National:

Evangelicals Aim to Mobilize an Army for Republicans in 2016
New York Times – Jason Horowitz | Published: 3/15/2015

David Lane travels the country trying to persuade clergy members to become politically active. His hope is the politicized pastors will help mobilize congregations that have been disheartened by the repeated failure of socially conservative candidates, and by a Republican Party that has softened its opposition to same-sex marriage. It is an organizing approach far different from those in the days when larger-than-life leaders could activate evangelical voters simply by anointing a candidate. But close observers of evangelicals and their political involvement say Lane is emblematic of a new generation of leaders who draw local support or exert influence through niche issues or their own networks.

Federal:

IRS May Broaden Rule to Police Political Nonprofits
Politico – Hillary Flynn and Rachel Bade | Published: 3/18/2015

IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said the agency may expand a yet-to-be-released rule governing 501(c)(4) social welfare groups to include political groups known as 527s, which focus on elections. It could require them both, as well as other types of tax-exempt organizations, to operate under the same definition of “political activity.” The law is currently vague, requiring that 501(c)(4)s operate “primarily” for social welfare. It is one of the reasons the IRS found itself in hot water for pulling tea party groups for extra scrutiny between 2010 and 2012.

Rep. Aaron Schock to Resign amid Spending Scandal
Washington Post – Mike DeBonis, Robert Costa, and Paul Kane | Published: 3/17/2015

U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) will resign on March 31 following questions about spending by his office and campaign. Schock has faced a torrent of bad publicity that began when it was revealed he had his office redecorated – for free – in the style of the PBS series “Downton Abbey.” Schock repaid $40,000 for the redecoration, but the initial story set off a series of reports on his lavish spending habits. Subsequent reports detailed a dozen charter flights worth over $40,000 on donors’ planes and $24,000 in campaign funds spent on concerts and events. The Chicago Tribune published a report raising questions about the use of campaign funds to finance the construction and sale of a house that Schock owned in Peoria.

The ‘Moneyball’ Effect on K Street: The influence game gets scientific
Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 3/15/2015

Companies rooted in data analytics are attempting to change the way lobbying is done in Washington, D.C. At least four companies have introduced new ways to sell data-based political and competitive intelligence that offers insight into the policymaking process. They are turning lobbying, which was once based entirely on personal connections, into more of a science, and the idea is gaining traction among the field’s most established power brokers. In some ways, technology is just automating and verifying knowledge a lobbyist may already have, based on instincts and experience. But access to statistics is now key to selling lobbying services to clients, who increasingly want empirical evidence to back up claims about a lawmaker’s reputation.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Big Money Arrived Too Late for L.A. Election Debate
Los Angeles Times – David Zahniser | Published: 3/15/2015

The campaign behind Charter Amendments 1 and 2, which changed Los Angeles’ election dates and gave some officials an extra 18 months in office, reported its funding from the union that represents most Department of Water and Power employees 90 minutes before the polls closed. That money was part of a larger phenomenon in this year’s campaign season: big contributions that arrived too late to be disclosed on mailers or, in some cases, too late even to be part of the public debate.

Connecticut – Rowland Sentenced to 30 Months, a Decade after Last Imprisonment
New York Times – Kristin Hussey and Marc Santora | Published: 3/18/2015

Former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a political consulting scheme, exactly one decade after he was ordered behind bars in an earlier scandal that forced him from office. Rowland committed the latest crimes as he maneuvered to insert himself in two separate congressional campaigns. He was convicted on charges he conspired to conceal payment for the work, which he knew would bring unwelcome publicity to the candidates because of his criminal history. Prosecutors said Rowland was paid $35,000 to work on the failed 2012 campaign of Lisa Wilson-Foley and conspired to hide those payments through a consulting contract with a business owned by her husband. They say he tried to strike a similar deal with another failed congressional candidate.

