July 5, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Use of Campaign Money for Lawmakers’ Security Requested by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA Alabama: Civil Penalties Now in Place for Late or Inaccurate Campaign Reports by Mike Cason for AL.com California: California Democrats Out to Reverse Another […]
Campaign Finance
Use of Campaign Money for Lawmakers’ Security Requested by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA
Alabama: Civil Penalties Now in Place for Late or Inaccurate Campaign Reports by Mike Cason for AL.com
California: California Democrats Out to Reverse Another Election Rule to Help One of Their Own by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee
District of Columbia: “Publicly Financed Campaigns in D.C. Would Reduce Influence of Big Donors, Advocates Testify” by Rachel Chason for Washington Post
Texas: “Texas Supreme Court Rejects Tea Party Challenge to Campaign Finance Laws” by Jim Malewitz for Texas Tribune
Elections
“Trump’s Voter-Fraud Commission Wants to Know Voting History, Party ID and Address of Every Voter in the U.S.” by Christopher Ingraham for Washington Post
“GOP Investigation Sought Connection Between Clinton’s Emails and Russia: Report” by Alicia Cohn and Max Greenwood for The Hill
Ethics
Ethics Issue ‘Nonsense,’ Said Official Who Cleared Trump Hotel by Ben Brody for Bloomberg.com
Connecticut: Bridgeport Struggles to Fill Boards, Commissions by Brian Lockhart for Connecticut Post
Florida: “Lauren’s Kids Funnels $3.1 Million to Politically Connected Public Relations Firm” by Francisco Alverado for Florida Bulldog
Massachusetts: “Lawmakers Asked to Hit Up Lobbyists, Companies to Fund National Confab” by Jim O’Sullivan for Boston Globe
Montana: Legislature Is Rife with Conflicts of Interest – and They’re Legal by Jayme Fraser for Helena Independent Record
Lobbying
Florida: Berger’s History with Lobbyist Doesn’t Bar Her from Voting on Development, Ethics Panel Says by Skyler Swisher for South Florida Sun Sentinel
Maryland: Baltimore County Council Votes Along Party Lines on Ethics, Work Session Bills by Alison Knezevich for Baltimore Sun
Vermont: Dollars Tell Only Part of Story of Pot Legalization Advocacy by Elizabeth Hewitt for VTDigger.org
June 30, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – June 30, 2017
All the state government and ethics news you might have missed in this weeks video digest!
All the state government and ethics news you might have missed in this weeks video digest!
June 30, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 30, 2017
Federal: Former Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort Files as Foreign Agent for Ukraine Work Washington Post – Tom Hamburger and Rosalind Helderman | Published: 6/27/2017 Paul Manafort, who was forced out as President Trump’s campaign chairperson last summer after infighting […]
Federal:
Former Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort Files as Foreign Agent for Ukraine Work
Washington Post – Tom Hamburger and Rosalind Helderman | Published: 6/27/2017
Paul Manafort, who was forced out as President Trump’s campaign chairperson last summer after infighting and criticism about his business dealings with pro-Russian interests, disclosed his consulting firm had received more than $17 million over two years from a Ukrainian political party with links to the Kremlin. The filing serves as a retroactive admission that Manafort performed work in the U.S. on behalf of a foreign power, Ukraine’s Party of Regions, without disclosing it at the time, as required by law. The disclosure hints at the vast fortunes available to top American political consultants plying their trade in other countries.
Jack Abramoff Registers as a Foreign Agent
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 6/23/2017
Jack Abramoff is a registered lobbyist again. Abramoff retroactively registered after he attempted to set up a meeting between then-President-elect Donald Trump and the president of the Republic of Congo. The Foreign Agents Registration Act requires people to register with the Justice Department if they do any consulting, lobbying, or public relations work for a foreign government. They must register within 10 days of agreeing to act as a foreign agent and provide updates every six months. The scandal surrounding Abramoff led to the overhaul of federal lobbying laws in 2007 and 20 convictions or guilty pleas, including from former U.S. Rep. Bob Ney.
Lawmakers Want Trump’s Tax Returns, but Won’t Release Their Own
Roll Call – Stephanie Akin | Published: 6/26/2017
Roll Call sent a request to all U.S. senators and representatives to release their tax returns. Only 37 responded, and of those, six provided the documents. Roll Call also reviewed public documents and media reports to determine lawmakers’ positions on the release of President Trump’s tax returns. At least 237 lawmakers have called on the president to produce his returns. The reluctance among members of Congress to release their own returns prevents voters from learning more about members’ personal financial decisions that could affect how they vote.
President Trump Angrily Lashes Out at ‘Morning Joe’ Hosts on Twitter
Washington Post – Jenna Johnson | Published: 6/29/2017
President Trump faced a swift and bipartisan backlash after he assailed the television host Mika Brzezinski in unusually personal and vulgar terms, the latest of a string of escalating attacks by the president on the national news media. Trump has fumed for weeks about his coverage on “Morning Joe,” where Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough have been increasingly blistering in their commentary about the Trump administration. They have openly questioned Trump’s mental state, comments that particularly upset the president, according to a senior administration official.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas – Arkansas Panel Advises Limit to Pot Lobbyists’ Pay
Arkansas Online – Brian Fanney | Published: 6/24/2017
An applicant for a license to operate a medical-marijuana facility cannot hire a lobbyist on a contingency basis, the Arkansas Ethics Commission said in an advisory opinion. Attorney Brandon Lacy represents a business that wants licenses from the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission to grow or sell medical marijuana. He asked two questions: Can a lobbyist agree to be compensated with a percentage of a medical marijuana business’s revenue if it successfully gains a license? Can a lobbyist be compensated with ownership in the business regardless of whether it is licensed?
