January 8, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “LD 1750: A study in how special interests get their way in the Maine Legislature” by Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for St. John Valley Times Campaign Finance “Governors’ Inaugural Celebration Plans, by State” by The […]
Lobbying
“LD 1750: A study in how special interests get their way in the Maine Legislature” by Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for St. John Valley Times
Campaign Finance
“Governors’ Inaugural Celebration Plans, by State” by The Associated Press for New York Times
“FEC Alleges Personal Use of Campaign Funds by Former Senate Candidate O’Donnell” by Randall Chase (Associated Press) for Daily Journal
“Parties Poised to Exploit Broad New Rules” by Eliza Newlin Carney for Roll Call
Ethics
“Jeb Bush Education Foundation Played Leading Role in Mixing Politics, Policy” by Lindsey Layton for Washington Post
“House Edits Rules to Help Members Facing Ethics Probes” by Paul Singer for USA Today
“Former Alabama Education Official Gets 2-Year Sentence” by Philip Rawls (Associated Press) for Tuscaloosa News
“In Stamford, Donation to City Raises Ethics Questions” by Elizabeth Kim for Stamford Advocate
Legislative Issues
“Peoria Lawmaker Proposes More Difficult Route to Amend State Constitution” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for East Valley Tribune
January 7, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “All Cooled Off: As Congress convenes, former colleagues will soon be calling from K Street” in the Center for Responsive Politics Vermont: “Lobbyists Can Now Register Online in Vermont, Condos Says System Gives Public Immediate Access” by The Associated […]
Lobbying
“All Cooled Off: As Congress convenes, former colleagues will soon be calling from K Street” in the Center for Responsive Politics
Vermont: “Lobbyists Can Now Register Online in Vermont, Condos Says System Gives Public Immediate Access” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Campaign Finance
“For the Wealthiest Political Donors, It Was a Very Good Year” by Annie Linskey and Julie Bykowitz for Bloomberg News
Pennsylvania: “City Council Candidate’s Use of Personal Funds Triggers Key Ruling from Philadelphia Ethics Board” by Mike Dunn for KYW
South Carolina: “McMaster Facing State Ethics Charges” by Andrew Shain for The State
Ethics
California: “State Ethics Agency Has Record Number of Enforcement Actions in 2014” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
California: “Ex-Water District Manager Agrees to Pay Fine over Accepting Gifts” by Ruben Vives for Los Angeles Times
Missouri: “Ethics Bills Proposed for 2015 Session” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
Virginia: “Bob McDonnell, Ex-Governor of Virginia, Sentenced to 2 Years for Corruption” by Jennifer Steinhauer for New York Times
Legislative Issues
“Boehner Reelected as Speaker, but Control over GOP Majority Precarious” by Lisa Mascaro and Michael Memoli for Los Angeles Times
January 6, 2015 •
Oklahoma’s Revised Constitutional Ethics Rules
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission’s newly promulgated Revised Constitutional Ethics Rules, effective at staggered intervals, significantly amend lobbying and campaign finance laws. Lobbyist registration provisions were effective December 1. Rules outlining lobbyist reporting due dates are effective February 1, 2015. All […]
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission’s newly promulgated Revised Constitutional Ethics Rules, effective at staggered intervals, significantly amend lobbying and campaign finance laws. Lobbyist registration provisions were effective December 1. Rules outlining lobbyist reporting due dates are effective February 1, 2015. All other revised rules were effective January 1, 2015. Except as may otherwise be provided, all current rules under Title 74, Chapter 62-Appendix, of the Oklahoma Statutes were repealed on January 1, 2015. O.S. §257:23-1-2, as it pertains to lobbyist reporting requirements, will remain effective until January 31, 2015.
Lobbyists were required to register online in December for calendar year 2015. There are now separate registration requirements dependent upon whether a lobbyist is a legislative lobbyist, executive lobbyist, or legislative liaison. Legislative lobbyists and legislative liaisons will be required to file monthly reports from February to July; executive lobbyists will file quarterly reports.
The revised rules also place new limits on lobbyist expenditures. Each lobbyist will be permitted to spend up to $500 per calendar year for meals for the governor, a legislator, or their staff. Moreover, lobbyists may spend up to $200 per year on certain gifts other than meals, provided the total for all meals and gifts does not exceed $500. New provisions also allow lobbyist principals to provide food and beverage for professional conferences, seminars, and similar events held outside the geographical boundaries of the state, subject to certain restrictions.
