Michigan Supreme Court decides Trump can stay on primary ballot

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/27/us/michigan-trump-ballot.html

The Michigan high court upheld a lower court ruling that under Michigan law the Secretary of State does not have authority to remove Donald Trump from the presidential primary ballot and that the question of his eligibility to appear on the general election ballot is not ripe. [Thus, Michigan might still find that Trump is not eligible to be President and might remove him from the general election ballot. However, U.S. Supreme Court consideration of the Colorado case could possibly decide the question of eligibility to serve as president on a nationwide basis.]

Charlie Cooper

Clarence Thomas threatened to quit Court over money woes; "friends" responded

https://www.propublica.org/article/clarence-thomas-money-complaints-sparked-resignation-fears-scotus

Clarence Thomas made a behind the scenes plea for higher salaries for Supreme Court justices. He also found several ways to garner gifts and income, and his wife made a 6-figure salary with the conservative Heritage Foundation.

Charlie Cooper

Democratic candidate for Congress using AI bot for phone calls

https://www.reuters.com/technology/meet-ashley-worlds-first-ai-powered-political-campaign-caller-2023-12-12/?utm_campaign=wp_the_daily_202&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&wpisrc=nl_daily202

Her creators, who intend to mainly work with Democratic campaigns and candidates, use data about the person being called to customize a conversation. It discloses that the "caller" is an AI bot. The bot can speak 20 languages.

Charlie Cooper

New poll shows that voters abhor big money in politics

https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/09/19/money-power-and-the-influence-of-ordinary-people-in-american-politics/

80% say big money has too much influence on politicians; 72% say that limits should be placed on the amount that can be spent by individuals and organizations; and almost 60% believe that the problem can be fixed by enacting laws.

Charlie Cooper

Election worker testifies to death threats in civil suit against Rudy Giuliani

https://news.yahoo.com/georgia-poll-worker-lynching-threats-214727610.html

Two Black election workers from Georgia are suing Rudy Giuliani for defamation. He falsely accused them of fabricating votes for Biden. She testified to receiving lynching messages such as: "I pray I will be sitting close enough to hear your neck snap." The jury in this case will determine how much Giuliani owes the women.

Charlie Cooper

The Judicial Conference fails to uphold accountability for the federal judiciary

https://www.propublica.org/article/judicial-conference-scotus-federal-judges-ethics-rules

ProPublica reports on an investigation of the Judicial Conference and its lack of enforcement of judicial ethics. The Conference is chaired by the Chief Justice. Previously undisclosed information has led to the conclusion that it has protected judicial perks rather than enforce accountability. The Judicial Branch undergoes the least oversight of the three branches. The Administrative Office that reviews judges' disclosure statements is purposely kept weak. The Judicial Conference has never referred a single case to the Department of Justice for investigation in 45 years.

In 2011-2, the Financial Disclosure Committee of the Judicial Conference refused to examine evidence after Clarence Thomas failed to disclose the source of his wife's income. She had received $700,000 from the conservative Heritage Foundation. An official appointed by President Clinton helped to kill this investigation. The reports on this incident are illegally kept from public view, and the Administrative Office routinely flouts public disclosure requirements.

Charlie Cooper

Corporations file law suits to nullify Maine referendum law on foreign influence

https://www.lmtonline.com/news/politics/article/lawsuits-target-maine-referendum-aimed-at-curbing-18551783.php

"The referendum, which was approved by about 84% of voters who cast ballots, bans foreign governments — or companies with 5% or more foreign government ownership — from donating to state referendum races. [Sic. The referendum actually bans spending -- not merely donating.]

"The proposal was put on the ballot after a Canadian government-owned utility, Hydro Quebec, spent $22 million to influence a project on which it's a partner in Maine. That hydropower corridor project ultimately moved forward after legal challenges."

Charlie Cooper