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.
August 12, 2013 •
Iowa to Hold Special Election in October
Rep. McCarthy steps away from House seat
Voters in Polk County will be heading to the polls this October to elect a new representative in the State House. State Rep. Kevin McCarthy announced he will resign his seat effective Thursday to accept a position in the Iowa Attorney General’s Office.
Gov. Terry Branstad announced the special election to replace McCarthy will take place on October 22.
McCarthy, a Democrat, was first elected in November 2002 to lead House District 33 and during his time in office served four years as the House majority leader. Two Democrats have already thrown their hats into the ring to replace McCarthy; Joe Henry, an advocate for union workers, and Karl Schilling, a long-time member of Iowa Civil Rights Commission. More people are expected to enter the race before the parties hold their nominating conventions.
August 9, 2013 •
Special Election Announced for Massachusetts Second Hampden and Hampshire Senate District
October 8, 2013
A special election for the Massachusetts Second Hampden and Hampshire Senate District has been called to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of state Senator Michael R. Knapik.
The office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin announced the special primary election will be held on October 8, 2013. The special general election will follow on November 5.
Knapik resigned from the Senate to work as executive director of University Admissions at Westfield State University.
August 9, 2013 •
Louisiana Announces Special Election to Replace Rep. Rodney Alexander
October 19, 2013
A special election for the Louisiana 5th U.S. Congressional District has been called to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Rep. Rodney Alexander.
The special election will be held on October 19, 2013. If necessary, a runoff election will be held on November 16, 2013.
Alexander’s resignation, effective September 26, will allow him to become Louisiana secretary of veterans affairs.
August 9, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 9, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
All the D.C. Donors, Now Put Your Checks Up
Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 8/3/2013
Campaign fundraising in Washington, D.C. has moved from staid receptions to high-profile concerts and sporting events. Most often, these events take place in a rented skybox at the Verizon Center paid for by a corporate PAC or a congressional campaign. Fundraising professionals say pairing a campaign fundraiser with a big event like a Beyoncé concert helps attract more attention from potential donors and ultimately brings in bigger contributions.
Republican Says E-mails Could Mean FEC-IRS Collusion
CNN – Dana Bash and Alan Silverleib | Published: 8/6/2013
FEC Vice Chairperson Donald McGahn said an investigator from his agency contacted Lois Lerner, the IRS employee at the center of the controversy over the alleged targeting of conservative groups. He said the contact was made to discuss the status of one such political advocacy group. Shortly after Lerner was contacted, the IRS sent a questionnaire to the American Future Fund, said McGahn. He said such contact was “probably out of the ordinary” and FEC members had not given staff permission to reach out to the IRS.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – L.A. County Won’t Sell Bonds to School Bond Campaign Donors
Los Angeles Times – Dan Weikel | Published: 8/6/2013
Los Angeles County Treasurer Mark Saladino said his office will no longer do business with securities brokers that make political contributions to school bond campaigns. The restriction applies to monetary donations, non-monetary contributions, and pre-election services, such as polling, voter outreach, and consulting.
Connecticut – Bills May Die, but Concepts Don’t
CTNewsJunkie.com – Hugh McQuaid | Published: 8/7/2013
Connecticut’s Legislative Research Office found at least 89 provisions that began this year in one bill, only to be signed into law under another. The number comes from an annual bill tracking report the office puts together after each legislative session. It documents instances when a concept became law in a manner other than the traditional legislative process.
Florida – Miami Lakes and Sweetwater Mayors ‘Stung’ by FBI for Taking Alleged Kickbacks
Miami Herald – Jay Weaver, Christina Veiga, and Joey Flecha | Published: 8/6/2013
The FBI arrested Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and Sweetwater Mayor Manuel Maroño on bribery-related charges. Prosecutors said Pizzi and lobbyist Richard Candia were involved in a kickback and bribery scheme over federal grants in Miami Lakes and Medley, where Pizzi is town attorney. An indictment claims Maroño and lobbyist Jorge Forte were involved in a kickback and bribery scheme over grants for Sweetwater, where Maroño has been mayor since 2003.
Massachusetts – Galvin Faulted on Rules for Lobbyists
Boston Globe – Michael Levenson | Published: 8/7/2013
Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin was ordered to cover more than $100,000 in legal fees for a group of lobbyists who challenged his interpretation of the state’s revamped ethics laws. A judge found Galvin overstepped his authority by trying to force lobbyists to report every time they spoke to a legislator or state official, even casual, chance meetings.
New Hampshire – Ethics Committee: Special E-ZPasses don’t violate gift limits for N.H. lawmakers
Concord Monitor – Ben Leubsdorf | Published: 8/5/2013
E-ZPasses given to New Hampshire lawmakers do not violate ethics rules. Rep. Frank Sapareto had asked the Legislative Ethics Committee if they counted as a perk with a value in excess of the $25 limit on gifts to legislators.
