A federal judge rejected Citizens United’s request to air a documentary critical of Colorado Democrats without disclosing its donors in accordance with state law.

The conservative group argues its free speech rights are violated when the law requires it to disclose donors while effectively exempting traditional print media and broadcasters from the same requirement.

Although its motion for a preliminary injunction was denied, Citizens United President David Bossie claims the organization will appeal to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver.

National:

Non-Candidate Spending Increases in State Elections

The Center for Public Integrity – Rachel Baye, Reity O’Brien, Kytja Weir, and Ben Wieder | Published: 9/24/2014

More than 90 non-candidate organizations have spent $55 million to shape races in 30 states, accounting for roughly 19 percent of state-level political ad dollars. Four years ago, such groups spent $50 million and made up only 12 percent of spending. That translates to about 30,000 more ads this cycle from the groups. The increase in spending by non-candidate committees can be traced, in part, to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizen United decision, which gave the green light to unions and corporations to spend unlimited funds on ads supporting or opposing candidates.

Secret G.O.P. Records Reveal Corporate Donors Paying for Access to Governors

New York Times – Jonathan Weisman | Published: 9/24/2014

A recent error by the Republican Governors Association (RGA) resulted in the disclosure of exactly the kind of information that political committees given tax-exempt status normally keep secret, namely their corporate donors and the size of their checks. The documents showed many of America’s most prominent companies had poured millions of dollars into the campaigns of GOP governors since 2008. One document listed 17 corporate members of the RGA’s secretive 501(c)(4), the Republican Governors Public Policy Committee, which is allowed to shield its supporters from the public.

Study: Major companies are increasingly disclosing their political spending

Washington Post – Tom Hamburger | Published: 9/24/2014

Top U.S. companies are reporting more details about their political contributions, according to a survey by the Center for Political Accountability. It scored 191 companies on a complex scale that tracked whether they disclose corporate donations to candidates, parties, or trade associations. The center has been leading efforts to require companies to disclose more about their spending. But the push has drawn criticism from business groups, who say more disclosures offer little of value to shareholders.

From the States and Municipalities:

Colorado – Federal Judge Rejects Citizens United Push to Avoid Disclosure Laws

Denver Post – John Frank | Published: 9/22/2014

A federal judge refused to issue an injunction that would have allowed Citizens United to air and advertise a documentary on Colorado politics ahead of the November elections without disclosing funding behind any advertising related to the movie. Citizens United argued it fell under protections for media and its “Rocky Mountain Heist” film did not constitute electioneering communications. Citizens United President David Bossie said his organization would appeal to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Connecticut – Rowland, Ex-Connecticut Governor, Is Convicted in Campaign Finance Case

New York Times – Alison Leigh Cowan | Published: 9/19/2014

Former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, who resigned from office a decade ago in a corruption scandal, was convicted of federal charges that he conspired to hide payment for work on two congressional campaigns. Rowland served 10 months in prison for taking illegal gifts while in office, and now as a repeat offender faces the possibility of a much stiffer sentence. Rowland could have legally worked for a candidate’s campaign and received payment, had it been properly reported. But Rowland’s problem, as U.S. Attorney Christopher Mattei told the jury, was that candidates valued his experience but his criminal history made the association too risky to be revealed.

Georgia – New Ga. Lobbying Rules Still Allow State Legislators to Accept Lavish Summer Travel

The Tribune; Associated Press – | Published: 9/21/2014

An analysis by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution shows lobbyists spent more than $100,000 hosting lawmakers and state officials at roughly two-dozen summertime conferences. Many were held on the coast of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina during June and July. That spending increased by about 35 percent from 2012, the year before state lawmakers adopted some limits on lobbyist expenditures. But the new law left open a loophole that still allows lobbyists to pay generously when lawmakers travel for work purposes.

Kentucky – Kentucky Election Finance Leader Retiring

WFPL – Phillip Bailey | Published: 9/19/2014

The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance announced that Sarah Jackson will retire as executive director on November 1. The registry appointed budget analyst Rebecca Feland as the interim executive director. Registry Chairperson Craig Dilger said a search for Jackson’s replacement will take several months. “Sarah has been a tremendous asset to the agency and a true professional as executive director; the agency is stronger for it,” said Dilger.

