “Twitter Will Begin Labeling Political Ads About Issues Such as Immigration” by Tony Romm (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune

Elections

National: “Ex-CIA Officer’s Full Personnel File Released in ‘Human Error,’ Postal Service Admits” by Laura Vozzella (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune

Texas: “Beto O’Rourke Dreams of One Texas. Ted Cruz Sees Another Clearly.” by Matt Flegenheimer (New York Times) for WRAL

Ethics

Georgia: “Auditor: Ex-Atlanta mayor wasn’t authorized to give bonuses” by Associated Press for WSB

Pennsylvania: “Ex-Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer Guilty on All Counts” by Peter Hall for Allentown Morning Call

Lobbying

National: “Washington Consultant for Ukraine Party Pleads Guilty to Violating Lobbyist Disclosure Law” by Spencer Hsu and Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) for The News Times

California: “AT&T’s Top California Lobbyist Dodges Gift Ban and Ethics Requirements” by Donald Shaw for Sludge

Texas: “Amid Manafort Scandal, Texas Lawmakers Seek to Require Foreign Lobbying Disclosure” by Edgar Walters for Texas Tribune

Campaign Finance

California: “California Lawmakers Shelve Controversial Bill That Would Have Raised Campaign Contribution Limits” by Staff for Los Angeles Times

Missouri: “Group Wants Transparency in Missouri Government. And It’s Taking Dark Money Donations” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Elections

National: “Senate Finalizes New Amendments Language” by Travis Fain for WRAL

Ethics

Alabama: “Appeals Court Upholds Most Mike Hubbard Felony Ethics Convictions” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser

Georgia: “Ga. Supreme Court Rules DeKalb Ethics Board Makeup Unconstitutional” by Dyana Bigby for Reporter Newspapers

Ohio: “FBI Investigation: Ex-Ohio Speaker Cliff Rosenberger suspected of bribery, extortion” by Jessie Balmert and James Pitcher for Cincinnati Enquirer

Redistricting

North Carolina: “Federal Court Throws Out North Carolina’s Congressional Districts, Again” by Michael Wines aqnd Richard Fausset (New York Times) for WRAL

Campaign Finance

National: “Candidates Say ‘I Approve This Message’ Because of John McCain” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call

National: “Hard Partying and a Corruption Scandal: Duncan Hunter’s Political Life Unravels” by Tim Arango, Adam Nagourney, and Jose Del Real (New York Times) for MSN

North Carolina: “‘Take This Envelope, Put Money in Here.’ GOP Leader’s Comments to Donors Get Scrutiny” by Paul Specht for Raleigh News and Observer

Elections

National: “Democrats Strip Superdelegates of Power in Picking Presidential Nominee” by David Siders and Natasha Korecki for Politico

Ethics

California: “#MeToo Shifts Capitol Culture, But with Hitches” by Kelly Ronayne (Associated Press) for Ventura County Star

Maryland: “State Legislator from Baltimore Disciplined After Sexual Harassment Claims” by Erin Cox for Washington Post

Lobbying

Missouri: “Buying Influence: Do dark money, lobbyist gifts affect Missouri legislators’ policy?” by Alison Kite and Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star

Texas: “Ethics Commission Finds Lobbyist Innocent” by David Crowder for El Paso Inc.

Campaign Finance

National: “Microsoft Hopes to Protect Candidates Without Violating Campaign Contribution Law” by Tim O’Brien (Associated Press) for Seattle Times

Elections

National: “For Female Candidates, Harassment and Threats Come Every Day” by Maggie Astor for New York Times

California: “When California Lawmakers Removed Write-In Candidates from State and Congressional Ballots, It Wasn’t by Accident” by John Myers for Los Angeles Times

Georgia: “Georgia County Rejects Plan to Close 7 Polling Places in Majority-Black Area” by Richard Fausset for New York Times

Ethics

National: “When Is an Offense Impeachable? Look to the Framers for the Answer” by Adam Liptak (New York Times) for MSN

National: “National Enquirer’s Safe Held Damaging Trump Stories” by Associated Press for CNBC

New York: “Manhattan D.A. Eyes Criminal Charges Against Trump Organization” by William Rashbaum for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Senate Passes Bill to Require Lobbyists to Disclose Any Criminal Convictions” by Elise Viebeck for Washington Post

