February 25, 2015 •
AL Ethics Commission Names New Director
The Alabama Ethics Commission selected a new director, naming Tom Albritton as its chief. Albritton is a former prosecutor and is leaving the position of deputy director of the Office of Prosecution Services to take the director position at the […]
The Alabama Ethics Commission selected a new director, naming Tom Albritton as its chief.
Albritton is a former prosecutor and is leaving the position of deputy director of the Office of Prosecution Services to take the director position at the ethics commission.
According to the Alabama Media Group, Albritton will focus on three areas upon assuming the role: enforcement, education, and administration.
February 25, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Missouri: “House Committee Advances Bill to Ban Lobbyist-Paid Travel outside Missouri” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune Campaign Finance Maine: “Bill Requires Nonprofits to Disclose Donors When Contributing to Maine Political Campaigns” by Scott Thistle for The Sun […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “House Committee Advances Bill to Ban Lobbyist-Paid Travel outside Missouri” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
Campaign Finance
Maine: “Bill Requires Nonprofits to Disclose Donors When Contributing to Maine Political Campaigns” by Scott Thistle for The Sun Journal
Massachusetts: “Group Suing OCPF over Union Contributions” by Gintautas Dumcius (State House News Service) for MassLive.com
North Dakota: “North Dakota Rejects Law Banning Personal Use of Campaign Dollars” by Rob Port for Watchdog.org
Ethics
“She Runs S.E.C. He’s a Lawyer. Recusals and Headaches Ensue.” by Peter Eavis and Ben Protess for New York Times
“Lawmaker with Lavish Decor Billed Private Planes, Concerts” by Jack Gillum and Stephen Braun (Associated Press) for Charlotte Observer
Alabama: “Alabama Ethics Commission Names New Director after Six-Month Search” by Erin Edgemon for AL.com
Maine: “Federal Judge Nullifies Maine’s Drug Importation Law” by Jackie Farwell (Bangor Daily News) for The Sun Journal
Massachusetts: “More Legal Trouble for Lobbyist Convicted in DiMasi Case” by Martin Finucane and Andrea Estes for Boston Globe
New York: “Legislative Reform Urged for Outside Income Limits” by Matthew Hamilton for Albany Times Union
North Carolina: “Charlotte City Council Tightens Ethics Rules” by Ely Portillo for Charlotte Observer
February 24, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Utah: “Lobbyist Badges May Be Short-Lived on the Hill” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune Vermont: “Lobbyists Split on Plan to Change Advertising Disclosure Laws” by Wilson Ring (Associated Press) for Rutland Herald Campaign Finance Arizona: “Arizona Senate […]
Lobbying
Utah: “Lobbyist Badges May Be Short-Lived on the Hill” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune
Vermont: “Lobbyists Split on Plan to Change Advertising Disclosure Laws” by Wilson Ring (Associated Press) for Rutland Herald
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Arizona Senate Panel Votes to Ask Voters to Kill Clean Elections Board, Use Money for Schools” by The Associated Press for Columbus Republic
Louisiana: “Ethics Board Decision Protects Political Ads Funding Sources” by Marsha Shuler for New Orleans Advocate
New Mexico: “State Officials to Form Task Force to Review Campaign Finance System” by The Associated Press for The Tribune
Washington: “Ruling Bars State from Treating Free Legal Advice as a Campaign Contribution” by Sean Robinson (Tacoma News Tribune) for Bellingham Herald
Wisconsin: “Conservative Groups Ask U.S. Supreme Court to Defend Rights of John Doe Targets” by M.D. Kittle for Watchdog.org
Ethics
Nevada: “As Revealed in Ethics Disclosures, Nevada Government is an Insiders’ Game” by Kyle Roerink for Las Vegas Sun
New York: “Ethics Plan Now in Budget” by Rick Karlin for Albany Times Union
Elections
District of Columbia: “For Marion Barry’s Son, Filling Dad’s Shoes Is a Surprisingly Uphill Battle” by Mike DeBonis for Washington Post
February 23, 2015 •
Indiana House Passes Bipartisan Ethics Bill
Indiana House legislators unanimously approved a bipartisan ethics bill aimed at maximizing transparency in the General Assembly. The reform bill broadens what legislators must disclose on financial interest statements and expands reporting requirements regarding lawmakers’ relationships with lobbyists. The bill […]
Indiana House legislators unanimously approved a bipartisan ethics bill aimed at maximizing transparency in the General Assembly.
