Campaign Finance Archives - Page 247 of 314 - State and Federal Communications

January 6, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Iowa Legislature to Consider Electronic Filing of All Campaign Finance Reports

The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Finance Disclosure Board has proposed a requirement for all campaign finance reports to be filed electronically. Currently, the only reports required to be filed electronically are those of legislative and statewide campaigns. In order for […]

January 6, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying “Lobbyists cash in on do-nothing Congress” by Anna Palmer and Byron Tau in Politico. “9 websites you use regularly that are lobbying Congress” by Amber Phillips in the San Jose Mercury News. “Yelp Inc. Registers For Lobbying and Forms […]

January 3, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Ask the Experts – Disclosure of Corporate Political Contributions

Q. When must direct corporate political contributions be disclosed? A. At least 15 states require some sort of corporate contribution disclosure, whether it be on a campaign finance statement or lobbyist/employer disclosure report. Campaign finance reports typically require an annual […]

Q. When must direct corporate political contributions be disclosed?

A. At least 15 states require some sort of corporate contribution disclosure, whether it be on a campaign finance statement or lobbyist/employer disclosure report.

Campaign finance reports typically require an annual aggregate threshold be exceeded before a report is triggered. For example, in Utah, direct corporate contributions must exceed $750 in the aggregate per calendar year before a report is required. In Georgia, the threshold is $25,000. In Nebraska, a corporation making more than $250 in direct corporate contributions must file a report within 10 days after the end of the calendar month in which the contribution is made.

Conversely, lobbying reports typically start at “dollar one.” In New Mexico, lobbyists are required to report all political contributions made by the employer, regardless of amount. The same holds true in South Carolina and New Hampshire.

And then there’s California—a hybrid of both campaign finance and lobbying disclosure. Direct corporate contributions must exceed $10,000 in the aggregate per calendar year before a campaign finance report is due. However, until this threshold is exceeded, corporate political contributions must be disclosed on the lobbyist employer’s quarterly report.

As always, the best practice is to track all corporate political contributions in the event disclosure is required. Likewise, you need to familiarize yourself with the reporting requirements in those jurisdictions where your company is making contributions.

You can directly submit questions for this feature, and we will select those most appropriate and answer them here. Send your questions to: marketing@stateandfed.com.

(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.

January 3, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – January 3, 2014

National: Social Conservatives Make Big Money Plans Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 1/2/2014 The religious right’s wealthiest backers and top operatives plan to elevate the place of social issues like abortion and gay marriage in conservative politics. […]

National:

Social Conservatives Make Big Money Plans

Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 1/2/2014

The religious right’s wealthiest backers and top operatives plan to elevate the place of social issues like abortion and gay marriage in conservative politics. They have been largely relegated to the sidelines as the business wing of the Republican Party establishment wages a bitter and expensive struggle against the tea party for the soul of the GOP.

Federal:

Lines Blur When Lobbyists Invest in Industries They Represent

Wall Street Journal – Brody Mullins, James Grimaldi, and Rebecca Ballhaus | Published: 12/26/2013

Through continual contact with public officials, lobbyists often glean intimate knowledge of pending policy changes and political activities that affect the fortunes of companies or industries they represent. Many also hold investments that overlap with their responsibilities, according to a review of public records. It showed about one in five lobbyists whose holdings could be identified had invested in their clients or companies in the industries they are concerned with.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arkansas – Ark. Lt. Gov. Rebuffs Calls to Resign amid Scandal

San Francisco Chronicle – Chuck Bartels (Associated Press) | Published: 12/31/2013

Arkansas Lt. Gov. Mark Darr, who said he would settle with his state Ethics Commission amid findings that he repeatedly broke campaign finance laws, defied mounting calls for his resignation, including one from Gov. Mike Beebe, and said he intended to remain in office. Darr has agreed to pay $11,000 in fines to settle the complaints.

California – Ex-Employee Accuses Lobbying Firm of Directing Illegal Contributions

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy and Paige St. John | Published: 12/26/2013

A lawsuit filed by former Sloat Higgins Jensen & Associates employee Rhonda Smira alleges owner Kevin Sloat and his firm directed illegal campaign contributions and unreported gifts to dozens of California lawmakers. Smira said she was ordered not to provide receipts for the gifts; that way, recipients could avoid disclosing the transactions on reports required by the state. The lawsuit says Sloat told her: “If I don’t report and there is no written record, and they don’t report it, then it didn’t happen.”

