Lobbying

Hawaii: “Hawaii Monitor: Is a weak lobbying law getting weaker?” by Ian Lind for Honolulu Civil Beat

Campaign Finance

Utah: “Bill Setting Campaign Contribution Limits Passes Committee” by Lisa Riley Roche for Deseret News

West Virginia: “Bill to Remove Political Contribution Limits Sent to Subcommittee” by Joel Ebert for Charleston Daily Mail

Ethics

“Hillary’s State Department OK’d Bill’s Big-Money Speeches” by Josh Gerstein for Politico

Alaska: “APOC Funding Changes Proposed” by Matt Buxton for Fairbanks Daily News Miner

Michigan: “Another Kilpatrick Aide Avoids Prison in Corruption Fallout” by Tresa Baldas for Detroit Free Press

Texas: “Dallas Council Lessens Fundraising Loophole, Tightens Ethics Complaint Process” by Elizabeth Findell for Dallas Morning News

Elections

Illinois: “Rahm Emanuel Forced Into Runoff in Bid for Second Term as Chicago Mayor” by Monica Davey for New York Times

“Daniel Donovan, Garner Case Prosecutor, Defends Record as He Runs for Congress” by Alexander Burns for New York Times

Legislative Issues

Kansas: “Conservatives Are Changing Kansas Law in Ways That Enshrine Their Power, Weaken Opponents” by Brad Cooper for Kansas City Star

Lobbying

Missouri: “House Committee Advances Bill to Ban Lobbyist-Paid Travel outside Missouri” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune

Campaign Finance

Maine: “Bill Requires Nonprofits to Disclose Donors When Contributing to Maine Political Campaigns” by Scott Thistle for The Sun Journal

Massachusetts: “Group Suing OCPF over Union Contributions” by Gintautas Dumcius (State House News Service) for MassLive.com

North Dakota: “North Dakota Rejects Law Banning Personal Use of Campaign Dollars” by Rob Port for Watchdog.org

Ethics

“She Runs S.E.C. He’s a Lawyer. Recusals and Headaches Ensue.” by Peter Eavis and Ben Protess for New York Times

“Lawmaker with Lavish Decor Billed Private Planes, Concerts” by Jack Gillum and Stephen Braun (Associated Press) for Charlotte Observer

Alabama: “Alabama Ethics Commission Names New Director after Six-Month Search” by Erin Edgemon for AL.com

Maine: “Federal Judge Nullifies Maine’s Drug Importation Law” by Jackie Farwell (Bangor Daily News) for The Sun Journal

Massachusetts: “More Legal Trouble for Lobbyist Convicted in DiMasi Case” by Martin Finucane and Andrea Estes for Boston Globe

New York: “Legislative Reform Urged for Outside Income Limits” by Matthew Hamilton for Albany Times Union

North Carolina: “Charlotte City Council Tightens Ethics Rules” by Ely Portillo for Charlotte Observer

Lobbying

Utah: “Lobbyist Badges May Be Short-Lived on the Hill” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune

Vermont: “Lobbyists Split on Plan to Change Advertising Disclosure Laws” by Wilson Ring (Associated Press) for Rutland Herald

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Arizona Senate Panel Votes to Ask Voters to Kill Clean Elections Board, Use Money for Schools” by The Associated Press for Columbus Republic

Louisiana: “Ethics Board Decision Protects Political Ads Funding Sources” by Marsha Shuler for New Orleans Advocate

New Mexico: “State Officials to Form Task Force to Review Campaign Finance System” by The Associated Press for The Tribune

Washington: “Ruling Bars State from Treating Free Legal Advice as a Campaign Contribution” by Sean Robinson (Tacoma News Tribune) for Bellingham Herald

Wisconsin: “Conservative Groups Ask U.S. Supreme Court to Defend Rights of John Doe Targets” by M.D. Kittle for Watchdog.org

Ethics

Nevada: “As Revealed in Ethics Disclosures, Nevada Government is an Insiders’ Game” by Kyle Roerink for Las Vegas Sun

New York: “Ethics Plan Now in Budget” by Rick Karlin for Albany Times Union

Elections

District of Columbia: “For Marion Barry’s Son, Filling Dad’s Shoes Is a Surprisingly Uphill Battle” by Mike DeBonis for Washington Post

Lobbying

California: “California Ethics Panel Rejects Exceptions to Lobbyist Fundraising Rules” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times

Pennsylvania: “Lobbyists See Little Love from Pennsylvania’s Ethics Commission” by Rachel Martin for Watchdog.org

Campaign Finance

“Final Tally: 2014’s midterm was most expensive, with fewer donors” by Russ Choma for Center for Responsive Politics

Indiana: “Disputed Campaign Contributions Benefited House GOP, Pence” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star

