National/Federal

From Pizzagate to the 2020 Election: Forcing liars to pay or apologize

Las Vegas Sun – Elizabeth Williamson (New York Times) | Published: 4/2/2024

Michael Gottlieb, a partner at the firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher and a former associate counsel in the Obama White House, is at the forefront of a small but growing cadre of lawyers deploying defamation, one of the oldest areas of the law, as a weapon against a tide of political disinformation. Gottlieb has worked with Protect Democracy, a nonpartisan group that pushes for laws and policies to counter what it sees as authoritarian threats. Before the Trump era and the explosion of social media, though, such cases were virtually nonexistent.

Appeals Court Sides with Judge Who Threatened Peter Navarro with Contempt

MSN – Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 4/1/2024

A federal appeals court rejected arguments from former Trump adviser Peter Navarro, one of a series of legal losses that has the economist facing sanction for defying court orders even as he serves a four-month prison sentence for ignoring similar demands from Congress. A judge threatened him with contempt if he did not hand over more records from his years in the Trump administration. On appeal, Navarro argued the Justice Department had no authority to enforce the Presidential Records Act. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed that claim.

How Corporate PAC Money Could End Up in the Personal Coffers of Sens. JD Vance and Markwayne Mullin

MSN – Brian Metzger (Business Insider) | Published: 3/28/2024

U.S. Sens. JD Vance and Markwayne Mullin have spent the last year using campaign cash to pay themselves back for hefty loans they sunk into their 2022 races. At the same time, they have been taking tens of thousands of dollars in corporate PAC money, some of which may be ending up directly in the senators’ bank accounts. The murky reality of both Vance’s and Mullin’s finances can be attributed in part to the work of Sen. Ted Cruz.

FEC Fines Mike Braun Senate Committee $159k for Campaign Finance Violation

MSN – Kayla Dwyer (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 3/29/2024

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun’s campaign owes $159,000 for violating campaign finance rules during the 2018 election, among the largest fines in the FEC’s history, ending a multi-year saga with the campaign and Braun’s former treasurer. Since 1980, only about 50 cases have warranted larger fines, but the penalty represents a small percentage of the approximately $11.5 million in campaign loans that were misreported.

Trump Special Counsel Fires Back at Cannon Order That Could Disrupt Case

MSN – Perry Stein and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 4/3/2024

Special counsel Jack Smith warned the judge overseeing Donald Trump’s classified documents case she is pursuing a legal premise that “is wrong” and said he would probably appeal to a higher court if she would rule a federal records law can protect the former president from prosecution. Smith’s office pushed back against an unusual instruction from U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon, one that veteran national security lawyers and former judgers have said badly misinterprets the Presidential Records Act and laws related to classified documents.

Trump Media Stock Plunges as 2023 Truth Social Loss Put at $58 Million

MSN – Drew Harwell (Washington Post) | Published: 4/1/2024

Donald Trump’s social media company lost more than $58 million last year, sending its stock plunging more than 21 percent only days after a highflying public debut set the company’s value at more than $8 billion. The new figures throw into stark relief the gap between Trump Media’s highly hyped investor-driven valuation on the public stock market and the reality of its business performance. They also raise questions about the possibility that Trump could use the company as a financial lifeline. Trump cannot sell his shares or use them as collateral for a loan for six months because of a provision in the company’s merger agreement.

To Comply with Court, Federal Agency Lets White People Claim Social Disadvantage

MSN – Julian Mark (Washington Post) | Published: 4/3/2024

A federal judge ordered the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to open its doors to entrepreneurs from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, ruling its presumption that minorities are inherently disadvantaged violated the Constitution’s equal protection clause. The MBDA directed its business centers to forgo racial considerations when vetting applicants. Instead, candidates must sign a form, attesting their disadvantage to certify they are “minority business enterprises.” It is the latest sign the government is untethering its definition of social disadvantage from broad racial and ethnic classifications.

Freedom Caucuses Push for Conservative State Laws, but Getting Attention Is Their Big Success

Yahoo News – Elaine Povich (Stateline) | Published: 4/2/2024

The State Freedom Caucus Network aims to push the Republican Party further to the right on issues such as immigration, voting access, and transgender restrictions. It is an outgrowth of the group in the U.S. House. The state chapters are proposing conservative legislation and slowing measures they do not like, even bills that were once considered routine and noncontroversial. Some Republicans say members of the Freedom Caucus gum up the legislative works and are more interested in publicity and grandstanding than conservative policymaking.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Alabama House Approves Legislation Overhauling State Ethics Code

Alabama Reflector – Alander Rocha | Published: 4/3/2024

The Alabama House approved a bill that would repeal the current ethics laws for public officials and employees, replace the code with tougher punishments for violations, and weaken the powers of the state Ethics Commission. House Bill 227 would raise the gift ban limit to public officials and employees to $100 per occasion and $500 per year. The legislation now goes to the Senate.

Arizona – UA President Robbins OK’d Effort to Erase Millions in Fines Against Fraudulent Online University

Yahoo News – Hannah Dreyfus and Helen Rummel (Arizona Republic) | Published: 3/27/2024

Lobbyist Richard Smotkin was ostensibly hired by the University of Arizona Foundation to help build the university’s relationship with Morocco. But behind the scenes, Smotkin worked to persuade the California attorney general to erase millions of dollars in fines against a fraudulent online school acquired by the university, documents show. While Smotkin has extensive connections in Morocco, he had another important relationship: a yearslong bond with California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

California – Former L.A. Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan Found Guilty in Sprawling City Hall Corruption Case

MSN – David Zahniser and Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/27/2024

A jury found Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan secured bribes for himself and for former city Councilperson Jose Huizar as part of a sprawling “pay-to-play” scheme. Chan was f0und guilty on all 12 counts of corruption in a case focused on financial benefits provided by real estate developers with projects in Huizar’s district. During the trial, prosecutors portrayed Chan as a crucial intermediary between Huizar, who wielded huge power over downtown development projects, and Chinese real estate developers.

Colorado – Colorado Appeals Court Upholds Fine, Requirement for ‘Dark Money’ Group to Disclose Spending

Colorado Politics – Michael Karlik | Published: 3/28/2024

Colorado’s second-highest court agreed that a group that spent $4 million backing conservative causes on the ballot in 2020 is required to disclose its contributions and spending and pay a $40,000 fine for failing to register as an advocacy group. A trial judge previously believed Unite for Colorado, which spent roughly $17 million during 2020, was not subject to the registration and disclosure requirement because its $4 million spent across multiple ballot initiatives was not substantial enough when broken down issue-by-issue.

Florida – Federal Court Upholds DeSantis-Backed Congressional Map

Yahoo News – Gary Fineout (Associated Press) | Published: 3/27/2024

A panel of federal judges upheld Florida’s congressional map, turning away a challenge that alleged it was discriminatory against Black voters after the district held by former U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat, was dismantled. The decision is a victory for Republicans and Gov. Ron DeSantis, who muscled the map through Florida’s GOP-controlled Legislature. The congressional map his administration crafted ultimately resulted in Republicans gaining four seats, helping the GOP flip the House during the 2022 midterm elections.

Florida – With Abortion Ballot Question, a ‘Path to Relevance’ for Democrats in Florida?

Yahoo News – Patricia Mazzei (New York Times) | Published: 4/2/2024

Florida, once the biggest battleground in presidential politics, has become less important as its election results have trended repeatedly toward the political right. Few consider it a true swing state anymore. But three rulings from the Florida Supreme Court on abortion and marijuana may inject new life into Democratic campaigns before the general election on November 6.

Florida – Can Elected Officials Do Business with Their City? Here’s What Ethics Commission Say

Yahoo News – Tess Riski (Miami Herald) | Published: 4/3/2024

Elected officials in Miami-Dade County can run businesses that interact with their city’s government if the scope of work is clerical in nature and does not involve advocacy, according to a draft opinion from the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust. The county ethics code prohibits public officials from receiving compensation from third parties, directly or indirectly, if the compensation is related to matters where the third parties are seeking a benefit from the city.

Georgia – Georgia Lawmakers Approve New Election Rules That Could Impact 2024 Presidential Contest

Yahoo News – Sudhin Thanawala and Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 3/29/2024

Georgia lawmakers approved new rules for challenging voters and qualifying for the state’s presidential ballot that could impact the 2024 presidential race in the battleground state. The bill would grant access to Georgia’s ballot to any political party that has qualified for the presidential ballot in at least 20 states or territories. The change could be a boost to independent candidates. It also spells out what constitutes “probable cause” for upholding challenges to voter eligibility.

Iowa – Republican Candidate’s Wife Sentenced to Prison for Voter Fraud

MSN – Kim Bellware (Washington Post) | Published: 4/3/2024

An Iowa woman who sought to boost her husband’s unsuccessful congressional bid in 2020 through a voter fraud scheme was sentenced by a federal judge to four months in prison in a rare case of fraudulent voting. Kim Taylor was convicted on 52 counts including fraudulent voting and providing false information in registering and voting. During the 2020 primary and general elections, federal prosecutors said, Taylor filled out voter registrations and absentee ballots for members of the Vietnamese community under the guise of offering translation help.

Kansas – Does Wichita Mayor’s Trip Abroad Fall Under City’s Ethics Policy? Here’s What We Found Out

Yahoo News – Chance Swaim (Wichita Eagle) | Published: 4/1/2024

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu’s trip to Switzerland – paid for by the Swiss government – falls in a gray area of a city council ethics policy that sought to limit gifts to elected and appointed city officials. The travel costs, which include flights, hotel stays, and dinners, are expected to far exceed the $150 gift limit council members can accept from a single source during a calendar year. But Wu says the all-expenses-paid trip is not a gift.

