Campaign Finance

Wisconsin: “Ted Cruz Leans on Allied Super PAC as GOP Nomination Fight Rolls On” by Matea Gold and Sean Sullivan for Washington Post

Ethics

“The ‘Panama Papers’: Here’s What We Know” by Liam Stack for New York Times

Alabama: “Were the Gov. Robert Bentley Sex Scandal Tapes Legally Obtained?” by Keith Faulk for AL.com

Hawaii: “Why Was Ethics Director Suspended? Report Offers Few Details” by Nick Grube for Honolulu Civil Beat

New York: “Local Politics Take an Uncivil Turn, Roiling a Suburb of New York” by Lisa Foderaro for New York Times

South Carolina: “Attorney General’s Deputy Secretly Tried to Discredit Special Prosecutor” by John Monk for The State

Elections

“Control of State Courts Becomes Top Political Battleground” by Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) for Las Vegas Sun

Arizona: “U.S. Seeks Answers to Delays at Phoenix-Area Polls on Primary Day” by Fernanda Santos for New York Times

Wisconsin: “Bernie Sanders Wins Wisconsin Democratic Primary, Adding to Momentum” by Amy Chozick for New York Times

Wisconsin:“Wisconsin Goes to Cruz, Raising Chance of Fight at Convention” by Jonathan Martin and Matt Flegenheimer for New York Times

Lobbying

Georgia: “Friends in the Hall: How lobbyists use influence to help their clients” by Max Blau for Atlanta Magazine

Pennsylvania: “Lobbying for Philadelphia, and Well Paid for It” by Jonathan Tamari and Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer

Campaign Finance

“Republicans on FEC Suggest They May Scrutinize Mystery Corporate Donors” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

Mississippi: “High Court Rejects Challenge to Miss. Campaign Finance Law” by The Associated Press for San Diego Union-Tribune

Montana: “Jury: Montana lawmaker coordinated with dark-money groups” by Matt Volz (Associated Press) for Winona Daily News

Ethics

“Could Republican Convention Delegates Be Bought? Legally, Maybe” by Tal Kopan and Gregory Krieg for CNN

Ohio: “Ohio Ethics Panel to Clarify Stance on Elected Officials Nonprofit Jobs” by Lucas Sullivan for Columbus Dispatch

Elections

“Early Missteps Seen as a Drag on Bernie Sanders’s Campaign” by Patrick Healy and Yamiche Alcindor for New York Times

Redistricting

“Supreme Court Rejects Conservative Challenge to ‘One Person, One Vote’” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post

The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance (KREF) cannot enforce the state’s constitutional prohibition on corporate contributions, according to a federal judge. U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove concluded the rule to be a violation of the Equal Protection Clause because it prohibits corporate contributions while allowing other organizations, such as labor unions, to make contributions.

The case, Protect My Check, Inc. v. Dilger, grew out of right-to-work legislation. Labor unions who opposed the bill were allowed to make political contributions while a non-profit corporation, in favor of the measure, were not. The judge, however, rejected a First Amendment, free speech argument for allowing political contributions.

KREF stated it is still reviewing the opinion and is weighing its options.

On March 31, a bill overhauling campaign finance passed by the Arizona Legislature was signed into law by Gov. Doug Ducey. Among the changes to the state’s law, Senate Bill 1516 allows groups registered with the IRS as “social welfare” organizations to withhold disclosing donor information, removes spending caps on expenditures for political fundraisers, and allows for candidate to candidate transfers of campaign funds.

“When it comes to free speech and participation in the democratic process, our laws should reflect the goal of making it easier for more citizens to engage. That’s what this reform package does,” the Albuquerque Journal reports Ducey as saying. The law becomes effective January 1, 2017.

Lobbying

“Annual GAO Report on Federal Lobbying Compliance Shows Mixed Enforcement Bag: Fewer audits, more and larger enforcement penalties” by Andrew Garrahan for National Law Review

California: “Documentaries Like ‘Blackfish’ Influence California’s Capitol” by Alexei Koseff for Sacramento Bee

California: “Lawmakers Act to Shine Light on California Coastal Commission, Other Key State Boards” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “AZ Governor Signs Bill Easing Dark Money Rules” by Ryan Van Velzer (Associated Press) for Albuquerque Journal

Kentucky: “Judge Tosses Kentucky’s Ban on Corporate Campaign Donations” by The Associated Press for Lexington Herald-Leader

Mississippi: “Senate Passes Campaign Finance Reform” by Geoff Pender (Jackson Clarion-Ledger) for Hattiesburg American

