December 3, 2014 •
Georgia Special Election Set for HD 120
Secretary of State Brian Kemp has called a special election to fill the seat in House District 120. The special election is set for January 6, 2015, and a runoff will be held on February 3, if necessary. The newly […]
Secretary of State Brian Kemp has called a special election to fill the seat in House District 120. The special election is set for January 6, 2015, and a runoff will be held on February 3, if necessary.
The newly re-elected Rep. Mickey Channell announced he will not fill the seat when the new term begins on January 12, 2015.
December 3, 2014 •
Special Election Announced to Fill Virginia House Seat
Virginia House Speaker William Howell announced a special election will be held on January 6 to fill the open seat for District 34. Barbara Comstock is vacating the seat following her victorious campaign for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. The Democratic […]
Virginia House Speaker William Howell announced a special election will be held on January 6 to fill the open seat for District 34. Barbara Comstock is vacating the seat following her victorious campaign for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.
The Democratic candidate is likely to be Kathleen Murphy while the Republicans will select a candidate this weekend.
The 34th District covers parts of Fairfax and Loudoun counties.
December 2, 2014 •
Special Election Called for Vacancy in Iowa Senate
Gov. Terry Branstad has called a special election for state Senate District 12. The special election is scheduled for December 30, 2014. The election will fill the vacancy left by Joni Ernst, who resigned from the state senate after being […]
Gov. Terry Branstad has called a special election for state Senate District 12. The special election is scheduled for December 30, 2014.
The election will fill the vacancy left by Joni Ernst, who resigned from the state senate after being elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2014. Ernst’s former senate district includes Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Ringgold, and Taylor counties.
December 2, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Job market cools for former lawmakers” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Photojournalists hire lobbyists to work on drone rules” by Julian Hattem in The Hill. Maryland: “With Hogan coming, Annapolis lobbying firms […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“Job market cools for former lawmakers” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Photojournalists hire lobbyists to work on drone rules” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
Maryland: “With Hogan coming, Annapolis lobbying firms beef up their Republican credentials” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.
Campaign Finance
“Mitch McConnell Rider Could Roll Back Campaign Finance Laws” by Paul Blumenthal in The Huffington Post.
Arkansas: “2016 Campaign Finance Ballot Proposal Submitted To Arkansas Attorney General” by Jacob Kauffman on UALR Public Radio.
Ethics
Maine: “New Maine lawmakers learning about ethics, open records” by The Associated Press in Seacoast Online.
Virginia: “Ethics Commission Recommends New Gift-Giving Rules for Va. Lawmakers” by The Associated Press in The Charlottesville Newsplex.
Elections
New Jersey: “New Jersey Senate votes to expand early voting” by Dustin Racioppi in NorthJersey.com.
Vermont: “The Governor’s Race That Still Isn’t Over: Vermont” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.
Congress
“Spending, Immigration, and Tax Fights Will Dominate Final Days of 113th Congress” by Billy Housew and Sarah Mimms in Government Executive.
“Congress on the brink” by Jake Sherman and John Bresnahan in Politico.
“Harry Reid threatens recess, Christmas” by Burgess Everett in Politico.
Tech and Social Media
“4 Trends to Watch in 2015” by Stephen Goldsmith in Government Technology.
December 1, 2014 •
Arkansas Special Election Set for SD 16
Gov. Mike Beebe has scheduled a special election on April 14, 2015, to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Michael Lamoureux. The primary will be January 13 and a primary runoff, if necessary, on February 10. Lamoureux vacated the […]
Gov. Mike Beebe has scheduled a special election on April 14, 2015, to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Michael Lamoureux. The primary will be January 13 and a primary runoff, if necessary, on February 10. Lamoureux vacated the seat in Senate District 16 to take a position as Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson’s chief of staff.
The 2015 legislative session will be conducted by a 34-seat Senate unless the session runs for more than three months.