Connecticut – Ethics Commissioner Charged in Prostitute Mixup
Connecticut Post – Daniel Tepfer | Published: 6/27/2017
An ethics commissioner in Connecticut has been charged with patronizing a prostitute after he was pepper-sprayed during what police say was a mix-up with the wrong woman. Police said Noel Kayo, an ethics commissioner in Bridgeport, had arranged to meet a woman at a hotel in Stratford. Police say another woman was waiting at the hotel at the same time for payment for photographs for which she previously posed. Police say the woman got into Kayo’s car, demanding her money while he argued for his services. The woman and her boyfriend both used pepper spray on Kayo, who denies the prostitution charge, saying he was a victim of attempted robbery. He said he will not resign.
District of Columbia – ‘It’s the End of Small Talk in Washington’
Politico Magazine – Daniel Lippman and John Harris | Published: 6/30/2017
If Donald Trump’s arrival in the White House has torn at the social fabric across the country, it has interrupted the rhythms and culture of daily life nowhere as much as the city where he now lives. Like many politicians, he ran against Washington, but far more than any president in memory, that outsider rhetoric has translated into outsider governance, a disdain for the capital that seems to translate into genuine disconnection from its existing networks. For Trump’s supporters, this amounts to a promise kept, a disruption of America’s permanent governing class. But it also risks impeding his agenda by cutting him off from some of the levers that can help a new president govern, or at least navigate the unwritten rules and networks of the capital to get things done.
Florida – Using Ethics Loophole, Sen. Lauren Book Votes to Give Her Nonprofit $1.5 Million
FloridaBulldog.org – Francisco Alvarado | Published: 6/22/2017
Florida Sen. Lauren Book voted to approve a state appropriations bill that included $1.5 million for Lauren’s Kids, the nonprofit she founded and leads as its $135,000-a-year chief executive officer. A loophole in the Florida Senate’s ethics rules allowed Book to cast her vote despite her apparent conflict-of-interest. The same loophole also meant she did not have to disclose her conflict publicly. Lauren’s Kids, whose chairperson is prominent lobbyist Ron Book, the senator’s father, has in a just few years become one of the Legislature’s most favored private charities. Since 2012, Lauren’s Kids has bagged more than $10 million in taxpayer-funded grants.
Georgia – Judge Tosses Commissioner Tommy Hunter’s Legal Challenge to Ethics Punishment
Gwinnett Daily Post – Curt Yeomans | Published: 6/28/2017
The ongoing saga involving Gwinnett County Commissioner Tommy Hunter and his comments on Facebook took a new turn when a judge threw out his legal challenge to the ethics board that recommended his reprimand. Superior Court Judge Melodie Snell Conner’s ruling was a blow to the Hunter camp’s assertion that the ethics complaint filed against him by Atlanta resident Nancie Turner and, indeed, the county’s entire ethics process was unconstitutional. Hunter’s social media comments included calling U.S. Rep. John Lewis a “racist pig” and referring to Democrats as “Demonrats” and “Libtards,” and quickly led to protests at commission meetings.
Illinois – Emanuel Hints at Ethics Law Rewrite After Lobbying Violations Found in His Emails
Chicago Tribune – Bill Ruthhart | Published: 6/28/2017
Mayor Rahm Emanuel accused the Chicago Board of Ethics of turning “average citizens” into lobbyists in its haste to bolster its image as a strong watchdog. Emanuel weighed in on the controversy after the board found that his close friend and campaign donor Jim Abrams, as well as the husband of Ald. Sophia King, were lobbying the mayor through his private emails but failed to register as lobbyists. “We cannot collapse a lobbyist and a citizen, and that’s what’s happened,” said Emanuel, who did not say whether he would seek to change the law himself. “What has happened here, in the interest of reform, we have lost our perspective.”
New Mexico – State Ethics Panel Is a Work in Progress
Albuquerque Journal – Dan Boyd | Published: 6/21/2017
New Mexico lawmakers approved the creation of an independent ethics commission during this year’s legislative session, but there is still much unsettled about how the body would function, even if it is approved by voters next year. That is because what lawmakers approved during the was essentially the framework for an ethics commission, with the assumption specific powers and procedures would be set at a later date. The approach has raised concern among some advocacy groups, who are pushing lawmakers to start talking details in interim legislative committee hearings this summer and fall.
Pennsylvania – Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams Pleads Guilty in His Federal Corruption Trial
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jeremy Roebuck | Published: 6/29/2017
Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams pleaded guilty to a corruption charge, resigned from office, and was sent immediately to jail. Williams pleaded guilty to a single count of accepting a bribe from a businessperson in exchange for legal favors. The move came after weeks of damaging testimony against Williams at his federal trial. He was also charged with fraudulently using thousands of dollars from his campaign fund for personal expenses, misusing city vehicles, and misappropriating money intended to fund his mother’s nursing home care. Before he was indicted, Williams was fined $62,000 by the city ethics board, its largest fine ever, for accepting improper gifts.
