March 30, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance “Ex-Congressman Stockman Indicted in Texas” by Josh Gerstein for Politico Connecticut: “Ted Kennedy Jr.’s 2014 Campaign, Still Under Scrutiny, Shows Election-Reform Troubles” by Edmund Mahony and Jon Lender for Hartford Courant Ethics “Schock Staffer Was FBI Informant, Court […]
Campaign Finance
“Ex-Congressman Stockman Indicted in Texas” by Josh Gerstein for Politico
Connecticut: “Ted Kennedy Jr.’s 2014 Campaign, Still Under Scrutiny, Shows Election-Reform Troubles” by Edmund Mahony and Jon Lender for Hartford Courant
Ethics
“Schock Staffer Was FBI Informant, Court Filings Reveal” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Alabama: “Vote on Whether to Impeach Alabama Governor May Come Quickly” by Kim Chandler (Associated Press) for Myrtle Beach Sun News
Maine: “Memo: Dozens of Maine lawmakers may have failed to disclose changes in income” by Steve Mistler for Maine Public
New Jersey: “2 Christie Allies Are Sentenced in George Washington Bridge Scandal” by Nick Corasaniti for New York Times
New Jersey: “N.J. Election Watchdog Meets after Year of Paralysis” by Nicholas Pugliese for Bergen Record
Elections
“A Former Trump Administration Appointee Who Left Without Signing Ethics Pledge Is Now a Lobbyist” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Lobbying
California: “PG&E to Pay $86.5 Million for Backdoor Lobbying of Regulators” by Jaxon Van Derbeken for KNSD
March 28, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Illinois: “Court Strikes Down Ban on Campaign Contributions from Medical Marijuana Licensees” by Jacob Huebert for Illinois Policy Pennsylvania: “Judge Mid-Trial Dismisses All Charges in Pennsylvania Pay-to-Play Case” by Angela Couloumbis and Craig McCoy (Philadelphia Inquirer) for Pittsburgh […]
Campaign Finance
Illinois: “Court Strikes Down Ban on Campaign Contributions from Medical Marijuana Licensees” by Jacob Huebert for Illinois Policy
Pennsylvania: “Judge Mid-Trial Dismisses All Charges in Pennsylvania Pay-to-Play Case” by Angela Couloumbis and Craig McCoy (Philadelphia Inquirer) for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Elections
“Senate Committee to Question Jared Kushner Over Meetings with Russians” by Jo Becker, Matthew Rosenberg, and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
Ethics
Maine: “Bangor City Council’s Ethics Watchdog Group Hasn’t Investigated a Violation in 20 Years” by Danielle McLean for Bangor Daily News
Maryland: “Maryland House Passes First Major Ethics Bill in Over a Decade” by Ian Duncan for Baltimore Sun
Oregon: “Lax Conflicts of Interest Rules Let Oregon Lawmakers Keep Quiet About Their Ties” by Gordon Friedman for Portland Oregonian
Legislative Issues
“Chairman and Partisan: The dual roles of Devin Nunes raise questions about House investigation” by Greg Miller and Karoun Demirjian for Washington Post
New Mexico: “Amending New Mexico’s Convoluted Constitution” by Anna Lande for KUNM
Lobbying
“Trump’s ‘Beachhead’ Teams Host Dozens of Former Lobbyists” by Ashley Balcerzak and Niv Sultan for Center for Responsive Politics
March 27, 2017 •
Monday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance “Duncan Hunter Under Criminal Investigation for Ethics Violations” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times Elections “One Rationale for Voter ID Debunked, G.O.P. Has Another” by Michael Wines for New York Times Ethics “Federal Agency Rules Trump’s D.C. […]
Campaign Finance
“Duncan Hunter Under Criminal Investigation for Ethics Violations” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times
Elections
“One Rationale for Voter ID Debunked, G.O.P. Has Another” by Michael Wines for New York Times
Ethics
“Federal Agency Rules Trump’s D.C. Hotel Lease Is In ‘Full Compliance’” by Jonathan O’Connell for Washington Post
Florida: “Investigators Knocked Commissioners for VIP Treatment at MIA. Then Came the Funding Threat.” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald
New Mexico: “What Financial Disclosure Forms Don’t Require Reveal as Much as What They Do” by Sandra Fish for New Mexico In Depth
New York: “Albany’s Latest Scandal: 2 more are accused of corruption” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
