Federal:

A Year after Rocky Merger, Patton Boggs Aims to Re-Establish K Street Dominance
Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 7/13/2015

For decades, the name Patton Boggs was synonymous with K Street lobbying shops. But in 2014, the once dominant firm was acquired by Squire Sanders. Now, after a year of challenges – including the death of the firm’s renowned leader, Thomas Boggs, Jr., who helped define the modern-day lobbying industry – Patton Boggs is looking to re-establish itself with new leadership. That rebuilding is being led by Senate veterans Trent Lott and John Breaux.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Director Concerned over Ethics Pick
San Diego Union-Tribune – Greg Moran | Published: 7/15/2015

Attorney Robert Ottilie was nominated for a seat on the San Diego Ethics Commission. In response, longtime commission Executive Director Stacey Fulhorst said she would resign her post if Ottilie is selected, adding that staff members and possibly other commissioners would also leave. She said Ottilie, who has represented city council members and campaign committees in front of the commission, is a “uniquely disruptive individual” whose presence on the panel would undercut its mission of enforcing campaign finance and ethics rules.

Colorado – Colorado Lobbying Income Likely to Set a Record This Year
Colorado Watchdog – Arthur Kane | Published: 7/15/2015

Lobbyists in Colorado are likely to make as much as $40 million in 2015, which would be a new record. Lobbyists have gone from making about $5.5 million in 1995 to nearly eight times as much with some years showing double-digit increases over the previous year, show disclosure filings. Colorado State University political science professor John Straayer said the state used to have individual lobbyists, but recently they have formed into organized corporations that provide lobbying, political fundraising, public relations, and other services. “They’re full-service operations,” said Straayer.

Colorado – The Colorado Soap Opera That Could Be a Major 2016 Headache for the GOP
Washington Post – Ben Terris | Published: 7/15/2015

In Colorado, allegations of an extramarital affair involving state Republican Party Chairperson Steve House have elevated a seemingly mundane political power struggle into a statewide soap opera that has left the GOP in disarray, a situation that could have national implications as one of the most unpredictable swing states prepares for the 2016 presidential race. If House, who denied the affair allegations, has been bruised, so too has state Attorney General Julie Coffman. The wife of U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), she had been widely viewed as a likely contender for governor in 2018. Now commentators across Colorado are wondering aloud if the attorney general committed blackmail.

Georgia – Gift Rules for State Employees Mostly Ignored, Observers Say
Savannah Morning News – Walter Jones (Morris News Service) | Published: 7/11/2015

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal issued an executive order the day he was sworn into office prohibiting state employees or their families from accepting anything of value worth more than $25 from lobbyists or vendors. Existing state law requires anyone doing business with city, county, or state government that spends more than $250 in a year on gifts to file an annual report. Of the thousands of companies providing services to government agencies, only about two-dozen filed a gift report for 2014 activity. Some say the information reported by the few companies that do file raises questions about the exploitation of the law.

Louisiana – Ethics Report on New Orleans: Lots of progress since Katrina, but long way to go
New Orleans Times-Picayune – Richard Rainey | Published: 7/9/2015

Recovery from Hurricane spurred New Orleans to establish the Office of Inspector General, the Office of the Independent Police Monitor, and the Ethics Review Board, each watchdogs focused on rooting out corruption, wasteful spending, and generally bad behavior among the city’s elected officials and public employees. New Orleans voters approved their creation in 1995, but it took disaster in 2005 to spark some follow-through. But for one longtime ethics reform champion, that spark has not ignited enough improvement. David Marcello, executive director of the Public Law Center at Tulane University, praised the work of the inspector general and the police monitor, but came down hard on the ethics board in a new report.

New York – Bipartisan Group Sues to Close New York’s Corporate Donation Loophole
New York Times – Jesse McKinley | Published: 7/14/2015

A coalition of good-government advocates and state lawmakers has filed a lawsuit challenging New York’s so-called LLC loophole, which allows political donors to flout contribution limits by opening multiple limited liability companies. The lawsuit challenges the state Board of Elections deadlock in April when it was petitioned to reconsider how LLCs are viewed by the board, which counts each LLC as an individual. That allows each LLC to give up to $60,800 to a statewide candidate per election cycle. Critics contend the loophole allows donors, like real estate developers, to use multiple LLCs to make huge contributions to candidates.

North Carolina – Elections Board Finds No Violations in Sweepstakes Campaign Donations
Raleigh News & Observer – Craig Jarvis | Published: 7/15/2015

An investigation into more than $270,000 in questionable donations to the campaigns of top North Carolina officials from Chase Burns, an Internet sweepstakes magnate, has found no violations of state campaign finance law. Burns and his wife were among the top donors to North Carolina candidates in 2012, as the industry was lobbying lawmakers to overturn the state’s ban on the games. A watchdog group filed a complaint alleging Burns violated state laws against using corporate money for donations. Members of the elections board expressed frustration with ambiguities in North Carolina’s campaign finance laws.

