On August 28, a judge upheld a ban on the public financing of local campaigns, invalidating last year’s reforms put in place by Senate Bill 1107. The Sacramento Superior Court ruled in favor of plaintiffs, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and […]
On August 28, a judge upheld a ban on the public financing of local campaigns, invalidating last year’s reforms put in place by Senate Bill 1107.
The Sacramento Superior Court ruled in favor of plaintiffs, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and retired State Senator and Judge Quentin L. Kopp, invalidating SB 1107 and ruling that the matter must be sent to voters on a statewide ballot.
SB 1107 was passed in 2016 and allowed any municipality the option to create systems for publicly funded campaigns. In the absence of SB 1107, only six charter cities can offer limited public funds to match small campaign donations.
August 30, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying “Exclusive: Bloomberg charity scrutinized by India for anti-tobacco funding, lobbying – documents” by Aditya Kalra for Reuters Campaign Finance Michigan: “Attorney: Michigan super PACs face ‘firestorm’ of fines” by Jonathan Oosting for Detroit News Montana: “Discounted Sale of US […]
Lobbying
“Exclusive: Bloomberg charity scrutinized by India for anti-tobacco funding, lobbying – documents” by Aditya Kalra for Reuters
Campaign Finance
Michigan: “Attorney: Michigan super PACs face ‘firestorm’ of fines” by Jonathan Oosting for Detroit News
Montana: “Discounted Sale of US Interior Secretary’s Motor Home Raises Questions” by Bobcaina Calvin (Associated Press) for ABC News
Ethics
California: “3 of 4 Colonies Corruption Defendants Found Not Guilty on All Charges” by Joe Nelson and Richard Deatley for San Bernardino Sun
Colorado: “Emails Raise Ethical Questions About Colorado Lawmaker. But He Says There’s Nothing to See.” by Jesse Paul for Denver Post
Idaho: “Lawmakers: Idaho ‘uniquely poised’ to stiffen campaign, lobbying disclosure requirements” by Betsy Russell for Spokane Spoesman-Review
Elections
“Top Trump Organization Executive Asked Putin Aide for Help on Business Deal” by Rosalind Helderman, Carol Leonnig, and Tom Hamburger for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
North Carolina: “Court Weighs Legislature’s Stripping of Cooper’s Powers” by Emery Dalesio (Associated Press) for Ashville Citizen-Times
Redistricting
“The New Front in the Gerrymandering Wars: Democracy vs. math” by Emily Bazelon for New York Times
August 29, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News
Lobbying “Washington Lobbying Firms Receive Subpoenas as Part of Russia Probe” by Carol Leonnig and Tom Hamburger for Washington Post Massachusetts: “In Massachusetts, Lobbyists Outnumber Lawmakers Seven-to-One” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) for WWLP Campaign Finance Washington: “Is Olympia Lawyer […]
Lobbying
“Washington Lobbying Firms Receive Subpoenas as Part of Russia Probe” by Carol Leonnig and Tom Hamburger for Washington Post
Massachusetts: “In Massachusetts, Lobbyists Outnumber Lawmakers Seven-to-One” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) for WWLP
Campaign Finance
Washington: “Is Olympia Lawyer the Democrats’ Champion in Complaint-Filing War?” by Melissa Santos for Tacoma News Tribune
Ethics
“Trump’s Business Sought Deal on a Trump Tower in Moscow While He Ran for President” by Carol Leonnig, Tom Hamburger, and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
Florida: “FBI Arranged Outings for Gillum, Others During NYC Trip” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat
Illinois: “State Lawmaker’s Charity Borrowed from Political Campaign, Inconsistently Filed Reports” by Zak Koeske (Daily Southtown) for Chicago Tribune
New York: “Son of High-Profile State Democrat Up Against Bribery Charges” by Ken Dixon for Connecticut Post
Elections
“Democrats Exploit GOP Ethics Woes in Battle for the House” by Elena Schneider and Austin Wright for Politico
August 28, 2017 •
California Disclose Act Gets Closer to Passage
Assembly Bill 249, also known as the “California Disclose Act,” will be heard in the Senate on August 29. The bill requires most campaign ads to display their top three funders, even if those contributions were funneled through other committees. […]
Assembly Bill 249, also known as the “California Disclose Act,” will be heard in the Senate on August 29. The bill requires most campaign ads to display their top three funders, even if those contributions were funneled through other committees.