Vermont – Feds Looking into Jane Sanders Over Real Estate Deal
Burlington Free Press – Wilson Ring (Associated Press) | Published: 6/26/2017
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and his wife, Jane Sanders, have hired prominent defense attorneys amid an FBI investigation into a loan she obtained to expand Burlington College while she was its president. A complaint accuses Jane Sanders of distorting donor levels in a 2010 loan application for $10 million to purchase 33 acres of land for the institution. Prosecutors might also be looking into allegations that Sen. Sanders’ office inappropriately urged the bank to approve the loan.
Washington – Lawsuit Challenges Seattle Campaign-Contribution Vouchers
Minneapolis Star Tribune – Gene Johnson (Associated Press) | Published: 6/28/2017
The Pacific Legal Foundation is suing Seattle over its new “democracy voucher” program for publicly funded political campaigns, which was passed by voters in 2015 and is being used for the first time in this year’s city council races. Under the program, Seattle’s voters decided to tax themselves $3 million a year in exchange for four $25 vouchers they can sign over to candidates. Supporters say it is a novel way to counter the effect of big money in politics and to help lesser-known candidates communicate their views. But the lawsuit says it forces people to pay taxes to support candidates they do not necessarily agree with in violation of their free-speech rights.
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.
June 29, 2017 •
South Dakota Rep. Don Haggar Resigns
On June 27, Rep. Don Haggar, a Republican lawmaker from Sioux Falls, resigned effective immediately from his District 10 position to become the director for the state’s chapter of Americans For Prosperity. Americans for Prosperity is the conservative advocacy group […]
On June 27, Rep. Don Haggar, a Republican lawmaker from Sioux Falls, resigned effective immediately from his District 10 position to become the director for the state’s chapter of Americans For Prosperity.
Americans for Prosperity is the conservative advocacy group founded by the Koch brothers.
Haggar’s resignation comes days before a new state law takes effect that would require Haggar to wait two years before becoming a lobbyist. The current wait time is one year.
The vacancy will be filled by gubernatorial appointment.
June 28, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Trump Appointee Is a Saudi Government Lobbyist” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity Ethics “‘Give Me a Chance,’ Trump Associate-Turned-Housing-Official Says” by Yamiche Alcindor for New York Times “E.P.A. Official Pressured Scientist on Congressional Testimony, Emails Show” […]
Lobbying
“Trump Appointee Is a Saudi Government Lobbyist” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity
Ethics
“‘Give Me a Chance,’ Trump Associate-Turned-Housing-Official Says” by Yamiche Alcindor for New York Times
“E.P.A. Official Pressured Scientist on Congressional Testimony, Emails Show” by Coral Davenport for New York Times
“FBI Has Questioned Trump Campaign Adviser Carter Page at Length in Russia Probe” by Devlin Barrett for Washington Post
Florida: “For Those Suspected of Corruption Elsewhere, South Florida Still a Magnet” by Kyra Gurney for Miami Herald
Michigan: “Marijuana Licensing Board Members Must Disclose Their Finances – but What Will Be Public?” by Paul Egan for Detroit Free Press
New York: “Yankee Stadium Charity Is Called into Question” by Micah Hauser for New York Times
Vermont: “Feds Looking into Jane Sanders Over Real Estate Deal” by Wilson Ring (Associated Press) for Burlington Free Press
Elections
“‘It’s the End of Small Talk in Washington’” by Daniel Lippman and John Harris for Politico Magazine
June 26, 2017 •
Monday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Ex-Lobbyists Swarm Trump Administration, despite ‘Drain the Swamp’ Pledge” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today California: “San Jose Politicians Can Soon Accept Gifts Up to $470, a Major Change in City Rules” by Ramona Giwarges for San Jose Mercury […]
Lobbying
“Ex-Lobbyists Swarm Trump Administration, despite ‘Drain the Swamp’ Pledge” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
California: “San Jose Politicians Can Soon Accept Gifts Up to $470, a Major Change in City Rules” by Ramona Giwarges for San Jose Mercury News
Illinois: “Ald. King Defends Husband Who Faces Fine for Lobbying Violation” by Hal Dardick for Chicago Tribune
Missouri: “Ethics Complaint Accuses Missouri Senate Leader’s Ally of Unregistered Lobbying” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “State Elections Watchdogs: No campaign cash for Ganim” by Brian Lockhart and Bill Cummings for Connecticut Post
Pennsylvania: “Philadelphians Could Be on the Hook for Political Campaign Expenses” by Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
Florida: “Using Ethics Loophole, Sen. Lauren Book Votes to Give Her Nonprofit $1.5 Million” by Francisco Alvarado for FloridaBulldog.org
New Mexico: “State Ethics Panel Is a Work in Progress” by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal
New York: “Lack of Reforms at NY Capitol Called ‘Pathetic’” by Joseph Spector for Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
Elections
“Obama’s Secret Struggle to Punish Russia for Putin’s Election Assault” by Greg Miller, Ellen Nakashima, and Adam Entous for Washington Post
June 23, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – June 22, 2017
Becky Campbell is here covering the state government and ethics news from around the country in this week’s video digest!
Becky Campbell is here covering the state government and ethics news from around the country in this week’s video digest!