Changes to campaign finance laws include a new registration threshold for political action committees (PACs), new campaign contribution limits, specific reporting for out-of-state and federal PACs, and amendments to some reporting requirements. A PAC will be required to register within 10 days of receiving contributions or making expenditures in excess of $1,000. Certain contribution limits will increase and family contribution limits will no longer exist. Limited PACs registered for less than a year or that have fewer than 25 contributors will be permitted to contribute only half the amount of other limited PACs.
This article provides a summary of the major changes to the Revised Constitutional Ethics Rules. It is not exhaustive and additional changes have been made. A final annotated version of the rules is accessible on the new Ethics Commission website at http://www.ok.gov/ethics/.
January 6, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Arizona: “Lobbyist Tied to Phoenix VA Executive Fired over Gifts” by Dennis Wagner (Arizona Republic) for USA Today California: “Foes and Fans of L.A. Economic-Justice Group Agree It Gets Things Done” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times […]
Lobbying
Arizona: “Lobbyist Tied to Phoenix VA Executive Fired over Gifts” by Dennis Wagner (Arizona Republic) for USA Today
California: “Foes and Fans of L.A. Economic-Justice Group Agree It Gets Things Done” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Maryland: “Hogan’s Pick for Health Chief Says He’ll Avoid Conflicts” by Michael Dresser and Meredith Cohn for Baltimore Sun
Maryland: “Maryland Gov.-Elect Hogan Tries to Navigate Gifts Minefield” by Jenna Johnson for Washington Post
Missouri: “Publisher’s Parties Highlight Reporting Issues in Missouri Ethics Laws” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
Rhode Island: “R.I. Secretary of State Mollis Ends Probe, Says Stokes Didn’t Have to Register as a Lobbyist for 38 Studios Meetings” by Kate Bramson for Providence Journal
Rhode Island: “Mollis’ Decision on Lynch Sets Bad Precedent, Says Leader of Common Cause” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“Judge Candidates’ Free-Speech Rights at Issue before the Supreme Court” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post
Ethics
New Jersey: “Dallas Owner Jerry Jones Paid for Chris Christie’s Trip to Root for Cowboys, Including Private Jet” by Matt Arco (NJ Advanced Media) for Newark Star Ledger
Procurement
Texas: “Audit: Texas Health Agency Mishandled AT&T Contract” by Aman Batheja for Texas Tribune
January 5, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Campaign Finance “Firms skirting ‘pay-to-play’ prohibitions, advocates say” by Lydia Wheeler in The Hill. “Governors’ inaugurals funded by political donors” by Paul J. Webber (Associated Press) in The Denver Post. Delaware: “Delaware’s new laws for 2015” by Jonathan Starkey in […]
Campaign Finance
“Firms skirting ‘pay-to-play’ prohibitions, advocates say” by Lydia Wheeler in The Hill.
“Governors’ inaugurals funded by political donors” by Paul J. Webber (Associated Press) in The Denver Post.
Delaware: “Delaware’s new laws for 2015” by Jonathan Starkey in The News Journal.
Massachusetts: “State task force calls for new campaign finance disclosures” by Christian M. Wade in the Gloucester Times.
Wisconsin: “GOP set for sweeping campaign finance changes” by Matthew DeFour (Wisconsin State Journal) in the LaCrosse Tribune.
Wisconsin: “Mayor’s campaign shows $10K in illegal contributions” by Paul Srubas in the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Ethics
“Confusion Surrounds Conflict of Interest Cases in Congress” by Hanna Hess in Roll Call.
Missouri: “Mo. Lawmakers Seek Ethics Reform in 2015” by The Associated Press on CBS St. Louis.
Texas: “Political donations preceded $90M no-bid contract” by The Associated Press in the Salina Journal.
In the States
“2015’s Top 10 Legislative Issues to Watch” in Governing.
“Republicans in state governments plan juggernaut of conservative legislation” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.
“New year brings hundreds of new laws” by Greg Toppo in USA Today.
January 2, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 2, 2015
National: A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 12/26/2014 A series of articles in The New York Times examined how lawyers and lobbyists – from major corporations, energy companies, and […]
National:
A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 12/26/2014
A series of articles in The New York Times examined how lawyers and lobbyists – from major corporations, energy companies, and even plaintiffs’ law firms – have increasingly tried to influence state attorneys general. These outside players have tried to shut down investigations, enlist the attorneys general as partners in litigation, or use their clout to try to block or strengthen regulations emerging from Washington, found the investigation. A debate has started among state attorneys general, even those who believe the problem is more about the perception of a possible conflict-of-interest, over steps that could be taken to insulate them from outside influence.
