Welcome to our journey to the heart of the country, Ohio. The Ohio Statehouse is located in downtown Columbus, serving as both a monument and an office building.  The building was created with Greek revival architecture in mind and is one of the oldest working statehouses.  After 22 years of construction, the building was completed in 1861.

Because of the extensive amount of information present in the statehouse, one can now visit the Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center. The center assists educators in preparing its students for visits, offers free teachers’ materials for tours, and has free annual special events including a Ladies’ Gallery, which has listed the influential women of Ohio from the Woman suffrage movement to the legislators and politicians of today.

On the outside, the statehouse has a low conical roof called a Cupola, one of the statehouse’s most distinct exterior features. Whereas one might expect to see a dome, this architectural piece was purposefully constructed to stand out amongst the crowd of traditional “statehouse looks”.

However, much like these other capitol buildings, the Ohio Capitol Square can be seen adorned with statues and monuments depicting Ohio’s values and ideals.

The website for the statehouse also holds much information on several other features such as the Museum Shop, Floor Plans, Private Events, and other useful links. Take a look at the link provided to find out additional facts.

Thanks for reading and we will see you next time as we explore yet another statehouse!

Photo of the Ohio Statehouse by Urban on Wikimedia Commons.

The U.S. Statehouse Series is a project of the State and Federal Communications team of summer interns: Alessandra Dickos, Zack Koozer, Elaina Laikos, and Rachel Rodgers.

The Board of Supervisors remains in disagreement with 2013-2014 grand jury reports calling for a county ethics commission. The board remains committed to a proposal to employ the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) for monitoring and enforcement of county ethics laws. Although the FPPC proposal will appear on county ballots in November, the FPPC will lack the authority to contract with the county even if the proposal passes.

Senate Bill 1226 was introduced in the California Legislature to allow the FPPC to contract with counties, but was eventually amended and passed as a veterans licensing bill. The June grand jury report and the board’s proposed response is available here.

The State Ethics Commission has issued a reminder of changes to the Public Ethics Law taking effect on October 1, 2014. Several of the changes will affect the lobbyist registration process.

Signed paper registrations will no longer be required since the requirement to submit an employer authorization with signature has been replaced by a lobbyist certification with electronic signature. The commission also is working to implement an electronic payment option to allow a completely online registration process.

The Maryland Capitol Police will accept an email confirmation of the online registration for purposes of issuing the lobbyist state identification badge.  Paper registration will continue to be available, but will require the lobbyist to sign forms under oath before a notary and to submit the $100 registration fee by paper check.

The Suffolk County Legislature introduced an ordinance amending the county’s lobbying law. Resolution No. 1658-2014 expands the definition of lobbying to include attempts to influence county agencies with respect to the procurement of goods, services, or public works. The ordinance also changes the overseeing body of lobbyist filings from the Clerk of the Legislature to the Board of Ethics.

The ordinance would further require the Board to develop a protocol to review sources of information that may assist the Board in identifying non-complying lobbyists. This provision is similar to a recent change made to New York City’s lobbying law aimed at identifying non-complying lobbyists.

If passed, the ordinance will take effect January 1, 2015.

Changes to current election procedures are being considered following an extremely close Senate race. State Sen. Chris McDaniel narrowly lost to incumbent Sen. Thad Cochran in a June 24 runoff election. A legal battle is still underway after McDaniel claimed thousands of illegal crossover votes were cast for Cochran.

A 51 member panel of academics and community leaders, assembled by Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, will consider if changes to the way voters register for primaries are needed and whether early voting and online registration should be allowed. Currently, voters do not register with a party prior to a primary election and state law states that a voter should only vote in a primary if they intend to support a candidate later.

The panel will make its recommendations to the state legislature for consideration during next year’s session.

Arlington County Board member John Vihstadt is calling for tougher gift restrictions for county employees and officials. In the wake of former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell and his wife being convicted on corruption charges, Vihstadt hopes to place a $100 yearly limit on gifts from any source.

The current Code of Ethics states officials should ensure gifts are not received in exchange for official acts and officials may not accept gifts from individuals with whom the official does business. Vihstadt, running for reelection, argues the current code only described principles of conduct rather than definite rules preventing unethical influence on public officials.

Here is our September calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please stop by and say hello!

September 11-12, 2014   PLI: Corporate Political Activities Seminar, Washington, D.C.

September 22, 2014  WGR Toastmasters, Washington, D.C.

September 29 – October 1, 2014   PAC State and Local Government Affairs Conference, Alexandria, Virginia

A constitutional amendment sought by Democrats failed to pass the Senate on Thursday.

The amendment, which would allow Congress and state legislatures to overturn recent campaign finance decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court, did not get the required 60 votes required for passage.

Republicans argued the bill was an attack on free speech, protected by the First Amendment.