December 1, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Turkey with a side of lobbying” by Chase Purdy and Helena Bottemiller Evich in Politico. “Celebrity chefs cook up lobbying agenda” by Helena Bottemiller Evich in Politico. “15 places in DC where lobbyists talk turkey” by Megan R. Wilson […]
Lobbying
“Turkey with a side of lobbying” by Chase Purdy and Helena Bottemiller Evich in Politico.
“Celebrity chefs cook up lobbying agenda” by Helena Bottemiller Evich in Politico.
“15 places in DC where lobbyists talk turkey” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Russian Firms Hire Lobbyists to Fight Senate Sanctions” by Philip Shishkin in The Wall Street Journal.
Canada: “Lobbyists zone in on zoning” by Jon Willing in the Ottawa Sun.
Florida: “Former attorney general’s contact with Pam Bondi’s office raises questions” by Michael Van Sickler in the Miami Herald.
New Jersey: “See how much those behind N.J.’s Thanksgiving fixings spend in D.C.” on NJ.com.
Rhode Island: “Sanctions sought over Mollis’ role in 38 Studios hearings” by Jennifer Bogdan in the Providence Journal.
Campaign Finance
“Groups funded by secret donors buffeted two dozen House races in 2014” by Matea Gold in the Washington Post.
“The sons (and daughters) of donors also rise” by Kenneth P. Vogel in Politico.
Alaska: “Alaska pot backer ordered to comply with subpoena” by The Associated Press in the Statesmen Journal.
Illinois: “With contribution limits off, Emanuel reels in more cash” by Bill Ruthhart in the Chicago Tribune.
Maryland: “New Maryland rules would curb some uses of campaign funds” by Michael Dresser in the Baltimore Sun.
New York: “House ethics panel defers campaign finance investigation of New York Rep. Grimm” by The Associated Press in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Utah: “Will Utah Lawmakers Ever Pass Campaign Finance Reform? (Video)” by Bryan Schott in Utah Policy.
Wyoming: “Out-of-state PACs will continue to file paperwork” by Laura Hancock in the Star-Tribune.
Ethics
Massachusetts: “Gov. Deval Patrick Appoints Danvers Selectman to the State Ethics Commission” by Linda Bock in the Danvers Patch.
Elections
Wyoming: “Wyoming tied for third-lowest percent of contested races for state legislature” by Laura Hancock in the Star-Tribune.
Tech and Social Media
“Future of Facebook: Will You Use It in the Office?” by Andrej Sokolow in Government Technology.
Canada: “Canada, welcome to Twitter, eh” by Lori Grisham on USA Today.
Virginia: “City of Williamsburg Honored for Technology Use” by Ian Brickey in the Williamsburg Yorktown Daily.
November 26, 2014 •
Special Election Anticipated after Death of DC Councilman Marion Barry
Councilman Marion Barry passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2014, at the age of 78. Barry served four terms as mayor before becoming a councilman. With his death leaving a vacancy on the council, the D.C. Board of Elections must […]
Councilman Marion Barry passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2014, at the age of 78. Barry served four terms as mayor before becoming a councilman.
With his death leaving a vacancy on the council, the D.C. Board of Elections must schedule a special election between 70 and 174 days after the vacancy has been declared.
A special election to fill the vacancy is expected between early February and mid-May. The winner of the special election would serve the remainder of Barry’s term, which is approximately two years.
Photo of Marion Barry courtesy of dbking on Wikimedia Commons.
November 25, 2014 •
Florida Governor Sets Special Election Dates for House District 64
Gov. Rick Scott has announced the special election dates to fill the Florida House District 64 seat. The special primary will be on February 10, 2015 with the special general set for April 21. The seat remains vacant following the […]
Gov. Rick Scott has announced the special election dates to fill the Florida House District 64 seat. The special primary will be on February 10, 2015 with the special general set for April 21.
