National:

Report: It’s harder to know who’s paying for political ads
Star Tribune – Geoff Mulvilhill (Associated Press) | Published: 6/27/2016

A report by New York University’s Brennan Center finds the use of so-called dark money in several states has increased faster than in national elections. Across six states – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, and Massachusetts – dark money expenditures rose by 38 percent between 2006 and 2014, outstripping the 34 percent rate of increase found in federal elections. And that does not include other categories of nontransparent outside money. The report defines “gray money” as expenditures by entities that do disclose their contributors, but who also list dark money organizations as donors, making it difficult or impossible to locate the original source of the money.

Two Transgender Candidates – Both Named Misty – Just Made History by Winning Primaries
Washington Post – Amber Phillips | Published: 6/29/2016

Primary voters in Utah and Colorado selected transgender women to run for spots in Congress next fall, a first in major-party American political history. Misty Snow will run against U.S. Sen. Mike Lee in Utah this November, while Misty Plowright will challenge U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn in Colorado. Neither Snow nor Plowright sought to make their gender identities a campaign issue, instead focusing on progressive issues like getting money out of politics. Their wins come as transgender rights have been thrust into the national spotlight after contentious debates in states like North Carolina. “This is even more breathtaking considering the political climate today, the uphill curve to educate people about who transgender people are,” said Bob Witeck, a Washington, D.C.-based LGBT advocate.

Federal:

Bernie Sanders Campaign Showed How to Turn Viral Moments into Money
New York Times – Nick Corasaniti | Published: 6/24/2016

Like most modern campaigns, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and his team relied on widely used digital fundraising tactics, like sending email solicitations and advertising online. They raised more than $61 million and acquired more than three million email addresses directly from digital ads. But the campaign was also able to harness social media networks – which, until recently, most candidates had used primarily for messaging purposes – and turn them into fundraising engines, allowing Sanders’ team to raise money almost exclusively online. The campaign raised roughly $216 million of its nearly $230 million total online.

Donald Trump and R.N.C. Crack Down on Rebelling Delegates
New York Times – Jeremy Peters | Published: 6/26/2016

Donald Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee (RNC) are moving quickly and aggressively to head off the fledgling effort to stage a revolt at their July convention in Cleveland, hoping to spare the party an embarrassing spectacle that could deeply wound the presumptive nominee. They are employing hard-nosed tactics, warning delegates that attempting to undermine Trump’s claim to the nomination violates party rules, and threatening to deny speaking slots to Republicans they deem disloyal for not backing him. The RNC and the campaign are also installing loyal party stalwarts in key party positions to help ensure they maintain control of the convention if rogue delegates attempt a disruption. And they are trying to discredit Republicans who are advocating an interpretation of party rules that would allow delegates to vote for anyone they want on the first ballot.

Trump Fundraising Emails Overseas Prompt Complaints Here and Abroad
Washington Post – Sean Sullivan and Max Bearak | Published: 6/29/2016

Donald Trump’s campaign sent a wave of fundraising emails in recent days to lawmakers in the United Kingdom, Iceland, Australia, and elsewhere. The solicitations prompted watchdog groups to file two separate complaints with the FEC alleging the campaign was violating federal law by soliciting funds from foreign nationals. The episode is only the latest fundraising stumble by Trump’s presidential campaign, which has been scrambling to put together a financial operation to take on the well-funded campaign of likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Whether the snags prove to be growing pains for a campaign that until recently eschewed traditional fundraising or a sign of more serious stumbles to come is a key question facing Trump and the Republican Party as the general election comes into focus.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – At the Corner of Power and Poverty
CALmatters – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 6/28/2016

The Capitol in Sacramento serves as a magnet for money and power. Nearby shops sell fine cigars and custom suits. A bar serves $16 martinis. But the streets that surround the building also are home to some of the city’s most destitute residents, many suffering from mental illness or drug addiction in addition to extreme poverty. It is not uncommon to see them rifling through trash cans, shouting incoherently, or sleeping barefoot in the shade on the Capitol’s manicured grounds. Bridging these two worlds is Debbie Bartley, who stands across the street selling Homeward, a newspaper produced by homeless people. She chats with the political staffers and lobbyists who give her a few dollars as they pass by. Then she buys food for people who sleep on these streets.

California – Sweeping Public Utilities Commission Changes Announced
Sacramento Bee – Jeremy White | Published: 6/27/2016

A deal between Gov. Jerry Brown and state lawmakers will bring major changes to the California Public Utilities Commission. When commissioners engage in ex-parte conversations around rate-setting rules, they would need to disclose them online under the agreement. The state attorney general could bring enforcement actions against people who violate the rules. The deal also clarifies that people who lobby the PUC would need to register as lobbyists. Through March of this year, more than 50 utilities and other lobbyist employers reported more than $6.3 million in PUC-connected lobbying activities.