June 23, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 23, 2017
National: As Pot Comes Out of the Black Market, Regulators Face Scrutiny Boston Herald; Associated Press – | Published: 6/21/2017 Recent cases in Colorado and Washington are the first known instances of current or former marijuana regulators being accused […]
National:
As Pot Comes Out of the Black Market, Regulators Face Scrutiny
Boston Herald; Associated Press – | Published: 6/21/2017
Recent cases in Colorado and Washington are the first known instances of current or former marijuana regulators being accused of having improper dealings with the industry. The two recreational marijuana states are the nation’s oldest, approving legal weed in defiance of federal law in 2012. Watchdogs say the Colorado and Washington cases should spur states to beef up ethics commissions charged with monitoring conflicts-of-interest by government employees. Michigan, a medical-marijuana state, passed a 2016 law banning even relatives of its pot oversight board members from having any financial stake in the marijuana industry.
The Not-So-Bitter Rivalry of Dean Baquet and Marty Baron
Politico – Joe Pompeo | Published: 6/19/2017
The Washington Post’s Marty Baron and Dean Baquet of The New York Times are the two most important newspaper editors in America right now, at a time when the news media are tackling the most consequential story of the past 40 years. Donald Trump’s presidency has revved up the competition for news organizations far and wide; big and small; print, broadcast, and digital. In the process, he has sparked a resurgence of storied legacy outlets like The Times and The Post, each of which has struggled with changes in the news business while doomsayers augured its demise. As with the rest of the media, their “Trump bump” has been a boon in terms of scoops and subscribers.
Federal:
Despite Concerns About Blackmail, Flynn Heard C.I.A. Secrets
New York Times – Matt Apuzzo, Matthew Rosenberg, and Adam Goldman | Published: 6/20/2017
Senior U.S. intelligence officials knew as early as January that former national security adviser Michael Flynn could have been vulnerable to Russian blackmail. Despite officials’ knowledge of the risks associated with Flynn, he continued to sit in on meetings during which President Trump was briefed on sensitive intelligence. It is unclear whether CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who briefed Trump on intelligence while Flynn sat nearby, was aware of officials’ concerns about Flynn. Many of Trump’s political problems, including the appointment of a special counsel and the controversy over the firing of the FBI director, James Comey, can ultimately be traced to Flynn’s stormy tenure.
Trump Says He Did Not Tape Comey Conversations
New York Times – Mark Lander | Published: 6/22/2017
President Trump said he did not record his conversations with James Comey. the FBI director he fired amid the Justice Department’s probe into the Trump campaign’s possible ties to Russia. The president’s Twitter messages left open the possibility the conversations may have been taped without his knowledge. But they largely confirmed the suspicions of outsiders that Trump had been leveling a baseless threat at Comey when he wrote, “James Comey better hope that there are no ‘tapes’ of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!” Some legal experts have said Trump’s threat could be used in an obstruction of justice case against him, since it could be interpreted as putting pressure on Comey not to discuss their conversations about the FBI’s Russia investigation.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona: Axiom Partners Rename Lobbying Firm as Bribery Case Unfolds
Arizona Republic – Ronald Hansen | Published: 6/21/2017
A month after a federal bribery case shook Arizona’s lobbying community, the firm whose prominent exe features the same staff as Axiom Public Affairs, without lobbyist Jim Norton, said Kelsey Lundy, the firm’s managing partner. Once viewed as among the most politically connected lobbying firms in Arizona, Axiom’s run came crashing down after Norton’s may indictment in a case alleging he was a conduit for bribes paid by developer George Johnson to former Arizona Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce through his wife.
California: Lobbying Firm Fined $4,000 for Violating Gift Limit Buying Dinner for Former State Sen. Ronald Calderon
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 6/19/2017
Mercury Public Affairs agreed to pay a $4,000 fine for violating the $10 gift limit on lobbying firms when it provided dinners worth $200 to former state Sen. Ronald Calderon and his wife. The violation was found by a random audit by the state Franchise Tax Board. In October, Calderon was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty in a public corruption case unrelated to the Mercury dinner.
Connecticut: Lobbyists, Corporate PACs Help Legislator Pay for His Travels as RNC Member
Hartford Courant – Jon Lender | Published: 6/17/2017
State Rep. John Frey travels all over the country for meetings he attends as one of Connecticut’s two members of the Republican National Committee (RNC). But Frey does not pay for any it – flights, dining, hotel rooms, and sometimes car service to and from the airport – because his costs are reimbursed by a political action committee he set up six years ago called Leadership Connecticut PAC. Its stated purpose is to support federal candidates for the U.S. House and Senate, but its main activities, arguably, have been to stage the annual fundraisers to sustain itself and to pay for the travels of Frey and Patricia Longo, his fellow RNC member until she retired last year.
Florida: The Miami Beach Mystery PAC Is Under State Investigation
Miami Herald – Nicholas Nehamas, Joey Flechas, and David Ovalle | Published: 6/20/2017
A corruption probe is underway into a controversial political group linked to Miami Beach commissioner and mayoral candidate Michael Grieco. At least one donor to the PAC has been subpoenaed by the Miami-Dade state attorney’s office, according to a defense attorney representing the donor. The list of donors to People for Better Leaders is stocked with Miami Beach vendors, lobbyists, and developers with business before the city. Investigators with the state’s corruption task force may be seeking to learn if those donations were a quid pro quo for Grieco’s political favor. Grieco may also have broken a city law that bans candidates and elected officials from asking vendors and lobbyists for donations, either directly or through a third-party.