Lobbying
Iowa: “House Ethics Committee Admonishes Americans for Prosperity Lobbyist” by Brianne Pfannenstiel for Des Moines Register
Missouri: “Goodbye to All That? Missouri Lawmakers Dragging Feet on Lobbyist-Gift Ban” by Marshall Griffin for St. Louis Public Radio
Texas: “Liquor Regulators Partying on Taxpayers’ Tab” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
March 24, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 24, 2017
Federal: Despite a Trust, Ivanka Trump Still Wields Power Over Her Brand New York Times – Rachel Abrams | Published: 3/20/2017 Ivanka Trump, who moved to Washington saying she would play no formal role in her father’s administration, is now […]
Federal:
Despite a Trust, Ivanka Trump Still Wields Power Over Her Brand
New York Times – Rachel Abrams | Published: 3/20/2017
Ivanka Trump, who moved to Washington saying she would play no formal role in her father’s administration, is now officially setting up shop in the White House. The powerful first daughter has secured her own office on the West Wing’s second floor. She is also in the process of obtaining a security clearance and is set to receive government-issued communications devices. In everything but name, Trump is settling in as what appears to be a full-time staffer in her father’s administration, with a broad and growing portfolio, except she is not being sworn in, will hold no official position, and is not pocketing a salary, her attorney said. Watchdogs immediately questioned whether she is going far enough to eliminate conflicts-of-interest, especially because she will not be automatically subjected to certain ethics rules while serving as a de facto White House adviser.
Ethics Watchdogs Make a Career of It
Roll Call – Kate Ackley | Published: 3/16/2017
Norm Eisen, President Barack Obama’s White House ethics czar, and Richard Painter, an ethics lawyer from the George W. Bush administration, have teamed up to become two of the most vocal critics of President Donald Trump’s conflicts-of-interest. They not only sued the president within days of his inauguration, they have also appeared regularly on television and testified on Capitol Hill. Though government ethics law may seem a lonely pursuit, leading a resistance against the Trump team’s web of potential ethics woes clearly is not. “I never imagined that White House ethics experts would be in such demand,” Eisen said.
From the States and Municipalities:
Florida – Will Legislators Lift the Veil on ‘Dark Money’ in Florida Politics?
Bradenton Herald – Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/19/2017
In the ramp-up to the annual legislative session, before the self-imposed fundraising ban takes effect, Florida’s most politically powerful corporations seed hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign cash into the committees of legislators. But getting all the details on who got what is impossible. Florida law allows groups that accept contributions from corporations to legally distribute money to other political committees, including those controlled by legislators, without reporting the original source of the cash. The practice of shielding political spending from public view has fueled the “dark money” trend in politics that has allowed groups to launch political attacks in campaigns without fear of being traced.
Illinois – Emails to Emanuel Raise Questions About Dozens of Possible Lobbying Violations
Chicago Tribune – Bill Ruthhart and Hal Dardick | Published: 3/21/2017
The Chicago Tribune reviewed over 2,600 pages of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s personal emails, and found 26 instances where lobbyists, corporate executives, and longtime Emanuel associates and campaign donors sought action from, or access to, the mayor or city officials but did not register as a lobbyist or report their contact to the city ethics board. Some of those who sent emails pitching their business said they did not believe their actions qualified as lobbying or they were not familiar with the city’s ethics rules. But if the board determines someone sought to influence City Hall action but did not register as a lobbyist, it can fine the individual $1,000 per day from five days after the initial contact until they register.
