Lobbying

“Corporate Lobby ALEC Aims at U.S. City Councils With New Group” by Tim Jones in Bloomberg.

“Netflix bulks up K St. help” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“Big Checks Strengthen Super PACs” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Waiting for the next Watergate” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Wall Street Campaign-Cash Restrictions Face Legal Attack” by Robert Schmidt in Bloomberg.

Arizona: “Groups spend nearly $2 million in Arizona primary” by The Associated Press in the Arizona Daily Sun.

Montana: “Montana candidates late with campaign finance reports” by The Associated Press in the Great Falls Tribune.

Pennsylvania: “Pa. lawmakers face crowded calendar when they return” by The Associated Press in Herald-Mail Media.

West Virginia: “‘Dark money’ finds its way to W.Va.” by Ben Fields in The Herald-Dispatch.

Wyoming: “Candidates, committees disclose info as campaign finance deadline looms” by Laura Hancock in the Casper Star-Tribune.

Ethics

Florida: “Florida Lawmakers’ Personal Wealth Keeps Growing” by Marianela Toledo in the Sunshine State News.

Rhode Island: “Ethics complaint filed against R.I. Rep. Palumbo over beach concession contracts” by Randal Edgar in the Providence Journal.

West Virginia: “Lawmakers can’t use voters lists when sending letters, Ethics Commission rules” by Phil Kabler in the Charleston Gazette.

Secretary of State Jim Condos announced candidates, parties, and political action committees are now able to file financial reports online.

Use of the online system is currently voluntary but becomes mandatory on January 1, 2015.

Electronic filing is available here.

The state Supreme Court has issued a preliminary order and set a hearing on a campaign finance lawsuit filed by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gary King. The preliminary order blocks Secretary of State Dianna Duran from forcing King to handover $10,900 in contributions.

At the center of the dispute is a state law limiting campaign contributions to $5,200 for a primary election and $5,200 for a general election. King’s post-primary report reflected contributions received after the date of the primary and in amounts more than the $5,200 general election limit, but at or under the $10,400 two-election limit.

Duran contends a candidate may not accept contributions attributable to the primary after the election has occurred when offered by donors who have given the maximum amount for the general election. The Office of the Secretary of State has previously advised candidates to provide clarification on the campaign report if a contribution should be applied to more than one election.

The hearing is scheduled for August 28, 2014.

Federal:

Tea Party Group Loses Appeal on Corporate PAC Limits

BusinessWeek – Andreew Zajac | Published: 8/5/2014

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. kept in place limits on political donations by corporate PACs. The judges turned aside a challenge by Stop This Insanity Inc., an Arizona-based not-for-profit organization created to advance the values of the tea party movement. The group sought to allow corporate PACs to accept funds from the general public and to eliminate a $5,000-a-person annual limit on contributions earmarked for independent support or opposition to candidates.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Powerhouse GOP Group Snared in Money Scheme

Politico – Alexander Burns | Published: 8/4/2014

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) has spent tens of millions of dollars to flip state legislative chambers and redraw the congressional map in Republicans’ favor, and is poised to spend millions more this fall. A report by a Washington law firm detailed an investigation into alleged misconduct by multiple RSLC officials during the crucial 2010 election cycle. It charged that national leaders conspired improperly with the leader of the Alabama Republican Party to use the RSLC as a pass-through for controversial Indian tribe donations, essentially laundering money from the gaming industry by routing it out of state and then back into Alabama.

Florida – Deadline Set to Redraw Voting Map in Florida

New York Times – Frances Robles | Published: 8/1/2014

Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis ordered Florida lawmakers to revise a map of 27 congressional districts by August 15, raising the possibility of delayed elections in November. The judge previously found the current map violated a state prohibition of gerrymandering. Lewis said until a new map is in place, it will be “difficult, if not impossible” to evaluate whether an election with new district lines is feasible before the new Congress takes office in January. The primary is set to take place August 26. A hearing, if needed, is set for August 20 to hear objections to the revised map or a proposed election schedule.