Hawaii: What Honolulu Lobbyists Don’t Tell You
Honolulu Civil Beat – Anita Hofschneider | Published: 6/19/2017
Honolulu does not require lobbyists to provide any details about how they spend money. About 85 percent of the lobbyists who filed reports said they did not spend anything last year. Nearly three dozen registered lobbyists did not submit any reports, even though mandatory forms were due six months ago. Jan Yamane, who took over the city Ethics Commission last fall, said the current lobbying disclosure process is not working. “We need to debrief this thing, hit the reset button and completely overhaul this process,” Yamane said.
Illinois: Emanuel Friend, Alderman’s Husband Both Illegally Lobbied Mayor Via His Personal Email: Ethics board
Chicago Tribune – Bill Ruthhart | Published: 6/16/2017
A close friend of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, as well as the husband of a city council member, face fines for lobbying the mayor through his private emails but failing to register as lobbyists. Alan King, husband of Ald. Sophia King, and James Abrams are the latest targets of the reinvigorated city Board of Ethics. Under the law, Abrams could face a potential fine of more than $520,000. King could face a fine of more than $500,000. Board of Ethics Chairperson William Conlon has signaled the board is unlikely to hand out exorbitant maximum penalties. But Conlon argued the fine needs to be “enough to send a message.”
Kentucky: Ethics Panel Appeals Ruling That Allows Lobbyists to Give Gifts, Money to Lawmakers
Lexington Herald-Leader – Jack Brammer | Published: 6/21/2017
The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission will appeal a recent federal court ruling that allows lobbyists to give gifts and campaign donations to state lawmakers. “We thought it too important not to appeal,” said commission Chairperson George Troutman. A lawsuit filed by State Sen. John Schickel and two Libertarian political candidates argued the ethics laws violate their constitutional rights to free speech and equal protection by restricting their access to people who want to help them. State regulators countered that the laws were meant to prevent bribery at the Capitol. The Registry of Election Finance, the other defendant in the case, has yet to decide whether to appeal.
Kentucky: Fired Lawyer to Get Settlement from Kentucky Over Her ‘Whistleblower’ Case About Sex Toys
Louisville Courier-Journal – Deborah Yetter | Published: 6/15/2017
Jacqueline Heyman, a former lawyer with the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet, reached a financial settlement with the state over her claim she was fired in 2015 after reporting two co-workers were running a “sex toy” business out of the office. Heyman began work as a supervising attorney with the department in April 2015. She was fired before she could successfully complete a six-month probation period and gain merit system job protection. Heyman said she discovered the extent of the online, adult product business when she found a box of such items under the desk of one of the employees. Heyman said she got little reaction after she reported it to her boss so she told the Executive Branch Ethics Commission. A week later, Heyman said she was fired with no explanation.
New York: New York Ethics Agency Hit with Harassment Lawsuit
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 6/20/2017
A former financial auditor at the New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics alleges she was fired after reporting sexual discrimination by one of her supervisors to the agency’s leadership. Catherine Webb outlined her accusation in a recent civil lawsuit she filed against the commission in federal court. Webb alleges she was repeatedly subjected to abusive verbal conduct that was “severe, pervasive and frequent.”
North Carolina: Is North Carolina the Future of American Politics?
New York Times – Jason Zengerle | Published: 6/20/2017
Ever since 2010, when Republicans seized control of the North Carolina General Assembly for the first time in a century, and especially since 2012, when they took the governor’s mansion, the state’s politics have been haywire. “It’s more polarized and more acrimonious than I’ve ever seen,” said Carter Wrenn, a veteran GOP political consultant. “And I’ve seen some pretty acrimonious politics – I worked for Jesse Helms.”
Wisconsin: Supreme Court to Hear Potentially Landmark Case on Partisan Gerrymandering
Washington Post – Robert Barnes | Published: 6/19/2017
The U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether judges can throw out legislative maps as being so partisan they violate the Constitution, taking up a case that could put a powerful new check on gerrymandering. The justices agreed to hear arguments on a Wisconsin map that a lower court said was designed to keep Republicans in control of the state Legislature even if they did not win a majority of the votes. The Supreme Court has never struck down a legislative map as being too partisan, or told challengers what standard they have to meet to win a lawsuit. The case, which the court will hear in the nine-month term that starts in October, could open the way for a new wave of election litigation.
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.
June 22, 2017 •
Utah Special Election Process Might Face Legal Challenge
The United Utah Party, a state party created at the end of May, will likely file suit to compel the Utah Elections Office to certify its candidate for the 3rd Congressional District after the office refused to permit the candidate […]
The United Utah Party, a state party created at the end of May, will likely file suit to compel the Utah Elections Office to certify its candidate for the 3rd Congressional District after the office refused to permit the candidate to file provisionally before the United Utah Party’s qualified party status was certified.
The United Utah Party and Utah lawmakers are unhappy with the special election process and timeline Gov. Gary Herbert has chosen for the special election to replace Rep. Jason Chaffetz. Lawmakers originally wanted a special session of the Legislature to clarify the process as none is set by state law, but Gov. Herbert refused.