The reform bill broadens what legislators must disclose on financial interest statements and expands reporting requirements regarding lawmakers’ relationships with lobbyists. The bill also tightens the control over state employees seeking employment in the private sector with a company involved with the state.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
Photo of the Indiana Statehouse by HstryQT on Wikimedia Commons.
February 23, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying California: “California Ethics Panel Rejects Exceptions to Lobbyist Fundraising Rules” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times Pennsylvania: “Lobbyists See Little Love from Pennsylvania’s Ethics Commission” by Rachel Martin for Watchdog.org Campaign Finance “Final Tally: 2014’s midterm was most […]
Lobbying
California: “California Ethics Panel Rejects Exceptions to Lobbyist Fundraising Rules” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
Pennsylvania: “Lobbyists See Little Love from Pennsylvania’s Ethics Commission” by Rachel Martin for Watchdog.org
Campaign Finance
“Final Tally: 2014’s midterm was most expensive, with fewer donors” by Russ Choma for Center for Responsive Politics
Indiana: “Disputed Campaign Contributions Benefited House GOP, Pence” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star
Montana: “Montana Senate to Hear Proposals Increasing Campaign Finance Disclosures” by Alison Noon (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
New Jersey: “Roseland Law Firm Loses Paterson Contract over Questions on Political Contributions” by Joe Malinconico for Bergen Record
Ethics
New York: “Sheldon Silver, Former Assembly Speaker, Is Indicted” by William Rashbaum for New York Times
Oregon: “Kate Brown, New Governor in Oregon, Seeks Public’s Trust” by Kirk Johnson for New York Times
Virginia: “Former Va. First Lady Sentenced to 366 Days in Corruption Case” by Matt Zapotosky, Rosalind Helderman, and Rachel Weiner for Washington Post
Elections
Maryland: “Robocall Seen as Anti-Gay Attack under Investigation, Former Candidate Says” by Kevin Rector for Baltimore Sun
Michigan: “Michigan Legislature Settles on March 8 Date for 2016 Presidential Primary” by Jonathan Oosting for MLive.com
Redistricting
“Dems Launch Super-PAC to Gain Edge in Redistricting” by Cameron Joseph for The Hill
February 20, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 20, 2015
National: States Consider Requiring Shareholder Approval for Political Gifts Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley White | Published: 2/17/2015 State legislators in Maine, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey have introduced bills that demand a majority of shareholders approve corporate […]
National:
States Consider Requiring Shareholder Approval for Political Gifts
Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley White | Published: 2/17/2015
State legislators in Maine, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey have introduced bills that demand a majority of shareholders approve corporate donations to political committees or candidates. The sponsor of the Maryland bill said he has heard from about a dozen lawmakers from different states who are interested in the idea. Supporters see the legislation as a way to limit the influence of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizen United decision, which ruled corporations had a right to spend unlimited amounts of money calling for the election or defeat of candidates. The ruling affected laws in about half the states. Companies with deep pockets are now seen as major players in elections at all levels.
This Political Scientist Estimated Politicians’ Beliefs via 100 Million Campaign Donations
Vox – Andrew Prokop | Published: 2/17/2015
Adam Bonica, the Stanford University political scientist and co-founder of the website Crowdpac, argues fundraising data allows for a better quantitative comparison among presidential candidates than past votes or positions do. That is because there are over 100 million records of political donations over several decades, contributions from people who, presumably, have their own views on issues and give mostly to candidates who share those beliefs.
Federal:
Clinton Foundation’s Global Network Overlaps with Family’s Political Base
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman, Tom Hamburger, and Steven Rich | Published: 2/18/2015
The Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation has raised close to $2 billion since its inception in 2001. The total includes $262 million that was raised in 2013, the year Hillary Clinton stepped down as secretary of state and began to devote her energies to the foundation and to a likely second run for president. The financial success of the foundation, which funds charitable work around the world, underscores the highly unusual nature of another Clinton candidacy. The organization has given donors entree, outside the traditional political arena, to a possible president. Foreign donors and countries that are likely to have interests before a potential Clinton administration, and yet are ineligible to give to U.S. political campaigns, have affirmed their support for the family’s work through the charitable giving.