North Carolina – NC Election Board Member’s Firm Worked for Target of Probe
WRAL – Michael Biesecker and Mitch Weiss (Associated Press) | Published: 7/10/2015

Paul Foley, a member of the North Carolina Board of Elections, demanded regular updates about an investigation into donations to the campaigns of Gov. Pat McCrory and dozens of other elected officials. Foley failed to disclose that his law firm had represented the target of the investigation, sweepstakes executive Chase Burns. Despite a law that demands officials remove themselves from proceedings if they have a financial relationship with a participant, Foley did not step aside for nearly a year-and-a-half, until State Elections Director Kim Strach learned of nearly $1.3 million in prior payments from Burns’ company to Foley’s law firm.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Lobbying Disclosures Lag Behind Other States
Oklahoma Watchdog – Arthur Kane | Published: 7/9/2015

Important information about lobbying activity is not required in Oklahoma when most other states have adopted rules or laws mandating the disclosures. Unlike most states, Oklahoma does not require lobbyists to disclose what legislation they are supporting or opposing. The rules also do not require lobbyists to report how much they received from the organizations and businesses that hired them, a practice required by at least 14 other states.

Pennsylvania – Ex-Mayor of Pennsylvania’s Capital Charged with Corruption
Albany Times Union – Marc Levy and Mark Scolforo (Associated Press) | Published: 7/15/2015

Former Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed, who ended his 28-year tenure in 2010 with the city near financial ruin, was arrested and faces 499 criminal counts for theft, bribery, evidence tampering, and other charges. Reed and unnamed associates issued municipal bonds for legitimate purposes but allegedly used some of the proceeds to buy a bizarre list of artifacts for what Reed claimed was a plan to open a museum. The purchases included a life-size sarcophagus, a suit of armor, a “vampire hunter’s set,” and a $14,900 playbill from Ford’s Theatre on the night of the Lincoln assassination. Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane said investigators are looking into allegations of misconduct by others, and she expects more charges to be filed.

Virginia – Plastic Tumblers, a Night at Dad’s House Top Gifts in Post-McDonnell Richmond
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella | Published: 7/13/2015

After Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell was convicted on corruption charges, political gift-giving in the state has become such a modest and open affair that Matthew Ogburn would not spend the night in his boyhood bedroom without erring on the side of caution by making a public disclosure. Ogburn is a legislative assistant to a state senator and the son of David Ogburn, Jr., a Verizon lobbyist who lives in the Richmond suburbs. Lobbyists do not have to disclose gifts they make to their dependent children, but since Matthew Ogburn is 24 and living on his own, his father reports every time he comes for a visit.

Washington – Taxpayer Financed Campaign Proposal, with ‘Democracy Vouchers,’ Wins a Place Seattle’s Fall Ballot
Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Joel Connelly | Published: 7/13/2015

An initiative that qualified for the ballot would impose a property tax levy that would pay for publicly financed elections in Seattle. Initiative 122 would ban contributions from corporations with medium-sized and large city contracts, as well as corporations that spend money lobbying the city. It would also lower the donation limit for city races, and boost fines and penalties for election law violations.

Wisconsin – Vos: Time to ‘double down’ on GAB reform in wake of reported IRS links
Wisconsin Watchdog – M.D. Kittle | Published: 7/10/2015

Key legislative Republicans renewed their call to reform the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (GAB) after The Wall Street Journal reported the agency and the IRS may have shared information about the state’s so-called John Doe investigation, the secret probe that targeted dozens of conservative groups and the campaign of Gov. Scott Walker. The newspaper ran an editorial noting GAB Director Kevin Kennedy has had a professional relationship for 20 years with Lois Lerner, the former IRS official who was involved in reviewing the tax exempt status of conservative political organizations. Kennedy knows Lerner from their involvement over the years with the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Ends John Doe Probe into Scott Walker’s Campaign
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 7/16/2015

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that a criminal investigation into coordination between conservative groups and Gov. Scott Walker’s 2012 campaign cannot continue. The decision ends the specter of an inquiry as Walker pursues the Republican nomination for president. The investigation began after the governor survived a recall election brought by voters who opposed limits he made to collective bargaining rights and union power. The probe looked at whether Walker’s advisers directed interactions with at least a dozen outside conservative groups, and whether that violated disclosure rules and donation limits.