Utah House leaders reached out to State Attorney General Sean Reyes for a legal opinion on whether Gov. Herbert’s process was valid, but Gov. Herbert moved to block the opinion stating the Attorney General represents his office and not the Legislature.
Utah law establishes a 300-day process for a special election to fill a congressional vacancy. Lawmakers and state and local officials are concerned the abbreviated timeline Gov. Herbert set for this special election violates the law and could be rejected with high costs to counties who will start mailing primary ballots by the end of the month.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz will remain in office until June 30, 2017. The Governor’s office believes the process is legal and has approval from the U.S. Department of Justice and Congress.
June 22, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying Kentucky: “Ethics Panel Appeals Ruling That Allows Lobbyists to Give Gifts, Money to Lawmakers” by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader Campaign Finance Florida: “The Miami Beach Mystery PAC Is Under State Investigation” by Nicholas Nehamas, Joey Flechas, and David […]
Lobbying
Kentucky: “Ethics Panel Appeals Ruling That Allows Lobbyists to Give Gifts, Money to Lawmakers” by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader
Campaign Finance
Florida: “The Miami Beach Mystery PAC Is Under State Investigation” by Nicholas Nehamas, Joey Flechas, and David Ovalle for Miami Herald
Ethics
“Trump Seeks Sharp Cuts to Housing Aid, Except for Program That Brings Him Millions” by Shawn Boburg for Washington Post
“Despite Concerns About Blackmail, Flynn Heard C.I.A. Secrets” by Matt Apuzzo, Matthew Rosenberg, and Adam Goldman for New York Times
Kentucky: “Consultant Sentenced to Prison for Part in Kickback Scheme” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for U.S. News & World Report
Colorado: “As Pot Comes Out of the Black Market, Regulators Face Scrutiny” by Associated Press for Boston Herald
New York: “New York Ethics Agency Hit with Harassment Lawsuit” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Oregon: “Oregon Ethics Commission Resumes Investigation of John Kitzhaber and Cylvia Hayes” by Hillary Borrud for Portland Oregonian
Pennsylvania: “Two Executives with Allentown Contracts Plead Guilty in FBI Corruption Investigation” by Emily Opilo and Peter Hall for Allentown Morning News
Elections
“Some States Beat Supreme Court to Punch on Eliminating Gerrymanders” by Thomas Fuller and Michael Wines for New York Times
June 21, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying California: “Lobbying Firm Fined $4,000 for Violating Gift Limit Buying Dinner for Former State Sen. Ronald Calderon” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times Campaign Finance Tennessee: “Amid Investigation, Tennessee Legislative Leaders Call for Review of Double Dipping” by […]
Lobbying
California: “Lobbying Firm Fined $4,000 for Violating Gift Limit Buying Dinner for Former State Sen. Ronald Calderon” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
Campaign Finance
Tennessee: “Amid Investigation, Tennessee Legislative Leaders Call for Review of Double Dipping” by Joel Ebert and Dave Boucher for The Tennessean
Ethics
“The Not-So-Bitter Rivalry of Dean Baquet and Marty Baron” by Joe Pompeo for Politico
“In Trump’s Washington, Public Business Increasingly Handled Behind Closed Doors” by Philip Ricker and Ed O’Keefe for Washington Post
“How the Russia Investigation Entangled a Manafort Protégé” by Nicholas Confessore and Barry Meier for New York Times
Alabama: “Alabama Ethics Commission Levies More Than $100,000 in Fines” by Mike Cason for AL.com
Kentucky: “Fired Lawyer to Get Settlement from Kentucky Over Her ‘Whistleblower’ Case About Sex Toys” by Deborah Yetter for Louisville Courier-Journal
North Carolina: “Is North Carolina the Future of American Politics?” by Jason Zengerle for New York Times
Elections
Georgia: “Republican Karen Handel Defeats Democrat Jon Ossoff in Georgia’s 6th Congressional District” by Robert Costa, Paul Kane, and Elise Viebeck for Washington Post
June 16, 2017 •
British Columbia Lawmakers Reconvene on June 22
On June 22, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia will resume following an election without any clear mandate for the direction of the government. The provincial election held last month produced no party winning with a majority in the 87-seat […]
On June 22, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia will resume following an election without any clear mandate for the direction of the government.
The provincial election held last month produced no party winning with a majority in the 87-seat Assembly. A proclamation calling for the convening of the Assembly was confirmed by Judith Guichon, the 29th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and the representative of the Crown in the province, and was released on June 12.
A speech from the Throne is expected in the afternoon of the 22nd.
June 16, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 16, 2017
Federal: After the Shootings, Calls for Unity Amid Recriminations and Finger-Pointing Washington Post – Dan Balz | Published: 6/14/2017 From President Trump to congressional leaders of both parties to ordinary citizens came calls for prayers for the victims of the […]
Federal:
After the Shootings, Calls for Unity Amid Recriminations and Finger-Pointing
Washington Post – Dan Balz | Published: 6/14/2017
From President Trump to congressional leaders of both parties to ordinary citizens came calls for prayers for the victims of the shootings that left House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and four others wounded, praise for the Capitol Police officers who prevented an even worse tragedy and, above all, words of reconciliation and unity. But barely on the edges of those remarks was another round of recriminations and a renewed debate about what has brought the country to a point of such division, what is to blame for what happened on that baseball field, and what, if anything, can be done to lower temperatures for more than a few minutes.