Campaign Finance

National: “Tax Cuts Are a Hit with One Pivotal G.O.P. Group: Rich donors” by Jim Tankersely and Michael Tackett (New York Times) for MSN

National: “Contractor Scrutinized for Giving $10K to James Super PAC” by Melissa Nann Burke for Detroit News

National: “Inside a Super PAC That Spends on Everything but Winning” by Brian Slodysko for Associated Press

Ethics

National: “Collins Indictment Spotlights Lawmaker Legal Defense Spending” by Elizabeth Olson for Bloomberg Law

National: “GOP Fundraiser Broidy Under Investigation for Alleged Effort to Sell Government Influence: Sources” by Carol Leonng, Devlin Barrett, Ellen Nakashima, and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune

California: “Developer Whose Wife Sat on Ethics Commission Faces $15,000 Fine Over Political Donations” by Emily Alpert Reyes and David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times

Pennsylvania: “Former Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer Faces Trial Monday in FBI Case That Snagged Ed Pawlowski” by Peter Hall for Allentown Morning Call

Campaign Finance

National: Despite Year-of-the-Woman Buzz, Female Candidates Lag Behind Men in Pulling in Campaign Cash by Michelle Ye Hee Lee and Anu Narayanswamy for Washington Post

Alabama: Obscure Names, Big Dollars: How Alabama chain PACs power campaigns & veil donors by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser

Missouri: Ethics Commission Says Greitens Campaign Broke the Law. Prosecutor Won’t File Charges by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star

Montana: Montana’s Campaign-Contribution Limits Appealed to U.S. Supreme Court by Mike Dennison for KXLH

Elections

Georgia: Georgia Voting Rights Activists Move to Block a Plan to Close Two-Thirds of Polling Places in a Majority Black County by Vanessa Williams (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune

Ethics

National: White House Counsel, Don McGahn, Has Cooperated Extensively in Mueller Inquiry by Michael Schmidt and Maggie Haberman for New York Times

National: Commerce Faces Scrutiny for Investments, Not Selling Certain Holdings by Steven Mufson for Washington Post

Lobbying

New York: A Corrupt Lobbyist’s Influence in the Cuomo Administration Is Revealed in Newly Disclosed Emails by Jesse McKinley for New York Times

National:

Independents Uneasy About Taking Cash, Even from Indie Group
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Marina Villeneuve (Associated Press) | Published: 8/9/2018

Hoping to capitalize on voter frustration over growing polarization in politics, a group fueled partly by what critics call “dark money” plans to spend $3 million this year to support and elect independents. But some lawmakers are declining their help. Unite America is endorsing and providing polling for independent gubernatorial and legislative candidates across the country. Some independents, however, are reluctant to accept the support because they distrust influence by any outside, special interest group. They are also wary of any link to so-called dark money, contributions from groups such as nonprofits that do not have to disclose their donors under federal law.

Lax State Ethics Rules Leave Health Agencies Vulnerable to Conflicts
Politico – Brianna Ehley, Sarah Karlin-Smith, Rachana Pradhan, and Jennifer Haberkorn | Published: 8/12/2018

A lack of transparency in state ethics laws prevents the public from having visibility into conflicts by officials who may oversee millions of dollars in spending and make decisions that affect thousands of people. A review of ethics rules found that in one out of five states, top public health officials are not subject to any disclosure for financial holdings. Even when states do have rules on the books, they vary widely, and loopholes abound. Watchdogs and ethics experts say the uneven rules, and ill-defined consequences if problems are identified, make it virtually impossible to know whether officials might have conflicts that skew their decision-making, or to hold them accountable if lapses do occur.

Federal:

Charges Against Rep. Chris Collins Highlight Lack of Trading Limits for Congress
Chicago Tribune – Bill Allison and Erik Wasson (Bloomberg) | Published: 8/9/2018

The indictment of U.S. Rep. Christopher Collins on insider trading charges, along with his colleagues’ holdings in the biotechnology company at the center of the case, highlight how members of Congress face few restrictions on their investments and service on corporate boards, creating the potential for conflicts-of-interest. Unlike executive branch officials, who must resign from outside positions and divest assets that could pose conflicts, Congress relies on public disclosure as the main mechanism for keeping lawmakers honest. In the past, that has led to a number of scandals involving investment decisions that resulted in charges of self-enrichment and insider trading.

