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.

Lobbying

“New regulatory lobby shop hangs shingle” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“NFL hires new top lobbyist amid Rice furor” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“K Street kicks into gear for GOP” by Anna Palmer in Politico.

“Herbalife fight hits D.C. trade association, as Avon withdraws from DSA” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Dems give business a thorny embrace” by Bernie Becker and Peter Schroeder in The Hill.

“To Improve Decision-Making, Lighten Up on Lobbyists | Commentary” by Jason Grumet in Roll Call.

North Carolina: “Brubaker rated most influential NC lobbyist” by Sandy Selvy-Mullis in The Randolph Guide.

Campaign Finance

“Show me the money” by Jennifer Ginn in Capitol Ideas.

“Report: Congressional Candidate Fundraising Down in Midterms” by Emily Cahn in Roll Call.

“Unleash the convention beast” by James Windle in The Hill.

California: “AM Alert: Political Reform Act turns 40 amid burst of campaign finance changes” in the Sacramento Bee.

Louisiana: “Louisiana GOP Becomes First State Republican Party to Accept Bitcoin” by Tanaya Macheel in CoinDesk.

Wisconsin: “Gov. Scott Walker and Mary Burke on campaign finance rules” by Jason Stein in the Journal Sentinel.

Ethics

“Can Answering a Campaign Call Break the Law? | A Question of Ethics” by C. Simon Davidson in Roll Call.

Elections

Ohio: “Early voting schedule expanded by Secretary of State Jon Husted while court decision under appeal” by Jackie Borchardt in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Political Advertising

“Midterm Elections And Political Advertising” in ValueWalk.

“TV Still Dominates, But Most Political Agencies Will Use Programmatic With 2014 Midterms On Horizon” by Tyler Loechner in MediaPost.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Lobbyist Thomas H. Boggs Jr. Dies at Age 73” by Bridget Bowman in Roll Call.

“Tommy Boggs helped create modern world of D.C. lobbying” by Byron Tau and Anna Palmer in Politico.

“Franchise owners flock to DC in defense of McDonald’s” by Ben Goad in The Hill.

“Lobbyist Pawlenty Rankles Banks in Consumer Bureau Battle” by Carter Dougherty in Bloomberg.

“Health tracker Fitbit hires lobbying muscle” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“Senate candidates differ on overturning Citizens United ruling” by Peter Hancock in the Lawrence Journal-World.

Louisiana: “Ethics complaint filed against Sen. David Vitter, alleging improper campaign fund transfer” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

New York: “Hollywood moguls boosting Cuomo campaign coffers” by Martin Z. Braun (Bloomberg News) in the Chicago Tribune.

Ethics

“Ethics committee investigating Rep. Broun” by Scott Wong in The Hill.

California: “Convicted California Senator Resigns” by Patrick McGreevy and Jean Merl in Governing.

Elections

“Good election year for bad boys of Congress” by Alex Isenstadt in Politico.

“Rocking the vote, again” by Kevin Cirilli in The Hill.

Kentucky: “Battles for eight open seats could determine control of Kentucky House this fall” by Jack Brammer in the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Lobbying

“Lobbying on the ‘Internet of Things’” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

Rhode Island: “R.I. Still Awaiting Decision on Alleged 38 Studios Lobbying Violations” by Adam Vaccaro in the Boston Globe.

Campaign Finance

“Judge mulls SEC limits on political donations” by Josh Gerstein in Politico.

“Begich votes for campaign finance measure” by The Associated Press in the Juneau Empire.

“The Future of Campaign Finance Reform May Rest With Silicon Valley” by Jamie Lovegrove in National Journal.

“Campaign-finance amendment not a voter passion” by James R. Carroll in The Courier-Journal.

Maryland: “Md. campaign finance complaints stack up as Election Day nears” by Lejla Sarcevic in The Star Democrat.

Maryland: “Political Donors Spend Big In Loophole’s Last Days” by Christopher Connelly in WYPR.

Massachusetts: “Casino cash floods campaign spending” by Gerry Tuoti on WCVB.

Ethics

“Landrieu pays back nearly $34K for charter flights” by Deborah Barfield Berry in USA Today.

Georgia: “Help wanted: Ethics commission needs a new chief” by Chris Joyner in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Georgia: “Monday ethics hearing canceled; Court of Appeals next step” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

New York: “Money in New York Politics: Despite Federal Indictments, State Senators Win Primaries” by Eric Petry in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.

South Carolina: “Mayor’s Florida trip could add fuel to SC ethics reform” by Clif LeBlanc in The State.

Texas: “Campaigns, consultants disregard Ethics Commission resolution” by David Saleh Rauf in the San Antonio Express-News.

