A Texas Ethics Commission rule delineating the state’s document retention policy for treasurers of political committees takes effect today.

Rule §20.18, which was adopted on October 31, 2013, spells out the records needed to be kept for at least two years. The rule also outlines what documentation and actions are needed by a treasurer in order to remain in compliance with the state’s retention law.

Two other rules passed by the commission dealing with the reporting of contribution pledges and political expenditure disclosures take effect on January 1, 2015.

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has called a special election to fill the vacant House District 25 seat.

The special election will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.

At present, there are two Republican candidates and no Democrats.

The ethics board in Iowa issued an advisory opinion allowing political candidates in the state to use campaign funds to attend a presidential inauguration.

The board’s reasoning for its decision centered around the value to a candidate’s campaign of attending an inauguration event.

Under the opinion, a campaign committee can pay for the candidate’s travel and lodging, but cannot pay such expenses for anyone else.

The Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board is developing new auditing procedures for political committees receiving donations from entities. This action was likely prompted by the recent controversy over the funding of prominent PAC Iowans for Tax Relief, which was almost exclusively funded by trusts whose identities remained unknown until recently.

The ethics board also proposed legislation to be introduced when the legislature goes into session in January. The bill includes a $1,000 reporting threshold, and would allow campaigns to collect anonymous donations of up to $25. The bill would also require all campaign committees to file electronically by 2015.

Gov. Scott Walker has called a special session of the Legislature to address the implications of the troubled federal launch of the Affordable Care Act.

The special session will begin on December 2, 2014.

Walker hopes lawmakers will agree to delay the transfer of over 77,000 Medicaid cases from BadgerCare to health exchanges.

Photo of the Wisconsin State House courtesy of Dori on Wikimedia Commons.

Legislation has been introduced capping political contributions for candidates seeking the leadership of a political party or electoral district candidacy under a political party. Currently, the Political Process Financing Act only limits contributions to a party or an independent candidate.

The legislation would also require disclosure of all contributions made during campaigns for party leadership or electoral districts, rather than disclosure of only the unexpended balance.

The New Hampshire Legislature adjourned its special session on November 21, 2013.

Gov. Maggie Hassan had called for the extra legislative session to consider the Medicaid Expansion Study Commission’s report recommending the state accept $2.5 billion in federal funds to expand Medicaid. However, the Legislature did not follow her recommendation and did not pass any health care legislation.

In her press release Hassan expressed her disappointment and assigned blame, stating, “Today, members of the Senate Republican caucus let down the people of New Hampshire by refusing to compromise to develop a health care expansion plan that would actually work.”

Photo of the New Hampshire State House courtesy of Alexius Horatius on Wikimedia Commons.

National:

‘Citizens United’ Ruling Helped Unions Win State Elections

The Center for Public Integrity – Alan Suderman and Ben Weider | Published: 11/14/2013

Nonprofits, super PACs, and other non-candidate groups reported spending at least $209 million to influence elections in 38 states in 2012, according to the Center for Public Integrity. More than one out of every two dollars spent originated from groups funded primarily or entirely by out-of-state donors. Even seemingly local entities, like state parties, were recipients of huge influxes of outside cash.

Federal:

FEC: Donors can’t use bitcoins for contributions

San Diego Union Tribune – Jack Gillum (Associated Press) | Published: 11/21/2013

The FEC said bitcoins cannot be used for contributions to political organizations at this time. Bitcoin is a cybercurrency that is relatively anonymous and is created and exchanged independently of any government or bank. Some retailers accept it, and the currency can be converted into cash after being deposited into virtual wallets. But the FEC is not yet sold on allowing bitcoins to funnel into the accounts of campaigns and outside groups supporting them.