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

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Lobbying Disclosures Lag Behind Other States” by Arthur Kane for Oklahoma Watchdog

Campaign Finance

“High-Dollar Fundraising Makes Comeback, Raising Concerns about Bribery” by Eliza Newlin Carney for Roll Call

Ethics

“Supreme Court Justices Bolstered by Free Travel, Royalties, Rental Income” by Reity O’Brien for Center for Public Integrity

Florida: “Ethics Panel: Hialeah mayor lied about loans to convicted Ponzi schemer” by Jay Weaver for Miami Herald

Georgia: “Suspended DeKalb CEO Ellis Sentenced To 18 Months in Prison” by Michell Eloy for WABE

Louisiana: “Ethics Report on New Orleans: Lots of progress since Katrina, but long way to go” by Richard Rainey for New Orleans Times-Picayune

Texas: “Texas AG Figures in Federal Securities Probe” by Jim Vertuno and Paul Webber (Associated Press) for Albuquerque Journal

Virginia: “Bob McDonnell Loses Appeal over Public Corruption Convictions” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

Elections

“GOP Leaders Fear Damage to Party’s Image as Donald Trump Doubles Down” by Karen Tumulty, Philip Rucker, and Robert Costa for Washington Post

Federal:

As Donald Trump Surges in Polls, Democrats Cheer
Washington Post – Philip Rucker | Published: 7/1/2015

With the Republican Party on a mission to woo Latino voters, one of its presidential candidates has been enmeshed for two weeks in a feud over his inflammatory comments about Mexican immigrants. “They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists,” Donald Trump said in his campaign announcement speech. The comments, and many more since, have prompted an uproar among Latino groups and a series of nasty break-ups between Trump and various corporate partners. His outlandish rhetoric and skill at occupying the national spotlight is also proving to be dangerously toxic for the GOP brand, which remains in the rehabilitation stage after losing the 2012 presidential race.

Bernie Sanders Doesn’t Follow the Money
Politico – Tarini Parti and Jonathan Topaz | Published: 6/28/2015

Working almost exclusively from his website, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders has raised about $8 million so far for his presidential campaign with an average donation of around $40. But Sanders, who has been rising fast in recent early-state polls, is missing an opportunity to capitalize on his momentum with a progressive base that has been without a standard-bearer since U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren declined to run. “I frankly don’t get the restraint ….,” said Harvard University professor Lawrence Lessig, adding that some think Sanders is ruining his presidential chances by not having a super PAC. Sanders faces the daunting task of finding a way to stay competitive in the Democratic primaries against one of the most potent pair of fundraisers in party history, Bill and Hillary Clinton, who are expected to count their receipts on Hillary’s behalf in the billions of dollars.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Justices Rule 5-4 That Independent Panels Can Draw Election District Lines
Washington Post – Robert Barnes | Published: 6/29/2015

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Arizona’s congressional map, declaring the use of an independent redistricting commission that drew House district lines in the 2012 cycle did not violate the Constitution. About a dozen states have experimented with redistricting commissions that have varying degrees of independence from the state Legislatures, which ordinarily draw election maps. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg rejected the Arizona Legislature’s contention that it alone has power over redistricting. She said the decision by voters to turn reapportionment over to an independent commission “was in full harmony with the Constitution’s conception of the people as the font of governmental power.”

California – Ex-State Sen. Leland Yee Pleads Guilty to Racketeering in Corruption Case
Los Angeles Times – Lee Romney | Published: 7/1/2015

Former California Sen. Leland Yee pleaded guilty to a racketeering charge in an organized crime and public corruption case. He could face a maximum of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced in October. The FBI arrested Yee and 19 others in 2014 during a series of raids targeting a Bay Area organized crime ring. Yee was accused of soliciting and accepting bribes in exchange for providing help from Sacramento. The FBI also alleged that Yee, who was running for secretary of state at the time, conspired to connect an undercover agent with an international arms dealer in exchange for campaign contributions.

Florida – How Marco Rubio Turned Political Star Power into a Soaring Personal Income
Washington Post – Tom Hamburger and Sean Sullivan | Published: 6/29/2015

During his nine years in Tallahassee, as U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio rose in prominence and ascended to the state House speakership, he became increasingly well-compensated as he walked a narrow line between his work as a lawmaker and an employee of outside firms with interests before the state government. An analysis shows about 80 percent of his total income during his House tenure came from Florida law firms that lobby state and local governments. Rubio’s annual income grew from about $72,000 when he was elected to the state House in 2000 to $414,000 in 2008, when his two-year speakership ended.

Maine – Combative Maine Governor Becomes a Party of One
New York Times – Katherine Seelye | Published: 6/28/2015

In the last few weeks, Maine Gov. Paul LePage’s belligerence has surprised even his critics, and prompted some to raise the specter of impeachment. In a standoff that began with differences over tax policy, LePage has alienated just about the entire Legislature, including his fellow Republicans and onetime allies.

New York – Ex-N.Y. State Senator Gets Seven Years in Prison for Bribery
Albany Times Union – Tom Hays (Associated Press) | Published: 7/1/2015

Former New York Sen. Malcolm Smith will spend seven years in prison for a scheme to bribe his way onto the ballot for the 2013 New York City mayoral election. Smith wanted to be mayor but sought to avoid a Democratic primary. He instead decided to obtain the backing of GOP leaders in three boroughs so he could run as a Republican. Prosecutors said he authorized bribes totaling about $200,000. The five other politicians who were arrested with Smith were convicted or pleaded guilty.

