Federal:

How to Disclose Your Lobbying While Keeping the Public in the Dark

National Journal – Ben Geman | Published: 7/22/2014

Some companies’ and advocacy groups’ quarterly lobbying disclosure forms provide highly specific lists of bills and topics they are working on. But other lobbying reports deploy language so vague that they reveal almost no information at all, undermining the efficacy of federal laws aimed at keeping the public abreast of how insiders are lobbying their elected officials. The rules require quarterly reports that list both broad categories, such as energy or trade, and “specific lobbying issues” within those categories. It is the line in the reports asking for specifics – Line 16 – that is often left very vague.

Leadership War Stymies Senate Mission

Washington Post – Paul Kane | Published: 7/20/2014

The U.S. Senate has approved so few bills this year, and so little else has gotten done, that many senators say they are spending most of their time on insignificant and unrewarding work. Senators say that they increasingly feel like pawns caught between Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, whose deep personal and political antagonisms have almost immobilized the chamber. The two men so distrust each other, and each is so determined to deny the other even the smallest political success, that their approach to running the Senate has been reduced to a campaign of mutually assured dysfunction.

Senator’s Thesis Turns Out to Be Remix of Others’ Works, Uncited

New York Times – Jonathan Martin | Published: 7/23/2014

U.S. Sen. John Walsh (D-Mont.), a decorated veteran of the Iraq war, has made his military service a main selling point on the campaign trail. Still wearing his hair close-cropped, he says his time in uniform informs his views on a range of issues. But one of the highest-profile credentials of Walsh’s 33-year military career appears to have been improperly attained. An examination of the final paper required for his master’s degree from the Army War College indicates the senator appropriated at least a quarter of his thesis on American Middle East policy from other authors’ works, with no attribution.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Political Shakeup Looms in California

Politico – Alexander Burns | Published: 7/20/2014

For decades, Democrats and Republicans in California have experienced statewide politics as an interminable waiting game, thanks to a gang of 70- and 80-somethings from the San Francisco Bay Area who have dominated government for a generation. Rising stars in both parties have come and gone, but the state’s chief power players have remained the same. Yet the buildup of talent on the Democratic bench means it is only a matter of time before the state witnesses a genuine free-for-all among younger officeholders.

Delaware – Delaware Governor Signs Campaign Finance Reform Bills into Law

Newsworks.org – Shana O’Malley | Published: 7/22/2014

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell signed a package of campaign finance and ethics reform bills. Among the measures, Senate Bill 186 requires LLCs and corporations that donate more than $100 to disclose the name and address of one “responsible party” who exercises control over the entity. House Bill 306 will establish a fee for lobbyists who fail to file their quarterly expense reports in a timely manner.

Illinois – New Rauner Attack Ad Relies on Made-Up Headlines

Chicago Tribune – Rick Pearson | Published: 7/24/2014

Bruce Rauner’s latest attack ad against Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn relies, in part, on independent news stories but features headlines that Rauner’s campaign made up and doctored to make them sound more critical. The ad overlays what the Rauner campaign calls “headlines” over television screens. Some of the headlines are correct. But in two cases, the ad makes up headlines that did not appear with the source cited, and in at least three other cases, headlines were shortened to buttress the campaign’s attack on Quinn.

Massachusetts – Super PAC Disclosure Bill Clears Massachusetts Senate, Protects Higher Union Limit

MassLive.com – Colleen Quinn (State House News Service) | Published: 7/23/2014

The Massachusetts Senate approved legislation designed to tighten reporting requirements for independent political expenditures, including those made by super PACs. Under Senate Bill 2264, corporations, labor unions, and political committees would be required to file a campaign finance report within seven days of making an independent expenditure, or within 24 hours if the expenditure is made within 10 days of an election. The Senate bill, like a version of the measure approved by the House, also doubles the amount an individual could donate to a candidate in a calendar year from $500 to $1,000. Lawmakers will now try to agree on a compromise bill.

New Hampshire – Can N.H.’s New Campaign Finance Rules Hold up in Court?

