June 17, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Where the Billions Spent on Lobbying Come From, in Maps” by Philip Bump for Washington Post Texas: “Ethics Commission Seeks to Force Empower Texans to Turn over Records” by Tim Eaton for Austin American-Statesman Campaign Finance “State and Local […]
Lobbying
“Where the Billions Spent on Lobbying Come From, in Maps” by Philip Bump for Washington Post
Texas: “Ethics Commission Seeks to Force Empower Texans to Turn over Records” by Tim Eaton for Austin American-Statesman
Campaign Finance
“State and Local Bills Try to Rein in Political Spending” by Tarini Parti for Politico
“Jeb Bush’s Smooth Money Machine” by Anna Palmer and Tarini Parti for Politico
California: “Tow Company Campaign Trickery Alleged” by Jeff McDonald for San Diego Union-Tribune
Ethics
Kentucky: “John Schaaf to Head Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission” by The Associated Press for Connecticut Post
Oklahoma: “State Ethics Commission to Investigate Sen. Rick Brinkley” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman
Oregon: “Kate Brown Signs First of Her Ethics Bills, Calling for Public Records Audit” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian
Pennsylvania: “Some Critical That Officials Caught in Sting Keep State Pensions” by Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis for Philadelphia Inquirer
Utah: “Ex-A.G. Mark Shurtleff Defers Evidence Hearing; Prosecutors Amend Charges” by Dennis Romboy for Deseret News
Elections
“Donald Trump Runs for President (This Time for Real, He Says)” by Alexander Burns for New York Times
June 16, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Lobbyists Were Quick to Donate to Both Baker, Coakley” by The Associated Press for WCVB “Lobbyists Spend $5.8 Million at 2015 Montana Legislature” by Alison Noon (Associated Press) for Montana Standard “Education Reforms Spur N.Y. Lobbying ‘Arms Race’” by Jon […]
Lobbying
“Lobbyists Were Quick to Donate to Both Baker, Coakley” by The Associated Press for WCVB
“Lobbyists Spend $5.8 Million at 2015 Montana Legislature” by Alison Noon (Associated Press) for Montana Standard
“Education Reforms Spur N.Y. Lobbying ‘Arms Race’” by Jon Campbell (Gannett Newspapers) for USA Today
Campaign Finance
“Republican Operative Sentenced to 2 Years in Landmark Election Case” by Matt Zapotosky and Matea Gold for Washington Post
“This Web Site Allows Political Donors to Give Money Based on How Lawmakers Vote. Just Don’t Call It Bribery.” by Steven Overly for Washington Post
“$2M Rauner Donor’s Company Does Business with State, Has Exceeded $50K Limit Past 4 Years” by Bernard Schoenburg for State Journal-Register
“Christie’s PAC Picks Up His NBA Finals Ticket” by Maddie Hanna for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
“Oklahoma Ethics Commission Considers Changes to Financial Disclosure Rule” by Barbara Hoberock for Tulsa World
“Fifth Former LCB Official Accused of Violating State Ethics Laws” by Kari Andren for Pittsbugh Tribune-Review
“Ethics Commissioners: Lawmakers went backward in 2015” by Jim Malewitz for Texas Tribune
“Lawmakers’ Watchdog Asks for Money” by Jerry Cornfield for Tacoma News Tribune
Elections
“Jeb Bush Announces Presidential Bid: ‘We will take command of our future once again’” by Ed O’Keefe for Washington Post
June 15, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Robert Reich: Lobbyists are snuffing our democracy, one legal bribe at a time” by Robert Reich for Salon Campaign Finance “Corporations Open Up About Political Spending” by Eduardo Porter for New York Times “Legislation Puts More Enforcement in Campaign […]
Lobbying
“Robert Reich: Lobbyists are snuffing our democracy, one legal bribe at a time” by Robert Reich for Salon
Campaign Finance
“Corporations Open Up About Political Spending” by Eduardo Porter for New York Times
“Legislation Puts More Enforcement in Campaign Finance Reporting Laws” by Mary Snell for Decatur Daily
California: “Ethics Troubles Could Mount for Ex-Candidate Who Missed Fine Payment” by David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times
Hawaii: “Contractor Campaign Contributions Raise Concerns of Corruption” by Nick Grube for Honolulu Civil Beat
Ethics
California: “FPPC Names New Enforcement Chief, General Counsel” by Christopher Cadelago for Sacramento Bee
Massachusetts: “Gambling Panel Chairman Facing Ethics Investigation” by Andrea Estes for Boston Globe
New York: “Court Orders Disgraced Lopez to Pay $330,000 Fine” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union
Pennsylvania: “Elections Chief Sues to Stop Ethics Probe” by Chris Brennan for Philadelphia Inquirer
Rhode Island: “Ex-RI House Speaker Fox Gets 3 Years in Prison” by Katie Mulvaney for Providence Journal
Elections
“In 2008, Clinton Couldn’t Buy Iowans’ Love. So She Bought Them Snow Shovels” by David Fahrenthold for Washington Post