Va. Political Operative Pleads Guilty to Coordinating Campaign Contributions
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky and Matea Gold | Published: 2/15/2015
Tyler Harber, the former campaign manager for congressional candidate Chris Perkins, pleaded guilty to illegally coordinating spending between the campaign and a super PAC, in a case that officials described as the first-ever such federal prosecution. Super PACs can take donations of unlimited size, but they are not allowed to coordinate with the campaigns of federal candidates. Harber persuaded a donor who had given the legal maximum $2,500 contribution to Perkins’ official account to give $300,000 to the National Republican Victory Fund, a super PAC Harber helped run. Harber then got the super PAC to spend $325,000 on advertising against Perkins’ opponent. That amounted to illegal coordination, according to the plea agreement. Some of the money also found its way back to Harber.
From the States and Municipalities:
Georgia – With Growing National Support for His Cause, Atlanta’s Former Fire Chief Sues the City over His Dismissal
Washington Post – Abby Ohlheiser | Published: 2/18/2015
The former Atlanta fire chief who was fired after self-publishing a book that described homosexuality as a perversion has sued the city and Mayor Kasim Reed. Kelvin Cochran has said he was fired because he expressed his religious beliefs in the book, which he said he did not write in his capacity as fire chief. The mayor has said he fired Cochran because he lacked judgment and management skills. Reed has also contended the former chief violated the city’s code of conduct because he published the book without permission and distributed the literature to city employees who did not want to read it. Cochran said he was given permission to publish the book by Nina Hickson, Atlanta’s ethics officer.
Maine – Free Meals, Rooms for Maine Lawmakers Not Always Disclosed under Ethics Laws
The Forecaster – Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) | Published: 2/18/2015
On January 22 and 23, Time Warner, the leading cable television provider in the state, invited a select group of Maine House and Senate members to a “Winter Policy Conference” at the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth. The conference included meals and rooms. A major topic was the growing movement by communities to build high-speed broadband networks themselves, bypassing the service offered by companies like Time Warner. As of February 17, neither Time Warner nor legislative officials would release more than a handful of the names of those who were at the event, and there are few, if any, legal disclosure requirements to do so.
Michigan – Which Lawmakers Got the Most Free Lunch? Michigan Lobbying Topped $37M in 2014
MLive.com – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 2/18/2015
A new report says lobbyists spent a near record total of about $37 million in 2014 trying to influence legislation in Michigan. That is just short of the record spending reported for 2012. Rich Robinson, who heads the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, said the state’s lax disclosure laws do not shed much light on the nature of efforts to lobby lawmakers. Michigan lags behind other states when it comes to lobbying disclosure, according to Robinson, who said the federal government might provide a better model. Lobbyists who meet with U.S. House members are expected to list the issues or bills they discussed, for instance.
Mississippi – Alday Says He’s Not Racist; GOP Leaders Decry Statements
Jackson Clarion-Ledger – Emily Le Coz | Published: 2/15/2015
Mississippi Rep. Gene Alday told The Jackson Clarion-Ledger he was against increased funding for education, in particular funding to improve literacy. During his explanation, Alday said he comes “from a town where all the blacks are getting food stamps and what I call ‘welfare crazy checks.’ They don’t work.” He also told the newspaper about a time he visited an emergency room. “I liked to died. I laid in there for hours because they (black people) were in there being treated for gunshots,” Alday was quoted as saying. He did not deny the comments attributed to him. However, Alday said he was not a racist.
Nevada – Citing Error, High Court Reverses Campaign Finance Ruling
Reno Gazette-Journal – Riley Snider and Michelle Rindels (Associated Press) | Published: 2/16/2015
The Nevada Supreme Court reversed itself and ruled in favor of conservative activist group Citizen Outreach, which was accused of violating campaign finance law by publishing flyers attacking former Assemblyperson John Oceguera without disclosing donors or expenses. The majority opinion found state law requiring campaign disclosures only applies to communications containing so-called magic words or key political terms like “vote for” or “elect.” The court had issued a ruling with the opposite conclusion. Court officials blamed that on a clerical error and rescinded it.
North Carolina – Charlotte Is Largest City with No Lobbying Disclosure
Charlotte Observer – Steve Harrison | Published: 2/10/2015
Charlotte is the nation’s largest city with no registration requirement for lobbyists. In the wake of the scandal that sent former Mayor Patrick Cannon to prison on corruption charges, a city council committee has approved changes that would tighten its ethics policy. But council members focused on defining what gifts are appropriate for them to accept. They also proposed adding more requirements on financial disclosure forms. There was little talk about adding any transparency requirements for lobbyists.