Massachusetts – Construction Firm, Owner Pay $150,000 for Campaign Finance Violations
Boston Globe – Frank Phillips | Published: 3/22/2017
A Massachusetts business owner and his construction company have paid $150,000 for disguising the true source of campaign contributions. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance said J. Derenzo Companies gave $37,000 to employees and their family members to reimburse them for donations they made to nine candidates, including Gov. Charlie Baker and former Gov. Deval Patrick. The contributions were reported as coming from the individuals. State law prohibits disguising the true origin of a donation and bans corporate contributions. The company and its owner, David Howe, agreed to pay $125,000 to the state’s general fund. Howe also gave $25,000 to a charity with personal funds as part of the agreement.
Mississippi – Politicians Will See Campaign Spending Curbed
Hattiesburg American – Geoff Pender | Published: 3/22/2017
The Mississippi Legislature passed a campaign finance reform measure that would restrict politicians’ spending campaign money on personal expenses and provide for some enforcement and oversight by the state Ethics Commission. Gov. Phil Bryant is expected to sign the bill into law, to take effect January 1. Experts have called Mississippi’s lack of rules and transparency on campaign money – and allowing it to be used for personal expenses – “legalized bribery,” with special-interest cash making its way into politicians’ pockets after it runs through their campaign accounts. Campaign money is shielded from tax, ethics, bribery, and other laws because it is ostensibly to be used for campaigning and records of it are supposed to be open to the public.
New Mexico – Voters Will Decide Future of State Ethics Commission Proposal
New Mexico Politics – Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 3/16/2017
New Mexico voters will decide next year whether to create an independent ethics commission to shore up trust in government after a string of corruption scandals. The Legislature approved a constitutional amendment that calls for creating a seven-member body to investigate ethics violations and apply sanctions. The vote capped a decades-long effort by government watchdog groups and select lawmakers to put ethics complaints in the hands of an independent authority.
New York – Lobbyist in Libous Case Reaches $10k Settlement, as Legal Questions Remain
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/17/2017
Lobbyist Fred Hiffa, whose firm made payments to a law firm employing the son of late New York Sen. Thomas Libous at a time it regularly lobbied the once-influential politician, agreed to pay $10,000 to settle ethics charges. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) said Hiffa arranged for payments totaling $50,000 over one year to the law firm that employed Libous’ son. Libous was convicted of lying to the FBI about his son’s arrangement. But some legal experts said the gift ban law at the center of JCOPE’s case does not seem to apply to the Libous matter, as well as the case of former Sen. Dean Skelos, who was convicted on corruption charges relating to companies hiring his son.
New York – No Charges, but Harsh Criticism for Mayor de Blasio
New York Times – William Rashbaum | Published: 3/16/2017
Prosecutors said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and his aides will not face criminal charges for their role in soliciting donations for the mayor’s campaign and an affiliated nonprofit group, the Campaign for One New York. The investigation involved accusations that de Blasio and his aides gave favorable treatment to donors who contributed to his 2013 mayoral election campaign. Also at issue is whether the de Blasio team illegally raised money for several key state senate races. Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said the decision not to file charges was based, among other things, on the high burden of proof required in prosecuting serious public corruption cases, the clarity of existing law, and the difficulty in proving criminal intent in corruption schemes where there is no evidence of personal profit.
