February 9, 2015 •
FEC Hearing Concerning McCutcheon Decision Scheduled for Wednesday
On February 11, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) will hold a public hearing regarding proposed rules in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in McCutcheon v. FEC. More than 30 witnesses have been scheduled to testify, including James Bopp, […]
On February 11, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) will hold a public hearing regarding proposed rules in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in McCutcheon v. FEC.
More than 30 witnesses have been scheduled to testify, including James Bopp, Jr. and Dan Backer, counsels for the McCutcheon case, and Shaun McCutcheon himself. A complete list of scheduled witnesses is available here.
The hearing, scheduled to begin at 8:15 a.m., is expected to last until at least 4:00 p.m.
February 9, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying New Mexico: “GOP Leaders Says Former Speaker Gave Office Space to Lobbyist” by Patrick Malone (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Las Cruces Sun-News Campaign Finance “Helena-Based Campaign Finance-Tracking Group Gets Prestigious $1M Grant” in The Missoulian “Big Business Crushed […]
Lobbying
New Mexico: “GOP Leaders Says Former Speaker Gave Office Space to Lobbyist” by Patrick Malone (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Las Cruces Sun-News
Campaign Finance
“Helena-Based Campaign Finance-Tracking Group Gets Prestigious $1M Grant” in The Missoulian
“Big Business Crushed Ballot Measures in 2014” by Liz Essley White for Center for Public Integrity
“The Secret World of a Well-Paid ‘Donor Adviser’ in Politics” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times
Illinois: “Ald. Deb Mell Hit with Complaint over Free Rent Provided by Dad Dick Mell” by Ted Cox for DNAinfo.com
Montana: “Bullock, Ankney Outline Campaign Finance Reform Bill” by Charles Johnson for Montana Standard
Utah: “Politicians May Be Giving Contributions to Charity in the Future” by Amy McDonald for Provo Daily Herald
Ethics
Arkansas: “Lawmakers Favor Expanded Ethics Panel” by Michael Wickline for ArkansasOnline.com
Hawaii: “Hawaii Ethics Commission Fines Current and Former State Workers over Free Golf” by The Associated Press for Fox News
New York: “Malcolm Smith, Ex-New York Senate Chief, Is Convicted of Corruption” by Tanzina Vega for New York Times
South Dakota: “Ethics Commission Killed by House Republicans” by Bob Mercer for Rapid City Journal
February 6, 2015 •
Federal Judge Strikes Down Wisconsin Campaign Finance Provisions
U.S. District Court Judge Charles Clevert ruled several portions of Wisconsin’s campaign finance laws unconstitutional. The court permanently enjoined the state from enforcing campaign finance laws against groups discussing candidates. Those laws, however, continue to be enforceable against express advocacy. […]
U.S. District Court Judge Charles Clevert ruled several portions of Wisconsin’s campaign finance laws unconstitutional. The court permanently enjoined the state from enforcing campaign finance laws against groups discussing candidates. Those laws, however, continue to be enforceable against express advocacy.
The court also struck down attribution and disclaimer requirements as applied to radio speech 30 seconds or shorter and enjoined enforcement of limits on what organizations could spend to solicit contributions to their own political committees.
February 6, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 6, 2015
National: National Donors Pick Winners in State Elections Center for Public Integrity – Ben Weider | Published: 1/28/2015 National political organizations, such as the Republican Governors Association, gave significantly more money than political parties, unions, corporations, or wealthy individuals to influence […]
National:
National Donors Pick Winners in State Elections
Center for Public Integrity – Ben Weider | Published: 1/28/2015
National political organizations, such as the Republican Governors Association, gave significantly more money than political parties, unions, corporations, or wealthy individuals to influence state-level campaigns. The contributions went beyond races for governor. The funds made their way into lower-ballot contests such as attorney general, Supreme Court justice, and state legislator. The national groups also cropped up on the lists of the biggest donors in most states, outgiving homegrown political players in a sign that all politics may now be national. They also were more successful in backing winners than most donors, becoming the de facto kingmakers of state politics.