Kentucky – Louisville Mayor’s Wife Repeatedly Turned to City Worker for Social Media Help, Texts Show

Yahoo News – Eleanor McCrary and Josh Wood (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 4/2/2024

Text messages show a Communications Department staffer was frequently called upon by Rachel Greenberg, wife of Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, to assist her with her Instagram account by creating and providing content and offering advice. The texts also show Rachel Greenberg, described by the administration as a volunteer, instructed the staffer to edit posts on the mayor’s Instagram account. Two sources said the mayor’s wife had a Metro Hall office, a government email address, and gave orders to staffers. Experts said that arrangement might violate the city’s ethics rules.

Minnesota – ‘Book Senator Hoffman to speak’: DFL state senator’s consulting firm raises ethical questions

Yahoo News – Ryan Faircloth (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 4/3/2024

Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman prominently touted his political status on his personal consulting firm’s website as recently as a week ago, prompting government ethics experts to question whether he was promoting his official position for personal gain. The homepage of the website for Hoffman Strategic Advisors featured a posed photograph of the senator inside the state Capitol. Hoffman said he always considers himself a senator and had not thought about the optics of promoting his position on his personal website.

Missouri – Recall of Columbia First Ward Councilperson Nick Knoth Passes

KOMU – Hunter Walterman | Published: 4/2/2024

Columbia City Councilperson Nick Knoth was recalled over his lobbying work outside the council. Knoth was elected for a three-year term in April 2023 and took a job as a lobbyist for a trade association for real estate agents later that year. In October, a group of voters launched a campaign to recall Knoth, arguing his position amounted to a conflict-of-interest.

Nebraska – Nebraska Lawmakers Vote Against Trump-Fueled Push to Change Electoral Vote System

MSN – Patrick Svitek and Michael Scherer (Washington Post) | Published: 4/4/2024

Donald Trump’s push to get the Nebraska Legislature to change the way it awards electoral votes faced a major setback when lawmakers voted to prevent the change from being attached to an unrelated bill. Nebraska is one of only two states that divide electoral votes among statewide and congressional district winners. But Gov. Jim Pillen and Trump endorsed a proposal to return the state to a winner-take-all system.

New Jersey – New Jersey’s Unique Ballot Design Struck Down by Judge

MSN – Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 3/29/2024

New Jersey’s unique way of displaying county-endorsed candidates on the ballot was struck down by a federal judge after a lawsuit by U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, who is running for Senate, and two other Democrats running for Congress, who called the design unfair and unconstitutional. The state’s ballot design process is unlike any other in the nation, and it allows parties to place their endorsed candidates in a specific portion of the ballot known as “the line.”

New York – Meet NYC’s New Campaign Finance Watchdog, Arriving Amid Probe into Mayor Adams’ Campaign

Gothamist – Brigid Bergin | Published: 3/27/2024

The New York City Campaign Finance Board took a reputational hit last year when then-Executive Director Beth Rotman was asked to resign over allegations of mismanagement. As the agency’s new leader, Paul S. Ryan is now responsible for charting the board’s path forward amid concerns over its oversight of campaigns, especially that of Mayor Eric Adams. “I’ve long considered this to be a model agency administering model laws for the country at a time when democracy in many places is really in crisis …,” Ryan said.

New York – Trump Ramps Up Attacks on Judges, Sparking Concerns as Criminal Trial Nears

MSN – Marianne LeVine, Clara Ence Morse, and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 4/1/2024

Donald Trump is ramping up efforts to disparage judges overseeing his criminal and civil cases, reprising a long-standing strategy and prompting growing concerns from legal experts. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s approach, part of an election-year attempt to portray the judicial system as weaponized against him, was evident in a slew of attacks. Trump’s personal attacks against the daughter of the New York judge overseeing a hush money case prompted the judge to expand an existing gag order to include his family and the district attorney’s family.

New York – How a California Billionaire Known for Auto Loans Provided Trump’s Bond

MSN – Michael Kranish and Jonathan O’Connell (Washington Post) | Published: 4/2/2024

Donald Trump struggled to post a bond for more than $450 million to keep authorities from seizing his properties, billionaire Don Hankey and his wife started discussing a solution: Hankey’s business could cover it. But when a court reduced the bond to $175 million and Trump said he had the cash to post it himself, the matter seemed moot. Then the Trump team revived the talks and asked Hankey if he would back the new amount. Hankey agreed.

New York – Lobbyist Dating Carl Heastie Cleared to Return to Assembly – and Ethics Attorney Quits

New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/26/2024

The lobbyist dating New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has been cleared to return to work at the Assembly. A spokesperson for the Greater New York Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust said after being barred on the advice of its former ethics lawyer, legislative and communications director Rebecca Lamorte can resume lobbying the Assembly, including Heastie’s staff, but not the speaker himself. After Lamorte was cleared to return, the former ethics attorney quit.

New York – Ex-NYPD Deputy Inspector Sentenced in Mayor Adams Campaign Straw Donor Scheme

Yahoo News – Molly Crane-Newman (New York Daily News) | Published: 4/2/2024

Dwayne Montgomery, a former New York Police Department deputy inspector who was friendly with Mayor Eric Adams, was sentenced to community service for his ringleader role in a straw donor scheme that gamed the system to boost Adams’ 2021 City Hall run and curry political favors. The cash funneled to Adams’ campaign in others’ names triggered a major injection of cash from the Campaign Finance Board that matches donations of up to $250 by eight-to-one, allowing the scheme’s architects to subvert caps on how much they could give.

North Carolina – Court Rejects Claim Challenging North Carolina Map for Diluting Black Vote

MSN – Rachel Weiner and Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) | Published: 3/28/2024

A federal appellate court rejected an emergency challenge to North Carolina’s Republican-drawn legislative map, all but ensuring elections will go forward this year under contested lines drawn up in 2023 that Democrats and voting rights advocates say were created to weaken Black representation. That means 2024 elections will go forward with a map experts say will help Republicans retain a supermajority in the state Legislature. The new maps are also expected to give Republicans at least three more seats in Congress.

Ohio – The Randazzler: Court records detail chummy relationship between Sam Randazzo, FirstEnergy

Yahoo News – Jessie Balmert (Cincinnati Enquirer) | Published: 4/1/2024

Former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo had a close, chummy relationship with ex-executives of FirstEnergy and its allies. For example, Randazzo texted an image of himself dressed as a superhero and surrounded by terms like “Randazzler” to some of the executives. But Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost alleges Randazzo’s sophomoric communication with FirstEnergy leaders extended beyond memes to a “pay-to-play” scheme at ratepayers’ expense.

Oklahoma – Gov. Stitt Task Force Calls for Changing Campaign Donation Limits

Yahoo News – Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) | Published: 4/2/2024

A task force created by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is calling for no limits on how much money state politicians can accept from individuals in campaign donations. The Governor’s Task Force on Campaign Finance and Election Threats said a change is needed to combat the impact of “dark money” groups. A candidate currently can accept $3,300 from an individual per election. Fewer than a dozen states have no limits on individual donations.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Official with White Nationalist Ties Is Ousted in Recall Vote

Yahoo News – Brandy Zadrozny, Nnamdi Egwuonwu, and Micki Fahner (NBC News) | Published: 4/3/2024

Voters in Enid, Oklahoma, removed city Councilperson Judd Blevins over his ties to white nationalist groups. He faced the recall vote after local activists learned he had marched alongside neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 and led an Oklahoma chapter of the white nationalist group Identity Evropa. Blevins will be replaced by Cheryl Patterson, a former teacher who campaigned on a return to “normalcy” for this small city, which was divided by the furor over Blevins.

Oregon – Gov. Tina Kotek Signs Historic Campaign Finance Bill

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 4/3/2024

Gov. Tina Kotek signed into law a bill that will limit the amount of money that individuals and groups can contribute to campaigns starting in 2027. The law is historic for Oregon, which has seen increasingly large sums of money poured into campaigns. The bill cleared the Legislature with overwhelming support. Good government groups, labor unions, and business groups, negotiated the details of the legislation.

South Carolina – South Carolina Latest State to Use Congressional Map Deemed Illegal

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 3/28/2024

In a scenario that has played out in three states in recent years, a federal court ruled time had run out to draw a new congressional district in South Carolina and the state would have to proceed this fall with an existing election map the court had previously deemed illegal. The ruling echoes redistricting cases in other Southern states where courts found congressional maps violated the voting rights of Black voters and other people of color but allowed them to be used anyway, at least temporarily.

Texas – Texas Appeals Court Overturns Crystal Mason’s Conviction, 5-Year Sentence for Illegal Voting

MSN – Karen Brooks Harper (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/28/2024

A Texas appeals court overturned the illegal voting conviction of Crystal Mason, who was given a five-year prison sentence for casting a provisional ballot in the 2016 election while on supervised release for federal tax evasion. The court said there was no evidence Mason knew she was ineligible to vote when she cast her ballot, which is a condition that must be met to convict her of illegal voting. The case thrust Mason, who is Black, into the political fray amid a Republican-led crackdown on voter fraud, partly fueled by baseless claims of rampant illegal voting.

Texas – Texas Could Require Social Media Influencers to Disclose Paid Political Posts

MSN – Robert Downen (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/28/2024

The Texas Ethics Commission gave initial approval to a proposal that would require social media users to disclose if they are being paid to share or create political advertisements. The action comes just months after it was reported that a secretive and politically connected company called Influenceable LLC paid internet influencers to defend state Attorney General Ken Paxton ahead of his impeachment trial. The proposed rule could be finalized at the commission’s next meeting in June.