Connecticut – Cigna-Anthem Merger: Gov. Malloy’s Insurance Regulator Told Ethics Officials She Was Not Involved in Cigna Issues, even as Her Agency Was
International Business Times – David Sirota | Published: 6/27/2016

Connecticut ethics officials are now investigating whether it is legally permissible for the state’s insurance commissioner to oversee the government’s review of her former company’s proposed merger. In regulators’ probe of conflict-of-interest issues in the Cigna-Anthem transaction, one question they may ask is whether the commissioner in question, former Cigna lobbyist Katharine Wade, deliberately misled them. Emails show that in February, Wade told ethics officials she had no Cigna business before her, even though her agency was then leading the national multistate review of the company’s merger plan, and even though Wade had repeatedly met with the company’s representatives. Wade’s letter to ethics officials did tell them that her staff was reviewing the merger, but did not disclose any information about her own contacts with the companies and their lobbyists.

Delaware – Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Delaware Election Law
Wilmington News Journal – Jessica Masulli Reyes | Published: 6/28/2016

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a conservative group’s challenge to Delaware’s campaign finance law. The justices left in place a lower court ruling allowing the 2012 law to be enforced. It requires third-party groups and individuals to disclose their donors to the state elections commissioner if they publish advertisements or other communications, including Internet postings, that refer to a candidate in the 60 days before an election. Previously, only groups that directly advocated for or against a candidate were required to disclose their donors.

Kentucky – Bevin Asserts Control of All Ethics Board Appointments
Lexington Herald-Leader – Jack Brammer | Published: 6/28/2016

Kentucky’s attorney general and state auditor will no longer be able to nominate members of the Executive Branch Ethics Commission under a new executive order from Gov. Matt Bevin. The governor appoints the members of the commission, which investigates allegations of state ethics code violations in the state’s executive branch. But in 2008, then-Gov. Steve Beshear issued an executive order requiring the governor to appoint two members of the commission that had been recommended by the attorney general and the state auditor. Bevin repealed that order, effectively allowing him to control all of the appointments to the board assigned to hold his administration accountable. Bevin spokesperson Jessica Ditto said the order simply returns the appointment process to the system state lawmakers intended.

New York – Bill Would Expand Disclosure for Donors to Lobbying Groups
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 6/29/2016

Under a 2011 law, charitable tax-exempt nonprofits in New York are not required to report their donors, even if the organizations have financially supported lobbying efforts meant to influence state government. Based on comments from state lobbying officials, a bill that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign appears to require any charitable organization making a contribution over $2,500 to a substantial New York lobbying campaign to publicly disclose every one of its donors, even those unrelated to the lobbying effort. That would include both donations of staff and other resources for a charity to a lobbying nonprofit, or a monetary contribution.

Ohio – As Activists Prepare to Protest the RNC, the FBI Comes Knocking
Los Angeles Times – Matt Pearce | Published: 6/27/2016

In July, Donald Trump will come to Cleveland to claim the Republican presidential nomination. Given how turbulent some protests outside Trump rallies have been, and that the convention comes just weeks after the worst mass shooting in recent U.S. history, finding the right balance between security and First Amendment rights will be a challenge. Shivers have gone through the Cleveland activist community since law enforcement officials began knocking on their doors as tens of thousands of visitors prepare to come to town. The FBI office in Cleveland said the visits were part of their plans with state and local law enforcement to prepare for the convention by “working collaboratively with members of the community.”

Virginia – Supreme Court Vacates Ex-Virginia Governor’s Graft Conviction
New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 6/27/2016

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously vacated the conviction of former Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell. He was charged with using his office to help Jonnie Williams Sr., who had provided McDonnell and his wife with gifts worth more than $175,000 when McDonnell was governor. The gifts themselves were legal; the question was whether they were part of a corrupt bargain in which McDonnell reciprocated by using the power of his office to help Williams. The Supreme Court ruled prosecutors defined too broadly the kind of conduct that qualifies as an “official act.” Chief Justice John Roberts said the law cannot punish politicians for giving their constituents access to public officials who are willing to listen, but do not actually exercise government power.

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.

During their first fully-staffed meeting in nearly five years, the county Ethics Commission named Shari Calnero as chair.

Moving forward, the commission will offer guidance on potential conflicts of interest, financial disclosure requirements, and whether public officials will be required to recuse themselves from certain votes. The commission will meet at least once annually, and whenever called upon.

