The San Diego Ethics Commission released a draft of proposed amendments to San Diego’s Election Campaign Control Ordinance. The proposed changes would extend the one-year pre-election fundraising time period to January 1 of odd-numbered years and eliminate the third pre-election […]
The San Diego Ethics Commission released a draft of proposed amendments to San Diego’s Election Campaign Control Ordinance.
The proposed changes would extend the one-year pre-election fundraising time period to January 1 of odd-numbered years and eliminate the third pre-election filing for primarily formed recipient committees.
Comments and suggestions regarding the draft amendments can be made at the next commission meeting on June 9, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. Written comments can also be sent via email to ethicscommission@sandiego.gov.
May 25, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Missouri: “Impact of Missouri’s ‘Revolving Door’ Lobbyist Law Questioned” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star Campaign Finance “Despite Recommendations, FEC Won’t Pursue Charges that Murray Energy Coerced Campaign Donations from Employees” by Sabrina Eaton for Cleveland Plain Dealer […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “Impact of Missouri’s ‘Revolving Door’ Lobbyist Law Questioned” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Campaign Finance
“Despite Recommendations, FEC Won’t Pursue Charges that Murray Energy Coerced Campaign Donations from Employees” by Sabrina Eaton for Cleveland Plain Dealer
“NRA to Pay $15,000 for Breaking State Campaign-Finance Rules” by Joseph O’Sullivan for Seattle Times
Virginia: “Officials: Federal prosecutors investigating Virginia Gov. McAuliffe” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Ethics
“Facebook Says an Investigation Found No Evidence of Bias in a News App” by Mike Isaac for New York Times
“NFL Tried to Influence ‘Unrestricted’ Research Gift, Congressional Report Says” by Rick Maese for Washington Post
Massachusetts: “Legislature Poised to Pass Public Records Measure” by Joshua Miller for Boston Globe
Elections
“Getting a Photo ID So You Can Vote Is Easy. Unless You’re Poor, Black, Latino or Elderly.” by Sari Horwitz for Washington Post
“Democrats Are Gay, Republicans Are Rich: Our stereotypes of political parties are amazingly wrong” by John Sides for Washington Post
“Reeling from 2016 Chaos, G.O.P. Mulls Overhaul of Primaries” by Jeremy Peters for New York Times
May 24, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Pennsylvania: “Pa. Officials, Lobbyists Split on How to Vet Business Propositions” by Brad Bumsted for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Campaign Finance “Key G.O.P. Donors Still Deeply Resist Donald Trump’s Candidacy” by Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns for New York Times Massachusetts: […]
Lobbying
Pennsylvania: “Pa. Officials, Lobbyists Split on How to Vet Business Propositions” by Brad Bumsted for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Campaign Finance
“Key G.O.P. Donors Still Deeply Resist Donald Trump’s Candidacy” by Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns for New York Times
Massachusetts: “New Bill Would Rein in State GOP’s Fund-Raising” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe
Ethics
Alabama: “One-Time Rising Star Hubbard to Stand Trial on Ethics Charges” by Mike Cason for AL.com
Colorado: “Audit: Colorado ethics commission rarely helps those filing complaints” by Joey Bunch for Denver Post
Hawaii: “Hawaii Lawmakers Again Balk at Ethics, Lobbying Reform” by Nathan Eagle for Honolulu Civil Beat
Elections
“Why Democrats Are Set to Retake State Legislatures in 2016 (and It’s Not Just Trump)” by Amber Phillips for Washington Post
“Bernie Sanders Makes a Campaign Mark. Now, Can He Make a Legacy?” by Jonathan Mahler and Yamiche Alcindor for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Montana: “Term Limits Have Weakened Legislature, Some Observers Say” by Jayme Fraser for Helena Independent Record
Redistricting
Virginia: “Supreme Court Upholds Virginia Redistricting” by Richard Wolf for USA Today
May 23, 2016 •
Department of Justice Investigating Virginia Governor
Gov. Terry is the subject of a federal investigation surrounding contributions to his gubernatorial campaign. The Department of Justice is looking into donations received while McAuliffe was a board member of the Clinton Global Initiative, a charitable foundation set up […]
Gov. Terry 
is the subject of a federal investigation surrounding contributions to his gubernatorial campaign. The Department of Justice is looking into donations received while McAuliffe was a board member of the Clinton Global Initiative, a charitable foundation set up by former President Bill Clinton.
Among many contributions of interest, the FBI is focusing on $120,000 from a Chinese businessman, Wang Wenliang. Contributions from foreign nationals are illegal, though Wang holds permanent U.S. resident status. Wang has been known for his contributions in the U.S., giving to Clinton’s foundation as well as to universities and political causes in other states.
May 23, 2016 •
Virginia Governor Approves Changes to Ethics Laws
Last week, Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed Senate Bill 692, approving changes to the state’s ethics laws yet again. Among the changes, lobbyists will only have to file one disclosure report each year, down from two, on July 1 for the […]
Last week, Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed Senate Bill 692, approving changes to the state’s ethics laws yet again.