Georgia – Georgia Officials Take Lobbyist Gifts before New Rules

Augusta Chronicle – Ray Henry (Associated Press) | Published: 12/30/2013

Lobbyists splurged on gifts to Georgia lawmakers before restrictions took effect on January 1. Gov. Nathan Deal signed the new rules on May 6. While the state’s political leaders supported an end to unlimited lobbyist spending, the old system remained legal until New Year’s Day. Several politicians accepted gifts during this delay that would be illegal, or at least questionable, once the new restrictions start. Some questions about the law remain unresolved until the ethics commission creates rules interpreting the new law, a process that could take months.

Massachusetts – Teachers Union Revealed as Funder behind Pro-Walsh PAC

Boston Globe – Wesley Lowery | Published: 12/28/2013

The American Federation of Teachers was behind the last-minute, $480,000 advertising push on behalf of Boston Mayor-elect Martin Walsh, even though it was billed as the work of a start-up PAC dubbed One Boston. No information was disclosed at the time about One Boston’s ideological loyalties or donors, angering watchdog groups who had already been critical of the unprecedented amount of outside money that was flowing into the race, which ultimately became the state’s most expensive municipal contest ever.

Michigan – Gov. Snyder Signs Law to Double Michigan Campaign Contribution Limits, Codify ‘Issue Ad’ Rules

MLive.com – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 12/27/2013

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill doubling the state’s campaign contribution limits. The law includes a provision designed to thwart efforts by Secretary of State Ruth Johnson to reveal who pays for issue ads that have become increasingly influential in campaigns. Snyder said the law also increases transparency by requiring candidates to file additional campaign finance reports with the state during years in which they are not up for election.

Minnesota – Minnesota Political Spending Concentrated in Few Hands

Minneapolis Star Tribune – Rachel Stassen-Berger and Glen Howatt | Published: 12/30/2013

The Minneapolis Star Tribune found just three dozen individuals or entities have contributed more than $27 million to PACs and independent expenditure committees over the past three election cycles. The analysis shows the donations heavily favored Democrats. Minnesota Republicans acknowledged Democrats have benefited from superior organization, a more energized base, and campaign finance rules that make it easier for unions to donate.

Missouri – Missouri Lawmaker Wants Political Consultants to Stay Out of Policymaking

Kansas City Star – Dave Helling | Published: 12/24/2013

Missouri Sen. John Lamping filed an ethics reform bill that would prohibit consultants from working as lobbyists, and lobbyists from working as consultants. Lamping said operatives who help elect candidates should not be able to turn around and work for special-interest clients to influence those lawmakers, as is now routinely the case.

New York – Bratton Gives Revolving Door One More Spin

New York Times – J. David Goodman | Published: 12/23/2013

A “revolving door” between government service and the corporate world has long been a feature of politics, and police officials often pursue second careers after hanging up their uniforms. But few have done so with William Bratton’s scope. His return to New York City for a second tour as police commissioner may create an awkward situation. Bratton sits on the boards of two companies who hope to do business with the city, and is a senior adviser to a third.

North Carolina – New NC Law Increases Donation Limits, Curtails Some Disclosure in 2014

Raleigh News & Observer – John Frank | Published: 12/26/2013

North Carolina joined at least eight others states pushing for increases in campaign contribution limits this year. Starting January 1, state candidates and PACs can take maximum contributions of $5,000 per election. The top donation to judicial candidates will leap to the same level from the current $1,000 cap. The new law also weakens rules about what outside groups, such as nonprofits, issue advocacy organizations, and super PACs, must disclose.

South Carolina – S.C. Ethics Commission Owed $2.5 Million in Fines

Charleston Post & Courier – Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) | Published: 1/1/2014

Candidates, lobbyists, and committees owe nearly $2.5 million in fines to the South Carolina Ethics Commission. Under state law, individuals are fined $100 for filing either campaign disclosure or economic interest forms five days late. Once a notice goes out, fines amass daily, up to $5,000 per form. Collecting can be difficult, especially from unsuccessful candidates.

Texas – Texas Republicans Lose 3 Major Donors in 2013

Houston Chronicle – Chris Tomlinson (Associated Press) | Published: 12/30/2013

The deaths this year of three major Republican campaign donors could signal a generational change for party kingmakers. Harold Simmons, Bob Perry, and Leo Linbeck, Jr. gave to Republican candidates and organizations across the country, but their influence was greatest in Texas, which has no limit on personal campaign contributions.