Similar versions of AB 249 have been introduced without passage since 2012. A similar bill from 2016 failed by one vote in the Senate. Last year’s bill was opposed by the California Fair Political Practice Commission (FPPC) due to the bill’s language making enforcement difficult.
The current version of the bill underwent changes to make the proposed law more acceptable to opponents and the FPPC has remained neutral.
August 28, 2017 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News
Lobbying “Trump Rejects Wealthy Friends’ Pleas for Help” by Alex Guillen and Eric Wolff for Politico District of Columbia: “In D.C., Lobbying ‘Swamp; Isn’t Drained So Much as Clogged” by Matt Viser for Boston Globe Iowa: “Special Interest Groups Spend […]
Lobbying
“Trump Rejects Wealthy Friends’ Pleas for Help” by Alex Guillen and Eric Wolff for Politico
District of Columbia: “In D.C., Lobbying ‘Swamp; Isn’t Drained So Much as Clogged” by Matt Viser for Boston Globe
Iowa: “Special Interest Groups Spend Big at Iowa Capitol” by Brianne Pfannenstiel for Des Moines Register
Campaign Finance
New Mexico: “Secretary of State: Public election fund almost gone” by Daniel Chacón for Santa Fe New Mexican
Ethics
“Trump Asked Sessions About Closing Case Against Arpaio, an Ally Since ‘Birtherism’” by Philip Rucker and Ellen Nakashima for Washington Post
“At CIA, a Watchful Eye on Mike Pompeo, the President’s Ardent Ally” by Greg Miller for Washington Post
Georgia: “Ethics Board Proposal ‘Retaliation’ for Falcons Ticket Request, Councilwoman Says” by Nicole Carr for WSB
Illinois: “Jury: Buncich guilty on all counts in sheriff corruption case” by Craig Lyons for Chicago Tribune
Kentucky: “Ethics Group Wants to Know What Led Mnuchin to View Eclipse in Kentucky” by Drew Harwell and Beth Reinhard for Washington Post
Michigan: “Mich. GOP Strategist’s ‘News’ Site Touts Clients” by Jonathan Oosting for Detroit News
Elections
“Service Union Plans Big Push to Turn Midwest Political Tide” by Noam Scheiber for New York Times
August 18, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 18, 2017
Federal: In Ukraine, a Malware Expert Who Could Blow the Whistle on Russian Hacking New York Times – Andrew Kramer and Andrew Higgins | Published: 8/15/2017 A hacker known as Profexer wrote computer code alone in an apartment and sold […]
Federal:
In Ukraine, a Malware Expert Who Could Blow the Whistle on Russian Hacking
New York Times – Andrew Kramer and Andrew Higgins | Published: 8/15/2017
A hacker known as Profexer wrote computer code alone in an apartment and sold his handiwork on the anonymous portion of the internet known as the Dark Web. Profexer’s posts, already accessible only to a small band of fellow hackers and cybercriminals looking for software tips, blinked out in January, just days after American intelligence agencies publicly identified a program he had written as one tool used in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee. But while Profexer’s online persona vanished, a flesh-and-blood person has emerged: a fearful man who the Ukrainian police said turned himself in early this year, and has now become a witness for the FBI.
Inside the Elizabeth Warren Merchandising Empire
Politico – Lauren Dezenski | Published: 8/13/2017
Elizabeth Warren is not just a progressive icon, she is a merchandising industry unto herself. The U.S. senator and presidential prospect is at the center of a sprawling business built around her appeal to liberals across the country, a reminder of the devotion she inspires on the left and the footprint she will cast in the 2020 Democratic primary. Warren’s campaign store has expanded beyond traditional political fare such as buttons, bumper stickers, tote bags, and T-shirts to offer a line of products that capitalize on the “Nevertheless, she persisted” meme spawned by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s much-publicized admonishment of Warren on the Senate floor earlier this year.
Justice Dept. Demands Data on Visitors to Anti-Trump Website, Sparking Fight
New York Times – Charlie Savage | Published: 8/15/2017
The Department of Justice has requested information on visitors to a website used to organize protests against President Trump. Dreamhost, a web hosting provider, claimed that complying with the request would amount to handing over roughly 1.3 million visitor IP addresses to the government, in addition to contact information, email content, and photos of thousands of visitors to the website, which was involved in organizing protests against Trump on Inauguration Day. “hat information could be used to identify any individuals who used this site to exercise and express political speech protected under the Constitution’ First Amendment,”DreamHost wrote in a blog post.