Trump Offers White House Staffers a Special Perk at His Golf Club
Politico – Annie Karni and Eliana Johnson | Published: 8/13/2018

White House staffers who displayed proof of their administration job are getting discounted merchandise from the pro shop at President Trump’s Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club. The administration officials get discounts ranging from 15 percent on regular merchandise to 70 percent off clearance items. The discount amounts to the same perk given to Bedminster members who pay a reported $350,000 annually. Watchdogs raised concerns about the practice, noting it amounts to a conflict-of-interest and is considered a gift if the discount is not available to all government employees.

Voting Rights Advocates Used to Have an Ally in the Government. That’s Changing.
MSN – Michael Wines (New York Times) | Published: 8/12/2018

During the Obama administration, the U.S. Justice Department would often go to court to stop states from taking steps to suppress voter rights. But 18 months into President Trump’s term, there are signs of change: the department has launched no new efforts to roll back state restrictions on the ability to vote, and instead often sides with them. In the national battle over voting rights, the fighting is done in court, state by state, over rules that can seem arcane but have the potential to sway the outcome of elections. The Justice Department’s recent actions point to a decided shift in policy at the federal level toward an agenda embraced by conservatives who say they want to prevent voter fraud.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Ex-Assemblyman Matt Dababneh, Under Legislative Investigation on Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Sues Lobbyist for Defamation
Los Angeles Times – Melanie Mason | Published: 8/14/2018

Former California Assemblyperson Matt Dababneh, who resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment and assault, is suing the lobbyist who accused him of pushing her into a hotel bathroom and masturbating in front of her. Dababneh sued Pamela Lopez for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He is seeking unspecified damages. A letter from the Assembly Rules Committee said an investigator determined Lopez’s allegation was “substantiated” and in violation of Assembly policy.

California – It’s an Election Year, and California’s Campaign Watchdogs Are Busy Fighting Among Themselves
Sacramento Bee – Taryn Luna | Published: 8/13/2018

After years of limiting commissioners to $200 per month, members of the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) moved in February to pay themselves on an hourly basis. They have debated whether to loosen campaign finance restrictions on lawmakers and argued over how much power to give their chairperson. As the FPPC focuses on internal issues, they are missing an opportunity to become one of the leading campaign finance agencies in the country, said Jessica Levinson, a political ethics expert at the Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. “They are not only missing that opportunity, they watched it go by, they waved at it and they kept arguing about how much they were going to charge per diem,” Levinson said.

Colorado – Backers of Denver Campaign Finance Ballot Measure Agree to Deal That Would Delay Public Financing, Lower Limits
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 8/14/2018

Backers of a Denver campaign finance initiative have agreed to a deal with city officials that would replace the measure on the November ballot with a revised version that delays the changes until after next year’s municipal election. Voter approval for the new proposal this fall would bring about drastically lower contribution limits for candidates seeking city offices and would ban direct corporate and union contributions. It also would institute a voluntary public financing system. While the gist of those elements is unchanged, the city council is set to begin the process of referring a replacement measure to the ballot that would make several changes to dates and details such as how quickly the city must issue public funds.

Georgia – Atlanta City Council Seeks to Require Lobbyists to Register with the City
Staff, Atlanta Daily World –   | Published: 8/13/2018

A pair of ordinances were introduced in the Atlanta City Council that would require individuals and principles to register as lobbyists if they seek to influence legislative or administrative actions and encourage council members to report any violations of Georgia’s lobbying law. Atlanta currently doe not have any rules on lobbying in the city.

Illinois – Mayoral Hopeful Who Gave Thousands in Cash, Checks: ‘I’m just tired of white people telling me what to do.’
Chicago Tribune – Gregory Pratt | Published: 8/9/2018

Responding to what his Chicago mayoral campaign called an investigation by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, a defiant Willie Wilson defended his recent cash giveaways and said there is “nothing wrong” with his charitable foundation’s paperwork. The controversy stems from a church event in July, where Wilson handed out more than $200,000 in cash and checks. Gov. Bruce Rauner was at the event and later criticized the giveaway, but the state election board said Wilson apparently did not violate any election laws. Noting he was raised in the Jim Crow South, Wilson, who is black, said, “I’m just tired of white people telling me what to do.”

