September 11, 2013 •
Georgia Special Elections Scheduled for November 5
Three house and one senate seat to be filled
Gov. Nathan Deal has issued writs of election to fill vacancies in House Districts 100, 104, 127, and Senate District 14.
The special elections will be held on November 5, 2013. House Districts 100, 104, and Senate District 14 became vacant due to resignations.
House District 127 became vacant due to the passing of Representative Quincy Murphy.
September 11, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Lawmakers allege lobbyist intervention during hearing” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
Tennessee: “Ethics Commission stalemates on whether to penalize Tom Ingram” by Tom Humphrey in the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Campaign Finance
A press release from the National Press Club: “Campaign Finance Experts Potter and Wertheimer to Discuss New Supreme Court Case Focusing on Donation Limits to Candidates” in the Rock Hill Herald.
Ethics
Delaware: “Developer pleads guilty to illegal contributions” by Randall Chase (Associated Press) in the Connecticut Post.
Virginia: “Cuccinelli donates $18,000 value of Star chief’s gifts” by Laura Vozzella in The Washington Post.
Wisconsin: “Lawmakers approve first audit of Wisconsin’s Government Accountability Board” by The Associated Press in the Star Tribune.
State Legislatures
Minnesota: “Special sessions: How often and how long?” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
Redistricting
“Time to tackle 2020” by Markos Moulitsas in The Hill.
Texas: “Court: Texas can use exiting election maps in 2014” by The Associated Press in the Las Vegas Sun.
Wisconsin: “Bipartisan group pushing for redistricting reform” by The Associated Press in WAOW News.
September 10, 2013 •
NJ Gov. Vetoes Bill Consolidating Election Dates
October 16 and November 5 remain as election dates
Yesterday, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed Assembly Bill 4237, which would have merged the dates of this year’s general and special elections.
Because New Jersey’s statewide elections in November are scheduled only 20 days after the October special election, critics have argued the expense of the two elections is too costly for the state and will diminish voter turnout for both elections. The vetoed bill changed the date of the 2013 general election from November 5 to October 16 and directed the secretary of state to provide appropriate notice to state, county, local officials, and the general public as to the change of date.
Another bill vetoed yesterday, Assembly Bill 4249, would have allowed early in-person voting at designated polling places during the special general election scheduled for October 16, 2013. Under the vetoed bill, votes would have been considered in-person early voting for both the vacant U.S. Senator seat and for all offices and public questions to be voted on at the general election on November 5, 2013.
September 9, 2013 •
Louisiana Special Election to Be Held on November 16
House District 87
On November 16, 2013, a special primary election will be held for the Louisiana state House District 87 seat. State Rep. Girod Jackson III resigned in August due to allegations of federal tax fraud.
If no candidate receives a majority of the votes in the special primary election, a special runoff election will be held on December 14, 2013.
September 9, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“‘Big bucks’ lobbying hurts American political system” by Jim Nowlan in the News-Gazette.
“Lobbying the Media Pivotal to Legislative Issues” by Dara Kam in Sunshine State News.
“The State of Lobbying in a Gridlocked Congress” on Bloomberg TV.
New York: “Bill de Blasio fails to go public about all meetings with lobbyists” by Mara Gay in the New York Daily News.
Campaign Finance
“Legislators in at least 23 states are trying to do something about dark money” by Niraj Chokshi in the Washington Post.
“Unions dramatically increase super PAC donations” by Michael Beckel on NBC News.
“Many overhyped super PACs are super in name only” by Tarini Parti in Politico.
“In Senate bid, Markey benefited by contributions and spending by PACs, outside interest groups” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Arkansas: “Arkansas Is Next Battleground For Citizens United Constitutional Amendment” by Paul Blumenthal in the Huffington Post.
Colorado: “Colorado Recall Drives Reveal Influence Of ‘Dark Money’ On Local Politics” by Frederick Reese in Mint Press News.
Ethics
Arkansas: “Lt. Governor Mark Darr could face state ethics violations” by Elicia Dover in KATV News.
Massachusetts: “Former ethics officials seeking change that would assist Wolf” by Matt Murphy in the Hanover Mariner.
Missouri: “Missouri House speaker’s side business raises ethical issues” by Jason Hancock in The Kansas City Star.
Washington: “Ethics refs say free college football for lawmakers is legal” by Jordan Schrader in The Olympian.
