July 19, 2017 •
Wednesday’s State Government and Ethics News
Lobbying South Dakota: “Revolving Door Rarely Swings for Lawmakers Returning as Lobbyists” by Dana Ferguson for Sioux Falls Argus Leader Campaign Finance Florida: “Federal Election Commission Sues David Rivera Over Secret 2012 Campaign Cash” by Patricia Mazzei and David Smiley […]
Lobbying
South Dakota: “Revolving Door Rarely Swings for Lawmakers Returning as Lobbyists” by Dana Ferguson for Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Campaign Finance
Florida: “Federal Election Commission Sues David Rivera Over Secret 2012 Campaign Cash” by Patricia Mazzei and David Smiley for Miami Herald
Washington: “Liberal Think Tank in Seattle Ordered to Pay $30,000-Plus in Campaign-Disclosure Fines” by Joseph O’Sullivan for Seattle Times
Ethics
“Eighth Person in Trump Tower Meeting Is Identified” by Rosalind Helderman and Tom Hamburger for Washington Post
“What Happens to Local News When There Is No Local Media to Cover It?” by Paul Farhi for Washington Post
Delaware: “City Removes Newly Appointed Ethics Commissioner” by Christina Jedra for Wilmington News Journal
Illinois: “IG Alleges Preferential Parking Scheme on Streets Near United Center” by Fran Spielman for Chicago Sun-Times
Kentucky: “Ethics Panel: Beshear shouldn’t investigate Bevin if he might run for governor” by Daniel Desrochers for Lexington Herald-Leader
North Carolina: “Former Rockingham County DA Pleads Guilty to Role in Wife-Swap Hiring Scheme” by Anne Blythe for Raleigh News and Observer
Elections
“As Party Drifts Left, Pragmatic Democratic Governors Have Eye on White House” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times
July 18, 2017 •
Tuesday’s State Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Colorado: “What Does $80 Million Buy Oil and Gas Interests? Voter Profiles, Door Knocking and Influence at Local and Statewide Levels” by Christopher Osher for Denver Post Florida: “Corey’s Ties to Others in FBI Probe Run Deep” by Jeffrey […]
Lobbying
Colorado: “What Does $80 Million Buy Oil and Gas Interests? Voter Profiles, Door Knocking and Influence at Local and Statewide Levels” by Christopher Osher for Denver Post
Florida: “Corey’s Ties to Others in FBI Probe Run Deep” by Jeffrey Schweers for Tallahassee Democrat
New York: “Airbnb Fights Back Against Lobby Groups, Demands Info on Their Funding Sources” by Kenneth Lovett for New York Daily News
Campaign Finance
“Officials Clash at FEC Over Confronting Russian Influence in 2018 Elections” by Lisa Hagen for The Hill
Ethics
“Outgoing Ethics Chief: U.S. Is ‘Close to a Laughingstock’” by Eric Lipton and Nicholas Fandos for New York Times
“Trump Campaign Is Sued Over Leaked Emails Linked to Russians” by Charlie Savage for New York Times
“State Department Spent More Than $15,000 for Rooms at New Trump Hotel in Vancouver” by Amy Brittain for Washington Post
“Break-In Reported at Office of GOP Senator Considered Swing Vote in Health-Care Bill” by Amy Wang and Ed O’Keefe for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
North Carolina: “Rev. Barber Remains Banned from Legislative Building; Some Protesters Can Return If Invited” by Anne Blythe for Raleigh News and Observer
July 17, 2017 •
Monday’s State Government and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Lawmakers Can Use Campaign Funds for Home Security, F.E.C. Says by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times Maine: Disputes Over Documents Threaten to Slow Casino Campaign Probe by Steve Mistler for Maine Public Radio South Carolina: No Race? […]
Campaign Finance
Lawmakers Can Use Campaign Funds for Home Security, F.E.C. Says by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times
Maine: Disputes Over Documents Threaten to Slow Casino Campaign Probe by Steve Mistler for Maine Public Radio
South Carolina: No Race? No Problem. SC Lieutenant Governor OK’d to Raise Money by Jamie Self for The State
Ethics
Walter Shaub’s Ethics Recommendations for the Government by Nicholas Fandos and Eric Lipton for New York Times
Questions Grow Over Kushner’s Security Clearances by Katie Bo Williams and Jordan Fabian for The Hill
Russian-American Lobbyist Attended Meeting Organized by Trump’s Son by Eileen Sullivan, Kenneth Vogel, Adam Goldman, and Jo Becker for New York Times
Connecticut: Ethics Commissioner Resigns After Arrest for Soliciting Prostitute by Brian Lockhart for Connecticut Post
Oregon: Oregon Ethics Commission Votes to Proceed with Investigations of Kitzhaber, Hayes by Hillary Borrud for Portland Oregonian
Lobbying
Alabama: Gov. Kay Ivey Bans Lobbyists from Executive Branch Appointments by Mike Cason for AL.com
Massachusetts: Massachusetts Budget Chair Dempsey Leaving for Lobbying Firm by Bob Salsberg (Associated Press) for U.S. News & World Report
July 13, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 14, 2017
National: Blue Cities Want to Make Their Own Rules. Red States Won’t Let Them. New York Times – Emily Badger | Published: 7/6/2017 In the last few years, Republican-controlled state Legislatures have intensified the use of what are known as […]
National:
Blue Cities Want to Make Their Own Rules. Red States Won’t Let Them.
