October 2, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Shutdown can’t stop lobbyists from their appointed rounds” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“What’s a Hill Résumé Worth on K Street? Maybe Not $500K” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
Nevada: “Former Nev. lobbyist sentenced to 2 years in prison” by Martha Bellisle in USA Today.
Campaign Finance
“Wealthy Donors’ Influence May Rise After Next Supreme Court Campaign Finance Case” by Paul Blumenthal in the Huffington Post.
“Donation limits help keep politics honest” opinion piece by Meredith McGehee on CNN News.
Mississippi: “Judge blocks part of Miss. campaign finance law, calls it unconstitutional” by Emily Wagster Pettus (Associated Press) in the Clarion Ledger.
Ethics
“Ethical limits on federal employees would continue in shutdown” by Eric Yoder in The Washington Post.
“As shutdown commences, federal open government databases go dark or dormant” by Stephen Stirling in The Star-Ledger.
“Government shutdown shrinks FEC to just four employees” by Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity.
Elections
“Election Laws Challenged in Only State to Act Since Supreme Court Ruling on Voting Rights Act” by Wendy Underhill in NCSL’s The Thicket.
Alabama: “Special election scheduled to fill Rep. Barry Mask’s legislative seat” by The Associated Press on Al.com.
Nevada: “More Nevadans register nonpartisan in September than other two parties combined” by The Associated Press in the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Government Shutdown
“GOV Unplugged: Your Guide to What’s Shut Down During a Shutdown” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Feds Warm Up To LinkedIn” by Mark Amtower in Information Week.
State Legislatures
Oregon: “Oregon Legislature: Vote count still tight in special session” by Hannah Hoffman and Anna Staver in the Statesman Journal.
October 1, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“Lobbyists prepare for government shutdown” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“Lobbyists swoop in to defend investor visas” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Hamilton, Ontario: “Lobbyist registry delayed again” by Matthew Van Dongen in The Spec.
Campaign Finance
“Lobbying, Campaign Finance, and IRS Reports Keep Moving During Shutdown” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine Blog.
“House Members Shut Down Gov’t. Money Going Out, But Not Contributions Coming In” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine Blog.
“The Next Citizens United?” by Richard Hasen in Slate.
“The case for eliminating contribution limits” by Ann W. Herberger in Campaigns & Elections.
“Top U.S. political donors in 2012 among country’s richest men” by Gabriel Debenedetti in Reuters.
Alaska: “APOC: No immediate action on complaint against Stiver” by Sam Friedman in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
Maryland: “Maryland’s new laws at a glance” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.
Ethics
FEC: “Not ‘essential’: Shutdown would hit FEC hard” by Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity.
Georgia: “Ethics commission to ask for special investigator” by The Associated Press in the Athens Banner-Herald.
Ohio: “Son of indicted donor’s lawyer works for Mandel” by Joe Vardon in The Columbus Dispatch.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Government Social Media Feeds Will Go Dark During a Shutdown” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.
Elections
Ohio: “Ohio lawmaker’s election reform bills include voter ID requirement, reduced early-voting times” by Jeremy Pelzer in The Plain Dealer.
Pennsylvania: “Challenge to Pennsylvania’s voter ID law not affected by Justice Dept. lawsuit against N.C.’s law” by Jan Murphy in The Patriot-News.
September 30, 2013 •
PLI’s Corporate Political Activities 2013
September 31 – October 1, 2013
As a part of our unrivaled commitment to government relations compliance expertise, we are attending the Practising Law Institute’s Seminar, Corporate Political Activities 2013: Complying With Campaign Finance, Lobbying and Ethics Laws. Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, Research Manager John Cozine, Federal Compliance Associate Rebecca South, and Research Associates Jen Zona and Michael Beckett are in Washington, D.C. this week for the event.
The full schedule includes coverage of issues such as federal and state lobbying laws, gift laws, and corporate political contributions. PLI has gathered first-rate presenters such as the Ellen Weintraub, Donald McGahn II, and Ann Ravel of the Federal Election Commission, as well as many others from state ethics agencies and corporate compliance.
Why are we taking the time to attend PLI’s Corporate Political Activities 2013?
As their website states: “Lobbying, campaign finance and ethics rules in Washington, and in every state, are changing, and new court cases are affecting lobbyists, corporations, associations, and unions. Compliance with federal, state and local laws is more complex than ever.”
Compliance is more complex than ever – and we are making sure we have it covered.