Florida – Marco Rubio’s House of Horrors
Politico – Marc Caputo | Published: 3/16/2015

A house in Tallahassee jointly owned by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and former U.S. Rep. David Rivera (R-Fla.) could be a headache for Rubio if he goes ahead with an expected run for president. The property is a stubborn symbol of both a politically problematic friendship and lingering questions about Rubio’s personal finances, which dogged him on the campaign trail in 2010 and may do so again. Rubio’s critics are waiting to make hay of any revelations that may come of the federal campaign finance investigation of Rivera and to point to their status as roommates during the years when Rivera allegedly engaged in illegal campaign activities.

New Mexico – Freshman Lawmaker Determined to ‘Pay My Own Way’ at the Roundhouse
KRQE – Matt Grubs | Published: 3/17/2015

New Mexico Rep. Jim Dines agreed to run for a House seat with the condition that he would not take campaign money from lobbyists or special interests. When Dines got to Santa Fe, he continued his independent streak. He refused to accept all the coffee mugs, jewelry, and free food that normally find their way onto a lawmaker’s desk during the session. Dines does not think a free meal or a stuffed animal or even free golf passes from a lobbyist equate to a promise to vote the way that lobbyist would prefer. But he said that does not really matter. “The perception of the public is … there’s a reason things are being given,” said Dines.

New Mexico – House Democrat Questions Lobbyist Bill Delay, Seeks Probe
Taos News – Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 3/16/2015

State Rep. Brian Egolf wants an investigation into why the New Mexico House delayed sending a bill on lobbyist disclosure to the Senate. Egolf says the delay in sending the measure to the Senate likely killed it as the legislative session nears its end. House Bill 155 would require lobbyists to disclose what issues or causes they have been hired to represent. It also would extend how long the state keeps lobbyist records. The House approved the legislation on March 7 but did not send it to the Senate until March 13. Normally, bills are sent within a day.

North Carolina – Sex, Romance Would Be a Conflict of Interest under NC General Assembly Proposal
Raleigh News & Observer – Colin Campbell | Published: 3/17/2015

The North Carolina Ethics Commission in February ruled that sex between a lobbyist and state official is not a gift that must be formally disclosed. Some lawmakers now want to make it clear that such relations require officials to step back from governmental action. House Bill 252 says an official must avoid acting if the official is married to a lobbyist and the lobbyist or the company the person works for could gain financially. It also applies if the two are dating or have a sexual relationship.

North Dakota – Lawmakers Say ‘No’ to Letting Voters Decide on State Ethics Commission
Dickinson Press – Mike Nowatzki (Forum News Service) | Published: 3/16/2015

The North Dakota House defeated a resolution that would have allowed voters to decide if a state ethics commission should be established. Assistant Minority Leader Corey Mock, the prime sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 3060, said the lack of an ethics agency creates a perception problem for the state, and he questioned why lawmakers would want to wait until something egregious happens before creating one. But Rep. Scott Louser said while some states have a culture of corruption, North Dakota has a culture of openness and accessibility.

Texas – In Dallas, Most Ethics Complaints Go Nowhere
Dallas Morning News – Elizabeth Findell | Published: 3/15/2015

The Dallas City Council recently took steps to cut down on the number of frivolous complaints filed with the city’s Ethics Advisory Commission, and to allow the city to reimburse the subjects of such complaints for their defense costs. But ethics complaints, frivolous or otherwise, are rare at City Hall, shows a review by The Dallas Morning News. And when a complaint is filed, the chances are slim that anything will happen as a result. Of the 69 complaints filed since 2001, six were immediately declared invalid because they were submitted incorrectly or related to activities by people not affiliated with the city. Of the remainder, 56 were dismissed by a preliminary panel review.

Vermont – Senate Grumbles about Lobbyist Disclosure Bill
Seven Days – Terri Hallenbeck | Published: 3/17/2015

The Vermont Senate passed Senate Bill 93, which would require registered lobbyists, principals, and lobbying firms to disclose advertisements or advertising campaigns that they spend $1,000 or more on during a legislative session. The advertising report requirement is in addition to lobbyists’ current obligations to file expenditure reports, and the bill would increase the number of times per year lobbyists need to file those expenditure reports from three to five.