New York Times – Emily Badger | Published: 7/6/2017
In the last few years, Republican-controlled state Legislatures have intensified the use of what are known as pre-emption laws, to block towns and cities from adopting measures favored by the left. The states are not merely overruling local laws; they have walled off whole new realms where local governments are not allowed to govern at all. Several states are now threatening to withhold resources from communities that defy them and to hold their elected officials legally and financially liable. There is disagreement on who started the fight: states in stripping municipal power, or cities in seizing new roles that were not theirs to begin with.
Federal:
Is Donald Trump Jr.’s ‘I Love It’ Email a Smoking Gun or a Distraction?
Washington Post – Marc Fisher and David Nakamura | Published: 7/12/2017
When Donald Trump Jr. said “I love it” to the prospect of obtaining damaging information from friendly Russians about Hillary Clinton in June of last year, did that constitute a smoking gun? In one America, the answer was a pretty solid yes. Many media outlets and some Democrats straight-out declared the email the “smoking gun” in the investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to take down the Clinton candidacy. Many other news organizations hedged a bit, attaching a question mark to the term. But to supporters of President Trump, the gun was not smoking, it was just more of the same noise that has been cluttering up this presidency since its inception.
The Deep Industry Ties of Trump’s Deregulation Teams
New York Times – Danielle Ivory and Robert Faturechi | Published: 7/11/2017
President Trump entered office pledging to cut red tape, and within weeks he ordered his administration to assemble teams to aggressively scale back government regulations. But the effort is being conducted in large part out of public view and often by political appointees with deep industry ties and potential conflicts-of-interest. Most government agencies have declined to disclose information about their deregulation teams. But The New York Times and ProPublica identified 71 appointees, including 28 with potential conflicts. Some appointees are reviewing rules their previous employers sought to weaken or end, and at least two may be positioned to profit if certain regulations are undone.
Washington Firm Discloses Lobbying Senior Trump Officials on Macedonia
BuzzFeed News – John Hudson | Published: 7/6/2017
Mercury Public Affairs is providing new details about a mysterious U.S. Justice Department filing it made in February for lobbying work related to Macedonia. The firm says it contacted aides to senior Trump administration officials on issues related to Macedonia during a 12-day period in February. Mercury never received payment for the work, according to the document. The Foreign Agents Registration Act form is a retroactive update to a February filing that gained attention after two reports pointed out Mercury did not disclose a foreign agent in the filing. The new form still does not list a foreign agent – it simply lists the Libertas Foundation of which little is known, as the entity the firm is working on behalf of.
From the States and Municipalities:
California: California Lawmakers Want Data on Lobbyists’ Race, Sexual Orientation
Sacramento Bee – Taryn Luna | Published: 7/10/2017
Leaders of the Legislative Asian Pacific Islander, Black, Jewish, Latino, LGBT, and Women’s caucuses in the California Legislature asked 400 lobbying firms, associations, and principals to provide them with the race, ethnicity, gender, and openly gay or lesbian orientation of their employees. Lawmakers said the request is intended to expand the conversation about cultural diversity in the Capitol workforce. Some lobbyists applauded the move for forcing a male-dominated industry to think about its hiring practices. Others expressed concern about how the data could be used against them if their employees are not diverse enough for the lawmakers.
Delaware: Wilmington Ethics Commission Quietly Disbanded under Mayor Williams
Wilmington News Journal – Christina Jedra | Published: 7/12/2017
The Wilmington Ethics Commission quietly dissolved after former Mayor Dennis Williams’ administration allowed members’ terms to expire. City officials have “no idea” how this happened, said Gary Fullman, who was Williams’ chief of staff. It appears sometime after Mayor Mike Purzycki took office in January, his administration became aware of the situation. After being told a story would be published by The Wilmington News Journal on the matter, the city issued a press release saying the board had reformed, announcing five new members and two returning. The members will need to be confirmed by the city council.
District of Columbia: D.C. Business Groups Fight Proposed Pay-to-Play Regulations
Washington Post – Peter Jamison | Published: 7/10/2017
Representatives of District of Columbia business organizations argued against proposed limits on political donations by companies that do business with the city, saying widespread suspicions that contractors have undue influence are unwarranted. Opponents of the “pay-to-play” regulations being mulled by council members relied on an argument long favored by critics of campaign finance laws: that proven instances of elected officials making decisions based on campaign donations are rare, if not nonexistent.
Hawaii: Can Revamped Honolulu Ethics Commission Rebuild Its Credibility?