North Carolina – Judges Issue Split Ruling on NC Governor-Legislature Power Struggle
Charlotte Observer – Anne Blythe (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 3/17/2017
A three-judge panel delivered a mixed decision in the power struggle between Gov. Roy Cooper and legislative leaders in North Carolina. The General Assembly passed two laws that require Senate confirmation of Cooper’s cabinet secretaries, cut the number of state positions to which the governor can appoint supporters, and overhauled the structure of North Carolina’s state and county elections boards. The panel agreed with Cooper that the law calling for combining the State Board of Elections and the State Ethics Commission was unconstitutional. The judges also ruled that a provision cutting the number of at-will policy-making and managerial positions in Cooper’s administration should be blocked. The judges upheld the Senate’s right to confirm the governor’s cabinet secretaries, saying Cooper has not demonstrated his administration will be hurt by the law.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma State Senator Faces Charges and Condemnation
New York Times – Matthew Haig | Published: 3/17/2017
Oklahoma Sen. Ralph Shortey was accused in a child prostitution case of offering to pay a 17-year-old boy for sex. Shortey was charged with three felony counts one week after police found him with the teenager in a hotel room. The maximum punishment, if convicted, is 25 years in prison. The Senate voted to punish Shortey for “disorderly behavior.” The unanimous vote stripped him of most of his privileges at the Capitol, including his office and parking space.
Pennsylvania – D.A. Seth Williams Indicted on Corruption, Bribery-Related Charges
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jeremy Roebuck, David Gambacorta, and Chris Brennan | Published: 3/21/2017
Philadelphia’s top prosecutor was charged with taking more than $160,000 in luxury gifts, Caribbean trips, and cash, often in exchange for official favors that included help with a court case, according to a bribery and extortion indictment. Federal prosecutors said District Attorney Seth Williams also spent $10,000 from a joint account he shared with a relative meant for the relative’s nursing home costs. The indictment caps a nearly two-year investigation into Williams’ financial affairs. In January, the city Board of Ethics imposed its largest fine ever, $62,000, on Williams for failing to disclose gifts and sources of income, and accepting gifts from prohibited sources.
Pennsylvania – Former Top Allentown Bureaucrat Francis Dougherty Pleads Guilty, Implicates Mayor
Allentown Morning Call – Emily Opilo | Published: 3/22/2017
Former Allentown Managing Director Francis Dougherty pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in an ongoing FBI “pay-to-play” corruption probe. Prosecutors say Dougherty helped rig a $3 million contract to replace the city’s streetlights so it would go to a company whose executives and consultants gave thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to Mayor Ed Pawlowski. The mayor has not been charged, but he matches the description of the unnamed public official in court papers. As part of his plea deal, Dougherty must continue to cooperate with prosecutors concerning his knowledge of and participation in political corruption in Allentown.
South Carolina – Veteran State Sen. Courson of Columbia Suspended from Office after Misconduct Indictment
The State – John Monk | Published: 3/16/2017
One of South Carolina’s longest-serving senators has been indicted on ethics charges tied to veteran powerbroker Richard Quinn. A grand jury indicted Sen. John Courson on misconduct in office and using campaign donations for personal expenses. All three charges are tied to Courson’s payments to Quinn’s political consulting firm. Lt. Gov. Kevin Bryant suspended Courson pending the case’s resolution. The indictments allege Courson gave Quinn’s firm nearly $248,000 and received back nearly $133,000 for personal use. The Quinn firm has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Texas – Dallas City Council Overhauls Ethics Rules; Mayor Mike Rawlings Lauds Changes as ‘Remarkable’
Dallas News – Tristan Hallman | Published: 3/22/2017
The Dallas City Council approved changes to the ethics law. The reforms include lowering the gift-reporting threshold to $250, requiring attorneys and law firms representing clients – along with leaders of associations – to register as lobbyists, and prohibiting city council members from discussing ongoing contract bids. Council members voted down several of their colleagues’ attempts to include additional changes. The ordinance will take effect on July 1, 2017.