New York – IG: State vendor lavished OMIG director with gifts, booze
Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 6/25/2015

A new report accused Joseph Flora, the former director of the New York Office of Medical Inspector General (OMIG), of improperly accepting gifts – including meals, alcohol, and a $130,000-a-year job offer – from a company that has a multimillion-dollar contract with the state. Health Management Systems (HMS) has had multiple contracts with OMIG since 2006. Flora was forced to retire from his state job in 2014 after a probe of his ties to the company. Separately, as a client of a registered lobbyist throughout the entire time period, HMS was subject to certain prohibitions on giving gifts to public officials. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics announced it had reached a settlement under which HMS would pay a $75,000 penalty.

Ohio – Lobbyist a Constant in Columbus’ Politics
Columbus Dispatch – Mark Ferenchik and Lucas Sullivan | Published: 6/28/2015

Lobbyist John Raphael has been a presence in Columbus, Ohio for almost 40 years. He has been an aide to a state senator and a member of the Columbus City Council, helped run a restaurant that was frequented by politicians, and currently represents eight clients at City Hall. And now he is at the center of a political and legal firestorm. In a plea agreement, former Redflex Chief Executive Officer Karen Finley said she passed money through Raphael and the Ohio Democratic Party to elected officials in Columbus to obtain contracts for red-light cameras. Council President Andrew Ginther, running this year to succeed Mayor Michael Coleman, has been subpoenaed in the matter, as has Coleman.

Oregon – How Much Pot Can Lawmakers Receive as a Gift? Oregon Democrat Has Some Advice
Portland Oregonian – Denis Theriault | Published: 6/30/2015

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission’s handbook for elected officials spells out a lot of rules in its section on gifts, especially when the people giving the gift have a financial interest in that official’s work. But none of those rules cover marijuana, which is legal in Oregon but not nationally. Rep. Ann Liniger offered some advice in an email to colleagues, recommending they know the value of the quantity of marijuana they are offered so as not to violate the $50 limit on gifts. But Lininger also sought to clarify her advice when asked about it by reporters. “My recommendation is that elected officials not accept gifts of cannabis,” said Linder.

Oregon – Kate Brown Signs Final Ethics Reforms, Mentions ‘Chaos and Confusion’ of Kitzhaber’s Last Days
Portland Oregonian – Denis Theriault | Published: 7/1/2015

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed the last of three ethics-related bills she requested after Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned amid an influence-peddling scandal. House Bill 2019 expands the Oregon Government Ethics Commission from seven members to nine, while speeding up its timelines for investigating complaints and giving legislative leaders a larger role in appointing its members. House Bill 2020 clarifies that the governor’s partner is a public officials who must join file conflict-of-interest forms. It also raises bans the governor and first partner, and all other statewide elected officials, from accepting speaking fees.

Pennsylvania – Lack of Funding for State Ethics Commission Invites Corruption, Experts Worry
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Kari Andren | Published: 6/27/2015

The number of staff members at the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission now stands at 17, down 30 percent from the 24 who once worked there. The commission’s funding topped 2009 levels for the first time this year at just more than $2 million. But this year’s $222,000 increase went to the bare essentials: upgrading outdated computers and software and hiring one investigator, the first hire in six years. Executive Director Rob Caruso said with its funding and staffing levels, the commission cannot fully investigate all of the 400 to 500 sworn complaints filed each year. One expert said Pennsylvania’s lack of funding for its watchdog office invites corruption.

Texas – John Wiley Price Associates Enter Guilty Pleas, Agree to Testify
Dallas Morning News – Kevin Krause and Ed Timms | Published: 6/30/2015

Two people have pleaded guilty in a federal corruption probe of Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, who is accused of accepting nearly $1 million in bribes. Christian Lloyd Campbell was a consultant for Price. Campbell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. Price, who awaits trial on conspiracy and fraud-related counts, allegedly accepted bribes to leak confidential information to help Campbell’s clients win contracts. Gallery owner Karen Manning pleaded guilty to subscribing to a fraudulent income tax return. Prosecutors say Manning sold African art for Price in a scheme to hide his illicit profits.

Virginia – With McAuliffe in Office, Old Friends Find New Opportunities
Lexington Herald-Leader – Alan Suderman (Associated Press) | Published: 6/26/2015

After Gov. Terry McAuliffe took office in early 2014, some of his friends – who had never lobbied in Virginia before – started registering as lobbyists with several companies interested in contracting with the state. Among the companies are technology and health care businesses, including some Medicaid-related firms. McAuliffe has made expanding Medicaid a top priority for his administration. He has so far been blocked by the Republican-controlled General Assembly.