Federal:
Measles Prove Delicate Issue to GOP Field
New York Times – Jeremy Peters and Richard Pérez-Peña | Published: 2/2/2015
As the latest measles outbreak raises alarm, and parents who have decided not to vaccinate their children face growing pressure to do so, the national debate is forcing the Republican Party’s 2016 presidential hopefuls to confront questions about whether it is in the public’s interest to allow parents to decide for themselves. The controversy is a twist on an old problem for the GOP: how to approach matters that have largely been settled among scientists but are not widely accepted by conservatives. It is a dance Republican candidates often do when they hedge their answers about whether evolution should be taught in schools, for example.
The Surprising Power of Blue-State Republicans
New York Times – Nate Cohn | Published: 1/30/2015
How does the Republican Party, seemingly dominated by the South, energized by the tea party, and elected by conservative voters also consistently support relatively moderate presidential nominees such as John McCain and Mitt Romney? The answer is the blue-state Republicans. They make it far harder for a very conservative candidate to win the GOP nomination than the party’s reputation suggests. They also give a candidate who might seem somewhat out of touch with today’s Republican Party, like Jeb Bush, a larger base of potential support than is commonly thought.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Oil Industry Doubled Spending on Lobbying in California Last Year
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 2/4/2015
The oil industry nearly doubled its spending on lobbying in California last year as the January 1, 2015, date approached for gasoline to be included in the state’s cap-and-trade program. That increase in expenditures was part of a larger trend in 2014 that saw interest groups spend more on lobbying in California than ever before. Overall, spending on lobbying was up four percent, with interest groups pouring a combined $293.7 million into lobbying state government.
Massachusetts – State Senator’s Lavish Gift Raises Concerns on Ethics
Boston Globe – Andrea Estes | Published: 1/30/2015
Massachusetts Sen. Brian Joyce is under scrutiny for the expensive sunglasses he gave out as gifts to his colleagues during the holidays. Joyce gave everyone in the 40-member state Senate gold-plated designer sunglasses, customized with each senator’s name engraved on the side. But the glasses that retail for more than $200 may violate state ethics rules for the cut-rate price Joyce paid for them. He originally negotiated a price of just $50 per pair from the manufacturer. Politicians, according to state ethics rules, are not supposed to receive discounts not available to others.
Missouri – Ethics Amendment Sponsor Sees Little Chance for Effective Action by Lawmakers
Columbia Daily Tribune – Rudi Keller | Published: 2/3/2015
Debates over lobbying and campaign finance rules have a much higher profile this year in Missouri. Leaders in both chambers have said the issue is a top priority, but they differ on how far lawmakers must go. Some members want to ban lobbyist gifts, some want limits, and others want faster, more precise reporting. Sen. Rob Schaaf said a proposed constitutional amendment to ban lobbyist gifts and impose limits on political contributions will serve as the template for an initiative petition drive if lawmakers do not put it on the ballot themselves.
Missouri – Missouri Lawmakers’ Steady Shift to Lobbying Raises Concerns with Critics
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 2/1/2015
Registered lobbyists outnumber lawmakers in Jefferson City by almost five-to-one. Over the last decade, as voter-imposed term limits began driving elected officials out of office, lobbyists’ ranks have swelled with former legislators and staff cashing in on their expertise and connections. To critics, that erodes public trust and runs the risk of corrupting policy. It fuels a perception that lawmakers are casting votes to curry favor with potential future employers. Congress and at least 32 states have laws in place limiting when legislators can return to lobby their former colleagues; Missouri is not among them.
Nevada – When Do Lawmakers’ Day Jobs Become Conflicts of Interest?
Las Vegas Sun – Kyle Roerink | Published: 2/3/2015
Nevada’s citizen Legislature will inherently pose potential conflicts in a state where just a few industries – gaming, mining, insurance, and construction – have hefty influence. Nevada is one of 16 part-time Legislatures that offer low pay and small staffs, forcing most lawmakers to have full-time employment. Those day jobs, for many elected to office, are in fields overlapping with politics. State law requires lawmakers to recuse themselves from participating in debates if they have significant financial interests or received substantial gifts that could be perceived as swaying their judgment. Nevada’s ethics commission does not have jurisdiction in such matters. Only lawmakers can choose to address those issues within the Legislature’s ethics committees.
New Jersey – Christie’s Overseas Travel Funded by Firms That Do Business with N.J.