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
March 23, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Massachusetts: “Construction Firm, Owner Pay $150,000 for Campaign Finance Violations” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe Pennsylvania: “Former Top Allentown Bureaucrat Francis Dougherty Pleads Guilty, Implicates Mayor” by Emily Opilo and Peter Hall for Allentown Morning Call Ethics […]
Campaign Finance
Massachusetts: “Construction Firm, Owner Pay $150,000 for Campaign Finance Violations” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe
Pennsylvania: “Former Top Allentown Bureaucrat Francis Dougherty Pleads Guilty, Implicates Mayor” by Emily Opilo and Peter Hall for Allentown Morning Call
Ethics
“New Trump Hotels Face Political Fights, Ethics Questions” by Bernard Condon and David Koenig (Associated Press) for ABC News
“Betsy DeVos’s Hiring of For-Profit College Official Raises Impartiality Issues” by Patricia Cohen for New York Times
“Protesting at Lunchtime: Defying Trump becomes a Washington lifestyle” by Katie Rogers for Washington Post
Nebraska: “State Regulator’s Side Job Appears to Violate Oath of Office, Lawmaker Says” by Zach Pluhacek for Lincoln Journal-Star
Texas: “Dallas City Council Overhauls Ethics Rules; Mayor Mike Rawlings Lauds Changes as ‘Remarkable’” by Tristan Hallman for Dallas News
Elections
“FBI’s Russian-Influence Probe Includes a Look at Breitbart, InfoWars News Sites” by Peter Stone and Greg Gordon for McClatchy DC
Colorado: “Ex-Colo. GOP Leader Said Only Democrats Committed Voter Fraud. Now He’s Charged with Voter Fraud.” by Derek Hawkins for Washington Post
New York: “A Contest to Design New York City’s Next ‘I Voted’ Sticker” by Sarah Maslin Nir for New York Times
March 21, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying Missouri: “Greitens’ Reliance on ‘Dark Money’ Endangers Proposed Ban on Lobbyist Gifts” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star Campaign Finance Arizona: “Utility Regulators Vote 3-1 to Let APS Slide on Political Finance Records” by Ryan Randazzo for Arizona […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “Greitens’ Reliance on ‘Dark Money’ Endangers Proposed Ban on Lobbyist Gifts” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Utility Regulators Vote 3-1 to Let APS Slide on Political Finance Records” by Ryan Randazzo for Arizona Republic
Florida: “Will Legislators Lift the Veil on ‘Dark Money’ in Florida Politics?” by Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) for Bradenton Herald
Maine: “Lawmakers Propose Reeling Back Reporting Requirements” by Marina Villeneuve (Associated Press) for U.S. News & World Report
Ethics
“White House Installs Political Aides at Cabinet Agencies to Be Trump’s Eyes and Ears” by Lisa Rein and Juliet Eilperin for Washington Post
“FBI Director Comey Confirms Probe of Possible Coordination Between Kremlin and Trump Campaign” by Ellen Nakashima, Karoun Demirjian, and Devlin Barrett for Washington Post
“Fired U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara Said to Have Been Investigating HHS Secretary Tom Price” by Robert Faturechi for ProPublica
Nevada: “Nevada Assemblywoman Resigns from Consulting Job After Ties to Saudi Arabia Are Revealed” by Ben Botkin for Las Vegas Review-Journal
Oklahoma: “Oklahoma State Senator Faces Charges and Condemnation” by Matthew Haag for New York Times
Rhode Island: “R.I. Gov. Raimondo Goes After ‘Bad Actors’ with Slate of Reforms” by Patrick Anderson for Providence Journal
Elections
“Senators Ask Trump Adviser to Preserve Any Russia-Related Documents” by Maggie Haberman for New York Times
March 20, 2017 •
North Carolina Merger of State Board of Elections and State Ethics Commission Ruled Unconstitutional
On March 17, a three-judge panel ruled that the North Carolina General Assembly overstepped its state constitutional authority when it adopted Senate Bill 4 establishing a bipartisan board to oversee elections and consider ethics complaints and issues. The ruling held […]
On March 17, a three-judge panel ruled that the North Carolina General Assembly overstepped its state constitutional authority when it adopted Senate Bill 4 establishing a bipartisan board to oversee elections and consider ethics complaints and issues.
The ruling held that lawmakers violated the separation of powers in trying to take control over appointments in the governor’s administration.
Prior to Senate Bill 4, the State Board of Elections and State Ethics Commission were separate entities and the governor had the power to appoint a majority from his own party to preside over elections. Lawmakers could appeal the decision.