Elections

“50 days left until midterms, and Republicans keeping troops in line” by Scott Wong in The Hill.

Mississippi: “After close Senate race, Mississippi considers elections changes” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

“North Dakota is the Best State in America” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

Ohio: “Federal judge strikes down Ohio’s campaign statements law” by Kurtis Lee in the Los Angeles Times.

Legislative Sessions

Missouri: “The Missouri legislature’s veto session hands the state’s governor an historic defeat” in South County Mail.

Pennsylvania: “12 days left in session, and legislators are checking their lists” by Karen Shuey in Lancaster Online.

A constitutional amendment sought by Democrats failed to pass the Senate on Thursday.

The amendment, which would allow Congress and state legislatures to overturn recent campaign finance decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court, did not get the required 60 votes required for passage.

Republicans argued the bill was an attack on free speech, protected by the First Amendment.

Federal:

FEC Strikes Deal to Revise Campaign Finance Regulations

The Hill – Benjamin Goad | Published: 9/11/2014

The FEC agreed to amend its campaign spending regulations in response to a pair of U.S. Supreme Court rulings. Commissioners plan to formally approve the new guidelines during an October 9 meeting. One rule would further clarify the parameters of the court’s Citizens United decision and codify them into law. A second rule is meant to reconcile the agency’s regulations with the ruling in McCutcheon v. FEC, which scrapped aggregate contribution limits for individual donors in an election cycle. The FEC will also solicit public comment on various implications of the McCutcheon ruling.

State of Political Consulting: Rapid growth, long hours, new approaches

Politico – Tarini Parti | Published: 9/10/2014

Whether it is polling, media relations, fundraising, direct mail, or digital outreach, political consultants said the permanent nature of campaigns, the growing number of outside groups involved in races, and the different ways voters are now consuming information have transformed the industry, making it not just more profitable than ever but also more challenging. There is a survival-of-the-fittest mind-set within the industry, where consultants are quickly adapting to the evolving political landscape – expanding their staff and capabilities at a rapid pace to stay competitive.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Clean Elections Commission Determines Horne Used $300,000 Worth of State Employee Time for Campaign

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

Citizens Clean Elections Commission Executive Officer Thomas Collins recommended the commission officially rule that Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne violated campaign finance laws by failing to report more than $300,000 worth of state employee time and office space he used for his re-election as contributions to his campaign. If the commission adopts the recommendation, Horne has the chance to explain why Collins was wrong, repay the money, or negotiate a settlement. The commission may initiate enforcement action if the case is not settled. That could include civil penalties and, at worst, the removal of Horne from office.

Connecticut – Case Dismissed, Even Though It’s Likely You’re Guilty – Ethics Agency Played It Both Ways

Hartford Courant – Jon Lender | Published: 9/7/2014

The Connecticut Office of State Ethics has at times sent a letter to some suspected of violating the ethics law saying the case is being dismissed even though the official likely violated the code, a practice known as a “loud dismissal.” Though the process at this level is confidential, the letter goes into the individual’s personnel file and could reappear in a background check. But now, that action has been curtailed. A lawyer representing an unnamed state employee who received a ‘loud dismissal” sent a letter earlier this year to the Citizen’s Ethics Advisory Board, which advises the ethics office, questioning whether the agency had the statutory authority to issue such a penalty.

Florida – Was Miami-Dade Lobbyist a ‘Patriot’ or ‘Snitch’ in FBI Sting of Local Politicians?

Miami Herald – Jay Weaver | Published: 9/6/2014

When the FBI mounted a sting operation targeting corruption in South Florida – dubbed “Miami Hustle” – it recruited lobbyist Michael Kesti as a key player. Kesti was willing to break ranks with his lobbying brethren, unheard of in Miami-Dade County, which has a long history of insider deals and graft. Kesti said he agreed to play the part as his “patriotic duty” to root out what he sees as systemic corruption in local government. Others, including one of the mayors he helped get indicted last year, describe him in less flattering terms, starting with “paid snitch.”

Georgia – Georgia Ethics Commission Fires Director

Rome News-Tribune – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 9/8/2014

Holly LaBerge, the head of the Georgia ethics commission, has been fired. A Superior Court judge had fined LaBerge and the state attorney general’s office $10,000 each for not disclosing documents as part of a lawsuit filed by former commission Executive Secretary Stacey Kalberman, who said she was forced out of her job for investigating complaints against Gov. Nathan Deal. Commission Chairperson Hillary Stringfellow said the judge’s order shows LaBerge’s conduct “fundamentally conflicts with the specific mission and purpose of this commission and therefore with her own duties and responsibilities as executive secretary.”