September 30, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
California: “Ex-lobbyist joins councilman’s staff and questions follow” by David Zahniser in the Los Angeles Times.
Kentucky: “Chandler moves into role as lobbyist in Ky.” by The Associated Press in WTVQ ABC News.
West Virginia: “Lobbyists spend $39k wining, dining WV officials” by The Associated Press in the Herald-Dispatch.
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “GOP: More campaign contributions should be allowed” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Sun.
New Hampshire: “How one state representative raised $1,600 for his campaign — in bitcoins” by Brian Fung in The Washington Post.
Ohio: “Common Cause Ohio questions state’s lobbying disclosures” by Marc Kovac in the Daily Jeffersonian.
Vermont: “Vt. Supreme Court says Democratic-leaning organization didn’t register as political group” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Ethics
“Harvey Whittemore to be sentenced Monday for campaign finance scheme” by Jeff German in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Arkansas: “Some lawmakers suggest including ethics reform in special session” by Rob Moritz in Arkansas News.
Florida: “Inspector General: West Palm Beach should not have repaid Mitchell in ethics probe” by Eliot Kleinberg in the Palm Beach Post.
North Carolina: “Former NC auditor says he will leave State Ethics Commission after questions over DHHS role” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
State Legislatures
Illinois: “In blow to Gov. Quinn, judge rules state lawmakers must be paid” by Dave McKinney, Jon Seidel And Mitch Dudek in the Chicago Sun Times.
Oregon: “Oregon legislators return for special session” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.
Oregon: “Anxiety high as special session looms” by Hannah Hoffman in the Statesman Journal.
Pennsylvania: “Legislators taking leave and missing the vote” by Angela Couloumbis in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Social Media
New York: “NYC Mayoral Race Shows ‘Shareable Graphics Are…The New Black’ in Digital Campaigning” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.
September 26, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
Kentucky: “Ben Chandler moves into role as lobbyist in Ky.” by The Associated Press in WYMT TV News.
New Mexico: “Ex-New Mexico official takes job despite ban on lobbying” by The Associated Press in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
Campaign Finance
“If You Thought Citizens United Was Bad, Wait for This Supreme Court Case” by Norm Ornstein in The Atlantic.
“GOP lawyer launches political donation refund group” by Michael Beckel in The Center for Public Integrity.
Arizona: “Donor fatigue: Higher contribution limits don’t translate into avalanche of cash” by Jeremy Duda and Luige del Puerto in Arizona Capitol Times.
Missouri: “Missouri campaign contributions have topped $6.7M this quarter” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Ohio: “Federal grand jury indictment charges North Canton businessman with funneling illegal campaign cash to candidates” by James F. McCarty in the Plain Dealer.
Ethics
Florida: “Florida Ethics Commission Asks For Power To Place Liens On Violators’ Property” by Jessica Palombo in WFSU News.
Ohio: “Ethics Commission finds possible conflicts of interest with JobsOhio employees” by Darrel Rowland in the Columbus Dispatch.
State Legislatures
South Dakota: “Legislature research leader resigns” by David Montgomery in the Argus Leader.
Social Media
“Twitter increases political contributions, but not from constituents, says paper” by Molly Bernhart Walker in FierceGovernmentIT.
September 26, 2013 •
Elizabeth Bartz Presenting at Public Affairs Council Conference
State and Local Government Relations
We are proud to announce that Elizabeth Bartz, President and CEO of State and Federal Communications, is speaking at the Public Affairs Council’s State and Local Government Relations Conference in Washington, D.C. Bartz will be co-presenting the Executive Management session, “Setup for Success: Creating an Internal Compliance Process,” with Steven Tomasic from JPMorgan Chase. It will take place tomorrow, September 27, 2013, at 1:30 p.m.
September 25, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“K Street suffers from identity crisis” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Nevada: “Feds call for prison time for ex-Nevada lobbyist Harvey Whittemore” by Martha Bellisle in the Reno Gazette-Journal.
New York: “JCOPE changes donor disclosure rules for lobbying groups” by Joseph Spector in the Star Gazette.
Canada: “Federal lobbyist watchdog launches review of industry code of conduct” by Kady O’Malley in CBC News.
Campaign Finance
“25 Regulations to Watch” by Ben Goad and Julian Hattem in The Hill.
“Washington Billionaires Staying Out Of State Politics This Year” by John Ryan in Northwest Public Radio.
New York: “Moreland panel hears testimony on enforcement, campaign funding” by Casey Seiler in the Times Union.