North Carolina – NC Ethics Commission Says Sex between Lobbyists, Officials Isn’t Reportable
Raleigh News & Observer – Craig Jarvis | Published: 2/13/2015
Sex between lobbyists and state officials covered by North Carolina’s ethics law do not constitute a “reportable expenditure” or “things of value,” according to a ruling the State Ethics Commission published just before Valentine’s Day. The advisory opinion, issued at the request of the secretary of state’s Lobbying Compliance Division, added that such relationships would be unlikely to trigger the state’s “goodwill lobbying” registration requirements. In 2012, the commission investigated two lobbyists who had intimate relationships with top aides to then-House Speaker Thom Tillis. His chief of staff resigned and his policy adviser was asked to resign. A key focus of that investigation, which did not result in any public penalties, was whether the lobbyists provided things of value to the public officials.
Oregon – Gov. John Kitzhaber of Oregon and His Fiancée Walked Tangled Path to Exit
New York Times – Kirk Johnson and Michael Paulson | Published: 2/15/2015
Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned from office, completing the sudden unraveling of his political career. Just one month after becoming the first Oregon governor to start a fourth term, Kitzhaber became the first to resign because of alleged misconduct, as he and his fiancée, Cylvia Hayes, continue to be investigated for misusing their influence for personal gain. Kitzhaber is facing inquiries into whether Hayes benefited financially from her personal relationship with him, and whether she properly disclosed all the consulting fees she had been paid. Federal prosecutors have begun a sweeping investigation, subpoenaing six years of records related to contracts awarded to Hayes or her company. The state attorney general has also started a criminal probe.
Texas – Watson Wants More Disclosure of Wining and Dining
Texas Tribune – Jay Root | Published: 2/16/2015
State Sen. Kirk Watson introduced three bills that would shine more light on lawmakers being entertained by lobbyists. Senate Bill 585 would lower the reporting threshold for lobbyist expenditures to $50. Senate Bill 586 would guarantee disclosure even if multiple lobbyists banded together to get around the new $50 limit. If more than $50 is spent on a state official, all the lobbyists who paid for it would have to provide detailed reporting as if they each had spent the higher amount. Senate Bill 587 would ensure the reports are made available on the Internet.
Utah – Free Lunches for Lawmakers Dwindling at Utah Legislature
Salt Lake Tribune – Lee Davidson | Published: 2/17/2015
In 2013, special interests sponsored 32 lunches for Utah lawmakers during the session’s 33 working days. This year, the number scheduled has dropped to 14. The difference can be attributed to the Legislature changing its pay structure to eliminate what had been a financial incentive to accept free meals. But while free lunches are waning, receptions are on the upswing. They are cheaper for sponsors than full-blown meals and also take less time for lawmakers, who can stop by for a few minutes instead of investing an hour or more to sit, eat, and listen. The events annually rekindle a debate about whether they give wealthy interests better access to lawmakers, and perhaps more influence.
Virginia – In Post-McDonnell Scandal Va., Pols Take another Stab at Ethics Reform
Washington Post – Jenna Portnoy | Published: 2/17/2015
Ethics reforms approved by Virginia lawmakers have fewer teeth than what some, including Gov. Terry McAuliffe, had pressed for after his predecessor’s conviction on public corruption charges. Both the House and Senate agreed with McAuliffe and imposed a $100 annual cap on gifts, with notable exceptions. Only McAuliffe wants to create an ethics council with subpoena and audit powers. The Senate would authorize random inspections of financial disclosures, but the House called for neither idea. Both chambers will consider the other’s bill in the next two weeks.
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.
February 19, 2015 •
Texas Governor Wants Ethics Reform
On February 17, in his state of the state address, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott emphasized his desire for ethics reform legislation. Included in his proposals are requirements for more detailed disclosure concerning campaign finance, disclosure of elected officials’ contracts with […]
On February 17, in his state of the state address, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott emphasized his desire for ethics reform legislation. Included in his proposals are requirements for more detailed disclosure concerning campaign finance, disclosure of elected officials’ contracts with public entities, and a prohibition of lawmakers voting on “legislation from which they could profit.”