Revocation of Grants to Help Fight Hate Under New Scrutiny After Charlottesville
New York Times – Ron Nixon and Eileen Sullivan | Published: 8/15/2017
A grant awarded by the Obama administration to an organization dedicated to combating right-wing domestic extremists was rescinded by the Trump administration. After the violent clash in Charlottesville, the move to pull back the money from an organization dedicated to helping people leave hate groups is receiving renewed scrutiny. The decision to rescind the grant highlights the different approach between Donald Trump and Barack Obama over whether Muslim extremists or white supremacist groups pose a greater domestic threat. Organizations that received funding from the Trump administration work almost exclusively on programs to deal with terrorist threats from Islamic extremists, even as research shows white supremacist groups have been linked to most domestic terrorist attacks in recent years.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama: Alabama Ethics Commission Punts on Lobbyist Opinion
Montgomery Advertiser – Brian Lyman | Published: 8/16/2017
The Alabama Ethics Commission voted to table a staff opinion that would have specifically classified site consultants as lobbyists under state law. State Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield argued the opinion could imperil what he characterized as “confidential” negotiations for various economic development projects. “If companies considering multiple states to relocate existing operations were to have to disclose themselves publicly to the state, would they … consider Alabama when they have other states to consider where their confidentiality will be protected?” Canfield asked.
California: Hundreds of Dollars in ‘Gifts’ from Contractors to Supervisor Nelson Raise Legal Questions
Voice of OC – Nick Gerda | Published: 8/16/2017
Orange County Supervisor Shawn Nelson received more than $700 worth of wine and cigars from two contractors after he voted to award them county contracts, and his handling of the items may be a way around the county’s gift ban. Nelson used campaign funds to reimburse the lobbying firm Potomac Partners for $539 worth of wine, and Kevin McCarthy for $169 worth of cigars. Nelson said his approach is legal because he repaid the contractors, and the wine and cigars are not for his personal use, but rather for “officeholder” purposes. “Nobody anticipated that some guy that was doing business with the county could bring in an unsolicited gift, and then you just pay for it [with campaign funds the contractor contributed to] and it’s no longer a gift,” said Shirley Grindle, who helped write the county’s gift ban.
District of Columbia: ACLU Sues Washington, D.C., Transit System for Removing Milo Yiannopoulos Ads
Los Angeles Times – Matt Pearce | Published: 8/10/2017
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for pulling or rejecting controversial ads, which the organization claims violates freedom of speech. In the lawsuit, the ACLU is representing a wide range of plaintiffs, including an abortion provider, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and conservative firebrand Milo Yiannopoulos. One of the rejected ads featured the text of the First Amendment in English, Spanish, and Arabic, which the group proposed after President Trump escalated his feud with the media earlier this year. The authority rejected the ad on the grounds it “intended to influence members of the public regarding an issue on which there are varying opinions” or “intended to influence public policy.”
Florida: FBI Agents Went Undercover in Florida’s Capital for the ‘Biggest Investigation in Years’
USA Today – Sean Rossman | Published: 8/14/2017
Mike Miller was a developer willing to spend millions of dollars to revitalize downtown Tallahassee as the capital city longed to rebrand itself. But Miller was not what he appeared to be. After spending nearly two years infiltrating the ranks of up-and-coming entrepreneurs and wooing the town’s politicians, he vanished – until early this summer, when a pair of FBI subpoenas were served on City Hall. Miller, it turned out, was no ordinary developer. He was an undercover FBI agent, the lynchpin in an elaborate scheme to ferret out public corruption – a multi-year investigation of local politicians, their friends, and millions of dollars in taxpayer redevelopment money.
Illinois: Lobbyist Registrations Surge After Fines Tied to Emanuel Emails
Chicago Sun-Times – Fran Spielman | Published: 8/16/2017
An “all-time record” of 759 lobbyists are now registered with the Chicago Board of Ethics, a 27 percent increase over the last year, according to Steve Berlin, the board’s executive director. Board of Ethics Chairperson William Conlon noted the registration surge coincided with the agency’s decision to come down hard on those who lobby Mayor Rahm Emanuel through the mayor’s private emails, but fail either to register as lobbyists or report the activity. “So much is being made public that it is now very hard to hide in the gray area,” said Cindi Canary, founder of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.