June 12, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 12, 2015
National: Eyeing 2016, G.O.P Embraces Digital Strategies, but Doubts Persist New York Times – Ashley Parker | Published: 6/10/2015 With the 2016 campaign already underway, Republicans are eager to show they have learned the lessons of past election cycles and are […]
National:
Eyeing 2016, G.O.P Embraces Digital Strategies, but Doubts Persist
New York Times – Ashley Parker | Published: 6/10/2015
With the 2016 campaign already underway, Republicans are eager to show they have learned the lessons of past election cycles and are placing a premium on hiring top people to handle digital strategy and tactics. This type of work – often described in political circles as digital, data, and analytics – encompasses many areas, from building email systems for small-dollar fundraising to generating buzz on social media to analyzing data to help direct ads at specific groups of voters. But their immediate problem is slightly more low-tech: the basics of supply and demand. “Shopping around for a digital data firm was already difficult, and when you’re one of 20 possible candidates in a party that has yet to establish its own expertise in this area, it’s even harder,” said Sasha Issenberg, the author of “The Victory lab: The Secret Science of Winning Campaigns.”
Federal:
Kevin McCarthy’s Flair for Fundraising Fuels His Swift Rise to Power in House
Los Angeles Times – Noah Bierman and Evan Halper | Published: 6/5/2015
U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the new House majority leader, commands a multimillion-dollar political operation featuring lavish meals, opulent getaways with lobbyists, and privately chartered aircraft. In the two years leading up to last fall’s election, McCarthy, through his re-election campaign and leadership PAC, spent $140,000 on steakhouses alone. He paid $426,000 to companies that charter private jets, covering 46 trips. And he raised at least $10.5 million for his own and party political committees. That spending and fundraising have fueled one of the fastest rises to power in congressional history.
Senator Would Limit Lobbyist Money That Fueled Liberal Allies
Center for Public Integrity – Carrie Levine and Michael Beckel | Published: 6/4/2015
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet introduced the Lobbying and Campaign Finance Reform Act, a bill that would, among other things, change the way registered lobbyists can support campaigns and also tweak the requirements for who must register as a lobbyist. This latter change would be accomplished by nixing the 20 percent rule, which says that only people who spend more than 20 percent of their time on lobbying activities must register as lobbyists. This has allowed many lobbyists to avoid registration, which can obscure lobbying activity from the public. The bill would also ban registered lobbyists from bundling campaign contributions and keep members of Congress from asking lobbyists for financial support while Congress is in session. Bennet introduced the same bill in 2014, but it never got out of committee.
Shaun McCutcheon Blew Up Campaign-Finance Law and Became a GOP Hero. Then He Set His Sights on Paris Hilton.
Washingtonian Magazine – Luke Mullins | Published: 6/7/2015
A few years ago, Scott McCutcheon was running his own engineering firm near Birmingham, Alabama, and leading a fairly anonymous life. He had, however, begun writing checks to benefit Republican candidates across the country. Before long, his ambitions for a more conservative America collided with the complex world of campaign finance, including the law that capped how much money an individual can donate. The Supreme Court in McCutcheon v. FEC ruled the limits were unconstitutional restrictions on free speech. McCutcheon now travels the country telling his story and has been on television programs such as Meet the Press. And his victory has gotten him invited to a lot of parties, hobnobbing with Republican politicians, as well as celebrities like Paris Hilton.
Two FEC Officials Implore Agency to Curb 2016 Election Abuse
USA Today – Fredreka Schouten | Published: 6/8/2015
FEC Chairperson Ann Ravel and Commissioner Ellen Weintraub are filing a formal petition, urging their own agency to write rules to clamp down on political spending and unmask the anonymous money in elections. FEC petitions of this kind typically are made by outsiders – organizations or individuals trying to spur the nation’s election regulators take up some matter. Ravel said no sitting commissioner has ever filed such a petition in the agency’s 40-year history. The six-member commission is locked in partisan gridlock, however, often deadlocking on major cases. The action will not force the FEC to start writing rules, but such petitions typically trigger an opportunity for public comment.
