April 7, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Last-minute lobbying threatens $200B Medicare package” by Sarah Ferris in The Hill. Illinois: “Chicago Elections Chief Got Lobbying Contracts from Rahm Emanuel’s Administration” by Matthew Cunningham-Cook and David Sirota in International Business Times. Campaign Finance “Gary Hart: Billion-dollar Clinton […]
Lobbying
“Last-minute lobbying threatens $200B Medicare package” by Sarah Ferris in The Hill.
Illinois: “Chicago Elections Chief Got Lobbying Contracts from Rahm Emanuel’s Administration” by Matthew Cunningham-Cook and David Sirota in International Business Times.
Campaign Finance
“Gary Hart: Billion-dollar Clinton campaign should ‘frighten’ Americans” by Johnathan Topaz in Politico.
“Rand Paul accepting bitcoins for 2016 bid” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill.
“To Get Ahead in Congress: Skip Governing, Raise Money” by Trevor Potter and Meredith McGehee in Politico.
Florida: “Florida’s fundraising explosion” by Anna Palmer and Marc Caputo in Politico.
Michigan: “Between PACs and standard contributions, state politicians reap loads of cash” by Brian Paynter in The Daily Telegram.
Ohio: “Some Cuyahoga County mayors accept campaign contributions from employees” by Bob Sandrick in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Rhode Island: “R.I. owed $2.2 million in fines for unfiled campaign finance reports” by Jennifer McDermott in the Providence Journal.
Ethics
Nevada: “Bill banning gifts from lobbyists moves forward” by Sandra Chereb in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Elections
Illinois: “Dates proposed for special elections to replace Aaron Schock” by The Associated Press in the Chicago Sun Times.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Booker, McCaskill Beg Higher-Ups for Updated Senate Tech” by Jack Moore in Nextgov.
April 6, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Trucking and Rail Industries Turn State Troopers into Unwitting Lobbyists” by Eric Lipton for New York Times Florida: “In Sunshine State, Big Energy Blocks Solar Power” by Eric Barton for Florida Center for Investigative Reporting Missouri: “Missouri House Passes […]
Lobbying
“Trucking and Rail Industries Turn State Troopers into Unwitting Lobbyists” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
Florida: “In Sunshine State, Big Energy Blocks Solar Power” by Eric Barton for Florida Center for Investigative Reporting
Missouri: “Missouri House Passes Lobbyist Gift Cap, Cooling Off Period” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
New York “Cuomo Expands Lobbying Oversight to Localities” by Jimmy Vielkind for Capital New York
Tennessee: “Ethics Body Undecided on NRA Giving Lawmakers Free Tickets” by Dave Boucher for The Tennessean
Texas: “Questions about Aide to Texas Ag Commissioner Miller” by Eric Dexheimer (Austin American-Statesman) for Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Campaign Finance
“Campaign Finance Complaints Filed Against 4 Presidential Hopefuls” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times
“Menendez Indictment Marks First Big Corruption Case Involving a Super PAC” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Maine: “Lawmakers Consider Clean Election Changes after PAC Drama” by Scott Thistle (The Sun Journal) for Bangor Daily News
Vermont: “Court Hands RGA $40,000 in Fines for 2010 Campaign Finance Violations” by Morgan True for VTDigger.org
Ethics
“Tribe’s Infighting Offers Glimpse into Redskins Foundation’s Tactics” by John Woodrow Cox for Washington Post
“Watchdog for Federal Secrecy Has Yet to Bite” by Julian Hattem and Megan Wilson for The Hill
Arkansas: “Panel Backs Window for Gift Return” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online
Elections
“The Mobile Election: How smartphones will change the 2016 presidential race” by Dylan Byers for Politico
March 30, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Buying Government with Lobbying Money” by Mike Collins in Forbes “Ed Whitfield’s Ties to Lobbyist Wife Subject of House Ethics Probe” by Hannah Hess in Roll Call “Reid leaving network of lobbyists behind” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill […]
Lobbying
“Buying Government with Lobbying Money” by Mike Collins in Forbes
“Ed Whitfield’s Ties to Lobbyist Wife Subject of House Ethics Probe” by Hannah Hess in Roll Call
“Reid leaving network of lobbyists behind” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill
Minnesota: “Leap from legislator to lobbyist a short one in Minnesota” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger and Dan Bauman in the Pioneer Press