Maine – Gay Donors Missing History in Maine

Politico – Alexander Burns | Published: 9/22/2014

U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, who is leading Maine’s gubernatorial race six weeks before Election Day, would be the first openly gay candidate ever to become governor of a state. Michaud has gotten to this point with little help from the wealthiest and most influential gay donors in Democratic politics. Some say it is an illustration of the short shrift progressive donors typically give to state-level elections, as well as Michaud’s own status as a new arrival within the gay political community.

North Carolina – North Carolina, in Political Flux, Battles for Its Identity

New York Times – Richard Fausset | Published: 9/22/2014

Unlike other Southern states, which have shifted decidedly rightward in recent years, North Carolina often seems like it is moving in both directions at once. Barack Obama shocked the political world by winning the state in 2008. Two years later, Republicans wrested control of both legislative houses for the first time in more than a century. In a tight race that could decide control of the U.S. Senate, it is Democrats who hold the advantage in registered voters. “It’s a place on the cusp – there’s really a battle going on for the soul of North Carolina,” said Marc Farinella, who was Obama’s 2008 campaign director in the state.

Rhode Island – Groups Challenge Proposed Changes for Those Lobbying Providence City Council

Providence Journal – John Hill | Published: 9/20/2014

Nonprofit groups criticized as burdensome a proposed lobbying ordinance in Providence that would expand disclosure requirements. They focused on one new rule that would define a lobbyist as someone who advocates for an organization or cause for 10 or more hours a year and is paid $2,500 or more for that work. The current standard is 25 hours a year and $2,500. Councilperson Samuel Zurier said a public hearing on the changes will be scheduled.

Rhode Island – Hearing Officer Rules That Corso Lobbied for 38 Studios Deal

Providence Journal – Katherine Gregg | Published: 9/19/2014

A hearing officer hired by the Rhode Island secretary of state’s office ruled attorney Michael Corso should have registered as a lobbyist on behalf of 38 Studios. Secretary of State Ralph Mollis launched the probe in the wake media reports that revealed no one from 38 Studios registered to lobby when a controversial deal to provide the company with state funds was being put together in the Legislature. A contract showed the company pledged to pay Corso $300,000 to interact with government officials, among other duties. The hearing officer set a deadline for Corso to file lobbyist disclosure reports for 2010, or pay a $2,000 fine.

Virginia – McAuliffe Unveils Ethics Panel to Restore Public Trust after McDonnell Convictions

Washington Post – Laura Vozzella | Published: 9/25/2014

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe laid out an ambitious agenda for ethical and political reform in the state, saying it is essential to restore the public’s trust in its government. McAuliffe appointed a bipartisan commission charged with recommending sweeping changes in the laws regarding gifts, campaign contributions, and public disclosure by state officials. The announcement comes less than a month after former Gov. Robert McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were convicted of corruption.

Wisconsin – Federal Court Overturns Doe Ruling, Sends it Back to State Judges

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Jason Stein, Daniel Bice, and Patrick Marley | Published: 9/24/2014

A federal appeals court removed an injunction halting an investigation into whether Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign illegally coordinated with conservative groups on fundraising and spending as he sought to overcome a recall effort. The decision by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit raised the prospect that prosecutors could eventually resume the investigation even as Walker is engaged in a tight battle for re-election. But now the matter returns to Wisconsin’s courts, where a state judge had in effect stopped the inquiry in an earlier ruling, saying he had found no basis for pursuing an inquiry into campaign finance violations.

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.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced the appointment of a bipartisan panel to review state campaign finance, gift, and public disclosure laws. The panel is co-chaired by former Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and former U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher, who represented a district in southwestern Virginia.

The governor’s announcement comes just weeks after former Gov. Bob McDonnell was convicted of corruption charges for accepting close to $200,000 of gifts in exchange for public acts.

Other topics on the table include merit selection of judges and redrawing of legislative district lines.

Gov. McAuliffe has asked the panel for a report by December 1, giving the General Assembly time to take action in 2015.