Legislative News
“What (Not) to Expect from Congress This Session” by Peter Harkness in Governing.
“From Barbeques to Pink Running Shoes: States’ Special Sessions” by Pamela M. Prah in Stateline.
California: “Lawmakers to weigh about 400 bills in session’s last week” by Patrick McGreevy and Melanie Mason in the Los Angeles Times.
Minnesota: “Minnesota lawmakers return to St. Paul today” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
Missouri: “Guns, taxes on the agenda as Missouri lawmakers return to Capitol” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Common Cause teams with techies to help voters” by The Associated Press in the Albany Times Union.
August 29, 2013 •
San Diego, California Mayoral Special Election Set
November 19, 2013 with possible runoff within 45 days
City Council has scheduled a special election to replace Mayor Bob Filner on November 19, 2013. Filner is scheduled to resign Friday, August 29, following sexual harassment allegations from more than a dozen women.
If one candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote, the person would assume office December 17, 2013. If no candidate wins a majority of the vote, a runoff election would be held within the 49-day period called for by the City Charter.
August 27, 2013 •
Tuesday Campaign Finance and Ethics News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Campaign Finance
“Political money back on court’s agenda” by Albert R. Hunt in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Maryland: “Campaign finance: Behind scenes of elections” by Jennifer Shutt in the Daily Times.
Tennessee: “Registry will review campaign finance complaints against Gov. Haslam, Sen. Campfield” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.
Ethics
“Judge Rules Public Interest Outweighs Former Sen. John Ensign’s Privacy Interest” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Bachmann’s Former Aide Sentenced to Community Service” by Jason Dick in Roll Call.
Florida: “Former mayors charged in Miami-Dade bribery scandal seek to delay indictments” by Jay Weaver in the Miami Herald.
Hawaii: “Hawaii governor appoints 2 to ethics commission” by The Associated Press in The State.
North Carolina: “Ethics Commission fines 2, gives 24 political appointees a pass” by John Frank in the News & Observer.
Ohio: “Ohio lawmakers ask watchdog to probe JobsOhio” by The Associated Press in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Virginia: “Web site backing McDonnell seeks funds for his legal costs” by Laura Vozzella in The Washington Post.
Political Advertising
“Keeping ‘tabs’ on campaign emails” by Hadas Gold in Politico.
From the States
“Snowden elected to NCSL executive committee” by The Associated Press in the Sun Herald.
North Carolina: “McCrory signs regulatory overhaul plan, 32 more bills” by Rob Christensen and David Bracken in the Charlotte Observer.
Oregon: “Special session still is uncertain” by Anna Staver in the Statesman Journal.
Redistricting
Kentucky: “Redistricting bill signed, judges to review” in the Morehead News.
August 26, 2013 •
Texas Special Election to Be Held for House District No. 50
November 5, 2013
A special election will be held November 5, 2013, for the Texas State House of Representatives District No. 50 seat.
State Rep. Mark Strama announced his resignation on June 26, 2013, in order to work for Google Fiber. The winner of the election will serve out the unexpired term of Strama, who was last elected to the seat on May 29, 2012.
August 26, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Former Rep. Jo Bonner Doubles Salary Outside Washington” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Prepaid card industry searching for first lobbyist” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Connecticut: “Connecticut Ethics office to audit 10 random lobbyists” by The Associated Press in the Norwich Bulletin.
Connecticut: “Lobbying tab for 2012: $51.7 million” by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas in the Connecticut Mirror.
New York: “Private lobbying groups for cities, counties get public pensions in at least 20 states” by The Associated Press in The Washington Post.
Campaign Finance
“Will High Court Widen Flood of Money in Politics?” by Albert R. Hunt in Bloomberg.
“20-somethings jump into super PACs” by Andrea Drusch in Politico.
Alaska: “Campaign finance training in Fairbanks” in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
Ethics
“FEC Commissioners Battle To Partisan Inaction” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Ohio: “Gov. John Kasich and Ohio Ethics Commission linked by political contributions, records show” by Henry J. Gomez in The Plain Dealer.
Oklahoma: “Panel in charge of clean elections invites comment on ethics laws” in the Enid News and Eagle.
Wyoming: “Group urges Wyoming to toughen anti-corruption laws” by Joan Barron in the Casper Star-Tribune.