Virginia – A Skill Game Company Gave a Va. Senator a $1.9K Trip. No One Will Explain It

Virginia Mercury – Graham Moomaw | Published: 4/1/2024

In 2022, Virginia Sen. Bryce Reeves disclosed a campaign finance report that skill game company Pace-O-Matic paid for a trip he took worth $1,900. Pace-O-Matic was hosting hundreds of guests in Wyoming at Cheyenne Frontier Days. But the campaign finance report gave no indication where Reeves went on the dime of a company that has lobbied the General Assembly for permission to put slot machine lookalikes in convenience stores and truck stops. Under the current rule, lawmakers cannot accept more than $108 in gifts from any single lobbying interest per calendar year, but there are several exceptions to that limit.

Washington – Washington State Legislative Maps Survive Supreme Court Appeal in Latest Battle Over Latino Voting Rights

Courthouse News Service – Kelsey Reichmann | Published: 4/2/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to block the use of Washington state’s new legislative district maps that give Latino voters greater representation. A Republican lawmaker and two voters asked the justices to allow the state’s 2024 election to move forward under a map that was found to have violated a section of the Voting Rights Act that prohibits race discrimination. A lower court judge recently enacted a remedial map after claims of Latino vote dilution, but the Republicans say the new map is more discriminatory than the first.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Becomes Latest State to Ban Private Funding of Elections

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 4/2/2024

Wisconsin voters opted to ban private funding for election administration, joining more than two dozen states that have ended or limited the practice after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife spent $350 million to help local governments run elections during the coronavirus pandemic. They also approved a second proposal that limits who can perform election-related duties. Both measures were initiated by Republican state legislators.

Wisconsin – What Are Wisconsin’s Biggest Lobbying Law Violation Settlements Since 2016?

PBS Wisconsin – Hina Suzuki (The Badger Project) | Published: 3/26/2024

Wisconsin has strict lobbying laws – so strict that lobbyists are not allowed to give anything of monetary value to the politicians and government officials they lobby. If a lobbyist breaks the rules, the Wisconsin Ethics Commission will negotiate a settlement with the lobbyist or lobbying organization in lieu of civil litigation. Money received from settlements goes to the Common School Fund, the primary, and often only, funding source for school libraries in the state. The Badger Project obtained a list of the largest lobbying fines since 2016.

Campaign Finance

New York: “Ex-NYPD Deputy Inspector Sentenced in Mayor Adams Campaign Straw Donor Scheme” by Molly Crane-Newman (New York Daily News) for Yahoo News

Oklahoma: “Gov. Stitt Task Force Calls for Changing Campaign Donation Limits” by Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) for Yahoo News

Elections

Florida: “With Abortion Ballot Question, a ‘Path to Relevance’ for Democrats in Florida?” by Patricia Mazzei (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Ethics

Alabama: “Alabama House Approves Legislation Overhauling State Ethics Code” by Alander Rocha for Alabama Reflector

National: “Trump Special Counsel Fires Back at Cannon Order That Could Disrupt Case” by Perry Stein and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “To Comply with Court, Federal Agency Lets White People Claim Social Disadvantage” by Julian Mark (Washington Post) for MSN

Minnesota: “‘Book Senator Hoffman to speak’: DFL state senator’s consulting firm raises ethical questions” by Ryan Faircloth (Minneapolis Star Tribune) for Yahoo News

New York: “How a California Billionaire Known for Auto Loans Provided Trump’s Bond” by Michael Kranish and Jonathan O’Connell (Washington Post) for MSN

Legislative Issues

National: “Freedom Caucuses Push for Conservative State Laws, but Getting Attention Is Their Big Success” by Elaine Povich (Stateline) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

Missouri: “Recall of Columbia First Ward Councilperson Nick Knoth Passes” by Hunter Walterman for KOMU

Elections

Georgia: “Georgia Lawmakers Approve New Election Rules That Could Impact 2024 Presidential Contest” by Sudhin Thanawala and Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “Appeals Court Sides with Judge Who Threatened Peter Navarro with Contempt” by Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) for MSN

Kentucky: “Louisville Mayor’s Wife Repeatedly Turned to City Worker for Social Media Help, Texts Show” by Eleanor McCrary and Josh Wood (Louisville Courier Journal) for Yahoo News

New York: “Trump Ramps Up Attacks on Judges, Sparking Concerns as Criminal Trial Nears” by Marianne LeVine, Clara Ence Morse, and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “The Randazzler: Court records detail chummy relationship between Sam Randazzo, FirstEnergy” by Jessie Balmert (Cincinnati Enquirer) for Yahoo News

Virginia: “A Skill Game Company Gave a Va. Senator a $1.9K Trip. No One Will Explain It” by Graham Moomaw for Virginia Mercury

Lobbying

Wisconsin: “What Are Wisconsin’s Biggest Lobbying Law Violation Settlements Since 2016?” by Hina Suzuki (The Badger Project) for PBS Wisconsin

Redistricting

Florida: “Federal Court Upholds DeSantis-Backed Congressional Map” by Gary Fineout (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

On April 1, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its audit of federal lobbying compliance for 2023.

For the audit, the GAO reviewed a random sample of 98 quarterly disclosure reports filed for the third and fourth quarters of calendar year 2022 and the first and second quarters of calendar year 2023.

They also reviewed random samples of 160 LD-203 reports for the year-end 2022 and midyear 2023 reports.

Among its findings, the GAO concluded 97% of filers of lobbying disclosure reports were able to provide documentation to support reported income and expenses, 7% of LD-203 reports were missing reportable contributions, and 94% of lobbyists who filed new registrations also filed LD-2 reports as required for the quarter in which they first registered.

The audit estimates at least 23% of all lobbying disclosure reports did not properly disclose formerly held covered positions.

The 56-page report is titled “2023 Lobbying Disclosure: Observations on Compliance with Requirements.”

Campaign Finance

National: “FEC Fines Mike Braun Senate Committee $159k for Campaign Finance Violation” by Kayla Dwyer (Indianapolis Star) for MSN

New York: “Meet NYC’s New Campaign Finance Watchdog, Arriving Amid Probe into Mayor Adams’ Campaign” by Brigid Bergin for Gothamist

Elections

New Jersey: “New Jersey’s Unique Ballot Design Struck Down by Judge” by Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) for MSN

Texas: “Texas Appeals Court Overturns Crystal Mason’s Conviction, 5-Year Sentence for Illegal Voting” by Karen Brooks Harper (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Ethics

Kansas: “Does Wichita Mayor’s Trip Abroad Fall Under City’s Ethics Policy? Here’s What We Found Out” by Chance Swaim (Wichita Eagle) for Yahoo News

National: “From Pizzagate to the 2020 Election: Forcing liars to pay or apologize” by Elizabeth Williamson (New York Times) for DNyuz

Lobbying

Arizona: “UA President Robbins OK’d Effort to Erase Millions in Fines Against Fraudulent Online University” by Hannah Dreyfus and Helen Rummel (Arizona Republic) for Yahoo News

Redistricting

South Carolina: “South Carolina Latest State to Use Congressional Map Deemed Illegal” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Colorado: “Colorado Appeals Court Upholds Fine, Requirement for ‘Dark Money’ Group to Disclose Spending” by Michael Karlik for Colorado Politics

National: “How Corporate PAC Money Could End Up in the Personal Coffers of Sens. JD Vance and Markwayne Mullin” by Brian Metzger (Business Insider) for MSN

Texas: “Texas Could Require Social Media Influencers to Disclose Paid Political Posts” by Robert Downen (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “GOP Official Who Claimed 2020 Was Stolen Voted Illegally Nine Times, Judge Rules” by Amy Wang (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Former L.A. Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan Found Guilty in Sprawling City Hall Corruption Case” by David Zahniser and Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

National: “Trump’s Social Media Company Opens New Avenue for Conflicts of Interest” by Sharon LaFraniere (New York Times) for Seattle Times

Lobbying

New York: “Lobbyist Dating Carl Heastie Cleared to Return to Assembly – and Ethics Attorney Quits” by Chris Bragg for New York Focus

Redistricting

North Carolina: “Court Rejects Claim Challenging North Carolina Map for Diluting Black Vote” by Rachel Weiner and Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) for MSN

National/Federal

Trump’s Legal Fees Are Sky High. An Elaborate PAC Scheme Is Helping Pay Them – for Now

MSN – Erin Mansfield and Zac Anderson (USA Today) | Published: 3/24/2024

A pro-Donald Trump super PAC has been transferring millions of dollars every month to the former president’s fund for paying his legal bills. The transfers have kept the fund, Save America, afloat as it bled tens of millions of dollars on legal bills since a New York grand jury indicted Trump, the first in a wave of criminal indictments and civil judgments against him. Save America is a type of fund called a leadership PAC that can only accept $5,000 per election cycle from each donor but has few restrictions on how it spends money. It is being funded by Make America Great Again Inc., a super PAC that can raise unlimited amounts of money.

Rep. Mike Gallagher to Resign in April, Narrowing House GOP Vote Margin to 1

MSN – Patrick Svitek and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 3/22/2024

U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher announced he will resign effective April 19, leaving the slim House GOP majority with a one-vote margin that will make it even harder to pass legislation. Under Wisconsin law, Gallagher’s seat is likely to remain vacant until January, with the November general election to determine who wins his seat. The realities of the thin majority were on full display as the House passed a $1.2 trillion spending bill by a narrow margin.