Louisiana: Conflict of Interest or Educational Opportunity? La. Legislators Have Benefited from $73K-Worth of Free Travel Since 2016
New Orleans Advocate – Elizabeth Crisp | Published: 8/12/2017
State lawmakers in Louisiana accepted complimentary hotel stays, travel, and conference admissions valued at more than $73,000 combined since January 2016. The trips, which do not face the same caps that limit gifts from lobbyists, are reflected in signed affidavits that lawmakers must file with the state Board of Ethics within 60 days of traveling for free to conferences and seminars or to give speeches to sponsoring groups. Some watchdogs question whether special interests use the trips as a way to win face time and curry favor with lawmakers often at beach-side locales or in major cities; legislators generally defend them as taxpayer-money saving educational opportunities.
Oklahoma: State Ethics Rules Often Hide Sources of Lobbyists’ Gifts, Meals
Oklahoma Watch – Trevor Brown | Published: 8/13/2017
A review of thousands of gifts and meal purchases made during the first six months of 2017 found it is impossible to confirm through records who was bankrolling efforts to influence policymakers for a quarter of the record-setting $485,000 that lobbyists spent on state officials and legislators. That is because Oklahoma, unlike dozens of other states, does not require lobbyists to reveal what bill or topic they are discussing when they buy a meal for a state official. Lobbyists also do not have to list what client they are representing when they buy a meal or a gift.
Oregon: Oregon Judge to Decide If Political Spending Limits Are Legal
Portland Oregonian – Gordon Friedman | Published: 8/15/2017
Oregon is one of six states with no limits on campaign donations and spending. State law also allows individuals and groups to pay for political ads without disclosing they are the source. Multnomah County voters overwhelmingly approved new limits on political contributions last year. Now Multnomah County Circuit Judge Eric Bloch will begin the process of determining whether the measure is constitutional. Bloch promised to provide as a ruling “as quickly as I possibly can.” That is expected to be before September 1, when the new campaign spending limits take effect. Bloch said his decision will likely not be the final one, given that both sides have indicated their openness to appeals.
South Carolina: Emails: South Carolina AG coordinated with key figure in statehouse probe on letter booting special prosecutor off case
Charleston Post and Courier – Glenn Smith | Published: 8/5/2017
Legal observers criticized South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson for sharing confidential information and for seeking advice concerning a potential criminal investigation with one of the subjects of that probe. They said Wilson should not have asked his longtime political consultant and friend Richard Quinn Sr. in October 2014 to help edit a letter that would have informed independent prosecutor David Pascoe that he would play no further role in any future prosecutions stemming from an investigation into statehouse corruption. The exchange came as Pascoe prepared to dig deeper into a State Law Enforcement Division report detailing alleged misdeeds by sitting lawmakers. Named in that document were Quinn and his son, state Rep. Rick Quinn, who was also identified as a potential target of the probe.
Texas: Federal Court Invalidates Part of Texas Congressional Map
Texas Tribune – Alexa Ura and Jim Malewitz | Published: 8/15/2017
A federal court invalidated two congressional districts in Texas, ruling they violated racial discrimination prohibitions. The three-judge panel’s unanimous decision could lead to a battle to redraw the districts in time for the 2018 elections. The court ordered the Texas attorney general’s office to indicate whether the state Legislature would take up redistricting to fix those violations. Otherwise, the state and its legal foes will head back to court on September 5 to begin re-drawing the congressional map.
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.
August 17, 2017 •
FPPC Votes to Change Recall Election Campaign Finance Rule
On August 17, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) voted to reverse a longstanding rule that limited how much money politicians and their committees can give to a candidate-controlled recall committee. The 2002 FPPC opinion that was reversed by today’s […]
On August 17, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) voted to reverse a longstanding rule that limited how much money politicians and their committees can give to a candidate-controlled recall committee.
The 2002 FPPC opinion that was reversed by today’s vote limited politician contributions to candidate-controlled recall committees to $4,400.
The rule change now allows politicians to give unlimited amounts of money to help fight the recall of Democratic Senator Josh Newman.