Why So Many Women Are Raising Money for Hillary Clinton
Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 6/7/2015
Energized by the prospect of helping Hillary Clinton make history, many women are activating their personal networks for the first time to pool contributions for her presidential campaign, helping Clinton tap into new sources of cash as she assembles what is expected to be a more-than-$1 billion operation. Their efforts come ahead of the public launch of a formal program by the campaign to organize female fundraisers. Analea Patterson, a lawyer in Sacramento, said she decided to take on the project after her eight-year-old daughter asked her why there has never been a female president. “I didn’t have a good answer – I have two daughters, and I want them to grow up in a world where they don’t see barriers for women,” said Patterson.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Legislation Puts More Enforcement in Campaign Finance Reporting Laws
Decatur Daily – Mary Sell | Published: 6/9/2015
Senate Bill 241, which was sent to Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley for his signature, amends current law to clarify when campaign contributions are received and expenditures are made. Under the legislation, a donation must be reported either within 10 days after a check is received or at the time of deposit, whichever is earlier. Expenditures are made the day they are authorized. The bill also gives the state Ethics Commission the power to interpret and enforce campaign finance laws, issue advisory opinions, issue penalties for inaccurate reports, and hear appeals of penalties levied by the secretary of state or local probate office.
California – Businesses with Stake in California Politics Utilize Capitol Grounds
Sacramento Bee – Jeremy White | Published: 6/7/2015
Advocacy outside the Capitol building is part of the daily rhythm of California politics. On any given day, interest groups organize rallies on the steps or lawn to promote or condemn bills, often with legislators urging participants on. By contrast, corporate-sponsored events are often free of any explicit legislative focus. But the vents do offer increased visibility and exposure to policymakers and their staff. Any such occasion serves a dual purpose, said political consultant Steven Maviglio. “It’s always the carrot-and-stick approach: the lobbyists do the heavy lifting inside the building, and the soft and cuddly stuff is on the outside,” Maviglio said.
Hawaii – Contractor Campaign Contributions Raise Concerns of Corruption
Honolulu Civil Beat – Nick Grube | Published: 6/10/2015
The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the Hawaii law that bans government contractors from donating to candidates. But the state cannot block individuals from contributing to campaigns, even if they own a company that has ongoing contracts with state and local governments. The same rule applies to top executives, employees, and family members of government contractors. Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission Executive Director Kristin Izumi-Nitao said such contributions are lawful as long as they are within legal limits and the money does not come directly from the company’s treasury, such as through a reimbursement or end-of-year bonus. “That’s why you see a lot of these business owners giving from their own pocket,” Izumi-Nitao said.
Hawaii – Ethics Director Survives Political Challenge
Honolulu Civil Beat – Ian Lind | Published: 6/10/2015
The Hawaii Ethics Commission took no action against Les Kondo, the panel’s executive director, after completing an evaluation of his job performance stemming from recent criticism that his office has overstepped its bounds in enforcing ethics rules. After three-and-a-half hours behind closed doors in executive session, the commission emerged to announce it had completed its evaluation and that further reviews would be conducted in the future as situations arise.
Massachusetts – Baker, State GOP’s Use of Federal Funds Questioned
Boston Globe – Frank Phillips | Published: 5/8/2015
Since Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker took office in January, his campaign committee has used the state Republican Party’s staff and its headquarters to solicit, collect, and organize donations at events to bulk up his depleted political account, according to several party officials and others involved in the fundraising for the governor. This is despite a 1998 Massachusetts law banning the use of federal funds for state political activities. Watchdogs say the practice of using federal funds is contrary to the statute’s purpose of ensuring only money raised and disclosed according to state laws is used to influence state elections.
New York – Carl Heastie’s Campaign Spending Blurs Line between Political and Personal
New York Times – Russ Buettner | Published: 6/8/2015
New York Assemblyperson Carl Heastie’s campaign spending received little attention during his first 14 years in office. But in February, he became speaker, one of the most powerful positions in state government. Heastie pledged to enact ethics reform, but a review of his campaign disclosure records suggests he has frequently used political donations to burnish his lifestyle. In addition to keeping his car in good repair, his campaign money has been used to cover expensive restaurant and nightclub bills, evenings in a karaoke bar with his staff, and tickets to football games. State law prohibits the use of campaign funds for personal purposes. A Heastie spokesperson said the speaker had always followed the applicable laws and all of the spending in question was for legitimate political purposes.