Photo of Gov. Terry McAuliffe courtesy of Kate Wellington in Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

“Tech Firms and Lobbyists: Now Intertwined, but Not Eager to Reveal It” by Derek Willis and Claire Cain Miller in The New York Times.

New Jersey: “Archer & Greiner Lobbying Unit Eyes Future Without Mroz” by David Gialanella in the New Jersey Law Journal.

Campaign Finance

“2014 Campaign Finance Dashboard” by Alan Palazzolo, Tom Nehil and Devin Henry in MinnPost.

Indiana: “Big-money donors play in quiet 2014 state election cycle” by The Associated Press in the Indianapolis Business Journal.

Massachusetts: “Somerville mayor vetoes new campaign finance law” by Danielle McLean in the Somerville Journal.

New York City: “City campaign finance officials on the future of online-donation tools” by Miranda Neubauer in Capital New York.

Wisconsin: “Federal appeals court lifts injunction of Scott Walker campaign finance investigation” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.

Ethics

Hawaii: “Hawaii Ethics Commission Won’t Budge on Releasing Financial Disclosures” by Nathan Eagle in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Indiana: “Dem asks for tougher rules after ethics conflict” by The Associated Press in the Washington Times.

Virginia: “Bolling, Boucher to serve on McAuliffe’s ethics panel” by Andrew Cain in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Elections

“The worst campaigns of 2014” by Alex Isenstadt in Politico.

“Coming soon to the workplace: Voter registration drives?” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Arkansas: “Arkansas Is Likely the Next State to Turn Red” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.

California: “Gubernatorial Candidate Gives Out Gift Cards for Gas” by Seema Mehta in Governing.

Colorado: “Poll: Colorado turns perfect purple” by Kendall Breitman in Politico.

Florida: “Elections officials urging online voter registration” in the Miami Herald.

Political Advertising

North Carolina: “N.C. campaign ad spending tops $3.7 million” by The Associated Press in The Fayetteville Observer.

Tech and Social Media

“These 7 local governments will Code for America in 2015” by Luke Fretwell in Govfresh.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Americans Are O.K. With Big Business. It’s Business Lobbying Power They Hate.” by Neil Irwin in The New York Times.

“TechAmerica Axes Top Government Representative” in Government Technology.

Campaign Finance

“Study: Major companies are increasingly disclosing their political spending” by Tom Hamburger in The Washington Post.

“Why the Billionaires Got Bupkus” by Michael Lind in Politico Magazine.

“D’Souza Avoids Prison in Campaign Finance Case” by Jonathan Mahler in The New York Times.

Maine: “Groups’ spending on Maine elections hits record $4.6 million” by Steve Mistler in the Portland Press Herald.

San Diego, California: “Leaders OK campaign crackdown” by David Garrick in The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Ethics

“Lawmakers push for new limits to political intelligence brokers” by Peter Schroeder in The Hill.

“QUIZ: Do You Know How to Be an Ethical Political Appointee?” by Eric Katz in Government Executive.

Georgia: “AG’s office pays $10,000 fine in ethics commission case” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Georgia: “DeKalb Commission releases money for ethics investigations” by Mark Niesse in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Political Advertising

“When NOT to Air Political Ads on TV” by Abby Livingston in Roll Call.

Minnesota: “Minnesota campaign regulators give social media advice, suggest online posts carry disclaimers” by The Associated Press in the Star Tribune.

Missouri: “Few 2014 campaign TV ads in Missouri” by The Associated Press in the Springfield News-Leader.

Elections

Florida: “Hillary Clinton to campaign for Charlie Crist” by Maggie Haberman in Politico.

North Carolina: “N.C. sees rise in unaffliated voters” by Benjamin Brown in the Charlotte Observer.

Legislative Sessions

Montana: “Legislative Update September 2014” by Sen. Matt Rosendale in The Roundup.

Utah: “2015 Legislature Could See Record Number of Bills” by Bob Bernick in Utah Policy.

Tech and Social Media

“Procurement: What if We’re Doing it Wrong?” by Mark Headd in Government Technology.