Washington – Zombie Lobby Descends on Capitol to Rally for Expanding Film and TV Tax Incentive Program
The Daily Journal – Rachel La Corte (Associated Press) | Published: 3/17/2015

Supporters of Washington’s film and television industry staged a mock zombie apocalypse at the Capitol as part of their lobbying efforts on a measure to expand a tax-incentive program designed to lure more projects to the state. More than 200 people, including actors, crew, and support staff, staged a daylong shoot for a spot they planned to release later in support of Senate Bill 6027, which would increase the amount of money available every year under Washington’s tax incentive program for the industry. Dozens of actors dressed as zombies were part of action scenes where the script included monologues or conversations about the bill.

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.

Ethics reform is again in the hands of the Senate after the House voted overwhelmingly to overhaul ethics laws.

House Bill 3722 would give the State Ethics Commission authority to investigate legislators, would amend certain unconstitutional campaign finance definitions, and would remove a lobbyist employer’s ability to pay for American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) conventions.

The Judiciary Committee has reported the bill as favorable with an amendment to remove certain whistleblower protections.

Lobbying

New Mexico: “Freshman Lawmaker Determined to ‘Pay My Own Way’ at the Roundhouse” by Matt Grubs for KRQE

Vermont: “Senate Grumbles about Lobbyist Disclosure Bill” by Terri Hallenbeck for Seven Days

Washington: “Zombie Lobby Descends on Capitol to Rally for Expanding Film and TV Tax Incentive Program” by Rachel LaCorte (Associated Press) for The Daily Journal

Campaign Finance

“State Legislatures Taking Aim at Dark Money, Disclosure” by Peter Olsen-Phillips for Sunlight Foundation

“Meet the Man Taking Aim at Campaign Finance Regulations” by Cameron Joseph for The Hill

Montana: “‘Dark Money’ Bill Heard by House Panel” by Charles Johnson for Montana Standard

Ethics

Connecticut: “Rowland Sentenced to 30 Months, a Decade after Last Imprisonment” by Kristin Hussey and Marc Santora for New York Times

New York: “Income Disclosure, Pension Forfeiture and Attendance Verification All Part of 2-Way Ethics Deal” in Legislative Gazette

Elections

Ohio: “Federal Judge: Ohio’s new ballot access limits for 3rd parties are constitutional” by Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter

The Ethics Commission has announced the release of a new online report entitled “Spending to Influence: Campaign Finance and Lobbying in San Francisco in 2014.”

The report explores the interests and financial activity of campaign influencers during the November 2014 election cycle by using publicly available data of committees, parties, consultants, major contributors, and lobbyists.

The report was prepared by two graduate students in the Master of Public Administration program at San Francisco State University, with guidance from commission staff. The report is available here.

Lobbying

Connecticut: “State Lobbyists, Politicians Caught In Probe of Herbalife Billion Dollar Stock Gamble” by Edmund Mahony (Hartford Courant) for CTNow.com

New Mexico: “House Democrat Questions Lobbyist Bill Delay, Seeks Probe” by Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Taos News

North Carolina: “Sex, Romance Would Be a Conflict of Interest under NC General Assembly Proposal” by Colin Campbell for Raleigh News & Observer

Texas: “Analysis: When a disclosure is no disclosure at all” by Ross Ramsey for Texas Tribune

Campaign Finance

New Jersey: “Springsteen Shows and Island Trips, How N.J. Pols Raise Millions” by Carla Astudillo (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star-Ledger

Ethics

“Rep. Aaron Schock to Resign amid Spending Scandal” by Mike DeBonis, Robert Costa, and Paul Kane for Washington Post

“No, You Can’t See Congress’s Emails” by Rachel Roubein for National Journal

California: “Sen. Mendoza Under-Reported Money from Home Sale, Ethics Agency Finds” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times

New York: “Schneiderman Issuing Ethics Plan Aimed at New York Legislators” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times