Pennsylvania – Fourth Defendant in Sting Case Pleads Guilty
Philadelphia Inquirer – Angela Couloumbis and Craig McCoy | Published: 6/8/2015
Pennsylvania Rep. Michelle Brownlee pleaded guilty to accepting money from an undercover informant who videotaped the conversations in a bribery-related probe. Brownlee, of Philadelphia, became the fourth official to admit to taking money or gifts in return for official acts in the investigation. She pleaded guilty to a conflict-of-interest charge, was sentenced to 18 months of probation, and agreed to resign her House seat. Brownlee admitted to accepting $2,000 wrapped in a napkin while providing the informant posing as a lobbyist special access to her office.
Rhode Island – Ex-RI House Speaker Fox Gets 3 Years in Prison
Providence Journal – Katie Mulvaney | Published: 6/11/2015
Former Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox was sentenced to three years in federal prison on charges of bribery, wire fraud, and filing a false tax return. The judge also ordered him to pay $109,000 in restitution. Fox was accused of taking $52,000 bribe to help grant a liquor license to Shark Sushi Bar and Grill while he a member of the Providence Board of Licenses. He was also accused of using campaign funds to pay for personal expenses such as his mortgage, car loan payments, and American Express payments for purchases at stores such as Tiffany’s and Urban Outfitters.
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.
On June 10, the Colorado Secretary of State posted notice of the permanent adoption of amendments to campaign finance rules. The rules concerning campaign and political finance have been recodified to improve the administration and enforcement of state campaign finance […]
On June 10, the Colorado Secretary of State posted notice of the permanent adoption of amendments to campaign finance rules. The rules concerning campaign and political finance have been recodified to improve the administration and enforcement of state campaign finance law.
Specifically, the rule revisions clarify and simplify the rules, remove language duplicative of statute, and ensure consistency with department rulemaking standards. The rules were considered at a rulemaking hearing on May 21. All amendments will become effective 20 days after they are published in the Colorado Register.
June 11, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying Rhode Island: “RI’s Biggest Spending Special Interest Groups at the Statehouse” by Stephen Beale for GoLocalProv.com Campaign Finance “The IRS Chief’s Mistake about ‘Dark Money’” by Miriam Galston for Washington Post Ethics Florida: “Ethics Panel: Carroll misreported income” by […]
Lobbying
Rhode Island: “RI’s Biggest Spending Special Interest Groups at the Statehouse” by Stephen Beale for GoLocalProv.com
Campaign Finance
“The IRS Chief’s Mistake about ‘Dark Money’” by Miriam Galston for Washington Post
Ethics
Florida: “Ethics Panel: Carroll misreported income” by Brandon Larrabee (News Service of Florida) for Tallahassee Democrat
Florida: “Ex-Congressman’s Top Aide to plead Guilty to Breaking Election Law” by Jay Weaver for Miami Herald
Hawaii: “Ethics Director Survives Political Challenge” by Ian Lind for Honolulu Civil Beat
Elections
“Eyeing 2016, G.O.P Embraces Digital Strategies, but Doubts Persist” by Ashley Parker for New York Times
“How Jeb Bush’s Campaign Ran off Course before It Even Began” by Ed O’Keefe and Robert Costa for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
“Sen. Johnny Isakson Discloses He Has Parkinson’s Disease” by Mike DeBonis for Washington Post
Maine: “Closed Door: Legislators conducting public business in private despite state’s open meeting law” by John Christie (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for Pine Tree Watchdog
June 10, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Did Obama’s Pick to Head Navy Break Lobbying Law?” by Austin Wright and Philip Ewing for Politico Louisiana: “What Good Do Lobbyist Reporting Laws Do without Enforcement” by the Editorial Board for New Orleans Times-Picayune Pennsylvania: “Bill to Ban […]
Lobbying
“Did Obama’s Pick to Head Navy Break Lobbying Law?” by Austin Wright and Philip Ewing for Politico
Louisiana: “What Good Do Lobbyist Reporting Laws Do without Enforcement” by the Editorial Board for New Orleans Times-Picayune
Pennsylvania: “Bill to Ban Contingent-Fee Lobbying Advances” by Staff for Chadds Ford Live
Campaign Finance
“How Democratic or Republican Is Your Job? This Tool Tells You.” by Philip Bump for Washington Post
“Shaun McCutcheon Blew Up Campaign-Finance Law and Became a GOP Hero. Then He Set His Sights on Paris Hilton.” by Luke Mullins for Washingtonian Magazine
Alaska: “Alaska Campaign Finance Watchdog Drops Charlo Greene Investigation” by Suzanna Caldwell for Alaska Dispatch News
California: “Ethics Panel Orders S.F. Supervisor to Pay $181,000 Fine” by John Wildermuth for San Francisco Chronicle
California: “Azano Says Finance Law Unconstitutional” by Kristina Davis for San Diego Union Tribune
Ethics
“Hastert Allegations Cast New Light on His Speakership” by Todd Purdum for Politico