Bergen Record – Shawn Boburg and Hugh Morley | Published: 1/31/2015
Created at the behest of Gov. Chris Christie in 2010 to promote business and job growth in the state, Choose New Jersey funded Christie’s recent trip to England with backing from public utilities, labor unions, law firms, and contractors, some that have received multimillion-dollar contracts and tax breaks from the state. The donors also regularly send lobbyists to Trenton to advance their business interests in front of key lawmakers, including the governor. The arrangement is legal, but watchdog groups say it raises questions about whether Christie is benefiting politically from the largesse of firms that have a financial stake in decisions made at the Capitol.
New York – 6 Days That Felled Sheldon Silver, the Speaker Who Ruled Albany for Decades
New York Times – Jesse McKinley, Thomas Kaplan, Susanne Craig, and William Rashbaum | Published: 1/28/2015
The six-day, slow-motion toppling of New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver began with his arrest on January 22 and culminated when Democrats said Silver would be replaced for the betterment of a chamber repeatedly buffeted by prosecutions, convictions, and sexual harassment scandals. Interviews with more than a dozen legislators indicate it was a idealistic new wave of Assembly members who helped galvanize opposition to Silver, prodded a loyal old guard, and cleared the way for an election of a new speaker and, they hoped, a new start.
Oregon – Cylvia Hayes Scandal: Kitzhaber associates helped create jobs for her that had Oregon influence in mind
Portland Oregonian – Nick Budnick and Laura Gunderson | Published: 2/3/2015
Associates of Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber helped to create jobs for fiancée and first lady Cylvia Hayes, work that influenced state policy on energy. Hayes’ calendar shows she held the paid posts simultaneously as she served as an unpaid energy adviser inside Kitzhaber’s office. One of the jobs paid her $5,000 for five months after Kitzhaber started his third term. The second was a fellowship that paid $118,000 over two years. The Portland Oregonian reported both jobs involved foundations and organizations with direct interest in state policy making.
Pennsylvania – Former Pennsylvania Treasurer to Plead Guilty to Extortion in Deal with Federal Prosecutors
Greenfield Daily Reporter – Marc Levy (Associated Press) | Published: 2/2/2015
Former Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord could face as many as 40 years in prison and be fined up to $500,000 if he follows through on a tentative plea agreement to resolve charges he tried to extort campaign contributions. McCord is accused of using threats to squeeze contributions from a law firm and a property management company to help finance his failed 2014 campaign for governor. McCord had been midway through his second term as treasurer when he resigned on January 30.
Virginia – Ethics Reforms Advance in Virginia Legislature
Washington Post – Rachel Weiner and Jenna Portnoy | Published: 2/5/2015
A Virginia House subcommittee and a state Senate committee advanced legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s ethics laws. The bills would reduce the current $250 cap on gifts to public officials to $100 and remove the distinction between tangible and intangible gifts such as travel, meals, and entertainment. But Republicans who control the General Assembly remain at odds with Gov. Terry McAuliffe over the best way for the state to monitor the rules on conflicts-of-interest.
Washington – Lawmakers Grouse about Free Meals Rule
Tacoma News Tribune – Jordan Schrader | Published: 1/29/2015
Washington lawmakers are complaining about a new limit of 12 free meals they are allowed to take from lobbyists, saying it does not just impugn their integrity, it is also confusing. “All of us have tried to navigate the maze of what is [considered] a meal,” Sen. Marko Liias said during hearings on the subject. Sen. Brian Hatfield’s bill would apply the limit only to meals worth more than $50. Many meals that are drawing questions would fall below that standard, which is already the threshold for what lawmakers are supposed to disclose on financial forms.
Wisconsin – Federal Judge’s Judgment Takes John Doe Probe off Life Support
WisconsinReporter.com – M.D. Kittle | Published: 2/1/2015
A federal judge ordered state election officials to post links to decisions striking down swaths of Wisconsin’s campaign finance laws on its website. A federal appeals court struck down state laws banning independent political spending by corporations to support or oppose candidates and capping corporations’ political donations. The court also struck down Government Accountability Board (GAB) rules that imposed reporting requirements for groups that make independent political expenditures. U.S. District Court Judge Charles Clevert issued a permanent injunction codifying the appellate ruling. The injunction orders the GAB to post links to the court decisions and keep them active for four years.
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.