Legislative Issues

Tennessee: “House Committees Debate Bills in Secret ‘Pre-Meetings’” by Dave Boucher for The Tennessean

Lobbying

“The ‘Moneyball’ Effect on K Street: The influence game gets scientific” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post

Campaign Finance

California: “Big Money Arrived Too Late for L.A. Election Debate” by David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times

Connecticut: “Former Connecticut State Sen. Newton Gets 6 Months in Prison on 2nd Criminal Conviction” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter

Ethics

“Ex-Energy Official’s $1.7 Million Gig Draws Fire” by Darius Dixon for Politico

“U.S. Attorney Leading Inquiry of Ex-D.C. Mayor Gray to Step Down” by Spencer Hsu, Keith Alexander, and Mike DeBonis for Washington Post

“Marco Rubio’s House of Horrors” by Marc Caputo for Politico

New Mexico: “Longtime New Mexico Sen. Phil Griego Resigns Amid Questions Surrounding Santa Fe Property Deal” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter

Pennsylvania: “Wolf Proposes Slight Funding Increase for Pennsylvania Ethics Commission” by Andrew Staub (PA Independent) for Watchdog.org

Texas: “In Dallas, Most Ethics Complaints Go Nowhere” by Elizabeth Findell for Dallas Morning News

Elections

“Evangelicals Aim to Mobilize an Army for Republicans in 2016” by Jason Horowitz for New York Times

Gov. Matt Mead has signed two campaign finance bills repealing aggregate contribution limits and recently instituted political action committee (PAC) limits.

House Bill 38 was originally filed to remove all contribution limits for PACs, but amendments to the bill keep a $5,000 limit from a PAC to any candidate who is not a statewide candidate.

House Bill 39 repeals the state’s aggregate contribution limits, which conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission. Both bills are effective immediately.

Photo of Gov. Matt Mead by Gage on Wikimedia Commons.

Federal:

Clinton: It ‘might have been smarter’ to use a State Dept. e-mail account
Washington Post – Anne Gearan and Philip Rucker | Published: 3/10/2015

Hillary Clinton revealed she had deleted about half her emails from her years as secretary of state, saying she had turned over to the Obama administration all correspondence about government business but had erased records of communications about private matters, like yoga routines and her daughter’s wedding. In a news conference about her exclusive use of a private email account while secretary, Clinton sought to squelch the furor about those communications. She acknowledged it would have been wiser to use a government email for official business, but said she had “fully complied with every rule” and was going “above and beyond” what was required of her in asking the State Department to make public much of her email correspondence. Clinton said she had only convenience in mind in choosing to use just a personal email account.

K Street Aims for Global Expansion
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 3/12/2015

After dropping the word “lobbyist” from its name in 2013, the Association for Government Relations Professionals (AGRP) has added hundreds of new members as the group looks to boost its clout and extend its reach, both geographically and in terms of the professionals it represents. Leading the makeover of the organization formerly known as the American League of Lobbyists is Jim Hickey, who was elected as AGRP’s president in December. Hickey wants to break out of Washington and establish an industrywide database that would connect government affairs professionals at the state, federal, and international levels. If a corporation or grassroots firm, for example, needs to find an advocate with a certain policy expertise within a specific state capital, Hickey wants to be able to provide that resource.

Lindsey Graham One of Several in Senate Luddite Caucus
Politico – Lauren French | Published: 3/10/2015

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said on “Meet the Press” that he has never sent a single email in his life. Graham’s complete aversion to email might be an extreme case even in the technologically antiquated Senate, where lawmakers still file their campaign finance reports on paper, but he certainly has plenty of company in the Luddite Caucus. The email habits of lawmakers are suddenly in the spotlight after it was reported that Hillary Clinton used a personal email account as her official correspondence while serving as secretary of state and stored the emails on a private server in her home.