Maryland – Despite 2012 Law, Casino Interests and Md. Candidates Remain Intertwined

Washington Post – John Wagner | Published: 8/4/2014

Maryland’s ban on casino owners making campaign contributions is limited and has done little to stop the flow of funds associated with one prolific donor – William Rickman, Jr., owner of the Casino at Oceans Downs. Rickman has stopped giving as an individual and through the company he set up to operate the casino. But money has been donated to candidates through a separate Rickman company that owns the racetrack where the casino was built, and through a company established to provide food and beverage services there, among other avenues. Critics say the contributions tied to Rickman offer a prime example of how campaign finance reform often falls short of its goal: donors simply find other ways to give.

Massachusetts – Gov. Deval Patrick Signs Super PAC Disclosure Law

MassLive.com – Shira Schoenberg | Published: 8/4/2014

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill into law that increases individual campaign contribution limits for state candidates and requires additional disclosures for super PACs. Beginning immediately, the law requires that all groups making independent expenditures to disclose their donors within seven days, or within 24 hours if it is 10 days or less before an election. Beginning in January, the law raises the amount an individual can contribute to a state candidate from $500 to $1,000.

Massachusetts – State Fines Super PAC that Backed Walsh

CommonWealth Magazine – Paul McMorrow | Published: 8/6/2014

The two super PACs that supported Boston Mayor Martin Walsh in the closing days of the 2013 election are settling claims they violated Massachusetts campaign finance law. The groups behind $500,000 in pro-Walsh television ads, One New Jersey and One Boston, have agreed to pay $30,000 in fines. The money for the ads originated with the American Federation of Teachers, something that did not become known until after the election.  The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance found One New Jersey failed to identify itself as a political committee and One Boston failed to disclose the true origins of its donations.

Mississippi – Miss. Appeals Federal Judge’s Block of Small-Group Political Spending Laws; Hearing Sept. 3

Greenfield Reporter; Associated Press –   | Published: 8/4/2014

The state of Mississippi is asking a federal appeals court to overturn a lower court ruling that part of its campaign finance law creates an unconstitutional burden for people or groups that spend at least $200 to support or oppose a ballot initiative. Opponents of the law argue the threshold is so low it would be impossible for a group of people to run a quarter-page ad in their local newspaper without having to become a political committee. State Attorney General Jim Hood said the disclosure requirements are “substantially related to the sufficiently important government interest” of educating voters about those who seek to influence their vote.

Tennessee – Conservatives See Potential in Tennessee Judicial Race

New York Times – Alan Blinder | Published: 8/5/2014

Most elections to retain state Supreme Court justices are bland affairs, but this year, Tennesseans have been inundated with mailings, venomous campaign ads, and more than $1 million of local and out-of-state money for the battle over three of the five seats on the court. The big push against the incumbents has come from Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey. His PAC gave the largest recorded campaign contribution, more than $400,000, to a conservative group opposing the justices. Ramsey’s efforts have drawn national groups into the fight, like the Charles and David Koch-affiliated Americans for Prosperity, the State Government Leadership Foundation, and the Republican State Leadership Committee.

Utah – Utah Lobbyists Required to Wear Badges at Capitol

Charlotte Observer – Michelle Price (Associated Press) | Published: 8/1/2014

As of August 1, lobbyists in Utah must don name tags featuring the word “lobbyist” whenever they are trying to influence public officials at the Capitol. The law also requires lobbyists to disclose who they are working for before advocating to an official. Frank Pignanelli, who has been a lobbyist for the last 17 years after spending a decade as a lawmaker, said wearing badges is irritating and unnecessary. “I just think it’s silly and it’s not necessary and it smacks of a nanny state; our forefathers didn’t cross the plains so we can stick badges on lobbyists,” said Pignanelli.

Vermont – Searchable Campaign Finance System Goes Live

Burlington Free Press – Terri Hallenbeck | Published: 8/5/2014

Vermont now has a searchable computer system that will make it easier to track how much money candidates are raising and spending. Candidates, political parties, and PACs may start using it for campaign finance reports due later in August. Those who prefer the old paper system may continue using it this year, said Secretary of State Jim Condos. The new system becomes mandatory in January.

Wisconsin – Another Blow to Campaign Finance Disclosure in Wisconsin?

Captal Times – Jack Craver | Published: 8/1/2014

The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (GAB) recently told a number of electioneering groups that they are welcome to disclose their spending activity and donors, but are not required to. That is a change from previous years, when organizations that expressly advocated for the election or defeat of a candidate have been required to periodically submit reports that listed their donors and spending activity. Groups that engaged solely in issue advocacy were not required to disclose. Now, however, the GAB is allowing even organizations that engage in a certain amount of express advocacy to forego disclosure.