D.C. and Maryland Sue President Trump, Alleging Breach of Constitutional Oath
Washington Post – Aaron Davis | Published: 6/12/2017
The attorneys general of Maryland and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit alleging foreign payments to President Trump’s businesses violated the U.S. Constitution. Trump already faces a similar lawsuit, but the case from two state attorneys general could stand a better chance in court as the first government action over allegations Trump violated the Constitution’s so-called emoluments clause, which bars him from accepting gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval, by maintaining ownership over his business empire despite ceding day-to-day control to his sons. The complaint opens uncharted legal territory. No state has accused a president of violating the emoluments clauses of the Constitution.
Lobbyists’ Foreign Agent Filing Raises Questions
BuzzFeed.com – John Hudson | Published: 6/12/2017
Mercury Public Affairs – which was recently forced, alongside former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, to disclose lobbying on behalf of political interests in Ukraine – filed a disclosure in February on behalf of the Libertas Foundation. The filing lists a contract for $15,000 a month for work related to “Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia and Greece.” But the filing does not list a foreign agent, one of the key purposes of a Foreign Agents Registration Act disclosure. In the form’s entry for “Name of Foreign Principal” the filing only lists Libertas, which was incorporated in August, just one day before Mercury filed documents with Congress declaring the lobbying work. Normally that space would be filled by the name of a foreign government or entity, not a New York-based organization.
Special Counsel Starts Investigating Trump for Possible Obstruction of Justice, Officials Say
Washington Post – Devlin Barrett, Adam Entous, Ellen Nakashima, and Sari Horwitz | Published: 6/14/2017
What started as a probe of Russian interference of the 2016 election turned into a special counsel-led investigation of whether associated of Donald Trump colluded with Russia. Now the inquiry is reportedly examining whether Trump himself tried to obstruct justice. It was reported that the investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller is seeking interviews with current and recently resigned top intelligence officials, including Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Agency head Mike Rogers. Questions have been raised about whether Trump sought their help in squelching the FBI investigation led by James Comey, whom Trump fired. Coats and Rogers declined to answer questions about their interactions with the president on the Russia subject during a recent Senate hearing.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – What Happens When One of Your Financial Backers Is Indicted?
Arizona Republic – Ronald Hanson and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez | Published: 6/9/2017
The recent indictment of four political figures has forced an unwelcome decision on the numerous elected officials in Arizona they have lavished with campaign contributions over the years: what to do with the cash? So far their responses vary. Gov. Doug Ducey plans to keep nearly $14,000 in donations from those charged in the federal indictment alleging bribery intended to influence the Arizona Corporation Commission. Even as the governor sees no reason to distance himself from the situation, other elected officials said they plan to unload the money to avoid any “taint” from the felony case.
Florida – It’s the End for the Miami Beach Mystery PAC – a Political Whodunit
Miami Herald – Nicholas Nehamas and Joey Flechas | Published: 6/10/2017
A political committee raising funds from special interests will shut down and return its money to donors after being linked to Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Grieco. Since January, Grieco, a candidate for mayor, has offered shifting stories to explain his connection to People for Better Leaders, a PAC that raised $200,000 from local vendors, lobbyists, and developers. Raising special-interest money for PACs is a controversial, and potentially illegal, campaign tactic in Miami Beach, which has stricter campaign finance and ethics laws than the rest of Miami-Dade County. A law passed in 2016 prevents candidates and elected officials, and those acting on their behalf, from soliciting vendors and lobbyists to donate to PACs.
Illinois – Ethics Board Finds Two More Lobbying Violations Tied to Emanuel Emails
Chicago Tribune – Bill Ruthhart | Published: 6/13/2017
The Chicago Board of Ethics found two individuals violated the law by seeking to influence City Hall action without registering as a lobbyist. The new violations come as the ethics board has seen a sharp increase in potential cases after a Chicago Tribune report found Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s personal email accounts have served as a private avenue for lobbyists, corporate executives, and campaign donors who sought action from – or access to – the mayor. The board has determined probable cause for at least 12 other possible lobbying violations, and its review of those cases is ongoing. While the ethics board will notify the two violators, it has yet to make a final determination on how much they will be fined.
Michigan – How Bingo Games Led to $500K Fine for Mich. Democratic Party
USA Today – Kathleen Gray (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 6/9/2017
The Michigan Democratic Party agreed to pay a $500,000 fine after the FEC concluded the party under-reported cash contributions at past bingo fundraisers by $4.4 million and violated several campaign finance laws. The party inaccurately reported approximately 12,500 contributions from the game-of-chance fundraisers, which it had operated over nearly 14 years but shut down three years ago. The civil fine is among the largest ever levied by the FEC.
New Mexico – Secretary of State Planning New Campaign Funding Rules
Albuquerque Journal – Dan Boyd | Published: 6/14/2017
New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver is proposing changes to campaign finance reporting rules for candidates and committees designed to provide more detailed and accurate disclosures of political contributions. Toulouse Oliver published proposed rules that address contributions to political committees that both coordinate with candidates and operate independently. Three public hearings on the rules will be held during July at Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe. The draft rules follow in the footsteps of legislation vetoed by Gov. Susana Martinez that would have made more information available about unlimited independent political donations.