New Hampshire Public Radio – Brian Wallstin | Published: 7/21/2014

A bill awaiting New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan’s signature requires 501(c)4s and other politically active nonprofits to register with the secretary of state’s office and report its receipts and expenditures. As reforms go, Senate Bill 120 is relatively modest: it only applies to nonprofits that spend more than $5,000 a year, and it does not ask them to disclose the identity of individual donors. But the new rules, which could affect the role tax-exempt groups play in the 2014 elections, are almost certain to trigger a political tug of war that could wind up in court.

New York – Cuomo’s Office Hobbled State Ethics Inquiries

New York Times – Susanne Craig, William Rashbaum, and Thomas Kaplan | Published: 7/23/2014

The commission set up by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to root out public corruption was hobbled almost from the outset by demands from Cuomo’s office. An examination by The New York Times found the governor’s office deeply compromised the panel’s work, objecting whenever the commission focused on groups with ties to Cuomo or on issues that might reflect poorly on him. Cuomo abruptly disbanded the commission halfway through what he had indicated would be an 18-month life. Federal prosecutors are now investigating the roles of Cuomo and his aides in the panel’s shutdown and are pursuing its unfinished business.

New York – JCOPE Donor-Disclosure Exemption Rejections Are Overturned

Albany Times Union – Casey Seiler | Published: 7/18/2014

A judicial hearing officer reversed the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) and held that the New York Civil Liberties Union and three other advocacy groups do not have to reveal their financial backers because doing so could put their supporters at risk. The hearing officer, former Judge George Pratt, said the JCOPE majority opinion was “clearly erroneous” and each of the groups had provided sufficient evidence to warrant an exemption from an ethics rule requiring organizations to disclose their funding sources.

Pennsylvania – Former Traffic Court judges Cleared on Main Charge

Philadelphia Inquirer – Jeremy Roebuck | Published: 7/23/2014

Four ousted traffic court judges in Philadelphia have been convicted of lying to authorities but cleared of most charges in a sweeping ticket-fixing case. A fifth judge and a businessperson were acquitted. An indictment last year portrayed the now-abolished court as a pit of patronage and corruption. Nearly the entire bench was charged with fixing tickets, sometimes in exchange for gifts or favors. The traffic judges were not lawyers but earned about $90,000 annually. Defense lawyers argued that giving insiders “consideration” was long a tradition at traffic court, and not deemed illegal.

Texas – Activist Fined $10,000 for Not Registering as Lobbyist

Houston Chronicle – David Saleh Rauf (San Antonio Express-News) | Published: 7/21/2014

The Texas Ethics Commission ordered conservative activist Michael Quinn Sullivan to pay the maximum fine for not registering as a lobbyist. Sullivan, president of Empower Texans, has been the subject of an extended investigation by the commission stemming from complaints that he failed to register as a lobbyist while working to influence the fate of legislation and the election of a House speaker. Sullivan will appeal the ruling to a state District Court, and argue the commission’s lobbyist registration law is unconstitutional and its enforcement infringes on the First Amendment.

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

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

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“K Street market dims for Democrats” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Ex-Rep. Howard Berman lobbying for Hollywood” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

“Former WH liaison to Congress joins law firm” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“Chamber spending tops $40M as election nears” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Delaware: “Markell signs reform bill all say is a half-loaf” by Jonathan Starkey in The News Journal.

Ethics

Florida: “Ethics, election complaints now a campaign weapon” by Mike Vasilinda on WJXT News.

Hawaii: “One-Third of Hawaii Candidates Missed Financial Disclosure Deadline” by Chad Blair in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

New York: “NY ethics panel blacks out officials’ public service announcements to remove campaign edge” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.

New York: “Cuomo’s Office Hobbled State Ethics Inquiries” by Susanne Craig, William K. Rashbaum and Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.

Pennsylvania: “Ethics agency probes lawmakers” by The Associated Press in The Indiana Gazette.

Elections

“Study: Record-low turnouts seen in some primaries” by The Associated Press in Politico.

Government Tech and Social Media

“When Is a Tweet an Ethics Violation? | A Question of Ethics” by C. Simon Davidson in Roll Call.

“Social Advocacy & Politics: Organize Your Colleagues First” by Alan Rosenblatt in Social Media Today.

“Did the White House Website Violate Its Own Privacy Rules?” by Brendan Sasso in Nextgov.