February 5, 2015 •
Facing Federal Charges, Pennsylvania Treasurer Steps Down
Rob McCord, Pennsylvania’s state treasurer, has resigned amid a federal investigation. After serving for six years in the elected position, McCord announced plans to plead guilty to charges of using his office to threaten potential campaign donors hoping to continue […]
Rob McCord, Pennsylvania’s state treasurer, has resigned amid a federal investigation.
After serving for six years in the elected position, McCord announced plans to plead guilty to charges of using his office to threaten potential campaign donors hoping to continue doing business with the commonwealth. It is unknown exactly what the charges will be, as is whether or not McCord will face jail time.
Gov. Tom Wolf will now nominate someone to serve the remaining two years of McCord’s term.
Photo of Rob McCord by Ruhrfisch on Wikimedia Commons.
February 5, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Top Frankfort Lobbyists Make Big Money … VERY Big” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal Missouri: “Ethics Amendment Sponsor Sees Little Chance for Effective Action by Lawmakers” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune Campaign Finance “Capitalizing on a […]
Lobbying
“Top Frankfort Lobbyists Make Big Money … VERY Big” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal
Missouri: “Ethics Amendment Sponsor Sees Little Chance for Effective Action by Lawmakers” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
Campaign Finance
“Capitalizing on a Political Contribution Cap Hike” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity
California: “San Diego County Supervisors Put Caps on Campaign Spending” by City News Service for KPBS
Ethics
“Obama Administration Seeks to Negotiate Medicare Drug Prices” by David Morgan for Reuters
Nevada: “When Do Lawmakers’ Day Jobs Become Conflicts of Interest?” by Kyle Roerink for Las Vegas Sun
New York: “State Ethics Panel Seeks More Clout, Leeway” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union
New York: “New York City Councilman Arrested on Corruption Charges” by Nikita Stewart for New York Times
Oregon: “Cylvia Hayes Scandal: Kitzhaber associates helped create jobs for her that had Oregon influence in mind” by Nick Budnick and Laura Gunderson for Portland Oregonian
Pennsylvania: “After Rapid Rise, Pennsylvania Attorney General Faces Sharp Fall” by Jennifer Steinhauer for New York Times
Elections
“The Surprising Power of Blue-State Republicans” by Nate Cohn for New York Times
February 4, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Campaign Finance North Carolina: “Audit: Elections board spent nearly $1 million for nothing” by Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News & Observer Wisconsin: “Federal Judge’s Judgment Takes John Doe Probe off Life Support” by M.D. Kittle for WisconsinReporter.com Ethics “How Did […]
Campaign Finance
North Carolina: “Audit: Elections board spent nearly $1 million for nothing” by Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News & Observer
Wisconsin: “Federal Judge’s Judgment Takes John Doe Probe off Life Support” by M.D. Kittle for WisconsinReporter.com
Ethics
“How Did Politics Get So Personal?” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times
“How and Why Retired Politicians Get Lucrative Appointments on Corporate Boards” by Maxwell Palmer and Benjamin Schneer for Washington Post
California: “California’s Top Political Ethics Cop Resigns” by Laurel Rosenhall for Sacramento Bee
New York: “Pushing Ethics Reforms, Cuomo Wants Lawmakers to Reveal Income or Lose It” by Alexander Burns and Susanne Craig for New York Times
Rhode Island: “House Will Once Again Mull Two Proposals to Restore Ethics Commission’s Authority over State Lawmakers” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal
Elections
“Measles Prove Delicate Issue to GOP Field” by Jeremy Peters and Richard Pérez-Peña for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Nevada: “Assemblyman May Be Extortion Victim, Police Say” by Ray Hagar for Reno Gazette-Journal
New York: “Heastie Is Elected Speaker of New York Assembly” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
February 3, 2015 •
FEC Adjusts Federal Contribution Limits for the 2015-2016 Election Cycle
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has published the 2015-2016 election cycle contribution limits, which have been indexed for inflation. As required by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, the FEC must adjust certain contribution limits every two years. The […]
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has published the 2015-2016 election cycle contribution limits, which have been indexed for inflation. As required by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, the FEC must adjust certain contribution limits every two years.
The individual and nonmulticandidate PAC contribution limit to federal candidates has increased from $2,600 to $2,700 for both primary and general elections, allowing for a total of $5,400 for a federal candidate.