Maine – Maine Ethics Regulators Vote to Re-Open Taxpayer Campaign Funding for 2018
Bangor Daily News – Michael Shepherd | Published: 8/16/2018

Maine’s ethics commission said it will release about $3 million in public campaign funds for one gubernatorial candidate and over 200 legislative candidates. The commission voted to release the money held up by a typo in a budget law. Gov. Paul LePage’s administration recently agreed to comply with a judge’s order to release over $1 million in public campaign funding that LePage held up by refusing to sign routine financial orders. Several commissioners said that same logic should apply to more money held up because lawmakers did not fix the error.

Michigan – Michigan Senate Winner Still Shrouded in Mystery Following Primary Shocker
Detroit News – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 8/10/2018

Betty Jean Alexander of Detroit remains shrouded in mystery after scoring a shocking win over state Sen. David Knezek in a Democratic primary race that few thought would be competitive. Alexander, whom several local party leaders say they had never heard of, did not report spending any money on her campaign and has not granted any media interviews since her surprise victory. Lamar Lemmons III, a former state lawmaker and current Detroit school board member, is under scrutiny for his role in electing Alexander, whom he describes as a 53-year-old single mother with two children who works in an administrative job.

Pennsylvania – Could Abuse Report Lead to Laws Extending Rights to Sue the Church?
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Liz Navratil and Angela Couloumbis | Published: 8/15/2018

In its report detailing a coverup of child sex abuse by Catholic bishops across Pennsylvania, a grand jury recommended giving older adults the right to file lawsuits for abuse they suffered as children. Political disagreements and lobbying have repeatedly stalled bills that would have retroactively loosened the statute of limitations for claims against the Catholic Church, leading to questions of whether the new findings would lead to change. While victims say the ability to sue could help them access services to cope with the trauma, lobbyists for the church and the insurance industry have opposed such legislation, saying a flood of lawsuits would deliver a crushing financial blow.

Vermont – Christine Hallquist Wins Vermont Primary, Becoming First Openly Transgender Major Party Nominee for Governor
Washington Post – Samantha Schmidt and Kayla Epstein | Published: 8/15/2018

Christine Hallquist won the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Vermont, becoming the first openly transgender candidate to be nominated for governor by a major party in the U.S. Hallquist, a first-time candidate, won in a crowded field of four Democrats. She is part of a progressive wave of political novices, women, and LGBTQ candidates running in this year’s midterm elections, many of them galvanized by the election and behavior of President Trump. But from here, her path to the governor’s office could be a narrow one, even though she is a Democrat running in a progressive state.

West Virginia – Lawmakers Impeach All 4 W.Va. Court Justices Over Spending
MSN, Associated Press – | Published: 8/14/2018

The West Virginia House voted to impeach all the justices on the state Supreme Court, a decision prompted by reports of extravagant spending on office renovations. If the justices are convicted in the Senate and removed, replacements will be named by Gov. Jim Justice. Most of the articles involved Chief Justice Allen Loughry, who has been suspended since June and is facing a federal indictment on charges of fraud and false statements. The court as a whole was impeached for not creating policies to rein in the wasteful spending. Two justices were charged with overpaying retired judges who fill in to hear cases, and Justice Robin Davis was charged with wasteful spending on her office remodeling. A fifth justice, Menis Ketchum, resigned in July before pleading guilty to fraud, having taken a state car for personal use.

Campaign Finance

Colorado: “Backers of Denver Campaign Finance Ballot Measure Agree to Deal That Would Delay Public Financing, Lower Limits” by Jon Murray for Denver Post

New Mexico: “Cannabis Industry Grows as Source of Campaign Funds” by Steve Terrell (Santa Fe new Mexican) for Las Cruces Sun-News

South Dakota: “With Sutton Amendment, South Dakota Committees Now Face Some Restrictions on Campaign Spending” by Bob Mercer for Capital Journal

Ethics

National: “‘Everyone Signed One’: Trump is aggressive in his use of nondisclosure agreements, even in government” by Josh Dawsey and Ashley Parker (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Trump Offers White House Staffers a Special Perk at His Golf Club” by Annie Karni and Eliana Johnson for Politico