Chair Jodi Remke was the only dissenting commissioner in the 3-1 final vote.
August 17, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Alabama: “Alabama Ethics Commission Punts on Lobbyist Opinion” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser Maine: “State Employees Union Could Drop ‘Fair Share’ Fees in Exchange For 6 Percent Raise” by Mal Leary for Maine Public Radio Campaign Finance Montana: […]
Lobbying
Alabama: “Alabama Ethics Commission Punts on Lobbyist Opinion” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Maine: “State Employees Union Could Drop ‘Fair Share’ Fees in Exchange For 6 Percent Raise” by Mal Leary for Maine Public Radio
Campaign Finance
Montana: “Former State Legislator Jailed After Refusing to Pay Fine in Political Corruption Case” by Tom Lutey for Billings Gazette
Oregon: “Oregon Judge to Decide If Political Spending Limits Are Legal” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian
Ethics
“Revocation of Grants to Help Fight Hate Under New Scrutiny After Charlottesville” by Ron Nixon and Eileen Sullivan for New York Times
California: “Hundreds of Dollars in ‘Gifts’ from Contractors to Supervisor Nelson Raise Legal Questions” by Nick Gerda for Voice of OC
Pennsylvania: “State Rep. Marc Gergely Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges” by Kate Giammarise and Liz Navratil for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Elections
“In Ukraine, a Malware Expert Who Could Blow the Whistle on Russian Hacking” by Andrew Kramer and Andrew Higgins for New York Times
“Roy Moore and Luther Strange Head for G.O.P. Runoff in Alabama Senate Race” by Jonathan Martin and Alan Blinder for New York Times
Redistricting
Texas: “Federal Court Invalidates Part of Texas Congressional Map” by Alexa Ura and Jim Malewitz for Texas Tribune
August 16, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News
Campaign Finance California: “John Chiang Helped Award Millions in Tax Breaks to His Developer Donors” by Christopher Cadelago for Sacramento Bee Ethics “Trump Defends Initial Remarks on Charlottesville; Again Blames ‘Both Sides’” by Michael Shear and Maggie Haberman for New […]
Campaign Finance
California: “John Chiang Helped Award Millions in Tax Breaks to His Developer Donors” by Christopher Cadelago for Sacramento Bee
Ethics
“Trump Defends Initial Remarks on Charlottesville; Again Blames ‘Both Sides’” by Michael Shear and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
“After Charlottesville, Trump Retweets – Then Deletes – Image of Train Running Over CNN Reporter” by David Nakamura and Aaron Davis for Washington Post
“New on This Fall’s Law School Syllabus: Trump” by Adam Liptak for New York Times
“Tech Firm Is Fighting a Federal Order for Data on Visitors to an Anti-Trump Website” by Ellen Nakashima for Washington Post
“FBI Agents Went Undercover in Florida’s Capital for the ‘Biggest Investigation in Years’” by Sean Rossman for USA Today
Oregon: “Campaign to Taint Courtroom Foe Costs Saxton Post at OHA” by Jeff Manning for Portland Oregonian
Elections
“Trump Campaign Emails Show Aide’s Repeated Efforts to Set Up Russia Meetings” by Tom Hamburger, Carol Leonnig, and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
Redistricting
North Carolina: “Redistricting Criteria Call for Partisan Maps, No Consideration of Race” by Travis Fain and Laura Leslie for WRAL
August 15, 2017 •
Tuesday’s State Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Louisiana: “Conflict of Interest or Educational Opportunity? La. Legislators Have Benefited from $73K-Worth of Free Travel Since 2016” by Elizabeth Crisp for New Orleans Advocate Oklahoma: “State Ethics Rules Often Hide Sources of Lobbyists’ Gifts, Meals” by Trevor Brown […]
Lobbying
Louisiana: “Conflict of Interest or Educational Opportunity? La. Legislators Have Benefited from $73K-Worth of Free Travel Since 2016” by Elizabeth Crisp for New Orleans Advocate
Oklahoma: “State Ethics Rules Often Hide Sources of Lobbyists’ Gifts, Meals” by Trevor Brown for Oklahoma Watch
Campaign Finance
California: “Voting Rights Group Fined for Not Disclosing Union Support for Ballot Measures” by David Garrick for San Diego Union Tribune