The limits on contributions by individuals to national party committees has increased from $32,400 to $33,400 per calendar year. Individuals may now contribute $100,200 per calendar year to committees of a national political party for presidential nominating conventions, to committees of a national political party for preparation for and the conduct of election recounts and contests and other legal proceedings, and to committees of a national political party for the construction, purchase, renovation, operation, and furnishing of one or more buildings for party headquarters.
February 3, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Missouri: “Missouri Lawmakers’ Steady Shift to Lobbying Raises Concerns with Critics” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star New Jersey: “Christie’s Overseas Travel Funded by Firms That Do Business with N.J.” by Shawn Boburg and Hugh Morley for Bergen […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “Missouri Lawmakers’ Steady Shift to Lobbying Raises Concerns with Critics” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
New Jersey: “Christie’s Overseas Travel Funded by Firms That Do Business with N.J.” by Shawn Boburg and Hugh Morley for Bergen Record
Campaign Finance
Montana: “State Legislative Panels Reject Campaign Finance Reform Bills” by Charles Johnson for The Missoulian
Ethics
Indiana: “Indiana Gov. Pence Walks Back State-Run Media Site” by Danielle Hayes for UPI.com
Kansas: “Kansas House Rejects Amendment to Address Private E-mail Loophole” by Bryan Lowry for Wichita Eagle
New York: “Speaker Candidate Drew Ethics Panel’s Notice” by Susanne Craig and Thomas Kaplan for New York Times
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Treasurer McCord to Plead Guilty in Campaign Finance Case; Resigns Immediately” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin’s Treasurer Wants to Cut Needless Workers, Starting With Himself” by Julie Bosman for New York Times
Elections
Massachusetts: “Statute Against Lying in Campaign Ads Faces Legal Test” by Stephanie Ebbert for Boston Globe
Legislative Issues
Texas: “Texas Lawmaker Demands Muslim Visitors Take Loyalty Oath” by Adam Lerner for Politico
February 2, 2015 •
Ask the Experts – Indexing of Contribution Limits
Q. With the start of the New Year, are there any changes I should be aware of in political contribution limits? A. Aside from changes as a result of new legislation, the most common adjustment of contribution limits is indexing […]
Q. With the start of the New Year, are there any changes I should be aware of in political contribution limits?
A. Aside from changes as a result of new legislation, the most common adjustment of contribution limits is indexing for inflation. Typically, adjustments are made biennially for inflation according to the Consumer Price Index. The Consumer Price Index is calculated by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This concept was addressed by the United States Supreme Court in Buckley v. Valeo (1976). The court allowed federal contribution limits to be adjusted upwards at the beginning of each calendar year by the average percentage rise in the Consumer Price Index for the 12 preceding months.
The principal behind this is quite simple: it is based on the recognition that the cost of campaigning steadily increases each year based on the increase to cost of living. Campaign fliers, mailers, yard signs, and media buys do not cost the same in 2013 as they do in 2015.
This year, California adjusted its contribution limits for the 2015-2016 biennium. In doing so, corporate contributions limits for general assembly candidates increased from $4,100 per election to $4,200. Washington adjusts its limits in even-numbered years, so the 2014 corporate contribution limit of $950 per election for state legislative candidates will remain the same for 2015. Illinois adjusts its limits in odd-numbered years, so the 2014 corporate contribution limit of $10,500 per election cycle for legislative candidates will increase to $10,800.
Finally, the indexing of contribution limits usually results from amendments to a state’s administrative code as opposed to its statute. In order to ensure compliance, a contributor should review both of these sources.
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(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.
