October 4, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – October 4, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
State Watchdogs Band Together to Take on ‘Dark Money’
Washington Post – Reid Wilson | Published: 10/3/2013
The States’ Unified Network Center, a project from watchdog groups to share information on campaign finance legislation across the country, will begin as a Web presence to highlight proposed bills and standing law. It will also organize a database of nonprofit groups that spend money in state elections, in hopes of stitching together the state-by-state patchwork of campaign finance databases.
Federal:
Government Shutdown: Wall Street angry at tea party it has no influence over
Politico – MJ Lee | Published: 10/2/2013
Wall Street’s frustration over the current fiscal impasse is shared by the larger business community, which has tried to convince lawmakers the threat of shutting down the government or failing to raise the borrowing limit should not be used as negotiating ploys. But wealthy financial services executives and their lobbyists have little leverage against tea party lawmakers, who do not care for big banks and do not rely heavily on the industry for campaign money.
Not ‘Essential’: Shutdown would hit FEC hard
Center for Public Integrity – Dave Leventhal | Published: 9/30/2013
The FEC, unlike some agencies filled with employees deemed essential, will effectively shutter under a government shutdown. All but the agency’s active commissioners, who are furlough-proof political appointees, would ultimately stay home.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Ex-Lobbyist Joins Councilman’s Staff and Questions Follow
Los Angeles Times – Robert Zahniser | Published: 9/26/2013
Robert Katherman, a longtime Los Angeles lobbyist, said since joining city Councilperson Curren Price’s staff, he has avoided decisions affecting clients at the advocacy firm he founded and put his wife in charge of. As long as that continues, state conflict-of-interest laws permit Price to act on proposals that benefit Katherman’s wife and her firm.
Georgia – Ethics Commission to Ask for Special Investigator
San Francisco Chronicle – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 9/30/2013
The Georgia ethics commission voted to request that a special assistant attorney general be appointed for an independent investigation to look into the circumstances surrounding two lawsuits against the agency. Former commission Executive Secretary Stacey Kalberman and her onetime deputy, Sharon Streicker, allege they were forced out for pressing an investigation into Gov. Nathan Deal’s 2010 campaign.
Georgia – State Senator Balfour Indicted on Charges Related to Expenses
Athens Banner-Herald – Ray Henry (Associated Press) | Published: 9/27/2013
A grand jury charged state Sen. Don Balfour with illegally claiming legislative expense pay. The indictment comes after a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe into expense vouchers from his work at the General Assembly, where Balfour sought reimbursement for mileage and per diem expenses at the Capitol when lobbyist disclosure reports show he was out of state.
Illinois – Appeals Court Denies Quinn Bid to Keep Pay Freeze
San Francisco Chronicle – Sarah Burnett (Associated Press) | Published: 9/27/2013
A judge overruled Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who had suspended the salaries of state legislators, and ordered the lawmakers to receive back pay with interest. Quinn suspended the paychecks this summer, saying lawmakers had failed to resolve a financial crisis worsened by the ballooning cost of state pension plans. Leaders of the Legislature challenged his authority to suspend the pay.
Iowa – Iowa Lawmaker Resigns over Bachmann Payments
USA Today – Jason Noble and Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) | Published: 10/2/2013
Iowa Sen. Kent Sorenson resigned after a special investigator found it likely he violated ethics rules by taking money from PACs connected to former presidential candidate Michele Bachmann and then denying he had done so. The report contains the most detailed findings yet in a scandal that has swirled around Sorensen since he defected from the Bachmann campaign days before the 2012 Iowa caucuses to support Ron Paul.
Michigan – Corruption Alleged after Detroit Pension Deal
Detroit Free Press – Robert Snell | Published: 9/30/2013
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick backed an investment deal that bankrolled a three-year spree of alleged corruption and helped push the city into bankruptcy. The deal cheated city retirees out of more than $84 million, led to criminal charges against six people, and compounded the impact of the money-losing Wall Street scheme, which could eventually cost Detroit more than $2.7 billion.