Lobbying

Massachusetts: “Uber Proves Profitable for at Least One Group – Lobbyists” by Jim O’Sullivan for Boston Globe

Campaign Finance

“Pro-Hillary Group Takes $200K in Banned Donations” by Harper Neidig and Jonathan Swan for The Hill

Maine: “Maine Ethics Panel Aims to Close Loophole ‘You Could Drive a Truck Through’” by Darren Fishell for Bangor Daily News

New Jersey: “Proposed Pay-to-Play Reforms Pit Fulop Against Longtime Foes” by Terrence McDonald (Jersey Journal) for Newark Star-Ledger

Ethics

California: “Supervisors Approve Budget and Staffing Plan for Ethics Commission” by Nick Gerda for Voice of OC

California: “At the Corner of Power and Poverty” by Laurel Rosenhall for CALmatters

Massachusetts: “Grand Jury Indicts Second Official in Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s Administration” by Gintautas Dumcius for MassLive.com

New York: “Ethics Reform Brings Less Information About JCOPE Probes” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Oregon: “Lawmaker’s Actions Questioned by Portland Police Officer” by Gordon Friedman for Salem Statesman-Journal

Elections

Utah: “Two Transgender Candidates – Both Named Misty – Just Made History by Winning Primaries” by Amber Phillips for Washington Post

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to the Elections Disclosure Act. The lower court ruled requiring third-party groups and individuals to disclose their donors if they publish advertisements or other communications referring to a candidate in an upcoming election is constitutional. The law furthers the purpose of the 2012 ethics overhaul by closing loopholes allowing anonymous campaign-related advertising.

Photo of the U.S. Supreme Court building by UpstateNYer on Wikimedia Commons.

Campaign Finance

“House Democrats Face Ethics Complaints for Fundraising Off Sit-In” by Paul Singer for USA Today

“Soft Money Ban Should Be Scrapped, Skeptical Judges Urged” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA

“Bernie Sanders Campaign Showed How to Turn Viral Moments into Money” by Nick Corasaniti for New York Times

Delaware: “Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Delaware Election Law” by Jessica Masulli Reyes for Wilmington News Journal

Mississippi: “Hosemann to Start Searchable Campaign Finance System” by Geoff Pender for Jackson Clarion-Ledger

Ethics

Kentucky: “Bevin Asserts Control of All Ethics Board Appointments” by Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader

New Mexico: “Judge: Legislators must testify in Griego case” by Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal

North Carolina: “Sen. Fletcher Hartsell Indicted by a Wake County Grand Jury” by Anne Blythe and Lynn Bonner for Raleigh News & Observer

Wisconsin: “New Ethics Commission Names 3 Finalists for Administrator Position” by Matthew DeFour for Wisconsin State Journal

Elections

“As Activists Prepare to Protest the RNC, the FBI Comes Knocking” by Matt Pearce for Los Angeles Times

Lobbying

California: “Sweeping Public Utilities Commission Changes Announced” by Jeremy White for Sacramento Bee

Campaign Finance

“Report: It’s harder to know who’s paying for political ads” by Geoff Mulvihill (Associated Press) for Las Vegas Sun

Kentucky: “Ethics Commission OKs Crowdfunding for Legislative Campaigns” by Ryland Barton for WFPL

Massachusetts: “State’s Chief Campaign Official Seeks Heftier Fines for PACs” by Matt Stout for Boston Herald

Ethics

Connecticut: “Cigna-Anthem Merger: Gov. Malloy’s Insurance Regulator Told Ethics Officials She Was Not Involved in Cigna Issues, even as Her Agency Was” by David Sirota for International Business Times

Florida: “Opa-locka’s Ethics Switcheroo Draws Laughs amid FBI Corruption Probe” by Jay Weaver for Miami Herald

South Carolina: “Gov. Nikki Haley Signs Ethics Reform into Law, Endorses Sen. Larry Martin” by Maya Prabhu for Charleston Post & Courier

Virginia: “Supreme Court Vacates Ex-Virginia Governor’s Graft Conviction” by Adam Liptak for New York Times

Elections

“Donald Trump and R.N.C. Crack Down on Rebelling Delegates” by Jeremy Peters for New York Times

Redistricting

North Carolina: “Supreme Court to Review NC’s Use of Race in Redistricting” by Jonathan Drew (Associated Press) for ABC News

Lobbying

Rhode Island: “Raimondo Signs Bills on Lobbying, Insurance for Off-Label Drug Use, Teaching of Holocaust” by Jennifer Bogdan for Providence Journal

Campaign Finance

“RNC Fundraisers Hedge on Trump” by Kenneth Vogel and Alex Isenstadt for Politico

Massachusetts: “House Passes Campaign Finance Changes Aimed at Transparency, Special Elections” by Shira Schoenberg for MassLive.com

Ethics

“Justices Disclose Privately Paid Trips and Gifts” by Adam Liptak for New York Times

Arizona: “How Nearly $1 Million Disappeared from Surprise Coffers” by Jessica Boehm for Arizona Republic