February 2, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying Missouri: “Missouri House to Halt Committee Meetings at Country Clubs and Restaurants” by Kevin McDermott for St. Louis Post-Dispatch Washington: “Lawmakers Grouse about Free Meals Rule” by Jordan Schrader for Tacoma News Tribune Campaign Finance “National Donors Pick Winners […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “Missouri House to Halt Committee Meetings at Country Clubs and Restaurants” by Kevin McDermott for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Washington: “Lawmakers Grouse about Free Meals Rule” by Jordan Schrader for Tacoma News Tribune
Campaign Finance
“National Donors Pick Winners in State Elections” by Ben Weider for Center for Public Integrity
New Jersey: “Auditor Finds No Pay-to-Play Conflict in N.J. Pension Investment” by Andrew Seidman for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
“Amid Ethics Concerns, House Energy Chairman Drops Bill” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star
Massachusetts: “State Senator’s Lavish Gift Raises Concerns on Ethics” by Andrea Estes for Boston Globe
New York: “6 Days That Felled Sheldon Silver, the Speaker Who Ruled Albany for Decades” by Jesse McKinley, Thomas Kaplan, Susanne Craig, and William Rashbaum for New York Times
Elections
“Mitt Romney Decides against Running for President Again in 2016” by Philip Rucker and Dan Balz for Washington Post
January 30, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 30, 2015
National: 5 Reasons State House Speakers May Be Prone to Corruption Governing – Alan Greenblatt | Published: 1/26/2015 New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who is accused of accepting bribes in the form of legal fees, is the fourth speaker of […]
National:
5 Reasons State House Speakers May Be Prone to Corruption
Governing – Alan Greenblatt | Published: 1/26/2015
New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who is accused of accepting bribes in the form of legal fees, is the fourth speaker of a state House to enter into legal peril over the past 10 months. Last year, Bobby Harrell of South Carolina resigned following his indictment, while Gordon Fox of Rhode Island did the same after a federal raid of his house and his legislative office. Mike Hubbard was re-elected as speaker of the Alabama House, despite being indicted on nearly two-dozen felony corruption charges. Hubbard faces a possible trial this spring. This cluster of indictments opens up the question of whether there is something in the nature of the job of speaker that makes corruption more likely to occur.
Federal:
Koch Brothers’ Budget of $889 Million for 2016 Is on Par With Both Parties’ Spending
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 1/26/2015
A network of conservative advocacy groups backed by Charles and David Koch aims to spend $889 million in advance of the next presidential election, part of an expansive strategy to build on its 2014 victories. The figure comes close to the $1 billion that each of the two major parties’ presidential nominees are expected to spend in 2016, and it cements the network’s standing as one of the country’s most potent political forces. With its resources and capabilities, including a national field operation and cutting-edge technology, it is challenging the primacy of the official parties.
The Rise of ‘Scam PACs’
Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 1/26/2015
Since the tea party came to prominence in 2009, the conservative movement has been plagued by an explosion of PACs that critics say exist mostly to pad the pockets of the consultants who run them. Combining sophisticated targeting techniques with fundraising appeals that resonate among grassroots activists, they collect large piles of small checks that, taken together, add up to enough money to potentially sway a U.S. Senate race. But the PACs plow most of their cash back into payments to consulting firms for additional fundraising efforts.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Lobbying Lawmakers with a Personal Touch
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 1/26/2015
A handful of Sacramento lobbyists use their powers of persuasion to advance personal causes. Many of them make their living advocating for the corporations, unions, and Indian tribes that are huge political donors and pour millions of dollars each year into lobbying California lawmakers. But when a piece of legislation hits a chord, concerning a medical condition, for example, or a childhood trauma, these lobbyists use their connections and savoir faire to shape public policy with a personal touch. Some of them deploy their services for free, while others are hired to advocate on a personal cause.
Kansas – Kansas Ethics Official Supports Change to State Lobbying Laws
Wichita Eagle – Bryan Lowry | Published: 1/26/2015
House Bill 2082 would allow individuals to spend up to $1,000 to sway Kansas lawmakers without registering as a lobbyist. The state has had a $100 threshold since 1975. After 40 years of inflation, the threshold should be increased to ensure private residents do not inadvertently break the laws, said Carol Williams, executive director of the Kansas Government Ethics Commission.
Kentucky – Record $18M Spent Lobbying Legislature
Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 1/23/2015
Interest groups spent a record-breaking $18.4 million to lobby the Kentucky General Assembly in 2014. That was about three percent more than the 2012 lobbying total of $17.8 million, the previous spending record. Although the Legislature meets annually, its 60-day sessions in even-numbered years are longer and costlier than its 30-day sessions in odd-numbered years. The spending includes what more than 600 groups and businesses paid to retain lobbyists at the Capitol or host receptions for lawmakers. Starting this year, they also will be required to report what they spend on advertising during the session to influence legislation.
