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.

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

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

Becky Campbell is here covering the state government and ethics news from around the country in this week’s video digest!

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.

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 3^rd 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Ethics

“Jeff Sessions Testifies: Refuses to say whether he spoke to Trump about Comey’s handling of Russia investigation” by Sari Horwitz, Devlin Barrett, and Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

“Religious Liberals Sat Out of Politics for 40 Years. Now They Want in the Game.” by Laurie Goodstein for New York Times

“COVFEFE Act Would Make Social Media a Presidential Record” by Joe Uchill for The Hill

Arizona: “Now Under Indictment, Gary Pierce Was Known for Unpopular Decisions as Utility Regulator” by Ryan Randazzo for Arizona Republic

Florida: “No Charges Filed in Mysterious Autism Charity Case” by Monique Madan for Miami Herald

Montana: “Anger Management but No Jail in Gianforte Body-Slam Saga” by Bobby Caina Calvan and Amy Beth Hanson (Associated Press) for KWWL

Oregon: “Oregon Bill Will Set Public Records Deadlines” by Hillary Borrud for Portland Oregonian

Elections

“Russian Cyber Hacks on U.S. Electoral System Far Wider Than Previously Known” by Michael Riley and Jordan Robertson for Bloomberg.com

Legislative Issues

“Senate Republicans Back Off Proposed Restrictions on Media” by Alexander Bolton for The Hill

South Carolina: “Lack of Guidance from South Carolina Lawmakers on Lieutenant Governor’s Role Clouds Start of 2018 Elections” by Maya Prabhu for Charleston Post and Courier

 Becky Campbell is here to deliver all the government relations and ethics news you can use from around the country in this weeks video digest!

National:

How Donald Trump Shifted Kids-Cancer Charity Money into His Business
Forbes – Dan Alexander | Published: 6/6/2017

The Eric Trump Foundation apparently paid President Donald Trump’s businesses $1.2 million between 2007 and 2015 for expenses related to the foundation’s annual charity event at the Trump National Golf Club in Westchester County, New York, according to a report in Forbes. Eric Trump said the Trump Organization allowed his nonprofit foundation to use the golf course for free and covered most expenses for the golf tournament. But Forbes found IRS filings indicate otherwise. Forbes reported the Trump National Golf Club charged the Eric Trump Foundation tens, and later hundreds, of thousands of dollars each year for the one-day event, while donors were led to believe a much bigger portion of their money would go directly to the fundraiser’s chosen cause, children’s cancer research.

Federal:

James Comey Testifies: Former FBI director says he helped reveal details of conversations with Trump
Washington Post – Devlin Barrett and Ellen Nakashima | Published: 6/8/2017

Former FBI Director James Comey asserted that President Donald Trump fired him to interfere with his investigation of Russia’s role in the 2016 election and its ties to the Trump campaign. Comey accused the administration of spreading “lies, plain and simple” about him and the FBI in the aftermath of his abrupt firing. Comey also described intense discomfort about one-on-one conversations between him and the president, saying he decided he immediately needed to document the discussions in memos. Comey said he helped reveal details of his private conversations with Trump because he thought doing so would spur the appointment of a special counsel to investigate the administration.

Lobbyists, Industry Lawyers Were Granted Ethics Waivers to Work in Trump Administration
New York Times – Eric Lipton and Danielle Ivory | Published: 6/7/2017

New disclosures offer additional evidence that lobbyists and industry executives who can now shape policies benefitting their former clients and companies have been allowed to work in the Trump administration. The documents were released in response to a demand by the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) for details on how the Trump administration is enforcing the ethics policies. One unexpected outcome was proof the Obama administration, despite a much touted promise to make all of its ethics waivers public, stopped providing them to the OGE. The “revolving door” cases in the Trump administration generally involve individuals who had been retained by for-profit clients, and then took up matters that could benefit these former clients.

Top Intelligence Official Told Associates Trump Asked Him If He Could Intervene with Comey on FBI Russia Probe
Washington Post – Adam Entous | Published: 6/6/2017

The nation’s top intelligence official told associates in March that President Trump asked him if he could intervene with then-FBI Director James Comey to get the bureau to back off its focus on former national security adviser Michael Flynn in its Russia probe. The events involving Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats show the president went further than just asking intelligence officials to deny publicly the existence of any evidence showing collusion during the 2016 election, as The Washington Post reported in May. The interaction with Coats indicates Trump aimed to enlist top officials to have Comey curtail the FBI’s probe.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Ethics Commission Declines to Make Site Consultants Register as Lobbyists
AL.com – Mike Cason | Published: 6/7/2017

The Alabama Ethics Commission rejected its staff’s opinion that site consultants for companies considering moving to the state are required under certain circumstances to register as lobbyists under the ethics law. Staff members said the companies who hire the consultants to scout locations and incentive opportunities from local governments would have to register as principals. The commission declined to vote on the recommendation after economic development officials said would hurt their recruiting efforts because companies place a high value on confidentiality when they are considering a new location.

Arizona – Corruption Case Snares Lobbyist at the Center of Arizona Power Politics
Arizona Republic – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Dan Nowicki | Published: 5/26/2017

Among the individuals named in a federal indictment was one who has touched almost every corner of Arizona power politics: lobbyist Jim Norton. A familiar figure for years at the Capitol, Norton was among Gov. Doug Ducey’s earliest political backers and a friend since college. His firm helped guide U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs to victory last November. He is also the business community’s leading voice at the statehouse. Prosecutors say Norton was “a conduit” for bribes that water-company owner George Johnson is accused of paying to former Arizona Corporation Commission Chairperson Gary Pierce. Authorities allege the money helped secure commission approval of higher rates for Johnson Utilities.

