Tennessee campaign finance agency declines proposed settlement for lawmaker issue

Tennessee’s Campaign Finance Watchdog is disputing a Political Action Committee’s proposal to settle for $2,500 related to an illegal attack ad targeting Republican House candidates for the upcoming 2024 elections. During a board meeting last week, Tom Lawless, the chairman of the election finance registration, expressed skepticism about the proposed settlement, remarking that it seemed […]

A million-dollar issue with Alabama’s campaign finance regulations

Campaign Finance Controversy in Alabama On June 30, a nonprofit called First Principles Action Inc. made headlines by donating $1 million to Katherine Robertson, who is set to become Alabama’s next attorney general. This donation marks a significant moment in Alabama’s political funding landscape. First Principles Action was founded in December 2024 as part of […]

Reasons Cochise County is revisiting a tax increase to finance a new jail

Cochise County to Revisit Prison Tax Proposal Cochise County is gearing up for a new election this fall aimed at increasing taxes to fund new prisons, more than two years after an earlier attempt at a similar measure was deemed invalid. The upcoming vote on November 4 will ask residents to consent to excise taxes […]

Candidates in the 2026 attorney general race submit campaign finance reports for June

2026 Attorney General’s Race Heats Up in Alabama In the upcoming 2026 Attorney General’s race, three Republican candidates—Jay Mitchell, Katherine Robertson, and Pamela Casey—are vying for a position in what has turned into a notably competitive contest financially in the state. Each candidate brings their own strengths to the table, and a recent campaign finance […]

Tennessee campaign finance agency seeks probe of secret PAC

The state ethics group asked the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office to investigate the PAC formed by former legislative officer Kade Koren. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Tennessee’s Campaign Finance Watchdog Group has requested an investigation by the former state Officer Secret Politics Action Committee to determine whether it involves criminal activity. Tom Lawless, Director of […]

Pardoned ex-Sen. Kelsey wrangles for amendment to campaign finance bill

Former Senator Brian Kelsey, whose lawyer was caught, will leave the federal courthouse Fred D. Thompson in Nashville after being sentenced 21 months in federal prison. (Photo: John Partipilo) Former Tennessee Sen. Brian Kelsey is being cut straight from a short prison stint cut by the president’s pardon. The former German Town Republican, who served […]

Hemp bill conflict could fire up House, Senate finance committees • Tennessee Lookout

Tennessee lawmakers are headed for a showdown over the hemp law, which could significantly limit products containing intoxicating derivatives under the Senate version. Both measures were considered by the House and Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday and could affect regulated industries that earn tens of millions of revenues on sales of between estimated $280 million […]

L.A. developer accused of 444 violations of campaign finance laws

The Los Angeles Ethics Commission has charged real estate developer Samuel Leon with 444 violations of the city's campaign finance laws, including provisions banning the laundering of campaign funds. The agency said: Filing A city department report released Friday said it determined there was “substantial basis” to believe that between 2009 and 2015, Liang repaid […]