Virginia – Ethics Reform Seems Uncertain in General Assembly

The Daily Press – Dave Ress | Published: 12/29/2013

After a year that saw Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli embarrassed by reports of tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts they accepted from a business executive, ethics is again a talking point in Richmond. Gov.-elect Terry McAuliffe plans to issue an executive order banning gifts of more than $100 to executive branch officials, but there is no consensus on whether the Legislature will enact reforms.

Wisconsin – With Audit on the Horizon, the Elections Board Spends another Year in the Crosshairs

Wisconsin State Journal – Mary Spicuzza | Published: 12/29/2013

The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (GAB), which is made up of six former judges, and its staff are preparing to celebrate their sixth anniversary. But the board is also awaiting the results of an audit ordered by state lawmakers, many of whom have been vocal critics of the agency. “The GAB is a national model, and it would be a tragedy and a travesty if it were eliminated,” said Daniel Tokaji, a law professor at Ohio State University.

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.

January 2, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Passage of Michigan Bill Increases Contribution Limits, Effective Immediately

Governor Rick Snyder signed a bill Friday revising Michigan’s campaign finance law. Under the new law, an individual will be able to donate up to $6,800 to a candidate for statewide office in a single election cycle, up from $3,400. […]

January 2, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying “Lobbying Follows Political Activity Into Dark Money” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine. “K Street Review: Some Trends In the World of Lobbying For 2013” by Tess Venden Dolder in Streetwise’s InTheCapital. “Influential Boeing lobbyist Coffey dies […]

December 28, 2013 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – December 27, 2013

Federal: Political Advertisers and TV Stations Ignore Disclosure Rules The Sunlight Foundation – Jacob Fenton | Published: 12/18/2013 The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 requires television stations to make available detailed information about political ad buys, including […]

Federal:

Political Advertisers and TV Stations Ignore Disclosure Rules

The Sunlight Foundation – Jacob Fenton | Published: 12/18/2013

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 requires television stations to make available detailed information about political ad buys, including the names of any elected officials mentioned in the ads and any national issues discussed in them. But a review by the Sunlight Foundation reveals TV stations often fail to report even the most basic information about the political ads that outside groups buy on their airwaves.

Upstart Groups Challenge Rove for G.O.P. Cash

New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 12/23/2013

At least a dozen super PACs are setting up to back individual Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate, challenging the strategic and financial dominance that Karl Rove and the group he co-founded, American Crossroads, have enjoyed ever since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision cleared the way for unlimited independent spending. Some are suggesting Crossroads’ ties to the Republican establishment and recent clashes with conservative activists are a potential liability for GOP incumbents facing tea party challengers.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Common Cause Seeks New Limits on Gifts to California Officials

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 12/19/2013

California Common Cause proposed reforms to the state’s gift law to reduce the ability of special interests to seek favor by providing expensive meals, lodging, and travel. The group’s recommendations include applying the $10-per-month limit on gifts from lobbyists to also include gifts from the lobbyists’ clients, and reduce the limit on gifts that can be accepted by state elected officials from $440 per source annually to $250.

Georgia – State Ethics Commission Approves Hiring of ‘Internal Mediator’

WABE – Michelle Wirth | Published: 12/19/2013

The Georgia ethics commission hired former administrative law judge Robert Constantine to help with daily operations while federal authorities probe the agency’s investigation into Gov. Nathan Deal’s campaign. Several commission members received federal grand jury subpoenas over the matter. Chairperson Kevin Abernathy said Constantine will serve as an intermediary between the commission and staff members, and will have the ability to help resolve any disputes among agency employees.

Louisiana – Five Years Later, Does Gov. Bobby Jindal’s Ethics System Work?

Baton Rouge Advocate – Marsha Shuler and Mark Ballard | Published: 12/22/2013

At his January 2008 inauguration, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal announced a special legislative session to repair the state’s ethics system, saying he wanted to create a “gold standard.” Some observers say the decrease in violations shows the changes gummed up the works by making proceedings more like criminal prosecutions, with more lawyers, motions, and delays. Supporters of the changes argue the previous system was simply unfair.