Massachusetts – No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
CommonWealth Magazine – Jack Sullivan | Published: 1/22/2015
Nicole Bollerman, a third-grade teacher at UP Academy Dorchester, has received praise from around the country since she won a $150,000 prize in an essay contest and then donated the money to her school, which educates some of the city’s poorest students. Then she appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” where the host presented Bollerman with a $25,000 check and gave out $500 gift cards for every teacher at her school and backpacks filled with school supplies for every student. But nearly all of the cash gifts, except the students’ backpacks, potentially violate Massachusetts ethics laws, possibly even the $150,000 award that Bollerman gave to the school.
Missouri – Committee OKs Ethics Bill to Close ‘Revolving Door’ of Legislators Becoming Lobbyists
Columbia Daily Tribune – Rudi Keller | Published: 1/27/2015
The Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions, and Ethics Committee approved legislation that would require Missouri lawmakers to wait two years after leaving office before they can work as lobbyists. The bill also would bar out-of-state travel paid by lobbyists and limit when a lobbyist can report spending on a group of legislators instead of individual members. “There is enough nonsense in this building going on, not necessarily with meals and everything else, I am going to try to clear this up before somebody gets indicted,” said Senate Majority Leader Ron Richard, the bill’s sponsor.
Missouri – Missouri House Speaker Defends Country Club Committee Hearings
PoliticMo.com – Eli Yokley | Published: 1/26/2015
Two Missouri House committee hearings are scheduled to take place at the Jefferson City Country Club and that is drawing criticism. The first hearing is that of the Committee on Utility Infrastructure, chaired by Rep. Lyndall Fraker. He said the Missouri Energy Development Association made the arrangements for his committee to meet at the club, will pay for the meal, and will offer an informational presentation. Pamela Merritt, a spokesperson for Progress Missouri, described the meetings as “sham hearings, away from the Capitol for the sole purpose of consuming free food and drink from lobbyists.” The group is also concerned the hearings might be in violation of the open-meetings law.
Nebraska – Questions Arise after Gov. Ricketts Uses His Own Money to Add Adviser to His Office
Omaha World-Herald – Paul Hammel | Published: 1/27/2015
Jessica Moenning, a longtime political operative of Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, is joining the administration as a privately paid senior adviser. The arrangement has prompted questions about a private employee, paid out of the governor’s own pocket, being involved in public policies and using, at least for a time, publicly funded office space at the Capitol. Jack Gould of Common Cause Nebraska said a privately paid employee most likely would be accountable to the person who paid them, not to the public, and would most likely not be covered by laws governing ethics involving state officials.
New York – Sheldon Silver to Be Replaced as Speaker of New York State Assembly
New York Times – Jesse McKinley, Thomas Kaplan, and Susanne Craig | Published: 1/27/2015
New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver agreed to give up the leadership position he has held for 21 years in the wake of federal corruption charges. The decision came after Democratic lawmakers met behind closed doors for two days to discuss their response to the turmoil that appears likely to end one of the longest active tenures in state politics, and paved the way for them to choose a new leader in an election to be held February 10. Assemblyperson Joseph Morelle, who is the majority leader and a top contender to succeed Silver, will become interim speaker.
Oregon – Cylvia Hayes Discloses another $118,000 for Consulting Fees
Portland Oregonian – Laura Gunderson | Published: 1/28/2015
More of the consulting work done by Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber’s fiancée is coming to light. Cylvia Hayes confirmed she was paid $118,000 over two years to work with the Clean Economy Development Center. At the time, Hayes was advising the governor on similar topics. Ethics experts said Hayes’ job raises questions, such as whether her compensation was reasonable given the amount of work she did and whether her employer sought to use the connection to influence state policy. The admitted payouts conflict with statements Kitzhaber has made regarding Hayes’ consulting work, how his office handled her contracts, and statements he has made in his annual ethics filings.
South Carolina – Lawmaker Asks Would-Be SC Judges about ‘Supreme Being,’ Gay Marriage, Equal Pay for Women
The State – Cassie Cope | Published: 1/27/2015
South Carolina Rep. Jonathon Hill sent out a 30-question survey asking, among other things, about the “personal relationship” would-be state judges have with the “Supreme Being,” whether they would perform a gay marriage, and how they would rule if a woman sued for equal pay. Candidates for judgeships are barred ethically from responding to some of the questions, said Greg Adams of the University of South Carolina law school. “Answering these questions amounts to a promise to decide future cases in accordance with this political pledge,” said Adams.