Among the changes, lobbyists will only have to file one disclosure report each year, down from two, on July 1 for the preceding 12-month period. The bill also creates an exception in the definition of gifts for any item with a value of less than $20 and limits the definition of a procurement transaction, in terms of lobbying executive action, to contracts costing $5 million or more.
While most of the bill is effective January 1, 2017, an emergency clause applies to the definition change of procurement transaction, rendering it effective upon passage, and lobbyists will not be required to report until July 1, 2017.
May 23, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying Rhode Island: “Do R.I. General Assembly Grants Funnel Back into Lobbying?” by Patrick Anderson for Providence Journal Campaign Finance “G.O.P. Donors Shift Focus from Top of Ticket to Senate Races” by Nick Corasaniti and Ashley Parker for New York […]
Lobbying
Rhode Island: “Do R.I. General Assembly Grants Funnel Back into Lobbying?” by Patrick Anderson for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“G.O.P. Donors Shift Focus from Top of Ticket to Senate Races” by Nick Corasaniti and Ashley Parker for New York Times
California: “Tony Strickland Agrees to $40,000 Ethics Fine” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee
New York: “De Blasio’s Elections Strategy, Under Scrutiny, Recalls Predecessor’s” by William Neuman for New York Times
Ethics
Arkansas: “Ark. High Court Rejects Lawsuit over Campaign Finance Ballot Measure” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) for Baxter Bulletin
Hawaii: “Hawaii Ethics Commission Picks Interim Director” by Nathan Eagle for Honolulu Civil Beat
Hawaii: “Totto Tells Ethics Commission to Scrap ‘Silly’ Time Sheet Rules” by Nick Grube for Honolulu Civil Beat
Michigan: “Panel OKs Added Transparency for Governor, Legislators” by Jonathan Oosting for Detroit News
Elections
“A History of Insurgent Candidates’ Impact On Down-Ballot Races” by Louis Jacobson for Governing
Legislative Issues
“Chaos in House after GOP Votes Down LGBT Measure” by Cristina Marcos and Mike Lillis for The Hill
The state Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit requiring Attorney General Leslie Rutledge to approve language or offer an alternative to Attorney David Couch’s ethics initiative for the November ballot. Couch is unlikely to submit a new proposal since state law […]
The state Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit requiring Attorney General Leslie Rutledge to approve language or offer an alternative to Attorney David Couch’s ethics initiative for the November ballot.
Couch is unlikely to submit a new proposal since state law would require statewide notice to be published by June 8, with language preapproved by Rutledge.
A group of current and past politicians have announced an initiative to strengthen ethics laws in Miami-Dade County. The group, named An Accountable Miami-Dade, is leading the charge to place a measure on the November ballot. The measure would strengthen […]
A group of current and past politicians have announced an initiative to strengthen ethics laws in Miami-Dade County.
The group, named An Accountable Miami-Dade, is leading the charge to place a measure on the November ballot. The measure would strengthen enforcement of existing campaign finance laws, create pay-to-play restrictions on large contractors, create a ban on gifts from lobbyists, and institute a $250 per-election contribution limit to mayoral and commission candidates.
An Accountable Miami-Dade is headed by Monica Russo, president of the SEUI Florida Council, and Bettina Rodriguez, a former mayor of Doral. It also includes several local officeholders and party leaders.
May 19, 2016 •
Arkansas Attorney Seeks Preliminary Injunction Against Attorney General Over Ballot Initiative
On May 13, attorney David Couch petitioned the Arkansas Supreme Court to issue a preliminary injunction requiring Attorney General Leslie Rutledge to approve the language of his ethics initiative or offer an alternative as any further delay could cause “irreparable” […]
On May 13, attorney David Couch petitioned the Arkansas Supreme Court to issue a preliminary injunction requiring Attorney General Leslie Rutledge to approve the language of his ethics initiative or offer an alternative as any further delay could cause “irreparable” harm to Couch’s attempt to get the constitutional amendment on the ballot.
Couch cannot began collecting the 84,859 signatures due by July 8, until Rutledge approves the language.
If approved by voters, the proposed constitutional amendment would prohibit certain gifts from lobbyists to elected officials and lower campaign contribution limits.