Montana: “Montana Senate to Hear Proposals Increasing Campaign Finance Disclosures” by Alison Noon (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter

New Jersey: “Roseland Law Firm Loses Paterson Contract over Questions on Political Contributions” by Joe Malinconico for Bergen Record

Ethics

New York: “Sheldon Silver, Former Assembly Speaker, Is Indicted” by William Rashbaum for New York Times

Oregon: “Kate Brown, New Governor in Oregon, Seeks Public’s Trust” by Kirk Johnson for New York Times

Virginia: “Former Va. First Lady Sentenced to 366 Days in Corruption Case” by Matt Zapotosky, Rosalind Helderman, and Rachel Weiner for Washington Post

Elections

Maryland: “Robocall Seen as Anti-Gay Attack under Investigation, Former Candidate Says” by Kevin Rector for Baltimore Sun

Michigan: “Michigan Legislature Settles on March 8 Date for 2016 Presidential Primary” by Jonathan Oosting for MLive.com

Redistricting

“Dems Launch Super-PAC to Gain Edge in Redistricting” by Cameron Joseph for The Hill

Lobbying

Maine: “Free Meals, Rooms for Maine Lawmakers Not Always Disclosed under Ethics Laws” by Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for The Forecaster

Michigan: “Which Lawmakers Got the Most Free Lunch? Michigan Lobbying Topped $37M in 2014” by Jonathan Oosting for MLive.com

Utah: “Free Lunches for Lawmakers Dwindling at Utah Legislature” by Lee Davidson for Salt Lake Tribune

Campaign Finance

“States Consider Requiring Shareholder Approval for Political Gifts” by Liz Essley White for Center for Public Integrity

“This Political Scientist Estimated Politicians’ Beliefs via 100 Million Campaign Donations” by Andrew Prokop for Vox

“Activists Bristle at Hillary Clinton Fundraising Pleas” by Ben Schreckinger for Politico

Nebraska: “Nebraska Bill Would Change Campaign Disclosure Requirement” by Grant Schulte (Associated Press) for Beatrice Daily Sun

Ethics

Oregon: “Lawmakers to Consider Ethics Reforms in Response to John Kitzhaber, Cylvia Hayes Scandal” by Ian Kullgren for Portland Oregonian

Texas: “In State of the State, Abbott Proposes Sweeping Agenda” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Virginia: “In Post-McDonnell Scandal Va., Pols Take another Stab at Ethics Reform” by Jenna Portnoy for Washington Post

Lobbying

North Carolina: “NC Ethics Commission Says Sex between Lobbyists, Officials Isn’t Reportable” by Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News & Observer

North Dakota: “North Dakota’s GOP Chairman Breaks Lobbying Rules” by Rob Port for Watchdog.org

Texas: “Watson Wants More Disclosure of Wining and Dining” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Campaign Finance

California: “Foes Question Firm’s Work for Steve Veres’ City Council Race” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times

Kansas: “Kansas Republicans, Democrats Agree on Raising Campaign Contribution Limits” by Nicholas Clayton (Associated Press) for Columbus Republic

Ethics

Indiana: “House Approves Ethics Bill Requiring More Financial Disclosure” in Indianapolis Business Journal

Mississippi: “Alday Says He’s Not Racist; GOP Leaders Decry Statements” by Emily Le Coz for Jackson Clarion-Ledger

Oregon: “Gov. John Kitzhaber of Oregon and His Fiancée Walked Tangled Path to Exit” by Kirk Johnson and Michael Paulson for New York Times

Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Political Activist Gene Stilp Will Retire” by Kate Giammarise for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

South Carolina: “Ethics Reform Proponents Hope to Overcome Senate Roadblock” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post & Courier

Lobbying

New Mexico: “Citizen Lobbyists Learn the Ropes” by Gwyneth Doland (New Mexico In Depth) for Las Cruces Sun-News

North Carolina: “Charlotte Is Largest City with No Lobbying Disclosure” by Steve Harrison for Charlotte Observer

Campaign Finance

“Freshman Lawmaker Aims to Close Campaign Money Loophole” by The Associated Press for KBOI

Virginia: “Va. Political Operative Pleads Guilty to Coordinating Campaign Contributions” by Matt Zapotosky and Matea Gold for Washington Post

Wisconsin: “Bill Would Limit John Doe Probes into Political Crimes” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Ethics

Connecticut: “FBI Goes After ‘Corrupticut’ with Billboards” by Brian Lockhart for Connecticut Post

Florida: “Miami-Dade Mayor and Trump Discussed Crandon Golf Takeover” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald

Montana: “Montana Budget Panel Cuts Political Practices” by Charles Johnson for Ravalli Republic