New Jersey: “Tougher Ethics Rules for Council that Guides Public Pension Investments” by John Reitmeyer for NJ Spotlight

Pennsylvania: “Ex-Reading Official Pleads Guilty to Taking Bribe from Former Mayor” by Peter Hall for Allentown Morning Call

West Virginia: “Lawmakers Impeach All 4 W.Va. Court Justices Over Spending” by the Associated Press for MSN

Lobbying

Georgia: “Atlanta City Council Seeks to Require Lobbyists to Register with the City” by the Staff for Atlanta Daily World

Campaign Finance

National: “Independents Uneasy About Taking Cash, Even from Indie Group” by Marina Villeneuve (Associated Press) for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

California: “It’s an Election Year, and California’s Campaign Watchdogs Are Busy Fighting Among Themselves” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee

Elections

National: “Voting Rights Advocates Used to Have an Ally in the Government. That’s Changing.” by Michael Wines (New York Times) for MSN

Michigan: “Michigan Senate Winner Still Shrouded in Mystery Following Primary Shocker” by Jonathan Oosting for Detroit News

Ethics

National: “Representative Chris Collins Suspends Bid for Re-election After Insider Trading Charges” by Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) for WRAL

California: “Ethics Commission Levies Hefty Fine for ‘Egregious’ Conflict-of-Interest Violations” by David Garrick for San Diego Union Tribune

Hawaii: “Maui Ethics Board Warns Against Accepting Tournament Gifts” by Associated Press for Sacramento Bee

Lobbying

National: “Lax State Ethics Rules Leave Health Agencies Vulnerable to Conflicts” by Brianna Ehley, Sarah Karlin-Smith, Rachana Pradhan, and Jennifer Haberkorn for Politico

Elections

Kansas: “Kobach Plans to Recuse Self from Vote after Colyer Campaign Raises Concern” by Bryan Lowry, Hunter Woodall, Lindsay Wise, Steve Vockrodt, and Allison Kite (Kansas City Star) for Wichita Eagle

Wyoming: “Ban on Political ‘Robocalls’ Unconstitutional, Judge Rules in Wyoming” by Elaine Povich (Stateline) for Governing

Ethics

National: “Charges Against Rep. Chris Collins Highlight Lack of Trading Limits for Congress” by Bill Allison and Erik Wasson (Bloomberg) for Chicago Tribune

Florida: “FDLE Closed Jack Latvala Case without Gathering New Info” by Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) for Tampa Bay Times

Illinois: “Mayoral Hopeful Who Gave Thousands in Cash, Checks: ‘I’m just tired of white people telling me what to do.’” by Gregory Pratt for Chicago Tribune

New Mexico: “Ex-Legislator Takes Plea Deal on New Charges” by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal

Texas: “Report: Mayor’s aide received cut of nonprofit’s contracts with city” by Elizabeth Findell for Austin American Statesman

West Virginia: “The Entire W.Va. Supreme Court Faces Impeachment for Alleged Corruption: Gas money, restaurant lunches, an antique desk” by Isaac Stanley-Becker for Washington Post

Campaign Finance

National: “On Appeals Court, Kavanaugh Helped to Loosen Political Money Laws” by Peter Overby for National Public Radio

Oregon: “Campaign Spending Limits to Appear on Portland Ballots” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian

Elections

National: “Democratic Party’s Liberal Insurgency Hits a Wall in Midwest Primaries” by David Weigel for Washington Post

Ohio: “Republican Holds Slim Lead in Ohio Special Election for House Seat” by Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns for MSN

Ethics

National: “GOP Rep. Collins Indicted, Charged with Securities Fraud” by Kyle Cheney for Politico

National: “Trump’s D.C. Hotel, a Clubhouse for His Fans, May Also Be a 5-Star Conflict of Interest” by Ana Schecter, Rich Gardella, and Cynthia McFadden for NBC News

Florida: “The Messy Political Drama Behind a Miami-Dade Street That Could Be Cleaner” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald

New Mexico: “State Audit Hits LANL Coalition and Candidate Romero Over Reimbursements” by Associated Press for Albuquerque Journal