“Dennis Hastert Pleads Not Guilty in Chicago Court” by Monica Davey for New York Times
New York: “Schneiderman’s Evolution on Ethics” by David King for Gotham Gazette
Elections
“Pollsters Fret Looming Robocall Restrictions” by Mario Trujillo for The Hill
June 9, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying California: “Businesses with Stake in California Politics Utilize Capitol Grounds” by Jeremy White for Sacramento Bee Campaign Finance “Two FEC Officials Implore Agency to Curb 2016 Election Abuse” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today “Why So Many Women Are […]
Lobbying
California: “Businesses with Stake in California Politics Utilize Capitol Grounds” by Jeremy White for Sacramento Bee
Campaign Finance
“Two FEC Officials Implore Agency to Curb 2016 Election Abuse” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
“Why So Many Women Are Raising Money for Hillary Clinton” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Delaware: “Bill Would Increase Campaign Donation Limits” by Jonathan Starkey for Wilmington News Journal
Massachusetts: “Baker, State GOP’s Use of Federal Funds Questioned” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe
New York: “Carl Heastie’s Campaign Spending Blurs Line between Political and Personal” by Russ Buettner for New York Times
Ethics
“Dennis Hastert Rushed to Make Money as Payouts Grew” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
New Jersey: “Ex-Official Says Chris Christie Broke Grand Jury Law” by Kate Zernike for New York Times
Pennsylvania: “Fourth Defendant in Sting Case Pleads Guilty” by Angela Couloumbis and Craig McCoy for Philadelphia Inquirer
Legislative Issues
“Divided Legislatures Produce Gridlock, Not Compromise” by Alan Greenblatt for Governing
Indiana: “House Lawmakers Move to Shield Communications from Public” by The Associated Press for Indianapolis Business Journal
June 8, 2015 •
Jurisdictions Added to Our Website
The number of municipalities and regional governments our research associates track continues to grow. We now cover almost 300 municipalities and local governments. This is part of a continuous effort to better serve the needs of our clients. In that […]
The number of municipalities and regional governments our research associates track continues to grow. We now cover almost 300 municipalities and local governments. This is part of a continuous effort to better serve the needs of our clients.
In that effort, we have recently added abridged jurisdictions to our website. These entries, condensed due to the limited number of relevant local laws, provide the core information our clients need for their government relations work.
The new jurisdictions are:
Fairbanks, Alaska
Roanoke, Virginia
San Luis Obispo County, California
June 8, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Senator Would Limit Lobbyist Money That Fueled Liberal Allies” by Carrie Levine and Michael Beckel for Center for Public Integrity Illinois: “Rauner Tells Agency Heads to Give Lobbyists the Boot” by Rich Miller for Reboot Illinois Campaign Finance “Kevin […]
Lobbying
“Senator Would Limit Lobbyist Money That Fueled Liberal Allies” by Carrie Levine and Michael Beckel for Center for Public Integrity
Illinois: “Rauner Tells Agency Heads to Give Lobbyists the Boot” by Rich Miller for Reboot Illinois
Campaign Finance
“Kevin McCarthy’s Flair for Fundraising Fuels His Swift Rise to Power in House” by Noah Bierman and Evan Halper for Los Angeles Times
Arizona: “Secretary of State to Fight Clean Elections over Fine” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) for Arizona Daily Star
California: “Ex-L.A. Council Candidate Fined for Fraudulent Bid for Matching Funds” by Jean Merl for Los Angeles Times
Ethics
California: “Industry Sues Former Mayor, Alleging ‘Extensive Public Corruption’” by Frank Shyong for Los Angeles Times
New York: “A Political Survivor under Investigation” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Oregon: “Ethics Reform: House OKs bill declaring governor’s partner a public official” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian
Texas: “Abbott Wants Lawmakers Willing to ‘Fight for Ethics’” by Dave Montgomery for Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Virginia: “Lawmakers Need a Raise, Governor’s Ethics Panel Says” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) for Washington Times
Elections
“O’Malley Attacks Big Banks, Political Dynasties in Launching Uphill 2016 Bid” by John Wagner for Washington Post
“Rick Perry, Shrugging Off 2012, Announces He Will Run Again for President” by Manny Fernandez for New York Times
“Lincoln Chafee to Run for President” by David Jackson for USA Today
On June 2, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennett introduced Senate Bill 1480, The Lobbying and Campaign Finance Reform Act. According to Bennett’s press release, SB 1480 prohibits solicitations of campaign contributions from lobbyists when Congress is in session, eliminates lobbyist bundling […]
On June 2, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennett introduced Senate Bill 1480, The Lobbying and Campaign Finance Reform Act.
