Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea’s transition committee has issued recommendations “to improve the public’s perception of their government.”

In the committee’s report, they endorse the creation of a lobbying task force to “guide efforts to strengthen, simplify and clarify Rhode Island’s lobbying law.” Calling the current lobbying laws antiquated, the committee recommends increasing both the fines for violations and the fees for registration. The report argues the increases “will help incentivize lobbyists to be compliant” with the state’s laws. Other recommendations include overhauling the Lobby Tracker reporting system, more “robust” education about the lobbying laws, and increased oversight of lobbyists.

The report makes other policy suggestions unrelated to lobbying, such as reviewing the photo ID requirement at polling places for its possible impact on suppressing voter turnout.

Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have passed a motion requesting the government implement a lobbyist registry in the territory. The registry would identify lobbyists and each meeting with elected officials.

MLAs have also asked the government to develop an online database to allow public access to the registry.

Only New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the three territories are without a lobbyist registry.

Gov. Nikki Haley and state House Speaker Jay Lucas are attempting to revive ethics reform after the Senate voted down a bill to overhaul ethics laws. Lucas expects the House to pass and send to the Senate an omnibus ethics bill combining several House bills previously passed separately.

House Bill 3722 would give the State Ethics Commission authority to investigate legislators, amend certain unconstitutional campaign finance definitions, and require additional transparency reporting by public officials.

The Pierce County Superior Court invalidated a Washington campaign finance law requiring free legal advice given to a recall campaign to be treated as a reportable campaign contribution. Judge Katherine Stolz reasoned pro bono representation in civil rights cases would be threatened if such representation must be reported as a campaign contribution and therefore subject to applicable state political contribution limits.

As a result of the ruling, the Public Disclosure Commission cannot cap legal services to political committees in a federal civil rights case, nor can it compel political committees to report free legal services as campaign contributions.

The Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die on Friday, February 27, 2015. Before adjourning, the legislature sent an ethics bill to the governor.

House Bill 2070 changes the $250 annual, aggregate gift limit to a $100 per-gift limit. However, the bill also contains a lengthy list of exceptions to the gift limit. Additionally, the bill creates an ethics council, but provides it with little power.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe spoke positively about the bill, but promised to look at it carefully due to the last-minute nature of its passage.

Photo of the Virginia State Capitol by Anderskev in Wikimedia Commons.

The states in which our presidents are historically attached aren’t necessarily the states where they were born. However, for this post, I wanted to review which states have produced a President of the United States by their home as an adult and where they ran for office.

In researching this subject, I found that some presidents are claimed by more than one state. Total number of states that can claim an elected president? Eighteen. FYI: All U.S. Presidents were born in America.

All information was found on History.com, Whitehouse.gov, Wikipedia.org, and Answers.com.

Federal:

Report: Illinois Rep. Schock billed private planes, concerts
Tacoma News Tribune – Jack Gillum and Stephen Braun (Associated Press) | Published: 2/23/2015

U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) paid tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to donors for private flights and spent campaign money on several concerts and festivals. An Associated Press report said Schock spent at least $40,000 of taxpayer money for flights on private planes owned by donors, which could be a violation of House rules, as it is illegal for candidates and lawmakers to use noncommercial aircrafts for official or campaign business. Allegations of improper spending have been trickling out against Schock since a Washington Post reporter in February stumbled upon a redesign of his congressional office. The office was painted and redesigned to resemble the ornate dining room featured on the television show “Downton Abbey.”

The Inside Story Of How Citizens United Has Changed Washington Lawmaking
Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal and Ryan Grim | Published: 2/26/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision is reshaping how, how much, and to whom money flows in Washington. How the flood of money released by the ruling has changed elections has been the subject of much discussion, but the decision’s role in allowing that same money to infuse the legislative process has largely gone unreported. According to a review of documents, as well as interviews with lobbyists and policymakers, independent spending has become increasingly intertwined with lobbying and legislation, the precise appearance of corruption campaign finance laws were meant to curb.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Alabama Ethics Commission Names New Director after Six-Month Search
AL.com – Erin Edgemon | Published: 2/24/2015

The Alabama Ethics Commission selected Tom Albritton as its new director. Albritton replaces Jim Sumner, who retired last October after 17 years at the helm. The commission received 27 applications for the post, and interviewed six of them.

California – California Ethics Panel Rejects Exceptions to Lobbyist Fundraising Rules
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 2/19/2015

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) approved new regulations banning political fundraisers in the homes of lobbyists. The panel rejected a proposal to allow fundraisers in lobbyists’ homes as long as the candidate pays for the use of the home. Legislation on the issue was passed after the FPPC imposed a record $133,500 fine last year against lobbyist Kevin Sloat and his firm for violating campaign contribution rules by providing alcohol and cigars at lavish fundraisers held at his home for lawmakers’ campaigns.