Honolulu Civil Beat – Anita Hofschneider | Published: 7/13/2017
Honolulu Ethics Commission Executive Director Jan Yamane must work to rebuild an agency that lost its bite in recent years due to internal strife and outside interference from Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration. The commission has been relatively quiet since Yamane was hired in August to replace Chuck Totto, who had been the agency’s executive director for nearly 16 years. Yamane said the commission now has a backlog of 40 to 50 complaints, on top of about 60 pending investigations. Yamane has been busy trying to get a handle on the hefty workload and figure out how the commission can be more efficient and effective. There are about 10,000 city employees and only five ethics commission staffers, only three of which can perform investigations.
Iowa: Trial Begins in Lawsuit Alleging Toxic ‘Boys’ Club’ at Iowa Statehouse
Des Moines Register – Grant Rodgers | Published: 7/9/2017
A jury will hear testimony in a lawsuit that claims the Iowa Capitol sheltered a toxic “boys’ club” where some male senators and their staffers spoke freely about sex and women’s bodies with few or no consequences. Kirsten Anderson, a former communications director for the Senate Republican caucus, brought the lawsuit after being fired in May 2013, just seven hours after giving her boss a memorandum asking for an investigation into workplace culture at the Capitol and for stronger policies against harassment. Republican leaders have said Anderson was fired because the quality of her work was deteriorating. But court documents filed by Anderson portray scenes where she and other female staffers were forced to listen to comments about the size of women’s breasts and gossip about colleagues’ sex lives.
Montana: Legislators Face No Punishment for Ignoring Financial Disclosure Forms
The Missoulian – Jayme Fraser | Published: 7/3/2017
Montana’s system to monitor conflicts-of-interest among legislators received a failing grade in an analysis by the Center for Public Integrity. Some lawmakers ignore or flout the rules that do exist and no one has been sanctioned for breaking them in decades. Although legislators cannot take their seat without filing a financial disclosure form, no one ensures state officials fill them out completely. The two-page document was intended to be the baseline by which the public can gauge if elected officials and state employees misuse public posts. It is a key component of the law designed to fulfill a requirement in the Montana Constitution that they must work for the public and not themselves.
New York: Appeals Court Overturns Conviction of Sheldon Silver
Albany Times Union – Matthew Hamilton | Published: 7/13/2017
An appeals court overturned the conviction of former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of accepting nearly $4 million in bribes and kickbacks disguised as legal payments from a pair of law firms that had business before the state. The appeals court cited a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, made after Silver’s conviction, which narrowed the definition of the kind of official conduct that can serve as the basis of a corruption prosecution. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit agreed with Silver’s contention that jury instructions in his trial were erroneous in light of the decision handed down in McDonnell v. United States.
North Carolina: Lobbyist Fundraiser Invite Raises Questions
WRAL – Laura Leslie | Published: 7/10/2017
Current lobbyist and former state Rep. Mike Hager is co-hosting a fundraiser for North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, but says he has not broken the state law against political contributions by lobbyists. Watchdogs say it is confusing and gives the appearance of impropriety. “I’ve never worried a whole lot about what people think,” Hager said. “It’s the actuality of the law that we’re complying with. That’s the only issue I have.”
Pennsylvania: Convicted Ex-Lawmakers Enjoy Access as Lobbyists
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Debra Erdley and Kevin Zwick | Published: 7/9/2017
Numerous former lawmakers, legislative staff, and cabinet officials in Washington, D.C., as well as state capitals across the country, have turned to lobbying. Pennsylvania requires a one-year waiting period before lawmakers and agency officials can begin lobbying former colleagues. A group of Pennsylvania lawmakers-turned-lobbyists spent the waiting period behind bars. They include former House Speakers John Perzel and Bill DeWeese, and Senate Majority Leader Joe Loeper – all of whom left office for prison after being convicted of abuses of power.
Texas: Dallas Wants $8,000 Back from Philip Kingston for Missing Too Many Council Meetings
Dallas News – Tristan Hallman | Published: 7/8/2017
Officials say city council member Philip Kingston owes Dallas taxpayers thousands of dollars. Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Reich told Kingston in a memorandum that he missed too many meetings in the past 12 months and needs to pay the city back $8,160 of his $60,000 salary. But Kingston said he is disputing the city’s calculations and does not plan to return any money. The unusual quarrel and financial penalty stem from a city charter provision. If council members miss more than 10 percent of the total “regular meetings” in a compensation year, their pay is to be docked by the same percentage of meetings they missed.
Virginia: How a Shadowy Nonprofit Spent $184K in Virginia’s Governor’s Race with Almost Total Anonymity
Richmond Times-Dispatch – Graham Moomaw | Published: 7/7/2017
Virginians for a Better Future incorporated in Delaware as a social welfare organization two weeks before Virginia’s gubernatorial primaries, and then spent $184,000 on an advertising campaign to support Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam’s bid for the Democratic nomination and attack his opponent, Tom Perriello. The identity of the donor or donors behind the ad campaign might never be disclosed. Other states have taken steps to close reporting loopholes for 501(c)(4)s, but a bill to force social welfare groups to disclose their donors failed this year in the Virginia General Assembly.
