Lobbying

“There’s no sunrise yet on K Street” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“The state of K Street: Flat” by Byron Tau in Politico Influence.

“Major oil group boosts lobbying” by Ben Geman in The Hill.

“Facebook Lobbyist to Head Up Cory Booker’s Senate Staff” by Andrew Ramonas in the Blog of the Legal Times.

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Horne denies campaign finance wrongdoing” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

Montana: “Appeal filed over documents tied to dark money” by The Associated Press in the Billings Gazette.

Ethics

Georgia: “Ethics commission chair: Board close to finalizing plan for outside investigation” by Christina A. Cassidy (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Elections

“More female governors expected after 2014” by Emily Schultheis in Politico.

Redistricting

Alaska: “Alaska Redistricting Board to meet” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.

Delegates from the Republican party have selected State Representative Julian Garrett to run in the special election for Iowa Senate District 13, which takes place November 19.

The special election will fill the seat vacated earlier this month by Kent Sorenson.

The Democrats will select their candidate Monday. Regardless of the outcome of this special election, the Democrats will retain control of the Iowa Senate.

Federal:

Business Groups Stand by Boehner, Plot against Tea Party

Washington Post – Jia Lynn Yang and Tom Hamburger | Published: 10/17/2013

Rather than revisit their strategy of supporting Republicans after the stand-off that nearly drove the country to a debt default, influential organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are standing behind U.S. House Speaker John Boehner. More importantly, Boehner’s friends in the business community are getting ready to take sides in a few GOP primary races against tea party candidates in Michigan, Idaho, and Alabama who could cause him more trouble.

Lobbyists’ Lobbying Group Wants a New Name – One That Doesn’t Mention Lobbying

Washington Post – Holly Yeager | Published: 10/15/2013

The board of directors for the American League of Lobbyists has made its choice for the organization’s new name: the Association of Government Relations Professionals. The group’s bylaws require two-thirds approval by its members before the name can be changed. There have been surveys and other research revealing a majority of members no longer identify themselves only as lobbyists.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Court Blocks New Arizona Campaign Finance Law; Opens Door for Candidates to Receive More Money

East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 10/15/2013

The Arizona Court of Appeals issued a preliminary injunction against the state’s higher campaign contribution limits. The order directs Secretary of State Ken Bennett not to enforce the law. The ruling makes it likely the state will turn to the Arizona Supreme Court to review the case.

Arizona – Ex-Phoenix Lobbyist Indicted over Contributions

San Francisco Chronicle; Associated Press –   | Published: 10/10/2013

Gary Husk, a once influential lobbyist in Phoenix whose key clients included the Fiesta Bowl, has been charged with eight felonies for using his firm’s money to reimburse staff after directing them to make specific campaign contributions. The donations went to high-profile politicians with whom Husk sought access and influence, including Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer.

California – Bob Filner, Former San Diego Mayor, Pleads Guilty to Criminal Charges

New York Times – Rob Davis and Adam Nagourney | Published: 10/15/2013

Former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner pleaded guilty to three criminal counts related to the sexual harassment allegations that drove him from office after a summer of scandal. Filner pleaded guilty to one criminal count of false imprisonment by violence, fraud, menace, and deceit, and two misdemeanor counts of battery. Sentencing was set for December 9, and documents indicate he will get three years of probation and no prison time.

Colorado – Colo. Pot Advocates File Unusual Campaign Finance Report

CBS News; Associated Press –   | Published: 10/17/2013

No Over Taxation, a group that had distributed free marijuana cigarettes at a rally opposing possible new taxes in Colorado, filed a disclosure report saying the joints were worth $1,250, and were paid for by a lawyer funding its campaign. Colorado Ethics Watch had filed a complaint alleging the marijuana was an in-kind campaign contribution and the anti-tax group had failed to initially report it.

Georgia – FBI Contacts Attorney in Ethics Case

Augusta Chronicle – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 10/10/2013

FBI agents have questioned Georgia ethics commission attorney Elisabeth Murray-Obertein, who raised concerns about the panel’s investigation into Gov. Nathan Deal. Murray-Obertein is a key figure in the allegations lodged in a pair of whistle-blower lawsuits accusing commission Executive Secretary Holly LaBerge of bragging about her relationship with Deal and saying he “owed her” after the agency dismissed the most serious campaign finance complaints raised in its investigation of the governor.