Maryland – Half of Md. Lawmakers with Twitter Accounts Neglect to Comply with Disclosure Rule

Washington Post – John Wagner | Published: 12/20/2013

All candidates in Maryland are supposed to include an “authority line” when they promote themselves on social media. The Washington Post identified 92 Twitter accounts maintained by the state’s 188 senators and delegates. Of those, only 45 included authority lines that identify the name of the campaign entity and its treasurer.

Maryland – Md. Elections Board: Brown’s running mate can raise money during legislative session

Washington Post – John Wagner | Published: 12/19/2013

The State Board of Elections cleared the way for Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown’s gubernatorial campaign to raise money during the legislative session despite a law preventing state officials from seeking contributions during that period. The ruling addressed the issue of gubernatorial candidates and their political partners seeking to be lieutenant governor. While Brown, as a state official, cannot raise money during the session, his running mate, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, is a local official and thus free to do so.

New York – To Catch a Lobbyist: NYC ordinance aims to catch those flouting registration and vastly expands covered activities

Lexology.com – Alexandra Megaris | Published: 12/17/2013

The New York City Council passed an ordinance revising the lobbying law. The definition of “lobbying” has been expanded, the schedule for filing reports was changed, and the dollar threshold for determining whether registration is required has been increased from $2,000 to $5,000 per calendar year, among other provisions. Most of the law takes effect on May 8, 2014; the registration threshold will become effective on January 1.

Oklahoma – Lawmakers’ Disclosures Reveal Little on Finances

Tulsa World – Curtis Killman | Published: 12/23/2013

Some are questioning what is required to be reported and the value of the information revealed to the public on Oklahoma lawmakers’ financial disclosure reports. In an age of growing transparency, the disclosure requirements provide little information when compared to congressional standards or those in other states.

Utah – More Swallow Revelations: Pay to play, hidden donations

Salt Lake Tribune – Robert Gehrke | Published: 12/20/2013

Investigators for the House Special Investigative Committee said former Utah Attorney General John Swallow and his predecessor, Mark Shurtleff, gave big donors extraordinary access in exchange for campaign contributions and special favors. The revelations upset committee members and several said they now want to continue the five-month probe that was shut down after Swallow announced his resignation.

Virginia – Chef Speaks Out about Va.’s McDonnells

Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman | Published: 12/21/2013

For months, Todd Schneider, the former chef at the governor’s mansion, has been the dramatic but silent figure who launched an investigation that has threatened to bring down Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell. But he said now that his case is resolved and the governor is ending his term, it is time to speak out. It was Schneider who first alerted authorities that businessperson Jonnie Williams had paid for catering at the wedding of one of McDonnell’s daughters, a tip that spiraled into a broad criminal probe that has brought the governor to the brink of federal charges.

Washington – Washington Ethics Panel Tosses Free Meal Complaint, Encourages Legislature to Clarify Statute

Columbus Republic – Rachel LaCorte (Associated Press) | Published: 12/20/2013

The Legislative Ethics Board dismissed a complaint about some Washington lawmakers accepting free meals from lobbyists. The board said if the state Legislature does not address the issue in the 60-day session beginning in January, the panel will work to establish rules on an enforceable standard.

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.

December 24, 2013 • Written by Joe May

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lobbying “Bank lobby threatens ‘Volcker Rule’ suit” by Peter Schroeder in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Republican National Committee Pays Santa for Travel” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call. “Retiring Members of Congress Hold Over $13 Million in Campaign Accounts” by […]

December 23, 2013 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Oklahoma Ethics Commission Passes Series of Campaign Finance Rule Changes

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission recently passed a series of rule changes pertaining to political contribution limits. Under the new rules, the dollar restrictions on contributions to state candidates would change from family limits to individual limits. Each person would be […]

December 23, 2013 • Written by Allyson Smith

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying “The Life Of A Lobbyist In A Do-Nothing Congress” by Peter Overby on Georgia Public Broadcasting. “K Street sizes up retiring lawmakers” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. “Patton Boggs, Locke Lord call off merger talks” by Catherine Ho […]

December 20, 2013 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – December 20, 2013

Federal: How Washington Starves its Election Watchdog The Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 12/17/2013 The recent hacking of the FEC’s computer system marked the nadir of a year that ranks among the commission’s darkest, […]

Federal:

How Washington Starves its Election Watchdog

The Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 12/17/2013

The recent hacking of the FEC’s computer system marked the nadir of a year that ranks among the commission’s darkest, according to an investigation by the Center for Public Integrity. Bitter ideological warfare among commissioners and congressional and White House indifference have yielded an agency less able to fulfill its stated mission: to “prevent corruption in the federal campaign process by administering, enforcing, and formulating policy.”