Cuomo and Christie, Defying Legislatures, Reject Bill to Overhaul Port Authority
New York Times – Jesse McKinley | Published: 12/27/2014
Governors Chris Christie and Andrew Cuomo vetoed legislation passed unanimously in both of their state Legislatures that would change the management structure at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Instead, Christie and Cuomo said they accepted revisions recommended by a special panel to reorganize the agency. The veto came as prosecutors continue to investigate the politically motivated lane closings at the bridge last year, a scandal that marred Christie’s reputation. The bi-state agency has also faced ethical questions over its reputation for rewarding politically connected officials with patronage jobs and allies with lucrative contracts.
What We Learned about the American Voter in 2014
Politico – Jonathan Topaz | Published: 12/31/2014
The Republican landslide in the midterm elections has both parties poring over voting data, hoping to glean insights about the current state of the electorate before the 2016 election. But it might take until the next presidential cycle to answer the most pressing question of whether the GOP’s success in 2014 is the result of significant changes in how voters view the two parties, or the structural difference between the electorates in presidential and midterm years so great that Democrats still maintain a strong demographic advantage going into 2016.
Federal:
Big Money Breaks Out
Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 12/29/2014
Billionaires Michael Bloomberg, Sheldon Adelson, and David Koch were among the top 10 largest contributors to federal political campaigns in the 2014 midterm elections, according to Politico. The 100 biggest campaign donors gave $323 million in 2014, almost as much as the $356 million given by the estimated 4.75 million people who gave $200 or less. The trajectory is pointing to a heyday of mega-donors, asserted political consultant Mark McKinnon. “When 100 big donors give as much almost 5 million small donors, with whom do we expect candidates to spend their time, and whose interests do we think they will represent?” asked McKinnon.
Republicans Try to Fix Damage Scalise’s 2002 Speech Could Do in 2016
New York Times – Jonathan Martin and Jackie Calmes | Published: 12/30/2014
U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, acknowledged he spoke to a white supremacy group in 2002, though he said he did not realize what kind of organization it was, is not affiliated with it, and does not agree with its beliefs. The group was the European-American Unity and Rights Organization, founded by David Duke, a former grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. The controversy erupted as Republicans were making a renewed effort to reach out to black voters. It threatened to cloud their agenda after capturing control of the Senate and adding to their House majority in the midterm election.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Firing of VA Clinic Chief Upheld over Gifts, Not Wait Times
USA Today – John Wagner (Arizona Republic) | Published: 12/24/2014
An administrative judge upheld the dismissal of the director of the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system in Phoenix for accepting more than $13,000 in airline tickets and other gifts from a consultant for the health care industry and for failing to disclose some of the gifts. The former director, Sharon Helman, had also been implicated in the falsification of the hospital’s waiting lists for care, a problem at Phoenix and other veterans’ hospitals that roiled the VA. But the administrative judge, Stephen Mish, concluded the department had not provided sufficient evidence to justify firing Helman for the manipulation of waiting lists, which concealed delays in providing care to veterans.
California – New FPPC Chair Takes Low-Profile Approach
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 12/24/2014
As Jodi Remke takes the mantle as chairperson of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, she said she is mainly focused on beating bureaucracy at the agency. Her predecessor, Ann Ravel, brought national attention to the sometimes-obscure commission that polices California’s lobbying and campaign finance laws. Remke said she wants to continue Ravel’s work going after serious violations of the state’s Political Reform Act. But she has her own vision for the position, too, one that involves increasing the FPPC’s use of technology and streamlining the requirements involved for officials to follow the law.
California – Politicians Use ‘Ghost’ Campaigns to Fight Specter of Lost Funds
San Francisco Chronicle – John Wildermuth | Published: 12/25/2014
California election law requires candidates to close their campaign accounts and disburse the money within two years after losing an election or being termed out of office, unless they are planning to run for another office. Plenty of out-of-work politicians want to hang on to their campaign cash for as long as they can, however, and the rule has forced some veteran officeholders into some unusual political contortions. At age 82, former state Sen. John Burton is head of the California Democratic Party, but he has opened a not-especially-active campaign for state superintendent of public instruction four years from now.