Minnesota – Emmer’s Internet Ad Could Prove Troublesome
Minneapolis Star Tribune – Jim Ragsdale and Jennifer Brooks | Published: 9/30/2013
A television ad featuring congressional candidate Tom Emmer vouching for a construction company may violate a federal law banning corporate contributions to candidates. Emmer appeared in an ad for Integrity Exteriors & Remodelers while noting his candidacy and standing by a banner spelling out his congressional ambitions. A YouTube posting for the ad said it had aired on a Twin Cities television station.
Mississippi – Hood Could Appeal Judge’s Ruling That Part of Miss. Campaign Finance Law Is Unconstitutional
Columbus Republic – Emily Wagster Pettus (Associated Press) | Published: 10/1/2013
U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock ruled that part of Mississippi’s campaign finance law creates an unconstitutional burden for individuals or organizations that spend at least $200 to support or oppose a ballot initiative. State Attorney Jim Hood an appeal could be difficult because federal courts have not been amenable to states’ defense of their own campaign finance laws.
New York – Elections Officials Narrow Scope of Collection Effort
Albany Times Union – Casey Seiler | Published: 9/26/2013
The New York State Board of Elections had planned to send letters in September to numerous campaign treasurers with judgments against them and the banks that held their funds, informing them the committees’ assets were frozen until their fines had been settled. But only two such letters have been sent.
North Carolina – Voter ID Targeted in North Carolina
Wall Street Journal – Devlin Barrett | Published: 9/30/2013
The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit challenging voting restrictions adopted by North Carolina, alleging they discriminate against minority voters. The suit challenges the state’s voter-identification requirement and limits on early voting. It also asks the court to require federal pre-approval for voting-law changes in the state.
West Virginia – Fishing Trip Underscores Close Ties between Suder, United Sportsmen
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley and Jason Stein | Published: 9/30/2013
Records show then-Wisconsin Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder accepted an invitation for a fishing trip offered by the lobbyist for a self-described sportsmen group just days before an affiliate of the organization won a $500,000 state grant. Gov. Scott Walker rescinded the grant after reports the group misrepresented its nonprofit status and its president had been cited for shooting a black bear without the proper license.
West Virginia – W.Va. Judge Resigns, Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy
San Francisco Chronicle – John Raby (Associated Press) | Published: 10/2/2013
A West Virginia judge pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to conceal alleged illegal drug use and election-law violations by a sheriff who was murdered earlier this year. As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to drop an earlier charge that Mingo County Circuit Court Judge Thornsbury misused his office on several occasions over five years to try to illegally imprison the husband of his former secretary after she ended an affair with him.
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.
October 3, 2013 •
Mississippi PAC Registration Threshold Unconstitutional As Applied to Ballot Measure Group
AG Jim Hood may appeal
U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock ruled a portion of Mississippi’s campaign finance law unconstitutional as applied to a group of five Oxford, Mississippi residents backing a ballot initiative. The group desired to pool funds to purchase posters and advertising supporting a 2011 initiative, but determined doing so would trigger political committee registration under state law.
The group filed suit, alleging Mississippi’s $200 threshold unduly burdened their First Amendment rights. Judge Aycock agreed, finding the $200 threshold was “simply too low” for the “significant and onerous burdens on persons attempting to join together to raise or expend in excess” of the threshold.
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood indicated he may appeal the ruling, while Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, whose office enforces the state’s campaign finance laws, did not immediately issue comment on the case.
October 3, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“No shutdown for K Street as advocates blitz Capitol” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Senate health aide joins top lobby firm” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
“Numismatists Have Lobbyists Too” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.
Kentucky: “Ethics Reporter: $4.18M spent in four months as lobbying spending continues upward trend” by the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission in KYForward.com.
North Carolina: “Former Rep. and lobbyist Paul Pulley dies” in the News & Observer.