According to Bennett’s press release, SB 1480 prohibits solicitations of campaign contributions from lobbyists when Congress is in session, eliminates lobbyist bundling of large contributions, and amends the lobbying registration process to require a lobbyist to register if he or she makes two or more lobbying contacts for a client over a two-year period regardless of whether the lobbyist spends more than 20 percent of his or her time serving the particular client.
June 5, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 5, 2015
National: Poll Shows Americans Favor an Overhaul of Campaign Financing New York Times – Nicholas Confessore and Megan Thee-Brenan | Published: 6/2/2015 A new poll showed both Democrats and Republicans favor an overhaul of campaign finance laws, including limiting the amount […]
National:
Poll Shows Americans Favor an Overhaul of Campaign Financing
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore and Megan Thee-Brenan | Published: 6/2/2015
A new poll showed both Democrats and Republicans favor an overhaul of campaign finance laws, including limiting the amount of money that can be spent by super PACs and forcing more public disclosure on organizations now permitted to intervene in elections without disclosing the names of their donors. A majority also reject the argument that political money is a form of speech protected by the First Amendment. More than four in five Americans say money plays too great a role in campaigns, while two-thirds say the wealthy have more of a chance to influence the elections process than the average citizen.
The Murky (and Apparently Widespread) Use of License Plates as Political Favors
Washington Post – Amber Phillips | Published: 6/2/2015
In several states, low-number license plates – the less numerals, the better – are a way to show off someone’s political connections. That is because you cannot just walk into a Departments of Motor Vehicles and request one; you have to know someone to give you the plate. Then-New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu credits his distribution of the desirable license plates with helping George H.W. Bush win the state in a competitive 1988 Republican primary.
Federal:
Dennis Hastert’s Lobbying Firm Reeling after Indictment
Politico – Tarini Parti and Anna Palmer | Published: 6/4/2015
Former U.S. House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert resigned his job as co-leader of Dickstein Shapiro’s public policy and political law practice in the wake of his indictment for lying to federal investigators about structured cash withdrawals to an individual “in order to compensate for and conceal his prior misconduct.” Dickstein Shapiro is already scrambling to rebuild amid a client exodus, tumbling lobbying revenue, and high-profile departures. Some expressed doubts about the firm’s ability to right the ship. “It is going to make clients scratch their heads how does this kind of stuff, particularly at a law firm, go unnoticed and unchecked,” said a managing partner at a Washington law firm. “They’ve already lost a significant number of partners, and now they have a failing management structure allowing allegedly criminal activity under its nose ….”
Payments by Hastert Linked to Report of Sexual Abuse
New York Times – Michael Shear and Michael Schmidt | Published: 5/28/2015
Former U.S. House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert was paying a man to not say publicly that Hastert had sexually abused him, according to sources briefed on the evidence uncovered in an FBI investigation into the payments. Federal prosecutors indicted Hastert on allegations he made cash withdrawals designed to hide those payments and for lying to federal authorities about the purpose of the withdrawals. The man, who was not identified in court papers, told the FBI he had been molested by Hastert when Hastert was a high school teacher and wrestling coach.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alaska – Juneau APOC Office Skeletal after Cuts
Peninsula Chronicle – Katie Moritz (Morris News Service) | Published: 6/1/2015
The Juneau office of the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC), which is responsible for holding the state’s approximately 135 lobbyists financially accountable, took a crippling budget hit from lawmakers when it was dealt a cut that eliminated both existing full-time positions. When the new fiscal year begins, the current part-time assistant will become the one full-time employee in the office. Leslie Ridle, deputy commissioner of the Department of Administration, said she does not think one staff member in Juneau and seven staff statewide is enough to handle APOC’s workload or uphold its mission.
