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.

National:

Body-Camera Maker Has Financial Ties to Police Chiefs
KSL – Ryan Foley (Associated Press) | Published: 3/3/2015

Taser International, a leading supplier of body cameras for police, has cultivated financial ties to police chiefs whose departments have bought the devices, raising a conflict-of-interest questions. A review of records and interviews by The Associated Press show Taser is covering airfare and hotel stays for police chiefs who speak at promotional conferences. It is also hiring recently retired chiefs as consultants, sometimes just months after their cities signed contracts with Taser.

Federal:

Hillary Clinton Used Personal Email Account at State Dept., Possibly Breaking Rules
New York Times – Michael Schmidt | Published: 3/2/2015

Hillary Clinton used a private e-mail account for her official government business when she was secretary of state. She did not have a government email address during her four-year tenure at the State Department. Her aides took no actions to have her personal emails preserved on department servers at the time, as required by the Federal Records Act. It was not clear why Clinton, a potential 2016 presidential candidate, created the private account. But the practice appears to bolster long-standing criticism that she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have not been transparent.

Justice Department Ramps up Scrutiny of Candidates and Independent Groups
Washington Post – Matea Gold and Coby Itkowitz | Published: 2/28/2015

A rare conviction of a Virginia campaign operative is part of a broader focus by the U.S. Justice Department on cases in which candidates may be violating a federal ban on sharing strategic information with well-funded independent allies. The department’s move comes as complaints have stalled before the FEC, which has not moved ahead with any coordination investigations since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in 2010 triggered a proliferation of big-money groups. The newly aggressive stance by the Justice Department is certain to have wide reverberations at a time when candidates are taking more leeway than ever in their relationships with independent allies. Many potential 2016 candidates are working hand-in-glove with super PACs set up to support them.

Petraeus Reaches Deal to Plead Guilty to Misdemeanor; Likely Won’t Face Prison
Washington Post – Adam Goldman and Sari Horwitz | Published: 3/3/2015

David Petraeus reached a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will allow him to avoid an embarrassing trial over whether he provided classified information to a mistress when he was the director of the CIA.  Petraeus will plead guilty to one count of unauthorized removal and retention of classified material, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison. He also acknowledged he misled FBI investigators. Federal prosecutors will not seek prison time for the retired four-star general but instead will ask a judge to impose a probationary period of two years. Prosecutors had pushed for charges after FBI agents discovered Petraeus’s former mistress, Paula Broadwell, was in possession of sensitive documents while writing a book about him. The affair forced his resignation as CIA director in 2012.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Stunning Emails Paint Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard as Desperate for Money, Favors
AL.com – John Archibald | Published: 2/27/2015

Prosecutors released emails involving indicted Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard that show he was having financial problems and was hitting up high-placed lobbyists and friends for assistance. The court filing is the first glimpse of the evidence against Hubbard, who will go to trial on ethics charges in October. The emails depict Hubbard as stressed after losing his job. He asks former Gov. Bob Riley and others for help in finding a job or investors in his company. An executive at a company paid by the Alabama Republican Party complained in an email they were being “forced” to use Hubbard’s company for campaign printing work. Prosecutors say Hubbard used his political position for financial benefit. Hubbard’s defense lawyer said the filings were designed to mislead the public.

Arizona – Court Skeptical of Arizona Plan for Less-Partisan Congressional Redistricting
New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 3/2/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court appeared skeptical of a voter-approved plan that stripped Arizona lawmakers of their role in drawing congressional districts in a bid to remove partisan politics from the process. The court’s conservatives asked questions during the argument that indicated there could be a majority willing to find the ballot initiative violated the U.S. Constitution’s requirement that state Legislatures set congressional district boundaries. About a dozen states have experimented with redistricting commissions that have varying degrees of independence from the state Legislatures, which ordinarily draw election maps. Should the justices reject Arizona’s commission, at least one other, in California, is also likely to be in peril.

California – Backers of Prop. 8 Marriage Initiative Lose Disclosure Case
San Francisco Chronicle – Bob Egelko | Published: 3/2/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court turned away an appeal from same-sex marriage opponents in California who want to keep the identities of their campaign donors secret. The justices let stand a lower court ruling against ProtectMarriage.com, the National Organization for Marriage, and other supporters of a 2008 ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriages in California until the ban was overturned five years later. The groups sought to conceal their past and future campaign finance records because they feared harassment of donors. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against them, in part, because the names have been publicly available for five years. State law requires political committees to identify those who contribute more than $100 during or after a campaign, along with the donor’s address, occupation, and employer.