Campaign Finance
“State watchdogs band together to take on ‘dark money’” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.
“Zombie Federal Election Commission still wants your quarterly reports” by Al Kamen in The Washington Post.
Ethics
Florida: “Florida ethics commission investigating Rep. Jamie Grant’s business venture” by Michael Van Sickler in the Tampa Bay Times.
Iowa: “Iowa pol resigns amid ethics probe” by Katie Glueck in Politico.
New Jersey: “State agency: DiVincenzo misused, obscured campaign funds” by Matt Friedman in The Star-Ledger.
Tennessee: “Ethics watchdog files more Deal complaints” by The Associated Press in WRCB TV News.
State Legislatures
Colorado: “Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper will not call special legislative session on flooding issues” by The Associated Press on KMGH-TV News.
New Hampshire: “N.H. Panel Delays Vote On Medicaid” by Ben Leubsdorf in the Valley News.
Oregon: “Lawmakers celebrate end of special session on PERS, taxes, GMO (2013 special session)” by Yuxing Zheng in The Oregonian.
October 2, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Shutdown can’t stop lobbyists from their appointed rounds” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“What’s a Hill Résumé Worth on K Street? Maybe Not $500K” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
Nevada: “Former Nev. lobbyist sentenced to 2 years in prison” by Martha Bellisle in USA Today.
Campaign Finance
“Wealthy Donors’ Influence May Rise After Next Supreme Court Campaign Finance Case” by Paul Blumenthal in the Huffington Post.
“Donation limits help keep politics honest” opinion piece by Meredith McGehee on CNN News.
Mississippi: “Judge blocks part of Miss. campaign finance law, calls it unconstitutional” by Emily Wagster Pettus (Associated Press) in the Clarion Ledger.
Ethics
“Ethical limits on federal employees would continue in shutdown” by Eric Yoder in The Washington Post.
“As shutdown commences, federal open government databases go dark or dormant” by Stephen Stirling in The Star-Ledger.
“Government shutdown shrinks FEC to just four employees” by Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity.
Elections
“Election Laws Challenged in Only State to Act Since Supreme Court Ruling on Voting Rights Act” by Wendy Underhill in NCSL’s The Thicket.
Alabama: “Special election scheduled to fill Rep. Barry Mask’s legislative seat” by The Associated Press on Al.com.
Nevada: “More Nevadans register nonpartisan in September than other two parties combined” by The Associated Press in the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Government Shutdown
“GOV Unplugged: Your Guide to What’s Shut Down During a Shutdown” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Feds Warm Up To LinkedIn” by Mark Amtower in Information Week.
State Legislatures
Oregon: “Oregon Legislature: Vote count still tight in special session” by Hannah Hoffman and Anna Staver in the Statesman Journal.
October 1, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“Lobbyists prepare for government shutdown” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“Lobbyists swoop in to defend investor visas” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Hamilton, Ontario: “Lobbyist registry delayed again” by Matthew Van Dongen in The Spec.
Campaign Finance
“Lobbying, Campaign Finance, and IRS Reports Keep Moving During Shutdown” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine Blog.
“House Members Shut Down Gov’t. Money Going Out, But Not Contributions Coming In” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine Blog.
“The Next Citizens United?” by Richard Hasen in Slate.
“The case for eliminating contribution limits” by Ann W. Herberger in Campaigns & Elections.
“Top U.S. political donors in 2012 among country’s richest men” by Gabriel Debenedetti in Reuters.
Alaska: “APOC: No immediate action on complaint against Stiver” by Sam Friedman in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
Maryland: “Maryland’s new laws at a glance” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.
Ethics
FEC: “Not ‘essential’: Shutdown would hit FEC hard” by Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity.
Georgia: “Ethics commission to ask for special investigator” by The Associated Press in the Athens Banner-Herald.
Ohio: “Son of indicted donor’s lawyer works for Mandel” by Joe Vardon in The Columbus Dispatch.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Government Social Media Feeds Will Go Dark During a Shutdown” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.