Trump Media Merger Wins Investor Approval, Netting Trump a Potential Windfall

MSN – Drew Harwell (Washington Post) | Published: 3/22/2024

Shareholders voted to take Donald Trump’s media company public, a long-delayed move that will open the owner of Truth Social to stock-market investors and grant Trump a stake worth billions of dollars that he could use to pay down his legal debts. Some critics have said Trump Media is a “meme stock” with a more than $5 billion valuation they say is out of sync with its financial outlook. Trump Media lost $49 million in the first nine months of last year and brought in $3.4 million in revenue.

Federal Officials Say 20 Have Been Charged for Threatening Election Workers

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 3/24/2024

Justice Department officials said reports of widespread threats against officials running the 2020 and 2022 elections have resulted in charges against roughly 20 people, with more than a half dozen receiving sentences between one and three-and-one-half years. But the federal officials said at a news conference that it remains to be seen if the stiff sentences will serve as an effective deterrent to would-be-criminals in future election cycles.

NBC Reverses Decision to Hire Ronna McDaniel After On-Air Backlash

MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 3/26/2024

Amid a chorus of on-air protest from some of the network’s biggest stars, NBC announced that former Republican National Committee Chairperson Ronna McDaniel will no longer be joining the network as a paid contributor. The network had announced four days earlier they were bringing McDaniel on board to provide “expert insight and analysis” on politics. But the company’s on-air personalities disagreed vehemently, saying McDaniel’s promotion of Donald Trump’s false election-fraud claims disqualified her from a role in their news divisions.

No Labels, No Candidate: Rejections pile up as time runs short

Seattle Times – Rebecca Davis O’Brien and Reid Epstein (New York Times) | Published: 3/22/2024

No Labels, the group that for months has pledged to run a centrist presidential ticket in the event of a rematch between President Biden and Donald Trump, is running out of time to recruit a standard-bearer after a string of rejections. With a number of prominent prospective candidates saying no thanks in recent months, some No Labels members and leaders have grown frustrated with the failure to advance a ticket. Still, the group’s leadership continues to hold out hope for November, even as the possibility of outright defeating both Biden and Trump seems increasingly remote.

Threats Against Politicians Are Prevalent. The FEC Wants to Let Campaigns Pay for Security.

Yahoo News – Zach Montellaro (Politico) | Published: 3/27/2024

The FEC wants to allow candidates to use campaign funds for a wide range of security measures, an expansion of what campaign accounts can be used for amid a heated political environment. The proposed changes would allow federal candidates to use their campaign funds to pay for things like as security personnel, cameras or motion detectors at their homes, and cybersecurity services – so long as these purchases “address ongoing dangers or threats” arising from their status as federal candidates or officials and they pay a fair market value.

How Justice Thomas’s ‘Nearly Adopted Daughter’ Became His Law Clerk

Yahoo News – Steve Eder and Abbie VanSickle (New York Times) | Published: 3/28/2024

One of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’s law clerks for the court’s next term will be Crystal Clanton, a conservative organizer turned lawyer, who has such a close relationship with Thomas and his wife that the couple informally refer to her as their “nearly adopted daughter.” For Thomas’s critics, the selection of Clanton is blatant favoritism, if not nepotism, particularly for a justice already under an ethics cloud for revelations about his gifts and travel from wealthy benefactors.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Deepfake Kari Lake Video Shows Coming Chaos of AI in Elections

MSN – Reis Thebault (Washington Post) | Published: 3/24/2024

Journalist Hank Stephenson has made a living out of detecting lies and political spin. But even he was fooled at first when he watched the video of one of his home state’s most prominent congressional candidates. Kari Lake, the Republican U.S. Senate hopeful from Arizona, was on his phone screen, speaking words written by a software engineer. Stephenson was watching a deepfake, an artificial-intelligence-generated video produced by his news organization, Arizona Agenda, to underscore the dangers of AI misinformation in an election year.

California – L.A. City Councilmember Curren Price Accused of 21 Violations of City Ethics Laws

MSN – James Queally, David Zahniser, and Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/27/2024

The Los Angeles Ethics Commission has privately accused city Councilperson Curren Price of voting on matters in which his wife had a financial interest. The commission accuses Price of 21 violations of the city’s ethics laws, many of them similar to those filed by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón against Price last year. In the criminal case, Price is accused of voting to support projects for developers that had done business with a consulting company founded by his wife. The allegations from the commission mostly involve violations of conflict-of-interest laws or the council member’s failure to fully disclose economic interests.

California – Judge Recommends Conservative Lawyer John Eastman Be Disbarred in California

MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2024

A California judge recommended that John Eastman be disbarred in the state over his role in developing a legal strategy to help Donald Trump stay in power after his 2020 election loss. State Bar Court of California Judge Yvette Roland ordering that Eastman’s law license be put on “involuntary inactive” status. The California Supreme Court will issue a final ruling on the matter, which Eastman can appeal.

Colorado – Colorado Appeals Court Upholds Campaign Finance Fine for Ex-State Senate Candidate

Colorado Politics – Michael Karlik | Published: 3/26/2024

Colorado’s second-highest court agreed that a former state Senate candidate misinterpreted campaign finance law and failed to file the proper paperwork upon declaring her candidacy. Although Suzanne Taheri believed she had satisfied Colorado’s campaign finance requirements by submitting a copy of her federal tax return shortly after she became a candidate, an administrative law judge concluded that was not the correct form of disclosure.

District of Columbia – Former DOJ Official Jeffrey Clark Could Face Disbarment for Aiding Trump

MSN – Keith Alexander (Washington Post) | Published: 3/26/2024

Jeffrey Clark, a former senior Justice Department official who sought to use the agency’s influence to help reverse Donald Trump’s 2020 election defeat, violated legal ethics and should be sanctioned professionally, even prohibited from practicing law in the nation’s capital, an attorney for the District of Columbia Bar told a disciplinary panel. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel alleged Clark engaged in dishonest conduct when he drafted a letter he wanted the Justice Department to send to Georgia officials, demanding the state Legislature call a special session to examine votes in the presidential election.

Florida – DeSantis Tourism Board, Disney Reach Settlement to End Legal Feud

MSN – Lori Rozsa and Aaron Gregg (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2024

The board appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to oversee Disney’s former special taxing district agreed to a settlement with the company, capping a legal feud over who should control development at the theme park complex. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, made up of DeSantis appointees, agreed to drop its lawsuit against the company in exchange for Disney relinquishing some control over its property.

Florida – Florida Donors with State Business Fueled End of DeSantis Presidential Run

MSN – Michael Scherer, Josh Dawsey, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2024

The biggest donors in Republican politics largely shunned Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis after his presidential campaign began to falter last summer. So, his allies turned to donors the governor still held sway over because of his day job. Lobbyist friends and fundraisers of DeSantis called Florida clients asking them to contribute to the super PACs paying for television ads and field operations and many of those people gave. The pitch, according to one person who received a call, was DeSantis was likely to remain a powerful governor in the state.

Florida – In Public, Suarez Says He’s Not Ken Griffin’s Attorney. Under Oath, He Said Differently

MSN – Sarah Blaskey and Alexandra Glorioso (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/21/2024

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has said he has no conflict-of-interest when it comes to his public support for billionaire Ken Griffin, a major client of the law firm where Suarez is employed. But in an interview conducted under oath in December, Suarez contradicted previous public statements and said he is one of Griffin’s attorneys, a potential violation of ethics laws prohibiting elected officials from working for anyone who has business before their government.

Florida – Centners Downplay Ties to Arrested Miami Commissioner, Say They ‘Sprinkle Money Around’

MSN – Tess Riski, Joey Flechas, and Sarah Blaskey (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/24/2024

A wealthy couple at the center of the state’s money laundering and bribery case against a former Miami city commissioner told prosecutors they did not know the mechanics of how $245,000 from their business’s account ended up in the commissioner’s political committee coffers, according to audio recordings of interviews. David and Leila Centner, the operators of the private school Centner Academy, told prosecutors that as a “very high net-worth family,” they “sprinkle money around” and often approve large transactions without knowing the details.

Georgia – Georgia Election Official Seeking New Term Voted on Cases Involving His Lobbyist Clients

Just the News – Natalia Mittelstadt | Published: 3/22/2024

State Election Board member Edward Lindsey is up for reconfirmation before the Georgia House amid new revelations he has voted on cases involving counties for which he is a lobbyist. Lindsey is a lobbyist for both Cobb County and DeKalb County. He is also a registered lobbyist for Dentons, a global law and lobbying firm that has contracted with both Cobb County and DeKalb County. The elections board has had multiple complaints regarding both county’s elections during Lindsey’s tenure, which he has been involved in and voted on.

Kansas – In the Kansas House, When Lobbyists Ask for New Laws, Their Names Go on the Bills

Yahoo News – John Hanna (Associated Press) | Published: 3/26/2024

The Kansas House is making it a little easier for the state’s residents to find out who is lobbying its members. Besides a number and official sponsor, each bill now lists who asked for it, be it a lawmaker at someone else’s request or an individual lobbyist for a specific client. The change started in January. While at least a handful of states require lobbyists to list specific bills of interest to them in reports open for public inspection, the Council of State Governments knows of no other state legislative chamber that is listing lobbyists and groups on its bills.

Louisiana – How to Elect a Louisiana Sheriff: Runoff, recount, reversal, repeat

MSN – Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) | Published: 3/24/2024

When Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator announced last summer that he would step down after more than four decades in law enforcement, residents braced for a divisive campaign. Yet few could have predicted they would have to go to the polls three times in six months to pick a successor, elections fraught with racial tensions and legal wrangling over voting rights that mirror national struggles.