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

New York: “IG: State vendor lavished OMIG director with gifts, booze” by Brendan Lyons for Albany Times Union

Wisconsin: “Madison City Council Member Will Seek to Ban Registered Lobbyists from Serving on City Committees” by Dean Mosiman for Wisconsin State Journal

Campaign Finance

“W.H., Watchdogs Rail against ‘Dark Money’ Provision Tucked into House Bill” by Tom Hamburger for Washington Post

Connecticut: “Election Panel Will Take Democrats to Court over Malloy Campaign” by Ken Dixon for Connecticut Post

Montana: “Montana Moves to Reveal Corporate Campaign Spending” by Alison Noon and Matt Volz (Associated Press) for New York Times

Ethics

Hawaii: “Honolulu Ethics Commission to Director Chuck Totto: Shut up” by Nick Grube for Honolulu Civil Beat

New York: “Former Friend Testifies as Obstruction Trial Begins for Brooklyn State Senator” by Stephanie Clifford for New York Times

Texas: “Abbott Emails Predicted Ethics Reform Failure” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Utah: “Audit: Utah A.G.’s office needs clearer whistleblower protection, ethics guides” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune

Elections

“Why Is The GOP Presidential Field So Large in 2016?” by James Pindell for Boston Globe

Gov. Mark Dayton has called a special election to fill Rep. Ryan Winkler’s seat in House District 46A. Winkler is resigning due to his family relocating to Belgium.

The special primary election will be August 11, 2015, and the special general election will be November 3, 2015.

Both elections coincide with already-scheduled local elections.

Photo of the Minnesota State Capitol dome by Mulad on Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

Hawaii: “Former Lobbyist Who Wined and Dined Council Members Now Vice Chair of Key Panel” by Keoki Kerr for Hawaii News Now

Nebraska: “Common Cause Complaint against Former Senator Dismissed” by Joanne Young for Lincoln Journal Star

Campaign Finance

“This Chart Seemingly Proves How Wrong I Am about Money in Politics” by Chris Cillizza for Washington Post

“Cannabis Industry Flexes Its New Political Muscle” by Conrad Wilson for Oregon Public Broadcasting

Ethics

“Calls to Drop Confederate Emblems Spread Nationwide” by Campbell Robertson, Monica Davey, and Julie Bosman for New York Times

California: “Lawmakers’ Calendars List Meetings with Undercover Agents” by Judy Lin (Associated Press) for San Diego Union Tribune

Kentucky: “Kentucky Legislature Resolves Sexual Harassment Lawsuit” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for Lexington Herald-Leader

Elections

“Bobby Jindal Announces Entry into 2016 Presidential Race” by David Fahrenthold and James Hohmann for Washington Post

“Democratic Super PAC to Take on Koch Brothers” by Maggie Haberman for New York Times

Lobbying

“Where the Billions Spent on Lobbying Come From, in Maps” by Philip Bump for Washington Post

Texas: “Ethics Commission Seeks to Force Empower Texans to Turn over Records” by Tim Eaton for Austin American-Statesman

Campaign Finance

“State and Local Bills Try to Rein in Political Spending” by Tarini Parti for Politico

“Jeb Bush’s Smooth Money Machine” by Anna Palmer and Tarini Parti for Politico

California: “Tow Company Campaign Trickery Alleged” by Jeff McDonald for San Diego Union-Tribune

Ethics

Kentucky: “John Schaaf to Head Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission” by The Associated Press for Connecticut Post

Oklahoma: “State Ethics Commission to Investigate Sen. Rick Brinkley” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman

Oregon: “Kate Brown Signs First of Her Ethics Bills, Calling for Public Records Audit” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian

Pennsylvania: “Some Critical That Officials Caught in Sting Keep State Pensions” by Craig McCoy and Angela Couloumbis for Philadelphia Inquirer

Utah: “Ex-A.G. Mark Shurtleff Defers Evidence Hearing; Prosecutors Amend Charges” by Dennis Romboy for Deseret News

Elections

“Donald Trump Runs for President (This Time for Real, He Says)” by Alexander Burns for New York Times

Premier Stephen McNeil has announced by-elections will take place on July 14, 2015.

The by-elections will fill vacancies in the House of Assembly for the electoral districts of Dartmouth South, Cape Breton Centre, and Sydney-Whitney Pier.

The Cape Breton Centre and Sydney-Whitney Pier seats are open due to retirements while the Dartmouth South is vacant due to the death of Allan Rowe in March.

Lobbying

Rhode Island: “RI’s Biggest Spending Special Interest Groups at the Statehouse” by Stephen Beale for GoLocalProv.com

Campaign Finance

“The IRS Chief’s Mistake about ‘Dark Money’” by Miriam Galston for Washington Post

Ethics

Florida: “Ethics Panel: Carroll misreported income” by Brandon Larrabee (News Service of Florida) for Tallahassee Democrat

Florida: “Ex-Congressman’s Top Aide to plead Guilty to Breaking Election Law” by Jay Weaver for Miami Herald

Hawaii: “Ethics Director Survives Political Challenge” by Ian Lind for Honolulu Civil Beat

Elections

“Eyeing 2016, G.O.P Embraces Digital Strategies, but Doubts Persist” by Ashley Parker for New York Times