Minnesota: “Legislators to lobbyists: A database of their clients and cash” by Dan Bauman in the Pioneer Press
Campaign Finance
“How potential presidential candidates are raising campaign cash” by Reena Flores on CBS News
“Are women giving enough money to political campaigns?” by Stefanie Murray in The Tennessean
Colorado: “Campaign finance rules get overhaul” by Anthony A. Mestas in The Pueblo Chieftain
Montana: “House passes bill to toughen campaign finance laws” in The Montana Standard
Ohio: “Campaign finance fines rarely collected, often reduced” by Amanda Seitz in the Dayton Daily News
Utah: “Utah cities can adopt stricter campaign finance rules” by The Associated Press in KSL.com
Ethics
New York: “Deal Is Reached on New York State Budget; Ethics Measures Are Included” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times
Texas: “Analysis: Trying to Spark Ethics Reform, Without a Scandal” by Ross Ramsey in The Texas Tribune
Elections
“Why Some Lawmakers Want to Abolish the 17th Amendment” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing
Government Tech and Social Media
Utah: “In Utah, Participatory Democracy Powered by Loomio and NationBuilder” by Jessica McKenzie in TechPresident
March 25, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Campaign Finance “How to Decide When to Announce You’re Running for President” by Rebecca Kaplan and Jake Miller for CBS News “Hillary Turns Down Invite to Secretive Donor Meeting” by Kenneth Vogel and Tarini Parti for Politico “‘Dark Money’ Bill […]
Campaign Finance
“How to Decide When to Announce You’re Running for President” by Rebecca Kaplan and Jake Miller for CBS News
“Hillary Turns Down Invite to Secretive Donor Meeting” by Kenneth Vogel and Tarini Parti for Politico
“‘Dark Money’ Bill Fails in Voice Vote” by Lisa Hammersly and Claudia Lauer for Arkansas Online
Connecticut: “Five-Month Prison Sentence for Lisa Wilson-Foley” by Dave Collins (Associated Press) for CBS Connecticut
Virginia: “Deep Feud Splitting Virginia’s GOP Evident in Party’s Fundraising Woes” by Jenna Portnoy and Paul Schwartzman for Washington Post
Wisconsin”Wisconsin Lawmakers Hear Advice for Changing Complex Campaign Spending, Fundraising Law” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Wisconsin: “Secret $1.5 Million Donation from Wisconsin Billionaire Uncovered in Scott Walker Dark-Money Probe” by Michael Isikoff for Yahoo! Politics
Ethics
Indiana: “Another Loophole for Ex-INDOT Official?” by Ryan Sabalow and Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star
New Jersey: “Chris Christie Gets Corvette for NJ Radio News Director Who Interviews Him” by Christopher Zara and David Sirota for International Business Times
New York: “Cuomo Focuses on Ethics Reform, Not on Funding” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
Washington: “Washington Auditor Says He’s Cooperating with Investigation” by Rachel La Corte (Associated Press) for Raleigh News & Observer
Elections
Wisconsin: “U.S. Supreme Court Refuses to Take Up Challenge to Wisconsin Voter ID Law” by Jason Stein and Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
March 24, 2015 •
Wisconsin Voter ID Law Remains, But Not for Spring Election
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to hear a case alleging the state’s 2011 voter ID law is unconstitutional. Following the decision, the Government Accountability Board consulted with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and determined photo ID will not […]
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to hear a case alleging the state’s 2011 voter ID law is unconstitutional.
Following the decision, the Government Accountability Board consulted with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and determined photo ID will not be required for the April 7 Spring Election.
Photo ID will be required for subsequent elections, including any special elections in 2015.
March 23, 2015 •
Congressman Aaron Schock to Resign Amid Ethics Investigations
Rep. Aaron Schock is resigning his seat at the end of the month in the wake of a congressional ethics investigation and looming federal investigation. The ethics investigation will focus on his use of taxpayer money, including mileage reimbursements from […]
Rep. Aaron Schock is resigning his seat at the end of the month in the wake of a congressional ethics investigation and looming federal investigation. The ethics investigation will focus on his use of taxpayer money, including mileage reimbursements from a car paid for by his campaign account.