Georgia – University System of Georgia Spent More Than $48,000 on Perks for State Lawmakers
Columbus Republic; Associated Press – | Published: 12/28/2014
A state law passed in 2013 prohibits Georgia legislators from receiving gifts worth more than $75. But that law also excludes public employees from being considered lobbyists. University System of Georgia officials spent tens of thousands of dollars in 2014 on football tickets, meals, and events for state lawmakers. Some lawmakers say University System officials acting in a lobbying capacity should have to register as such and report their spending to the state.
Massachusetts – State Campaign Contributions Set to Double
Boston Globe – Joshua Miller | Published: 12/27/2014
Candidates for all municipal, county, and state elected offices in Massachusetts can now raise $1,000 per year from individuals, double the old limit of $500. The change, part of a multifaceted campaign finance package signed into law this summer, is certain to be a boon to campaign accounts. Beyond that, there is dispute about what the increase might mean. Some believe the increase will simply make campaigns more expensive. Others think it might allow politicians to raise the money they need in less time, and spend their newly free hours with regular voters, building support.
Missouri – With Lobbyists, Missouri Lawmakers Golf and Dine Far from Jefferson City
PoliticMo.com – Eli Yokely | Published: 12/30/2014
In Jefferson City, where the statehouse is governed by no limits on personal gifts and campaign contributions to lawmakers from lobbyists, it is common practice for legislators to get their meals, lodging, and drinks paid for by lobbyists, according to records maintained by the Missouri Ethics Commission. But on a recent trip to Las Vegas trip attended by three lobbyists and eight lawmakers, the only thing that was reported to the commission was an $8.50 expense from Noranda Aluminum executive Charles Skoda to Rep. Don Gosen. Though no exchange of gifts was reported, the episode reveals the close ties lobbyists form with state lawmakers and the extent to which they can legally go to push their agenda.
New York – U.S. Said to Investigate Sheldon Silver, New York Assembly Speaker, Over Payments
New York Times – William Rashbaum, Thomas, Kaplan, and Susanne Craig | Published: 12/29/2014
Federal authorities are investigating the sources of income of New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. The probe stems from an inquiry U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara began in April after Gov. Andrew Cuomo disbanded a panel examining corruption in the state Legislature. Among the areas the panel looked into was lawmakers’ sources of income, which must be disclosed. In addition to his $121,000 salary from the state, Silver has for years listed income from acting as “of counsel” to Weitz & Luxenberg, though he has declined to say what he does for the law firm. In 2013, Silver said he made from $650,000 to $750,000 from outside work including, though not limited to, Weitz & Luxenberg.
North Carolina – Opinion Says Lawmakers Can Raise Money for Political Nonprofits
WRAL – Mark Binker | Published: 12/29/2014
The Legislative Ethics Committee issued an opinion saying North Carolina lawmakers are allowed to raise money for political nonprofits that collect cash to lobby or elect members to the General Assembly. Raising money for political nonprofits is frequently easier than gathering cash into campaign accounts because the same fundraising limits do not apply and nonprofits are often not required to disclose the names of donors. Nonprofits also can raise money from interested groups when an important legislative decision is approaching, rather than having to wait like lawmakers until after the session ends.
Oklahoma – Ethics Agency Fails To Collect Most Fees
KGOU – M. Scott Carter (Oklahoma Watch) | Published: 12/29/2014
As of early 2014, candidates, their campaigns, and other organizations owed the Oklahoma Ethics Commission more than $200,000 in unpaid fees for late or no filing of statements of income and spending. The commission’s executive director said many fees probably will never be collected because of a lack of resources. The agency decided to stop assessing late fees this year partly because it needed to establish new rules for imposing fees. Dozens of political groups and campaigns in the 2014 election failed to meet deadlines for filing their statements.
Washington – PDC Finding It Hard to Get Money to Make Upgrades to Its Campaign-Finance Web Site
Tacoma News Tribune – Brad Shannon (The Olympian) | Published: 12/26/2014
The budget for the Public Disclosure Commission is cut by two percent in Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposed spending plan for 2015-17, including elimination of three employees that would leave staffing at fewer than 17 full-time equivalent positions. The agency had suggested the staffing cuts, including elimination of a vacant in-house legal counsel position. But it also wanted to invest potentially $200,000 into upgrades making it easier for candidates and lobbyists to file reports and for the public to find and understand them.