Ethics

Alabama: “Rebekah Caldwell Mason, and How Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley ‘Lost His Mind’ ‘” by Amber Phillips for Washington Post

California: “San Diego May Revamp Ticket Perk” by David Garrick for San Diego Union-Tribune

Elections

“The American Idea in 140 Characters” by Vann Newkirk for The Atlantic

“Targets of Trump’s Attacks Fight Back in D.C.” by Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman for Politico

“Who Are the Angriest Republicans?” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times

Legislative Issues

“Abortion, Guns and Gay Rights Offer Risks, Rewards for State Republicans” by Richard Fausset for New York Times

Missouri: “Political Insider Accused of Harassing Missouri Capitol Interns Can Return, with Conditions” by Alex Stuckey for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

National:

Feeling G.O.P. Peril, Muslims Try to Get Out Vote
New York Times – Alan Rappeport | Published: 3/24/2016

American Muslims are watching in growing horror as Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz battle for the Republican presidential nomination, outdoing each other with provocative proposals that have included Muslim registries, immigration bans, and fleets of police patrolling their neighborhoods. National advocacy groups are planning to fend off policies they consider hostile to Muslims with a more proactive strategy: driving up the Muslim vote. Organizations are encouraging mosques to turn themselves into voter registration centers before the November election so Muslims can make their voices heard at the polls. Registration drives are expected to ramp up significantly in June, during Ramadan, when attendance at Islamic centers peaks. Although Muslims make up only about one percent of the U.S. population, civil rights groups have set a goal of registering a million new voters.

Federal:

How Clinton’s Email Scandal Took Root
Washington Post – Robert O’Harrow, Jr. | Published: 3/27/2016

Since Hillary Clinton’s private email account was brought to light a year ago, the matter has been a source of nonstop national news. The FBI is now trying to determine whether a crime was committed in the handling of that classified material. It is also examining whether the server was hacked. The Washington Post reviewed documents and interviewed more than a dozen knowledgeable government officials to understand the decisions and the implications of Clinton’s actions. The resulting scandal revolves around questions about classified information, the preservation of government records, and the security of her email communication.

Surprising Source of GOP Petition
CBS News – Arden Farhi | Published: 3/29/2016

A man who says he authored a petition to allow open carry of guns at the Republican National Convention says he did it to test the limits of the party’s support for the Second Amendment. The petition, which has attracted national attention, reads as if it was written by a supporter of gun rights. Instead, the man behind the petition is a self-professed liberal Democrat and gun control advocate. In response to questions about the petition, the Secret Service said only law enforcement personnel will be allowed to carry firearms at the event.

Union ‘Persuader’ Rule to Offer Rare Look inside DC Consulting
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 3/27/2016

The U.S. Department of Labor finalized the so-called union persuader rule that requires third-party lawyers and outside consultants to disclose when they are paid to advise businesses on resisting union-organizing campaigns. The rule takes effect on July 1. The rule covers activities like conducting union-avoidance seminars, providing materials for employers to distribute to workers, and writing talking points. Registered lobbyists in Washington, D.C. often lament that while their activities are heavily regulated, other professionals in the advocacy industry do similar work without any disclosure requirements at all. Craig Holman, a lobbyist for Public Citizen, said the Labor Department’s persuader rule could show the value in expanding advocacy disclosure beyond registered lobbyists.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Governor of Alabama, Robert Bentley, Says He Won’t Quit
New York Times – Alan Blinder | Published: 3/30/2016

Rebekah Caldwell Mason announced her resignation, saying she would no longer serve as Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley’s senior political adviser after he publicly admitted making inappropriate remarks to her but denied the two ever had an affair. It was uncertain whether it would be politically feasible for Bentley to remain in office. Some lawmakers are talking of impeaching the governor. His former pastor said Bentley was no longer a member of the Tuscaloosa congregation where he was once a deacon. The Alabama Ethics Commission said it would investigate whether Bentley and Mason had committed wrongdoing.

Arizona – Bill Overhauling Campaign Finance Laws Heads to Arizona Governor
Arizona Daily Star – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 3/29/2016

The Arizona Legislature passed a bill that rewrites campaign finance law, including a provision that would remove food, beverages, and invitations from the list of what is considered a political contribution or expenditure under state law. It also eliminates existing law that requires groups that spend money to influence elections to register first with the state. Critics call the legislation a back-door attempt to expand the influence of anonymous political spending in elections. Senate Bill 1516 now goes to the governor.