Menendez Is to Face Corruption Charges, U.S. Official Says
New York Times – Kate Zernike and Matt Apuzzo | Published: 3/6/2015

The Justice Department is likely to file criminal charges against U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) for allegedly accepting gifts and lavish vacations in exchange for political favors for a longtime friend and political benefactor. Menendez has been the subject of an investigation for two years centering on his relationship with Dr. Salomon Melgen, a South Florida ophthalmologist. According to court papers that were mistakenly and briefly unsealed, prosecutors have been examining whether Menendez improperly tried to persuade Medicare officials in recent years to change reimbursement policies in a way that would make millions of dollars for Melgen, one of the country’s biggest recipients of Medicare funds.

Pope Weighs in on Campaign Finance, but Will He Go Before the FEC?
Washington Post – Al Kamen and Colby Itkowitz | Published: 3/11/2015

Pope Francis warned that campaign donations lead elected officials to act against the interests of the people. “In the financing of electoral campaigns, many interests get into the mix, and then they send you the bill,” said .Francis. He also called for transparency in fundraising for political campaigns. His comments caught the attention of Ellen Weintraub of the FEC, who mentioned it before the panel’s most recent meeting. They joked that maybe the pope would like to testify at an FEC hearing when he visits Washington this fall. “I am happy for anyone to recognize campaign finance; this might be even better than Stephen Colbert,” said Weintraub.

From the States and Municipalities:

Idaho – Chastened, IACI Now Looks Inward
Idaho Statesman – Bill Dentzer | Published: 3/5/2015

The head of Idaho’s pro-business lobby has been placed on temporary leave after sending a profanity-laden email criticizing a state senator and suggesting the group introduce retaliation legislation. The board of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry made the decision regarding President Alex LaBeau. “The president of the organization said some very inappropriate things about impacting the process over here just to spite a specific senator, which is completely and absolutely inappropriate,” said Sen. John Tippets.

Indiana – Ethical Dilemma? House Speaker Brian Bosma Has Ties to Indy Eleven
Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook and Mark Alesia | Published: 3/5/2015

Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma revealed he has done legal work for the Indy Eleven soccer team for the past two years. But he did not publicly disclose that work until after the House voted in favor of the $82 million stadium funding proposal for the team, and even then, he did so only after being pressed by reporters to comment on the measure. House Ethics Committee Chairperson Greg Steuerwald said he has done legal work for Keystone Construction Corp., which is owned by Ersal Ozdemir, who also owns Indy Eleven. The revelations come as Bosma and Steuerwald lead a push for ethics reforms in the wake of several high-profile scandals involving state officials.

Kentucky – Anthony Wilhoit to Retire as Head of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission
Lexington Herald-Leader – Jack Brammer | Published: 3/10/2015

Anthony Wilhoit is stepping down as executive director of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission, a post he has held since November 1997. Wilhoit, who will turn 80 this year, said “it’s time for new blood” for the agency that enforces ethics laws and regulates conduct by legislators, lobbyists, and employers of lobbyists. He will remain on the job until the commission finds a replacement. It is taking applications for the job until April 1.

New Jersey – N.J. lobbyists may soon have to pay more to lobby: The Auditor
Newark Star-Ledger – NJ Advance Media | Published: 3/5/2015

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC), which oversees the state’s 984 registered lobbyists, is proposing to increase the fee they have to pay to register each year from $425 to $575. The fee for lobbyists has not been increased since 2004. The proposed amendment was published in the latest New Jersey Register. The 60-day comment period now begins, and ELEC will hold a public hearing on May 19.

Pennsylvania – 3 More Philly Pols Charged in Revived Sting Probe
Philadelphia Inquirer – Craig McCoy | Published: 3/10/2015

Two state lawmakers from Philadelphia and an ex-legislator have been charged with pocketing cash in an influence-peddling case taken up by District Attorney Seth Williams after being dropped by Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane. Reps. Louise Williams Bishop and Michelle Brownlee, and former Rep. Harold James, who last served in 2012, face conspiracy, bribery, and other counts. The arrests raised to six the number charged in the case. They are all accused of improperly accepting cash or gifts from informant Tyrone Ali, a lobbyist working undercover for prosecutors. Kane rejected the case in 2013, saying it was flawed by witness credibility problems, entrapment issues, and allegations of racial targeting.