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.
December 31, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Missouri: “With Lobbyists, Missouri Lawmakers Golf and Dine Far from Jefferson City” by Eli Yokely for PoliticMo.com Campaign Finance “Jackson: Senate’s strict rule on donors used once” by Herb Jackson for Bergen Record California: “Politicians Use ‘Ghost’ Campaigns to […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “With Lobbyists, Missouri Lawmakers Golf and Dine Far from Jefferson City” by Eli Yokely for PoliticMo.com
Campaign Finance
“Jackson: Senate’s strict rule on donors used once” by Herb Jackson for Bergen Record
California: “Politicians Use ‘Ghost’ Campaigns to Fight Specter of Lost Funds” by John Wildermuth for San Francisco Chronicle
Kansas: “Judicial Retention Elections Becoming More High Profile in Kansas” by Brad Cooper (Kansas City Star) for Wichita Eagle
North Carolina: “Opinion Says Lawmakers Can Raise Money for Political Nonprofits” by Mark Binker for WRAL
Ethics
“GSA Loses Appeal in Firings of Top Officials; Appeals Board Orders Them Reinstated” by Lisa Rein for Washington Post
“Michael Grimm, in a Reversal, Will Resign From Congress” by Jason Horowitz for New York Times
“Republicans Try to Fix Damage Scalise’s 2002 Speech Could Do in 2016” by Jonathan Martin and Jackie Calmes for New York Times
“U.S. Said to Investigate Sheldon Silver, New York Assembly Speaker, Over Payments” by William Rashbaum, Thomas, Kaplan, and Susanne Craig for New York Times
Procurement
Mississippi: “Task Force: Ban no-bid contracts in Mississippi prison system” by The Associated Press for Gulflive.com
December 30, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times Arizona: “Firing of VA Clinic Chief Upheld over Gifts, Not Wait Times” by John Wagner (Arizona Republic) for USA Today Florida: “London’s […]
Lobbying
“A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
Arizona: “Firing of VA Clinic Chief Upheld over Gifts, Not Wait Times” by John Wagner (Arizona Republic) for USA Today
Florida: “London’s Dual Role as Commissioner, Lobbyist Has Mayor Demanding Client List” by Susannah Bryan for Orlando Sentinel
Georgia: “University System of Georgia Spent More Than $48,000 on Perks for State Lawmakers” by The Associated Press for Columbus Republic
Campaign Finance
“Big Money Breaks Out” by Kenneth Vogel for Politico
Massachusetts: “State Campaign Contributions Set to Double” by Joshua Miller for Boston Globe
Missouri: “Diehl Endorses Bill Requiring Political Not-for-Profits to Reveal Donors” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
Ethics
California: “New FPPC Chair Takes Low-Profile Approach” by Laurel Rosenhall for Sacramento Bee
New Jersey: “North Haledon Mayor Fined $100 for Post-Sandy Generator Use” by Minjae Park for Bergen Record
Oklahoma: “State Ethics Agency Fails to Collect Most Fees” by M. Scott Carter (Oklahoma Watch)
for the Enid News & Eagle
South Carolina: “SC Ethics Attorney to Join Spearman’s Education Team” by Jamie Self for The State
Washington: “PDC Finding It Hard to Get Money to Make Upgrades to Its Campaign-Finance Web Site” by Brad Shannon (The Olympian) for Tacoma News Tribune
December 29, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying National: “A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times Campaign Finance “New DGA Chairman Promises Greater Disclosure” by James Hohmann for Politico Missouri: “Diehl Endorses Bill Requiring Political Not-for-Profits to […]
Lobbying
National: “A Bipartisan Push to Limit Lobbyists’ Sway over Attorneys General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
Campaign Finance
“New DGA Chairman Promises Greater Disclosure” by James Hohmann for Politico
Missouri: “Diehl Endorses Bill Requiring Political Not-for-Profits to Reveal Donors” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Tribune
New Mexico: “State Senator Pre-Files Campaign Finance Reform Bill” by Andy Beale for Albuquerque Business First
Ethics
“Rep. Michael Grimm Pleads Guilty in Tax Case, Refuses to Resign” by Christine Mai-Duc for Los Angeles Times
National: “Cuomo and Christie, Defying Legislatures, Reject Bill to Overhaul Port Authority” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
California: “PG&E Discloses More Emails with State Regulators” by Ellen Knickmeyer (Associated Press) for San Jose Mercury News
Oklahoma: “State Ethics Agency Fails to Collect Most Fees” by M. Scott Carter for Oklahoma Watch
December 26, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – December 26, 2014
National: Here’s Where Campaign Finance Reform May Move Ahead As Congress Dithers Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal | Published: 12/21/2014 While campaign finance reform is unlikely in Congress, it is possible in some states, where extreme polarization on the issue of […]
National:
Here’s Where Campaign Finance Reform May Move Ahead As Congress Dithers
Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal | Published: 12/21/2014
While campaign finance reform is unlikely in Congress, it is possible in some states, where extreme polarization on the issue of money in politics is less evident than in Washington, D.C. Many states and municipalities have already enacted new disclosure laws and rules governing candidates’ coordination with independent groups. Still others have pushed for small-donor matching fund systems to dilute the power of big money, or have passed conflict-of-interest restrictions on gifts from lobbyists and contractors.