May 19, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Campaign Finance “Trump, RNC Announce Joint Fundraising Deal” by Eric Bradner and Sara Murray for CNN Florida: “County Commissioners Endorse Campaign Reform. After Grumbling.” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald Montana: “US Judge Strikes Down Montana Campaign Contribution Limits” by […]
Campaign Finance
“Trump, RNC Announce Joint Fundraising Deal” by Eric Bradner and Sara Murray for CNN
Florida: “County Commissioners Endorse Campaign Reform. After Grumbling.” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald
Montana: “US Judge Strikes Down Montana Campaign Contribution Limits” by Holly Michels for Helena Independent Record
Ethics
California: “7 Former Top Officials of Beaumont Charged with Corruption” by Veronica Rocha and Joseph Serna for Los Angeles Times
Delaware: “Del. Bill Tightens Disclosure Requirements for Paid Lobbyists, Political Donors” by Mark Fowser for WXDE
Missouri: “For Some, Missouri Lawmakers’ Ethics Push Still Has a Long Way to Go” by Jason Rosenbaum for St. Louis Public Radio
Elections
“Bernie Sanders Facing Pressure Over Supporters’ Actions in Nevada” by Yamiche Alcindor for New York Times
“The Mind of Donald Trump” by Dan McAdams for The Atlantic
“Third-Party Candidates Face Uphill Climb to Get Place on Presidential Debate Stage” by Jonathan Easley and Ben Kamisar for The Hill
The Assembly is negotiating language for a proposed state constitutional amendment to strip corrupt lawmakers of their pensions. If approved by voters, the amendment would enable judges to revoke lawmakers’ pensions when they are convicted of corruption charges. The measure […]
The Assembly is negotiating language for a proposed state constitutional amendment to strip corrupt lawmakers of their pensions. If approved by voters, the amendment would enable judges to revoke lawmakers’ pensions when they are convicted of corruption charges. The measure would need to be approved again next year to appear on the ballot.
Although numerous, broader bills seeking ethics and campaign finance reforms have been introduced this session, they are not expected to pass before the session ends in June.
May 18, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Campaign Finance “Death Threats Directed at Elections Regulator” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity Arizona: “Effort Launches to Block Laws Loosening Rules for ‘Dark Money’” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Capitol Times Ethics Arizona: “Judge […]
Campaign Finance
“Death Threats Directed at Elections Regulator” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity
Arizona: “Effort Launches to Block Laws Loosening Rules for ‘Dark Money’” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Capitol Times
Ethics
Arizona: “Judge Sentences Former Phoenix VA Director Sharon Helman to Probation” by Dennis Wagner for Arizona Republic
Arizona: “Inspired by Trump, New Arizona Law Redefines Free Speech” by Ben Rosen for U.S. News & World Report
Pennsylvania: “The Ones That Got Away: How 305 criminal charges against Steve Reed were dismissed” by Wallace McKelvey for Harrisburg Patriot-News
South Carolina: “Common Cause Leader John Crangle Retiring as His Book on Operation Lost Trust Is Published” by Andrew Shain for Charleston Post & Courier
Elections
“‘Who Is This Guy?’ In Connected Political World, Few Know Donald Trump” by Carl Hulse for New York Times
“Little Is Off Limits as Donald Trump Plans Attacks on Hillary Clinton’s Character” by Patrick Healy for New York Times
“Bernie Sanders Wins Oregon; Hillary Clinton Declares Victory in Kentucky” by Thomas Kaplan for New York Times
The Texas Ethics Commission adopted rule changes to conform with House Bill 3517 of 2015. The bill had removed the exemption for registration for an individual who is solely paid to communicate in a capacity other than as an employee of […]
The Texas Ethics Commission adopted rule changes to conform with House Bill 3517 of 2015. The bill had removed the exemption for registration for an individual who is solely paid to communicate in a capacity other than as an employee of a vendor of a product or service to a member of the executive branch concerning state agency purchasing decisions involving a product, service, or service provider or negotiations regarding such decisions if the compensation for the communication is not totally or partially contingent on the outcome of any administrative action.
The Texas Ethics Commission Rules definition of independent contractor under T.E.C.R. §34.1(5) has been repealed. The Texas Ethics Commission Rules allowing for $75 registration for certain independent contractors under T.E.C.R. §34.46 has also been repealed. On May 3, the rule changes became effective.
May 17, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Michigan: “Senator Sponsors Gambling Bill Pushed by Wife’s Firm” by Paul Egan for Detroit Free Press Campaign Finance “Billionaires Lining Up for Trump Aren’t Sure Where to Send Their Money” by Matea Gold for Washington Post Utah: “In Audio, […]
Lobbying
Michigan: “Senator Sponsors Gambling Bill Pushed by Wife’s Firm” by Paul Egan for Detroit Free Press
Campaign Finance
“Billionaires Lining Up for Trump Aren’t Sure Where to Send Their Money” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Utah: “In Audio, Utah Guv Says He’s Available and Will ‘Go Anywhere’ to Meet with Campaign Donors” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune
Vermont: “Vt. Contractors Funnel Money to Politicians” by April Burbank for Burlington Free Press
Ethics
“Social Media Finds New Role as News and Entertainment Curator” by John Herrman for New York Times
“Capitol Hill Newspapers, once a Protected Class, Redefine Themselves” by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times
Arkansas: “AG Mishandled Ethics Proposal, Attorney Claims” by Spencer Willems for Arkansas Online
Missouri: “Lawmakers Pass Ethics Laws but Fail on Gift Ban” by Associated Press for Columbia Tribune
Pennsylvania: “Prosecutors: Longtime Pa. congressman abused his office ‘over and over again’” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Tennessee: “Tennessee Lawmaker Oversight Lax Compared to Other States” by Joel Ebert for The Tennessean
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