District of Columbia – For Marion Barry’s Son, Filling Dad’s Shoes Is a Surprisingly Uphill Battle
Washington Post – Mike DeBonis | Published: 2/21/2015

Ward 8 voters in the District of Columbia will again get to choose the name Marion Barry on April 28, when the only son of the late, legendary former mayor will try to replace his father on the city council. Victory, however, is far from assured for a son who wrestles with some of the same demons as the father: drugs, the law, the wrong kind of media attention. And the reservoir of goodwill, political favors, and campaign support from which the elder Barry drew to overcome his own troubles does not run so deep for his son.

Hawaii – Hawaii Monitor: Is a weak lobbying law getting weaker?
Honolulu Civil Beat – Ian Lind | Published: 2/25/2015

At a recent meeting of the Hawaii Ethics Commission, Executive Director Les Kondo briefed commissioners on his plan to revisit and potentially reverse a 2007 policy requiring so-called goodwill lobbying to be disclosed. Kondo said he now believes the specific language of the statute is not broad enough to demand disclosure of social gatherings, whether one-on-one dinners between legislators and lobbyists, or receptions bringing dozens of lawmakers together to drink and dine with special interest groups, where specific legislation is not discussed.

Illinois – Rahm Emanuel Forced Into Runoff in Bid for Second Term as Chicago Mayor
New York Times – Monica Davey | Published: 2/24/2015

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel failed to capture a majority of the vote in his bid for a second term, an embarrassment for the former White House chief of staff who now faces an April 7 runoff against Cook County Commissioner Jesus Garcia. The result exposed possible vulnerability for an incumbent who has widespread support from business leaders, national name recognition, and millions of dollars in campaign funds.

Kansas – Conservatives Are Changing Kansas Law in Ways That Enshrine Their Power, Weaken Opponents
Kansas City Star – Brad Cooper | Published: 2/24/2015

Conservatives’ virtually unchallenged control of the Kansas Capitol opens the way for new policies that could undercut the influence of their traditional opposition for years to come. Those efforts figure to weaken the lobbying efforts by cities, hamstring the power of teachers unions, limit how academics can speak out on public controversies, and mold a more conservative judiciary. “The reason why conservatives gained control of the House, the Senate and the governor’s office is because the people wanted us to,” said state Rep. Scott Schwab. But aggressive action on several fronts has triggered criticism – some of it coming from fellow Republicans – the conservative majority might strip away basic fairness from the state’s political dynamics, especially with bills seen as targeting professors and the media.

Louisiana – Ethics Board Decision Protects Political Ads Funding Sources
New Orleans Advocate – Marsha Shuler | Published: 2/22/2015

The Louisiana Board of Ethics said groups funding political ads do not have to disclose those expenditures unless they advocate voting for or against a particular candidate. They also would not have to disclose the source of the money received for a particular ad based on the advisory opinion. The board’s opinion aligns with recent court rulings but did not sit well with some members who favor disclosure of the outside election spending and its source.

Massachusetts – Group Suing OCPF over Union Contributions
MassLive.com – Gintautas Dumcius (State House News Service) | Published: 2/23/2015

A conservative group sued the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance on behalf of two local businesses, arguing the commonwealth has banned companies from making political donations while allowing unions to contribute up to $15,000. The lawsuit by the Goldwater Institute says “businesses and unions are functionally equivalent organizations,” and alleges violations of free speech and equal protection under the U.S. and state constitutions.

Nevada – As Revealed in Ethics Disclosures, Nevada Government is an Insiders’ Game
Las Vegas Sun – Kyle Roerink | Published: 2/17/2015

Many elected officials have professional relationships that extend outside the Legislature, creating a web that reveals the close-knit nature of Nevada politics. Those who submitted disclosures have not been accused of any conflict-of-interest. But critics maintain the relationships speak of a system where cronyism is common.

New York – Daniel Donovan, Garner Case Prosecutor, Defends Record as He Runs for Congress
New York Times – Alexander Burns | Published: 2/24/2015

Daniel Donovan, the Staten Island district attorney, handled the investigation into the police chokehold death of Eric Garner, an inquiry that touched off demonstrations across New York City and beyond when a grand jury declined to deliver an indictment. Now Donovan is considered the likely successor to former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, a fellow Republican who vacated his seat in January after he pleaded guilty to tax evasion. But while Grimm came to be defined by his acknowledged criminal actions, Donovan has come to be identified by the Garner grand jury’s inaction.