California: “Orange County Finally Has an Ethics Commission – Now What?” by Jordan Graham for Orange County Register

Florida: “Audit Finds City Improperly Paid Lobbying Firm More Than $317,000” by Christopher Hong for Florida Times Union

Elections

“Who Does Donald Trump Listen to? Other Trumps.” by Mary Jordan and Jose DelReal for Washington Post

“Will Trump Swallow the GOP Whole?” by Mark Leibovich for New York Times

National:

Courts, Judges Become Top Political Targets in 2016 Elections
Kansas City Star – Dave Helling | Published: 6/17/2016

Experts say that while complaints about legal rulings are as old as the republic, politicians have started turning virtually every race into a referendum on the courts, threatening public confidence in an independent, apolitical judiciary. Not everyone is equally concerned. In a polarized, dysfunctional political climate, some say, making judges more accountable to voters and taxpayers is healthy and inevitable.

The Kochs’ Powerful Operation Isn’t Aimed at Helping Trump – But It Might Anyway
Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 6/20/2016

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) launched ground operations on behalf of Republican incumbents in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin, the earliest the Koch brothers-affiliated group has ever begun making explicit political appeals in the field. But AFP and other groups in the brothers’ political network are mute when it comes to Donald Trump. It is an odd situation for the powerful conservative operation, which was expected to harness its sprawling machinery on behalf of this year’s Republican nominee. But Trump’s incendiary rhetoric and inconsistent policy stances have dismayed Charles Koch, the billionaire industrialist who leads the network. Koch-backed groups are now training their resources on boosting vulnerable GOP Senate candidates.

Federal:

Democrats End Sit-In on House Floor While Promising to Continue to Press for Gun Votes
Washington Post – Karoun Demirjian, Kelsey Snell, and Ed O’Keefe | Published: 6/23/2016

U.S. House Democrats ended their sit-in protest after occupying the chamber’s floor for more than 25 hours, vowing to take the push for new gun curbs to their congressional districts. Even after Republicans had departed for a week-long recess, roughly a dozen Democrats held the floor, with more trickling in, after a night of loud confrontations with the chamber’s GOP leaders. The Democrats had demanded votes on legislation to expand background checks to all commercial sales and to prevent suspected terrorists from being able to buy guns. Republicans dismissed Democrats’ demands, saying they would not reward the minority party for trampling over the chamber’s rules.

Donald Trump Starts Summer Push with Crippling Money Deficit
New York Times – Nicholas Confesore and Rachel Storey | Published: 6/20/2016

Donald Trump enters the general election campaign laboring under the worst financial and organizational disadvantage of any major party nominee in recent history, placing both his candidacy and his party in political peril. Trump loaned his campaign $2.2 million in May and collected $3.1 million in donations, ending the month with less than $1.3 million in bank, a figure more typical for a campaign for the U.S. House than the White House. Hillary Clinton raised more than $28 million in May and started June with $42 million in cash. Trump has a staff of around 70 people, compared with nearly 700 for Clinton, suggesting only the barest effort toward preparing to contest swing states this fall. And he fired his campaign manager after concerns among allies and donors about his ability to run a competitive race.

Fattah Convicted of Federal Corruption Charges
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jeremy Roebuck | Published: 6/21/2016

U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah was found guilty of all charges in a federal corruption trial. He and several associates had been charged with 29 counts related to bribery, money laundering, fraud, and racketeering. Fattah borrowed $1 million from a donor during his unsuccessful campaign for Philadelphia mayor and later repaid part of the loan by using funds from charitable and federal grants received by his nonprofit. Prosecutors said he also used funds from his mayoral and congressional campaigns to help pay off his son’s student loan debt. In addition, the indictment said Fattah accepted bribes while trying to secure an ambassadorship or appointment to the U.S. Trade Commission for former Philadelphia Deputy Mayor Herbert Vederman.

The Next ‘Citizens United’ Is Coming
Center for Public Integrity – Carrie Levine | Published: 6/22/2016

James Bopp, who successfully argued the Citizens United case before the U.S. Supreme Court, is now the lead lawyer in the most prominent of a series of lawsuits attempting to further rescind campaign contribution limits. The case brought by the Louisiana Republican Party addresses restrictions on how state and local political parties use soft money to influence federal elections. Bopp’s clients argue if independent outside groups such as super PACs are permitted to raise and spend unlimited amounts of such money, there is no reason why state political parties, acting independently of federal candidates, should be treated differently. Bopp says he will not rest until there are as few election rules as possible since he believes too many rules lead to more opportunities to game the system.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – California Political Watchdog Targets ‘Shadow Lobbyists’
Sacramento Bee – Taryn Luna | Published: 6/21/2016

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is considering a regulatory change to draw “shadow lobbyists,” consultants paid to influence legislation, into the public eye. Loopholes in the law can allow consultants to act as lobbyists without officially registering with the secretary of state’s office, disclosing their clients, or their attempts to sway lawmakers. The FPPC hopes the change increases the incentive for consultants and others working in and around the state’s lobbying industry to keep better records of their activities, while giving the agency more freedom to press cases against shadow lobbyists. The commission is expected to vote on the change at its regularly scheduled hearing on July 21.