Abbott challenged the legislature by stating, “The most important commodity we have as elected officials is the bond we share with our constituents. Transparency – and rising above even the appearance of impropriety – will strengthen that bond. Rejection of ethics reform will weaken that bond and rightfully raise suspicions about who we truly serve – ourselves, or the people of Texas.”
The governor’s entire address can be seen here:
February 19, 2015 •
Arkansas Ethics Commission Now Has Jurisdiction Over New Ethics Laws
Gov. Asa Hutchinson has signed a bill authorizing the Ethics Commission to oversee new ethics laws contained in a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2014. The amendment prohibited lobbyist gifts and corporate contributions, but did not provide the Ethics […]
Gov. Asa Hutchinson has signed a bill authorizing the Ethics Commission to oversee new ethics laws contained in a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2014. The amendment prohibited lobbyist gifts and corporate contributions, but did not provide the Ethics Commission authority to administer the constitutional changes.
Act 47 (House Bill 1002) is effective immediately and allows the Ethics Commission to begin issuing advisory opinions and guidelines concerning the amendment.
February 19, 2015 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying Maine: “Free Meals, Rooms for Maine Lawmakers Not Always Disclosed under Ethics Laws” by Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for The Forecaster Michigan: “Which Lawmakers Got the Most Free Lunch? Michigan Lobbying Topped $37M in 2014” […]
Lobbying
Maine: “Free Meals, Rooms for Maine Lawmakers Not Always Disclosed under Ethics Laws” by Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) for The Forecaster
Michigan: “Which Lawmakers Got the Most Free Lunch? Michigan Lobbying Topped $37M in 2014” by Jonathan Oosting for MLive.com
Utah: “Free Lunches for Lawmakers Dwindling at Utah Legislature” by Lee Davidson for Salt Lake Tribune
Campaign Finance
“States Consider Requiring Shareholder Approval for Political Gifts” by Liz Essley White for Center for Public Integrity
“This Political Scientist Estimated Politicians’ Beliefs via 100 Million Campaign Donations” by Andrew Prokop for Vox
“Activists Bristle at Hillary Clinton Fundraising Pleas” by Ben Schreckinger for Politico
Nebraska: “Nebraska Bill Would Change Campaign Disclosure Requirement” by Grant Schulte (Associated Press) for Beatrice Daily Sun
Ethics
Oregon: “Lawmakers to Consider Ethics Reforms in Response to John Kitzhaber, Cylvia Hayes Scandal” by Ian Kullgren for Portland Oregonian
Texas: “In State of the State, Abbott Proposes Sweeping Agenda” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Virginia: “In Post-McDonnell Scandal Va., Pols Take another Stab at Ethics Reform” by Jenna Portnoy for Washington Post
February 18, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying North Carolina: “NC Ethics Commission Says Sex between Lobbyists, Officials Isn’t Reportable” by Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News & Observer North Dakota: “North Dakota’s GOP Chairman Breaks Lobbying Rules” by Rob Port for Watchdog.org Texas: “Watson Wants More Disclosure […]
Lobbying
North Carolina: “NC Ethics Commission Says Sex between Lobbyists, Officials Isn’t Reportable” by Craig Jarvis for Raleigh News & Observer
North Dakota: “North Dakota’s GOP Chairman Breaks Lobbying Rules” by Rob Port for Watchdog.org
Texas: “Watson Wants More Disclosure of Wining and Dining” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune
Campaign Finance
California: “Foes Question Firm’s Work for Steve Veres’ City Council Race” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Kansas: “Kansas Republicans, Democrats Agree on Raising Campaign Contribution Limits” by Nicholas Clayton (Associated Press) for Columbus Republic
Ethics
Indiana: “House Approves Ethics Bill Requiring More Financial Disclosure” in Indianapolis Business Journal
Mississippi: “Alday Says He’s Not Racist; GOP Leaders Decry Statements” by Emily Le Coz for Jackson Clarion-Ledger
Oregon: “Gov. John Kitzhaber of Oregon and His Fiancée Walked Tangled Path to Exit” by Kirk Johnson and Michael Paulson for New York Times
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Political Activist Gene Stilp Will Retire” by Kate Giammarise for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
South Carolina: “Ethics Reform Proponents Hope to Overcome Senate Roadblock” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post & Courier
February 17, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying New Mexico: “Citizen Lobbyists Learn the Ropes” by Gwyneth Doland (New Mexico In Depth) for Las Cruces Sun-News North Carolina: “Charlotte Is Largest City with No Lobbying Disclosure” by Steve Harrison for Charlotte Observer Campaign Finance “Freshman Lawmaker Aims […]