“How Jeb Bush’s Campaign Ran off Course before It Even Began” by Ed O’Keefe and Robert Costa for Washington Post

Legislative Issues

“Sen. Johnny Isakson Discloses He Has Parkinson’s Disease” by Mike DeBonis for Washington Post

Maine: “Closed Door: Legislators conducting public business in private despite state’s open meeting law” by John Christie (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for Pine Tree Watchdog

Lobbying

“Senator Would Limit Lobbyist Money That Fueled Liberal Allies” by Carrie Levine and Michael Beckel for Center for Public Integrity

Illinois: “Rauner Tells Agency Heads to Give Lobbyists the Boot” by Rich Miller for Reboot Illinois

Campaign Finance

“Kevin McCarthy’s Flair for Fundraising Fuels His Swift Rise to Power in House” by Noah Bierman and Evan Halper for Los Angeles Times

Arizona: “Secretary of State to Fight Clean Elections over Fine” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) for Arizona Daily Star

California: “Ex-L.A. Council Candidate Fined for Fraudulent Bid for Matching Funds” by Jean Merl for Los Angeles Times

Ethics

California: “Industry Sues Former Mayor, Alleging ‘Extensive Public Corruption’” by Frank Shyong for Los Angeles Times

New York: “A Political Survivor under Investigation” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Oregon: “Ethics Reform: House OKs bill declaring governor’s partner a public official” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian

Texas: “Abbott Wants Lawmakers Willing to ‘Fight for Ethics’” by Dave Montgomery for Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Virginia: “Lawmakers Need a Raise, Governor’s Ethics Panel Says” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) for Washington Times

Elections

“O’Malley Attacks Big Banks, Political Dynasties in Launching Uphill 2016 Bid” by John Wagner for Washington Post

“Rick Perry, Shrugging Off 2012, Announces He Will Run Again for President” by Manny Fernandez for New York Times

“Lincoln Chafee to Run for President” by David Jackson for USA Today

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“Feds have few tools to track foreign lobbying” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

“Squire Patton Boggs turns 1” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Hastert’s Lobbying Firm Rocked by His Indictment” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

Kansas: “Kansas Lawmakers Approve Changes In Election, Lobbying Laws” by The Associated Press on KMUW Witchita Public Radio.

Campaign Finance

“Poll Shows Americans Favor Overhaul of Campaign Financing” by Nicholas Confessore and Megan Thee-Brenan in The New York Times.

“Why States’ Campaign Donation Limits Could Be in Jeopardy” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.

Ethics

“Hastert to appear before judge who donated to campaign” by Michael Tarm and Sara Burnett (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.

“Dennis Hastert’s abrupt fall from college prestige” by Tarini Parti in Politico.

Pennsylvania: “2 Philadelphia Democrats Plead Guilty in Sting Case” by Angela Couloumbis and Craig R. McCoy in Governing.

Redistricting

Texas: “U.S. Supreme Court Takes On Texas Redistricting Case” by Patrick Svitek in Governing.

Government Tech

“Should Governments Trademark Twitter Hashtags?” by Brian Heaton in GovTech.

Lobbying

“JCOPE’s New Guidance, or: You might be a lobbyist if …” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Campaign Finance

Connecticut: “House Passes Significant Campaign Reforms; Will the Senate Take Up the Bill?” by Christine Stuart for CTNewsJunkie.com

Louisiana: “Report Urges Louisiana to Ban ‘Troublesome’ Utility Campaign Contributions” by Jennifer Larino for New Orleans Times-Picayune

Minnesota: “After Criticism, Sen. Alberta Darling Cancels Fundraiser” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for Minneapolis Star Tribune

Pennsylvania: “City Council Gives Initial Thumbs Up To New Rules on Independent PACs” by Mike Dunn for KYW

Ethics

“Should We Pay Politicians More?” by Kevin Hartnett for Politico

“Clinton Foundation Paid Blumenthal $10K per Month While He Advised on Libya” by Kenneth Vogel for Politico

“How Dennis Hastert Made His Millions” by Tarini Parti for Politico

“Payments by Hastert Linked to Report of Sexual Abuse” by Michael Shear and Michael Schmidt for New York Times

Hawaii: “Under Fire: Hawaii ethics director defends his strict ethical views” by Ian Lind for Honolulu Civil Beat

New York: “Schneiderman Vows ‘Reform for All New Yorkers’ With Anti-Corruption Bill” by Will Bredderman for New York Observer

Oregon: “High-Ranking State Official Leaked Thousands of John Kitzhaber’s Personal Emails” by Laura Gunderson and Jeff Manning for Portland Oregonian

New York: “Grand Jury Indicts Dean Skelos, Ex-New York Senate Leader, and Son in Corruption Case” by William Rashbaum for New York Times

Elections

“George Pataki Announces Presidential Campaign” by David Fahrenthold for Washington Post

Legislative Issues

Arkansas: “Arkansas Primary Change Would Be Temporary under Compromise” by Andrew DeMillo and Claudia Lauer (Associated Press) for Washington Times