Elections
Ohio: “Ohio lawmaker’s election reform bills include voter ID requirement, reduced early-voting times” by Jeremy Pelzer in The Plain Dealer.
Pennsylvania: “Challenge to Pennsylvania’s voter ID law not affected by Justice Dept. lawsuit against N.C.’s law” by Jan Murphy in The Patriot-News.
October 1, 2013 •
Nevada’s Revised Definition of “Committee for Political Action” Effective Today
Senate Bill 246
Effective today, Nevada Senate Bill 246 revises the definition of “committee for political action” to include new threshold levels.
Entities in Nevada whose primary purpose is to affect outcomes of elections are now defined as those with more than $1,500 in contributions or expenditures in a calendar year. Entities whose primary purpose is not to affect outcomes of elections have a $5,000 calendar year threshold. Committees must register with the Nevada secretary of state no later than seven days after qualifying under the revised definition.
The changes in the bill were modeled on similar statutes previously enacted by the state of Maine.
September 30, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
California: “Ex-lobbyist joins councilman’s staff and questions follow” by David Zahniser in the Los Angeles Times.
Kentucky: “Chandler moves into role as lobbyist in Ky.” by The Associated Press in WTVQ ABC News.
West Virginia: “Lobbyists spend $39k wining, dining WV officials” by The Associated Press in the Herald-Dispatch.
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “GOP: More campaign contributions should be allowed” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Sun.
New Hampshire: “How one state representative raised $1,600 for his campaign — in bitcoins” by Brian Fung in The Washington Post.
Ohio: “Common Cause Ohio questions state’s lobbying disclosures” by Marc Kovac in the Daily Jeffersonian.
Vermont: “Vt. Supreme Court says Democratic-leaning organization didn’t register as political group” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Ethics
“Harvey Whittemore to be sentenced Monday for campaign finance scheme” by Jeff German in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Arkansas: “Some lawmakers suggest including ethics reform in special session” by Rob Moritz in Arkansas News.
Florida: “Inspector General: West Palm Beach should not have repaid Mitchell in ethics probe” by Eliot Kleinberg in the Palm Beach Post.
North Carolina: “Former NC auditor says he will leave State Ethics Commission after questions over DHHS role” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
State Legislatures
Illinois: “In blow to Gov. Quinn, judge rules state lawmakers must be paid” by Dave McKinney, Jon Seidel And Mitch Dudek in the Chicago Sun Times.
Oregon: “Oregon legislators return for special session” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.
Oregon: “Anxiety high as special session looms” by Hannah Hoffman in the Statesman Journal.
Pennsylvania: “Legislators taking leave and missing the vote” by Angela Couloumbis in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Social Media
New York: “NYC Mayoral Race Shows ‘Shareable Graphics Are…The New Black’ in Digital Campaigning” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.
September 27, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 27, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Manufacturing Arm to Advise on Lobbying Agencies, States
Politico – Byron Tau and Andrea Drusch | Published: 9/26/2013
The National Association of Manufacturers has established the Center for Legal Action to give its members a voice in legal debates at the federal, state, and local levels. The center is a response to gridlock in Washington, D.C. and reflects the fact that legal fights elsewhere play a major role in the development of rules and regulations.
Some Public Companies Are Divulging More Details about Their Political Contributions
Washington Post – Dina ElBoghdady | Published: 9/25/2013
Even as some groups fight efforts to make their donors public, a growing number of companies are coming forward on their own to disclose their contributions to trade associations and other nonprofit organizations that legally can keep their hidden, according to a study.