Colorado – Colorado Supreme Court to Hear Case Challenging State Ethics Commission’s Role
Denver Post – Joey Bunch | Published: 6/21/2016

The Colorado Supreme Court agreed to hear issues in a case involving then-Secretary of State Scott Gessler, marking the first time the justices have looked at how the Independent Ethics Commission operates since it was created in 2006. The ethics panel found Gessler violated the public trust when he used money from his office discretionary fund to attend a GOP lawyer’s event in Florida. He extended the trip to attend the Republican National Convention (RNC). Gessler paid for his lodging and meals at the RNC with campaign funds. The Supreme Court will look at whether the commission exceeded its jurisdiction to ban gifts of more than $53 a year to public officials and bar them from becoming lobbyists for two years after leaving office.

District of Columbia – Close Council Vote Rejects Campaign Contribution Reform
DCist.com – Rachel Kurzius | Published: 6/21/2016

The District of Columbia Council struck down a proposal to ban campaign contributions from city contractors. Council Chairperson Phil Mendelson had included a provision in a bill to reform the city’s procurement process that would have banned donations from people or businesses that have or are seeking city contracts. He argued that doing so would improve the public perception of the city’s elected officials. But Councilperson Vincent Orange introduced an amendment to strike that language, saying it would lead to “dark money” flooding into city campaigns.

Florida –  Florida Lawmaker Wants to Give Away an AR-15
New York Times – Mike McPhate | Published: 6/21/2016

Florida Sen. Greg Evers, a Republican who is running for Congress, said he would hold a drawing whose prize would be an AR-15, a gun similar to the one used by Omar Mateen to kill 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando on June 12. Evers said he was considering the giveaway since before the mass shooting, intending to burnish his pro-gun credentials in Florida’s conservative western Panhandle, where he is running to fill the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller. But the timing of the announcement, even as funerals for the shooting victims continued, led many commenters on Evers’s campaign site and his Twitter account to express disgust.

Maryland – Here Are the Top Lobbyists in Maryland for the 2016 Legislative Session
Washington Post – Ovetta Wiggins | Published: 6/22/2016

The return of divided government to Maryland has brought about much change in Annapolis. But one thing that has remained the same since the election of Republican Gov. Larry Hogan is Gerard Evans’ upper hand in state lobbying. Evans, a longtime fixture in Annapolis, was the top earner among Maryland lobbyists during the recent legislative session. He reported billing his clients nearly $2 million between November and April, which is about $168,000 more than last year, when he was also the top earner. Bruce Bereano came in second both last year and this year, with reported billings of $1.4 million.

New York – 3 New York Police Commanders Are Arrested on Corruption Charges
New York Times – William Rashbaum and Joseph Goldstein | Published: 6/20/2016

Three New York City police commanders and a business consultant were arrested as part of a wide-ranging federal corruption probe that has also been examining Mayor Bill de Blasio’s campaign fundraising. The latest arrests mark an escalation of an investigation that has led to discipline for nearly a dozen police officers and forced de Blasio to answer questions about whether he engaged in inappropriate fundraising. A criminal complaint accused businessperson Jeremy Reichberg of plying Deputy Chief Michael Harrington, Deputy Inspector James Grant, and others with gifts including prostitutes, sports tickets and expensive trips. As a result, Reichberg was able to secure official favors. De Blasio has said he and his administration have acted legally in all respects. He has not been accused of wrongdoing, and the charges thus far are unrelated to his fundraising efforts.

New York – New York Lawmakers Leave Albany Without Big Ethics Reforms
Albany Times Union – David Klepper (Associated Press) | Published: 6/18/2016

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders agreed to an ethics package that aims to strip pensions from public officers convicted of a felony and add disclosure requirements for political consultants who advise elected officials. The session started in January with some bold proposals to fix the state’s porous campaign finance laws, beef up ethics enforcement, and put limits on the pay lawmakers can make from side jobs. But none passed during the six-month session. For good-government groups and officials long bewildered by Albany’s inaction, the resolution was as disappointing as it was unsurprising.

