RECENT LOBBYING, ETHICS & CAMPAIGN FINANCE UPDATES
Campaign Finance & Lobbying Compliance
Maine: A federal judge struck down Maine’s 2024 voter-approved law capping contributions to super PACs at $5,000 and requiring disclosure of all donors contributing to independent expenditures, ruling both provisions violate the First Amendment. Backed by 75% of voters, the law is now expected to be appealed to the First Circuit as part of a broader effort to bring the case before the U.S. Supreme Court. (Emma Davis, Maine Morning Star)
North Dakota: North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong criticized a recent Ethics Commission advisory opinion that allows campaign funds to be used for childcare or security, arguing that the decision amounts to policymaking without legislative input. The advisory opinion, issued in June 2025, concluded that such uses are permissible when the need arises directly from an individual’s candidacy or public service. Armstrong raised the concern during a hearing on proposed travel disclosure rules, which would require public officials to report trips funded by third parties and allow for fines of up to $5,000 for violations. (Mary Steurer, News From The States)
Government Ethics & Transparency
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi removed the Justice Department’s top ethics official, Joseph Tirrell, the week of July 13, 2025, amid a broader turnover in department personnel. Tirrell, who had advised Bondi and other senior officials, was dismissed effective immediately after serving as director of the Departmental Ethics Office since 2023. The department has also ousted an ethics adviser to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and lacks permanent leadership at its Office of Professional Responsibility. (Scott MacFarlane & Melissa Quinn, CBS News)
Oregon: Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield filed a lawsuit on July 15, 2025, accusing several current and former Morrow County officials of using insider information to profit from Amazon’s data center expansion personally. The suit alleges the group—including former port commissioners and state Rep. Greg Smith—undervalued internet provider Windwave in 2018 to sell it to themselves for $2.6 million, far below its estimated value of $9.5 million. After the sale, Windwave raised prices and allegedly leveraged its position to favor its new owners. The state is seeking $6.9 million in damages or to void the sale entirely. (Antonio Sierra, OPB)