The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) issued an advisory opinion last week to clarify when an organization may be required to register with the state as an independent expenditure political action committee (IEPAC). An IEPAC is a political committee or other entity receiving contributions to make independent expenditures.

On September 18, the OCPF issued AO-14-05, which explains how an organization raising funds for political purposes is generally not required to register as an IEPAC in Massachusetts unless donors are told or otherwise know “that at least a portion of funds given will be used to influence” an election in the state. Registration as an IEPC with the state would not be required even if a portion of the funds raised by the organization is subsequently transferred to a Massachusetts IEPAC or is used by the organization itself to make independent expenditures in the state.

A committee of City Council has endorsed new campaign contribution rules to monitor independent political action committees. The rules would classify a committee’s otherwise independent payment as a “contribution” if the payment is for an advertisement duplicating materials found in a candidate’s advertisement or on the candidate’s website. Such payments would be subject to both contribution limits and source prohibitions.

The full City Council will now consider the amendments to the Election Campaign Control Ordinance (ECCO).

Photo of the San Diego skyline courtesy of Tomcio77 on Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

Oklahoma: “State Capitol lobbyist Bart McSpadden dead at 46” by Mark Friedel in the Claremore Daily Progress.

Campaign Finance

“Democrats relying on big donors to win” by Kenneth P. Vogel and Tarini Parti in Politico.

“FEC Chairman Talks ‘Dark Money’ and the Fine Line Between Free Speech and Censorship” by Elizabeth Nolan Brown in Reason.com.

“Is there a right to contribute to out-of-state elections?” by William Baude in The Washington Post.

Massachusetts: “Massachusetts governor’s race has range of cash sources” by Steve Leblanc in the Portland Press Herald.

Massachusetts: “Pro-casino group ramping up campaign spending” by The Associated Press in the Boston Herald.

New Jersey: “N.J. assemblyman wants to end restrictions on campaign donations, lobbying: The Auditor” in NJ.com.

Winnipeg, Canada: “The money behind the politics: Winnipeg’s most generous political donors” by Joanne Levasseur and Sean Kavanagh in CBC News.

Ethics

Tallahassee, Florida: “City approves 2015 budget, more ethics standards” by TaMaryn Waters in the Tallahassee Democrat.

Elections

California: “A show of disunity at California GOP convention” by Michael Finnegan and Seema Mehta in the Los Angeles Times.

California: “AM Alert: Democrats’ legislative supermajority hinges on several key races” by Alexei Koseff in the Fresno Bee.

Michigan: “Michigan GOP Gov. Rick Snyder Has Created an Opening for His Opponent” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.

Minnesota: “Unions will play key role in Dayton re-election bid” by Ricardo Lopez in the Star Tribune.

Legislative Sessions

Alaska: “Alaska legislative committee reviews progress on crime-reduction bill” by Jerzy Shedlock in the Alaska Dispatch News.

Former Gov. John G. Rowland was convicted Friday in federal court on seven counts of corrupt political acts. The charges, including obstructing justice, conspiracy, and falsifying documents, followed Rowland’s connection to the congressional campaigns of Lisa Wilson-Foley in 2012 and Mark Greenberg in 2010.

Foley pleaded guilty to related crimes earlier this year and is awaiting sentencing. The obstruction charge in relation to Greenberg’s campaign centered around a contract presented to Greenberg by Rowland. Greenberg testified he was not interested and tore up the contract.

Facing a maximum of 57 years in prison, Rowland will be sentenced on December 12.

Photo of former Gov. John G. Rowland by CT State Library on Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

Connecticut: “Ethics Commission selects 10 lobbyists for audit” in Hartford Business.

Georgia: “New Ga. lobbying rules allow for summer travel” by The Associated Press in the Washington Times.

Illinois: “Rauner proposes cooling-off period before lobbying” by Kurt Erickson in the Herald & Review.

Rhode Island: “Violation found in 38 Studios lobbying case” by The Associated Press in the Boston Herald.

Rhode Island: “Groups challenge proposed changes for those lobbying Providence City Council” by John Hill in the Providence Journal.