March 16, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Lobbyists Scramble for Access in Trump Era” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Missouri: “Missouri House Votes for Local Lobbyist Gift Ban” by Associated Press for Southeast Missourian Campaign Finance Kentucky: “Lawmakers Approve Flurry of Bills as End of […]
Lobbying
“Lobbyists Scramble for Access in Trump Era” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Missouri: “Missouri House Votes for Local Lobbyist Gift Ban” by Associated Press for Southeast Missourian
Campaign Finance
Kentucky: “Lawmakers Approve Flurry of Bills as End of Legislative Session Looms” by Daniel Desrochers and Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader
New Mexico: “Legislature Passes Campaign Finance Reform Years in The Making” by Sandra Fish for New Mexico In Depth
Ethics
“The Onion Struggles to Lampoon Trump” by Charles Bethea for New Yorker
“‘People Are Scared’: Paranoia seizes Trump’s White House” by Alex Isenstadt and Kenneth Vogel for Politico
“Trump-Era Republicans Unleash String of Inflammatory Comments” by Elise Viebeck for Washington Post
“Admiral, Seven Others Charged with Corruption in New ‘Fat Leonard’ Indictment” by Craig Whitlock for Washington Post
California: “OC Gets Its First Ethics Director, But No Recruitment Yet for Commission” by Nick Gerda for Voice of OC
Elections
“Prerequisite for Key White House Posts: Loyalty, not experience” by Sharon LaFraniere, Nicholas Confessore, and Jesse Drucker for New York Times
March 15, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Icahn’s Ethanol Push Fuels Ethics Storm” by Eric Wolf for Politico “N.J. Congressman Wants Details on Michael Flynn’s Lobbying Status” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today Campaign Finance Texas: “Ethics Review Commission Weighs Campaign Finance Proposal” by Jack Craver […]
Lobbying
“Icahn’s Ethanol Push Fuels Ethics Storm” by Eric Wolf for Politico
“N.J. Congressman Wants Details on Michael Flynn’s Lobbying Status” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
Campaign Finance
Texas: “Ethics Review Commission Weighs Campaign Finance Proposal” by Jack Craver for Austin Monitor
Washington: “House Speaker Hit with Campaign Finance Complaint in Growing Tug-of-War” by Walker Orenstein for The Olympian
Canada: “Political Donations in Canada: A guide to the ‘wild west’ vs. the rest” by Evan Annett and Tu Thanh Ha for The Globe and Mail
Ethics
“With Trump in White House, His Golf Properties Prosper” by Eric Lipton and Susanne Craig for New York Times
Illinois: “Chicago Aldermen Shouldn’t Take Free White Sox Tickets, Ethics Official Says” by John Byrne for Chicago Tribune
Illinois: “BGA Goes Back to Court to Gain Access to Emanuel’s Private Email” by Sun-Times Wire Service for WBBM
New Jersey: “N.J. Moves to Restore Election Watchdog” by Andrew Seidman for Philadelphia Inquirer
Elections
“With Trump in White House, Some Executives Ask, Why Not Me?” by James Stewart for New York Times
March 14, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Would-Be Trump Appointees Say ‘No Thanks’ Due to Lobbying Ban” by Ben Brody, Shannon Pettypiece, and Bill Allison for Bloomberg.com Oregon: “Gov. Brown Reverses Course, Says Former Lawmaker Will Not Lobby Legislators” by Saul Hubbard for The Register-Guard Campaign […]
Lobbying
“Would-Be Trump Appointees Say ‘No Thanks’ Due to Lobbying Ban” by Ben Brody, Shannon Pettypiece, and Bill Allison for Bloomberg.com
Oregon: “Gov. Brown Reverses Course, Says Former Lawmaker Will Not Lobby Legislators” by Saul Hubbard for The Register-Guard
Campaign Finance
“FEC Earning Congressional Attention – for the Wrong Reasons” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity
Ethics
Florida: “Corrupt Opa-locka Official Was a Prized Witness. He Was Rewarded with No Prison Time.” by Jay Weaver for Miami Herald
New Mexico: “Senate Yanks Real Estate Bill; Lawmaker Says Pay-to-Play Maneuver Exposed” by Andrew Oxford (Santa Fe New Mexican) for New Mexico Political Report