The number of municipalities and regional governments our research associates track continues to grow. We now cover more than 230 municipalities and local governments. This is part of a continuous effort to better serve the needs of our clients.

In that effort, we have recently added abridged jurisdictions to our website. These entries, condensed due to the limited number of relevant local laws, provide the core information our clients need for their government relations work.

The new jurisdictions are:

Alameda County, California

Canton, Ohio

Clackamas County, Oregon

Jackson County, Oregon

Sparks, Nevada

The Nevada Legislature adjourned its special session on September 11, 2014, after sending four bills to the governor.

The four bills were a tax incentive package designed to bring a Tesla Motors battery factory to the state.

Photo of the Nevada Legislature courtesy of Dave Parker on Wikimedia Commons.

Federal:

FEC Strikes Deal to Revise Campaign Finance Regulations

The Hill – Benjamin Goad | Published: 9/11/2014

The FEC agreed to amend its campaign spending regulations in response to a pair of U.S. Supreme Court rulings. Commissioners plan to formally approve the new guidelines during an October 9 meeting. One rule would further clarify the parameters of the court’s Citizens United decision and codify them into law. A second rule is meant to reconcile the agency’s regulations with the ruling in McCutcheon v. FEC, which scrapped aggregate contribution limits for individual donors in an election cycle. The FEC will also solicit public comment on various implications of the McCutcheon ruling.

State of Political Consulting: Rapid growth, long hours, new approaches

Politico – Tarini Parti | Published: 9/10/2014

Whether it is polling, media relations, fundraising, direct mail, or digital outreach, political consultants said the permanent nature of campaigns, the growing number of outside groups involved in races, and the different ways voters are now consuming information have transformed the industry, making it not just more profitable than ever but also more challenging. There is a survival-of-the-fittest mind-set within the industry, where consultants are quickly adapting to the evolving political landscape – expanding their staff and capabilities at a rapid pace to stay competitive.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Clean Elections Commission Determines Horne Used $300,000 Worth of State Employee Time for Campaign

East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 9/9/2014

Citizens Clean Elections Commission Executive Officer Thomas Collins recommended the commission officially rule that Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne violated campaign finance laws by failing to report more than $300,000 worth of state employee time and office space he used for his re-election as contributions to his campaign. If the commission adopts the recommendation, Horne has the chance to explain why Collins was wrong, repay the money, or negotiate a settlement. The commission may initiate enforcement action if the case is not settled. That could include civil penalties and, at worst, the removal of Horne from office.

Connecticut – Case Dismissed, Even Though It’s Likely You’re Guilty – Ethics Agency Played It Both Ways

Hartford Courant – Jon Lender | Published: 9/7/2014

The Connecticut Office of State Ethics has at times sent a letter to some suspected of violating the ethics law saying the case is being dismissed even though the official likely violated the code, a practice known as a “loud dismissal.” Though the process at this level is confidential, the letter goes into the individual’s personnel file and could reappear in a background check. But now, that action has been curtailed. A lawyer representing an unnamed state employee who received a ‘loud dismissal” sent a letter earlier this year to the Citizen’s Ethics Advisory Board, which advises the ethics office, questioning whether the agency had the statutory authority to issue such a penalty.

Florida – Was Miami-Dade Lobbyist a ‘Patriot’ or ‘Snitch’ in FBI Sting of Local Politicians?

Miami Herald – Jay Weaver | Published: 9/6/2014

When the FBI mounted a sting operation targeting corruption in South Florida – dubbed “Miami Hustle” – it recruited lobbyist Michael Kesti as a key player. Kesti was willing to break ranks with his lobbying brethren, unheard of in Miami-Dade County, which has a long history of insider deals and graft. Kesti said he agreed to play the part as his “patriotic duty” to root out what he sees as systemic corruption in local government. Others, including one of the mayors he helped get indicted last year, describe him in less flattering terms, starting with “paid snitch.”

Georgia – Georgia Ethics Commission Fires Director

Rome News-Tribune – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 9/8/2014

Holly LaBerge, the head of the Georgia ethics commission, has been fired. A Superior Court judge had fined LaBerge and the state attorney general’s office $10,000 each for not disclosing documents as part of a lawsuit filed by former commission Executive Secretary Stacey Kalberman, who said she was forced out of her job for investigating complaints against Gov. Nathan Deal. Commission Chairperson Hillary Stringfellow said the judge’s order shows LaBerge’s conduct “fundamentally conflicts with the specific mission and purpose of this commission and therefore with her own duties and responsibilities as executive secretary.”

Georgia – Rule Changes Proposed From State Ethics Commission

Peach Pundit; Staff –   | Published: 9/9/2014

The Georgia ethics commission proposed new rules that would affect the state’s campaign finance and lobbying laws. Commissioners will discuss those possible changes at a September 30 meeting. The rules would, among other provisions, clarify that contributions to political parties and PACs do not count towards the $25,000 annual threshold that triggers registration and reporting. They also would allow one or more lobbyists to split an expenditure provided a single lobbyist does not exceed the limit of $75.