The seat remains vacant following the House’s rejection of the results from November’s election. An appeals court ruled a write-in candidate, Daniel John Matthews, was wrongfully removed from the November ballot.
The non-binding election results showed incumbent Republican Jamie Grant with 59.5 percent of the vote.
November 25, 2014 •
Sen. Bernie Sanders Introduced Bill to Create Federal Election Holiday
Sen. Bernie Sanders has introduced a bill creating a federal Election Day. The Democracy Day Act of 2014 designates “the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in each even-numbered year” as a public holiday. Senate Bill 2918, introduced […]
Sen. Bernie Sanders has introduced a bill creating a federal Election Day. The Democracy Day Act of 2014 designates “the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in each even-numbered year” as a public holiday.
Senate Bill 2918, introduced on November 12, has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
November 25, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Governors and Oil Industry Work Hand in Hand in Offshore Drilling Group” by Nicholas Kusnitz for Center for Public Integrity “Lobbyists Fund Hill Portraits as Lawmakers Target Paintings of Cabinet Members” by Robin Bravender for Environment & Energy Publishing […]
Lobbying
“Governors and Oil Industry Work Hand in Hand in Offshore Drilling Group” by Nicholas Kusnitz for Center for Public Integrity
“Lobbyists Fund Hill Portraits as Lawmakers Target Paintings of Cabinet Members” by Robin Bravender for Environment & Energy Publishing
“Lobby and Consulting Shop McBee Strategic To Be Acquired by Law Firm Wiley Rein” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post
“Lobbyist Fined but Sen. Lara Denies He Was Influenced by Debt” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
“Rhode Island Investigating Former State Attorney General” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
Campaign Finance
“Meet the New Super Donors” by Kevin Bogardus for Campaigns & Elections
“Gov. Brown’s Unnecessary Fundraising Is Certainly Legal – but a Turnoff” by George Skelton for Los Angeles Times
“Lawmakers Look to Close ‘Kennedy Loophole’” by Neil Vigdor for Danbury News-Times
“Donors Build for Future” by Matthew Hamilton for Albany Times Union
“John Doe Froze Conservative Speech, Targets Say” by M.D. Kittle for Wisconsin Reporter
Ethics
“Marion Barry, Washington’s ‘Mayor for Life,’ Even After Prison, Dies at 78” by David Stout for New York Times
Elections
“Some in G.O.P. Fear That Their Hard-Liners Will Alienate Latino Voters” by Jackie Calmes for New York Times
Legislative Issues
“Debbie Dingell Ready for Spotlight as Her Husband, the ‘Dean’ of Congress, Steps Aside” by Sheryl Gay Stolberg for New York Times
November 20, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “K Street Files: Democratic Lobbyists Still Have Value” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call “Gov. Brown Holds a Private Reception with Campaign Donors” by Chris Megerian for Los Angeles Times “Lawyer-Lobbyists Influence Idaho Law” by Audrey Dutton for Idaho […]
Lobbying
“K Street Files: Democratic Lobbyists Still Have Value” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
“Gov. Brown Holds a Private Reception with Campaign Donors” by Chris Megerian for Los Angeles Times
“Lawyer-Lobbyists Influence Idaho Law” by Audrey Dutton for Idaho Statesman
Campaign Finance
“A Citizen’s Guide to Buying Political Access” by Tara Siegel Bernard for New York Times
“Baker Limits Corporate, Lobbyist Gifts to Inauguration Committee” by David Scharfenberg for Boston Globe
“Pa. Teacher Files Labor Relations Complaint against Union over Political Mailing” by Megan Harris for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Ethics
“Bosma: Close cooling-off period loophole” by Tony Cook and Ryan Sabalow for Indianapolis Star
“GOP-Led Committee Rejects KanCare Ethics Probe” by Tim Carpenter for Topeka Capital-Journal
“Texas Governor Perry Loses Bid to Disqualify Prosecutor” by Laurel Brubaker Calkins for Bloomberg News
“Vos’ Attacks on Elections and Ethics Watchdog Draw Return Fire” by Bill Lueders for WisconsinWatch.org
Elections
“New Senators Tilt G.O.P. Back toward Insiders” by Jeremy Peters for New York Times
November 17, 2014 •
American Samoa Delegate Election Results Confirmed
On November 13, the official election results for American Samoa confirmed Republican Aumua Amata won the congressional race over the incumbent Democrat, Congressman Eni Hunkin Faleomavaega. According to SamoaNews.com, of the 10,246 votes cast, Amata received 4,306 to Faleomavaega’s 3,157 […]
On November 13, the official election results for American Samoa confirmed Republican Aumua Amata won the congressional race over the incumbent Democrat, Congressman Eni Hunkin Faleomavaega. According to SamoaNews.com, of the 10,246 votes cast, Amata received 4,306 to Faleomavaega’s 3,157 votes. Faleomavaega has served 13 terms as the territory’s delegate to the U.S. Congress.