Lobbying
New Mexico: “Citizen Lobbyists Learn the Ropes” by Gwyneth Doland (New Mexico In Depth) for Las Cruces Sun-News
North Carolina: “Charlotte Is Largest City with No Lobbying Disclosure” by Steve Harrison for Charlotte Observer
Campaign Finance
“Freshman Lawmaker Aims to Close Campaign Money Loophole” by The Associated Press for KBOI
Virginia: “Va. Political Operative Pleads Guilty to Coordinating Campaign Contributions” by Matt Zapotosky and Matea Gold for Washington Post
Wisconsin: “Bill Would Limit John Doe Probes into Political Crimes” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Ethics
Connecticut: “FBI Goes After ‘Corrupticut’ with Billboards” by Brian Lockhart for Connecticut Post
Florida: “Miami-Dade Mayor and Trump Discussed Crandon Golf Takeover” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald
Montana: “Montana Budget Panel Cuts Political Practices” by Charles Johnson for Ravalli Republic
South Carolina: “S.C. Senate Kills Ethics Measure – Possibly for the Year” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post & Courier
Elections
“Democrats Choose Philadelphia for 2016 National Convention” by Trip Gabriel for New York Times
Procurement
“House Passes Reform, Transparency Act” by Geoff Pender for Jackson Clarion-Ledger
February 13, 2015 •
Oregon Governor Resigns Effective 2/18/15
Gov. John Kitzhaber announced he will resign, effective February 18, 2015. The governor is the target of a criminal investigation involving payments he authorized to his fiancée, Cylvia Hayes, as a paid consultant to the state. The first couple was […]
Gov. John Kitzhaber announced he will resign, effective February 18, 2015. The governor is the target of a criminal investigation involving payments he authorized to his fiancée, Cylvia Hayes, as a paid consultant to the state. The first couple was also named in three ethics complaints from 2014 surrounding the consulting payments.
Earlier this week, top state leaders, including Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek, told Kitzhaber he should resign as details of the scandal began to unfold.
Secretary of State Kate Brown will become the governor of Oregon as a result of Kitzhaber’s resignation.
Photo of Gov. John Kitzhaber by Jonathan Maus on Wikipedia Commons.
February 13, 2015 •
Arkansas Legislature Sends Ethics Bill to Governor
Lawmakers have passed a bill authorizing the Ethics Commission to oversee new ethics laws contained in a constitutional amendment passed by voters on November 4, 2014. The amendment prohibited lobbyist gifts and corporate contributions, but did not provide the Ethics […]
Lawmakers have passed a bill authorizing the Ethics Commission to oversee new ethics laws contained in a constitutional amendment passed by voters on November 4, 2014. The amendment prohibited lobbyist gifts and corporate contributions, but did not provide the Ethics Commission authority to administer the constitutional changes.
House Bill 1002 allows the Ethics Commission to interpret the changes by issuing advisory opinions and guidelines. The bill will be effective immediately if signed by Governor Asa Hutchinson.
Photo of the Arkansas State Capitol by Stuart Seeger on Wikimedia Commons.
February 13, 2015 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 13, 2015
National: Big Business Crushed Ballot Measures in 2014 Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley Whyte | Published: 2/5/2015 Business interests poured money into ballot question fights last year, largely to protect their own revenue, with overwhelmingly positive results. More than […]
National:
Big Business Crushed Ballot Measures in 2014
Center for Public Integrity – Liz Essley Whyte | Published: 2/5/2015
Business interests poured money into ballot question fights last year, largely to protect their own revenue, with overwhelmingly positive results. More than three-quarters of the $272 million given by the top 50 donors to ballot measure groups nationwide came from corporations or business trade organizations. They contributed most of their money to defeat proposals and were almost always successful, winning 96 percent of the time.
Helena-Based Campaign Finance-Tracking Group Gets Prestigious $1M Grant
The Missoulian; Staff | Published: 2/5/2015
When advocates, lawyers, journalists, or others want to investigate the influence of campaign finance on public policy, they often turn to a nonprofit with a massive database: the National Institute on Money in State Politics. The institute’s website, FollowTheMoney.org, offers the public access to an archive covering contributions to candidates in every state over several decades. The institute now has $1-million more to further its work, one of nine nonprofits that were honored with a MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.