Montana – Nonprofit Wants Montana Campaign Finance Laws Ruled Unconstitutional

Greenfield Daily Reporter – Matt Volz (Associated Press) | Published: 9/5/2014

Montanans for Community Development filed a lawsuit asked a federal judge to strike down as unconstitutional major provisions of the state’s campaign finance law. The nonprofit group also wants to prevent the state from enforcing those laws before this year’s elections. The lawsuit argues the definitions of campaign contributions and expenditures are too vague, and the definition of a political committee is overly broad.

Nebraska – Lt. Gov. Lavon L. Heidemann of Nebraska Steps Down

New York Times – Mitch Smith | Published: 9/9/2014

Nebraska Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann resigned from office and ended his candidacy, one day after a judge granted a protection order to keep him away from his sister, who accused him of assault. But because the deadline for being dropped from the ballot has passed, his name might still be listed on the November ballot. Heidemann’s sister, Lois Bohling, said in a sworn statement her brother grabbed her wrists and pushed her out of their mother’s bedroom during a dispute involving farmland and their 84-year-old mother’s care.

New Jersey – ELEC Analysis: Top 25 NJ special interest groups spent $311 million on campaign contributions, lobbying and independent spending over 15 years

PolitickerNJ; Staff –   | Published: 9/10/2014

Labor unions, trade associations, political committees, and other special-interest groups have spent a combined $311 million over the last 15 years in New Jersey trying to influence elections and lawmaking, according to a report released by the state Election Law Enforcement Commission. Labor unions, with $171 million in expenditures, were responsible for much of the overall spending since 1999, the year the state started maintaining the records online. The New Jersey Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, spent a combined $57 million.

New York – Just Don’t Call These Consultants Lobbyists

Crain’s New York Business – Chris Bragg | Published: 9/7/2014

There is a growing industry of strategic consultants who do not register as lobbyists yet nonetheless have close ties with New York politicians and represent clients with interests before government. These non-lobbyists get many of the lucrative paychecks accorded their registered peers without the scrutiny that comes with mandatory disclosure reports, and it is legal. “It’s a very fine line to walk; you end up having to trust that person, and you put your trust in how they are representing themselves,” said Viveca Novak of the Center for Responsive Politics.

North Carolina – Ethics Disclosure Statements Offline after Privacy Complaints

WRAL – Mark Binker | Published: 9/9/2014

A North Carolina law requires both elected officials and certain appointed policymakers to file forms with the state disclosing their financial interest as a way of avoiding, or at least exposing, potential conflicts between private and public actions. Paper and electronic copies of those forms have long been available upon request, but the state ethics commission’s staff began making them available online July 1. But now, the commission has temporarily shut down the Internet portal due largely to complaints from some of those who have to file the disclosures.

South Carolina – House Speaker Bobby Harrell Indicted on Nine Counts in Corruption Probe

Charleston Post & Courier – Jeremy Borden and Schuyler Kropf | Published: 9/10/2014

South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell was indicted on a slate of campaign finance violations, including allegedly claiming reimbursement for private flights he did not take and using campaign donations to hire an employee for his private insurance business. Harrell faces nine counts, including misconduct in office, false reporting on campaign disclosures, and using campaign funds for personal expenses. The charges endanger Harrell’s reign as speaker, which is among the most powerful roles in a state like South Carolina, where the legislative branch has more power to spend money and set the agenda than the executive branch.

Wisconsin – Judge Orders State Not to Enforce PAC Limits Law

Wisconsin Law Journal – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 9/8/2014

U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Randa ordered the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board not enforce the law limiting how much money candidates can collect from PACs. The ruling came in a lawsuit brought by the CRG Network, a PAC that works to elect conservative candidates. The group argued the limits were a violation of its free speech rights. Randa, in issuing the preliminary injunction, said the group was likely to succeed on that claim.

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.

Federal Election Commission Vice Chairwoman Ann Ravel announced the commission has reached an agreement allowing it to conform its campaign finance rules with the recent rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court. The commission plans to approve the rules on October 9, 2014.

The rules will remove aggregate contribution limits and create boundaries for unions and corporations taking part in voter registration. The text of the rules is expected to be available within a week of the October meeting.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners passed a new ordinance banning registered lobbyists from attempting to communicate with commissioners, for purposes of discussing any matter of county business, while the commissioners are present on the floor during public meetings.

The ordinance does not affect lobbying outside of county chambers or lobbying in the boardroom after a meeting is brought to a close.

Moreover, the new rule applies only to registered lobbyists, and makes no mention of those engaged in lobbying activity who are not yet registered with the county.