Lawyers Create Big Paydays by Coaxing Attorneys General to Sue
New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 12/18/2014
There is a flourishing industry that pairs plaintiffs’ lawyers with state attorneys general to sue companies, a collaboration that has set off a furious competition between trial lawyers and corporate lobbyists to influence these officials. While prospecting for contracts, the private lawyers have also donated tens of thousands of dollars to campaigns of individual attorneys general, as well as party-backed organizations that they run. The donations often come in large chunks just before or after the firms sign contracts to represent the state, show campaign finance records and more than 240 contracts examined by The New York Times.
Federal:
National Parties, Donors Embrace Higher Campaign Limits
USA Today – Fredreka Schouten | Published: 12/22/2014
The national political parties and some of their biggest donors are embracing a new law that dramatically increases contribution limits, saying it could help the parties stage a financial comeback in an era of unlimited spending by super PACs. Some third-party groups on the left and the right of the political spectrum, however, are not as pleased, warning the national parties will have more power to drown out upstart politicians challenging the establishment’s favored candidates., Everyone agrees on one point: more campaign money will start to slosh through federal elections, just as the 2016 presidential campaign heats up.
Rep. Michael Grimm Pleads Guilty in Tax Case, Refuses to Resign
Los Angeles Times – Christine Mai-Duc | Published: 12/23/2014
U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm will not resign despite pleading guilty to one felony charge of filing false tax returns for a restaurant he owned, raising a challenge for Republican leaders if they seek to force him from office. He could be expelled from following a vote by the full House, but those proceedings could take weeks or even months. Grimm, a former FBI agent, was hit with 20-count indictment in April. Initially, federal investigators looked into allegations of campaign finance violations, but no charges were ever filed as part of that probe. Prosecutors accused Grimm of under-reporting his employees’ wages to the IRS, paying them in envelopes full of cash, and said he had lied under oath when he claimed he was not responsible for handling payroll.
Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry
Center for Responsive Politics – Dan Auble | Published: 12/22/2014
Overall spending on lobbying has been on a downward trajectory since 2010 and the number of active lobbyists has seen an even longer-term and more drastic drop. The Center for Responsive Politics attempted to identify whether particular industries have contributed more than their fair share to the decrease. Lobbying spending may have dropped by 15 percent since 2009, but not all industries have cut their spending. Fifty-six industries outperformed the overall trend, and 24 actually increased spending since 2009. About 33 fell at a more drastic rate than the average, suggesting they may have contributed more to the overall decline than could be made up by those on the rise.
From the States and Municipalities:
Maine – Maine Public in the Dark on Local-Issue Lobbying
Portland Press Herald – Steve Mistler | Published: 12/22/2014
Advocates for transparency in government say the failure to require lobbying disclosures at the local level makes it hard for citizens to know who is trying to influence elected officials, at a time when well-funded national groups are pouring millions of dollars into state and local politics. No Maine community has a lobbying disclosure rule, and the only time the state imposes a reporting requirement on cities and towns is when a community with more than 15,000 residents takes up a local referendum question.
Massachusetts – Boston-to-D.C. Flights Showcase Region’s Power Players
Boston Globe – Matt Viser | Published: 12/23/2014
The hourly shuttle flights between Boston and Reagan National Airport are a vital connection between the nation’s capital and The Hub in more ways than one. The shuttle provides an airborne showcase of the region’s power players as they travel to private dinners, fundraisers, and congressional hearings. For members of Congress, it can be like office hours, where they are forced to confront constituents who happen to be seat mates. Gate agents report passengers frequently request a new seat assignment so they can be next to a person with whom they are hoping to conduct business.