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Ariz. High Court Upholds Campaign Giving Limits

East Valley Tribune; Associated Press – | Published: 12/18/2013

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled candidates can accept much larger sums of money from donors. The justices said the Legislature was within its legal right to decide that contenders for both statewide and legislative office can take up to $4,000 from individuals and PACs. The brief order also lifted the injunction an appeals court put in place blocking the higher limits from taking effect.

California – L.A. City Council Drops Push for Increase in Gift Limit

Los Angeles Times – David Zahniser | Published: 12/11/2013

The Los Angeles City Council agreed not to raise the level of gifts that members are allowed to accept from the current $100 per donor per year. Council President Herb Wesson had sought a change in the law to allow members to receive up to $150 in gifts from each supporter, but he dropped that when his and other council members’ offices were deluged with calls.

Colorado – Appeals Court Upholds Ruling against Gessler

Colorado Law Week; Staff – | Published: 12/12/2013

The Colorado Court of Appeals ruled several changes to campaign finance disclosure regulations made by Secretary of State Scott Gessler were invalid. The court affirmed a lower court ruling that struck down rules that reduced or eliminated disclosure requirements for political committees, and threw out Gessler’s rule that narrowed the definition of “electioneering communications.”

Florida – David Jolly Has Unique Challenge: Lobbyist seeking seat in Congress

Tampa Bay Times – Alex Leary | Published: 12/10/2013

David Jolly parlayed his work as an aide to the late U.S. Rep. C.W. Young into a lobbying career, the quintessential Washington “revolving-door” story. As he pursues the Republican nomination in a congressional special election, opponents have seized on Jolly’s lucrative profession. Many former aides have left for K Street jobs over the years, returning to Capitol Hill to ply a system they know intimately. But it is rare for a lobbyist to run for office, and those who do face the same attacks as Jolly is now.

Georgia – State Sen. Don Balfour Cleared of All Charges

Creative Loafing Atlanta – Max Blau | Published: 12/19/2013

Georgia Sen. Don Balfour was found not guilty on all 18 felony corruption counts against him. He was accused of illegally claiming legislative expense and mileage pay, and double-billing the state and his private employer for some expenses. Balfour told jurors he was very busy as chairperson of the Senate Rules Committee and as an executive of Atlanta-based Waffle House, and the inaccurate filings were unintentional. Gov. Nathan Deal’s office said Balfour’s suspension from office is lifted immediately so he can resume his duties as a senator.

Georgia – Subpoenas Related To Ethics Complaints Involving Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal

Huffington Post – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 12/12/2013

A federal grand jury is investigating the Georgia ethics commission, which cleared Gov. Nathan Deal of campaign finance violations during his 2010 campaign. The grand jury has subpoenaed Executive Secretary Holly LeBarge, staff attorney Elisabeth Murray-Obertein, and staffer John Hair, seeking documents related to the commission’s probe of Deal’s campaign finances. Deal’s lawyer said the investigation likely concerns allegations that documents in the case went missing, and does not involve the governor.

Michigan – Michigan Senate OKs Campaign Donation Increases

Detroit News – Gary Heinlein | Published: 12/12/2013

Michigan lawmakers moved to raise maximum contributions to candidates for the first time in decades and keep intact rules so donors behind certain political ads can stay anonymous. Senate Bill 661 won final approval in the Senate after barely clearing the House a day earlier. Donation limits to candidates would double after going unchanged for 37 years and rise with inflation over time.

Minnesota – Minnesota Lawmakers Probe into Problems with State’s Campaign Finance Data

Minneapolis Star Tribune – Rachel Stassen-Berger and Glen Howatt | Published: 12/16/2013

Minnesota’s campaign finance regulatory agency plans to implement new auditing procedures and seek a law change to deal with errors in its online database of political fundraising transactions. Agency officials testified at a legislative hearing following a Minneapolis Star Tribune analysis that found one in seven electronic records of donations tracked by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board is incorrect.