“House GOP makes digital push” by Daniel Samuelsohn in Politico.

Kentucky: “Kentucky Registry of Election Finance Launches Redesigned Website” press release in The Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch.

City Council has approved a proposal by Councilmember Dan Kalb to amend the Oakland City Charter to strengthen the authority, resources, and independence of the Public Ethics Commission.

The amendment would expand the authority of the commission by transferring filing officer duties from the city clerk for lobbying and campaign finance reporting. The seven-member commission would also be given the authority to enforce state ethics laws by imposing fines when four members agree by vote.

The amendment will now be placed on the November 2014 ballot.

Lobbying

“New king of K Street” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Business Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“How to Disclose Your Lobbying While Keeping the Public In the Dark” by Ben Geman in National Journal.

Texas: “Activist fined $10,000 for not registering as lobbyist” by David Saleh Rauf in the Houston Chronicle.

Campaign Finance

“Want to reduce polarization? Give parties more money.” by Ray LaRaja and Brian Schaffner in The Washington Post.

“Politicos souring on FEC advice?” by Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity.

“Money gap: Why don’t women give?” by Anna Palmer and Tarini Parti in Politico.

Massachusetts: “Mass. Senate To Debate PAC Disclosure Bill” by The Associated Press on WBUR.

Ethics

“Stars may be aligning for transparency legislation” by Josh Gerstein in Politico.

Pennsylvania: “State Ethics Commission confirms investigation of Pennsylvania’s legislative sting case” by Charles Thompson in The Patriot-News.

Congress

“… And Congress punts” by Burgess Everett in Politico.

“Issues pile up in Congress” by Jake Sherman in Politico.

“One chart that shows Congress can actually get things done” by Chris Cillizza in The Washington Post.

“Members of Congress Plan to Live on Minimum Wage for a Week” by Scott Wilson on ABC News.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Washington D.C. Launches Open Data Policy, FOIA Portal” in Government Technology.

Lobbying

“Small K Street shops see business boom” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Lobbyists Of All Kinds Flock To Farm Bill” by Peggy Lowe and Harvest Public Media on KUNC.

New York: “Taxpayer money used to pay lobbyists” by Joseph Spector on WGRZ News.

New York: “Four lobbying groups can keep donors private” by Joseph Spector in The Journal News.

New York: “New Bitcoin Lobbying, Trade Association Announced” by Paul Vigna in The Wall Street Journal.

Campaign Finance

Alaska: “APOC fines Anchorage Mayor Sullivan for campaign finance law violation” by Devin Kelly in the Alaska Dispatch News.

Orange County, CA: “FPPC role in campaign finance will go to vote” by Jill Cowan in the Daily Pilot.

Florida: “More than $200 million in outside money floods Florida elections since ‘Citizens United’” by Alex Leary in the Tampa Bay Times.

Michigan: “Outside groups influence campaigns” by Todd Spangler in the Lansing State Journal.

New Hampshire: “Can N.H.’s New Campaign Finance Rules Hold Up In Court?” by Brian Wallstin on New Hampshire Public Radio.

Tennessee: “Follow the Money: Hill, Van Huss campaign finances largely from outside PACs” by Gary B. Gray in the Johnson City Press.

Ethics

Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania’s members of Congress take more free, legal trips” by Hope Yen (Associated Press) in The Sentinel.

South Carolina: “Recent developments show SC government growing less transparent” by Jamie Self in the Rock Hill Herald.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie is seeking candidates and recently expediting appointments for various state boards and commissions. More than two dozen volunteer members resigned following the enactment of Senate Bill 2682, a bill requiring them to make their financial disclosure statements available to the public as well as to the Hawaii State Ethics Commission.

Originally on his list of bills to veto, Abercrombie allowed the financial disclosure bill to become law without his signature.

The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii, the State Land Use Commission, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, and the University of Hawaii Board of Regents are among those having lost members as an unintended consequence of the bill aimed at increasing transparency. Some were forced to cancel meetings because they lacked enough members for a quorum.