California – Eric Garcetti’s Mayor’s Fund Lets Companies Give Big
Los Angeles Times – Peter Jamison, Doug Smith, and David Zahniser | Published: 3/3/2015

The Mayor’s Fund has received numerous contributions from companies with a stake in Los Angeles City Hall decisions and from charitable foundations. Modeled on similar nonprofits in New York and other cities, the fund provides a financial boost for civic programs that might otherwise fall victim to city belt-tightening. But the nonprofit, which took in about $5.2 million between its formation in June and last month, can also offer a discreet destination for special-interest money that is not subject to campaign finance restrictions. City law caps contributions by individuals or businesses at $1,300 per election for mayoral candidates. By contrast, the average donation to the Mayor’s Fund has been $111,000.

Illinois – As in First Round, No Limits on Fundraising in Mayoral Runoff
Chicago Tribune – John Byrne | Published: 3/2/2015

The super PAC Chicago Forward recently made an independent expenditure of $110,000 to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s campaign fund for “political communications.” That means there will be no campaign fundraising limits for the April 7 mayoral run-off between Emmanuel and city Councilperson Jesus Garcia. Under state law, once a candidate in a local race receives a donation to his or her campaign of at least $100,000 within a year of the election, all contribution limits for all candidates in the race are lifted.

Iowa – The Real Iowa Kingmaker
Politico – Helena Bottemiller Evich | Published: 3/3/2015

Bruce Rastetter, an agribusiness mogul, has long worked behind the scenes to help bankroll conservatives candidates across the country. Now he is about to host a dozen potential Republican presidential hopefuls at the first Iowa Agriculture Summit. It is an event designed to promote farm policy in a state where pigs outnumber voters by 10-to-one, but it is also a bold display of the political power Rastetter has amassed, and a reminder to candidates that his endorsement would be a big get ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Rastetter’s moves over the past decade look like a “how to” guide for becoming a political power player.

Massachusetts – Inaugural Donors Have Dealings with State Treasurer
Boston Globe – Frank Phillips | Published: 3/2/2015

Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg raised $93,000 for her inauguration and transition costs, over two-thirds of which came in large donations from special interests that deal directly with her office. The practice of inaugural committees collecting large contributions, including from corporations, is not illegal in Massachusetts. Incoming governors, in particular, have routinely tapped special interests to finance their transitions and inaugurations. Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts, said the system, which also has no requirements for detailing expenses, heightens the potential for conflicts-of-interest.

Rhode Island – Former House Speaker Fox Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Tax Fraud Charges
Providence Journal – Katie Mulvaney, Karen Lee Ziner, and Tom Mooney | Published: 3/3/2015

Former Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox pleaded guilty to charges of bribery, wire fraud, and filing a false tax return following an investigation that included a federal raid on his statehouse office and home. Fox acknowledged he received a $52,500 bribe in cash and checks in 2008 to help grant a liquor license to a bar near Brown University when he served as vice chairperson of the board of licenses for Providence. He also acknowledges taking $108,000 from his campaign account for personal expenses, including mortgage payments, his American Express bill, and purchases at Tiffany’s and Warwick Animal Hospital. Prosecutors and Fox agreed to request a three-year prison sentence.

Rhode Island – Panel Recommends Higher Fees for Lobbyists
Providence Journal – Jennifer Bogdon | Published: 2/28/2015

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea’s transition committee recommended raising the registration fees for lobbyists and increasing the fines for failing to register. Its report suggests legislation is needed to “modernize the state’s antiquated lobbying laws.” The committee also recommended updates to the state’s lobbying tracker system, described as “unnecessarily complicated.” Lobbyists currently must register separately in the General Assembly and executive branch, but the group recommended consolidating the reporting requirements.

Utah – Utah House Again Defeats Donation Limits
Salt Lake Tribune – Lee Davidson | Published: 3/3/2015

An attempt to set limits on campaign contribution failed in Utah. House Bill 60 would have capped donations at $20,000 for statewide offices such as governor, $10,000 for legislative races, and $40,000 for PACs or parties. House Majority Assistant Whip Brad Wilson said limits would just increase the amount of unregulated “dark money” spent by third parties in campaigns. Utah is one of just four states without limits on political donations.

Virginia – Virginia Senate Republicans Were Set to Sink Ethics Bill
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella, Jenna Portnoy, and Rachel Weiner | Published: 2/28/2015

Virginia lawmakers adjourned after passing legislation at the last minute aimed at tightening the state’s ethics rules for public officials. The ethics-reform proposal puts a $100 cap on gifts lawmakers can accept from lobbyists and their clients, or others seeking to do business with the state, but it also adds a long list of exceptions. It creates an ethics council but gives it no power to investigate or issue fines and penalties. Negotiations went down to the wire on the ethics changes, which lawmakers have said was one of their top priorities for the session. The new measures were their second effort at tightening the rules after the conviction last year of former Gov. Bob McDonnell that stemmed from his acceptance of gifts, loans, and trips.