California – Law Students Propose Bill to Close Lucrative Capitol Lobbying Loophole
Los Angeles Times – Melanie Mason | Published: 6/2/2015
Three law students have sponsored a bill that would designate as lobbying the act of communicating with government officials in hopes of influencing how they spend taxpayers’ money on goods and services, and require lobbyists to publicly disclose that activity. Assembly Bill 1200 would cast sunlight into an opaque and lucrative corner of lobbying. The students did research, drafted bill language, and shopped for a legislator to carry their proposal.California Assemblyperson Richard Gordon became its official author. “When the students came to me and said, ‘do you realize there is this loophole that allows folks to lobby relative to contracting?’ I said you’ve got to be kidding me,” Gordon said.
Colorado – High-Powered Attorneys, Lobbyists Give Big to Denver Candidates
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 5/31/2015
A Denver Post analysis of $4.1 million given to candidates in the run-up to Denver’s municipal elections found at least $290,000 came from attorneys and lobbyists. Another $159,000 was donated by individuals involved in development or real estate. That industry is booming in Denver but has been at the center of one of the election’s biggest issues – the pace of development. Unions, city contractors, and business associations also contributed heavily to candidates. Watchdogs say such hefty direct donations from big interests point to a need for tighter contribution limits in Denver, or some kind of public financing that might amplify the impact of contributions from small donors.
Connecticut – Senate Democrats Reject Campaign Finance Overhaul
Hartford Courant – Jenny Wilson | Published: 6/2/2015
The Connecticut Senate rejected a House-approved bill that would have imposed limits on how much state parties can spend to support a publicly funded campaign. The legislation also would have reduced the maximum contribution that individuals could give to state parties to $5,000. The measure was a direct response to the state Democratic Party spending over $1 million last year to support the campaigns of Sen. Ted Kennedy, Jr. and Gov. Dannel Malloy, who were both participating in the Citizen’s Election Program.
Hawaii – Antiquated Law Spares Lobbyists in Honolulu Ethics Scandal
Honolulu Civil Beat – Nick Grube | Published: 6/1/2015
Nestor Garcia, a former Honolulu City Council member, agreed to pay an $8,100 fine after the Ethics Commission found evidence he illegally accepted free meals and golf from lobbyists. The commission said Garcia failed to disclose a conflict-of-interest on a number of bills and resolutions that affected the lobbyists’ interests. But amid the growing scandal, lobbyists have come out relatively unscathed. There has been little scrutiny of their actions, and it is doubtful there will be any punitive action taken against them. Honolulu Ethics Commission Executive Director Chuck Totto would like to update the ethics code on lobbyist gift-giving, but does not have the staff to the handle that extra workload.
New York – How Lobbying in Albany Works
New Yorker – Chris Smith | Published: 5/28/2015
With the recent indictments of the leaders of the New York Assembly and Senate, lobbyists could have even more influence in shaping public policy. But lobbyists usually try to stay under the radar, so their day-to-day activities are often unclear. In an interview, a prominent lobbyist in Albany gave an inside view of his profession.
Pennsylvania – City Council Gives Initial Thumbs Up to New Rules on Independent PACs
KYW – Mike Dunn | Published: 5/29/2015
A Philadelphia City Council committee approved a bill authored by the city’s Board of Ethics that would impose new reporting requirements on independent PACs and non-profits that spend money in support of a candidate. The legislation would affect any person, political committee, or non-profit that spends more than $5,000 within 50 days of an election. They would face four reporting deadlines within the 50 day pre-election period, and they would have to list all funding received and expenditures made, not just the spending that triggered the filing.
Pennsylvania – Two More Dems Plead Guilty in Sting Case
Philadelphia Inquirer – Angela Couloumbis and Craig McCoy | Published: 6/1/2015
A state lawmaker and an ex-representative, both Philadelphia Democrats, pleaded guilty to criminal charges stemming from a bribery scandal. Rep. Ron Waters pleaded guilty to nine conflict-of-interest counts. He resigned his seat and will serve 23 months on probation. Former Rep. Harold James pleaded guilty to a single count of conflict-of-interest and received 12 months of probation. The cases were built on secret recordings by an informant posing as a lobbyist, who offered cash or gifts in exchange for promises of official favors. The investigation had been a secret until it was reported that Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane had decided against pursuing it. Kane inherited the case from her predecessors and she attacked it as too fatally flawed to win convictions.