Wyoming – Federal Court Rules in Favor of Third-Party Fundraising in Wyoming

Casper Star-Tribune – Trevor Graff | Published: 8/6/2014

A federal judge ruled a provision of Wyoming law that restricted third-party candidate fundraising is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. Jennifer Young, who is running for secretary of state as a Constitution Party candidate, and one of her supporters sued the state. They challenged a campaign finance law that limited fundraising for candidates whose parties do not participate in primary elections. The contested provision barred third-party candidates from accepting political contributions before the primary election. Major party candidates faced no such restriction.

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.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Lobbying

California: “Harvey Whittemore surrenders to federal prison camp” by Martha Bellisle in the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Wisconsin: “Lueders: Lobbyists spent $14.1 million in six months” by Bill Leuders in the Wausau Daily Herald.

Campaign Finance

“Strategists say impact of outside group spending is overrated” by Alexander Bolton in The Hill.

California: “Attorneys say Legislature acted within its authority to put Citizens United question on ballot” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

New Hampshire: “New Hampshire candidate cashes in on campaign finance reform” by Scott Malone in Reuters.

West Virginia: “W.Va. speaker canceled; pleaded guilty to charges” by The Associated Press in The Intelligencer.

Ethics

“The Value of Political Corruption” op-ed by Thomas B. Edsall in The New York Times.

“Can You Accept That Gift? Take Our Quiz” by Eric Katz in Government Executive.

Dallas, Texas: “Mayor Mike Rawlings wants city’s ethics commission to deal with legitimate complaints, not ‘frivolous’ ones” by Robert Wilonsky in The Dallas Morning News.

Redistricting

“4 End-Game Scenarios for the Florida Map Chaos” by Bridget Bowman in Roll Call.

U.S. District Judge Alan B. Johnson has approved a settlement agreement ending a lawsuit challenging the fundraising restriction faced by third-party candidates.

Jennifer Young, the Constitution Party’s candidate for secretary of state, and her supporter Donald Wills challenged a state campaign finance law prohibiting candidates from accepting contributions for the general election before the primary election. Since third-party candidates do not participate in the primary elections, they were prohibited from fundraising until August of an election year.

The court order finds the fundraising restriction unconstitutional and unenforceable against minor party candidates, independent candidates, and potential contributors.

The state of Mississippi is challenging a lower court ruling affecting its campaign finance laws. In September, 2013, U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock ruled the state’s campaign finance registration and reporting requirements unconstitutional for people or groups spending money to support or oppose a ballot initiative.

Under Mississippi law, groups seeking to support or oppose statewide ballot issues must register as political committees if receiving or making expenditures in excess of $200 during a calendar year. Moreover, campaign finance reports must include the name and address of any person donating more than $200 to a ballot issue committee.

The state argues the disclosure requirement provides transparency and is, therefore, substantially related to a sufficiently important government interest. Others claim the extensive and confusing regulations regarding political committees impose an undue burden and chill First Amendment speech.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit will hear the case September 3.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“To pick staff, Scalise turns to lobbyist” by Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman in Politico.

“Support for lobbyists, Super PACs up, new poll finds” by Phil Ammann in St. Peters Blog.

Florida: “Feds sue Florida manufacturing agency over travel, lobbying expenses” by Paul Brinkmann in the Orlando Sentinel.

Missouri: “Lobbyist John Britton dies after a half-century as one of the most powerful figures in Missouri” by Michael D. Sorkin in the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

Virginia: “K St. connections dog Va. hopeful” by Cameron Joseph in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

Vermont: “Searchable campaign finance system goes live” by Terri Hallenbeck in the Burlington Free Press.

Ethics

Calfornia: “Former lobbyist, wife charged in embezzlement scheme” by David Zahniser Richard Winton in the Los Angeles Times.

Tallahassee, Florida: “Ethics proposal gets enough signatures for ballot” by Jeff Burlew in the Tallahassee Democrat.

Oklahoma: “Democrats file ethics complaint against Fallin” in Tulsa World.

Redistricting

Florida: “CBC, DCCC clash over Fla. redistricting suit” by Alex Isenstadt in Politico.