National:

America’s Shifting Statehouse Press

Pew Center on the States – Jodi Enda, Katarina Eva Masta, and Jan Lauren Boyles | Published: 7/10/2014

After more than a decade of scaling back, newspapers still send more reporters to cover state Capitols than any other medium. But the print journalists who remain now work shoulder to shoulder with students and reporters from non-traditional outlets, shows a new survey. The rise of those non-traditional outlets may be the most significant development in statehouse press coverage in the last five years, although no historical data is available to chart their rise. They include publications that tailor to insider audiences, nonprofit news organizations, and ideologically driven news sites.

Federal:

Hobbled IRS Can’t Stem ‘Dark Money’ Flow

The Center for Public Integrity – Julie Patel | Published: 7/15/2014

The scandal over the IRS targeting conservative groups, combined with Congress systematically stripping the agency of resources and clout over decades, has led to an exempt organizations division that has all but quit regulating politically active nonprofits in any consistent, demonstrable way, according to a Center for Public Integrity investigation. The IRS came to a near standstill on deciding whether it should grant “social welfare” nonprofit status to conservative and liberal groups. An exempt organizations division staffer said the IRS knew many of these groups were highly political, but “we stalled so we wouldn’t have to say no.”

From the States and Municipalities:

Alaska – APOC Rejects Complaint That Parents Should Be Registered Lobbyists

Alaska Dispatch – Richard Mauer (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 7/11/2014

The Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) determined there was no merit to a complaint filed by former middle school math teacher and legislative candidate David Nees that said parents who volunteered to spend the last month of the legislative session in Juneau seeking money for schools should have registered as paid lobbyists. APOC ruled that even if his allegations were true, there would be no violation of the law because the parents were unpaid and their lobbying trips unsubsidized by others.

California – San Diego’s Ethics Commission Votes to Reign in Independent Committees

inewssource.org – Joe Yerardi | Published: 7/11/2014

The San Diego Ethics Commission voted to forward a proposal to city council that would have the practical effect of ending independent committees taking campaign videos published on candidates’ web sites, downloading them, and paying television stations to run them as advertisements. Specifically, the rule would expand the definition of ‘contribution” to include the republication and dissemination of many candidates’ campaign-created materials. Independent committees are usually prohibited from making contributions of any kind to candidates for city office. So replicating candidates’ videos would constitute an illegal non-monetary contribution to a campaign.

Connecticut – Banned Donors Skirt Law Designed To Prevent Pay-To-Play

Hartford Courant – Dave Altimari and Matthew Kauffman | Published: 7/13/2014

Corporations are donating to the federal fundraising accounts of Connecticut’s political parties to navigate around laws banning employees of some companies from giving to candidates for state office. The State Elections Enforcement Commission earlier this year warned federal laws do not “create a loophole” allowing prohibited donors to support state campaigns. The Legislature in 2005 enacted limits on political contributions by state contractors after a kickback scandal that ultimately led to federal prison terms for former Gov. John Rowland and others.

Georgia – Georgia Ethics Chief Claims Lawyer for Gov. Deal Made Threat over Ethics Complaints

Greenfield Daily Reporter – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 7/14/2014

Holly LaBerge, executive secretary of Georgia’s ethics commission, said top aides to Gov. Nathan Deal once threatened to thwart efforts to expand the agency’s authority unless she made campaign finance complaints against the governor “go away.” The governor and his staff have repeatedly denied any interference with the case, which was settled for $3,350 in fines. LaBerge’s attorney said she was speaking out under the state’s whistleblower law and wanted to make sure she would not be retaliated against. In a television interview, LaBerge said she was tired of being accused of carrying out favors on Deal’s behalf.

Indiana – Slippery Government Ethics Rules Raise Calls for Reforms

Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook, Ryan Sabalow, and Eric Weddle | Published: 7/10/2014

Like many states, Indiana has laws intended to prevent long-recognized ethical problems. State officials are restricted from using government resources for political purposes, must disclose certain financial interests, and are supposed to wait at least a year before taking a job with a company they regulate or whose contracts they administer. But in Indiana, there are lots of exceptions to those rules, which were on display in recent cases involving former Superintendent of Schools Tony Bennet, top transportation official Tony Wodruff, and state Rep. Eric Turner.