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
July 13, 2017 •
Thursday’s State Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Canada: “Lobby Group Asked to Stop Offering Access to Ottawa in Exchange for $10,000” by Bill Curry for Globe and Mail Campaign Finance New Mexico: “Supporters, Opponents Weigh in on Campaign Finance Rule Change” by Hannah Grover for Farmington […]
Lobbying
Canada: “Lobby Group Asked to Stop Offering Access to Ottawa in Exchange for $10,000” by Bill Curry for Globe and Mail
Campaign Finance
New Mexico: “Supporters, Opponents Weigh in on Campaign Finance Rule Change” by Hannah Grover for Farmington Daily-Times
Ethics
“Is Donald Trump Jr.’s ‘I Love It’ Email a Smoking Gun or a Distraction?” by Marc Fisher and David Nakamura for Washington Post
“Twitter Users Blocked by Trump File Lawsuit” by Charlie Savage for New York Times
“Trump Aides Recruited Businessmen to Devise Options for Afghanistan” by Mark Lander, Eric Schmidt, and Michael Gordon for New York Times
California: “Orange County D.A. Is Investigating His Biggest Critic as Ugly Political Battle Looms” by Adam Elmahrek for Los Angeles Times
Florida: “Hallandale Commissioner Anthony Sanders Engaged in Misconduct, Inspector General Says” by Susannah Bryan for South Florida Sun Sentinel
New Jersey: “David Wildstein, a Christie Ally, Is Sentenced to Probation in Bridge Scandal” by Nick Corasaniti for New York Times
New York: “Ethics Board Nixes Barnhart Uber Complaint in Tentative Opinion” by Brian Sharp for Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
South Dakota: “Federal Prosecutors Aim to Root Out Tribal Corruption” by Mark Walker for Sioux Falls Argus Leader
July 6, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 7, 2017
National: CNN Story About Source of Trump Wrestling Video Draws Backlash New York Times – Daniel Victor | Published: 7/5/2017 A CNN story about an anonymous Reddit user who created a widely circulated video of President Trump wrestling the network’s […]
National:
CNN Story About Source of Trump Wrestling Video Draws Backlash
New York Times – Daniel Victor | Published: 7/5/2017
A CNN story about an anonymous Reddit user who created a widely circulated video of President Trump wrestling the network’s logo to the ground has inspired multiple backlashes. Some criticized it as a form of blackmail. Others raised issues of journalism ethics over the network granting conditional anonymity to the user. The 28-second video and its source have been the subject of questions since Trump tweeted it as he continued his attacks on the news media. The tweet, which was retweeted by the official presidential account, has become Trump’s most-shared post on Twitter.
The New York Times Will Fly You Around the World for $135,000. Is That a Problem?
Washington Post – Paul Farhi | Published: 7/5/2017
The New York Times is organizing and promoting a 26-day tour of nine countries, which it calls “Around the World by Private Jet: Cultures in Transformation.” The price is $135,000 per person, and the traveling party will be joined by the newspaper’s Washington bureau chief Elisabeth Bumiller, columnist Nicholas Kristoff, and publisher Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. The trip and other Times-sponsored travel packages are a lucrative source of income at a time when news organizations are under increasing financial pressure. But the newspaper’s trips raise a question among journalism ethics experts about ethics and access: Is The Times effectively selling its journalists to private interests? Could, for example, corporate lobbyists or political operatives sign on and seek to influence coverage?
Federal:
Federal Ethics Chief Who Clashed with White House Announces He Will Step Down
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman and Matea Gold | Published: 7/6/2017
Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Director Walter Shaub announced he is resigning. He will leave nearly six months before the end of his term to take a position with the Campaign Legal Center. Shaub repeatedly challenged the Trump administration on ethics issues. His outspokenness drew the ire of administration officials and earned him near-cult status among Trump’s opponents. Shaub said no one in the White House or the administration pushed him to leave, but he felt he had reached the limit of what he could achieve in this administration within the current ethics framework. The OGE’s chief of staff, Shelley Finlayson, is expected to assume the role of acting director, although Trump could appoint another senior OGE official to serve temporarily until he chooses a permanent replacement.
Florida Lobbyist Turning Trump Ties into Mega-Millions
Center for Public Integrity – Rachel Wilson | Published: 7/5/2017
Brian Ballard has long been a major lobbyist in Florida. Now, Ballard – a major Donald Trump fundraiser who also worked on the president’s transition – is out to prove he can translate his state-level lobbying success into policy victories for a slew of new clients in Washington, D.C. And he must ply his trade in the nation’s capital without looking as if he is selling access to a president who has promised to stand up to special interests. In just five months, Ballard Partners’ federal lobbying operation has generated nearly $4 million in current and contracted business from foreign and domestic lobbying clients. That is as much lobbying money as some established firms make in a year.
Justice Dept. Compliance Expert Whose Contract Ended Early Says Trump Conflicts Made Work Feel Hypocritical
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky | Published: 7/3/2017
As a contractor for the U.S. Justice Department, Hui Chen would ask questions about companies’ inner workings to help determine whether they should be prosecuted for wrongdoing. But working in the Trump administration, Chen began to feel like a hypocrite. How could she ask companies about their conflicts-of-interest when the president was being sued over his? Though her contract was not up until September, Chen left the department in late June, then laid bare her reasons in a post on LinkedIn. The post drew attention because of Chen’s position and how blunt she was on the circumstances of her departure.