Ethics
“Dan Schwager to leave House Ethics panel” by John Bresnahan in Politico.
Florida: “Legislators look into questionable insurance deal” by Gary Fineout in the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
New York: “Taint of pork-barrel spending repels public corruption investigation panel” by Casey Seiler in the Times Union.
New York: “After Hints of Guilty Plea, Lawmaker Opts for Trial” by Mosi Secret.
Virginia: “Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell’s approval rating drops to new low, poll finds” by Laura Vozzella and Scott Clement in The Washington Post.
State Legislatures
Pennsylvania: “Record low approval ratings for lawmakers returning to Harrisburg” by Melissa Daniels in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Pennsylvania: “Bills to shrink size of Pa. Legislature advances in state House” by Jan Murphy in The Patriot-News.
Redistricting
Texas: “DOJ To Intervene In Texas Redistricting” by David Martin Davies in KBPS News.
September 24, 2013 •
Women in Government Relations Event Tomorrow
PPG Task Force Presents: Women Take Control 2014
State and Federal Communications is excited to attend tomorrow’s Women in Government Relations event, “Women Take Control 2014,” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Control Point Group in Washington, D.C. Here are the details and take a look at their video:
September 24, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“Lobbyists cheer plan to jam Dems by linking debt hike to tax reform” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Florida: “Lobbyist audits may be on the way — 8 years after the law was passed to do so” by Matt Dixon in the Florida Times-Union.
Washington: “New Lobbyist Meal Form To Distinguish Chowder From Steak” by Austin Jenkins on Northwest Public Radio.
Campaign finance
“The next Citizens United could affect campaign spending in the states” by Niraj Chokshi in The Washington Post.
“The End of Contribution Limits? | Rules of the Game” opinion piece by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
Kentucky: “Kentucky disability lawyer pleads guilty to campaign-finance violation” by Bill Estep in the Herald-Leader.
Ethics
Rhode Island: “RI Ethics Commission to investigate complaint that Fox violated rules by not reporting income” by David Klepper (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Redistricting
Arizona: “Republicans file new challenge to congressional district lines” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.
Social Media
California: “The Buzz: FPPC approves new rules for political bloggers” by Laurel Rosenhall in the Sacramento Bee.
September 23, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
California: “California political watchdog sets sights on major cases” by Christopher Cadelago in The Sacramento Bee.
Florida: “Lobbying group wants a say in auditing process” by Rochelle Koff in Miami Herald’s Naked Politics blog.
Utah: “Las Vegas business leaders broaden approach to DC lobbying” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Campaign Finance
“Supreme Court may strike new blow to campaign funding laws” by David G. Savage in the Los Angeles Times.
Arizona: “Campaign finance law throws twist at candidates” by The Associated Press in KSAZ Fox10 News.
Arkansas: “Ethics panel: Candidate’s corporation can’t provide free office space” by John Lyon in the Arkansas News.
Delaware: “Illegal donations to Jack Markell’s 2008 campaign discovered” by Maureen Milford in The News Journal.
Wisconsin: “Political Conduits: Pouring Millions Into Wisconsin Elections” by Tim Morrissey in Public News Service.
Ethics
“Senate confirms Obama’s FEC nominees” by Byron Tau in Politico.
Georgia: “Claims in ex-Ga. Ethics Commission leader’s lawsuit call agency’s independence into question” by The Associated Press in the Seymour Tribune.
Georgia: “LaBerge Gets Raise As Ethics Comm. Cuts Costs” by The Associated Press on Georgia Public Broadcasting.
State Legislatures
Florida: “Lawmakers return to Tallahassee for committee week” by Michael Van Sickler in the Miami Herald.
September 17, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
Maryland: “Fresh out of Md. Senate, Garagiola joins law firm with major Annapolis lobbying presence” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.
Wisconsin: “Spending on lobbying down in Wisconsin as unions continue to reel from Act 10” by Jack Craver in The Capital Times.
Campaign Finance
“$1 million campaign donations: Coming soon?” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“It’s Time To End Our Failed Affair With Campaign Finance Laws” op/ed by Paul Sherman in Forbes.
“PACs spent more at state level than on federal campaigns” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.
“FEC Disclosure Takes a Hit in Nonelection Years” by Tony Raymond in Politico’s Moneyline.
California: “Campaign finance bills fare poorly in California Legislature” by Chris Megerian and Melanie Mason in the Los Angeles Times.