Texas: “Todd Staples named president of Texas oil and gas lobbying group” by Nicholas Sakelaris in the Dallas Business Journal.

Minnesota: “Minnesota Farm Bureau Members Lobbying Congress” on WNAX.com.

Campaign Finance

“Exclusive: Lois Lerner breaks silence” by Rachael Bade in Politico.

“Campaign finance disclosures show billionaires opening their wallets” by Philip Elliott (Associated Press) in The Register-Guard.

“What’s Next for Campaign Finance Reform?” by Meredith McGehee (Campaign Legal Center) in The Huffington Post.

California (San Diego): “Crackdown coming on campaign cash?” by David Garrick in The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Connecticut: “Rowland, Ex-Connecticut Governor, Is Convicted in Campaign Finance Case” by Alison Leigh Cowan in The New York Times.

Massachusetts: “Candidates for governor target supporters for cash” by The Associated Press in the Boston Herald.

New York City: “Campaign Finance Board wants earlier payments to candidates” by Sally Goldenberg in Capital New York.

Ethics

Georgia: “Georgia legislators hit the beach: Lobbying limits exempt pricey travel, conventions on Georgia, Florida coasts for state lawmakers” by James Salzer in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Hawaii: “Hawaii Ethics Commission Urged to Release Board Members’ Financial Disclosures” by Nathan Eagle in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Kentucky: “Kentucky Election Finance Leader Retiring” by Phillip M. Bailey on WFPL News.

North Carolina: “Assessing The State Ethics Commission” by Will Michaels and Frank Stasio in WUNC North Carolina Public Radio.

Congress

“Congressional Hits and Misses: Week of September 15 (Video)” by JM Rieger in Roll Call.

State Legislatures

Virginia: “Va. legislators approve budget deal, reject Medicaid expansion” by Laura Vozzella and Rachel Weiner in The Washington Post.

West Virginia: “Parole law retroactivity contentious” by Andrea Lannom in the Charleston Daily Mail.

Political Advertising

“The Best TV Shows for Political Advertisements” by Abby Livingston in Roll Call.

Colorado: “Negative campaign ads dominate Colorado Senate race” by Katie Kuntz in The Gazette.

Minnesota: “Minnesota is the state of political hockey ads” by Bob Collins on Minnesota Public Radio.

Tech and Social Media

“Play of the Day: How to Use Twitter if You’re a Politician (Jimmy Fallon)” by Reena Flores in Government Executive.

National:

Wealthy Citizens Have More Clout in State Government, but Stricter Lobbying Rules Can Help Close the Gap, Baylor Study Finds

Baylor University – Terry Goodrich | Published: 9/16/2014

Baylor University political science professor Patrick Flavin found state lawmakers are more attentive to the political opinions of the wealthy than those of poor people when making policy decisions, but stricter regulations on professional lobbyists can help curb this trend and promote more equal representation. “… Disadvantaged citizens do not enjoy the same level of representation among professional lobbyists [as the wealthy], and correspondingly exert less influence over the policy decisions made by elected officials,” said Flavin.

Federal:

Judge Mulls SEC Limits on Political Donations

Politico – Josh Gerstein | Published: 9/12/2014

A federal judge questioned whether two state Republican parties have legal standing to challenge a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule that puts some restrictions on asset managers when they make campaign contributions. The New York and Tennessee Republican parties filed a lawsuit against the SEC in August over the 2010 rule, arguing it impedes free speech. They are seeking a preliminary injunction against the rule. Howell also said the SEC’s rule, aimed at reining in donations intended to help investment advisers win business from state-controlled endowments or pension funds, was vague, especially when it comes to preventing indirect contributions.