Open Government

“Federal watchdogs complain of access woes” by Josh Gerstein in Politico.

Government Tech and Social Media

“The Public Sector Considers Mobile-First Approaches to Citizen Interactions” by Justine Brown in Government Technology.

Lucie Fiset, the chief electoral officer of Quebec, plans to set up a searchable online registry for accused violators of the province’s election laws. The database is slated to be operational by March 2015. This initiative is part of Fiset’s broader strategic plan to promote transparency and tighten surveillance of political contributions and election spending.

Recently, the province has been examining links between public construction contracts, organized crime, and provincial and municipal political contributions after investigators testified about a political financing scheme involving straw men contributing to political parties using money from a third party, thus skirting contribution limits, residency requirements, and the ban on contributions from entities.

With the new database, the public and the media will be able to search or cross-reference charges against individuals, companies, organizations, and parties accused of violating election laws.

On January 1, 2015, the limit for individuals making contributions to Massachusetts state candidates increases from $500 to $1,000, due to a new campaign finance bill signed by Gov. Deval Patrick.

Among the many changes in House Bill 4366, signed on August 1, are new reporting requirements for political committees or other entities making independent expenditures, new disclosure requirements for certain types of political advertising, and the creation of a campaign finance and disclosure task force.

According to MassLive.com, Patrick said the bill, conceptually, was “exactly right.”

State and Federal Communications is now offering the free email update Lobby Comply News Roundup. We send it out each week, Monday through Thursday, similar to our publication News You Can Use which is sent out every Friday.

You can have Lobby Comply News Roundup containing all of your government compliance news sent directly to you. To sign up, click the SUBSCRIBE tab.

Lobbying

“Groupon joins Web lobby group” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“GOP launches new big money effort” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Super PACs’ spending isn’t always welcomed by candidates they support” by Karen Tumulty in The Washington Post.

Arizona: “‘Dark money’ influencing state elections” by Howard Fischer in the Verde Independent.

Iowa: “New PAC seeks to expose campaign finance law flaws” by James Lynch in the WCF Courier.

Kansas: “They bought what?! Top 5 ridiculous Kansas campaign cash purchases” by Travis Perry in Kansas Watchdog.

Montana: “Campaign finance ruling should come after election” by Matt Volz (Associated Press in The Sacramento Bee.

Ethics

New Jersey: “Christie’s ethics watchdogs fail to bark or bite” by Mark Lagerkvist in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

New Jersey: “PAC’s donation to Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson’s campaign raises pay-to-play concerns” by Jenna Pizzi in the Times of Trenton.

Elections

“Top 10 Most Vulnerable Senators” by Kyle Trygstad and Alexis Levinson in Roll Call.

Procurement

“Policing Private Contractors Is Challenge for States” by Jenni Bergal in Stateline.

Lobbying

“The lobbying industry is back! But don’t expect more action on Capitol Hill” by Philip Bump in The Washington Post.

“Ex-congressional staffers cashing in as D.C. lobbyists” by Kimberly Atkins in the Boston Herald.

California: “Top California lobbying firms bring in big dollars in 2014” by Laurel Rosenhall in The Sacramento Bee.

Florida: “Former Miami-Dade deputy mayor joins lobbying firm that represented David Beckham” by Patricia Mazzei in the Miami Herald.

Utah: “Utah lobbyists required to wear badges at Capitol” by Michelle Price in The Spectrum.

Campaign Finance

“Poll: Support for Campaign Finance Reform Strong in Key Senate Races” by Denver Nicks in TIME.

“The FEC Deadlocks (Again) on Dark Money” by Daniel I. Weiner in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.

“Harry Reid sets up vote on campaign finance reform” by Sean Lengell in the Washington Examiner.

“Exclusive: Powerhouse GOP group snared in money scheme” by Alexander Burns in Politico.

California: “Calif. appeals court says Citizens United measure should stay on ballot” by Christopher Cadelago in The Sacramento Bee.

California: “Probe Of Illegal Campaign Contributions To San Diego Politicians Taking Shape” by Amita Sharma in KPBS.

Iowa: “Campaign finance reformers test strategy in Iowa race” by James Q. Lynch in the Sioux City Journal.

Massachusetts: “House passes landmark campaign finance bill” in the Wicked Local Norfolk.