Lobbying

Georgia: “Legislators and Corporate Lobbyists Meet in Secret at Georgia Resort” by Brendan Keefe and Michael King for WXIA

Vermont: “Legislative Wrap: Lobbyist disclosure tops transparency effort” by Erin Mansfield for VTDigger.org

Campaign Finance

“Meet the ‘Dark Money’ Phantom” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity

“Push to Name Donors in Political Ads Hits FCC Roadblock” by Mario Trujillo for The Hill

Montana: “MT’s Campaign-Donor Limits Still Up in the Air” by Katherine Proctor for Courthouse News Service

Ethics

“Clinton Foundation Reveals Up to $26 Million in Additional Payments” by Rosalind Helderman and Tom Hamburger for Washington Post

California: “California Fund Has Little Oversight” by The Associated Press for Contra Costa Times

Missouri: “Lawmakers Fail to Ramp up Ethics Laws for Missouri Officials” by Summer Ballentine (Associated Press) for Columbia Missourian

Oklahoma; “Former Oklahoma Legislators’ Bribery Convictions Upheld” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman

Oregon: “Forget Fines – Oregon Prefers Warnings for Public Officials Guilty of Ethics Violations” by Nick Budnick and Laura Gunderson for Portland Oregonian

Tennessee: “Ethics Panel Fading to Obscurity 10 Years after Tenn. Waltz” by Erik Schelzig (Associated Press) for Albany Times Union

Elections

“Republicans Seek to Bridge Gap with Latinos in Colorado and Beyond” by Jack Healy for New York Times

Redistricting

“Supreme Court to Weigh Meaning of ‘One Person One Vote’” by Adam Liptak for New York Times

National:

Albany Corruption Inquiry Hurts Arizona Company That Hired Dean Skelos’s Son
New York Times – Susanne Craig | Published: 5/18/2015

Dean Skelos, then the leader of the New York Senate, and his son, Adam, were arrested on extortion, fraud, and bribe solicitation charges recently. The company at the center of the scandal is AbTech Industries, a small environmental firm based in Arizona. Prosecutors say AbTech hired Adam Skelos to gain influence in its attempt to win government work. The company’s stock has fallen more than 70 percent since the scandal was first reported. In recent weeks it has seen work suspended on a big contract in Nassau County. Separately, AbTech says the Corvais Group, a property management firm, canceled a partnership it had with it. In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission has begun to scrutinize AbTech.

Federal:

‘Campaigns’ Aren’t Necessarily Campaigns in the Age of ‘Super PACs’
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore and Eric Lichtblau | Published: 5/17/2015

The 2016 contenders are exploiting loopholes and regulatory gray areas to transform the way presidential campaigns are organized and paid for. Their campaigns are intricate constellations of political committees, super PACs, and tax-exempt groups, engineered to avoid fundraising restrictions imposed on candidates and their parties after the Watergate scandal. Major costs of each candidate’s bid, from television advertising to policy development, are now being shifted to legally independent organizations that can accept unlimited contributions from wealthy individuals, corporations, and labor unions.

Critics Hear E.P.A.’s Voice in ‘Public Comments’
New York Times – Eric Lipton and Coral Davenport | Published: 5/18/2015

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy told a Senate committee in March that the agency had received more than one million comments about its proposed rule intended to protect the nation’s drinking water, and nearly 90 percent favored the agency’s plan. McCarthy is expected to cite those comments to justify the final rule. But critics say there is a reason for the overwhelming result: the EPA had a hand in manufacturing it. In a campaign that tests the limits of federal lobbying law, the agency orchestrated a drive to counter political opposition from Republicans and enlist public support in concert with liberal environmental groups and a grassroots organization aligned with President Barack Obama.

Hillary’s Speech Disclosures Come Under Fire
Politico – Josh Gerstein | Published: 5/20/2015

The Clinton Foundation said it will release details on nearly 100 speeches made by Hillary Clinton, her husband, Bill, and daughter Chelsea that ended up in the account of the global charity. Aides to the Clintons contend that when they delivered such speeches, the former president and former secretary of state were acting as officials of the Clinton Foundation, so the disclosure requirement for payments directed to charity by a government official, presidential candidate, or spouse do not apply. Several ethics lawyers told said they believe the Clintons’ speeches do not fall within the cited exception because there is little indication the addresses delivered across the U.S. and overseas had anything to do with the foundation.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Clean Elections Panel Advances New Dark-Money Spending Rules
Arizona Daily Sun – Bob Christie (Associated Press) | Published: 5/14/2015

The Arizona Clean Elections Commission voted to open up nearly a dozen proposed rule changes for public comment, including a contentious proposed rule change that would impose new criteria in determining whether a group’s primary purpose is electioneering. One rule would require outside groups to file reports if they spend more than $500 to advocate for or against a candidate or voter initiative. The reports would disclose spending and donors.