Navy Was Warned of Contractor at Center of Bribery Inquiry

New York Times – Christopher Drew | Published: 11/20/2013

Leonard Francis, a wealthy Malaysian contractor, is at the center of a widening investigation into an overbilling scheme in which federal prosecutors say he used cash, prostitutes, and gifts to bribe U.S. Navy officials to help him defraud the service. Despite red flags over his business practices, the Navy awarded Francis $200 million in contracts, giving him control over providing supplies and dockside services for its fleet across the Pacific.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – What a Day for Political Ethics in California

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 11/16/2013

On the same day, the Democratic leader of the California Senate addressed the latest allegations in an FBI corruption probe, a state senator took the witness stand to testify he had not engaged in money laundering, and the Fair Political Practices Commission handed down fines to one current and two past lawmakers who admitted campaign finance violations.

Colorado – Ethics Complaint against Rocky Mountain Gun Owners’ Lobbyist Dismissed; Federal Lawsuit Still Pending

Denver Post – Lynn Bartels | Published: 11/19/2013

A legislative committee said there is not enough evidence to settle an ethics complaint against Joe Neville, a lobbyist for Rocky Mountain Gun Owners. He allegedly threatened state Rep. Cheri Gerou with political retribution if she did not oppose all of the Democratic bills aimed at strengthening gun laws earlier this year. Neville could still face disciplinary action including a two-year suspension of his lobbying privileges at the Capitol.

District of Columbia – Capital Gains: Spending on contracts and lobbying propels a wave of new wealth in D .C.

Washington Post – Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersly | Published: 11/17/2013

Tens of thousands of the nation’s best-educated workers have flocked to the Washington, D.C. region, some for contracting jobs, and some simply to be part of the newly energized business climate. The avalanche of cash that made Washington rich in the last decade has transformed the culture of a once staid capital and created a new wave of well-heeled insiders.

Louisiana – Apparent Campaign Violations, Large Expenses Should Prompt Reforms in Louisiana Law, Some Say

New Orleans Times Picayune – Lee Zurik (WVUE) and Manuel Torres | Published: 11/20/2013

A review of Louisiana’s campaign finance system by The New Orleans Times Picayune is prompting calls for reform. The analysis found individual donors and special interests can legally bundle corporate and personal contributions to exert outsized influence. It also discovered politicians who collected large amounts in over-the-limit, and apparently illegal, contributions, yet went undetected by the state Board of Ethics.

Michigan – State Senate Aims to Quash Proposal for Greater Transparency in Political Ads

Detroit Free Press – Paul Egan and Kathleen Gray | Published: 11/14/2013

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said she intends to expand Michigan’s campaign disclosure rules to include issue ads, but the state Senate promptly passed a bill that would slam the door on her proposal. An amendment was added to a bill doubling the state’s campaign finance contribution limits that would allow sponsors of ads not specifically urging a vote for or against a candidate to remain anonymous.

Nevada – Judge Imposes $110,000 Fine over PAC’s Pro-Sandoval Ads

Las Vegas Sun – Cy Ryan | Published: 11/18/2013

A judge levied a fine of $109,560 against the Alliance for America’s Future over advertising that supported Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval. The PAC did not register in the state as required by law and never filed any reports detailing its expenditures. District Court Judge James Wilson rejected the group’s claim that the law was unconstitutional.

New Jersey – Annual Political Schmooze Fest Begins in Atlantic City Today

NJ.com – Darrel Isherwood | Published: 11/19/2013

Approximately 18,000 officials will attend the annual League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City this year. The event is more well-known for parties than its training sessions. “I’ve gone to the [convention] for the past 15 years and I’ve only paid to attend the sessions twice in that time,” said one prominent lobbyist.

Ohio – State School Board Lobbyists Deny Conflict of Interest

Columbus Dispatch – Doug Livingston (Akron Beacon Journal) | Published: 11/17/2013

At least four state school board members in Ohio have business and private interests that compete directly for education money. They maintain there is no problem with this activity as they police themselves, abstain from voting as necessary, and file statements with the Ohio Ethics Commission. While state lawmakers cannot lobby while in office, Ethics Commission Executive Director Paul Nick said the lobbying law does not address the state school board.