South Carolina: “S.C. Senate Kills Ethics Measure – Possibly for the Year” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post & Courier

Elections

“Democrats Choose Philadelphia for 2016 National Convention” by Trip Gabriel for New York Times

Procurement

“House Passes Reform, Transparency Act” by Geoff Pender for Jackson Clarion-Ledger

Lobbying

New Mexico: “Lobbyist Disclosure Bill Hits Snag in House Committee” by Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Las Cruces Sun-News

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “State Office Working to Close Campaign Finance Loophole” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star

Nevada: “Nevada Supreme Court Rules against Conservative Group Citizen Outreach in Campaign Flyer Case” by Riley Snider and Michelle Rindels (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter

Rhode Island: “Rhode Island Lawmaker Arrested for Alleged Misuse of Campaign Money Resigns Leadership Post” by Jennifer McDermott and Michelle Smith (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter

Ethics

New Jersey: “Wisniewski Seeks to End Christie’s Paid-for Travel” by Matt Friedman for Newark Star-Ledger

New York: “Political Corruption in Albany a Very Old Story” by Paul Grondahl for Albany Times Union

Indiana: “Indiana Lawmakers’ Panel Passes Ethics Reform Package” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star

Virginia: “Va. House and Senate Unhappily Pass Ethics Bills; Governor Awaits Deal” by Jenna Portnoy and Rachel Weiner for Washington Post

Procurement

Texas: “Ethics Bill Would Shed Light on Contracts” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Lobbying

California: “Legal Clinic Immerses Aspiring Lawyers in the Political Process” by Maura Dolan for Los Angeles Times

Florida: “Mayor’s Ball Draws Influential Donors” by Andy Reid for South Florida Sun Sentinel

Missouri: “Ethics Bills Move Ahead in Senate, House Committee” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune

New Mexico: “New Mexico Lobbyists Spend on Lawmakers but Disclosure Lacks” by Sandra Fish for Las Cruces Sun-News

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Committee: Lobbyists still can’t donate during sessions” by Julia Shumway for Arizona Republic

Illinois: “Illinois Governor Acts to Curb Power of Public Sector Unions” by Monica Davey and Mitch Smith for New York Times

Oregon: “Secretary of State Wants to Limit Campaign Spending” by Hannah Hoffman for Salem Statesman Journal

Pennsylvania: “A Section of City Code Has Money from Law Firms, Corporations Drying Up in Philly Politics” by Chris Hepp for Philadelphia Inquirer

Ethics

New York: “NY Senate Democrats: Ban outside income for lawmakers” by David Klepper and Michael Virtanen (Associated Press) for Seattle Times

Washington: “Lt. Governor Wants Change in How Ethics Are Policed” by Jim Brunner for Seattle Times

Lobbying

Hawaii: “Hawaii Lobbyists Fined for Failing to Register with State Ethics Commission” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter

Minnesota: “Tomassoni Quits Range Job, Citing ‘Distractions’” by Don Davis for Duluth News Tribune

Texas: “State Law Allows for Lobbying Deep in the Shadows of Texas” by James Drew for Dallas Morning News

Campaign Finance

California: “A Legal Use of Power: Parties funnel millions to California candidates” by Jim Miller for Sacramento Bee

Pennsylvania: “After Pennsylvania Treasurer Scandal, Pay-to-Play Law Still a Longshot” by The Associated Press for Lehighvalleylive.com

Ethics

New York: “Harassment Suit against Former Assemblyman Vito Lopez and Sheldon Silver Is Settled” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times

North Carolina: “City Panel Proposes Stronger Ethics Policy” by Steve Harrison for Charlotte Observer

Oregon: “Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber Faces Call to Resign amid Scandal over Fiancée” by Maria La Ganga for Los Angeles Times

Washington: “Free U.S. Open Tickets for Lawmakers? Ethics Board to Discuss” by Melissa Santos for Tacoma News Tribune

Legislative Issues

Idaho: “Recodification Bill Would Create New Title of State Law for Ethics, Public Records, Open Meetings” by Betsy Russell for Spokane Spokesman-Review

South Carolina: “Lawmakers Hear Calls to Change the Way SC Elects Judges” by Jamie Self for The State

Political Advertising

“Drones Fly into the Political Ad Wars” by Daniel Lippman for Politico

Lobbying

New Mexico: “GOP Leaders Says Former Speaker Gave Office Space to Lobbyist” by Patrick Malone (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Las Cruces Sun-News

Campaign Finance

“Helena-Based Campaign Finance-Tracking Group Gets Prestigious $1M Grant” in The Missoulian

“Big Business Crushed Ballot Measures in 2014” by Liz Essley White for Center for Public Integrity