Federal:
Federal Election Commission Gets New Blood
The Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 9/23/2013
The U.S. Senate confirmed President Barack Obama’s two nominees to the FEC, giving the panel its first new members since the George W. Bush administration. Democrat Ann Ravel and Republican Lee Goodman were approved by unanimous consent in a brief voice vote. The appointments will restore the six-member commission to full strength.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Campaign Finance Law Throws Twist at Candidates
San Francisco Chronicle; Associated Press – | Published: 9/23/2013
The Arizona secretary of state’s office said under a new law, candidates need to have separate campaign finance committees for the primary and general elections. Combined with a $2,000 limit on transfers between committees, the requirement means candidates may have to commit their funds to one election or the other without yet knowing what the political landscape will look like.
California – California Political Watchdog Sets Sights on Major Cases
Sacramento Bee – Christopher Cadelago | Published: 9/22/2013
The California Fair Political Practices Commission historically has pursued investigations based on formal complaints. But under the leadership of Chairperson Ann Ravel and her chief enforcer, Gary Winuk, the agency has become more proactive, significantly increasing the number of inquiries it initiates.
California – State’s New Rule: Campaigns must say when they pay for Web posts
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 9/19/2013
Bloggers and others who are paid to post political messages online are subject to new disclosure rules under regulations approved by the California Fair Political Practices Commission. The agency acted out of concern the public might be deceived into thinking paid content on blogs that praises or criticizes a candidate is objective political commentary.
Florida – Lobbying Association Weighs into Gaetz Push to Start Auditing Their Pay
Orlando Sentinel – Aaron Deslatte | Published: 9/19/2013
As a legislative panel prepares to discuss auditing lobbyists’ compensation, the association that represents Florida’s lobbyists wants to make sure they have a say in the process. A letter signed by the Florida Professional Lobbyist Association’s board of directors asks to make recommendations to lawmakers on how to conduct the audits.
Georgia – Ethics Commission Head Received Pay Increases
Macon Telegraph; Associated Press – | Published: 9/20/2013
The annual salary of the Georgia ethics commission’s executive secretary, Holly LaBerge, increased from $85,000 when she was hired in September 2011 to $100,000 by June 2013, despite the agency saying it had to cut costs. By comparison, LaBerge’s predecessor, Stacey Kalberman, quit after absorbing a 30 percent pay cut and later filed a lawsuit alleging she was punished for aggressively pursuing an investigation involving Gov. Nathan Deal.
New York – N.Y. Ethics Panel Toughens Rules to Shield Political Donors
The Journal News – Joseph Spector | Published: 9/24/2013
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics fine-tuned its process for granting exemptions from disclosing financing sources for nonprofit organizations and agreed to place exemption applications online for public view. The changes come as the commission says it is trying to balance public disclosure of groups’ major contributors with the need to protect donors’ privacy to keep them from harm.
Cleveland Plain Dealer – James McCarty | Published: 9/25/2013
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Benjamin Suarez, the owner of a North Canton direct-marketing firm, and company Chief Financial Officer Michael Giorgio with conspiring to funnel illegal campaign contributions to U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci and Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel. According to the FBI, Suarez and Giorgio recruited company employees and spouses to contribute to the campaigns, and then reimbursed them through payments disguised first as salary and later as profit sharing.
Ohio – Group Calls for Tougher Lobbyist Disclosures
Columbus Dispatch – Jim Siegel and Robert Higgs (Northeast Ohio Media Group) | Published: 9/19/2013
As Ohio’s natural gas industry has boomed, so have campaign contributions from the industry. That spending, coupled with a lack of reporting requirements for compensation paid to lobbyists should raise questions with voters about transparency and just who has access to government, said Ohio Common Cause.
Virginia – Ethics Issue Rises to Prominence in Va. Legislative Races
Washington Post – Antonio Olivo | Published: 9/21/2013
In a state that has long considered itself a place of clean government, the shadow of a federal probe into gifts received by Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell and his family is hanging over dozens of state House of Delegate races. As the campaigns for the general elections ramp up, both major parties are seeking to leverage the ethics issue for political gain, or at least keep it from hampering their chances for victory.