Tennessee: “Election Registry Advises Tennessee Lawmakers Not to Use Campaign Funds for Living Expenses” by Jordan Buie for The Tennessean
Ethics
“How a Conservative TV Giant Is Ridding Itself of Regulation” by Cecilia Kang, Eric Lipton, and Sydney Ember for New York Times
“Mueller Is Said to Seek Interviews with West Wing in Russia Case” by Michael Schmidt, Matt Apuzzo, and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
New York: “Dan Squadron Fought the LLC Loophole and the Loophole Won” by Rachel Silberstein for Gotham Gazette
Elections
“Inside the Elizabeth Warren Merchandising Empire” by Lauren Dezenski for Politico
August 14, 2017 •
Monday’s State Government and Ethics News
Ethics “Far-Right Groups Surge into National View in Charlottesville” by Richard Fausset and Alan Feuer for New York Times “Kushner Fined for Late Financial Report” by Anita Kumar and Ben Weider for McClatchy DC California: “Food Guru Who Brought Healthier […]
Ethics
“Far-Right Groups Surge into National View in Charlottesville” by Richard Fausset and Alan Feuer for New York Times
“Kushner Fined for Late Financial Report” by Anita Kumar and Ben Weider for McClatchy DC
California: “Food Guru Who Brought Healthier Meals to L.A. Schools Charged with Mishandling District Funds” by James Queally for Los Angeles Times
District of Columbia: “ACLU Sues Washington, D.C., Transit System for Removing Milo Yiannopoulos Ads” by Matt Pearce for Los Angeles Times
Maryland: “Former Anne Arundel Judicial Candidate Sues State for Defamation” by Phil Davis for Capital Gazette
South Carolina: “Emails: South Carolina AG coordinated with key figure in statehouse probe on letter booting special prosecutor off case” by Glenn Smith for Charleston Post and Courier
Texas: “House Member’s Ties to Utility Districts Raise Ethical Questions” by Neil Thomas for Texas Tribune
Campaign Finance
Maine: “New Subpoena Seeks York County Casino Supporter’s Personal Financial Records” by Scott Thistle for Portland Press Herald
Lobbying
Florida: “Brevard County Commission Unanimously Backs Pursuing Code of Ethics” Dave Berman for Florida Today
Utah: “Former Utah Senator Criticizes ‘Secretive,’ ‘Puppet-String’ Lobbying by Mormon Church” by Lee Davidson for Salt Lake Tribune
Legislative Issues
“Nebraska’s Flag Lacks Pizazz. The Hard Part Is Changing It.” by Mitch Smith for New York Times
August 11, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – August 11, 2017
Becky Campbell is here to help you sort through all the state government ethics news from a busy week in this week’s video digest.
Becky Campbell is here to help you sort through all the state government ethics news from a busy week in this week’s video digest.
August 11, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 11, 2017
National: Ireland’s Tough Lobbying Rules Spark Cries for Similar Laws Elsewhere Politico – Harry Cooper | Published: 8/9/2017 Two years after Ireland introduced some of the strictest laws in the world on lobbying transparency, the reforms are being held up […]
National:
Ireland’s Tough Lobbying Rules Spark Cries for Similar Laws Elsewhere
Politico – Harry Cooper | Published: 8/9/2017
Two years after Ireland introduced some of the strictest laws in the world on lobbying transparency, the reforms are being held up as the gold standard for policymakers looking to shine a light on the often murky industry. Calls for transparency are growing louder across Europe. Ireland’s experience, say proponents of the law, has dispelled worries that tough lobbying rules would cripple the industry or limit the ability of politicians to do their job.
Political Donors Put Their Money Where the Memes Are
New York Times – Kevin Roos | Published: 8/6/2017
As television, radio, and newspapers give way to the power of social media, today’s political donor class is throwing its weight behind a new group of partisan organizations that specialize in creating catchy, highly shareable messages for Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms. Viral media expertise is emerging as a crucial skill for political operatives, and as donors look to replicate the success of the social media sloganeers who helped lift Donald Trump to victory, they are seeking out talented meme makers.