Hawaii – Circuit Hears Hawaii Campaign Finance Case

Courthouse News Service – Tim Hull | Published: 10/14/2013

A-1 A-Lectrician, Inc. sued the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission in 2010, arguing the state’s non-candidate committee donation caps, advertising definition, disclaimer requirements, and ban on government contractors donating to candidates were all unconstitutional. The case is now before a panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which hinted it may delay a ruling until the U.S. Supreme Court decides a similar case.

Michigan – Bobby Ferguson Sentenced to Serve 21 Years in Federal Prison for Corruption

Detroit Free Press – Jim Schaefer, Tammy Staples Battaglia, and Eric Lawrence | Published: 10/11/2013

Bobby Ferguson, the friend and favorite construction contractor of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison. Ferguson was convicted of nine felonies, including racketeering and bribery.  He was accused of illegally securing $70 million in city contracts through his friendship with the ex-mayor, who was sentenced to 28 years in prison for his role in the extortion and racketeering scheme.

Montana – State of Montana Slaps Conservative ‘Dark Money’ Groups for Campaign Violations

The Missoulian – Mike Dennison | Published: 10/17/2013

Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl said he found sufficient evidence to show Western Tradition Partnership violated state campaign finance law in a 2010 Republican House primary race. Motl found the “dark-money” group, now known as American Tradition Partnership, illegally coordinated campaign expenditures with candidate Dan Kennedy.

New York – Judge Rejects Bid by PAC to Raise Large Sums for Lhota

Wall Street Journal – Andrew Grossman | Published: 10/17/2013

U.S. District Court Judge Paul Crotty rejected a request by New York Progress and Protection PAC to overturn a state law that prohibits individuals from giving more than $150,000 each year to campaigns and political committees. Crotty said granting the injunction would be disruptive because it would come too close to the November 5 election.

Pennsylvania – Philly Ethics Board Proposal Allows $200 Limit on Gifts

Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 10/17/2013

The Philadelphia Board of Ethics has drafted a list of regulations that are supposed to better explain what is allowed under the current code for “gifts, loans, and favors to city personnel.” For example, the proposal would allow city officers and employees to accept gifts of up to $200 in value per year from any single source. A hearing on the proposed regulations is scheduled for November 20.

Virginia – Star Scientific Chief Thought McDonnell Was Helping Firm Get State Funding

Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman and Carol Leoning | Published: 10/11/2013

Star Scientific Chief Executive Officer Jonnie Williams Sr. has told federal investigators he believed Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell was helping his company get funding from the state’s tobacco commission at the same time that Williams was giving money and gifts to the governor and his family. Under federal law, it can be illegal for elected officials to agree to take official actions in exchange for gifts or money, even if they do not ultimately follow through on their promises or have the power to do so.

Washington – Washington State Sues Lobbyists over Campaign against GMO Labeling

Reuters – Carey Gillam | Published: 10/16/2013

The state of Washington filed a lawsuit alleging the Grocery Manufacturers Association illegally collected and spent more than $7 million while shielding the identity of its donors in an effort to oppose Ballot Initiative 522, which would require labeling of genetically modified foods. The attorney general’s office is asking the court to order the group to immediately comply with state disclosure laws. It also said it would seek civil penalties.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Governor Steve Beshear has called two special elections for December 10, 2013. The elections will be in the 7th House District and the 13th Senate District.

The 7th District vacancy occurred after Rep. John Arnold resigned his seat in September following sexual harassment allegations from three Legislative Research Commission employees. The Legislative Ethics Commission recently determined there was probable cause Rep. Arnold violated the code of ethics and will hold a full hearing on the sexual harassment complaints on December 12.

The 13th Senate District vacancy occurred following Sen. Kathy Stein’s circuit judge appointment.

Lobbying

“Uber hires first DC lobbying firm” by Bendon Sasso in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“McCutcheon and the Future of Campaign Finance Reform” by Rick Cohen in the Nonprofit Quarterly.

“Former FEC Commissioner, Lessig debate campaign finance reform (video)” on Harvard.edu.