New York – Citing Irregularities, City Board Rejects Public Money for Liu’s Campaign
New York Times – David Chen | Published: 8/5/2013
New York City Comptroller John Liu was denied about $3 million in public matching funds in his bid for the Democratic mayoral nomination after the Campaign Finance Board said it found evidence of possible “serious and pervasive” violations. In May, Liu’s former campaign treasurer and a fundraiser were convicted of trying to subvert the city’s campaign finance system with straw donors to obtain matching funds.
North Carolina – Video Shows Lawmakers Dancing on NC House Floor
WCNC – Ben Thompson | Published: 7/31/2013
A video shows a Republican lawmaker and an aide dancing on the North Carolina House floor near the end of the legislative session. One headline reads “NC House Dances with Joy over its Accomplishments,” and is accompanied by an editorial criticizing lawmakers.” The video shows a man and woman dancing, while another woman plays a fiddle. But some say the headlines and descriptions of the clip are misleading.
Oklahoma – Outdated Software Plagues Oklahoma Ethics Commission
The Oklahoman – Michael McNutt | Published: 8/3/2013
Financial information about campaigns and lobbyist spending posted on the Oklahoma Ethics Commission’s Web site is not accurate because of software glitches. Commission Executive Director Lee Slater said he will be ask lawmakers for funds next year to buy a new software system but until then, visitors to the site will have to put up with a system in which data posted by some candidates and lobbyists randomly does not show up.
South Carolina – Lobbyists Wined, Dined Lawmakers 95 Times
The State – Amanda Coyne | Published: 8/4/2013
During the 2013 legislative session, special interests hosted 95 breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, or receptions for South Carolina legislators and others. The meals and receptions regularly cost nearly $6,000 apiece. At least two held during the last legislative session cost far more, one almost $17,000 and another $20,000.
Tennessee – Nashville Lobbyist Murphy and Associates Faces Ethics Audit
The Tennessean – Chas Sisk | Published: 8/6/2013
An audit said a lobbyist receiving 10 percent of the state funding provided to the Tennessee Disability Coalition – more than $64,000 in one year – may violate a law banning lobbyist contingency fees. An attorney for lobbyist Jennifer Murphy disputes the contention and said even if the contractual arrangement was a contingency fee, it dates from 2002, four years before the prohibition was enacted as part of an ethics reform package.
Virginia – Donor Jonnie Williams, Star Scientific Are Cooperating in Probe of Gov. Robert McDonnell
Washington Post – Carol Leonnig and Rosalind Helderman | Published: 8/5/2013
Sources said Star Scientific Chief Executive Officer Jonnie Williams, Sr. has turned over personal financial records and sat for interviews in which he provided firsthand accounts of gifts and more than $120,000 given to Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell and his family members since 2011. The cooperation is an ominous sign for McDonnell, suggesting federal prosecutors are focused on trying to build a potential criminal case against him.
West Virginia – Judge Ends Cap on Contributions to Indie PACs
Charleston Gazette – Kate White | Published: 8/7/2013
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Johnston signed an order that strikes down struck down state laws limiting contributions to independent PACs. The $1,000 limit still applies to donations made directly to candidates and their campaign committees, PACs that contribute directly to candidates, and political parties.
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.
August 7, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“100 People to Watch This Fall” in The Hill.
“Legislators head to Chicago for ALEC retreat” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Campaign Finance
New York: “Moreland panel issues its first subpoenas” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Ethics
Public Corruption Convictions: State Totals, 2001-2010 in Governing.
New York: “Bruno trial is a go” by Brendan J. Lyons in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Court Rules Bruno May Face Fraud Charges” by The Associated Press in The New York Times.
Virginia: “Support lacking for Cuccinelli’s quick ethics reform” by Julian Walker in The Virginian-Pilot.
Virginia: “Virginia Lt. Gov. Bolling calls for gift and ethics reform” by Rosalind S. Helderman in The Washington Post.
From the State Legislatures
Kansas: “Brownback signs resolution for special session” by Tim Carpenter in the Topeka Capital-Journal.
NCSL 2013 Legislative Summit Online Resources
Government Tech and Social Media
“Analysis: How Twitter Is Revolutionizing Washington Relationships” by Matthew Cooper in NextGov.
Massachusetts: “MA Democratic Primary Candidates To Participate In Crowdsourced Online Debate” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
New York: “Elections to Be Easier for Voters With an App” by Nick Corasaniti in The New York Times.
Redistricting
Congressional District Compactness, Gerrymandering By State in Governing.
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