Oregon – Portland Auditor Says Revolving-Door Lobbying Rules ‘All but Unenforceable’
Portland Oregonian – Brad Schmidt | Published: 6/22/2016

A proposed ordinance in Portland would ban elected officials from lobbying the city and bureau directors from lobbying their agencies for two years after they leave office. It would impose a one-year lobbying ban on other city employees. The ordinance is a compromise. City commissioners expressed reservations about a more restrictive version of the bill that was introduced in April. City Auditor Mary Hull Caballero also wants to raise the fine for violating the city’s lobbying rules to $3,000. The new rules would require any group that spends more than $1,000 lobbying in a quarter to disclose a detailed list of each contact with city officials. Right now, that level of transparency is required only for groups that spend at least eight hours lobbying in a quarter, a provision that would continue.

Wisconsin – As the Government Accountability Board Ends, What’s the Future for Wisconsin Campaign Finance Regulation?
Capital Times – Katelyn Ferral | Published: 6/19/2016

Wisconsin’s Government Accountability Board, born in bipartisanship from a legislative scandal in 2001, was the only nonpartisan model of its kind in the country with six former judges appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. It was armed with a budget unfettered by Legislative oversight to investigate campaign finance, ethics, and lobbying complaints. Its dissolution, which came with a rewrite of the state’s campaign finance rules, is a necessary reform to some but step backwards for others who question whether violations of campaign finance law will be aggressively policed.

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.

Lobbying

California: “California Political Watchdog Targets ‘Shadow Lobbyists’” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee

Maryland: “Here Are the Top Lobbyists in Maryland for the 2016 Legislative Session” by Ovetta Wiggins for Washington Post

Oregon: “Post Uber, Portland Leaders Look to Strengthen Lobbying Rules” by Amelia Templeton for Oregon Public Radio

Campaign Finance

“The Next ‘Citizens United’ Is Coming” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity

District of Columbia: “Close Council Vote Rejects Campaign Contribution Reform” by Rachel Kurzius for DCist.com

Ethics

Colorado: “Colorado Supreme Court to Hear Case Challenging State Ethics Commission’s Role” by Joey Bunch for Denver Post

Elections

“Will Dominant Images of Conventions Be of Unity or Protest?” by Trip Gabriel for New York Times

Florida: “Marco Rubio Will Seek Senate Reelection, Reversing Pledge Not to Run” by Mike DeBonis, Ed O’Keefe, and Sean Sullivan for Washington Post

Florida: “Florida Lawmaker Wants to Give Away an AR-15” by Mike McPhate for New York Times

Legislative Issues

“House Democrats’ Gun-Control Sit-In Turns into Chaotic Showdown with Republicans” by David Herszenhorn and Emmarie Huetteman for New York Times

Campaign Finance

“Donald Trump Starts Summer Push with Crippling Money Deficit” by Nicholas Confessore and Rachel Shorey for New York Times

Ethics

Pennsylvania: “Fattah Convicted of Federal Corruption Charges” by Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer

Ohio: “Ethical Conflicts, Nepotism Mar Charity” by Dan Horn and Sharon Coolidge for Cincinnati Enquirer

Oklahoma: “Former State Senate Leader Mike Morgan Resentenced” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman

Elections

“The Kochs’ Powerful Operation Isn’t Aimed at Helping Trump – But It Might Anyway” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

“What Do This Season’s Political Books Tell Us About the Election?” by Sam Tanenhaus for New York Times

“Trump’s Performance Raises Hard Question: Who’d want to be his VP?” by Eli Stokols and Burgess Everett for Politico

North Carolina: “Appeals Court Considers North Carolina’s Controversial Voting Rules” by Ann Marimow for Washington Post

Lobbying

Oklahoma: “Legislators, State Officials Accept More Gifts from Interest Groups” by Trevor Brown for Oklahoma Watch

Campaign Finance

“Wall Street Donors Seek to Block Warren VP Pick” by Ben White for Politico

Montana: “Judge Rules Wittich Can Remain in Office after Taking Illegal Campaign Contributions” by Matt Volz (Associated Press) for Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Wisconsin: “As the Government Accountability Board Ends, What’s the Future for Wisconsin Campaign Finance Regulation?” by Katelyn Ferral for Capital Times

Ethics

Connecticut: “Attorney Gets Reprimand for Drafting Rowland Consulting Contract” by Michelle Tuccitto Sullo for Connecticut Law Tribune

New York: “New York Lawmakers Leave Albany Without Big Ethics Reforms” by David Klepper (Associated Press) for Albany Times Union

New York: “3 New York Police Department Commanders Are Arrested on Corruption Charges” by William Rashbaum and Joseph Goldstein for New York Times

Elections

“Courts, Judges Become Top Political Targets in 2016 Elections” by Dave Helling for Kansas City Star

“Donald Trump Fires Embattled Campaign Manager Corey Lewandowski” by Philip Rucker, Jose DelReal, and Sean Sullivan for Washington Post

Ohio: “John Kasich Vetoes Republican-Backed Voting Bill” by Darrel Rowland for Columbus Dispatch

The City Council will begin voting next week on existing city-funded demolition contracts worth over $25,000.