Rhode Island – New Task Force Formed by the Secretary of State Seeks to Overhaul Rhode Island’s Lobbying Laws
Greenfield Daily Reporter – Jennifer McDermott (Associated Press) | Published: 3/5/2015

A task force formed by Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea working to clarify and strengthen Rhode Island’s lobbying laws met for the first time recently. Gorbea said the executive and legislative lobbying statutes are unnecessarily complicated. Her transition committee recommended raising registration fees for lobbyists and increasing fines for those who do not register. Although the Department of State oversees lobbyists, it cannot independently oversee and enforce the laws and charge offenders, said Gorbea. The secretary of state is not granted subpoena powers for administrative hearings, and the penalties for breaking the lobbying laws are minimal. “Stronger laws discourage bad behavior and penalize those who willfully break the law, and renew people’s faith and trust in government,” said Gorbea.

Virginia – McDonnell Appeal Gains High-Profile Supporters
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky and Laura Vozzella | Published: 3/9/2015

A group of 44 former state attorneys general filed an amicus brief supporting ex-Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s appeal of his conviction on federal corruption charges. The brief argues the charges filed against McDonnell set dangerous precedents surrounding corruption law. In particular, the attorneys general argued the case federalized what should be state public corruption charges and sought to criminalize what they believe should be considered innocuous behavior. A jury determined McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, used the governor’s office to help businessperson Jonnie Williams Sr. promote his dietary supplement company in exchange for $177,000 in loans, personal gifts, and luxury goods. McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison, his wife to a year and a day.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

New York: “Emails Reveal Lobbyist Had Undisclosed Role in Cuomo Financial Crisis Investigation” by Justin Elliot for ProPublica

Campaign Finance

“Likely 2016 Presidential Candidates Put Money to Work Through Their PACs” by Kurtis Lee for Los Angeles Times

West Virginia: “House Committee Removes Financial Disclosure from Campaign Bill” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette

Ethics

“Clinton: It ‘might have been smarter’ to use a State Dept. e-mail account” by Anne Gearan and Philip Rucker for Washington Post

Kentucky: “Anthony Wilhoit to Retire as Head of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission” by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader

Oregon: “Ex-Governor Scandal Prompts Ore. Ethics Overhaul Effort” by Tracy Loew (Salem Statesman Journal) for USA Today

Rhode Island: “Rhode Island Ethics Commission Endorses Bill on Expanding Jurisdiction over Lawmakers” by Jennifer McDermott (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter

South Carolina: “S.C. Senate Panel Revives Ethics Reform bill, but for How Long is Uncertain” by Jamie Self for The State

Legislative Issues

“Cotton Storms the Senate” by Burgess Everett for Politico

Procurement

Texas: “Senate Leaders Want to Tighten Ethics Laws on State Contracts” by Robert Garrett for Dallas Morning News

In response to former Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox’s political scandal involving campaign funds, Rep. Robert Craven has introduced House Bill 5840.The bill requires political committees and candidates to create bank accounts for campaign funds separate from business and personal accounts.

“We need to eliminate the fuzzy areas surrounding campaign funds and campaign expenses to ensure that money collected for or donated to a candidate is used for campaign, [not] personal, purposes,” Craven said in his press release.