Georgia – Rule Changes Proposed From State Ethics Commission

Peach Pundit; Staff –   | Published: 9/9/2014

The Georgia ethics commission proposed new rules that would affect the state’s campaign finance and lobbying laws. Commissioners will discuss those possible changes at a September 30 meeting. The rules would, among other provisions, clarify that contributions to political parties and PACs do not count towards the $25,000 annual threshold that triggers registration and reporting. They also would allow one or more lobbyists to split an expenditure provided a single lobbyist does not exceed the limit of $75.

Montana – Nonprofit Wants Montana Campaign Finance Laws Ruled Unconstitutional

Greenfield Daily Reporter – Matt Volz (Associated Press) | Published: 9/5/2014

Montanans for Community Development filed a lawsuit asked a federal judge to strike down as unconstitutional major provisions of the state’s campaign finance law. The nonprofit group also wants to prevent the state from enforcing those laws before this year’s elections. The lawsuit argues the definitions of campaign contributions and expenditures are too vague, and the definition of a political committee is overly broad.

Nebraska – Lt. Gov. Lavon L. Heidemann of Nebraska Steps Down

New York Times – Mitch Smith | Published: 9/9/2014

Nebraska Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann resigned from office and ended his candidacy, one day after a judge granted a protection order to keep him away from his sister, who accused him of assault. But because the deadline for being dropped from the ballot has passed, his name might still be listed on the November ballot. Heidemann’s sister, Lois Bohling, said in a sworn statement her brother grabbed her wrists and pushed her out of their mother’s bedroom during a dispute involving farmland and their 84-year-old mother’s care.

New Jersey – ELEC Analysis: Top 25 NJ special interest groups spent $311 million on campaign contributions, lobbying and independent spending over 15 years

PolitickerNJ; Staff –   | Published: 9/10/2014

Labor unions, trade associations, political committees, and other special-interest groups have spent a combined $311 million over the last 15 years in New Jersey trying to influence elections and lawmaking, according to a report released by the state Election Law Enforcement Commission. Labor unions, with $171 million in expenditures, were responsible for much of the overall spending since 1999, the year the state started maintaining the records online. The New Jersey Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, spent a combined $57 million.

New York – Just Don’t Call These Consultants Lobbyists

Crain’s New York Business – Chris Bragg | Published: 9/7/2014

There is a growing industry of strategic consultants who do not register as lobbyists yet nonetheless have close ties with New York politicians and represent clients with interests before government. These non-lobbyists get many of the lucrative paychecks accorded their registered peers without the scrutiny that comes with mandatory disclosure reports, and it is legal. “It’s a very fine line to walk; you end up having to trust that person, and you put your trust in how they are representing themselves,” said Viveca Novak of the Center for Responsive Politics.

North Carolina – Ethics Disclosure Statements Offline after Privacy Complaints

WRAL – Mark Binker | Published: 9/9/2014

A North Carolina law requires both elected officials and certain appointed policymakers to file forms with the state disclosing their financial interest as a way of avoiding, or at least exposing, potential conflicts between private and public actions. Paper and electronic copies of those forms have long been available upon request, but the state ethics commission’s staff began making them available online July 1. But now, the commission has temporarily shut down the Internet portal due largely to complaints from some of those who have to file the disclosures.

South Carolina – House Speaker Bobby Harrell Indicted on Nine Counts in Corruption Probe

Charleston Post & Courier – Jeremy Borden and Schuyler Kropf | Published: 9/10/2014

South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell was indicted on a slate of campaign finance violations, including allegedly claiming reimbursement for private flights he did not take and using campaign donations to hire an employee for his private insurance business. Harrell faces nine counts, including misconduct in office, false reporting on campaign disclosures, and using campaign funds for personal expenses. The charges endanger Harrell’s reign as speaker, which is among the most powerful roles in a state like South Carolina, where the legislative branch has more power to spend money and set the agenda than the executive branch.

Wisconsin – Judge Orders State Not to Enforce PAC Limits Law

Wisconsin Law Journal – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 9/8/2014

U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Randa ordered the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board not enforce the law limiting how much money candidates can collect from PACs. The ruling came in a lawsuit brought by the CRG Network, a PAC that works to elect conservative candidates. The group argued the limits were a violation of its free speech rights. Randa, in issuing the preliminary injunction, said the group was likely to succeed on that claim.

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.

Federal Election Commission Vice Chairwoman Ann Ravel announced the commission has reached an agreement allowing it to conform its campaign finance rules with the recent rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court. The commission plans to approve the rules on October 9, 2014.

The rules will remove aggregate contribution limits and create boundaries for unions and corporations taking part in voter registration. The text of the rules is expected to be available within a week of the October meeting.