Montana – Montana Supreme Court Strikes Down Voting Restrictions

MSN – Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2024

The Montana Supreme Court struck down four laws the state’s Republican-led Legislature passed in 2021 to restrict voting. The laws ended same-day voter registration in most cases, eliminated student ID cards as a permitted form of voter identification, and sought to curtail paid ballot-collection efforts. They also outlawed absentee ballots for people who would be 18 years old by Election Day.

New Jersey – Tammy Murphy Drops Out of U.S. Senate Race in Stunning Announcement

MSN – Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 3/24/2024

New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy abruptly announced she has dropped her bid for U.S. Senate, a stunning development in what had increasingly become a bitter and dramatic Democratic primary for the state’s seat currently held by indicted Sen. Robert Menendez. Murphy was aiming to become the first woman ever to represent New Jersey in the upper chamber of Congress. Now, she leaves the race four months after entering it and two months before the June 4 primary.

New Jersey – In New Jersey, Some See Old-School Politics Giving Way to ‘Spring’ Amid Corruption Scandal

Yahoo News – Mike Catalini (Associated Press) | Published: 3/25/2024

New Jersey has the reputation as a home to backroom political dealing. But advocates hoping to break the boss-dominated culture in this Democratic stronghold say the ongoing corruption case against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez might have opened the door to a new era in Garden State politics. Many progressives were cheered when Tammy Murphy withdrew from the Senate primary, since they viewed her as someone who was benefiting from a system they argue gives party leaders undue influence. The well-connected wife of Gov. Phil Murphy dropped her bid to succeed Menendez.

New York – Trump Wins Partial Stay of Fraud Judgment, Allowed to Post $175 Million

MSN – Mark Berman, Jonathan O’Connell, and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 3/25/2024

An appeals court panel in New York said Donald Trump would be allowed to post a $175 million bond to stave off enforcement of a nearly $500 million civil judgment against him and his business. While the five judges on the panel eased the financial strain on Trump, they did not erase it entirely. They gave Trump 10 days to come up with the reduced bond of $175 million, saying they would only delay enforcement of the full amount if he put up that lower figure within this window and it is not immediately clear how he will come up with the money.

New York – NY Judge Issues Gag Order on Trump in Hush Money Trial, Blasting His ‘Threatening, Inflammatory, Denigrating’ Statements

MSN – Kara Scannell, Lauren del Valle and Jeremy Herb (CNN) | Published: 3/27/2024

A New York judge imposed a gag order on Donald Trump, limiting the former president from making statements about potential witnesses in the criminal trial relating to hush money payments scheduled to begin in April. Judge Juan Merchan said Trump cannot make statements about attorneys, court staff, or the family members of prosecutors or lawyers intended to interfere with the case. Trump is also barred from making statements about any potential or actual juror.

New York – N.Y. Judge Sets Firm April 15 Trial Date in Trump’s Historic Hush Money Case

MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 3/25/2024

Donald Trump will begin his first criminal trial on April 15, a judge ruled, at the end of a contentious hearing in which he repeatedly slammed the former president’s legal team for claims of prosecutorial misconduct the judge said were unfounded. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan rejected Trump’s assertion that the Manhattan district attorney’s office acted improperly with regard to newly available evidence. He also insisted the trial over reimbursement of an alleged hush money payment was back on track after a delay.

New York – Adams Adviser Frank Carone Pulls Lobbying Registration as His Firm Reveals City, State Targets

New York Daily News – Chris Sommerfeldt | Published: 3/21/2024

Frank Carone, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ ex-chief of staff, rescinded his lobbying registration earlier recently – a move that coincided with his consulting firm revealing its other employees have lobbied officials in the administrations of both Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul. In amended filings, Oaktree Solutions removed Carone’s name from the list of employees lobbying on behalf of the firm’s 18 clients. Asked why his name was scrubbed, Carone said he only registered to undergo lobbying training.

Ohio – Imprisoned Ex-Ohio Speaker Householder Hit with New Charges Alleging Misuse of Campaign Funds

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/25/2024

Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder is once again facing charges in the ever expanding state and federal bribery cases surrounding the passage of legislation in 2019. The newest charges go beyond Householder’s acceptance of a bribe from FirstEnergy that landed him in federal prison for 20 years. They allege he unlawfully used campaign funds to pay his criminal defense fees in the federal case and lied on state ethics forms that require candidates and office holders to disclose their earnings, assets, and liabilities.

Ohio – Ex-FirstEnergy Lobbyist Charged in Bribery Scheme Gets to Spend Easter at His Beach House, After All

MSN – Corey Shaffer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/25/2024

A former FirstEnergy lobbyist charged in connection with the largest bribery scandal in Ohio’s history will get to spend the Easter holiday at his vacation home in an upscale South Carolina beach community. Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Susan Baker Ross placed several conditions on Dowling, including giving the court a detailed itinerary of his weeklong trip, contact information for everyone who will be staying with him, and outfitting his phone with a GPS tracker in addition to the ankle monitor he is already wearing.

Ohio – Cuyahoga County Grand Jury Foreperson Lobbied Publicly for House Bill 6. Why Was He Allowed to Hear Case Against Larry Householder?

MSN – Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/27/2024

A politically connected labor leader served as the foreperson for a grand jury that returned a new criminal indictment against former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, a development experts said raises questions about the impartiality of the process and that could pose future legal issues for Attorney General Dave Yost’s case. Legal experts said Dave Wondolowski’s role on the grand jury could raise problems because of his familiarity with Householder. Wondolowski was involved with issues surrounding House Bill 6, which is at the center of federal corruption charges against Householder and that spawned the new state case.

Oregon – Oregon Secretary of State Says It Needs More Money, Employees to Overhaul Outdated Campaign Finance Filing System

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/21/2024

Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade says her office needs more money and employees if it is to overhaul its outdated campaign finance filing system to adhere to new campaign finance rules lawmakers approved recently. Lawmakers did not allocate any money to implement the new limits and change the current filing system, which is nearly 20 years old, so Griffin-Valade plans to request at least $4.1 million from the Legislature’s Emergency Board.

Oregon – Portland Elections Office Finds Zenith Energy Violated City Lobbying Rules

Portland Mercury – Taylor Griggs | Published: 3/26/2024

Zenith Energy attempted to influence officials by communicating directly with city directors and commissioners to gain approval of a controversial land use document that allows the company to continue doing business in Portland, according to an investigation by City Auditor Simone Rede’s office. Rede said Zenith violated the law requiring organizations that spend more than eight hours or $1,000 lobbying city officials in any quarter to register and report the activity.

Pennsylvania – Philly Ethics Board Looks to Tighten Rules After Jeff Brown Super PAC Scuffle

Billy Penn – Meir Rinde | Published: 3/22/2024

After losing a court battle over alleged campaign finance improprieties during last year’s mayoral election, the Philadelphia Board of Ethics is moving to tighten its restrictions on spending by super PACs. The board is also asking a judge to throw out a lawsuit filed against the city by Jeff Brown, the supermarket magnate and former mayoral candidate, and a dark money super PAC that spent heavily to support his run. The revisions would make it clear that someone who plans to run for office cannot get around the limits by delaying the announcement of their candidacy, as Brown did.

Pennsylvania – Upgrades to PA Governor’s Mansion Bankrolled by Private Group That Won’t Disclose Donors, Full Cost

Spotlight PA – Angela Couloumbis | Published: 3/25/2024

The remodeling of the official residence of Pennsylvania’s governor will focus on bringing in new pieces of furniture, art, and other items to the public areas of the historic mansion. Beyond that, little is known about the scale, scope, or even the price tag for the redesign. Despite the involvement of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s aides in the project, no one will say who is managing it, raising money for it, or exactly who is paying for the bill.

Rhode Island – Former Top RI Official Ordered to Pay $5,000 Fine Over Infamous Philly Trip. What to Know.

MSN – Katherine Gregg and Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) | Published: 3/26/2024

Former state official David Patten agreed to pay a $5,000 fine for his actions on a now-infamous trip to Philadelphia to visit a company seeking to redevelop Providence’s Cranston Street Armory. The Rhode Island Ethics Commission also voted to find probable cause that Gov. Daniel McKee’s former administration director, James Thorsen, violated the law by accepting a free lunch during that trip. This is the first time the commission has brought a case under the state procurement law since being granted authority to do so by the General Assembly.

South Dakota – South Dakota Ethanol Lobbying Entered a ‘Borderline,’ ‘Gray’ Area, Critics Say

Yahoo News – Dominik Dausch (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) | Published: 3/27/2024

When a bill that would open the door to Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline in South Dakota was about to head to the state House for debate, major ethanol companies came out in force to support the legislation. Busloads of people with ties to ethanol companies showed up at the Capitol’s doorstep. A media investigation found these companies reimbursed and, in one case, paid, employees and board members to lobby legislators in the days leading up to the vote on the bill. The state’s broadly written lobbyist laws lack clarity about compensating lobbyists.

Texas – Texas AG Ken Paxton Reaches Deal to End Securities Fraud Charges After 9 Years

MSN – Juan Lozano (Associated Press) | Published: 3/26/2024

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton agreed to pay nearly $300,000 in restitution under a deal to end criminal securities fraud charges that have shadowed him for nearly a decade. The announcement came just weeks before Paxton was set to stand trial on felony charges that could have led to a prison sentence. It was the closest Paxton has ever come to trial over accusations he duped investors in a technology startup near Dallas.

Wisconsin – Prosecutors in 3 Wisconsin Counties Decline to Pursue Charges Against Trump Committee, Lawmaker

MSN – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 3/22/2024

Prosecutors in three Wisconsin counties declined to pursue felony charges of campaign finance violations against Donald Trump’s fundraising committee and a state lawmaker related to an effort to unseat Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. The prosecutors cited conflicts-of-interest, in some cases because they too are actively involved in their local Republican parties. The state Ethics Commission referred the charges to counties adjacent to the three that declined to prosecute. Ultimately, Attorney General Josh Kaul, could be asked to prosecute the cases.