Federal prosecutors in Illinois will focus on the mileage reimbursements as well as travel paid for by donors and in-kind contributions never reported.
Gov. Bruce Rauner must set a special election date within five days of Schock’s resignation at the end of the month; the congressional seat must be filled within 120 days.
March 19, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying New Mexico: “Freshman Lawmaker Determined to ‘Pay My Own Way’ at the Roundhouse” by Matt Grubs for KRQE Vermont: “Senate Grumbles about Lobbyist Disclosure Bill” by Terri Hallenbeck for Seven Days Washington: “Zombie Lobby Descends on Capitol to Rally […]
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Freshman Lawmaker Determined to ‘Pay My Own Way’ at the Roundhouse” by Matt Grubs for KRQE
Vermont: “Senate Grumbles about Lobbyist Disclosure Bill” by Terri Hallenbeck for Seven Days
Washington: “Zombie Lobby Descends on Capitol to Rally for Expanding Film and TV Tax Incentive Program” by Rachel LaCorte (Associated Press) for The Daily Journal
Campaign Finance
“State Legislatures Taking Aim at Dark Money, Disclosure” by Peter Olsen-Phillips for Sunlight Foundation
“Meet the Man Taking Aim at Campaign Finance Regulations” by Cameron Joseph for The Hill
Montana: “‘Dark Money’ Bill Heard by House Panel” by Charles Johnson for Montana Standard
Ethics
Connecticut: “Rowland Sentenced to 30 Months, a Decade after Last Imprisonment” by Kristin Hussey and Marc Santora for New York Times
New York: “Income Disclosure, Pension Forfeiture and Attendance Verification All Part of 2-Way Ethics Deal” in Legislative Gazette
Elections
Ohio: “Federal Judge: Ohio’s new ballot access limits for 3rd parties are constitutional” by Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
March 17, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “The ‘Moneyball’ Effect on K Street: The influence game gets scientific” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post Campaign Finance California: “Big Money Arrived Too Late for L.A. Election Debate” by David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times Connecticut: “Former Connecticut […]
Lobbying
“The ‘Moneyball’ Effect on K Street: The influence game gets scientific” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post
Campaign Finance
California: “Big Money Arrived Too Late for L.A. Election Debate” by David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times
Connecticut: “Former Connecticut State Sen. Newton Gets 6 Months in Prison on 2nd Criminal Conviction” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Ethics
“Ex-Energy Official’s $1.7 Million Gig Draws Fire” by Darius Dixon for Politico
“U.S. Attorney Leading Inquiry of Ex-D.C. Mayor Gray to Step Down” by Spencer Hsu, Keith Alexander, and Mike DeBonis for Washington Post
“Marco Rubio’s House of Horrors” by Marc Caputo for Politico
New Mexico: “Longtime New Mexico Sen. Phil Griego Resigns Amid Questions Surrounding Santa Fe Property Deal” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Pennsylvania: “Wolf Proposes Slight Funding Increase for Pennsylvania Ethics Commission” by Andrew Staub (PA Independent) for Watchdog.org
Texas: “In Dallas, Most Ethics Complaints Go Nowhere” by Elizabeth Findell for Dallas Morning News
Elections
“Evangelicals Aim to Mobilize an Army for Republicans in 2016” by Jason Horowitz for New York Times
March 16, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying New Mexico: “Stripped-Down Lobbying Disclosure Goes to Senate” by Gwyneth Doland for New Mexico In Depth Washington: “Lawmakers Kill Proposed Lobbyist ‘Cooling Off’ Period for State Officials” by Jim Brunner for Seattle Times Campaign Finance Arkansas: “Campaign E-Filing Bill […]
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Stripped-Down Lobbying Disclosure Goes to Senate” by Gwyneth Doland for New Mexico In Depth
Washington: “Lawmakers Kill Proposed Lobbyist ‘Cooling Off’ Period for State Officials” by Jim Brunner for Seattle Times
Campaign Finance
Arkansas: “Campaign E-Filing Bill Falls Short in 1st Vote” by Lisa Hammersly and Claudia Lauer for Arkansas Online
Arkansas: “Paul Bookout, Former Arkansas State Senator from Jonesboro, Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud Charge” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) for Daily Journal
New Mexico: “Senate Panel Passes Bill to End Campaign Donation Limits” by Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Las Cruces Sun-News
Ethics
“Drugmakers Turn Heat on Insurers by Backing Copay Limits” by Alex Wayne for Bloomberg News