North Carolina – NC Supreme Court Upholds GOP-Drawn Legislative and Congressional Districts
Raleigh News & Observer – Ann Blythe | Published: 12/19/2014
The North Carolina Supreme Court upheld the Republican-led redrawing of congressional and legislative districts in 2011. Democratic voters and others challenging the boundaries argue that 30 legislative and congressional districts were designed to weaken the overall influence of black voters in North Carolina. The challengers contend the shepherds of the redistricting packed black voters into districts where they had already been successful in electing their candidates of choice despite being in the minority. Republicans have argued they followed the law when creating districts.
Pennsylvania – Kane’s Account of Sting Draws Increasing Fire
Philadelphia Inquirer – Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis | Published: 12/21/2014
Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane has said an undercover sting investigation that implicated five Philadelphia officials was marred by possible racial targeting, among many other flaws. At a news conference where Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams announced the arrests of two state representatives who he said took cash from a lobbyist who was working with law enforcement officials in the sting, Williams used the subpoena power of an investigative grand jury to dig into Kane’s statements on why she shuttered the sting and test them for accuracy. He ended up launching a broadside against Kane, saying she had made repeated false statements to justify her decision to end the probe, cited documents that did not exist, and irresponsibly jettisoned a strong criminal case.
Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Lawmakers Will Be Challenged to Ban Themselves from Taking Lobbyists’ Gifts
Columbus Republic – Marc Levy (Associated Press) | Published: 12/18/2014
Sen. Lloyd Smucker said he will introduce a sweeping bill to ban nearly all gifts to public officials and employees in Pennsylvania, including state and local government employees. Such bills have been introduced before, and seen no action, and Smucker said he has no commitment to pass it by House or Senate leadership. But this measure has the added weight of testimony collected by Smucker’s State Government Committee, a pledge by Gov.-elect Tom Wolf to ban gifts to executive branch employees and officials, and a fresh corruption scandal that produced bribery charges against two lawmakers.
Pennsylvania – Who’s Minding the Store for Legislative Ethics?
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Joe Smydo | Published: 12/22/2014
In the past 15 years, more than a dozen legislators in Pennsylvania have been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, crimes ranging from misusing taxpayer resources to hiding income from a second job to leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams recently announced bribery and other charges against Reps. Ronald Waters and Vanessa Lowery Brown. Policing lawmakers is a task the state Ethics Commission shares with committees in the House and Senate. Commission Executive Director Robert Caruso said his agency’s work has been challenged in recent years by staffing shortages, budget cuts, and weaknesses in the state ethics law.
Rhode Island – Mollis Concludes Former R.I. Attorney General Lynch Did Not Violate Lobbying Rules
Providence Journal – Katie Mulvaney | Published: 12/18/2014
Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis concluded former Attorney General Patrick Lynch did not violate Rhode Island’s lobbying law in his interactions with his successor’s office about federal regulation of Internet gambling and other topics. Lynch has claimed his interactions with Attorney General Peter Kilmartin’s office were as a lawyer representing clients and, thus, he was exempt from registering as a lobbyist.
Utah – Tea Partier Braces for Primary Challenge from the Establishment
Politico – Manu Raju | Published: 12/22/2014
What is happening in Utah marks a new chapter in the tea-party-vs.-establishment wars that have defined Republican politics since 2010. At that time, U.S. Sen. Mike Lee seized on conservatives’ frustration with a veteran GOP senator, Bob Bennett, to win the party’s nomination and emerge as one of the country’s most prominent tea party senators. But after four years in Washington, where he has aligned himself with the most conservative wing of the party, some Republicans are weighing whether there is an opening to challenge Lee.
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.
December 24, 2014 •
D.C. Campaign Finance Reform Bill Takes Effect 1/31/15
The provisions of a campaign finance reform bill passed by the Council of the District of Columbia take effect January 31, 2015. The special election set for April 28, 2015, will be the first test to the new restrictions found […]
The provisions of a campaign finance reform bill passed by the Council of the District of Columbia take effect January 31, 2015. The special election set for April 28, 2015, will be the first test to the new restrictions found in Bill 20-0076.
