Latest Developments:
Lobbyists Indicted for Paying for Lawmakers’ Bourbon Trail Tour
Four lobbyists have now been indicted on misdemeanor charges for violating North Carolina’s ban on gifts to state legislators. As reported previously in Essential Ethics, the gifts concern an “invitation-only tour of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail for which travel expenses were covered for legislators… made to Greater Carolina, a social welfare organization.” News Observer – Lobbyists Indicted and News Observer – More on Lobbyists
Donors Demanding Return of Contributions
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that more than 200 donors are seeking more than $1.5 million in refunds from former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign, after allegations that he sexually assaulted multiple women led him to quit the race and resign his seat. Others are questioning the Congressman’s possible use of campaign funds to pay for his defense. SF Chronicle – Donor Refunds
New York Regulators “More Aggressively” Enforcing Campaign Disclosure Violations
New York officials have been “aggressively” pursuing enforcement against campaigns that fail to file mandatory reports, with the state’s Division of Election Law Enforcement filing court cases against at least 261 candidates and committees since 2023, and the New York Public Campaign Finance Board filing cases against 29 candidates and committees for missing or late reports. NY Elections Officials Have Sued Nearly 300 Campaigns As Enforcement Increases
Oregon Governor Says Bill She Signed Could “Weaken Enforcement” and “Narrow Disclosure”
The governor ignored groups urging her to veto House Bill 4018, claiming it “necessary to ensure that Oregon’s long overdue effort to have campaign finance limits can begin effectively by next year.” Kotek Signs Bill Weakening, Delaying Parts of Oregon Campaign Finance Law – OregonLive.com Groups said it would “let interest groups and wealthy individuals spend more than allowed under Oregon’s 2024 campaign finance law,” as contribution limits in that law do not take effect until next year.
Events and Reminders:
Watch this space for updates on changes to the primary election date for Congressional seats in Louisiana due to the U.S. Supreme Court’s April 29 decision in Louisiana v. Callais et al. and Robinson et al. v. Callais et al. The court struck down Louisiana’s congressional map containing two majority-Black voting districts and limited the use of the Voting Rights Act to challenge racial discrimination in redistricting. See Law360 – U.S. Supreme Court ruling and Louisiana Will Delay House Primaries – NBC
In Case You Missed It:
Public Records Released in FirstEnergy Case Could Impact Senate Campaign
The “vast public record” of the $60 million bribery scandal has “raised questions about (Republican Sen. John) Husted’s dealings with key players who have been indicted or imprisoned in the scheme…” The Senator has not been accused of wrongdoing but has been a defense witness in a related criminal trial while he is campaigning for re-election. Los Angeles Times – Bribery Scandal Adds Challenges to Ohio Senate Campaign
Law Firm PACs Spending More on Republicans
Law.com analyzed federal data to report that law firm political action committees disbursed about $1 million more to Republican campaigns than Democratic campaigns between January 2025 and March: $4.5 million to $3.46 million. The numbers were a reversal from 2023 to 2024, when 55% of law firm PAC disbursements went to Democrats and Joe Biden was president, according to the review. ABA Journal – Law.com finds Big Law campaign contributions largely favor Republicans
Hawaii Lt. Governor Receives Target Letter in Bribery Case
Honolulu Civil Beat reports that Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor received a “target letter” in a bribery matter that already landed two others in jail related to bribes from a waste management official. She has now taken a leave of absence and will not seek re-election. Civilbeat.org – Lt Gov Luke Leave of Absence