Campaign Finance Archives - Page 254 of 321 - State and Federal Communications

January 13, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Monday News Roundup

Lobbying “Loopholes Give Free Overseas Travel to Lobbyists and Members of Congress” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine. “Lobbyists poised for more profit declines, but also finding ways to keep business flowing” by Holly Yeager in The Washington […]

January 10, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Delaware Ethics Commission Extends Deadline for Campaign Finance Reports to Feb. 20

The Delaware Ethics Commission has extended the deadline for year-end campaign finance reports due to glitches in the online filing system. The deadline to file year-end reports is now February 20.

January 10, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

News You Can Use Digest – January 10, 2014

National: Koch-Backed Political Coalition, Designed to Shield Donors, Raised $400 Million in 2012 Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 1/6/2014 An analysis of tax returns and other documents shows the network of politically active nonprofits backed by […]

National:

Koch-Backed Political Coalition, Designed to Shield Donors, Raised $400 Million in 2012

Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 1/6/2014

An analysis of tax returns and other documents shows the network of politically active nonprofits backed by billionaires Charles and David Koch and fellow donors in the 2012 elections raised at least $407 million. Its funders remain largely unknown; the coalition was carefully constructed with extensive legal barriers to shield its donors.

Federal:

Political Donors Chase Funding Alternative

Wall Street Journal – Thomas Catan | Published: 1/5/2014

Lawyers are scouring the tax code for financial vehicles that would allow donors to continue to spend money on elections while remaining anonymous. The search for new ways to collect and distribute campaign cash comes because the IRS proposed rules to restrict political activity by social-welfare groups. Their use in campaigns has soared in the last two years, in part because they can accept contributions of unlimited size and do not have to disclose the names of their donors.

Tangled Role in G.O.P. War over Tea Party

New York Times – Eric Lipton | Published: 1/3/2014

Former U.S. Rep. Steven LaTourette has emerged as one of the leaders of the Republican establishment’s battle against the tea party. While he says he is protecting the GOP from extremists, some maintain LaTourette is profiting from his continued presence in the Washington spotlight. His activities have raised questions about whether, in his dual roles, LaTourette violated the federal statute that prohibits lawmakers from lobbying on Capitol Hill for a year after leaving office.

From the States and Municipalities:

Colorado – Colorado GOP Wants to Skirt Campaign Contribution Limits

Washington Post – Reid Wilson | Published: 1/8/2014

Taking the lead of outside political groups who benefit from laws that allow them to receive unlimited political contributions, the Colorado Republican Party is trying to form its own special spending arm. In a petition filed with Secretary of State Scott Gessler, the state GOP asks permission to create an independent expenditure unit to raise and spend money on campaigns. The party is asking Gessler to allow them to accept unlimited contributions, just as super PACs and other outside groups are allowed to do.

Maryland – Md. Lawmakers Conduct Fundraising Frenzy on Eve of Legislative Session

Washington Post – Jenna Johnson and John Wagner | Published: 1/7/2014

When Maryland’s legislative session convened on January 8, so did a ban on collecting campaign donations for lawmakers and statewide elected officials. Although each January is marked by a last-minute cash grab, this year is different. All statewide posts and all 188 seats in the General Assembly will be on the ballot in November, and the primary election has been moved up to June from September, shortening the fundraising window and intensifying the pleas.

Missouri – Missouri’s No-Limit Legislature Stokes Debate over Ethics Reform

Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 1/4/2014

Missouri lawmakers returned to the Capitol recently, 12 years after term limits kicked in and six years since caps on political donations officially ended. The combination of those two factors, critics argue, has tipped the legislative scale, with all the experience – and the money – to the lobbying side. Interviews with lawmakers, lobbyists, and political observers reveal a legislative process where outright corruption is rare, but money talks.

Nevada – Judge Allows Ex-Lobbyist Whittemore to Delay Prison

Las Vegas Sun – Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) | Published: 1/3/2014

A judge granted Harvey Whittemore’s motion to postpone prison. Whittemore was sentenced to two years in prison for violating campaign finance laws by using family and friends as “straw donors” to pump more than $130,000 into the campaign of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Whittemore’s lawyers asked the judge to delay the sentence, arguing the U.S. Supreme Court’s pending ruling in a case challenging individual campaign limits could ultimately have bearing on his appeal.