“The Secret World of a Well-Paid ‘Donor Adviser’ in Politics” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times

Illinois: “Ald. Deb Mell Hit with Complaint over Free Rent Provided by Dad Dick Mell” by Ted Cox for DNAinfo.com

Montana: “Bullock, Ankney Outline Campaign Finance Reform Bill” by Charles Johnson for Montana Standard

Utah: “Politicians May Be Giving Contributions to Charity in the Future” by Amy McDonald for Provo Daily Herald

Ethics

Arkansas: “Lawmakers Favor Expanded Ethics Panel” by Michael Wickline for ArkansasOnline.com

Hawaii: “Hawaii Ethics Commission Fines Current and Former State Workers over Free Golf” by The Associated Press for Fox News

New York: “Malcolm Smith, Ex-New York Senate Chief, Is Convicted of Corruption” by Tanzina Vega for New York Times

South Dakota: “Ethics Commission Killed by House Republicans” by Bob Mercer for Rapid City Journal

Lobbying

“Top Frankfort Lobbyists Make Big Money … VERY Big” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal

Missouri: “Ethics Amendment Sponsor Sees Little Chance for Effective Action by Lawmakers” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune

Campaign Finance

“Capitalizing on a Political Contribution Cap Hike” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity

California: “San Diego County Supervisors Put Caps on Campaign Spending” by City News Service for KPBS

Ethics

“Obama Administration Seeks to Negotiate Medicare Drug Prices” by David Morgan for Reuters

Nevada: “When Do Lawmakers’ Day Jobs Become Conflicts of Interest?” by Kyle Roerink for Las Vegas Sun

New York: “State Ethics Panel Seeks More Clout, Leeway” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union

New York: “New York City Councilman Arrested on Corruption Charges” by Nikita Stewart for New York Times

Oregon: “Cylvia Hayes Scandal: Kitzhaber associates helped create jobs for her that had Oregon influence in mind” by Nick Budnick and Laura Gunderson for Portland Oregonian

Pennsylvania: “After Rapid Rise, Pennsylvania Attorney General Faces Sharp Fall” by Jennifer Steinhauer for New York Times

Elections

“The Surprising Power of Blue-State Republicans” by Nate Cohn for New York Times

Campaign Finance

North Carolina: “Audit: Elections board spent nearly $1 million for nothing” by Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News & Observer

Wisconsin: “Federal Judge’s Judgment Takes John Doe Probe off Life Support” by M.D. Kittle for WisconsinReporter.com

Ethics

“How Did Politics Get So Personal?” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times

“How and Why Retired Politicians Get Lucrative Appointments on Corporate Boards” by Maxwell Palmer and Benjamin Schneer for Washington Post

California: “California’s Top Political Ethics Cop Resigns” by Laurel Rosenhall for Sacramento Bee

New York: “Pushing Ethics Reforms, Cuomo Wants Lawmakers to Reveal Income or Lose It” by Alexander Burns and Susanne Craig for New York Times

Rhode Island: “House Will Once Again Mull Two Proposals to Restore Ethics Commission’s Authority over State Lawmakers” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal

Elections

“Measles Prove Delicate Issue to GOP Field” by Jeremy Peters and Richard Pérez-Peña for New York Times

Legislative Issues

Nevada: “Assemblyman May Be Extortion Victim, Police Say” by Ray Hagar for Reno Gazette-Journal

New York: “Heastie Is Elected Speaker of New York Assembly” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times

Lobbying

Missouri: “Missouri Lawmakers’ Steady Shift to Lobbying Raises Concerns with Critics” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star

New Jersey: “Christie’s Overseas Travel Funded by Firms That Do Business with N.J.” by Shawn Boburg and Hugh Morley for Bergen Record

Campaign Finance

Montana: “State Legislative Panels Reject Campaign Finance Reform Bills” by Charles Johnson for The Missoulian

Ethics

Indiana: “Indiana Gov. Pence Walks Back State-Run Media Site” by Danielle Hayes for UPI.com

Kansas: “Kansas House Rejects Amendment to Address Private E-mail Loophole” by Bryan Lowry for Wichita Eagle

New York: “Speaker Candidate Drew Ethics Panel’s Notice” by Susanne Craig and Thomas Kaplan for New York Times

Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Treasurer McCord to Plead Guilty in Campaign Finance Case; Resigns Immediately” by  The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin’s Treasurer Wants to Cut Needless Workers, Starting With Himself” by Julie Bosman for New York Times

Elections

Massachusetts: “Statute Against Lying in Campaign Ads Faces Legal Test” by Stephanie Ebbert for Boston Globe

Legislative Issues

Texas: “Texas Lawmaker Demands Muslim Visitors Take Loyalty Oath” by Adam Lerner for Politico