“Big Costs to See Public Documents Hider Access” by Michael Felberbaum (Associated Press) for USA Today
“Lawmaker Facing Spending Probe Benefited from Donor Projects” by Jeff Horwitz and Stephen Braun (Associated Press) for Philadelphia Inquirer
“Jeb Bush’s Emails Detail Communications with Top Donors” by Ronnie Green and Steve Peoples (Associated Press) for Raleigh News & Observer
“Committee Says No to Ethics Commission” by Nick Smith for Bismarck Tribune
Elections
“Absence of 2016 Competition for Clinton Raises Stakes for Democrats” by Dan Balz for Washington Post
March 13, 2015 •
Special Election Set Following Resignation of Mississippi Lawmaker
Gov. Phil Bryant has announced a special election to fill an opening in the state House of Representatives. The election, for the House District 45 seat, will be May 5, with a runoff held on May 26 if needed. The […]
Gov. Phil Bryant has announced a special election to fill an opening in the state House of Representatives. The election, for the House District 45 seat, will be May 5, with a runoff held on May 26 if needed.
The vacancy is a result of Rep. Bennett Malone resigning earlier this month and the winner will serve the last few months of his four-year term.
With the election occurring a month after the legislature adjourns, it is unlikely the new lawmaker will vote on bills.
March 6, 2015 •
Special Election Announced in Texas
On March 4, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a special election will be held on March 31 for Texas House District 124. The winner will serve the remainder of the term for the seat left vacant by Jose Antonio Menendez. […]
On March 4, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a special election will be held on March 31 for Texas House District 124.
The winner will serve the remainder of the term for the seat left vacant by Jose Antonio Menendez. Menendez won a special election to the state senate earlier this year.
March 5, 2015 •
Los Angeles, California Voters Approve Incumbents and Amendments
City Council incumbents and Charter amendments fared well in this year’s March city elections. Five incumbent City Council members retained their seats by receiving over 50 percent of the vote, but a May runoff will be necessary in the 4th […]
City Council incumbents and Charter amendments fared well in this year’s March city elections.
Five incumbent City Council members retained their seats by receiving over 50 percent of the vote, but a May runoff will be necessary in the 4th District to replace termed-out Councilman Tom LaBonge.
Voters passed Charter amendments intended to increase voter turnout by moving city and school board elections to even-numbered years when presidential and gubernatorial races are held, beginning in 2020.
Photo of the Los Angeles skyline by Nserrano on Wikimedia Commons.
February 27, 2015 •
How Many Presidents Claim Your State as Home?
The states in which our presidents are historically attached aren’t necessarily the states where they were born. However, for this post, I wanted to review which states have produced a President of the United States by their home as an […]
The states in which our presidents are historically attached aren’t necessarily the states where they were born. However, for this post, I wanted to review which states have produced a President of the United States by their home as an adult and where they ran for office.
In researching this subject, I found that some presidents are claimed by more than one state. Total number of states that can claim an elected president? Eighteen. FYI: All U.S. Presidents were born in America.
All information was found on History.com, Whitehouse.gov, Wikipedia.org, and Answers.com.
February 25, 2015 •
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Heads to April Runoff
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel failed to garner enough votes in Tuesday’s consolidated primary to avoid heading to a runoff election. Emanuel required more than 50 percent of the vote to win the election outright. Although he finished first in the […]
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel failed to garner enough votes in Tuesday’s consolidated primary to avoid heading to a runoff election. Emanuel required more than 50 percent of the vote to win the election outright.
Although he finished first in the five candidate field with just over 45 percent of the vote, the city will now hold a runoff mayoral election for the first time in history.
The runoff is scheduled for April 7, and the mayor will face Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
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