Texas – Overhaul of Scandal-Torn State-Contracting System Wins Final Approval
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – Dave Montgomery | Published: 6/1/2015
Texas lawmakers approved a bill aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in state contracts. The legislation prohibits conflicts-of-interest between agency heads and vendors, strengthens top-level supervision in the awarding of contracts, and increases scrutiny of vendor performance in carrying out the contracts. Agencies would also be required to post on their websites any noncompetitively bid contract along with the statutory justification for why it was awarded. The bill would require an agency board to approve any contract over $1 million.
Vermont – Condos Pitches Ethics Commission in Wake of Impropriety Allegations
VTDigger.org – Anne Galloway | Published: 6/3/2015
Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos is calling for the establishment of a state ethics commission. The Center for Public Integrity in 2012 gave Vermont an overall grade of “D+” for its ethics laws. It was “in large part because we do not have an authoritative ethics commission or the required financial disclosures existing in nearly every other state,” Condos wrote in his proposal. He said his office has no authority to investigate or enforce against such problems, and the people complaining often ended up feeling frustrated and increasingly cynical.
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.
June 4, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying California: “California Senate OKs Scaled-Down Travel Disclosure Bill” by Judy Lin (Associated Press) for Santa Cruz Sentinel California: “Law Students Propose Bill to Close Lucrative Capitol Lobbying Loophole” by Melanie Mason for Los Angeles Times Hawaii: “Antiquated Law Spares […]
Lobbying
California: “California Senate OKs Scaled-Down Travel Disclosure Bill” by Judy Lin (Associated Press) for Santa Cruz Sentinel
California: “Law Students Propose Bill to Close Lucrative Capitol Lobbying Loophole” by Melanie Mason for Los Angeles Times
Hawaii: “Antiquated Law Spares Lobbyists in Honolulu Ethics Scandal” by Nick Grube for Honolulu Civil Beat
New Jersey: “ELEC Report Reveals Healthcare Most Heavily Lobbied Sector in New Jersey” by Andrew Kitchenman for NJ Spotlight
New York: “How Lobbying in Albany Works” by Chris Smith for New Yorker
Campaign Finance
Colorado: “High-Powered Attorneys, Lobbyists Give Big to Denver Candidates” by Jon Murray for Denver Post
Connecticut: “Senate Democrats Reject Campaign Finance Overhaul” by Jenny Wilson for Hartford Courant
Ethics
Alaska: “Juneau APOC Office Skeletal after Cuts” by Katie Moritz (Morris News Service) for Peninsula Chronicle
Oregon: “House Unanimously Passes Kate Brown’s Plan to Remake Oregon Ethics Panel” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian
South Carolina: “Former State Senator Robert Ford Gets No Jail Times” by John Monk for The State
Texas: “Abbott Gets Bill Limiting Ethics Disclosures” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Vermont: “Condos Pitches Ethics Commission in Wake of Impropriety Allegations” by Anne Galloway for VTDigger.org
Procurement
Texas: “Overhaul of Scandal-Torn State-Contracting System Wins Final Approval” by Dave Montgomery for Fort Worth Star-Telegram
June 2, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Feds have few tools to track foreign lobbying” by Julian Hattem in The Hill. “Squire Patton Boggs turns 1” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Hastert’s Lobbying Firm Rocked by His Indictment” by […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“Feds have few tools to track foreign lobbying” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
“Squire Patton Boggs turns 1” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Hastert’s Lobbying Firm Rocked by His Indictment” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
Kansas: “Kansas Lawmakers Approve Changes In Election, Lobbying Laws” by The Associated Press on KMUW Witchita Public Radio.
Campaign Finance
“Poll Shows Americans Favor Overhaul of Campaign Financing” by Nicholas Confessore and Megan Thee-Brenan in The New York Times.
“Why States’ Campaign Donation Limits Could Be in Jeopardy” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.
Ethics
“Hastert to appear before judge who donated to campaign” by Michael Tarm and Sara Burnett (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.
“Dennis Hastert’s abrupt fall from college prestige” by Tarini Parti in Politico.
Pennsylvania: “2 Philadelphia Democrats Plead Guilty in Sting Case” by Angela Couloumbis and Craig R. McCoy in Governing.
Redistricting
Texas: “U.S. Supreme Court Takes On Texas Redistricting Case” by Patrick Svitek in Governing.
Government Tech
“Should Governments Trademark Twitter Hashtags?” by Brian Heaton in GovTech.
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