Arkansas – Ex-Judge Gets 10-Year Sentence for Taking Bribe
Arkansas News – John Lyon | Published: 3/24/2016

A former Arkansas judge was sentenced to 10 years in prison in federal court after he pleaded guilty to lowering the amount of damages a jury awarded in a civil suit in exchange for campaign contributions. Michael Maggio, a former state District Court judge, reached a plea deal where he admitted to receiving the bribes to reduce a $5.2 million judgment in a civil negligence case against a nursing home company to $1 million. Maggio met with an unidentified person who said he could provide about $50,000 in campaign funds in return for a favorable ruling in the civil case. Maggio was removed from office in 2014 after admitting he disclosed information about the adoption of a child by actress Charlize Theron, which was handled by another judge in the state.

California – Lobbying Class Teaches Sacramento State Students ‘Rough and Tumble’ Politics
Sacramento Bee – Taryn Luna | Published: 3/28/2016

Richie Ross is best known as a campaign consultant for many of California’s highest ranking Democrats and a longtime lobbyist and ally of the United Farm Workers. But he has a side job that few have heard about: helping to teach undergrads at Sacramento State University how to develop and carry an actual bill through the state Legislature. In the course description, “Making a New Law” is defined as “hands-on and grounded in rough and tumble politics.” Few universities offer lobbying majors or programs specifically geared for students interested in the profession. Ross said internships can provide valuable experience, but do not necessarily give students an insider’s perspective.

Florida – Opa-locka’s ‘Shadow’ Force Moves Millions in City Contracts
Miami Herald – Jay Weaver, Michael Sallah, and Katie Lepri | Published: 3/28/2016

In a community where money begets political favors at City Hall, Dante Starks has known few equals in pulling the levers of government in Opa-locka, Florida. The lobbyist has helped steer millions of dollars in public works projects to clients, shut down police investigations, and pushed successfully for the firing of a city manager – all after his own arrest on public bribery charges nearly a decade ago. Now, Starks is at the center of a federal investigation that threatens to topple him and a cadre of elected leaders in the most comprehensive corruption probe in Miami-Dade County in decades. A federal grand jury has issued 18 subpoenas to current and former City Hall employees in a kickback investigation involving nearly every public works project in Opa-locka in the past 10 years.

Kentucky – Beshear Aide Charged in Kickback Scheme
Louisville Courier-Journal – Joseph Gerth, Andrew Wolfson, and Tom Loftus | Published: 3/26/2016

The former secretary of the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet allegedly took more than $200,000 in kickbacks to steer business to a consulting company and make illegal campaign contributions. Timothy Longmeyer was charged with bribery. The alleged kickback scam involved the Kentucky Employees’ Health Plan, which is administered by the department that Longmeyer headed. The state contracts with private insurance companies such as Humana and Anthem to provide services to employees. The affidavit alleged Longmeyer abused his authority over the health plan in order to get Humana and Anthem to give business to a consulting company in return for bribes from the company.

Michigan – Feds Charge 12 Detroit School Principals with Bribery
USA Today – Katrease Stafford and Tresa Baldas (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 3/29/2016

Thirteen former or current principals with the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) system face federal conspiracy and bribery charges in an alleged scheme to receive kickbacks from Allstate Sales, a school supplies vendor. According to the charges, the principals approved fraudulent invoices from the vendor in order to receive payment from DPS for supplies that were ordered. Allstate Sales reportedly provided cash, checks, or gift cards to the principals in many cases as kickbacks, instead of delivering the full amount of supplies that were ordered. The payments for all of the defendants total more than $800,000. U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said DPS suffered a loss of $2.7 million in the scheme.

Missouri – Lawmakers Bunking with Lobbyists Show More Cozy Connections in Capitol
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kurt Erickson | Published: 3/30/2016

A review of data collected by the Missouri Ethics Commission shows at least 13 state legislators have had business relationships in the past year with lobbyists, ranging from the renting of sleeping rooms to the use of lawmaker-owned businesses. It is all perfectly legal for lawmakers to have business dealings with lobbyists under Missouri’s ethics laws, where candidates can take unlimited amounts of campaign money and be entertained by the companies and groups seeking to influence policy. The housing data comes from business relationships reported by lobbyists on their monthly reports. Along with reporting how much they spend on legislators, lobbyists must note any direct business relationships or partnership with any public official.

Montana – Montana Lawmakers Rarely Refrain from Voting on Personal Interests
Helena Independent Record – James DeHaven | Published: 3/27/2016

Montana law requires the disclosure of potential conflicts-of-interest for state lawmakers only ahead of votes that “have a direct and distinctive personal impact on the legislator.” The law also leaves questions about the determination and enforcement of such conflicts up to each lawmaker and a pair of partisan legislative ethics committees that have not met for at least the past decade. An analysis of more than 900,000 floor and committee votes over the past four legislative sessions found just 20 recorded instances of a lawmaker announcing a conflict-of-interest ahead of a vote. Records point to only three documented instances when a legislator abstained from a vote in light of that conflict.