Massachusetts: “State campaign money: Use it or lose it” editorial in The Boston Globe.

Mississippi: “Miss. appeals federal judge’s block of small-group political spending laws; hearing Sept. 3” by Jack Elliott, Jr. (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Rhode Island: “Rhode Island Ethics Commission filings provide insights into finances of candidates for governor” by Jennifer Bogdan in the Providence Journal.

Wisconsin: “Another blow to campaign finance disclosure in Wisconsin?” by Jack Craver in The Capital Times.

Ethics

Indiana: “Officials say no state computer use for politics” by The Associated Press in The State.

Redistricting

Florida: “Florida Legislature to meet Thursday to pass new map” by Gary Fineout in the Florida Times-Union.

Congress

“Five things to know as Congress takes a five-week summer recess” by Alexander Bolton in The Hill.

“Reid: Senate will work weekends in September” by Ramsey Cox in The Hill.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Beyond @Congressedits, Capitol Hill Looks for Entry to Wikipedia” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.

“States Introducing Virtual Currency Regulations” by Brian Heaton in Government Technology.

National:

Move on for DRPA to Reveal Vendors’ Political Donations

Philadelphia Inquirer – Paul Nussbaum | Published: 7/30/2014

The Delaware River Port Authority’s (DRPA) audit committee reviewed a proposal to restore public access to vendors’ political contributions. Under current rules, contractors doing or seeking business with the DRPA must disclose to the agency any political contributions made in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. But the DRPA withholds those reports from the public. New Jersey’s “pay-to-play” laws require contractors of state agencies to disclose their political contributions, which must be a matter of public record. But the DRPA, as a bi-state creation of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is not bound by that “pay-to-play” law.

Federal:

Koch-Backed Seniors Group Low-Balling Election Spending?

The Center for Public Integrity – Michael Beckel | Published: 7/30/2014

A review by The Center for Public Integrity appears to show the 60 Plus Association appears to have vastly understated its level of election spending on federal tax filings. The organization told the FEC it spent about $4.6 million on political ads and “voter contact” phone calls endorsing or denouncing federal candidates during the three months prior to the 2012 election. But it reported spending $35,000 on “direct and indirect political campaign activities” during its entire 2012 fiscal year to the IRS. It did not count toward that amount $4 million in spending it reported separately as “educating seniors by influencing the election of political candidates.”

Mini-Mega Donors Dominate Downtown Giving

Roll Call – Kate Ackley | Published: 7/29/2014

Individual lobbyists typically do not reach into the highest levels of personal campaign contributions; that is an echelon billionaires dominate. But K Street’s elite “mini-mega” donors have gone past the former federal limit of $123,200 the U.S. Supreme Court threw out this spring in its McCutcheon decision. Now that lobbyists can give to all congressional candidates, as well as to party coffers and PACs, K Street’s biggest donors have to search for new ways of saying “no.” And sometimes that translates into a simple “yes.”

Outside Money Drives a Deluge of Political Ads

New York Times – Ashley Parker | Published: 7/27/2014

In the first full midterm election cycle where outside groups have developed a sophisticated infrastructure, the consequences are already becoming apparent: a harshly negative tone dictated by the groups and a nearly nonstop campaign season that could cause voters to tune out before Election Day. The impact can be especially magnified during midterm elections because outside organizations are not distracted by a presidential race and can allocate even greater resources to single congressional contests. In many cases, candidates in individual districts, or even states, are no match financially for groups that oppose their politics.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arkansas – Tough Road for Ethics, Term Limits Item

Arkansas Business Journal – Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) | Published: 7/27/2014

A ballot proposal to restrict lobbyists’ gifts to lawmakers and loosen Arkansas’ term limits was touted as a compromise way to put major ethics reforms on the November ballot. But the proposed constitutional amendment is facing growing opposition focused primarily on its term limits provisions. The state Republican Party’s vote to oppose the ballot measure was the latest sign of trouble for a proposal that does not have an organized campaign on its behalf and turned into a political liability for several GOP lawmakers during the spring primary campaign.

Florida – Why Won’t Florida GOP Leaders Talk about Hunting Trips to King Ranch in Texas?