Oklahoma – Rep. Reynolds Blasts Ethics Commission for Proposed Rules

Norman Transcript; Staff –   | Published: 11/19/2013

State Rep. Mike Reynolds criticized the Oklahoma Ethics Commission for its proposed changes to lobbyist reporting and registration rules, along with other reforms. Lobbyists’ employers are now prohibited from spending more than $100 per calendar year per lawmaker. But the commission would allow principals to provide $500 for meals and other gifts, among other changes. Reynolds said will introduce a resolution during the upcoming legislative session to disapprove the proposed rules.

Pennsylvania – Officials, Others Slam Proposed City Ethics Rule

Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 11/20/2013

Many witnesses at a Philadelphia Board of Ethics hearing criticized a plan to place specific limits on the city’s vague gift rules. The proposed caps, meant to better define the current law, would allow city officers and employees to accept gifts of up to $200 in value per year from any single source, including cash payments of up to $50.

Utah – Utah A.G. John Swallow Cuts Deal, Will Resign to Avoid Criminal Charges, Source Says

Deseret News – Lisa Riley Roche and Dennis Romboy | Published: 11/21/2013

Utah Attorney General John Swallow is expected to resign in the face of mounting investigations and a report from the lieutenant governor’s office that recommended charging him with three misdemeanors. His departure would allow Swallow to avoid any effort by a special counsel to seek his removal for multiple violations of election law. It also could bring to a close a months-long fact-finding investigation by the state House that could be laying the groundwork for his potential impeachment.

Wisconsin – Report: Investigation targets Scott Walker recall campaign, political groups

Chippewa Herald – Dee Hall | Published: 11/18/2013

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign and more than two dozen conservative groups were recently subpoenaed by a special prosecutor, according to the editorial page of The Wall Street Journal. Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Executive Director Mike McCabe said based on the report, the investigation appears to be zeroing in on whether issue ad groups illegally coordinated with campaigns during the effort to recall Walker and legislative leaders.

State Rep. Mike Reynolds is criticizing officials at the state Ethics Commission for offering proposed changes to lobbyist reporting and registration, conflict of interest, and financial disclosure rules.

According to Reynolds, “the Ethics Commission seems to be declaring open season for lobbyists on elected officials” as the proposed changes “. . . have the potential of increasing lobbyists’ gifts to lawmakers by hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.”

Opponents of the proposed changes argue expansion of the current guidelines will increase undue influence on elected officials and reduce the efficacy of the commission in and of itself.

Although Initiative 522 was ultimately defeated in an election several weeks ago, State Attorney General Bob Ferguson is moving forward with a lawsuit against the Grocery Manufacturers Association, alleging the group broke state campaign finance laws in its effort to defeat Initiative 522.

Under Washington campaign finance law, an outside group like the GMA must form a political committee, register it in the state of Washington, and file disclosure forms listing the sources of its funding.

Ferguson alleges GMA failed to timely do so and as a result, robbed Washington voters of “transparency and openness in elections”.

The case will not go to trial until early next year.

A precept for a special election for Executive Councilor from Executive Council District No. 1 was approved on November 18 by New Hampshire Governor Margaret Hassan.

The primary election will be held on January 21, 2014 followed by a special general election on March 11, 2014.

The topic of a living wage in Washington, D.C. has been revived in the City Council.

A new proposal would increase the DC minimum wage to $11.50 per hour by 2016, making the wage one of the highest in the country.

The Council could vote on the measure as early as December.

Gov. Nathan Deal has issued writs of election to fill vacancies in House Districts 2 and 22.

The special elections will be held on January 7, 2014, without party primaries.

Runoff elections, if needed, will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2014.

Trenton’s recently established ethics board passed the city’s first code of ethics last week. The long-awaited code outlines behavioral guidelines for elected officials, city employees, and representatives serving on city boards. Included are provisions regarding conflicts of interest, receipt of gifts, and financial disclosure.

Additionally, the code permits the ethics board to investigate possible ethics violations.

The code will go to the state Department of Community Affairs before it is enacted and added to the code book.