From the States and Municipalities:
Florida: Florida’s Departing Fiscal Watchdog Used Public Scrutiny as a Weapon
Bradenton Herald – Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) | Published: 7/5/2017
Jeff Atwater, who resigned recently as Florida’s chief financial officer, knows where every penny of the state’s $83 billion budget goes. He also knows where to find the waste, and he has tried to expose it. expose it. Florida will spend more than $60 billion this year hiring outside contractors to do state work. But, as Atwater found when he took the job in 2011, state agencies often do not hold vendors accountable for the services they agreed to provide. Agencies allow them to charge for things not included in the bids, fail to recover damages when the vendor will not complete a task correctly or on time, and renew contracts when a vendor fails. “You don’t have to go far to track that back to a lobbyist who had a client,” Atwater explained.
Kansas: Kobach: Kansas won’t give Social Security info to Kobach-led voter commission at this time
Kansas City Star – Bryan Lowry | Published: 7/1/2017
Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach co-chairs President Trump’s voter fraud commission, which is tasked with finding evidence to support the president’s unsubstantiated claim that there was widespread voter fraud in the 2016 election. Kobach recently sent letters to all 50 states asking them to provide the commission with their entire voter files. The request specifically spelled out sensitive pieces of information the commission wants to obtain. As secretary of state, Kobach is tasked with supplying Kansas’s data to the Trump commission. There is just one problem: he will not be able to fully comply with his own request.
Massachusetts: Lawmakers Asked to Hit Up Lobbyists, Companies to Fund National Confab
Boston Globe – Jim O’Sullivan | Published: 6/29/2017
Massachusetts Senate Majority Leader Harriette Chandler sent an email identifying the special interests, lobbyists, and corporations that can be targeted for a solicitation appeal to help fund this summer’s National Conference of State Legislatures annual meeting in Boston. They include companies that have business before the state Legislature: retailers, banks, telecommunications firms, insurers, utilities, and a wide range of health-care providers. Organizers hope to raise roughly $2.2 million for the meeting. The document advertises special access to the week’s events for donors, and perhaps more importantly, a chance to stay on the radar of local decision-makers.
Montana: Legislature Is Rife with Conflicts of Interest – and They’re Legal
Helena Independent Record – Jayme Fraser | Published: 7/2/2017
More than a dozen state leaders said it is not unethical to bring bills that would advantage their professions or properties so long as others received the same gain and the link is openly shared. Most lauded the fact that Montana has a part-time, citizen Legislature where farmers sit on agricultural committees, lawyers craft state criminal laws, teachers tweak education policy, and business owners set industry regulations. Experience makes them experts, they say. But the Center for Public Integrity gives Montana an “F” grade for its conflict disclosure laws, which make it difficult for the public to spot self-serving votes or sanction those who enrich themselves in public office.
New Jersey: Hudson Attorney Files Ethics Complaint Against Christie Over ‘Beachgate’
Newark Star-Ledger – Michaelangelo Conte (Jersey Journal) | Published: 7/6/2017
A complaint was filed against New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, saying he used his position unethically when he and family members basked in the sun at Island Beach State Park while the public was turned away because of a state shutdown. In accordance with the Plain Language Guide to New Jersey’s Executive Branch Ethics Standards, no person of the executive branch may obtain a “special benefit” as a result of their position …,” according to the complaint filed with the State Ethics Commission by attorney Mario Blanch.
New York: A Constitutional Convention for New York? This May Be the Year
New York Times – Lisa Foderaro | Published: 7/5/2017
Every 20 years, New Yorkers have the chance to vote whether they want to hold a constitutional convention to amend, tweak, or otherwise improve the founding document of the state. For the past half-century, voters have demurred. This year, however, academics, good-government groups and others believe the outcome of the ballot question in November may be different. And it has something to do with the current occupant of the White House. “Trump’s election emphasizes how valuable it is for states to chart their own course,” said Peter Galie, a political science professor at Canisius College.
Pennsylvania: Contractor’s Criminal Record Didn’t Discourage Business with Allentown or Reading
Allentown Morning Call – Emily Opilo | Published: 6/30/2017
Mark Neisser, then president of JCA Associates, and two other employees of the engineering firm pleaded guilty in 2004 to tax offenses for failing to report about $100,000 in printing work done for New Jersey Democrats. Along with fines and probation, Neisser was barred from working at JCA. Within a year, however, he resurfaced at T&M Associates, a New Jersey engineering firm that bought out JCA. Neisser’s record apparently did not alarm Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, who accepted thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from T&M’s PAC, and raised no red flag for city officials, which awarded more than $380,000 in contracts to the firm. Neisser pleaded guilty in April to a federal corruption charge for his role in “pay-to-play” schemes in Allentown and Reading.