Mayor Mike Duggan’s administration discovered the existing contracts have never sought required City Council approval during a review of purchasing ordinances. Going forward, officials have committed to a council vote on all contracts valued over $25,000, as required by law.

The city is still investigating the number of contracts performed without proper council approval since Duggan revamped the demolition program in 2014.

Lobbying

New York: “Lawyer Tapped as Board of Elections Commissioner Refuses to Give Up Lobbying, Raising Conflict of Interest Concerns” by Erin Durkin for New York Daily News

Ethics

“Trump, Clinton Money Awash in Conflicts of Interest” by Katy O’Donnell for Politico

“Lawmakers Turned Over Gifts After Secretly Funded Trip to Azerbaijan” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Alabama: “Impeachment Investigation of Alabama Governor Begins” by Associated Press for WTVC

Connecticut: “Ethics Panel to Rule If Wade Has Conflict in Anthem-Cigna Merger” by Mark Pazniokas for Connecticut Mirror

Rhode Island: “RI General Assembly Passes Ethics Reform Sponsored by Speaker, Senate President” by Christian Winthrop for Newport Buzz

South Carolina: “SC Supreme Court Hears Wilson-Pascoe Case” by Tim Smith for Greenville News

Elections

“Dozens of GOP Delegates Launch New Push to Halt Donald Trump” by Ed O’Keefe for Washington Post

Federal:

A New Phase for Trump’s Media War
The Hill – Niall Stanage | Published: 6/15/2016

Media coverage of Donald Trump is shifting in a more negative direction as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee opens another front in his war with the Fourth Estate. The Trump campaign revoked press credentials for The Washington Post, initially objecting to a headline regarding remarks he made about President Obama and the mass shooting in Orlando. But coverage from The Post, as well as The New York Times, on Trump’s speech on the massacre included some phrases that are sure to stoke his ire once again. To Trump’s critics, that language is a sign that news media are making an appropriate and long-awaited effort to hold Trump to account. His supporters, however, will no doubt see it as the injection of liberal opinion into news stories.

After Orlando, a Political Divide on Gay Rights Still Stands
New York Times – Jeremy Peters and Lizette Alvarez | Published: 6/15/2016

The deep divide over gay rights remains one of the most contentious in American politics. And the murder of 49 people in an Orlando gay club has, in many cases, only exacerbated the anger from Democrats and supporters of gay causes, who are insisting that no amount of consoling words or reassuring Twitter posts change the fact that Republicans continue to pursue policies that would limit legal protections for gays and lesbians.  Some say identity politics have overtaken the tragedy in Orlando, with its combustible mix of issues that have long divided Americans: guns, gays, God, and immigration.

On Donald Trump, Republicans Keep Distance in Different Ways
New York Times – Jennifer Steinhauer | Published: 6/15/2016

For Republican lawmakers, there is no avoiding reporters in the Capitol, and no escaping controversy brought on by the party’s presumptive presidential nominee. Some, like the #NeverTrump crowd that includes U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, have it easy. It is no surprise where they stand on Donald Trump, and they consistently criticize him. But not everyone has it so simple.

Russian Government Hackers Penetrated DNC, Stole Opposition Research on Trump
Washington Post – Ellen Nakashima | Published: 6/14/2016

The Democratic National Committee’s computer systems were compromised by hackers linked to the Russian government, in one of the largest known breaches of an American political organization. A security firm hired by the Democratic Party found two known entities with ties to the Russian government had separately hacked the party’s information-technology infrastructure. It was reported that the party’s entire file of opposition research against Donald Trump had been copied. Presidential campaigns can be intelligence gold mines for foreign adversaries. There is immense interest in how future candidates would treat foreign countries, address trade, build their transition teams, and appoint to cabinet level positions.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Michael Hubbard, Alabama House Speaker, Is Convicted on 12 Felony Ethics Charges
New York Times – Alan Blinder | Published: 6/10/2016

A jury found Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard guilty on 12 of 23 counts of public corruption, agreeing with prosecutors that he used the influence and prestige of his political offices to benefit his companies and clients. The verdict automatically removes Hubbard from the Legislature and the speaker’s office. Prosecutors accused Hubbard of using his position as speaker and as former chairperson of the state Republican Party to try to obtain $2.3 million in work and investments. The charges included that he directed campaign work to his printing company; solicited investments and help to find employment from lobbyists and company executives; and used the power of his office to benefit his clients through legislative action or lobbying the governor’s office.

