July 29, 2010 •
Wyoming Lawmakers Challenge State Election Law
Four Wyoming lawmakers are challenging the provisions of the state election code prohibiting political contributions by corporations.
The legal petition filed by the lawmakers asks a state district court to review Wyoming’s election law in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. At present, Wyoming law prohibits corporations from making campaign contributions, a position which puts it at odds with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
While Wyoming’s election law hasn’t yet been challenged on grounds raised by Citizens United, it is seen by some lawmakers in Cheyenne as only a matter of time before a lawsuit emerges. The lawmakers hope their petition will preempt any such litigation against the state.
Here are some useful Wyoming links:
Wyoming State Legislature Web site
July 28, 2010 •
U.S. Senate Fails to Pass DISCLOSE Act
On a vote of 57-41, the Senate Democrats failed to gather the 60 votes needed to overcome an expected filibuster of S. 3628, Congress’ legislative response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
For the time being, the Supreme Court’s ruling stands. Another vote is thought possible in September after Congress returns from the August recess.
Here are three articles for further reading:
“Senate Dems lack votes to overcome Republican filibuster of Disclose Act,” by Alexander Bolton in The Hill.
“Dems table campaign finance reform,” by Meredith Shiner in Politico.
“Bill on political ad disclosures falls a little short in Senate,” by Dan Eggen in the Washington Post.
July 23, 2010 •
DISCLOSE Act Heads to U.S. Senate Next Week
Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has filed cloture on the DISCLOSE Act, Congress’ response to the recent Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
The measure will come to a vote on the floor of the Senate early next week. Reid’s move begins the endgame for the legislation even though he does not yet have the votes to overcome the anticipated filibuster from the bill’s opponents.
New York Senator Charles Schumer, who authored S. 3295, the Senate’s version of the DISCLOSE Act, has modified the bill to address concerns raised when H.R. 5175 was passed by the House earlier this summer. Democrats hope the changes will be enough to win the support of Maine GOP Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, both of whom expressed reservations regarding the House bill. For example, Senator Collins believes H.R. 5175 provides unions with special exemptions and a corresponding unfair political advantage over corporations.
It is unclear at this time whether or not changes to the Senate bill offered by Schumer will be enough to overcome Collins’ and Snowe’s objections. The Senate vote could come as early as Tuesday.
If you are looking for more coverage, the Hill has two articles by Susan Crabtree:
“Schumer files new version of campaign-finance bill to court centrist votes,” July 22, 2010
“Sen. Reid sets up showdown next week on campaign finance,” July23, 2010
July 21, 2010 •
Citizens United Report Available to the Public
State and Federal Communications, Inc. is sharing a report on how states are responding to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
To view the report, go to www.stateandfed.com and click on the “Citizens United Update” in the lower left of the home page. The report is free and available to the public.
The report tracks new and updated laws, and pending legislation, in every state responding to the January 21, 2010, Supreme Court decision. The court’s ruling had the practical effect of removing restrictions from corporations, labor unions, and others in making independent expenditures and electioneering communications regarding candidates.
“Back in January, we said the most important developments would come when the various states began reacting to the court’s decision. Our research team has found many states are responding with new legislation, while others are loosening rules and regulations in place for years,” said Elizabeth Z. Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications.
“Rules are changing all the time. Corporations, trade and professional organizations, labor unions, and government affairs professionals need to stay current on these changes to ensure they do not inadvertently violate recently passed legislation,” Bartz said.
“Updated and accurate information is of vital importance. That is why we are sharing this report with the public,” Bartz added.
The State and Federal Communications document – researched and developed by the firm’s in-house staff of government affairs compliance experts – is broken down by state and includes:
- Court decisions affecting particular laws in the states.
- Rules state commissions and ethics administrators have put into place.
- Opinions issued by state authorities in charge of campaign finance rules.
“We provide this information to our clients, along with comprehensive resources on the rules and regulations in the areas of lobbying, procurement lobbying, and political activities,” Bartz said.
“We help our clients stay compliant. That’s our mission.”
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.