Texas: City OK’s Park Swings Thanks to Pint Sized Lobbyist
Fort Worth Telegram – Ann Beck | Published: 7/6/2017
When she saw that her local park did not have swings, six-year-old Maggie Fortner took matters into her own hands. She wrote a letter – in pencil and folded a half-dozen times – requesting the addition of a swing set at Donald R. Barg Park. It was mailed by Maggie’s grandmother and made its way to Matt Young, the director of parks and recreation for the city of Mansfield, who not only took notice, but action. The swings were approved and Maggie, now seven, was the guest of honor at the recent ceremony where they were opened to the public. “I’m just really excited for my swing to come, so I can swing on it every day,” Maggie said. “But I’m going to share, even with my sisters. It’s for everyone.”
Texas: Texas Supreme Court Rejects Tea Party Challenge to Campaign Finance Laws
Texas Tribune – Jim Malewitz | Published: 6/30/2017
The Texas Supreme Court upheld the state’s ban on direct corporate political donations. The Texas Democratic Party sued the King Street Patriots for violating the ban on corporate contributions by making in-kind donations to Republicans groups or causes. Democrats argued that if the group wanted to contribute to political campaigns, it should abide by disclosure rules. The justices also upheld state requirements that campaigns report contributions and expenditures, and ruled private groups can sue over alleged violations.
Vermont: Dollars Tell Only Part of Story of Pot Legalization Advocacy
VTDigger.org – Elizabeth Hewitt | Published: 7/4/2017
Despite a constant drum of advocacy on both sides of marijuana legalization in Vermont this year, lobbying reports show the sums spent were relatively modest. But the finance disclosures tell just part of the story of advocacy on the issue. The numbers on both sides added up to far less than has been spent on hot button issues in Montpelier in the past. The 2015 push to impose a sales tax on soft drinks drew more than $500,000 in spending by the American Beverage Association alone in the first quarter of the year, for instance. On the issue of marijuana, both sides claim grassroots support drives their agenda.
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
July 5, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Use of Campaign Money for Lawmakers’ Security Requested by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA Alabama: Civil Penalties Now in Place for Late or Inaccurate Campaign Reports by Mike Cason for AL.com California: California Democrats Out to Reverse Another […]
Campaign Finance
Use of Campaign Money for Lawmakers’ Security Requested by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA
Alabama: Civil Penalties Now in Place for Late or Inaccurate Campaign Reports by Mike Cason for AL.com
California: California Democrats Out to Reverse Another Election Rule to Help One of Their Own by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee
District of Columbia: “Publicly Financed Campaigns in D.C. Would Reduce Influence of Big Donors, Advocates Testify” by Rachel Chason for Washington Post
Texas: “Texas Supreme Court Rejects Tea Party Challenge to Campaign Finance Laws” by Jim Malewitz for Texas Tribune
Elections
“Trump’s Voter-Fraud Commission Wants to Know Voting History, Party ID and Address of Every Voter in the U.S.” by Christopher Ingraham for Washington Post
“GOP Investigation Sought Connection Between Clinton’s Emails and Russia: Report” by Alicia Cohn and Max Greenwood for The Hill
Ethics
Ethics Issue ‘Nonsense,’ Said Official Who Cleared Trump Hotel by Ben Brody for Bloomberg.com
Connecticut: Bridgeport Struggles to Fill Boards, Commissions by Brian Lockhart for Connecticut Post
Florida: “Lauren’s Kids Funnels $3.1 Million to Politically Connected Public Relations Firm” by Francisco Alverado for Florida Bulldog
Massachusetts: “Lawmakers Asked to Hit Up Lobbyists, Companies to Fund National Confab” by Jim O’Sullivan for Boston Globe
Montana: Legislature Is Rife with Conflicts of Interest – and They’re Legal by Jayme Fraser for Helena Independent Record
Lobbying
Florida: Berger’s History with Lobbyist Doesn’t Bar Her from Voting on Development, Ethics Panel Says by Skyler Swisher for South Florida Sun Sentinel
Maryland: Baltimore County Council Votes Along Party Lines on Ethics, Work Session Bills by Alison Knezevich for Baltimore Sun
Vermont: Dollars Tell Only Part of Story of Pot Legalization Advocacy by Elizabeth Hewitt for VTDigger.org
April 27, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Spending on Lobbying Approached $1 Billion in First Quarter, Highest in 5 Years” by Kimberly Kindy for Washington Post New York: “NYCLU’s Request for Donor Exemption Is Denied” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union Oregon: “Ethics Commission: Gov. […]
Lobbying
“Spending on Lobbying Approached $1 Billion in First Quarter, Highest in 5 Years” by Kimberly Kindy for Washington Post