District of Columbia – D.C. Mayor Bowser Fined $13,000 for Illegal Campaign Contributions
Washington Post – Aaron Davis | Published: 6/7/2017

District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser’s campaign committee was fined $13,000 for taking campaign donations over legal limits during her successful run for office three years ago. Bowser’s campaign kept over $11,000 in illegal contributions from 13 developers, contractors, and Sanford Capital, a landlord her administration has since been slow to fine for more than 1,000 housing-code violations. Some of the developers who contributed more than the legal limit to Bowser in 2014 were the same ones who went on to donate to a PAC that Bowser’s allies set up but later abandoned during her first year in office amid criticism from city council members that it was creating a perception of “pay-to-play” politics.

Florida – Someone Raised $200K from Miami Beach Bigwigs, But No One Will Say Why
Miami Herald – Nicholas Nehamas and Joey Flechas | Published: 6/5/2017

Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Grieco says he does not know a thing about a mysterious South Florida group that raised $200,000 from city bigwigs last year. But interviews with two of those donors suggest the PAC is raising money in his name, and that Grieco, who is running for mayor, solicited at least one contribution. Miami Beach lobbyists, vendors, and real-estate developers all appear on the list of donors to People for Better Leaders, exactly the type of power players whose contributions led to a public outcry during the last election cycle and, ultimately, to stricter campaign finance laws.

Kentucky – Judge Tosses Ethics Rules for Kentucky Lobbyists, Lawmakers
U.S. News & World Report – Adam Beam (Associated Press) | Published: 6/7/2017

A federal judge ruled Kentucky lawmakers can accept gifts from lobbyists and that lobbyists can make campaign contributions to candidates for the Legislature. The state law banning lobbyists giving gifts to lawmakers includes “anything of value,” which U.S. District Court Judge William Bertelsman said was too vague. State regulators said the laws were meant to prevent bribery at the Capitol. Most of the rules were enacted after “Operation BOPTROT,” a 1992 FBI probe that exposed 15 current or former legislators who sold their votes. Officials with the Legislative Ethics Commission and the Registry of Election Finance said they were reviewing the order and were considering an appeal.

Missouri – What You Need to Know about Missouri’s Evolving Campaign Finance Laws
Missouri Times – Travis Zimpfer | Published: 6/6/2017

On June 20, Missouri’s campaign finance laws will once again experience changes for the second time in roughly six months. The Missouri Ethics Commission updated their own primer on the constitutional amendment and how a recent decision by a federal judge that found many provisions of the law unconstitutional affected it. Commission Director James Klahr issued an advisory opinion that political party committees in the House and Senate are not bound to the $25,000 aggregate limit in accordance with the ruling.

North Carolina – US Supreme Court Affirms NC Legislative Districts as Racial Gerrymanders
Raleigh News and Observer – Anne Blythe | Published: 6/5/2017

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that struck down 28 state House and Senate districts in North Carolina because they violated the rights of black voters. But the justices rejected the court’s order to redraw the districts and hold a special election. The action by the justices sends the matter back to the lower court, which could order new districts in time for the regular cycle of elections in 2018.

Pennsylvania – A Philly Teacher’s Stunts Draw Interest from The Board of Ethics
Philadelphia Inquirer – Chris Brennan | Published: 6/5/2017

It looks as if George Bezanis, a Central High School social studies teacher who has used a billboard and a banner plane to protest the lack of a new union contract for the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, will be butting heads with the city Board of Ethics. An attorney for the ethics board told Beznis the billboard and banner plane were “reportable lobbying under the city’s lobbying law.” Bezanis needed to register as a lobbyist, the attorney said in the message, or face a financial penalty.

South Carolina – Firms Named in SC Corruption Probe Have Hundreds of Millions at Stake
The State – Jamie Self and Avery Wilks | Published: 6/4/2017

South Carolina’s largest special interests know the time they spend working the state’s lawmakers at the Capitol is well spent. But was the help they got from one of the state’s most influential political families legal? Indicted Rep. Rick Quinn, whose father operates a political consulting empire, stands accused of voting and lobbying in the Legislature on behalf of special interests that, prosecutors allege, paid him through his direct-mail business and his father’s firm. He also is charged with failing to disclose accepting nearly $4.6 million he received from special interests that lobby the Legislature.  The companies that Quinn is charged with illegally helping are big fish in the pool of special interests vying for influence in Columbia.

Tennessee – Record $465,000 Fine Issued Against Jeremy Durham for ‘Egregious’ Campaign Finance Violations
The Tennessean – Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert | Published: 6/7/2017

The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance levied the largest fine it has ever imposed against former state Rep. Jeremy Durham for hundreds of campaign finance law violations. Among the findings in an audit were allegations Durham used campaign funds to improperly buy sunglasses, suits, and spa products, and inappropriately loaned thousands of dollars to his wife, a prominent Republican fundraiser and professional gambler. Registry members occasionally haggled over the individual amounts for each violation, trying to determine how egregious Durham’s actions were while also expressing a desire to use the penalties to prevent future wrongdoing. In total, the registry fined Durham $465,500 for more than 300 violations.

Wisconsin – Critics Deride Secrecy, Limits on Investigations by State Ethics Commission as It Nears 1-Year Mark
Wisconsin State Journal – Mark Sommerhauser | Published: 6/4/2017

Critics say it is difficult to assess the work of Wisconsin’s new ethics commission because much of what it does is kept secret. Current and former commissioners and other observers say they have seen some heartening signs from the six-member panel, which acts as the state’s watchdog of political campaigns and candidates, public officials, and those who seek to influence them. But critics say the commission is handcuffed by legal limits on what it can disclose about its efforts to enforce campaign finance, ethics, and lobbying laws. It also is much more limited than its predecessor, the Government Accountability Board, in its ability to investigate alleged violations of those laws.

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.