Ohio – City Hall Scandals Prompt Ginther to Propose New Ethics Rules
Columbus Dispatch – Lucas Sullivan | Published: 3/28/2016

The Columbus City Council approved new ethics regulations that center on more accountability for lobbyists, increased campaign finance reporting for city candidates, and more disclosure of gifts and trips by elected officials. The rules, which go into effect in April, will increase the penalties for noncompliance. Under the reforms, lobbyists will be required to disclose expenditures and interactions with any elected city officials and some of their staff three times a year. Lobbyists who make false statements or disclosures will be subject to first-degree misdemeanors. There will also be additional disclosure beyond the state requirement for gifts provided to city officials, including the type of gift, who gave it, and the value.

South Carolina – Wilson Defends Firing of Pascoe, Johnson Refuses Job
Greenville News – Tim Smith | Published: 3/30/2016

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson defended his decision to fire David Pascoe, a special prosecutor he had appointed to investigate corruption within South Carolina’s Legislature. Pascoe filed a petition with the state Supreme Court asking it to immediately hold a hearing and rule on whether Wilson has the authority to remove him. Meanwhile, the man tapped by Wilson to lead the inquiry, Dan Johnson, is refusing to take the job until the Supreme Court issues a decision in the matter. Wilson said he was shocked and disappointed to learn of the plea deal with House Speaker Bobby Harrell that Pascoe had negotiated. Harrell pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor counts of misusing his campaign funds and avoided jail time with his sentence.

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.

Lobbying

California: “Lobbying Class Teaches Sacramento State Students ‘Rough and Tumble’ Politics” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee

Missouri: “Lawmakers Bunking with Lobbyists Show More Cozy Connections in Capitol” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Bill Overhauling Campaign Finance Laws Heads to Arizona Governor” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star

Indiana: “Exclusive: Special prosecutor investigating allegation against Monarch Beverage” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star

Ethics

Michigan: “Feds Charge 12 Detroit School Principals with Bribery” by Katrease Stafford and Tresa Baldas (Detroit Free Press) for USA Today

Missouri: “Missouri Lawmakers Pass Limits on Paid Political Consulting” by Adam Aton and Summer Ballentine (Associated Press) for Kansas City Star

Texas: “Indictment Aside, Crystal City Mayor is Running Again” by Jim Malewitz for Texas Tribune

Vermont: “Trimmed Down Ethics Commission Plan Gets Committee’s OK” by Mark Johnson for VTDigger.org

Elections

Ohio: “Surprising Source of GOP Petition” by Arden Farhi for CBS News

On March 29, a bill overhauling campaign finance was passed by the Arizona Legislature. Among the changes to the state’s law, Senate Bill 1516 allows groups registered with the IRS as “social welfare” organizations to withhold disclosing donor information, removes spending caps on expenditures for political fundraisers, and allows for candidate to candidate transfers of campaign funds.

While the lack of requiring disclosure of political donors was a major objection from state legislators opposed to the bill, the majority of the Legislature was willing to accept the changes. “I think transparency is a good principle. But it is not the overarching principle,” said bill supporter Rep. J.D. Mesnard, as reported by the Arizona Daily Star. If not vetoed by Gov. Doug Ducey, the law becomes effective January 1, 2017.

The Columbus City Council passed three new pieces of ethics legislation on Monday, March 28, strengthening financial disclosure provisions and amending city campaign finance and lobbying laws.

Ord. 0084-2016 requires lobbyists to file updated registration statements in January, May, and September of each year. Knowingly failing to register as a lobbyist will be a third degree misdemeanor, while knowingly filing a false statement will be a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Although state campaign finance laws apply to municipal elections, Ord. 0087-2016 requires additional election period communication disclosure statements to be filed with the Franklin County Board of Elections and with the city clerk if contributions or expenditures for the reporting period equal or exceed $10,000.

Among other changes, Ord. 0086-2016 expands financial disclosure requirements for public office holders and candidates, requiring a description of each gift or aggregate of gifts over $75 from certain sources.

All three ordinances go into effect September 28, 2016.