Washington – New Lobbyist Meal Form to Distinguish Chowder from Steak
KUOW – Austin Jenkins | Published: 9/23/2013
The Washington Public Disclosure Commission will decide at its September 26 meeting whether to update the form lobbyists use to report spending on entertainment. Media reports have noted many lobbyists do not include a per-person amount for dinners with lawmakers.
Wisconsin – Madison Passes Ordinance Forcing Stricter Campaign Spending Disclosure
Capital Times – Jack Craver | Published: 9/23/2013
The Madison Common Council approved an ordinance that will require groups making independent campaign expenditures in city elections to disclose the spending and their donors. Although the Government Accountability Board put in place a rule in 2010 that addresses such ads, the agency has not enforced the rule since it was challenged.
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.
September 26, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
Kentucky: “Ben Chandler moves into role as lobbyist in Ky.” by The Associated Press in WYMT TV News.
New Mexico: “Ex-New Mexico official takes job despite ban on lobbying” by The Associated Press in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
Campaign Finance
“If You Thought Citizens United Was Bad, Wait for This Supreme Court Case” by Norm Ornstein in The Atlantic.
“GOP lawyer launches political donation refund group” by Michael Beckel in The Center for Public Integrity.
Arizona: “Donor fatigue: Higher contribution limits don’t translate into avalanche of cash” by Jeremy Duda and Luige del Puerto in Arizona Capitol Times.
Missouri: “Missouri campaign contributions have topped $6.7M this quarter” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Ohio: “Federal grand jury indictment charges North Canton businessman with funneling illegal campaign cash to candidates” by James F. McCarty in the Plain Dealer.
Ethics
Florida: “Florida Ethics Commission Asks For Power To Place Liens On Violators’ Property” by Jessica Palombo in WFSU News.
Ohio: “Ethics Commission finds possible conflicts of interest with JobsOhio employees” by Darrel Rowland in the Columbus Dispatch.
State Legislatures
South Dakota: “Legislature research leader resigns” by David Montgomery in the Argus Leader.
Social Media
“Twitter increases political contributions, but not from constituents, says paper” by Molly Bernhart Walker in FierceGovernmentIT.
September 25, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“K Street suffers from identity crisis” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Nevada: “Feds call for prison time for ex-Nevada lobbyist Harvey Whittemore” by Martha Bellisle in the Reno Gazette-Journal.
New York: “JCOPE changes donor disclosure rules for lobbying groups” by Joseph Spector in the Star Gazette.
Canada: “Federal lobbyist watchdog launches review of industry code of conduct” by Kady O’Malley in CBC News.
Campaign Finance
“25 Regulations to Watch” by Ben Goad and Julian Hattem in The Hill.
“Washington Billionaires Staying Out Of State Politics This Year” by John Ryan in Northwest Public Radio.
New York: “Moreland panel hears testimony on enforcement, campaign funding” by Casey Seiler in the Times Union.
Ethics
“Dan Schwager to leave House Ethics panel” by John Bresnahan in Politico.
Florida: “Legislators look into questionable insurance deal” by Gary Fineout in the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
New York: “Taint of pork-barrel spending repels public corruption investigation panel” by Casey Seiler in the Times Union.
New York: “After Hints of Guilty Plea, Lawmaker Opts for Trial” by Mosi Secret.
Virginia: “Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell’s approval rating drops to new low, poll finds” by Laura Vozzella and Scott Clement in The Washington Post.
State Legislatures
Pennsylvania: “Record low approval ratings for lawmakers returning to Harrisburg” by Melissa Daniels in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Pennsylvania: “Bills to shrink size of Pa. Legislature advances in state House” by Jan Murphy in The Patriot-News.
Redistricting
Texas: “DOJ To Intervene In Texas Redistricting” by David Martin Davies in KBPS News.
September 24, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“Lobbyists cheer plan to jam Dems by linking debt hike to tax reform” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Florida: “Lobbyist audits may be on the way — 8 years after the law was passed to do so” by Matt Dixon in the Florida Times-Union.