New York: “Preet Bharara Shunned Politics. His End Was Tinged by Them.” by Benjamin Weiser, Ben Protess, Matthew Goldstein, and William Rashbaum for New York Times
Utah: “Shurtleff Sues State for at Least $1.1M, Alleges Utah A.G. Sean Reyes Interfered in His Case” by Jennifer Dobner for Salt Lake Tribune
Elections
California: “Seeing Red: Membership triples for the Democratic Socialists of America” by Matt Pearce for Los Angeles Times
Legislative Issues
Minnesota: “Lawmakers Clash Over Ethics of Real ID Letter to the Editor” by Don Davis (Forum News Service) for St. Paul Pioneer Press
Redistricting
Texas: “Texas Congressional Maps Are Struck Down for Discrimination” by Manny Fernandez for New York Times
March 10, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – March 10, 2017
See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!
See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!
March 3, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – March 3, 2017
See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!
See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!
March 2, 2017 •
Puerto Rican Governor Approve June Referendum
This month, Gov. Ricardo Rosello approved a nonbinding referendum to determine whether Puerto Rico will continue free association or seek statehood or independence. The referendum will be held on June 11, 2017, and will give voters the choice between statehood […]
This month, Gov. Ricardo Rosello approved a nonbinding referendum to determine whether Puerto Rico will continue free association or seek statehood or independence.
The referendum will be held on June 11, 2017, and will give voters the choice between statehood and independence/free association. Previous referendums and plebiscites have given independence and free association as separate options, but the upcoming referendum lumps them together.
If a majority chooses independence/free association, a second referendum will be held in October to determine the preference between those options. If the referendum passes in favor of statehood, Puerto Rico, currently facing $70 billion in public debt, would have access to more federal funding if ultimately approved by the U.S. Congress as the 51st state.
Currently, Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections and have limited representation in Congress.
March 1, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance “Judge Backs Blind FEC Eye on Campaign-Finance Violations” by Tim Ryan for Courthouse News Service New Jersey: “A $500 Contribution to Republicans Costs Paving Company $7M” by Dave Hutchinson (NJ Advance Media) for NJ.com Elections Texas: “Justice Department […]
Campaign Finance
“Judge Backs Blind FEC Eye on Campaign-Finance Violations” by Tim Ryan for Courthouse News Service
New Jersey: “A $500 Contribution to Republicans Costs Paving Company $7M” by Dave Hutchinson (NJ Advance Media) for NJ.com
Elections
Texas: “Justice Department Changes Its Position in High-Profile Texas Voter-ID Case” by Sari Horwitz for Washington Post
Ethics
“From K Street to Congo: Abramoff’s new adventure” by Anna Palmer, Jake Sherman, and John Bresnahan for Politico
“Who’s Watching Trump’s Ethics Watchdogs?” by Darren Samuelsohn for Politico
New York: “The F.B.I. Questioned de Blasio. Hours Later, This Man Was Fired.” by William Rashbaum, William Neuman, and J. David Goodman for New York Times
Texas: “Political Corruption Trial Kicks off in Dallas” by David Lee for Courthouse News Service
West Virginia: “WV Lawmakers Pass Nepotism Ban” by Eric Eyre for Charleston Gazette
Legislative Issues
“The DNC Isn’t Enough: Democrats demand more leadership changes” by Gabriel Debenedetti and Edward-Isaac Dovere for Politico
Lobbying
Colorado: “How the Charities on Your Colorado Tax Form Used Connections, Money and Legislation to Earn the Coveted ‘Godsend’” by Brian Eason for Denver Post
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