Federal:
Forum Becomes Campaign Cash Free-for-All
Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 2/11/2015
With the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent McCutcheon decision as the starting point, attendees at an FEC hearing laid out a wide range of ideas for improving disclosure and preventing political corruption. Equally split between Democrats and Republicans and lacking decisive direction from Congress, the commissioners are not likely to take any sweeping action in the wake of the hearing. That did not discourage an outpouring of interest from reform groups and free speech organizations, well beyond the scope of developing rules to implement last year’s decision by the high court.
The Secret World of a Well-Paid ‘Donor Adviser’ in Politics
New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 2/5/2015
Over the past several years, many nonprofits and super PACs have paid Mary Pat Bonner’s consulting firm in excess of $6 million to help them cultivate wealthy donors and raise money. Bonner’s contracts give her firm a commission on any money she brings in from her network of rich Democrats and liberals. Her tenacity and ties to wealthy givers have made Bonner among the most successful practitioners of a trade that is virtually invisible to voters but has taken on power and influence in the post-Citizens United world. But the growing influence of paid fundraisers and the terms of their compensation have also drawn the ire of donors in both parties, who have grown increasingly skeptical of Washington’s consultant class and the secret, often lucrative deals they reach with campaigns.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – A Legal Use of Power: Parties funnel millions to California candidates
Sacramento Bee – Jim Miller | Published: 2/7/2015
Fourteen years after California voters approved a measure that imposed candidate contribution limits for the first time, the pipeline of money between donors, political party committees, and far-flung candidates in competitive races continues to grow. Political parties’ role as money middlemen effectively skirts the limits while making it difficult for voters to figure out which special interests support a candidate. The transactions are complex, sometimes involving multiple committees, yet entirely legal if there is no coordination between donors, committees, and candidates. Such cases are difficult to prove and only a relative handful of politicians, consultants, or political committees have gotten in trouble for money laundering.
Florida – Mayor’s Ball Draws Influential Donors
South Florida Sun Sentinel – Andy Reid | Published: 2/9/2015
Builders, lobbyists, and others who have business before local government are among the top sponsors of the Palm Beach County Mayor’s Ball fundraiser for the homeless. The February 28 event offers the chance for those paying $250 per ticket to socialize with elected leaders as a way to raise money to fight homelessness. While event backers say it is a way for local leaders to raise money for a good cause, critics warn that fundraisers like this can create the perception of buying influence with elected officials.
Hawaii – Hawaii Lobbyists Fined for Failing to Register with State Ethics Commission
Greenfield Daily Reporter; Associated Press – | Published: 2/5/2015
David Arakawa, executive director of the Land Use Research Foundation, lobbied on the foundation’s behalf between 2008 and 2014 without registering himself or the organization with the Hawaii Ethics Commission as required by state law. The commission also said neither Arakawa nor the foundation filed lobbying expenditure and contribution reports during that period. As a result, Arakawa and the foundation will each pay $2,000 in fines.
Illinois – Illinois Governor Acts to Curb Power of Public Sector Unions
New York Times – Monica Davey and Mitch Smith | Published: 2/9/2015
In a move that surprised lawmakers and infuriated public-sector union officials, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed an executive order absolving members of the state workforce under his control from having to contribute so-called fair share dues. Rauner said a review found current law unconstitutional because it requires nonunion workers to pay union dues that may help fund political campaigns they do not agree with. Under state law, employees can decline to join a union but are still on the hook for fair share fees related to collective bargaining and contract negotiations. The statute prohibits those fees from being used to support political activities, but Rauner contended it is nearly impossible to draw a distinction because public sector unions directly negotiate with the government.
New Mexico – New Mexico Lobbyists Spend on Lawmakers but Disclosure Lacks
Las Cruces Sun-News – Sandra Fish (New Mexico In Depth) | Published: 2/7/2015
Individual lobbyists spent more than $1.6 million on gifts, meals, and entertainment for New Mexico’s elected officials and staff in the four years from 2011 through 2014. Over the same period, businesses and organizations spent more than $379,000 directly to fete elected officials with parties, golf passes, and more. But the lack of required disclosure creates haziness when tracking how the money flows to state lawmakers and other public officials. Filings for 69 percent of the total spending in the last four years, more than $1.1 million, do not list specifics on who was being entertained. That is because New Mexico does not require lobbyists to disclose specifics about who they entertained if the expense is less than $75.