New York – Uber Reaches $98K Settlement Over Millions in Unreported Lobbying
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 6/8/2017
Uber was fined $98,000 by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics for underreporting about $6.3 million in lobbying spending. The fine covers activities in 2015 and 2016 when Uber successfully battled New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s attempt to limit its service in the city and pushed to expand upstate. The settlement says most of the underreporting was due to an oversight by a compliance firm that Uber used. Uber has been one of the top spenders on lobbying in recent years as it fought to operate across the state.
Ohio – Ohio Lobbyists Fail to Report $55,000 in Legislative Gifts for First 4 Months of 2017
Cleveland Plain Dealer – Jane Morice | Published: 6/7/2017
Lobbyists in Ohio failed to report about $55,000 in gifts, meals, and beverages for lawmakers during the first four months of this year, said a report from the legislative inspector general. The office follows statehouse calendars, social media, reservations, and tips to keep track of lobbying activity and compares it to submitted reports, Inspector General Tony Bledsoe said. All meals and beverages of any cost and all gifts of more than $25 must be reported.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Commission Hikes Fee $50 on All Filers
NonDoc.com – William Savage III | Published: 6/8/2017
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission has raised the fees it charges. State party committees, PACs, campaign committees, lobbyists, the principals who hire lobbyists, state agencies, and their legislative liaisons will all pay $50 more for filing annual registrations with the commission. The fee hike will take effect on July 1 and is expected to generate enough to cover the cost of new software.
Pennsylvania – Ex-Pa. Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Lying to the FBI
Philadelphia Inquirer – Angela Couloumbis | Published: 6/9/2017
Former Pennsylvania Treasurer Barbara Hafer pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about whether an investment adviser funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to her after she left office. The maximum possible sentence for the felony offense is five years and a $250,000 fine. Federal prosecutors said Hafer denied in 2016 that she received money from asset manager Richard Ireland shortly after her term as treasurer ended in early 2005. In fact, a company tied to him had funneled $675,000 to her new company, Hafer and Associates, between 2005 and 2007, prosecutors said. Hafer is the second ex-state treasurer in three years to plead guilty to federal charges.
Vermont – Scott Calls New Ethics Law a Step to Restore Trust in Government
VTDigger.org – Dan Schwartz | Published: 6/14/2017
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott has signed into law a bill establishing a state ethics commission. The measure creates a five-member panel that reviews cases of unethical behavior. The commission would then have the power to send cases to the state attorney general’s office. The law also requires lawmakers to disclose sources of income above $5,000. Before the bill became law, Vermont was among five states without an ethics commission or code of conduct in state law for public officials.
Wisconsin – Supreme Court Could Tackle Partisan Gerrymandering in Watershed Case
Washington Post – Robert Barnes | Published: 6/11/2017
The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to uphold a lower court’s finding that the Wisconsin redistricting effort in 2011 was more than just extraordinary, it was unconstitutional. Such a conclusion would mark a watershed moment for the way American elections are conducted. The Supreme Court has regularly tossed out state electoral maps because they have been gerrymandered to reduce the influence of racial minorities by depressing the impact of their votes. But the justices have never found a plan unconstitutional because of partisan gerrymandering – when a majority party draws the state’s electoral districts to give such an advantage to its candidates that it dilutes the votes of those supporting the other party.
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.
June 15, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Missouri: “Questions Mount on List of Charity Donors at Center of Greitens Ethics Fine” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star New Mexico: “Secretary of State Planning New Campaign Funding Rules” by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal Elections […]
Campaign Finance
Missouri: “Questions Mount on List of Charity Donors at Center of Greitens Ethics Fine” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
New Mexico: “Secretary of State Planning New Campaign Funding Rules” by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal
Elections
Virginia: “Northam Wins Democratic Gubernatorial Primary in Virginia” by Gregory Schneider for Washington Post
Ethics
“Special Counsel Starts Investigating Trump for Possible Obstruction of Justice, Officials Say” by Devlin Barrett, Adam Entous, Ellen Nakashima, and Sari Horwitz for Washington Post
“After the Shootings, Calls for Unity Amid Recriminations and Finger-Pointing” by Dan Balz for Washington Post
“Democrats in Congress to Sue Trump Over Foreign Business Dealings” by Sharon LaFraniere for New York Times
Maryland: “Baltimore County Council Bills Target Public Meetings, Ethics, Developer Contributions” by Pamela Wood for Baltimore Sun
Vermont: “Scott Calls New Ethics Law a Step to Restore Trust in Government” by Dan Schwartz for VTDigger.org
West Virginia: “Union’s Organizing Restricted Days After Calling for WV DHHR Chief’s Ouster” by Jake Zuckerman for Charleston Gazette
Lobbying
“Seizing on Opioid Crisis, a Drug Maker Lobbies Hard for Its Product” by Abby Goodnough and Kate Zernike for New York Times
Illinois: “Ethics Board Finds Two More Lobbying Violations Tied to Emanuel Emails” by Bill Ruthhart for Chicago Tribune
Kentucky: “State Senator Says Judges Ruling Against Kentucky’s Strict Legislative Ethics Code a Victory for Free Speech” by Don Weber for Spectrum News
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