Wisconsin – Robin Vos Slams Shadow Lobbying Effort on Electric Grid Construction Bill

MSN – Jessie Opien (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 3/21/2024

The intense lobbying efforts behind a bill that would have changed regulations for transmission line construction exposed problems with Wisconsin’s ethics laws, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said. ” … For an entity to be able to donate to an outside group and have them do their lobbying for them, all unreportable, seems to me to be a … huge loophole in [the] law that we need to fix,” Vos said. The speaker named the conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity as a “prime” example of the issue, despite generally being politically aligned with the organization.

Wisconsin – Former Milwaukee Election Official Convicted of Absentee Ballot Fraud

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2024

A jury convicted a former Milwaukee election official of absentee ballot fraud and misconduct in office in an unusual case that pitted a self-proclaimed whistleblower against election conspiracy theorists. Kimberly Zapata served as deputy elections director in 2022, when baseless claims about elections circulated among Republicans, including in the state Legislature. Zapata has said the focus by some lawmakers on meritless issues frustrated her and she wanted to alert them to what she viewed as a true vulnerability in Wisconsin’s voting system.

Campaign Finance

Colorado: “Colorado Appeals Court Upholds Campaign Finance Fine for Ex-State Senate Candidate” by Michael Karlik for Colorado Politics

National: “Threats Against Politicians Are Prevalent. The FEC Wants to Let Campaigns Pay for Security.” by Zach Montellaro (Politico) for Yahoo News

Florida: “Florida Donors with State Business Fueled End of DeSantis Presidential Run” by Michael Scherer, Josh Dawsey, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “L.A. City Councilmember Curren Price Accused of 21 Violations of City Ethics Laws” by James Queally, David Zahniser, and Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

National: “NBC Reverses Decision to Hire Ronna McDaniel After On-Air Backlash” by Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) for MSN

New Jersey: “In New Jersey, Some See Old-School Politics Giving Way to ‘Spring’ Amid Corruption Scandal” by Mike Catalini (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Ohio: “Cuyahoga County Grand Jury Foreperson Lobbied Publicly for House Bill 6. Why Was He Allowed to Hear Case Against Larry Householder?” by Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Lobbying

Oregon: “Zenith Energy Violated City Code by Not Reporting Lobbying, City Auditor Says” by Gosia Wozniacka (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

South Dakota: “South Dakota Ethanol Lobbying Entered a ‘Borderline,’ ‘Gray’ Area, Critics Say” by Dominik Dausch (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) for Yahoo News

Elections

National: “Federal Officials Say 20 Have Been Charged for Threatening Election Workers” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “No Labels, No Candidate: Rejections pile up as time runs short” by Rebecca Davis O’Brien and Reid Epstein (New York Times) for Seattle Times

Ethics

New York: “N.Y. Judge Sets Firm April 15 Trial Date in Trump’s Historic Hush Money Case” by Shayna Jacobs and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “Imprisoned Ex-Ohio Speaker Householder Hit with New Charges Alleging Misuse of Campaign Funds” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Rhode Island: “Former Top RI Official Ordered to Pay $5,000 Fine Over Infamous Philly Trip. What to Know.” by Katherine Gregg and Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) for MSN

Texas: “Texas AG Ken Paxton Reaches Deal to End Securities Fraud Charges After 9 Years” by Juan Lozano (Associated Press) for MSN

Lobbying

Kansas: “In the Kansas House, When Lobbyists Ask for New Laws, Their Names Go on the Bills” by John Hanna (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

New York: “Adams Adviser Frank Carone Pulls Lobbying Registration as His Firm Reveals City, State Targets” by Chris Sommerfeldt for New York Daily News

Campaign Finance

Wisconsin: “Prosecutors in 3 Wisconsin Counties Decline to Pursue Charges Against Trump Committee, Lawmaker” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for MSN

Elections

Arizona: “Deepfake Kari Lake Video Shows Coming Chaos of AI in Elections” by Reis Thebault (Washington Post) for MSN

New Jersey: “Tammy Murphy Drops Out of U.S. Senate Race in Stunning Announcement” by Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) for MSN

Ethics

Florida: “Centners Downplay Ties to Arrested Miami Commissioner, Say They ‘Sprinkle Money Around'” by Tess Riski, Joey Flechas, and Sarah Blaskey (Miami Herald) for MSN

National: “Trump Media Merger Wins Investor Approval, Netting Trump a Potential Windfall” by Drew Harwell (Washington Post) for MSN

Pennsylvania: “Upgrades to PA Governor’s Mansion Bankrolled by Private Group That Won’t Disclose Donors, Full Cost” by Angela Couloumbis for Spotlight PA

Legislative Issues

National: “Rep. Mike Gallagher to Resign in April, Narrowing House GOP Vote Margin to 1” by Patrick Svitek and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Georgia: “Georgia Election Official Seeking New Term Voted on Cases Involving His Lobbyist Clients” by Natalia Mittelstadt for Just the New

Campaign Finance

National: “Trump’s Legal Fees Are Sky High. An Elaborate PAC Scheme Is Helping Pay Them – for Now” by Erin Mansfield and Zac Anderson (USA Today) for MSN

Oregon: “Oregon Secretary of State Says It Needs More Money, Employees to Overhaul Outdated Campaign Finance Filing System” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Pennsylvania: “Philly Ethics Board Looks to Tighten Rules After Jeff Brown Super PAC Scuffle” by Meir Rinde for Billy Penn

Elections

Louisiana: “How to Elect a Louisiana Sheriff: Runoff, recount, reversal, repeat” by Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) for MSN

Wisconsin: “Former Milwaukee Election Official Convicted of Absentee Ballot Fraud” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Florida: “In Public, Suarez Says He’s Not Ken Griffin’s Attorney. Under Oath, He Said Differently” by Sarah Blaskey and Alexandra Glorioso (Miami Herald) for MSN

National: “Former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel Faces Sharp Criticism After NBC Hiring” by Drew Harwell (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Wisconsin: “Robin Vos Slams Shadow Lobbying Effort on Electric Grid Construction Bill” by Jessie Opien (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) for MSN

National/Federal

Supreme Court Rules Public Officials Can Sometimes Be Sued for Blocking Critics on Social Media

Associated Press News – Mark Sherman | Published: 3/14/2024

A unanimous Supreme Court ruled public officials can sometimes be sued for blocking their critics on social media. The court ruled in two cases involving lawsuits filed by individuals who were blocked after leaving critical comments on social media accounts belonging to school board members in Southern California and a city manager in Michigan. They are similar to a case involving Donald Trump and his decision to block critics from his personal account on Twitter. The justices dismissed the case after Trump left office.

Peter Navarro Begins 4-Month Jail Sentence for Contempt of Congress

DNyuz – Zach Montague and David Adams (New York Times) | Published: 3/19/2024

Peter Navarro, a trade adviser to Donald Trump, reported to federal prison, becoming the first senior Trump administration official to serve time over his role in the effort to subvert the results of the 2020 election. Navarro, who helped engineer Trump’s plans to stay in power after his electoral defeat in November 2020, was sentenced to four months in prison for contempt of Congress after defying a subpoena from the House select committee investigating the Capitol riot.

US Supreme Court Justices, Judges Face New Rules for Disclosing Free Trips

MSN – Nate Raymond (Reuters) | Published: 3/18/2024

U.S. Supreme Court justices and federal judges can no longer avoid disclosing the value of travel-related gifts they receive by classifying such free trips as “reimbursements” on their financial disclosure forms under new regulations now in effect. The rules follow revelations that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas had not disclosed luxury trips paid for by a wealthy benefactor.

Trump-Backed Candidate Bernie Moreno Wins Ohio Senate Primary

MSN – Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 3/19/2024

Bernie Moreno, a Republican endorsed by Donald Trump, advanced to a general-election matchup against U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown in a contest that could determine control of the Senate. Democratic groups have spent money on ads on Moreno in recent weeks because some strategists view him as an easier opponent for Brown, who faced no challengers in the primary, to defeat in a general election.

Chinese Billionaire Pleads Guilty to Straw Donor

MSN – Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 3/18/2024

A Chinese billionaire pleaded guilty to violating U.S. election laws by funneling illegal straw donations to a New York City official, a member of the U.S. House, and a congressional candidate. Hui Qin admitted to using his fortune to recruit and reimburse people who made political donations on his behalf, beginning with a New York City race in 2021. Court papers filed do not identify the candidates backed by Qin. But there were only a handful of citywide races in New York that year, including the election of Mayor Eric Adams.

Super PAC Backing Ted Cruz Received $215,000 From iHeartMedia – Fueling Ethics Concerns After Podcast Deal

MSN – Molly Bohannon (Forbes) | Published: 3/20/2024

A super PAC affiliated with Sen. Ted Cruz reported receiving $215,000 in “digital revenue” from iHeartMedia, despite a spokesperson for the senator previously denying there was an ethical issue with the company producing his podcast. In 2022, shortly after Cruz and iHeartMedia entered a partnership in which the company markets and produces his podcast, the Campaign Legal Center asked the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate whether the deal violated a federal law barring senators from receiving gifts from registered lobbyists.

‘Very, Very Troubling’: Judges, lawyers flummoxed by Judge Cannon

MSN – Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2024

Lawyers and former judges said they are baffled by an order issued by the federal judge overseeing Donald Trump’s pending trial on charges he mishandled classified documents, and believe her instructions suggest the case will not go to trial anytime soon. U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon ordered defense lawyers and prosecutors in the case to file submissions outlining proposed jury instructions based on two scenarios, each of which badly misstates the law and facts of the case, according to legal experts.