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

West Virginia: “‘Cookie Lobbyist’ Tries Sweet-Tooth Approach to Sway W.Va. Legislators” by Douglas Imbrogno for Charleston Gazette

Campaign Finance

“How Campaign Finance Law Makes Senators Early Lame Ducks” by David Karol for Washington Post

“Awash in Cash, Bush Asks Donors Not to Give More Than $1 Million – for Now” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

California:”California Lawmaker Seeks Tax on Independent Political Spending” by Melanie Mason for Los Angeles Times

California: “Eric Garcetti’s Mayor’s Fund Lets Companies Give Big” by Peter Jamison, Doug Smith, and David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times

Utah: “Utah House Again Defeats Donation Limits” by Lee Davidson for Salt Lake Tribune

Ethics

“Body-Camera Maker Has Financial Ties to Police Chiefs” by Ryan Foley (Associated Press) for KSL

Illinois: “Rahm Emanuel Runoff: Chicago mayor tied to lobbyist for city’s red light camera firm, review shows” by Matthew Cunningham-Cook and David Sirota for International Business Times

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Lawmaker Asks Facebook Friends to Buy Baby Registry Gifts” by Leslie Rangel for KFOR

South Carolina: “Effort Underway to Resurrect Ethics Reform after Senate Defeat” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post and Courier

Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez (D) is sponsoring a bill to eliminate the state’s campaign contribution limits. Senate Bill 689 repeals the 2009 law enacting the first-ever limits on how much candidates and committees can raise per election.

Sanchez believes the limits encourage big donors to funnel money to independent expenditure committees, resulting in less transparency.

The bill is currently pending in the Senate Rules Committee.

Campaign Finance

California: “Backers of Prop. 8 Marriage Initiative Lose Disclosure Case” by Bob Egelko for San Francisco Chronicle

Illinois: “As in First Round, No Limits on Fundraising in Mayoral Runoff” by John Byrne for Chicago Tribune

Minnesota: “Minnesota GOP Leaves Unpaid Bills with National Vendors” by Patrick Condon for Minneapolis Star-Tribune

West Virginia: “Senate Continues Discussions on Campaign Finance Bill” by Joel Ebert for Charleston Daily Mail

Ethics

“Petraeus Reaches Deal to Plead Guilty to Misdemeanor; Likely Won’t Face Prison” by Adam Goldman and Sari Horwitz for Washington Post

“Hillary Clinton Used Personal Email Account at State Dept., Possibly Breaking Rules” by Michael Schmidt for New York Times

Alaska: “APOC Wary of Legislature’s Plan to Collect Fees from Third-Party Spending” by Matt Buxton for Fairbanks Daily News Miner

Rhode Island: “Former House Speaker Fox Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Tax Fraud Charges” by Katie Mulvaney, Karen Lee Ziner, and Tom Mooney for Providence Journal

Virginia: “McDonnell Launches Effort to Have Corruption Conviction Thrown Out” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

Elections

“The Real Iowa Kingmaker” by Helena Bottemiller Evich for Politico

Redistricting

Arizona: “Court Skeptical of Arizona Plan for Less-Partisan Congressional Redistricting” by Adam Liptak for New York Times

Lobbying

“Other States Require Lobbyists to Report Compensation” by Michael Sol Warren for New Mexico In Depth

Rhode Island: “Panel Recommends Higher Fees for Lobbyists” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal

Campaign Finance

“Justice Department Ramps up Scrutiny of Candidates and Independent Groups” by Matea Gold and Coby Itkowitz for Washington Post

Maine: “Lawmakers Seek Reform for Maine’s Clean Election Law” by Scott Thistle for The Sun-Journal

Massachusetts: “Inaugural Donors Have Dealings with State Treasurer” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe

Montana: “Senate Passes Reform Proposal to Increase Campaign-Finance Disclosures” by Lisa Baumann (Associated Press) for The Daily Journal

New Jersey: “Chris Christie Faces New Jersey Bill Restricting Campaign Cash from Firms Managing Pension” by David Sirota for International Business Times

Texas: “Former Dewhurst Aide Buddy Barfield Gets 7 Years for Embezzling” by Tom Benning for Dallas Morning News

Ethics

Alabama: “Stunning Emails Paint Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard as Desperate for Money, Favors” by John Archibald for AL.com

Virginia: “Virginia Senate Republicans Were Set to Sink Ethics Bill” by Laura Vozzella, Jenna Portnoy, and Rachel Weiner for Washington Post

Gov. Nikki Haley and state House Speaker Jay Lucas are attempting to revive ethics reform after the Senate voted down a bill to overhaul ethics laws. Lucas expects the House to pass and send to the Senate an omnibus ethics bill combining several House bills previously passed separately.

House Bill 3722 would give the State Ethics Commission authority to investigate legislators, amend certain unconstitutional campaign finance definitions, and require additional transparency reporting by public officials.