New York: “NYCLU’s Request for Donor Exemption Is Denied” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Oregon: “Ethics Commission: Gov. Brown’s budget adviser may lobby on her behalf” by Anna Marum for Portland Oregonian
Campaign Finance
“Trump Inauguration Admits Errors, Vows to Correct Numerous Faulty Donor Records” by Christina Wilkie for HuffPost
Montana: “State Campaign Finance Reform Bill Hits Snag in Senate” by Corin Cates-Carney for Montana Public Radio
Ethics
“Some Public Pensions Help Trump, Report Shows” by Julia Harte (Reuters) for U.S. News & World Report
Rhode Island: “Panel: Probable cause that R.I. Supreme Court justice Flaherty violated ethics code” by Katie Mulvaney for Providence Journal
Vermont: “Ethics Commission Bill Gains Steam in House” by Mark Johnson for VTDigger.org
Elections
“Slow Pace of Trump Nominations Leaves Cabinet Agencies ‘Stuck’ in Staffing Limbo” by Lisa Rein for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
Alabama: “House Judiciary Committee Releases Final Report on Bentley Impeachment” by Mike Cason for AL.com
Procurement
California: “Blacklist of Border-Wall Contractors Advanced in California Senate” by Nick Cahill for Courthouse News Service
April 26, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Flynn’s Turkish Lobbying Linked to Russia” by Issac Arnsdorf for Politico “‘What’s Upstream?’ Ad Campaign Funded by EPA Did Not Break Federal Lobbying Rules, Investigation Finds” by Joseph O’Sullivan for Seattle Times Campaign Finance “Bill Would Force Maine-Based PACs […]
Lobbying
“Flynn’s Turkish Lobbying Linked to Russia” by Issac Arnsdorf for Politico
“‘What’s Upstream?’ Ad Campaign Funded by EPA Did Not Break Federal Lobbying Rules, Investigation Finds” by Joseph O’Sullivan for Seattle Times
Campaign Finance
“Bill Would Force Maine-Based PACs to Shed Light on Secretive Contributors” by Steve Mistler for Maine Public Radio
Ethics
“Flynn Probably Broke the Law by Failing to Disclose Foreign Payments, House Oversight Leaders Say” by Karoun Demirjian for Washington Post
“State Department Website Removes Article Touting History of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate” by Anne Gearan for Washington Post
“Sessions Vows to Enforce an Anti-Bribery Law Trump Ridiculed” by Charlie Savage for New York Times
“Greitens Says He Isn’t Responsible for Attack Ads Against Sen. Rob Schaaf” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Legislative Issues
“Tar Heel Republicans Override Gov. Cooper Veto in Latest Partisan Clash” by The Associated Press for Raleigh News & Observer
Procurement
“Contract with Company Connected to Epps Bribery Case Questioned” by Geoff Pender for Jackson Clarion-Ledger
April 25, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Trump, Pence Allies Rake in Millions as New Washington Lobbyists” by Fredreka Schouten and Maureen Groppe for USA Today Missouri: “Lawmakers Say Lobbyist Gift Ban Will Likely Fail Again This Year” by Austin Huguelet for St. Louis Post-Dispatch Missouri: […]
Lobbying
“Trump, Pence Allies Rake in Millions as New Washington Lobbyists” by Fredreka Schouten and Maureen Groppe for USA Today
Missouri: “Lawmakers Say Lobbyist Gift Ban Will Likely Fail Again This Year” by Austin Huguelet for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Missouri: “Fewer Missouri Lawmakers Are Bunking with Lobbyists” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Pennsylvania: “Phila. Board of Ethics Fines Teamsters Local 830” by Layla Jones for Philadelphia Tribune
Texas: “Ethics Reform Now Includes Keeping Revolving Door to Lobby Wide Open” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “Justices Decline to Hear Alabama Campaign Finance Case” by Dan McCue for Courthouse News Service
New York: “City Council Members Opt Out of Campaign Finance Program” by Samar Khurshid for Gotham Gazette
Ethics
“‘Everyone Tunes In’: Inside Trump’s obsession with cable TV” by Ashley Parker and Robert Costa for Washington Post
Rhode Island: “Council President Aponte Sues to Freeze Ethics Probe” by Dan McGowan for WPRI
April 24, 2017 •
Monday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Wisconsin: Wisconsin Supreme Court Rejects Recusal Changes When Campaign Donors Are Litigants by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Elections Trump Adviser’s Visit to Moscow Got the F.B.I.’s Attention by Scott Shane, Mark Mazzetti, and Adam Goldman for […]
Campaign Finance
Wisconsin: Wisconsin Supreme Court Rejects Recusal Changes When Campaign Donors Are Litigants by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Elections
Trump Adviser’s Visit to Moscow Got the F.B.I.’s Attention by Scott Shane, Mark Mazzetti, and Adam Goldman for New York Times
Can Elections Like Georgia’s Help Predict Future Races? By Jonah Engel Bromwich for New York Times
Ethics
Alabama: Drug Store Owner Pushes Legislation Helping Out Drug Stores, and That’s OK in Alabama by John Sharp for AL.com
Florida: Ethics Panel Pushes Back Against Legislative Oversight by Jim Turner (News Service of Florida) for Lakeland Ledger
Montana: MT Ethics Chief Ducks Bulk of Lawmaker’s Suit by Eve Byron for Courthouse News Service