House Republican Divisions Over Governing Spill onto Campaign Trail

MSN – Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2024

The ideologically fractured House Republican conference has spent the past year debating what it takes to govern. Now that fight is spilling onto the campaign trail. Members from the far right and more traditional wings of the conference are campaigning against their colleagues in hopes of persuading primary voters to kick out incumbents and replace them with Republicans each group believes will better serve their political interests. The unusual interventions are a result of an ongoing intraparty dispute over what, or who, can bring about a “governing majority.”

Supreme Court Opens New Frontier for Insurrection Claims That Could Target State and Local Officials

MSN – Morgan Lee and Nicholas Riccardi (Associated Press) | Published: 3/19/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal from a former New Mexico county commissioner who was kicked out of office after he was convicted of trespassing during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The state judge who barred him from office did so on the grounds his actions violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The move came on the heels of an expected high court ruling that Section 3 cannot be used against federal officials or candidates until Congress writes a law outlining procedures to do so. The actions herald a new legal landscape as groups that pushed for Trump’s disqualification reboot efforts to target state and local officials linked to January 6.

Emails Show How a Right-Wing Group Steers GOP Leaders on Major Policy Issues

MSN – Daniel Medina and Bob Ortega (CNN) | Published: 3/18/2024

Tax laws allow donors to channel millions of dollars anonymously, through nonprofit foundations, to activist organizations that lobby for and work behind the scenes to enact legislation that reflects partisan goals. The Foundation for Government Accountability enjoys tax-exempt status as a charitable organization. It received more than $44 million from six conservative foundations tied to billionaire donors from 2013 through 2022. Those foundations have financed much of the push to tighten voting laws and spread election disinformation across the country since the 2020 election.

Election Laws Not Ready for Deepfakes, Experts Warn: ‘It’s the Wild West right now’

MSN – Jim Saska (Roll Call) | Published: 3/17/2024

Election law experts say there is little in the existing statutes to prevent artificial intelligence (AI)-powered bad actors, including meddling foreign powers, from unleashing campaign disinformation on an already saturated political landscape. While most commercial advertisers are prohibited from telling lies, there is nothing akin to truth-in-advertising laws for campaign ads because of the First Amendment’s heightened protection for political speech. Federal election laws do not currently regulate AI explicitly.

Supreme Court Likely to Reject Limits on White House Social Media Contacts

MSN – Ann Marimow and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court seemed prepared to reject a Republican-led effort to sharply limit the federal government from pressuring social media companies to remove harmful posts and misinformation from their platforms. A majority of justices from across the ideological spectrum expressed concern about hamstringing White House officials and other federal employees from communicating with technology companies about posts related to public health, national security, and elections the government deems problematic.

Kushner Developing Deals Overseas Even as His Father-in-Law Runs for President

Seattle Times – Eric Lipton, Jonathan Swain, and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 3/15/2024

Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Donald Trump, confirmed he was closing in on major real estate deals in Albania and Serbia, the latest example of the former president’s family doing business abroad even as Trump seeks to return to the White House. Kushner’s plans in the Balkans appear to have come about in part through relationships built while Trump was in office. Kushner, who was a senior White House official, said he had been working on the deals with Richard Grenell, who served briefly as acting director of national intelligence under Trump.

Jan. 6 Defendant Got 2 Congressional Internships After She Allegedly Breached the Building

Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 3/18/2024

In the three years since the attack on the Capitol, Isabella DeLuca gained a right-wing following and burnished her résumé with two internships in the offices of GOP members of Congress. Now, the social media influencer has been criminally charged for storming the Capitol and helping to force the evacuation of the chamber. DeLuca stands apart from the other 1,300 people charged in the riot because she is the first known member of the mob who would take a position in Congress after her role in the insurrection.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Ninth Circuit Denies Injunction to Block Disclosure Rules for Alaska Elections

Courthouse News Service – Alanna Mayham | Published: 3/15/2024

A voter-backed measure to enforce campaign finance disclosures in Alaska prevailed after a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a judge’s denial of a preliminary injunction that would have blocked the law. A lawsuit by political donors claimed a 2020 voter initiative enforced burdensome disclosure rules that could lead to retaliation for their open support.

Alaska – Alaska Judge to Expedite Ruling on Campaign Ethics Violations by Ranked Choice Voting Opponents

Yahoo News – Iris Samuels (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 3/17/2024

A judge will rule months before the November election on the legality of a decision by state campaign regulators to punish opponents of Alaska’s voting system. The Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) ruled that leaders of an effort to repeal Alaska’s open primary and ranked choice voting system violated state law when they funneled their campaign money through an organization registered as a church in Washington state. APOC fined the leaders of the ballot effort more than $94,000.

California – Outgoing City Atty. Mara Elliott Says Ethics Commission Needs Greater Independence

Times of San Diego – JW August | Published: 3/14/2024

Outgoing City Attorney Mara Elliott said it is time to increase the San Diego Ethics Commission’s independence to conduct investigations and issue larger fines when warranted. She plans to ask the city council to consider a series of upgrades to the commission. Some would be a ballot measure; others would require council action that would change how the commission is constituted and funded.

California – Fresno County Loses Again; Must Pay Legal Fees for Lawsuit Against City Council Members

Yahoo News – Tim Sheehan (Fresno Bee) | Published: 3/15/2024

Fresno County was ordered to pay more than $72,000 in legal fees to two Fresno City Council members for their defense against the county’s unsuccessful lawsuit over campaign finance issues. The county sued Councilpersons Garry Bredefeld and Luis Chavez last year, both candidates for the county’s board of supervisors, after the pair announced their intentions to transfer money from their city council campaign committees to their campaigns for supervisor.

Florida – Is Miami City Manager’s Furniture Saga Under Ethics Review? Here’s What We Know

MSN – Ana Claudia Chacin (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/21/2024

Miami City Manager Art Noriega told colleagues in an email that he had “engaged” with the county ethics commission about matters pertaining to the potential conflict-of-interest involving the city’s business with Pradere Manufacturing, a furniture vendor owned by his in-laws that employs his wife. He said the matter was “under review.” Jose Arrojo, director of the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, said he does not recall ever meeting with or speaking to Noriega about the matter.

Florida – Ethics Complaint Against Moms for Liberty Founder Is Tossed

MSN – Josh Fiallo (Daily Beast) | Published: 3/16/2024

A complaint that kept Mom for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich from being confirmed to the Florida Commission on Ethics was rejected by the state ethics panel. The man behind the complaint, political consultant and blogger Robert Burns III, said it was rejected because the commission cannot investigate one of its own members.

Georgia – Fani Willis Can Stay on Trump Georgia Case, but Only If Wade Steps Aside, Judge Says

MSN – Holly Bailey and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/15/2024

The judge overseeing the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and his allies ruled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis could continue with the prosecution but only if Nathan Wade, the lead prosecutor she appointed and had a romantic relationship with, exits the case. Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said the defendants “failed to meet their burden” in proving Willis’s relationship with Wade was enough of a “conflict-of-interest” to merit her removal from the case. But the judge also found an “appearance of impropriety that infects the current structure of the prosecution team.”

Hawaii – House Panel Spikes Bill to Publicly Fund Hawaii Elections

Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 3/14/2024

The House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee rejected Senate Bill 2381, which would have set up a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county offices beginning with the 2028 election year. But the bill did not include the $30 million estimated to be needed to fund the program, nor $200,000 to add staff to the state Campaign Spending Commission, which would be responsible for implementing the system.

Kentucky – Piagentini Keeps Council Seat Amid Ethics Controversy

MSN – Eleanor McCrary (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 3/18/2024

The Louisville Metro Council Court voted to keep embattled member Anthony Piagentini on the council after a lengthy misconduct trial. Piagentini was accused of using his position to land a $40 million grant for the nonprofit Louisville Healthcare CEO Council to receive federal American Rescue Plan money. He removed himself as a sponsor of the ordinance and did not vote on it, citing a conflict-of-interest. The day after the vote, he accepted a one-year consulting position with the organization.

Maryland – Mosby Legal-Defense Fund Donor List to Remain Secret Following Circuit Court Ruling

MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/18/2024

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill overturned a Public Information Act Compliance Board ruling that ordered the release of the names of donors to a legal-defense fund set up to benefit City Council President Nick Mosby and his wife. The board argued the donations were akin to campaign contributions, which are disclosable under Maryland law. Fletcher-Hill relied on a 2016 ruling that permitted the state comptroller to withhold specific financial information related to unclaimed funds.

Michigan – Prominent Lansing Fundraiser Arraigned on Campaign Finance Charges

Detroit News – Craig Mauger | Published: 3/21/2024

Heather Lombardini, one of the top Republican fundraisers in Michigan politics, was arraigned on charges that she violated campaign finance law and created a false document after officials began investigating. The state attorney general’s office has been scrutinizing the movement of about $2.7 million from two nonprofit organizations tied to state Senate Republicans to the Unlock Michigan ballot proposal campaign, which gathered signatures to diminish Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency powers.

Michigan – Michigan Lawyer Who Claimed Election Fraud Arrested after Dominion Hearing

MSN – Rachel Weiner and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2024

An attorney for former Overstock Chief Executive Officer Patrick Byrne was detained at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C., after defending her decision to disseminate internal documents from Dominion Voting Systems to revive debunked claims about the 2020 election. Stefanie Lambert was facing a bench warrant from a state court in Michigan, where she is accused of taking part in a conspiracy to tamper with voting machines in hopes of finding proof of fraud. She is simultaneously representing Byrne, who is being sued for defamation by Dominion over related falsehoods claiming the firm’s machines enabled vote tampering.