Texas – Abbott: State Agencies Must Make Contracting Changes
Texas Tribune – Edgar Walters | Published: 1/28/2015
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the need for more oversight and transparency in state contracting is so great that it cannot wait for official action from lawmakers. In a letter to all state agency heads, Abbott ordered them to comply with the provisions of a new bill aimed at addressing problems highlighted by a no-bid contract scandal. The legislation, Senate Bill 353, would require the board chair or head of all agencies to sign all contracts worth more than a $1 million and publicly explain the reason for the lack of competition in any no-bid deal. It also would reiterate that state contract managers must disclose conflicts-of-interest and that officials cannot give a deal to a company in which they have a financial interest.
Utah – Lawmakers Use Swallow Scandal to Stall Campaign-Donation Caps
Salt Lake Tribune – Lee Davidson | Published: 1/27/2015
A House committee voted to hold a bill that would place caps on how much could be contributed to candidates. House Bill 60 would limit donations by individuals to $10,000 every two years for statewide races, and $5,000 in legislative races. It would limit contributions to parties, PACs, and labor unions to $40,000. Lawmakers worried that limits might hamper honest politicians in raising enough money to combat groups that sometimes funnel large amounts of untraceable “dark money” into an election.
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.
January 29, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying Federal: “Best Fly-In Ever: How to make the most of your D.C. visit” by Rebecca Gale for Roll Call Connecticut: “CT Lobbyist’s $10K Fine Stayed If He Behaves” in Hartford Business Journal Kansas: “Budget Director Sent E-mail from Private […]
Lobbying
Federal: “Best Fly-In Ever: How to make the most of your D.C. visit” by Rebecca Gale for Roll Call
Connecticut: “CT Lobbyist’s $10K Fine Stayed If He Behaves” in Hartford Business Journal
Kansas: “Budget Director Sent E-mail from Private Account to Lobbyists on Proposed Budget“ by Bryan Lowry for Wichita Eagle
Minnesota: “Draft Opinion: No conflict in Tomassoni holding RAMS job” by John Myers for Duluth News Tribune
Legislative Issues
South Carolina: “Lawmaker Asks Would-Be SC Judges about ‘Supreme Being,’ Gay Marriage, Equal Pay for Women” by Cassie Cope for The State
Ethics
Nebraska: “Questions Arise after Gov. Ricketts Uses His Own Money to Add Adviser to His Office” by Paul Hammel for Omaha World Herald
Indiana: “Energy Chairman’s Gas and Oil Investments Raise Ethics Questions” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star
Texas: “Case against Former Gov. Perry to Proceed” by Teri Langford for Texas Tribune
New York: “Sheldon Silver to Be Replaced as Speaker of New York State Assembly” by Jesse McKinley, Thomas Kaplan, and Susanne Craig for New York Times
Campaign Finance
Utah: “Lawmakers Use Swallow Scandal to Stall Campaign-Donation Caps” by Lee Davidson for Salt Lake Tribune
January 28, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobbying Lawmakers with a Personal Touch” by Laurel Rosenhall for Sacramento Bee Kansas: “Kansas Ethics Official Supports Change to State Lobbying Laws” by Bryan Lowry for Wichita Eagle Missouri: “Missouri House Speaker Defends Country Club Committee Hearings” by Eli […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying Lawmakers with a Personal Touch” by Laurel Rosenhall for Sacramento Bee
Kansas: “Kansas Ethics Official Supports Change to State Lobbying Laws” by Bryan Lowry for Wichita Eagle
Missouri: “Missouri House Speaker Defends Country Club Committee Hearings” by Eli Yokely for PoiliticMo.com
Campaign Finance
“Public Swamps FEC with Post-McCutcheon Rulemaking Comments” by Peter Olsen-Phillips for Sunlight Foundation
“U.S. Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of Reid Fundraiser” by Suzannah Gonzalez for Reuters
“Koch Brothers’ Budget of $889 Million for 2016 Is on Par With Both Parties’ Spending” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times
Ethics
Indiana: “Gov. Mike Pence’s State-Run News Outlet Will Compete with Media” by Tom LoBianco for Indianapolis Star
Montana: “Montana Senate Backs Bill to Change Selection of Political Practices Commissioner” by Charles Johnson for The Missoulian
Virginia: “Virginia Gov. McAuliffe, Observing Self-Imposed Limit, Donates Gifts over $100” by Laura Vozzella for Washington Post
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