California: “Political Parties And A Campaign Finance No-Man’s Land” by Joe Yerardi in KPBS Public Broadcasting.

Michigan: “Campaign Finance Expert Visits Dearborn on Oct. 24” by Daniel Lai in the Dearborn Patch.

Montana: “Commissioner says ongoing investigation finds ‘dark money’ groups coordinated with candidate” by Matt Gouras (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Ethics

“Members of Congress Keep Lawyers Busy” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

Campaigns and Elections

“6 Major Surprises in House Campaign Fundraising” by Emily Cahn in Roll Call.

Illinois: “Gov. Candidates File Campaign Finance Reports” on WICS News.

New Jersey: “Cory Booker Elected Senator in New Jersey” by Kyle Trygstad in Roll Call.

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma congressmen report campaign contributions” by Chris Casteel in The Oklahoman.

Tech and Social Media

“Democracy.com Hopes to Level Campaign Playing Field With Social Network For Politics” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.

“The Demise of the Public Hearing” by Rob Gurwitt in Governing.

A precept for a special election for New Hampshire State Representative in Strafford County District 6 (Durham and Madbury) was approved on October 16 by Governor Margaret Hassan and the Executive Council. The primary election will be held on December 17 followed by a special general election on February 4, 2014.

Gov. Scott Walker has called a special election to fill a vacancy in the 82nd Assembly District.

The election will be held December 17, 2013.

If more than one candidate files for the seat, a primary election will be held November 19, 2013, the same day as special general elections to fill vacancies in the 21st and 69th Assembly Districts.

A special runoff election for Alabama House District 74 will be held on November 19, 2013.

This election will determine the outcome of the race for this House seat because the two candidates remaining, Dimitri Polizos and Charlotte Meadows, are both Republicans.

There are no candidates from opposing parties contesting these two candidates, so there is no need for a special general election.

A special election has been called for Iowa’s 13th Senatorial District, formerly held by Senator Kent Sorenson.

The election will be held on November 19, 2013.

Lobbying

Alberta: “Lobbying on the rise as Alberta prepares new tobacco bill” by Keith Gerein in the Edmonton Journal.

“Pfizer names new VP of lobbying team” by Megan Wilson in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“McCutcheon v. FEC: Possible Implications for the States” by Karen Shanton in NCSL’s The Thicket.

“Supreme Court Hears Another Challenge To Campaign Finance Law” by Nina Totenberg on NPR.

“Let Bitcoins be used for political donations” opinion piece by Dan Backer in Politico.

Arizona: “Campaign finance changes increasing Arizona contribution limits may boost clout of business” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Maine: “Ethics Commission calls for $32,500 fine against Lewiston casino backers for not disclosing source of campaign contributions” by Scott Thistle in the Bangor Daily News.

New York: “Gaming interests reward legislators” by Casey Seiler in the Times Union.

Ethics

Indiana: “Ethics panel to consider possible job change” by The Associated Press in the Evansville Courier & Press.

New York: “Cuomo’s Office Is Said to Rein In Ethics Board He Created” by Jesse McKinley and Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.

Rhode Island: “RI Ethics Commission: OK for Chafee administration chief Licht to apply for judgeship” by Philip Marcelo in the Providence Journal.

Elections

Arizona: “Arizona plans to require citizenship proof for state elections” by Tim Gaynor in Reuters.

Massachusetts: “House Special Election Next Week Likely to Diversify Mass. Delegation” by Emily Cahn in Roll Call.

Tech and Social Media

“Government Tweets Down Sharply During Shutdown” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.

Texas: “Conservative Officials Turn to Crowdsourcing” by Alexa Ura in The Texas Tribune.

Beginning on October 21, Christina Estes-Werther will be the new Arizona state election director, replacing Amy B. Chan.

Estes-Werther currently serves as Governor Brewer’s deputy general counsel. According to Secretary of State Ken Bennett’s press release, Chan will be stepping down to devote more time to her family.

Chan was appointed election director by Bennett in March 2009.