Photo of the Rhode Island State Capitol courtesy of Garrett A. Wollman on Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

“Inside the Powerful Lobby Fighting for Your Right to Eat Pizza” by Andrew Martin for Bloomberg News

“Why Congress Relies on Lobbyists Instead of Thinking for Itself” by Lee Drutman and Steven Teles for The Atlantic

Campaign Finance

California: “State Panel Considers Raising Thresholds for Campaign Reporting” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times

Kentucky: “In An Election Year, Kentucky Senate Votes to Double Campaign Contribution Limits” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for The Daily Journal

Montana: “House Sends Campaign Finance Bill to Panel Seen as More Favorable” by Charles Johnson for Helena Independent Record

Ethics

New York: “Mayor de Blasio Is Quietly Soliciting Donations for Future Policy Battles” by Michael Grynbaum for New York Times

Pennsylvania: “3 More Philly Pols Charged in Revived Sting Probe” by Craig McCoy for Philadelphia Inquirer

Virginia: “McDonnell Appeal Gains High-Profile Supporters” by Matt Zapotosky and Laura Vozzella for Washington Post

Legislative Issues

“Lindsey Graham One of Several in Senate Luddite Caucus” by Lauren French for Politico

Lobbying

Arkansas: “Lawmakers List Lobby-Paid Trips” by Michael Wickline for The Democrat-Gazette

North Carolina: “City of Charlotte to Study Rules for Lobbyists” by Steve Harrison for Charlotte Observer

Campaign Finance

“How You (And a Few Thousand of Your Friends) Can Become the Biggest Donors in American Politics” by Philip Bump for Washington Post

Florida: “Judge Recommends $58,000 in Ethics Fines for David Rivera” by Patricia Mazzei for Miami Herald

Rhode Island: “Lawmakers Say They’ll Reform the Campaign Finance System Because Ex-Speaker Exploited It” by Jennifer McDermott (Associated Press) for Columbus Republic

Ethics

“Menendez Is to Face Corruption Charges, U.S. Official Says” by Kate Zernike and Matt Apuzzo for New York Times

New Jersey: “Reporter Defies Subpoena Ordering Him to Keep Recording of Public Meetings Private” by Brian Amoral (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star-Ledger

North Carolina: “Gov. McCrory Amends Ethics Report to Show Others Paid for Seven Trips” by J. Andrew Curliss for Raleigh News & Observer

Texas: “Senate Renews Effort to Move Corruption Unit Out of Travis County” by Brian Rosenthal for Houston Chronicle

Texas: “High Hopes for Ethics Reform, but It’s Early” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Lobbying

California: “California Lawmakers Took Less Free Travel in 2014” by Jeremy White and Christopher Cadelago for Sacramento Bee

Florida: “In South Florida, the Business of Government Looks More and More Like the Business of Politics” by Patricia Mazzei for Miami Herald

Idaho: “Chastened, IACI Now Looks Inward” by Brian Dentzer for Idaho Statesman

New Jersey: “N.J. lobbyists may soon have to pay more to lobby: The Auditor” by NJ Advance Media for Newark Star-Ledger

Rhode Island: “New Task Force Formed by the Secretary of State Seeks to Overhaul Rhode Island’s Lobbying Laws” by Jennifer McDermott (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter

Texas: “Judge Removed in Case against Conservative Activist” by John Reynolds for Texas Tribune

Campaign Finance

“Obama Urged to Impose Rules on Campaign Spending Disclosure” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

New Jersey: “Former Bergen County Sen. Coniglio to Pay $100,000 Settlement to State” by Dustin Racioppi for Bergen Record

Ethics

Indiana: “Ethical Dilemma? House Speaker Brian Bosma Has Ties to Indy Eleven” by Tony Cook and Mark Alesia for Indianapolis Star

Wisconsin: “Audit Prompts Changes at Election Agency, Officials Decry Budget Cuts” by Steven Verburg for Wisconsin State Journal

Procurement

Mississippi: “Senate to Propose Changes to ‘No-Bid’ Contracts Bill” by Jimmie Gates and Emily Le Coz for Jackson Clarion-Ledger

The Legislature adjourned sine die on Friday, March 6, 2015, after passing two campaign finance bills.

House Bill 38 was originally filed to remove all contribution limits for political action committees (PACs), but amendments to the bill keep a $5,000 limit from a PAC to any candidate who is not a statewide candidate.

House Bill 39 repeals the state’s aggregate contribution limits, which conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission.

Photo of the Wyoming State Capitol by Matthew Trump on Wikimedia Commons.