However, according to the Office of Campaign Finance, all campaigns registering prior to the effective date of the law will not be subject to its provisions. The new law will only affect those campaigns registering on or after February 1, 2015.
Among the changes, Bill 20-0076 imposes a training requirement for committee treasurers and requires all campaign finance reports to be filed electronically. The new law also restricts contributions from affiliated entities, thereby closing the “LLC loophole”.
December 24, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry” by Dan Auble for Center for Responsive Politics “PSC Rejects FPL’s Lobbying Fee Request” by Susan Salisbury for Palm Beach Post “Boston-to-D.C. Flights Showcase Region’s Power Players” by Matt Viser […]
Lobbying
“Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry” by Dan Auble for Center for Responsive Politics
“PSC Rejects FPL’s Lobbying Fee Request” by Susan Salisbury for Palm Beach Post
“Boston-to-D.C. Flights Showcase Region’s Power Players” by Matt Viser for Boston Globe
Campaign Finance
“Wall Street Money Can Predict How Democrats Vote. Here’s How” by Chris Wilson and Pratheek Rebala for Time
“National Parties, Donors Embrace Higher Campaign Limits” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
“Ethics Panel Wants State Agencies, Employees to Disclosure Campaign Activity” by Mario Moretto (Bangor Daily News) for Lewiston Sun Journal
Ethics
“Languid, Lax Congressional Ethics Disciplinary System May Pick Up Pace in 2015” by David Hawkins for Roll Call
“‘Boss’ Gifts to Pittsburgh Employees from Peduto Raise Questions” by Bob Bauder for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Elections
“The Tortoise and the Hare” by Maggie Haberman for Politico
Redistricting
“Panel Adopts Ideas for Changing Virginia’s Redistricting Process” by Jenna Portnoy for Washington Post
December 23, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Arkansas: “Schools Rethinking Gifts to Arkansas Lawmakers Following Passage of Constitutional Amendment” by the Associated Press for Greenfield Reporter Florida: “Homestead’s Former Mayor Sentenced to 22 Months in Corruption Case” by David Ovalle and Melhor Marie Leonor for Miami […]
Lobbying
Arkansas: “Schools Rethinking Gifts to Arkansas Lawmakers Following Passage of Constitutional Amendment” by the Associated Press for Greenfield Reporter
Florida: “Homestead’s Former Mayor Sentenced to 22 Months in Corruption Case” by David Ovalle and Melhor Marie Leonor for Miami Herald
Maine: “Maine Public in the Dark on Local-Issue Lobbying” by Steve Mistler for Portland Press Herald
West Virginia: “Statehouse Beat: Lobbyists change with new Legislature” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette
Campaign Finance
“Here’s Where Campaign Finance Reform May Move Ahead As Congress Dithers” by Paul Blumenthal for Huffington Post
Ethics
Pennsylvania: “Kane’s Account of Sting Draws Increasing Fire” by Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis for Philadelphia Inquirer
Pennsylvania: “Who’s Minding the Store for Legislative Ethics?” by Joe Smydo for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wisconsin: “GAB Declined to Reauthorize Walker Campaign Probe” by Patrick Marley and Jason Stein for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Elections Board Director Defends Work, Structure, Amid Calls for Overhaul” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for Minneapolis Star Tribune
Elections
“Tea Partier Braces for Primary Challenge from the Establishment” by Manu Raju for Politico
Redistricting
North Carolina: “NC Supreme Court Upholds GOP-Drawn Legislative and Congressional Districts” by Ann Blythe for Raleigh News & Observer
December 22, 2014 •
Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission Issues Statement Regarding Galassini Ruling
On December 19, the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission issued a statement regarding the court ruling earlier this month invalidating the statutory definition of political committee. On December 5, a federal judge declared the state’s definition of political committee “vague, […]
On December 19, the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission issued a statement regarding the court ruling earlier this month invalidating the statutory definition of political committee. On December 5, a federal judge declared the state’s definition of political committee “vague, overbroad, and consequently unconstitutional in violation of the First Amendment.” In Galassini v. Town of Fountain Hills, Senior District Judge James A. Teilborg of the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, relied on his prior determination finding A.R.S. §16-901(19) unconstitutional.
In its statement, the commission says, “We strongly recommend that candidates and other persons who participate financially in state and legislative candidate elections continue to make filings as required by law, subject to enforcement under the Clean Elections Act and Rules.”
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