Tommy Boggs Helped Create Modern World of D.C. Lobbying

Politico – Byron Tau and Anna Palmer | Published: 9/15/2014

Thomas H. Boggs, Jr., who was a pioneer in melding the practice of law and lobbying and led the prominent lobbying shop Patton Boggs for many years, has died at age 73. Few people were as acquainted with power and influence as Boggs, whose father was Democratic majority leader in the U.S. House and whose mother served nine terms in Congress. Starting in the 1960s, when lobbying was often a one-man operation or done by a trade association, Boggs helped transform the profession into a multibillion-dollar enterprise that seeks a vast array of public policy goals.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – State Supreme Court to Rule on Campaign Finance Disclosure Requirements

East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 9/15/2014

The Committee for Justice and Fairness is asking the Arizona Supreme Court to decide when groups running attack ads against candidates have to disclose who is financing the effort. The committee wants the justices to rule that only groups which run commercials specifically asking viewers to vote for or against someone must spell out the source of the money. What the court ultimately decides will govern what voters know about who is behind the attack ads they will see for years to come.

Arkansas – Why Some Say Arkansas’ Ethics Reform Is a Trojan Horse

Governing Magazine – J.B. Wogan | Published: 9/11/2014

Issue 3 on the November ballot in Arkansas would ban lobbyist gifts to state officials, prohibit direct corporate contributions to candidates, and lengthen the time period before former lawmakers can become lobbyists. But those lobbying and campaign finance reforms have received little attention in the campaign, mostly because another provision would extend term limits for state lawmakers. Because the measure would make several changes at once, it has a long, complicated ballot title and the bill itself is 22 pages, with the term-limits portion tucked away on the 16th page. The length and complexity of the measure has invited speculation that its authors intended to obfuscate its impact on term limits.

Colorado – Ted Olson Argues Citizens United Case in Denver Court

Denver Post – John Frank | Published: 9/16/2014

The conservative organization credited – or blamed – with bringing a flood of money into politics argued in federal court it should be allowed to produce and advertise a film that criticizes Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper without disclosing who paid for it. Attorneys for Citizens United argued “Rocky Mountain Heist” is a news product and the organization itself should be considered a media outlet with the same protections as members of the press. The urgency of the ruling is heightened with the election seven weeks away.

Connecticut – Panel Condemns NU Exec’s Pro-Malloy Solicitation as ‘Offensive’ – But Finds No Violation

Hartford Courant – Jon Lender | Published: 9/16/2014

The State Elections Enforcement Commission dismissed a complaint against Northeast Utilities Chief Executive Officer Thomas May, but not before offering some harsh criticism of the solicitation the state contractor sent to his employees. Connecticut law prohibits state contractors from contributing to state party accounts or the campaigns of statewide candidates. Even though the email solicitation mentioned Malloy’s accomplishments at length, the commission was unable to find May violated the law because the money went to the party’s federal account.

New York – Former Assemblyman Turned Informer Avoids Prison

New York Times – Benjamin Weiser | Published: 9/11/2014

Former New York Assemblyperson Nelson Castro will not serve any time in prison for making false statements because he “helped clean house” in state politics by cooperating in a lengthy corruption probe that resulted in the conviction of another state Assembly member and five others, said a federal judge. Castro began cooperating in 2009 while still a candidate almost immediately after he was told he was facing a perjury charge in a corruption investigation. For two terms in the Assembly, he wore a wire at times as part of his undercover work. He resigned office after his cooperation was revealed last year.

North Carolina – NC’s Political Watchdogs: The State Ethics Commission’s strengths and weaknesses

Carolina Public Press – John Ellston | Published: 9/17/2014

The Carolina Public Press said its review of the North Carolina Ethics Commission’s first seven years of operation found a bipartisan and vigorous effort to enforce ethics laws that is constrained by a lack of resources, strict confidentiality rules, and limited enforcement powers, and burdened by an ever-expanding mandate. The Public Press profiled the commission’s members, detailed the agency’s duties, and assessed what outside observers say are its strengths and weaknesses.

Ohio – Judge: Ohio politicians allowed to lie

USA Today – Chrissie Thompson (Cincinnati Enquirer) | Published: 9/11/2014

A federal judge struck down as unconstitutional an Ohio election law that banned candidates or independent organizations from lying in campaigns. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Black ruled the law and its enforcement by the state Elections Commission are “inherently flawed” because the statute requires a government agency to decide whether a candidate or organization had lied in a commercial or billboard. “The answer to false statements in politics is not to force silence, but to encourage truthful speech in response, and to let the voters, not the government, decide what the political truth is,” wrote Black.