Arkansas – Fiscal 2016 Budget Cut Vexes Ethics Panel Chief
Arkansas Online – Spencer Willems | Published: 5/19/2015

During a monthly meeting of the Arkansas Ethics Commission, Director Graham Sloan said his staff will have less money than was budgeted this year and nearly a quarter less than was earmarked by legislators this past session. The cut, which Sloan said he learned of recently, would drop funding for the next fiscal year from about $900,000 to about $705,000, which is just under the commission’s current authorization for this year. Sloan said the cut comes at a point when the commission has never been busier and will cause his office to reduce staff and services.

California – Details Hidden On Legislative Lawyers Drafting Bills for Influential Groups
Capital Public Radio – John Meyers (CaliforniaReport.org) | Published: 5/20/2015

In California, so-called unbacked bills are draft laws with no guarantee of being introduced in either house of the Legislature. Capitol insiders portray the system as one with very few limits and in which legislative staffers sometimes submit proposals for vetting that their elected bosses would never publicly endorse. The process is also accessed by lobbyists, who seek the help of the government’s bill writing experts at the Office of Legislative Counsel. Insiders say these unpublicized bills may be held on to for any possible opening a lobbyist or interest group might see, including eleventh hour maneuvers before the Legislature adjourns.

Hawaii – Ban Upheld on Political Donations by Government Contractors
Honolulu Civil Beat – Nick Grube | Published: 5/20/2015

A federal appeals court panel on upheld Hawaii’s ban on political donations by state and county contractors. The three-judge panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals also upheld the state law requiring PACs to register after spending more than $1,000 to influence an election, something officials said is necessary to follow the money during campaign season.

Louisiana – Lobbyists Pay for Louisiana Officials’ Trip, Recipients Don’t Disclose It
New Orleans Times-Picayune – Lee Zurik (WVUE) and Ben Myers | Published: 5/18/2015

Two lobbyists with the Black Alliance for Educational Options reported to the Louisiana Board of Ethics in 2011 that they had spent $1,400 apiece on the same 15 individuals. They included nine state and local elected officials, an executive-branch member, and a few staffers and spouses. None of the officials disclosed the expenses to the state. Public officials, like the lobbyists seeking to influence them, are subject to disclosure laws.

Maine – Senator Accepted Flight from J.D. Irving While Promoting Looser Mining Laws
The Sun Journal – Lance Tapley (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) | Published: 5/20/2015

Maine Sen. Thomas Saviello, who has worked to pass legislation allowing J.D. Irving to develop an open-pit mine in the state, accepted a free plane ride from the company’s lobbyists and did not report it to the state ethics commission. Saviello said he did not have to report the 2013 trip ride because its value was not more than $300, the threshold for reporting gifts from lobbyists, and because the purpose was fact-finding. The lobbyists involved also did not report the trip, as required by the ethics commission.

Missouri – Missouri House Speaker Resigns; Intern Breaks Silence
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Virginia Young | Published: 5/14/2015

Missouri House Speaker John Diehl resigned one day after the revelation of sexually suggestive text messages he exchanged with a 19-year-old legislative intern. The college student with whom Diehl had exchanged messages had been an intern for another House member. She no longer works at the Capitol, and Missouri Southern State University also removed its three other interns from Jefferson City. Republicans chose Rep. Todd Richardson as the next speaker.

Rhode Island – R.I. Secretary of State Gorbea Seeks Lobbying Changes
Providence Journal – Jennifer Bogdan | Published: 5/19/2015

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea’s lobbying reform proposal was the subject of a recent hearing before the House Judiciary Committee. The proposal would increase the fines for violating the law from $2,000 to $5,000. Violators could also see their lobbying privileges suspended for up to three years. The bill also would reduced the frequency with which lobbyists have to file reports during the legislative session from monthly to quarterly.

Texas – Analysis: Ethics at center stage, hurting for attention
Texas Tribune – Ross Ramsey | Published: 5/18/2015

In his State of the State speech, Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott tried to put ethics reform high on the agenda for state lawmakers He added it to his list of five so-called emergency items that could get expedited treatment by lawmakers. But not a lot has changed. Reform is still possible, but the most significant changes being proposed still have not been considered by the House, much less by a committee that would have to reconcile the Senate and House versions of reform.

Wisconsin – Records Indicate Scott Walker Was Copied on Letter Promising Loan to Donor
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Jason Stein and Patrick Marley | Published: 5/18/2015

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s office was copied on a letter acknowledging his job creation agency would give a $500,000 loan to a campaign donor’s construction company, raising questions about his statements that he was not aware of the deal. It was reported that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. gave Building Committee Inc. (BCI) the unsecured, taxpayer-backed loan in 2011. The now-defunct company’s owner, William Minahan, gave Walker’s 2010 gubernatorial campaign $10,000, the maximum individual contribution allowed under state law. BCI never repaid the loan and did not use the money to create any jobs, according to The Wisconsin State Journal.

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.