Elections
“Fall Filled With Special Elections for House, Senate” by Abby Livingston and Emily Cahn in Roll Call.
Redistricting
“Governor quickly signs redistricting bill into law” by Roger Alford (Associated Press) in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
August 20, 2013 •
Autumn Special Election in Florida
House District 36
Voters in House District 36 will head to the polls this fall to select a successor to Rep. Mike Fasano, who resigned to take a position as Pasco County’s tax collector.
The special primary will be held September 17, 2013, with the special general election following on October 15.
August 15, 2013 •
Alabama Governor Bentley Sets Special Election Timeline
Two house seats to be filled
Special elections have been announced for House Districts 74 and 104. A special primary will be held on October 15, 2013, with the general election to take place on December 10, 2013 whether or not a primary is needed.
If a primary runoff is needed, it will be held December 3, 2013, with the general election postponed until January 28, 2014. Voters will be replacing Rep. Jim Barton in District 104 and Rep. Jay Love in District 74.
August 15, 2013 •
Tennessee Governor Announces Special Election Dates
Voters to choose representative for vacant House District 91
Gov. Bill Haslam has finally decided when voters in the state’s 91st House District will head to the polls to replace their state representative. In July, Lois DeBerry passed away after a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Haslam announced the primary election to replace with DeBerry will occur on October 8 and the general election will take place on November 21. No candidates have announced their intention to run for the vacant seat, but they have until August 29 to file petitions to run in the primary.
Photo of Gov. Bill Haslam courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
August 14, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Lobby shop hires former Obama campaign staffer” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Massachusetts: “Fmr Sen. Brian Lees to join lobbying firm of former rival” by Andy Metzger on WWLP News.
Campaign Finance
“EMILY’S List Raises Almost $10 Million For Women Candidates” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Missouri: “Significant campaign donor challenges proposed Mo. ballot measure seeking to cap contributions” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.
Virginia: “Pro-Cuccinelli PAC gets $500,000 donation from New York hedge fund executive” by Ben Pershing in The Washington Post.
Ethics
Illinois: “Jesse Jackson Jr. to be sentenced in D.C.” by The Associated Press on ABC7 News.
New York: “Ethics panel survey launched” by Rick Karlin in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Cuomo real estate donors among Moreland subpoena targets” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Texas: “Biggest Ethics Reforms Died on Governor’s Desk” by Ross Ramsey and Todd Wiseman in the Texas Tribune.
Utah: “House looks to hire investigators for Swallow probe” by Robert Gehrke in The Salt Lake Tribune.
Virginia: “Governor has returned ‘tangible’ gifts, legal team says” by Olympia Meola in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Elections
“E-Voting: It May Be a While” by Ed Smith in NCSL’s The Thicket.
Procurement
“Small Businesses Scrambling More for Federal Contracts” by Charles S. Clark in Government Executive.
Redistricting
Alabama: “Testimony concludes in lawsuit challenging legislative districts” by The Associated Press in The Birmingham News.
Alaska: “State Dem party sues over redistricting map” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.
From the State Legislatures
Minnesota: “Dayton: No limits, no special session” by Baird Helgeson in the Star Tribune.
August 12, 2013 •
North Carolina Governor Signs Voter ID Bill into Law
Bill also changes how lobbyists may collect contributions
Gov. Pat McCrory signed a controversial bill into law and it will change how lobbyists are able to bundle contributions. McCrory signed House Bill 589 into law Monday. McCrory eschewed a typical signing ceremony and instead announced his approval with a 95-second YouTube clip. The bill, which has been heavily criticized by voter’s rights groups, will require, among other things, voters to show identification at the polls starting with the 2016 elections.
McCrory, in his YouTube clip said, “North Carolinians overwhelmingly support a common sense law that requires voters to present photo identification in order to cast a ballot. I am proud to sign this legislation into law. Common practices like boarding an airplane and purchasing Sudafed require photo ID and we should expect nothing less for the protection of our right to vote.”
The bill also makes it illegal for lobbyists to collect checks from one or multiple donors and deliver them to state candidates. Previously, only collecting checks from multiple donors and delivering them to a state candidate was illegal. However, under the new law, collecting a single check from one donor and delivering it to a state candidate is not allowed either. This provision of the law will go into effect on October 1.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