North Carolina: “Lawyers Spar Over Whether Proposed Amendments Are Misleading” by Matthew Burns and Laura Leslie for WRAL

Lobbying

Arizona: “Prosecutors Drop Bribery, Fraud Charges Against Former Utility Regulator, Others” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star

Campaign Finance

National: “LePage Will Release Over $1 Million in Campaign Funds” by Marina Villeneuve (Associated Press) for Raleigh News and Observer

Montana: “Billings House Candidate Insists Loan from Public Service Commissioner Wasn’t Campaign Contribution” by Matt Hudson (Billings Gazette) for Montana Standard

Elections

National: “A ‘Rainbow Wave’? 2018 Has More L.G.B.T. Candidates Than Ever” by Liam Stack and Catie Edmonson (New York Times) for MSN

National: “Kris Kobach Used Flawed Research to Defend Trump’s Voter Fraud Panel, Experts Say” by Eli Rosenberg (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune

Ethics

National: “Where Are Retiring Congress Members Going to Work? Loopholes Let Them Job Hunt in Secret” by Bill Theobald for USA Today

Michigan: “Thanedar Discloses Ties to Radio Hosts Who Promoted Him” by Jonathan Oosting for Detroit News

Missouri: “Lawsuit Seeks to Knock Gerrymandering Issue Off Missouri’s November Ballot” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Tennessee: “Ousted Tennessee Lawmaker Fights for Retirement Benefits” by Daniel Jackson for Courthouse News Service

Lobbying

National: “Former Trump Campaign Aides Set Up Foreign Lobbying Shop in Corey Lewandowski’s Townhouse” by Soo Rin Kim for ABC News

Missouri: “Slay’s Role as Lobbyist Raises Questions Over Conflict of Interest in Quest to Privatize Airport” by Melody Walker for St. Louis Public Radio

Campaign Finance

National: “Judge’s Ruling Invalidates FEC Regulation Allowing Anonymous Donations to ‘Dark Money’ Groups” by Brent Griffiths for Politico

Elections

National: “Accused of Harassment, and Seeking Redemption at the Ballot Box” by Julie Turkewitz and Alan Blinder (New York Times) for MSN

National: “Beyond the N.R.A.: Maria Butina’s peculiar bid for Russian influence” by Matthew Rosenberg, Mike McIntire, Michael LaForgia, Andrew Kramer, and Elizabeth Dias (New York Times) for MSN

National: “President Admits Trump Tower Meeting Was Meant to Get Dirt on Clinton” by Michael Shear and Michael Schmidt (New York Times) for MSN

Ethics

Missouri: “Missouri Voters Get to Decide Medical Marijuana, Minimum Wage, Ethics Reform in Fall” by Alison Kite for Kansas City Star

New York: “What Has JCOPE Actually Done?” by Kay Dervishi for City and State

Texas: “Texas Court Revives Lawsuit to Strip Ethics Regulators of Campaign, Elections Oversight” by Lauren McGaughey for Dallas News

Lobbying

Florida: “Panel Finds ‘Probable Cause’ That Five Municipal Officials, Five Lobbyists Violated State Ethics Laws” by John Haughey for Florida Watchdog

Campaign Finance

National: Corporate Donations Are New Test for Democratic Candidates by Lisa Lerer (Associated Press) for Lowell Sun

National: Trump Legal Fund Remains Mum on Donors, Payments by Ken Doyle for Bloomberg Government

Elections

North Carolina: Arrested, Jailed and Charged with a Felony. For Voting. by Jack Healy (New York Times) for WRAL

Ethics

National: These Lame Ducks Still Fly – On the Taxpayer’s Dime – Often to Faraway Countries by Bill Theobald for USA Today

Michigan: ‘I’m Ready’: Towing titan Fiore hauled off to prison for 21 months by Tresa Baldas for Detroit Free Press

Oregon: Oregon House Speaker, Senate President Accused of Sexual Harassment Cover-up by Fellow Democrat by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian

Wisconsin: Ethics Commission Picks New Administrator by The Associated Press for Wisconsin Law Journal

Lobbying

Canada: B.C. Watchdog Warns of Legal Loophole Letting Ex-Staffers Lobby Leaders by David Ball for Toronto Star