Kentucky – Meet the Nation’s Most Honest Politician

CNN – Wade Payson-Denney | Published: 7/16/2014

Gil Fulbright is a fake political candidate, appearing in a brutally honest viral video. Actor Frank Ridley plays the character of a money-hungry politician, who lets the public know in his ad that the issues do not matter, as long as he can get re-elected. The faux campaign is raising real money, even though Fulbright’s name will not appear on any ballot. Represent.Us is sending this character to campaign events in Kentucky to bring a message to the public – limit the influence of money in politics.

Maryland – Excuses Abound for Md. Campaign Report Failings

CapitalGazette.cm; Associated Press –   | Published: 7/14/2014

Jared DeMarinis, the director of candidacy and campaign finance for the Maryland Board of Elections, is the person that candidates call when they receive notification the state is assessing them for failing to file timely campaign finance reports. Because the reports are filed electronically, about the only thing DeMarinis has not heard is that the dog ate the report. By far, the most popular excuse is that the campaigns did not understand the software they are required to use.

Pennsylvania – Convicted of Crimes, They Now Have Plaques under Their Portraits

Philadelphia Inquirer – Angela Couloumbis | Published: 7/15/2014

In the Pennsylvania Capitol, roughly two dozen portraits of legislative leaders hang in a place of honor near the rotunda. As of this week, some of them come with a footnote. Plaques were placed beneath the portraits of three former House speakers and a former Senate president pro tempore listing when the lawmakers left office –and when they were sentenced to prison.

Pennsylvania – Ethics Board to Consider Stricter Campaign Finance Regulations

Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 7/16/2014

Looking ahead to the 2015 mayoral campaign, the Philadelphia Board of Ethics met to work out a series of proposed changes to the city’s campaign finance regulations. Given the rise in independent campaign contributions and coordinated expenditures nationwide, the board’s director of enforcement, Michael Cooke, said the panel should add specific language to the existing regulations to make clear what counts as a contribution and for what purposes. A public hearing on the proposed amendments will be held on September 7.

South Carolina – South Carolina’s State Ethics Commission Restricts Media Policy

Charleston Post & Gazette – Jeremy Borden | Published: 7/16/2014

South Carolina Ethics Commission Chairperson James Burns said until the agency has an official policy for dealing with the media, all comments made to news media should come from Director Herb Hayden. Deputy Director Cathy Hazelwood has acted as the primary spokesperson for the commission, and has often been forthright on issues before the agency. Media attorney Jay Bender said the move to change the policy without a motion, discussion, or vote was against the state’s open records laws. “…If we had more people in government like Cathy Hazelwood, we’d have a better government,” said Bender.

Tennessee – Carr Gave Loan to Company of Political Supporter

The Daily Journal – Chas Sisk (The Tennessean) | Published: 7/15/2014

Tennessee Rep. Joe Carr loaned Life Watch Pharmacy $200,000 last year from his campaign fund. The company is led by conservative fundraiser Andrew Miller, who gave Carr $2,600 for his primary and general election campaigns. Miller also has been the largest donor to the Real Conservatives National Committee, giving $22,500 to the super PAC. Carr has been waging a tea party battle to defeat U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander.

Utah – Former Utah Attorneys General John Swallow, Mark Shurtleff Arrested

Deseret News – Pat Reavy and Dennis Romboy | Published: 7/15/2014

Former Utah Attorneys General John Swallow and Mark Shurtleff were arrested and now face multiple felony counts, including accepting bribes and destroying evidence. The two are accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts and campaign contributions from individuals facing legal action in return for favorable treatment from the attorney general’s office.

Wisconsin – After Subpoenas in Walker Criminal Probe, WI GOP Sought to Quietly Change Law

Center for Media and Democracy – Brendan Fischer | Published: 7/15/2014

New documents indicate that weeks after the first subpoenas were issued in Wisconsin’s “John Doe” criminal campaign finance probe in October 2013, state Senate Republicans began working to change the law to legalize the activities under investigation. Republicans surprised many when they tried to rush Senate Bill 654 through the Legislature to explicitly carve-out an exception to the state’s campaign finance statutes for issue ads, the election messages that stop short of telling viewers to vote for or against a candidate.