New York – Political Corruption in Albany a Very Old Story
Albany Times Union – Paul Grondahl | Published: 2/10/2015
Since 2000, 28 state legislators in New York have left office due to criminal or ethical issues, and four more have been indicted. Political corruption in Albany is an old game. When Teddy Roosevelt was a freshman legislator in 1882, he kept a diary and once wrote that Assemblyperson John Raines had “the same idea of public life and civil service that a vulture has of dead sheep.” Roosevelt witnessed several colleagues accepting bags of cash from Tammany Hall operatives to defeat bills that would adversely affect their business partners.
Oregon – Love and Politics Collide as Scandals Plague Oregon’s Fourth-Term Governor
New York Times – Kirk Johnson | Published: 2/11/2015
Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber is confronting a barrage of criticism, calls for his resignation, and a potential recall petition. After simmering for months, influence-peddling allegations boiled over on Kitzhaber, when an editorial by The Portland Oregonian calling for his resignation shined a national spotlight on the controversy. A series of reports have revealed Kitzhaber’s fiancée, Cylvia Hayes, did paid consulting work for organizations with an interest in public policy in the state. During the same period, she worked as an unpaid adviser in the governor’s office on some of the same issues. Kitzhaber has said he and Hayes took care to avoid conflicts.
Pennsylvania – A Section of City Code Has Money from Law Firms, Corporations Drying Up in Philly Politics
Philadelphia Inquirer – Chris Hepp | Published: 2/8/2015
A densely written passage in the city code has arguably has done as much to alter how political campaigns in Philadelphia are conducted as any recent attempt at campaign finance reform. Designed to attack the city’s “pay-to-play” culture, Section 17-1405 has all but eliminated large law firms and corporations, and thousands of partners and directors at those entities, as major financial contributors to campaigns. In the process, it has drained a vast pool of ready campaign money once available to candidates and is one reason, some believe, that mayoral candidates are struggling to raise money. As a consequence, critics of the law say, candidates will be ever more dependent on the efforts of third-party campaign committees that have no limits when it comes to money raised and few requirements when it comes to transparency.
Texas – State Law Allows for Lobbying Deep in the Shadows of Texas
Dallas Morning News – James Drew | Published: 2/7/2015
Critics say Texas’ lobbying law has significant loopholes and weaknesses that make it difficult for the public to track the alliance between lobbyists and lawmakers. They contend the rules are so complex that even lobbyists can get confused, there is a lack of transparency about the legislation that lobbyists are trying to influence, and the Texas Ethics Commission routinely does not aggressively pursue alleged violators. Lobbyist Don McFarlin said he has no problem if the Legislature were to require more public disclosure. “If you look at other states, they have some pretty stringent ethics laws; Texas is pretty lax,” said McFarlin.
Virginia – Va. House and Senate Unhappily Pass Ethics Bills; Governor Awaits Deal
Washington Post – Jenna Portnoy and Rachel Weiner | Published: 2/10/2015
The Virginia House and Senate both approved their latest versions of ethics reform. Now the focus will turn to hammering out the differences between the two bills. Both chambers included a general $100 gift cap, whether those gifts be tangible items, meals, or trips. That is down from the $250 cap the General Assembly adopted last year, when the cap did not apply to meals, trips, or event tickets. The rules would apply not just to legislators, but to the all state and local government elected officials and employees. The proposals do not tighten campaign finance rules, but focus instead on the gifts lawmakers receive and how they should be reported. Both bills include a new ethics council. Its duties vary between the bills, but its general role would be to give advice and grant waivers.
Washington – State Ethics Board Says Lawmakers May Accept Free U.S. Open Tickets
Seattle Times – Rachel La Corte (Associated Press) | Published: 2/10/2015
The Legislative Ethics Board said some Washington lawmakers can receive free tickets to the U.S. Open golf tournament without violating rules limiting gifts to legislators. It agreed the $110 tickets are acceptable exemptions to state rules that cap gifts at $50. The board said the advisory request from Pierce County made it clear that lawmakers would not be at the event primarily as spectators. Instead, they will learn about developments to the site of the tournament. Lawmakers will be able to choose one of two three-hour tours the county is organizing during the June tournament at Chambers Bay Golf Course near Tacoma.
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