On October 2, Arizona Attorney General Thomas C. Horne joined with Secretary of State Ken Bennett by concluding the law under newly enacted House Bill 2593 requires separate candidate committees for the primary and general elections and contribution limits still apply to committee-to-committee transfers. The attorney general amended an opinion in which it had previously stated, “The best practice might be to set up two separate candidate committees (for the primary and general elections), but the statutes do not necessarily require it.”

The secretary of state has advised that transfers between committees for election in the same year are subject to the contribution limit of $2000.

National:

State Watchdogs Band Together to Take on ‘Dark Money’

Washington Post – Reid Wilson | Published: 10/3/2013

The States’ Unified Network Center, a project from watchdog groups to share information on campaign finance legislation across the country, will begin as a Web presence to highlight proposed bills and standing law. It will also organize a database of nonprofit groups that spend money in state elections, in hopes of stitching together the state-by-state patchwork of campaign finance databases.

Federal:

Government Shutdown: Wall Street angry at tea party it has no influence over

Politico – MJ Lee | Published: 10/2/2013

Wall Street’s frustration over the current fiscal impasse is shared by the larger business community, which has tried to convince lawmakers the threat of shutting down the government or failing to raise the borrowing limit should not be used as negotiating ploys. But wealthy financial services executives and their lobbyists have little leverage against tea party lawmakers, who do not care for big banks and do not rely heavily on the industry for campaign money.

Not ‘Essential’: Shutdown would hit FEC hard

Center for Public Integrity – Dave Leventhal | Published: 9/30/2013

The FEC, unlike some agencies filled with employees deemed essential, will effectively shutter under a government shutdown. All but the agency’s active commissioners, who are furlough-proof political appointees, would ultimately stay home.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Ex-Lobbyist Joins Councilman’s Staff and Questions Follow

Los Angeles Times – Robert Zahniser | Published: 9/26/2013

Robert Katherman, a longtime Los Angeles lobbyist, said since joining city Councilperson Curren Price’s staff, he has avoided decisions affecting clients at the advocacy firm he founded and put his wife in charge of. As long as that continues, state conflict-of-interest laws permit Price to act on proposals that benefit Katherman’s wife and her firm.

Georgia – Ethics Commission to Ask for Special Investigator

San Francisco Chronicle – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 9/30/2013

The Georgia ethics commission voted to request that a special assistant attorney general be appointed for an independent investigation to look into the circumstances surrounding two lawsuits against the agency. Former commission Executive Secretary Stacey Kalberman and her onetime deputy, Sharon Streicker, allege they were forced out for pressing an investigation into Gov. Nathan Deal’s 2010 campaign.

Georgia – State Senator Balfour Indicted on Charges Related to Expenses

Athens Banner-Herald – Ray Henry (Associated Press) | Published: 9/27/2013

A grand jury charged state Sen. Don Balfour with illegally claiming legislative expense pay. The indictment comes after a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe into expense vouchers from his work at the General Assembly, where Balfour sought reimbursement for mileage and per diem expenses at the Capitol when lobbyist disclosure reports show he was out of state.

Illinois – Appeals Court Denies Quinn Bid to Keep Pay Freeze

San Francisco Chronicle – Sarah Burnett (Associated Press) | Published: 9/27/2013

A judge overruled Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who had suspended the salaries of state legislators, and ordered the lawmakers to receive back pay with interest. Quinn suspended the paychecks this summer, saying lawmakers had failed to resolve a financial crisis worsened by the ballooning cost of state pension plans. Leaders of the Legislature challenged his authority to suspend the pay.

Iowa – Iowa Lawmaker Resigns over Bachmann Payments

USA Today – Jason Noble and Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) | Published: 10/2/2013

Iowa Sen. Kent Sorenson resigned after a special investigator found it likely he violated ethics rules by taking money from PACs connected to former presidential candidate Michele Bachmann and then denying he had done so. The report contains the most detailed findings yet in a scandal that has swirled around Sorensen since he defected from the Bachmann campaign days before the 2012 Iowa caucuses to support Ron Paul.

Michigan – Corruption Alleged after Detroit Pension Deal

Detroit Free Press – Robert Snell | Published: 9/30/2013

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick backed an investment deal that bankrolled a three-year spree of alleged corruption and helped push the city into bankruptcy. The deal cheated city retirees out of more than $84 million, led to criminal charges against six people, and compounded the impact of the money-losing Wall Street scheme, which could eventually cost Detroit more than $2.7 billion.