North Carolina: “Dome: GOP candidates received most PAC money in 2011-12” by Lynn Bonner and Rob Christensen in the News & Observer.
Ethics
Louisiana: “Ex-La. lawmaker asks to remain free on bond” by The Associated Press in the Baton Rouge Advocate.
New York: “Oops. Ethics board leader forgot to renew his law license” by Martha Neil in the ABA Journal.
Washington: “Spokane mayor proposes city ethics ‘upgrade’” by Nicholas Deshais in The Spokesman-Review.
State Legislatures
Oregon: “Governor pushing special session” by Hannah Hoffman in the Statesman Journal.
Elections
Florida: “Fla. Elections Commission Wants Garnishment Power” by Ryan Benk on WFSU News.
New Jersey: “N.J. can continue to use electronic voting machines, court rules” by The Associated Press in the Star-Ledger.
Pennsylvania: “Special election date set for the 78th state House district seat” by Jan Murphy in the Patriot-News.
September 16, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Senior Cornyn counsel joins McBee Strategic” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Minnesota: “Lobbyists spend most time, money lobbying mining bill in Wisconsin Legislature” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) in the Star Tribune.
Campaign Finance
“Next big case on campaign contribution limits likely depends on chief justice’s vote” by Debra Cassens Weiss in ABA Journal.
“Bachmann Hires ‘Fixer’ for Campaign Money Troubles” by Emily Pierce and Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
“Report: Boehner Has Campaign Finance Troubles” by Matt Fuller in Roll Call.
Delaware: “Special prosecutor probes Gov. Jack Markell’s 2008 campaign” by Maureen Milford in the News Journal.
Pennsylvania: “U.S. subpoenas records of five Phila. Judges” by Craig R. McCoy, Mark Fazlollah, and Dylan Purcell in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Rhode Island: “R.I. Board of Elections owed more than $1.4 million in campaign fines” by Philip Marcelo in the Providence Journal.
Ethics
Florida: “Ethics panel to review Fla. Gov. finances” by The Associated Press in the South Florida Times.
Pennslvania: “Ethics panel asked to review promotion of AG’s sister” by John Finnerty in the Tribune-Democrat.
Elections
California: “Voting Rights Act leading California cities to dump at-large elections” by Jean Merl in the Los Angeles Times.
September 13, 2013 •
State and Federal Communications Receives Pinnacle Award
For organizations serving the greater good!
State and Federal Communications was very honored this morning to be one of the recipients of the 2013 Pinnacle Awards of Summit County. The company received the award in the “Private Sector, Small Company” category.
According to the United Way of Summit County website, “The Pinnacle Awards of Summit County is Summit County’s exclusive opportunity to honor those individuals and organizations that are serving the greater good.”
The event was sponsored by Cohen & Company and Summa Health System and was hosted by Inside Business Magazine and United Way of Summit County at the Hilton Fairlawn.
Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, and all of the company’s staff would like to thank everyone for this honor. We are very pleased to live and work in such a great community, and we consider it a privilege to get out into the community and work for the greater good as best we can!
September 12, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Donald Duck, New Mexico lobbyist” by Rob Nikolewski in the New Mexico Watchdog.
Tennessee: “TN Ethics Commission opts not to fine Tom Ingram” by Chas Sisk in The Tennessean.
Campaign Finance
“Donors flooded state level PACs with big checks” by Anupama Narayanswamy on the Sunlight Foundation Reporting Group.
“D.C. executive linked to secret 2008 aid to Hillary Clinton” by Ann E. Marimow and Philip Rucker in The Washington Post.
New Hampshire: “NH House panel reviews push poll, voter registration, campaign finance bills” by John DiStaso in the New Hampshire Union Leader.
Ethics
“Ethics drops 1 case, won’t fully review 3 others” by John Bresnahan in Politico.
Alaska: “Panel: Ex-Alaska legislator violated ethics rules” by Becky Bohrer (Associated Press) in the Anchorage Daily News.
Minnesota: “Campaign agency weighs in on Dayton’s political use of the state plane” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
State Legislatures
“More Lawmakers are Getting Pink Slips from Voters” by Jacob Gershman in The Wall Street Journal.
Louisiana: “Louisiana business group releases 2013 legislative score card” by Lauren McGaughy in the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Missouri: “Missouri lawmakers start overriding vetoes” in the Kansas City Star.
Government Tech and Social Media
New Jersey: “State websites offline again” by Salvador Rizzo in The Star-Ledger.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