North Carolina – Charlotte City Council Tightens Ethics Rules
Charlotte Observer – Ely Portillo | Published: 2/23/2015

The Charlotte City Council adopted a new ethics policy in response to the Patrick Cannon corruption scandal last year that put the former mayor in federal prison. It forbids elected officials from accepting gifts or meals. Exceptions include tickets to events where the city has a business reason for being represented. Officials could also accept food and drink at such events. Nominal gifts under $50, mementos related to civil events, and gifts from friends and family are also exceptions under the ordinance. The policy does not address lobbying disclosure, which some council members had called for.

Utah – Lobbyist Badges May Be Short-Lived on the Hill
Salt Lake Tribune – Robert Gehrke | Published: 2/20/2015

Utah Sen. Curt Bramble is seeking to repeal the requirement that lobbyists wear special badges. The problem, he says, is while it covers contract lobbyists or advocates working for particular companies, there are many who fall into a gray area, such as citizen activists, nonprofit entities, government employees, and others who are not required to wear the badges. With the lack of clarity, Bramble said, it makes sense to repeal the requirement, which lobbyists had complained about in the first place.

Virginia – Former Va. First Lady Sentenced to 366 Days in Corruption Case
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky, Rosalind Helderman, and Rachel Weiner | Published: 2/20/2015

Former Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for her role in a bribery scheme that ended her husband’s political career. Ex-Gov. Bob McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison. A jury found the McDonnells guilty of taking more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from businessperson Jonnie Williams in exchange for promoting his company’s nutritional supplements. Maureen McDonnell is likely the first modern-day spouse of a governor convicted on felony charges arising from her occupancy in an executive mansion.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

On February 24, a lawsuit was filed in Suffolk County Superior Court challenging Massachusetts laws allowing unions to make political contributions while barring corporations from doing the same.

The lawsuit is being brought by the Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation at the Goldwater Institute on behalf of two state business corporations against Michael Sullivan, the director of the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF), which enforces the law.

In 1A AUTO, INC. v Sullivan, the plaintiffs alleges, “There is no legitimate justification for allowing unions to contribute thousands of dollars to candidates, parties, and political committees, while completely banning any contributions from businesses.” The plaintiffs argue the law violates “equal protection, free speech, and free association protected by the Massachusetts and United States constitutions” and are seeking a permanent injunction preventing the OCPF from enforcing the law banning corporate contributions.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel failed to garner enough votes in Tuesday’s consolidated primary to avoid heading to a runoff election. Emanuel required more than 50 percent of the vote to win the election outright.

Although he finished first in the five candidate field with just over 45 percent of the vote, the city will now hold a runoff mayoral election for the first time in history.

The runoff is scheduled for April 7, and the mayor will face Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.

Jay Jordan has won the Republican primary for the vacant seat in House District 63. Unofficial results have Jordan with 1,927 votes, Robby Hill with 1,076, and Elijah Jones with 517.

No Democrats filed to run in the special election on April 14, 2015.

The vacancy was created when Republican Kris Crawford resigned his seat a month after being elected unopposed to a fifth term.

Photo of the South Carolina Capitol Building by Nikopoley on Wikimedia Commons.

A bill, introduced this month, seeks to create greater transparency in campaign finance reporting for PACs. House Bill 112 eliminates a gap in PAC reporting following the seven-day pre-election report and election day, requiring disclosure of contributions of $1,000 or more during this time.

Introduced by Rep. Greg Chaney, the bill is intended to prevent circumstances where PACs are able to avoid disclosing large expenditures prior to elections.

The bill was reported out of the State Affairs Committee with a do-pass recommendation.

Photo of the Idaho State Capitol Rotunda by Kencf0618 on Wikimedia Commons.

The Alabama Ethics Commission selected a new director, naming Tom Albritton as its chief.

Albritton is a former prosecutor and is leaving the position of deputy director of the Office of Prosecution Services to take the director position at the ethics commission.

According to the Alabama Media Group, Albritton will focus on three areas upon assuming the role: enforcement, education, and administration.

Two Senate bills pertaining to Michigan election law were signed by Gov. Rick Snyder on February 19, 2015.

Senate Bills 44 and 45 change the date of the presidential primary election to the second Tuesday in March.

The bills will take effect in time for the 2016 presidential primary election.

While lawmakers meet in an extraordinary session to quickly pass a right-to-work bill, union leaders are sponsoring an opposition rally at the state Capitol. Senate Bill 44 will be debated in the Committee on Labor, with a Senate floor vote expected on Wednesday, February 24.

The Assembly is expected to take action on Assembly Bill 61 after the Senate passes its version of the bill. The AFL-CIO held a press conference urging members to tell their senators to vote against the bill.

Gov. Scott Walker has indicated he will sign the bill if passed.

Photo of the interior of the Wisconsin State Capitol by Dori on Wikimedia Commons.