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

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

Lobbying

“Who Has Time for Legislating Anyway? | K Street Files” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

“K Street eyes spending bills to stop Obama” by Megan R. Wilson and Tim Devaney in The Hill.

Kentucky: “U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield of Kentucky Had Decade-Long Financial Tie To a Lobbyist” on WKMS.

Campaign Finance

“Data Delayed Is Democracy Denied” op-ed by Robert Biersack in The New York Times.

“Big Checks Strengthen Super PACs” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“The massive difference in how Democrats and Republicans raise money” by Philip Bump in The Washington Post.

“Senate hopeful’s donations raise questions on source” by Todd Spangler (Detroit Free Press) in USA Today.

“The Easiest Fix for Dark Money: Disclose Less Often” by Lindsay Mark Lewis in The Atlantic.

California: “Gov. Brown allows advisory ballot measure on Citizens United decision” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.

Kentucky: “Fake KY senate candidate draws attention campaign finance reform” by Lawrence Smith on WDRB.

Missouri: “We Asked Five Questions About Campaign Finance Reports. Here Are The Answers” by Jason Rosenbaum on St. Louis Public Radio.

New Jersey: “Princeton moves to restrict campaign donors” by Nicole Mulvaney in Times of Trenton.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: “Ethics Board to consider stricter campaign finance regulations” by Claudia Vargas in The Inquirer.

Ethics

“Bill proposes ethics classes for Congress” by Al Kamen and Colby Itkowitz in The Washington Post.

Redistricting

“Florida Will Wait Til After November to Redraw Redistricting Map” by Mary Ellen Klas in Governing.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” by Megan Ruyle in The Hill.

“Big-game hunting on K St.” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Massachusetts: “Casino Interests Have Spent Over $16.5m on Lobbyists Since 2007” by Sara Morrison in the Boston Globe.

Missouri: “Does your legislator accept lobbyist gifts?” by Walter Moskop in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

New York: “Lobbying Group Adopts de Blasio’s Agenda” by Kate Taylor in The New York Times.

Campaign Finance

“Republican Governors Association Raises $24 Million” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Democratic Governors Association Raises $13.8 Million” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Party Polarization and Campaign Finance” by Thomas E. Mann and Anthony Corrado in the Brookings Institution.

California: “O.C. Voters to Decide if They Want State to Prosecute Violations of Local Campaign Finance Laws” by Penny Arévalo in the Patch.

Ethics

“Chairman: Ethics Committee Can Only ‘Offer Up Advice’” by Matt Fuller in Roll Call.

South Carolina: “SC Ethics Commission to discuss talking to the press” by Jamie Self in The State.

Utah: “Does Utah Have a Bribery Problem?” by Matt Pearce (McClatchy News) in Governing.

State Legislatures

Missouri: “Gov. Jay Nixon vetoes record number of bills” by Alex Stuckey in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Redistricting

Florida: “Florida Lawmakers Won’t Challenge Redistricting Ruling” by Andrew Harris and Christine Sexton in Bloomberg.

Florida: “Legislature agrees to redraw invalid congressional districts — for 2016” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.

Government Tech and Social Media

New York: “In Brooklyn, Testing a Texting Platform That Connects Locals, Representatives & Community Leaders” by Jessica McKenzie in TechPresident.

Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Launching Giant Cloud” in Government Technology.

Lobbying

“Accepting Resumes! AGRP Executive Director Position” from the Association of Government Relations Professionals Blog.

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

Rhode Island: “GOP Candidates Wants Tougher Lobbying and Ethics Law in RI” by Mark Curtis on WLNE TV News.

Virginia: “Va. hospital group spends $400,000 on lobbying” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) on WTOP.

Campaign Finance

“House Democrats to unveil campaign finance amendment” by Lauren French in Politico.

“How to Raise $5 Million Online For Campaign Finance Reform: Why MayDay PAC Succeeded” by Ben Winkler in TechPresident.

“DeMint rakes in Heritage cash” by Alexander Bolton in The Hill.

New York: “Rolling updates: NYC Campaign Finance Board filings” by Celeste Katz on NY Daily News.

Ohio: “Ben Suarez asks federal judge to throw out obstruction of justice conviction or grant new trial” by James F. McCarty in The Plain Dealer.