Federal:
FBI Conducted Predawn Raid of Former Trump Campaign Chairman Manafort’s Home
Washington Post – Carol Leonnig, Tom Hamburger, and Rosalind Helderman | Published: 8/9/2017
Investigators for special counsel Robert Mueller searched the Alexandria, Virginia, home of President Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, for documents related to tax, banking, and other matters. Mueller is investigating an array of allegations about Manafort, including work for the Ukrainian government and his role in a 2016 meeting between Trump campaign officials and Russians promising to share damaging information about Hillary Clinton. Manafort had previously given documents voluntarily to the congressional committees investigating Russia’s election meddling, including possible collusion with members of Trump’s campaign.
How the Trump Hotel Changed Washington’s Culture of Influence
Washington Post – Jonathan O’Connell | Published: 8/7/2017
The Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. has emerged as a Republican Party power center. And for the first time, a profit-making venture touts the name of a U.S. president in its gold signage. The hotel has become a symbol of the tangled ethical questions posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. Critics have charged that anyone seeking favor from the White House has an incentive to stay in rooms that can be booked for $400 per night or more. Trump tried to address ethical concerns by turning over the hotel’s management to his two eldest sons and vowing to take no hotel profits during his tenure. But he retained his ownership interest, allowing him to eventually profit from the holdings.
Soft Money Is Back – And Both Parties Are Cashing In
Politico – Carrie Levine | Published: 8/4/2017
An analysis of campaign finance data indicates Democrats and Republicans are now aggressively trafficking in a new, and perfectly legal, kind of soft money, enabled by a 2014 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the latest in a series eviscerating major parts of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. In a fundraising environment that had come to be dominated by super PACs, it is helping national political parties regain some relevancy after years of declining power. It’s also reviving an era when politicians were able to directly solicit large checks from donors on behalf of the political parties.
From the States and Municipalities:
California: Upscale Santa Monica Hotel Faces $310,000 Fine for Concealing Campaign Contributions
Los Angeles Times – Alene Tchekmedyian | Published: 8/7/2017
A Santa Monica hotel is facing a $310,000 fine for improperly concealing donations to local candidates in hopes of preserving the property’s Pacific Ocean views. The California Fair Political Practices Commission said it would be the second largest fine in the agency’s history. The Huntley Hotel reimbursed individuals and local businesses for $97,350 in campaign contributions to candidates for Santa Monica City Council that it believed would oppose the expansion of a neighboring hotel so its name would not show up on disclosure reports. The commission will vote on whether to accept the settlement at its August 17 meeting.
Illinois: Emanuel Warns Those Emailing Him for Favors about Chicago’s ‘Strict Lobbyist Rules’
Chicago Tribune – Bill Ruthhart | Published: 8/9/2017
The hard line drawn by the Chicago Board of Ethics has not discouraged a few powerful people from attempting to influence Mayor Rahm Emanuel through the mayor’s private emails, so much so that Emanuel has warned a few of them about the line they were about to cross. The Chicago Tribune found Emanuel’s personal email accounts had served as a private avenue of influence for those who sought action from – or access to – the mayor. The board issued fines for eight lobbying violations tied to the emails. Amid the added public scrutiny, Emanuel cautioned a real estate executive and longtime political ally about making requests of him and cited the city’s “strict lobbyist rules” in one exchange.
Kentucky: Gov. Matt Bevin Wins Property Tax Appeal on Anchorage Home
Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 8/4/2017
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin won a property tax dispute that had prompted two ethics complaints from people who questioned whether the governor and his wife got a sweetheart deal when buying their new home. The Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals agreed with the value an appraiser hired by Bevin’s team had placed on the property that includes the governor’s home. The board determined the price Bevin paid for part of the property was above market value. The ruling seemed to vindicate Bevin, who has said for months that he bought the home for more than it was worth.
New York: JCOPE Moves Forward with Lobbying, FOIL Regulations
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 8/8/2017
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics voted to move forward in the process of implementing several regulations at a recent meeting, including broad lobbying guidelines that have been long in the works. The regulations still need to go through the rule-making process where the public will have a final chance to weigh in on them before formal adoption. The commission also voted to move forward with regulations laying out the amended requirements for what information lobbying groups must disclose about their donors.
Oregon: State Sought to Plant Negative Stories about Nonprofit
Portland Tribune – Nick Budnick | Published: 8/4/2017
There was a state government-funded public relations plan to demean a Portland-area healthcare nonprofit in a court battle over whether the Oregon Health Authority is giving FamilyCare a fair rate of reimbursement for its care of low-income Medicaid patients. FamilyCare been the most vocal coordinated care organization, often accusing state officials of incompetence or seeking to do the nonprofit harm, including in the pending litigation. The company’s critics call it excessively combative.