California – Former State Sen. Ron Calderon’s Guilty Plea in Corruption Case Marks Blow to Political Dynasty
Los Angeles Times – Joel Rubin and Patrick McGreevy | Published: 6/13/2016

Former California Sen. Ronald Calderon, accused of taking bribes from an undercover FBI agent posing as Hollywood filmmakers, agreed to plead guilty to mail fraud. His brother, ex-Assemblyperson Thomas Calderon, pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge in connection with the case. The Calderon brothers were members of a political dynasty going back several decades in the state before they were ensnared in the federal probe. Ronald Calderon had the undercover agent hire his daughter, make a $5,000 payment toward his son’s tuition, and give $25,000 to a nonprofit group the brothers used to pay themselves. In exchange, Calderon agreed to vote for film tax legislation and hire the undercover agent’s purported girlfriend for his staff.

Connecticut – Agency Approves Settlement That Would End Probe of Democrats’ Spending On Malloy Re-Election
Hartford Courant – Jon Lender | Published: 6/15/2016

The Connecticut Democratic Party and State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) are settling a case involving Gov. Dannel Malloy’s 2014 re-election campaign. The party agreed to make a $325,000 payment to end the dispute over whether it illegally spent money from a federal account on mailers to benefit Malloy, who was participating in the state’s public campaign financing program. The federal account can accept political contributions from state contractors, unlike the party’s state fund. The SEEC will drop a pending lawsuit seeking a court order that the Democratic Party comply with an investigatory subpoena.

Hawaii – Honolulu Ethics Director Quits Over Direction Commission Is Headed
Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 6/15/2016

Honolulu Ethics Commission Executive Director Chuck Totto has resigned, effective immediately. Totto’s relationship with Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration was contentious from the beginning with questions about funding by lobbyists for the mayor’s inaugural luau. The rift was furthered with disagreements on the commission’s budget, as well as the validity of city council votes and Caldwell’s support of the rail project in view of contributions to their political campaigns by rail interests. Totto was placed on a one-month leave after an investigation into management procedures, and was hit with a major restriction upon his return.

Nevada – Nevada Bill Kept Legislators from Being Investigated
Las Vegas Review-Journal – Bethany Barnes | Published: 6/11/2016

The Nevada Ethics Commission is set up to police “public officers,” but legislators hold a special standing that grants them some immunity. The idea is that lawmakers need to be free to make decisions without fear of political retribution. As it stands now, politicians can say the ethics panel investigated a complaint and they were cleared, when in reality the commission was simply powerless to take action. League of Women Voters President Sondra Cosgrove said having no Ethics Commission would be better than having one that is essentially a fraud because it can rarely act. “Nevada is ‘Zombieland;’ it looks like we have lots of good laws and enforcement mechanisms, but as soon you try to actually engage with one, you get your brains eaten,” said Cosgrove.

New York – How Joseph Percoco, Cuomo’s Problem-Solver, Became a Problem
New York Times – Jesse McKinley and Vivian Yee | Published: 6/13/2016

It was all but impossible to imagine New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo without Joseph Percoco, his closest aide and the mainstay of his life in politics. But it took only a few days to end the relationship. Federal investigators subpoenaed records related to Percoco from a state ethics board. Then, the governor learned federal agents had raided Percoco’s home, looking for evidence he and his wife had improperly received thousands of dollars from companies that had done business with the state. Cuomo has repeatedly named Percoco and another former aide, Todd Howe, as the prime targets of the investigation led by Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

South Carolina – General Assembly Passes Ethics Reform for Lawmakers’ Income Disclosure, Independent Investigations
Charleston Post and Courier – Maya Prabhu | Published: 6/15/2016

The South Carolina Legislature approved two ethics reform bills after years of trying. One bill would require lawmakers and other public officials disclose sources of private income, while another would provide independent ethics investigations of ethics complaints against legislators. Under the bills, ethics complaints against legislators would be investigated by a revamped State Ethics Commission, which would determine if there is probable cause to the complaints and if so would send them back to House and Senate ethics committees to determine guilt and any penalty. Legislators and public officials currently must report sources of government income, payments from lobbyists, and some government contractors but not private sources.

Virginia – Two Years Ago, Eric Cantor Lost His House Seat. Was It Just in The Nick of Time?
Washington Post – Roxanne Roberts | Published: 6/15/2016

As vice chairperson of Wall Street investment bank Moelis and Co., Eric Cantor circles the globe advising companies on how to position themselves in the global marketplace. Two years ago, he was the rising star of the Republican Party, the presumptive heir to the speakership of the House, until he was humiliated in a primary election by a political novice. Cantor was the first sitting House majority leader in history to lose his congressional seat. Some called it one of the greatest political upsets of modern times. It was also a cautionary tale. In hindsight, that contest was not just a GOP primary election, Cantor says. It was a referendum on establishment politics, broken promises, and angry voters’ growing distrust of Washington. He was at the epicenter of a populist uprising.

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.