South Carolina: “House Speaker Harrell uses campaign funds to pay Charleston attorneys” by Jeremy Borden in The Post and Courier.

Ethics

“Partisan Activities of Lerner Co-Worker at FEC” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Elections

North Carolina: “NC voters see runoff primaries in 37 counties” by The Associated Press on WSOC TV.

Redistricting

“Interactive: Understanding congressional redistricting” by The Associated Press in the Wisconsin State Journal.

New Jersey: “Top Assembly Republican wants redistricting do-over” by Matt Friedman in The Star Ledger.

Texas: “Texas accused of purposely excluding minorities in redistricting” by Will Weissert (Associated Press) in The Dallas Morning News.

Texas: “The Source: Texas Redistricting Back In San Antonio Federal Court” by Paul Flahive on Texas Public Radio.

Lobbying

Canada: “Foreign lobbying transparency bill another attack on environmental groups: critics” by Mark Burgess in The Hill Times.

Iowa: “Lobbyists of All Kinds Flock to Farm Bill” by Peggy Lowe on Iowa Public Radio.

Kansas: “Hearing held on 38 Studios lobbying questions” by The Associated Press in The Wichita Eagle.

Campaign Finance

“Lawrence Lessig’s Public Q&A on How His $12 million Super PAC Will Fix Campaign Finance” by Rebecca Chao in TechPresident.

California: “San Diego Ethics Commission Votes To Rein In Independent Committees” by Joe Yerardi in KPBS.

Connecticut: “Banned Donors Skirt Law Designed To Prevent Pay-To-Play” by Dave Altimari and Matthew Kauffman in the Hartford Courant.

Maine: “Analysis: One candidate’s unfair campaign finance law is another’s protection” by Mario Moretto in the Maine Daily Journal.

Maryland: “Excuses abound for Md. campaign report failings” by The Associated Press in The Washington Post.

Massachusetts: “Union fights to strip reporting provision from campaign finance reform bill” by Frank Phillips in The Boston Globe.

Missouri: “Money, Money, Money: Five Things To Look For In Tuesday’s Campaign Finance Reports” by Jason Rosenbaum on KBIA.

Ethics

Indiana: “Bennett accepts $5,000 fine in ethics settlement” by Tom LoBianco (Associated Press) in the Naples Daily News.

Nevada: “What a difference a word could make” by Steve Sebelius in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Pennsylvania: “Pa. lawmakers left town with plenty of unfinished business” by Andrew Staub in the Daily Local News.

Redistricting

Florida: “House Democrats Have Mixed Reaction to Florida Redistricting Ruling” by Abby Livingston in Roll Call.

National:

Eschewing Lobbyists, States Advocate for Themselves

USA Today – Elaine Povich (Pew Center on the States) | Published: 7/10/2014

The 2011 ban on earmarks – the inclusion of money for specific local projects in broader bills – has prompted a shift away from states paying Washington, D.C.-based lobbyists to advocate for them. Now, more state lawmakers and other officials are combining forces to advocate for themselves. K Street lobbyists were specialists in getting earmarks because of their personal connections to federal lawmakers. The state coalitions are making broader arguments for funds that benefit more than one individual project.

Federal:

Sen. Robert Menendez Seeks Probe of Alleged Cuban Plot to Smear Him

Washington Post – Carol Leonnig and Manuel Roig-Franzia | Published: 7/7/2014

With a public corruption investigation hanging over him, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez suggested Cuban spies had planted the seeds of that inquiry as a way to discredit him and mute his strident opposition to the government in Havana. His comments followed media stories that said a 2013 CIA report had cited credible evidence linking Cuban agents to a campaign to smear Menendez. The FBI is investigating whether Menendez received free airplane rides and other perks from a wealthy donor and repaid him with political favors. Even if Menendez’s Cuba theory is correct, it is unlikely to derail the probe.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Support Wanes in Sacramento for Tough Ethics Reform following Scandal

San Jose Mercury News – Jessica Califati | Published: 7/5/2014

Since voting to suspend Leland Yee and two other state senators indicted in recent months, California lawmakers have held a “day of reflection” and considered more than a dozen new pieces of ethics reform legislation. But while support for bills requiring more disclosure of gifts and contributions remains strong, interest in tougher proposals that would restrict politicians’ fundraising and access to free trips has waned significantly in the last few months. “You can’t be against an ethics bill the day after the scandal, but it’s no longer the day after the scandal,” said Jessica Levinson, a professor who specializes in campaign finance law.