Lobbying

Minnesota: “Governments Spend Millions Lobbying Government” by J. Patrick Coolican for Minneapolis Star Tribune

Missouri: “State Law Murky on Who Qualifies as a Local Lobbyist” by Caitlin Campbell for Columbia Tribune

Campaign Finance

“Marco Rubio’s Secret (Money) Legacy” by Shane Goldmacher for Politico

“House Wants Campaign Finance Study” by Geoff Pender for Jackson Clarion-Ledger

Ethics

“Ethics Advocates Decry Opaque Budget Negotiations” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union

Florida: “Opa-locka’s ‘Shadow’ Force Moves Millions in City Contracts” by Jay Weaver, Michael Sallah, and Katie Lepri for Miami Herald

Ohio: “City Hall Scandals Prompt Ginther to Propose New Ethics Rules” by Lucas Sullivan for Columbus Dispatch

South Carolina: “Solicitor David Pascoe Says He Won’t Step Down from Corruption Probe Unless Court-Ordered to Do So” by Cynthia Roldan and Glenn Smith for Charleston Post & Courier

Elections

“How Clinton’s Email Scandal Took Root” by Robert O’Harrow, Jr. for Washington Post

“Campaign Manager for Donald Trump Is Charged With Battery” by Maggie Haberman and for New York Times

Legislative Issues

Maryland: “Maryland Lawmakers Want Gender Pay Gap Closed. They Should Look at Their Own Payroll.” by Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post

Lobbying

“Union ‘Persuader’ Rule to Offer Rare Look inside DC Consulting” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

“FOI Agency, In Role Reversal, Opposes Disclosure of Connected Lobbyist’s Emails” by Jon Lender for Hartford Courant

Texas: “Travis County to Create Its First Code of Ethics” by Sean Collins Walsh for Austin American-Statesman

Campaign Finance

California: “Valley Councilwoman’s Aides Sought $5 and $10 Donations That Are Focus of U.S. Inquiry” by David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times

Ethics

Alabama: “Governor’s Political Adviser Discloses Pay from Nonprofit” by Kim Chandler (Associated Press) for Montgomery Advertiser

Florida: “Gov. Rick Scott Signs Anti-Corruption Bill” by Matt Reed and James Call for Tallahassee Democrat

Kentucky: “Beshear Aide Charged in Kickback Scheme” by Joseph Gerth, Andrew Wolfson, and Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal

Missouri: “Despite Fast Start, Legislative Progress on Ethics Reform Slows” by Ellen Cagle for Fulton Sun

Montana”Montana Lawmakers Rarely Refrain from Voting on Personal Interests” by James DeHaven for Helena Independent Record

Elections

“Uninformed Voters Are a Problem. This May Be a Solution.” by Mike Maciag for Governing

“How the G.O.P. Elite Lost Its Voters to Donald Trump” by Nicholas Co
nfessore for New York Times

Campaign Finance

California: “Bernie Sanders’ Campaign Legacy Could Be How He Raises Money from So Many People” by Evan Halper for Los Angeles Times

Arkansas : “Ex-Judge Gets 10-Year Sentence for Taking Bribe” by John Lyon for Arkansas News

Ethics

Kentucky: “Ex-State Lawmaker Keith Hall Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison” by John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader

Elections

“Feeling G.O.P. Peril, Muslims Try to Get Out Vote” by Alan Rappeport for New York Times

“Bernie Sanders Seizes 3 States, Sweeping Democratic Contests” by Amy Chozick for New York Times

“Donald Trump Can’t Stop Saying Nasty Things about Women. It Could Cost Him.” by Jose DelReal and Jenna Johnson for Washington Post

Arizona: “Angry Arizona Voters Demand: Why Such Long Lines at Polling Sites?” by Fernanda Santos for New York Times

On March 31, the Federal Election Commission may consider a motion to open a rule-making concerning whether to require entities accepting political contributions from corporations to verify those corporations are associations of United States citizens who are eligible to contribute.

On March 24, Commissioner Ellen L. Weintraub submitted the motion contending there is “no framework in place to assist entities accepting political contributions or making independent expenditures and electioneering communications in complying with existing law.” Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from making political contributions and expenditures. Federal contractors are also prohibited from making certain political contributions and expenditures.

Weintraub is further requesting the commission direct the Office of General Counsel to draft a rule-making document requiring those making independent expenditures and electioneering communications certify resources used are not owned or controlled by foreign nationals.

At its March 28, 2016, meeting, the San Francisco Ethics Commission will discuss and possibly select campaign committees and lobbyists for the commission’s 2015 random audits.

The commission recommends randomly selecting 20% of campaign committees that reported activity greater than $10,000 in 2015.

It is also proposed that four lobbying entities should be randomly selected for audit. The commission estimates the audits will take 18 months to complete.