New Jersey – Christie Fires Aide in Bridge Scandal as U.S. Opens Inquiry

New York Times – Marc Santora and William Rashbaum | Published: 1/9/2014

Gov. Chris Christie fired a top aide at the center of a brewing scandal that officials in his administration orchestrated lane closures on the George Washington Bridge to settle a political score. The governor told a news conference he was stunned by revelations that senior staff members were behind the massive traffic jams in Ft. Lee, designed to punish the town’s mayor, who did not endorse Christie for re-election. The office of the U.S. attorney in New Jersey said it had launched an investigation.

New York – Will Public Financing Push Ever Come to Shove in State

Albany Times Union – Jordan Carleo-Evangelist | Published: 1/5/2014

The decision on whether New York adopts some kind of public campaign finance system will fall largely to the power brokers in the state Legislature, a body so riven with scandal in recent years that some public finance advocates see movement on the question as all but inevitable in the coming months. The push for public financing was at once a centerpiece and the most divisive recommendation in the preliminary report by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s anti-corruption Moreland Commission.

Virginia – Virginia Lawmakers Detail Ethics Reform Plans

Washington Post – Rachel Weiner | Published: 1/7/2014

Virginia House leaders have spent the past few months hammering out a bipartisan ethics reform proposal, focused on a few key areas. The plan includes a $250 cap on “tangible” gifts from lobbyists and individuals with business before the state. It also would increase financial disclosure reporting requirements from once to twice per year for lobbyists and lawmakers.

Washington – Lobbyist Freebies on Legislative Agenda

The Olympian – Brad Shannon | Published: 1/6/2014

Lawmakers say the divided Washington Legislature might act on the issue of lobbyists buying meals for politicians when they convene for the session that starts on January 13. One bill would give the state Public Disclosure Commission new technology so electronically filed lobbyist reports can be searched and cross-referenced. House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan has complained that lobbyists often report spending for meals for lawmakers at levels much higher than the actual value.

Wyoming – Conservative Wyoming Group Battles Federal Election Commission over Election Law

Casper Star Tribune – Kyle Roerink | Published: 1/3/2014

A conservative Wyoming-based group hopes to take its fight against the FEC to the U.S. Supreme Court. Free Speech is trying to avoid forming a PAC, and disclosing the names of its donors and being limited in how it can solicit funds and spend money. By requiring groups to register, Free Speech claims the FEC imposes a burden on First Amendment rights.

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 9, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Thursday News Roundup

Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. “K Street pushes to shape $1T omnibus spending legislation” by Bernie Becker and Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. “Chamber chief promises midterm blitz” by Ben Goad and Kevin Bogardus in The Hill. “GOP leadership […]

January 8, 2014 • Written by Allyson Smith

Wednesday Government Relations News

Lobbying “The State of K Street” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call. “Bitcoin Woos Washington to Ensure Lawmakers Don’t Kill It” by Julie Bykowicz and Carter Dougherty in Bloomberg Politics. New York City, NY: “New York City Imposes New Rules […]

January 7, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

New Jersey Gubernatorial Inauguration Set for January 21

The inauguration for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2014. The day will begin with a morning prayer service in Newark followed by a swearing-in ceremony and inaugural address in Trenton. Evening festivities include an […]

January 7, 2014 • Written by Joe May

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Snapchat hires lobbyists for the first time” by Kate Tummarello in The Hill. Washington: “Bill would make it easier to track lobbyist giving” by Ralph Schwartz in the Bellingham Herald. Campaign Finance “Caution – […]

January 6, 2014 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Virginia Gubernatorial Inauguration January 11

The inauguration for Virginia Governor-Elect Terry McAuliffe will be held Saturday, January 11, 2014 in Capitol Square in Richmond Virginia. The day will begin with a prayer breakfast, followed by the inauguration ceremony, parade, executive mansion open house, and the […]

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 […]

Monday News Roundup

Delaware Ethics Commission Extends Deadline for Campaign Finance Reports to Feb. 20

News You Can Use Digest – January 10, 2014

Thursday News Roundup

Wednesday Government Relations News

New Jersey Gubernatorial Inauguration Set for January 21

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Virginia Gubernatorial Inauguration January 11

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

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