Texas – Campaigns, Consultants Disregard Ethics Commission Resolution

Houston Chronicle – David Saleh Rauf | Published: 9/11/2014

The Texas Ethics Commission adopted a resolution last year saying that campaigns should not use the agency’s sworn complaint process as a tool to smear an opposing candidate. But the resolution is a nonbinding decree that carries no enforcement muscle. So it appears that strategists from both parties have decided to disregard the sentiment of the commission in favor of trying to drum up headlines against their political rivals.

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.

The pro-life group Vermont Right to Life Committee filed a complaint with the state’s attorney general’s office against Vermont Leads and its independent expenditure PAC, Vermont Leads Political Action Committee. The complaint alleges transfers of money between the two groups violate campaign finance laws.

Act 90, enacted in January, states an independent expenditure PAC cannot be closely related to a political party or political committee if they make contributions to candidates. The treasurer of Vermont Right to Life Committee, Sharon Toborg, is asking the attorney general to clarify the statute’s language.

Assistant Attorney General Eve Jacobs-Carnahan believes the distinction will depend on communication between Vermont Leads and its PAC as well as their governance structure, activities, and spending.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is seeking input on the redesign of its website and access to its campaign finance data and information. The FEC held a public forum on September 17 to discuss the website improvement plans being made in coordination with the General Services Administration (GSA). According to the FEC press release, one of Chairman Lee E. Goodman goals is “to make the data as visible and tailored to each individual website visitor as possible.”

The GSA group working with the FEC is called 18F and describes itself as builders of “effective, user-centric digital services focused on the interaction between government [and] the people it serves.” Suggestions and ideas for website improvement may be submitted here.

Lobbying

“Under Contract” in The Hill.

“Anthony Weiner and the Revolving Door” by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren in The Huffington Post.

“Eric Cantor’s out, Wall Street’s still in” by Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman in Politico.

“Lyft hires Gephardt’s K Street firm” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Ontario, Canada: “McGuinty’s gig as a lobbyist problematic” by Andrew Coyne in the Leader-Post.

Campaign Finance

“Dems Getting Stingier With Campaign Cash to Colleagues” by Lalita Clozel on Open Secrets Blog.

Colorado: “Citizens United wants press exemption from CO campaign finance disclosure” by Tess Cheek in The Colorado Independent.

Georgia: “Atlanta City Council weighs in on campaign finance issue” by Dave Williams in the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Rhode Island: “Law professors debate campaign finance reform” by Aliza Reisner in the Brown Daily Herald.

Ethics

Florida: “Florida Ethics Commission dismisses complaints against Mayor Brown and Clay County School Board officials, not so Rep. Fullwood case” by David Bauerlein in The Florida Times-Union.

Elections

“Bigger and Better Things: Staffers Who Run for Office” by Rebecca Gale in Roll Call.

“Dems, GOP hone messages for final campaign push” by Alexander Bolton in The Hill.

“5 States Put Voting Reform to the Voters” by J.B. Wogan in Governing.

Ohio: “John Kasich, Ed FitzGerald won’t debate, a first in Ohio gubernatorial contests since the late ’70s” by Robert Higgs in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

State Legislatures

California: “Governor signs much-debated ridesharing bill” by Allen Young in the Sacramento Business Journal.

Nevada: “Education called top priority for Nevada Legislature” by Laura Myers in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Nevada: “Tesla triumphs: Sandoval signs off on$1.3 billion untax package” by Dennis Myers in the Reno News & Review.

North Dakota: “Western ND lawmakers want $800 million for development” by Jessica Holdman in the Bismarck Tribune.

Virginia: “Va. House of Delegates plans to vote on Medicaid expansion” by Laura Vozella in The Washington Post.

Tech and Social Media

“Tweets made easy for bankers lobbying lawmakers” by Greg Edwards in the St. Louis Business Journal.

“Twitter’s new guide for campaigners” by Darren Samuelsohn in Politico.

Tennessee: “Chattanooga Launches Website to Track City Goals” by Joy Lukachick Smith in Government Technology.