Washington: “New Lobbyist Meal Form To Distinguish Chowder From Steak” by Austin Jenkins on Northwest Public Radio.
Campaign finance
“The next Citizens United could affect campaign spending in the states” by Niraj Chokshi in The Washington Post.
“The End of Contribution Limits? | Rules of the Game” opinion piece by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
Kentucky: “Kentucky disability lawyer pleads guilty to campaign-finance violation” by Bill Estep in the Herald-Leader.
Ethics
Rhode Island: “RI Ethics Commission to investigate complaint that Fox violated rules by not reporting income” by David Klepper (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Redistricting
Arizona: “Republicans file new challenge to congressional district lines” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.
Social Media
California: “The Buzz: FPPC approves new rules for political bloggers” by Laurel Rosenhall in the Sacramento Bee.
September 23, 2013 •
Madison, WI Passes Independent Expenditure Law
Ordinance replaces unenforced state law on local level
City Council passed an ordinance creating registration and reporting requirements for organizations involved in making independent expenditures. Organizations supporting or opposing any candidate for mayor, alderperson, or municipal judge are required to register with the city clerk upon accepting contributions made for, incurring obligations for, or making independent expenditures exceeding $25 in the aggregate during a calendar year. Such organizations are also required to file reports as required by Wisconsin Statutes.
The ordinance is meant to take the place of a provision no longer enforced by the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (GAB) after it reached a settlement in a suit filed by two advocacy groups. As such, the ordinance is ripe for challenge on the same grounds as the original GAB rule was challenged.
Photo of the Madison skyline by Patrick43470 on Wikimedia Commons.
September 23, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
California: “California political watchdog sets sights on major cases” by Christopher Cadelago in The Sacramento Bee.
Florida: “Lobbying group wants a say in auditing process” by Rochelle Koff in Miami Herald’s Naked Politics blog.
Utah: “Las Vegas business leaders broaden approach to DC lobbying” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Campaign Finance
“Supreme Court may strike new blow to campaign funding laws” by David G. Savage in the Los Angeles Times.
Arizona: “Campaign finance law throws twist at candidates” by The Associated Press in KSAZ Fox10 News.
Arkansas: “Ethics panel: Candidate’s corporation can’t provide free office space” by John Lyon in the Arkansas News.
Delaware: “Illegal donations to Jack Markell’s 2008 campaign discovered” by Maureen Milford in The News Journal.
Wisconsin: “Political Conduits: Pouring Millions Into Wisconsin Elections” by Tim Morrissey in Public News Service.
Ethics
“Senate confirms Obama’s FEC nominees” by Byron Tau in Politico.
Georgia: “Claims in ex-Ga. Ethics Commission leader’s lawsuit call agency’s independence into question” by The Associated Press in the Seymour Tribune.
Georgia: “LaBerge Gets Raise As Ethics Comm. Cuts Costs” by The Associated Press on Georgia Public Broadcasting.
State Legislatures
Florida: “Lawmakers return to Tallahassee for committee week” by Michael Van Sickler in the Miami Herald.
September 20, 2013 •
New Municipalities Update – September 20, 2013
In a continuing effort to better serve the needs of its clients, State and Federal Communications, Inc. is expanding coverage of laws and regulations in more municipalities.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of two more municipalities to its website. Naperville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago with a population of 143,684, has been added to the Lobbying Laws, Political Contributions, and Procurement Lobbying publications. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s capital, becomes the second municipality in the Canadian Compliance publication.
Our clients will find comprehensive, timely, and accurate information that includes: complete calendars of reporting deadlines; critical statutory citations; extensive directories of contact information; summaries of the law; detailed reference charts on goods and services contributions; highlights of every statute; copies of all required forms; and much more.
The number of municipalities and regional governments our research associates track continues to grow. We now cover more than 230 municipalities and local governments. This is part of a continuous effort to better serve the needs of our clients.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.