Pennsylvania: Montco Sheriff Gets Spotlight in Allentown Corruption Case
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jeremy Roebuck | Published: 8/7/2017
A payoff highlighted in the indictment against Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski was a $5,000 night on the town, complete with tickets to a sold-out Philadelphia Eagles playoff game and a pricey dinner. Prosecutors say the mayor pressured two businesspeople seeking city contracts to pay for his night out. The incident has also placed a spotlight on another elected officeholder now poised to be a key witness should the case go to trial. Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny, who before assuming his post in 2015 worked as a lawyer under contract with municipalities across the region, admits he and a business partner picked up the tab for that 2014 evening. They also poured $14,000 more into Pawlowski’s campaign coffers in pursuit of a $3 million tax-collection contract they ultimately won.
Rhode Island: City Treasurer Refuses to Pay Elorza Administration’s State House Lobbyist
WPRI – Dan McGowan | Published: 8/8/2017
Rhode Island’s legislative session is over, but a firm hired by the Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza’s office to lobby the General Assembly still has not been paid. City Treasurer James Lombardi said Monday he has not cut a $36,000 check to Government Strategies because the administration never asked the city’s Board of Contract and Supply for approval to hire the firm. Lombardi contends that all city contracts worth more than $5,000 must be approved by the board before he releases a payment. He said he does not believe the lobbying contract needs to go out to bid, but the board does need to vote in favor of the agreement.
Texas: Are Lawmakers’ Business Ties with Public Entities a Conflict of Interest?
Texas Tribune – Neil Thomas | Published: 8/9/2017
In Texas, lawmakers earn just $7,200 per year as part-time public servants. They all have regular jobs, and some of them have business relationships with public entities that depend on the Legislature to approve their budgets, decide how much taxpayer money they receive, and pass the laws that regulate their operations. Some of those entities owe their very existence to the Legislature. Under state ethics laws, such apparent conflicts-of-interest are not prohibited. Lawmakers are banned from doing business with the state or counties, but only when that business relationship is specifically approved by legislation while they are serving at the Capitol.
Utah: Utah Lawmakers Pick Top Mormon Church Lobbyist to Run Office
Cache Valley Daily; Associated Press – | Published: 8/3/2017
Utah lawmakers recommended the Mormon church’s chief lobbyist for a top job overseeing the state Legislature’s office that drafts laws, gives legal advice, and staffs committees. The appointment illustrates what is sometimes seen as a thin line between Utah’s government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith to which most state lawmakers and residents belong. John Cannon’s nomination to head up the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel seems far too cozy and perpetuates a national impression the Mormon church runs the Utah Legislature, said the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
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.
August 10, 2017 •
Thursday’s State Government and Ethics News
Lobbying “Ireland’s Tough Lobbying Rules Spark Cries for Similar Laws Elsewhere” by Harry Cooper for Politico New York: “JCOPE Moves Forward with Lobbying, FOIL Regulations” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union Campaign Finance Arizona: “Judge Rejects APS Arguments in […]
Lobbying
“Ireland’s Tough Lobbying Rules Spark Cries for Similar Laws Elsewhere” by Harry Cooper for Politico
New York: “JCOPE Moves Forward with Lobbying, FOIL Regulations” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Judge Rejects APS Arguments in Rate Increase Case” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Verde Independent
Maryland: “Md. Delegates Weigh Matching Funds for Candidates on a County-by-County Basis” by Rachel Siegel for Washington Post
Ethics
“FBI Conducted Predawn Raid of Former Trump Campaign Chairman Manafort’s Home” by Carol Leonnig, Tom Hamburger, and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
“Secrecy and Suspicion Surround Trump’s Deregulation Teams” by Danielle Ivory and Robert Faturechi for New York Times
“Mueller, Several Team Members Gave Up Million-Dollar Jobs to Work on Special Counsel Investigation” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
California: “Ethics Commissioner Had Private Meetings with Democrats Over Recall Election Rules” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee
Texas: “Are Lawmakers’ Business Ties with Public Entities a Conflict of Interest?” by Neil Thomas for Texas Tribune
Elections
Maine: “Maine Regularly Sells Voter Data It Denied to Feds” by Scott Thistle for Governing
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