Michigan – ‘New Day in Lansing’ as Lawmakers Advance FOIA Bills, Introduce Transparency Measures

MSN – Arpan Lobo and Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 3/14/2024

Legislation to expand Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act to include the governor’s office and state Legislature is advancing after members of the Senate Oversight Committee voted to report bills to the full Senate floor. There were concerns over some exemptions to open records requests that are currently in the legislation, like shielding the communications in the governor’s office for issuing pardons and criminal reprieves, and exemptions for communications between constituents and employees of the governor’s office or Legislature.

Nebraska – Lawmaker Apologizes After Inserting Colleague’s Name into Book Rape Scene

MSN – Annie Gowan and Kelsey Ables (Washington Post) | Published: 3/19/2024

Nebraska Sen. Steve Halloran apologized for reading a sexually graphic passage during debate over an obscenity bill and inserting Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh’s name into the text, a moment that sparked widespread outrage and calls for his resignation from across the political spectrum. Kevin Smith, a professor at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, said lingering tensions over Cavanaugh’s strong stance against a bill banning gender-affirming care may have had “some emotional spillover” in the debate over the obscenity measure.

New Hampshire – Group Sues After Novel Biden Deepfake Urged Voters to Skip N.H. Primary

MSN – Tobi Raji (Washington Post) | Published: 3/17/2024

A voting advocacy group is suing a political consultant and companies behind an AI-generated robocall o President Biden that in January urged New Hampshire voters not to participate in the state’s presidential primary. The League of Women Voters of New Hampshire accuses campaign consultant Steve Kramer, Life Corp., and Lingo Telecom of voter intimidation and deception in violation of federal and state laws.

New Jersey – Primary Ballot in N.J. Is ‘Unconstitutional,’ State Attorney General Says

MSN – Azi Paybarah (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2024

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s office said the state’s unique way of displaying county-backed candidates for U.S. Senate and governor on primary ballots is “unconstitutional” and will not defend it in court, following a lawsuit filed by U.S. Rep. Andy Kim. The move is the latest twist in an already tumultuous Democratic nominating contest for a Senate seat in the reliably blue state. Kim and the state’s first lady, Tammy Murphy, are running in the June 4 primary for the seat held by embattled U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez.

New Mexico – How NM Will Enforce the New Deepfake Disclosure Law

Source New Mexico – Austin Fisher | Published: 3/20/2024

About one week after early voting in New Mexico’s primary elections begins, a new law will go into effect requiring campaigns and candidates to tell the public whenever they use false information generated by artificial intelligence in a campaign ad. The secretary of state’s office and the New Mexico Ethics Commission will investigate alleged violations. New Mexico is among eight states that have enacted similar legislation since 2019. Thirty-one more states are considering related bills.

New Mexico – Senator Sues Secretary of State in Dispute Over Campaign Donation to Student

Yahoo News – Daniel Chacón (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 3/15/2024

Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino is taking New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver to federal court over what he contends is an unconstitutional provision in the state’s campaign finance law. The complaint alleges Toulouse Oliver “ambushed” the “good senator” over a $200 donation from his campaign to a high school student in Albuquerque. The secretary of state’s office says the contribution violated state law and it has been working to get Ortiz y Pino to comply by replacing the campaign funds with his own money.

New York – Trump’s Lawyers Say It Is Impossible for Him to Post Bond Covering $454 Million Civil Fraud Judgment

Associated Press News – Michael Sisak | Published: 3/18/2924

Donald Trump’s lawyers told a New York appellate court it is impossible for him to post a bond covering a $454 million civil fraud judgment in state Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit. while he appeals. Senior Assistant Solicitor General Dennis Fan wrote a full bond was necessary, in part, because Trump’s lawyers “have never demonstrated that Mr. Trump’s liquid assets, which may fluctuate over time, will be enough to satisfy the full amount of this judgment following appeal.”

New York – Judge Orders Delay in Trump Hush Money Trial Until at Least Mid-April

MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) | Published: 3/15/2024

The judge overseeing the expected first criminal trial of Donald Trump, which was due to begin in March, has pushed it back until at least mid-April, saying lawyers need more time to review a fresh set of potential evidence and he wants to hear arguments about whether the material was handled properly. The scheduling twist is an outgrowth of the strange legal path that led to Trump being indicted last year on state charges of business records fraud for hush money paid to an adult-film actress.

New York – Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie Has Been Dating a Legislative Lobbyist

New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/14/2024

Rebecca Lamorte is the legislative and communications director for the Greater New York Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust. She lobbies the Legislature on behalf of building trades and construction unions and their contractors, which the cooperative represents. She has been romantically involved with House Speaker Carl Heastie, apparently since at least last November. Heastie’s office has declined to acknowledge the relationship publicly, or to describe what steps the speaker has taken to avoid conflicts-of-interest.

Ohio – No Easter Vacation for Indicted FirstEnergy Lobbyist, Judge Rules

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/18/2024

A judge said Mike Dowling, a FirstEnergy lobbyist charged with a sweep of bribery related crimes, cannot take a two-week trip to South Carolina to celebrate Easter. Dowling had asked Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross for leave from terms of his pre-trial bond, which require him to stay in Ohio, to travel by car to his second home from March 23 to April 4.

Pennsylvania – Lawmakers Want to Ban Public Agencies from Hiring Lobbyists

The Center Square – Anthony Hennen | Published: 3/13/2024

The Pennsylvania Game Commission was criticized for hiring a lobbyist, something no state agency had done for two decades. Now, though the commission announced it will no longer use a lobbyist, legislators want to ban the practice statewide. Such a ban would preclude public entities, from boroughs and townships to counties and state agencies, from using a lobbying firm to plead their case for more funding.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Lawmakers Weigh Measures Exposing ‘Dark Money,’ Banning Ballot Drop Boxes

Yahoo News – Eric Scicchitano (The Daily Item) | Published: 3/20/2024

A bill in the Pennsylvania House seeking to shine light on “dark money” advanced out of committee and toward a floor vote, A dissenter to the proposal warned it could run afoul of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The bill was among four election-related proposals addressing either money or election security to move through committees in the House and Senate, getting closer to floor votes in the respective chambers.

Texas – U.S. Supreme Court Hears Texas Case on Politically Motivated Arrests

Yahoo News – William Melhado (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/20/2024

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a Texas case in which a former council member sued the city of Castle Hills, arguing she was arrested in retaliation for criticizing the city manager. The question at the center of the case is whether people who criticize the government can sue local officials over retaliatory arrests. Several justices asked whether a lower court had too narrowly interpreted previous case law concerning the question.

Wisconsin – Trial Opens for Kimberly Zapata, Ex-Milwaukee Election Official Accused of Ordering Fake Military Ballots

MSN – Alison Dirr (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 3/18/2024

As the trial of former Milwaukee Election Commission Deputy Director Kimberly Zapata opened, the jury heard significantly different narratives about her actions in the fall of 2022 from her defense attorney and the prosecutor. Zapata is accused of ordering three military absentee ballots under fake names and sending them to a Republican lawmaker who embraces conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. She is facing charges of misconduct in public office and three counts of making a false statement to obtain an absentee ballot.

Campaign Finance

National: “Chinese Billionaire Pleads Guilty to Straw Donor Scheme in New York and Rhode Island” by Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) for MSN

New Mexico: “How NM Will Enforce the New Deepfake Disclosure Law” by Austin Fisher for Source New Mexico

Pennsylvania: “Pa. Lawmakers Weigh Measures Exposing ‘Dark Money,’ Banning Ballot Drop Boxes” by Eric Scicchitano (The Daily Item) for Yahoo News

Elections

New Hampshire: “Group Sues After Novel Biden Deepfake Urged Voters to Skip N.H. Primary” by Tobi Raji (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Cannon Tells Lawyers to Weigh If Trump Conduct Can’t Be Reviewed by Courts” by Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Jan. 6 Defendant Got 2 Congressional Internships After She Allegedly Breached the Building” by Kyle Cheney (Politico) for Yahoo News

Michigan: “‘New Day in Lansing’ as Lawmakers Advance FOIA Bills, Introduce Transparency Measures” by Arpan Lobo and Clara Hendrickson (Detroit Free Press) for MSN

New York: “Judge Orders Delay in Trump Hush Money Trial Until at Least Mid-April” by Shayna Jacobs and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Super PAC Backing Ted Cruz Received $215,000 From iHeartMedia – Fueling Ethics Concerns After Podcast Deal” by Molly Bohannon (Forbes) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Hawaii: “House Panel Spikes Bill to Publicly Fund Hawaii Elections” by Chad Blair for Honolulu Civil Beat

Oklahoma: “Late Campaign Reports Cost State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters” by Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) for Yahoo News

Elections

Georgia: “Fani Willis Can Stay on Trump Georgia Case, but Only If Wade Steps Aside, Judge Says” by Holly Bailey and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Outgoing City Atty. Mara Elliott Says Ethics Commission Needs Greater Independence” by JW August for Times of San Diego

National: “Judge Cannon Rejects Trump’s Attack on the Espionage Act” by Perry Stein and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Supreme Court Rules Public Officials Can Sometimes Be Sued for Blocking Critics on Social Media” by Mark Sherman for Associated Press News

Lobbying

New York: “Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie Has Been Dating a Legislative Lobbyist” by Chris Bragg for New York Focus

Pennsylvania: “Lawmakers Want to Ban Public Agencies from Hiring Lobbyists” by Anthony Hennen for The Center Square