Mississippi – Attorney General Jim Hood Appealing Federal Judge’s Ruling on Mississippi Campaign Finance Law

Mississippi Press; Associated Press – | Published: 12/14/2013

State Attorney General Jim Hood appealed a federal judge’s ruling that part of Mississippi’s campaign finance law creates an unconstitutional burden for people or groups that spend at least $200 to support or oppose a ballot initiative. U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock has said Mississippi may regulate individuals and groups attempting to influence constitutional ballot measures, but its “convoluted and exacting” requirements are too burdensome with the $200 threshold.

New Jersey – Christie’s Top Port Authority Appointee Baroni Resigns amid Escalating Probe into GWB Lane Closures

Bergen Record – Shawn Boburg and John Reitmeyer | Published: 12/13/2013

A burgeoning scandal led to the resignation of Bill Baroni, the deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and David Wildstein, who agreed to step down from his position as director of interstate capital projects. Both men have caught up in a widening investigation into allegations they may have orchestrated a series of massive traffic jams at the George Washington Bridge as political payback against the mayor of Fort Lee, the town at one end of the bridge, for not endorsing Gov. Chris Christie for re-election.

New Mexico – Federal Appeals Court Overturns New Mexico Campaign Funding, Spending Limits

Columbus Republic – Susan Montoya Bryan (Associated Press) | Published: 12/18/2013

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said a lower court was right in issuing a preliminary injunction to keep New Mexico from imposing limitations on certain contributions going to and from political parties and PACs. At issue is whether political committees that are not formally affiliated with a political party or candidate can receive unlimited contributions for independent expenditures. Republicans argue the state’s cap on such donations is unconstitutional.

New York – Where Albany Does Business

Capital Playbook – Jimmy Vielkind | Published: 12/5/2013

Time and again, the gears of government have turned not during official gatherings in meeting rooms at the New York Capitol, but over dinners and drinks at any number of “power spots” around the Albany region. Stop by any of these sites on a Monday or Tuesday night in January or July and you might be surprised who you run into, or what is going on.

Pennsylvania – Board Still Struggling with Phila. Gift Rule

Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 12/18/2013

Staff members for the Philadelphia Board of Ethics made their latest recommendation on proposed changes to the city’s gift law. The staff proposed barring city officers and employees from accepting any gifts worth more than $100 per year, including $25 in cash, from any nonfamily source. But the board and other ethics advocates are still not happy with the limits and the overall language.

Virginia – In Probe of Va. Gov. McDonnell, Prosecutors Agreed to Delay Decision on Charges

Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman, Carol Leonnig, and Sari Horwitz | Published: 12/19/2013

Federal prosecutors have delayed filing felony charges against Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife over a gift scandal after their legal teams made a face-to-face appeal in Washington, D.C. The attorneys had been pressing Justice Department officials to reconsider or delay the charges, at least long enough for McDonnell to complete his four-year term.

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.

December 19, 2013 • Written by Allyson Smith

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying “Top 10 lobbying victories of 2013” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. “Rhoden: Let’s ban lawmaker lobbying” by David Montgomery in the Argus Leader. Massachusetts: “Feds indict ex-CFO of firm tied to disgraced lobbyist” by Eric Convey in the […]

December 19, 2013 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

New Mexico Campaign Committee Limits Remain Enjoined

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the lower court was right in issuing a preliminary injunction to keep the state from imposing limitations on certain contributions going to and from political parties and political action committees. The underlying […]

December 18, 2013 • Written by Allyson Smith

Wednesday Government Relations News

Lobbying “The Lobbyists’ Lament” by Haley Barbour and Ed Rogers in Politico. “K St. mints money from regs surge” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. California: “Santa Clara County supervisors move forward on strengthening lobbyist regulations” by Eric Kurhi […]

Iowa Legislature to Consider Electronic Filing of All Campaign Finance Reports

Monday News Roundup

Ask the Experts – Disclosure of Corporate Political Contributions

News You Can Use Digest – January 3, 2014

Passage of Michigan Bill Increases Contribution Limits, Effective Immediately

Thursday News Roundup

News You Can Use Digest – December 27, 2013

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Oklahoma Ethics Commission Passes Series of Campaign Finance Rule Changes

Monday News Roundup

News You Can Use Digest – December 20, 2013

Thursday News Roundup

New Mexico Campaign Committee Limits Remain Enjoined

Wednesday Government Relations News

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