Amata, who is the first female delegate from American Samoa, begins her term in the nonvoting position when the new Congress convenes on January 3, 2015.
November 17, 2014 •
Florida Governor Sets Dates for Special Elections
Gov. Rick Scott has announced the dates for three special elections after state Sen. John Thrasher left his seat to become president of Florida State University. The other two elections are to fill the House seats of those seeking the […]
Gov. Rick Scott has announced the dates for three special elections after state Sen. John Thrasher left his seat to become president of Florida State University. The other two elections are to fill the House seats of those seeking the open Senate spot.
Special primary elections will be held on January 27, 2015, and the special general elections on April 7, 2015. The affected House districts are Districts 17 and 24, while Thrasher vacated the Senate District 6 seat.
November 17, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Report: Energy contractor and former lawmaker lobbied officials for no-bid contract worth $2.4 billion per year” by Josh Hicks for Washington Post Arizona: “Ducey Seeking Donations to Gubernatorial Transition Effort” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily […]
Lobbying
“Report: Energy contractor and former lawmaker lobbied officials for no-bid contract worth $2.4 billion per year” by Josh Hicks for Washington Post
Arizona: “Ducey Seeking Donations to Gubernatorial Transition Effort” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star
California: “California Legislators Flying to Maui to Meet with Special Interests” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
Campaign Finance
“Hate Political Ads? Skip Morning Shows” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity
Massachusetts: “Election Was Awash in Cash, but Effect is Unclear” by David Scharfenberg for Boston Globe
San Diego, CA: “Fines Levied for Illegal Donations” by David Garrick for San Diego Union-Tribune
Ethics
Arkansas: “Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe to Pardon Son on Drug Charge” by Sam Levine for Huffington Post
Hawaii: “Court: State must release financial disclosures for boards” by Nathan Eagle for Honolulu Civil Beat
North Carolina: “Ex-Duke Energy Lawyer Now Advising NC Regulators” by Michael Biesecker and Mitch Weiss (Associated Press) for Raleigh News and Observer
Ohio: “Canton Financial Advisor Sentenced to 45 Months in Ohio Treasurer’s Office Kickback Scheme” by Theodore Decker and Kathy Lynn Gray for Columbus Dispatch
Pennsylvania: “Ex-Official Pleads Guilty in Turnpike Scandal” by Angela Couloumbis for Philadelphia Inquirer
Washington: “Lt. Governor Defends Work Ethic, Outside Business” by Susannah Frame for KING
West Virginia: “Ethics Commission Hires Stepto as Director” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette
Procurement
Idaho: “Court Says State Broke Law with Broadband Contract Law” by Nathan Brown for Twin Falls Times-News
Elections
“Spurred by Midterm Losses, Liberal and Moderate Democrats Square off Over Strategy” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times
Redistricting
Alabama: “Justices Hear Black Lawmakers’ Challenge to Alabama Redistricting” by Adam Liptak for New York Times
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