Washington: 1995 Tweak to Law Exempts State Lawmakers from Disclosure by Rachel LaCorte (Associated Press) for The Columbian
Lobbying
Tennessee: Tennessee Legislators Vote to Require Disclosure of Trips Funded by Lobbyists by Andy Sher for Chattanooga Times Free Press
April 20, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying Maine: “Maine Ethics Watchdog: Tighten lobbying limits for ex-legislators” by Michael Shepherd for Bangor Daily News Campaign Finance “It Was Huge: Trump inaugural drew slew of top-dollar checks” by Julie Bykowicz and Nancy Benac (Associated Press) for ABC News […]
Lobbying
Maine: “Maine Ethics Watchdog: Tighten lobbying limits for ex-legislators” by Michael Shepherd for Bangor Daily News
Campaign Finance
“It Was Huge: Trump inaugural drew slew of top-dollar checks” by Julie Bykowicz and Nancy Benac (Associated Press) for ABC News
“Ivanka Trump’s Global Reach, Undeterred by a White House Job” by Danny Hakim and Rachel Abrams for New York Times
California: “Real Estate Investor Fined $17,000 Over Excess L.A. City Council Campaign Donations” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Montana: “Montana House Rejects Bill to Raise Campaign Contributions” by Associated Press for U.S. News & World Report
Ethics
Illinois: “Independent Contractor Exemption Suffers Surprise Council Defeat” by Fran Spielman for Chicago Sun-Times
New Jersey: “Ex-Passaic Mayor Alex Blanco Gets 27 Months in Prison” by Richard Cowan and Kaitlin Kanzler for Bergen Record
Texas: “TABC Chief Will Resign after Agency Used Your Tax Dollars to Travel to Booze Industry Conferences” by Dagney Pruner for Dallas News
Elections
Georgia: “Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, Narrowly Misses Outright Win in Georgia House Race” by Jonathan Martin and Richard Fausset for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Florida: “Miami Lawmaker Apologizes on Senate Floor for Using Racial Slur” by Patricia Mazzei, Steve Bousquet, and Kristin Clark for Miami Herald
April 19, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Corporate Lobbyists Funnel Cash to House Democrats Amid Push to Pass Trump’s Business Initiatives” by Andrew Perez (MapLight) and David Sirota for International Business Times Campaign Finance “The $1 Million Upside for an RNC Digital Guru” by Shane Goldmacher […]
Lobbying
“Corporate Lobbyists Funnel Cash to House Democrats Amid Push to Pass Trump’s Business Initiatives” by Andrew Perez (MapLight) and David Sirota for International Business Times
Campaign Finance
“The $1 Million Upside for an RNC Digital Guru” by Shane Goldmacher for Politico
Alabama: “Donors to Former Gov. Bentley’s ‘Dark Money’ Group Still a Mystery” by Kent Faulk for AL.com
Ethics
“Watchdog Group Expands Lawsuit Against Trump” by Sharon LaFraniere for New York Times
Florida: “Florida House Speaker: Push for tougher ethics laws dead” by Gary Fineout (Associated Press) for San Louis Obispo Tribune
Michigan: “Macomb Co. Clerk Has Aide Call 911: Reporters harassing me” by Christina Hall for Detroit Free Press
New York: “Cuomo Promotes Chief of Staff, Melissa DeRosa, to Be His Secretary” by Lisa Foderaro for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Alaska: “Here’s Why Alaska Legislators, Staffers and Lobbyists Are Listening to Wu-Tang Clan” by Nathaniel Herz for Alaska Dispatch News
Procurement
California: “Costs Soar After Huntington Park Picks Politically Connected Firm to Provide Bus Service” by Adam Elmahrek for Los Angeles Times
April 18, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance “Bipartisan Bill Would Restructure FEC to End Gridlock” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA District of Columbia: “More Contributions to D.C. Council Member Cannot Be Tracked to Source” by Aaron Davis for Washington Post Ethics “With Trump Appointees, […]
Campaign Finance
“Bipartisan Bill Would Restructure FEC to End Gridlock” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA
District of Columbia: “More Contributions to D.C. Council Member Cannot Be Tracked to Source” by Aaron Davis for Washington Post
Ethics
“With Trump Appointees, a Raft of Potential Conflicts and ‘No Transparency’” by Eric Lipton, Ben Protess, and Andrew Lehren for New York Times
Alabama: “Judicial Ethics Complaint Filed Against Judge Who Ordered Halt to Bentley Impeachment Hearing” by Kent Faulk for AL.com
California: “Oakland Ethics Panel Slams Lax Oversight of Free Warriors, Raiders and A’s Tickets” by Mark Hedin for East Bay Times
Legislative Issues
Nevada: “Republican Lawmaker Spent Two Weeks as ‘Legislative Advocate’ for Business Group” by Riley Snyder for Nevada Independent
Lobbying
Illinois: “Emanuel Still Fielding Emails on City Matters Via Private Account” by Fran Spielman for Chicago Sun-Times
Missouri: “Decrease in Lobbyists’ Gifts Hasn’t Limited Influence at the Missouri Capitol” by Sky Chadd for Columbia Missourian
Tech and Social Media
“Social Media Is Not Contributing Significantly to Political Polarization, Paper Says” by Jonah Engel Bromwich for New York Times
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