Minnesota – Emmer’s Internet Ad Could Prove Troublesome

Minneapolis Star Tribune – Jim Ragsdale and Jennifer Brooks | Published: 9/30/2013

A television ad featuring congressional candidate Tom Emmer vouching for a construction company may violate a federal law banning corporate contributions to candidates. Emmer appeared in an ad for Integrity Exteriors & Remodelers while noting his candidacy and standing by a banner spelling out his congressional ambitions. A YouTube posting for the ad said it had aired on a Twin Cities television station.

Mississippi – Hood Could Appeal Judge’s Ruling That Part of Miss. Campaign Finance Law Is Unconstitutional

Columbus Republic – Emily Wagster Pettus (Associated Press) | Published: 10/1/2013

U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock ruled that part of Mississippi’s campaign finance law creates an unconstitutional burden for individuals or organizations that spend at least $200 to support or oppose a ballot initiative. State Attorney Jim Hood an appeal could be difficult because federal courts have not been amenable to states’ defense of their own campaign finance laws.

New York – Elections Officials Narrow Scope of Collection Effort

Albany Times Union – Casey Seiler | Published: 9/26/2013

The New York State Board of Elections had planned to send letters in September to numerous campaign treasurers with judgments against them and the banks that held their funds, informing them the committees’ assets were frozen until their fines had been settled. But only two such letters have been sent.

North Carolina – Voter ID Targeted in North Carolina

Wall Street Journal – Devlin Barrett | Published: 9/30/2013

The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit challenging voting restrictions adopted by North Carolina, alleging they discriminate against minority voters. The suit challenges the state’s voter-identification requirement and limits on early voting. It also asks the court to require federal pre-approval for voting-law changes in the state.

West Virginia – Fishing Trip Underscores Close Ties between Suder, United Sportsmen

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley and Jason Stein | Published: 9/30/2013

Records show then-Wisconsin Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder accepted an invitation for a fishing trip offered by the lobbyist for a self-described sportsmen group just days before an affiliate of the organization won a $500,000 state grant. Gov. Scott Walker rescinded the grant after reports the group misrepresented its nonprofit status and its president had been cited for shooting a black bear without the proper license.

West Virginia – W.Va. Judge Resigns, Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy

San Francisco Chronicle – John Raby (Associated Press) | Published: 10/2/2013

A West Virginia judge pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to conceal alleged illegal drug use and election-law violations by a sheriff who was murdered earlier this year. As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to drop an earlier charge that Mingo County Circuit Court Judge Thornsbury misused his office on several occasions over five years to try to illegally imprison the husband of his former secretary after she ended an affair with him.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Lobbying

“No shutdown for K Street as advocates blitz Capitol” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

“Senate health aide joins top lobby firm” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

“Numismatists Have Lobbyists Too” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

Kentucky: “Ethics Reporter: $4.18M spent in four months as lobbying spending continues upward trend” by the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission in KYForward.com.

North Carolina: “Former Rep. and lobbyist Paul Pulley dies” in the News & Observer.

Campaign Finance

“State watchdogs band together to take on ‘dark money’” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

“Zombie Federal Election Commission still wants your quarterly reports” by Al Kamen in The Washington Post.

Ethics

Florida: “Florida ethics commission investigating Rep. Jamie Grant’s business venture” by Michael Van Sickler in the Tampa Bay Times.

Iowa: “Iowa pol resigns amid ethics probe” by Katie Glueck in Politico.

New Jersey: “State agency: DiVincenzo misused, obscured campaign funds” by Matt Friedman in The Star-Ledger.

Tennessee: “Ethics watchdog files more Deal complaints” by The Associated Press in WRCB TV News.

State Legislatures

Colorado: “Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper will not call special legislative session on flooding issues” by The Associated Press on KMGH-TV News.

New Hampshire: “N.H. Panel Delays Vote On Medicaid” by Ben Leubsdorf in the Valley News.

Oregon: “Lawmakers celebrate end of special session on PERS, taxes, GMO (2013 special session)” by Yuxing Zheng in The Oregonian.