Tampa Bay Times – Michael Van Sickler and Craig Putnam | Published: 7/25/2014

Florida Gov. Rick Scott in February 2012 visited the historic King Ranch in Texas, one of North America’s premier hunting grounds. State House leaders have accepted similar excursions in the past three years. The trips, records indicate, were financed all or in part with contributions from Florida’s sugar industry, right down to the hunting licenses. A 2006 state law prohibits lawmakers from directly accepting gifts like free meals and travel, but a loophole still allows them to be feted like VIPs.

Illinois – Alderman Pushes through Watchdog Limits Week after Being Probed

Chicago Tribune – Bill Ruthhart and Hal Dardick | Published: 7/30/2014

Ald. Patrick O’Connor quickly pushed through an ordinance that limits the ability of the city council’s watchdog to investigate aldermen’s campaign finances, a week after that investigator received permission to open an ethics probe of O’Connor. The measure sponsored by O’Connor could hinder Legislative Inspector General Faisal Khan’s ongoing campaign finance probes, including the one of O’Connor.

Illinois – Illinois State Fair Managers Fined for Violating Gift Ban, Taking Free Beer Tickets

The Tribune; Associated Press –   | Published: 7/28/2014

Illinois State Fair Director Amy Bliefnick and former Du Quoin State Fair chief John Rednour, Jr. were fined by the Executive Ethics Commission for doling out hundreds of free beer tickets to top officials and other fairgoers in violation of the state’s ban on officials receiving gifts. The report noted Bliefnick has accepted more than $100 worth of free beer tickets each year since she became fair manager in 2005; she was fined $1,000. Rednour was penalized $5,000 after he admitted he solicited up to $8,000 in tickets from a vendor.

Massachusetts – 3 Guilty in Probation Case

Boston Globe – Milton Valencia | Published: 7/24/2014

Former Massachusetts Probation Commissioner John O’Brien was found guilty in a scheme to rig the agency’s hiring process to favor applicants who had the backing of powerful state legislators. O’Brien’s top aide, Elizabeth Tavares, was convicted of aiding and abetting the scheme, and a deputy, William Burke III, was found guilty of participating in a racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors say O’Brien and his aides doled out jobs to the friends of state lawmakers over more qualified candidates. In return, prosecutors alleged, the legislators routinely boosted the Probation Department budget.

Massachusetts – Massachusetts Lawmakers OK PAC Disclosure Bill

Columbus Republic – Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) | Published: 7/30/2014

The Massachusetts Legislature passed a campaign finance bill that would immediately increase transparency for super PACs. It also doubles how much money individuals can give to state candidates each year from $500 to $1,000, beginning in 2015. House Bill 4366 is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Deval Patrick.

New York – U.S. Attorney Warns Cuomo on Ethics Case

New York Times – Susanne Craig, Thomas Kaplan, and William Rashbaum | Published: 7/30/2014

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, who is investigating New York Andrew Gov. Cuomo’s closing of an anti-corruption commission, is now threatening to probe the administration for possible obstruction of justice or witness tampering. The warning came after several members of the panel issued public statements defending the governor’s handling of the Moreland Commission, which Cuomo created last year with promises of cleaning up corruption in state politics but shut down abruptly in March.

Texas – Prosecutor: Price committed ‘shocking betrayal of public trust’

Dallas Morning News – Ed Timms and Kevin Krause | Published: 7/25/2014

Longtime Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price has been charged with accepting nearly $1 million in bribes. Price’s chief of staff and two political consultants were also charged in a 13-count indictment. U.S. Attorney Sarah Saldaña said that during a decade-long scheme, two political consultants, Kathy Nealy and Christian Campbell, provided Price with $950,000 in money, cars, and land. Authorities allege that in exchange for the bribes, Price voted in favor of lucrative contracts that were proposed by the consultants’ clients.

Virginia – Robert McDonnell Trial to Cast Unflinching Light on Virginia Couple’s Friends, Marriage

Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky | Published: 7/28/2014

The trial of former Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, has begun in federal court. They are accused of accepting more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from Jonnie Williams, the founder of a dietary supplements company, in exchange for helping to promote his products. Strident language in court filings point to a no-holds-barred battle that will pit the motives and credibility of the former first couple against Williams, who will testify for the prosecution under immunity. Defense attorneys have suggested the case is politically motivated and prosecutors have stretched the meaning of federal bribery laws to cover routine and long-accepted political courtesies.

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.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.