Florida – Miami Lakes’ Muzzled Mayor Misses ‘My People’ as Trial Is Set to Begin

Miami Herald – Jay Weaver | Published: 7/7/2014

Michael Pizzi, the suspended mayor of Miami Lakes, is facing a trial in federal court on corruption charges. He is charged with conspiracy and extortion offenses for allegedly accepting $6,750 in mostly cash bribes during an FBI sting operation. Pizzi, a Brooklyn native, sees himself as the character Carmine Polito in the Oscar-nominated movie American Hustle – an over-the-top tale of the FBI’s undercover takedown of a fictional blue-collar New Jersey mayor who lived for his constituents.

Florida – Sternad, Saying He Was Duped, Gets 7 Months

Miami Herald – Jay Weaver | Published: 7/10/2014

A judge sentenced a failed South Florida congressional candidate to seven months in prison for campaign finance violations in a case linked to former U.S. Rep. David Rivera. Justin Sternad pleaded guilty last year to campaign finance violations, including accepting illegal contributions and filing false reports. The case involves allegations that Rivera, a Republican, secretly financed Sternad’s campaign to weaken Democratic rival Joe Garcia. Rivera has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, although close Rivera associate Ana Alliegro is also charged in the case. Rivera is again running for the House seat against Garcia after losing to him in 2012.

Hawaii – Ethics Commission Investigates Golf Perks

Hawaii News Now – Rick Daysog | Published: 7/9/2014

The Hawaii Ethics Commission is winding down its year-old investigation targeting number of employees at the University of Hawaii (UH) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) for receiving thousands of dollars in free golf outings provided by government contractors. Recent filings with the commission by DOT and UH employees indicates just how widespread the practice is. “For a lot of these firms, it’s simply the cost of doing business and this has got to stop because it makes people trust their government less,” said UH political science professor Colin Moore.

Iowa – Koch Brothers Group Targets Iowa Politics

USA Today – Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) | Published: 7/6/2014

Americans for Prosperity, the conservative political advocacy organization backed by Charles and David Koch, is building an operation in Iowa –– the site of the first presidential primary – that is intended to sway voting in the state for years to come. Using methodical canvassing, Americans for Prosperity-Iowa seeks to identify voters who are sympathetic to its message. Its database is to include an individual’s political orientation, likelihood to vote, and serve as a roster of probable swing voters.

Louisiana – C. Ray Nagin, Former New Orleans Mayor, Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

Los Angeles Times – David Zucchino | Published: 7/9/2014

Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his participation in a $500,000 bribery scheme that operated during most of his time in office. Many of the kickbacks took place after Hurricane Katrina, when contractors crowded into the city for rebuilding work. The sentence was less than the recommended 15 years, but U.S. District Court Judge Ginger Berrigan said the evidence failed to show Nagin had organized or had been a leader of a conspiracy. Prosecutors objected to the sentence, a move that could set up an appeal.

Maine – Cutler Supporters’ Lawsuit Challenges Constitutionality of Maine Donation Limits

The Sun Journal – Christopher Cousins (Bangor Daily News) | Published: 7/8/2014

Four supporters of independent gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler filed a lawsuit against Maine’s ethics commission for not being allowed to contribute as much to Cutler as they could to a party candidate. State law allows party candidates to accept $1,500 donations from individuals for both the June primary and the general election, even if those candidates do not face primary challengers. As an independent, Cutler can collect no more than $1,500 per donor. The lawsuit says that law should be struck down as unconstitutional.

Massachusetts – Robert DeLeo in Glare at Probation Hiring Trial

Boston Globe – Milton Valencia and Michael Levenson | Published: 7/10/2014

Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo strongly denied assertions by prosecutors at the federal trial of the state’s former probation department commissioner that DeLeo traded jobs for votes or deliberately spared the agency from budget cuts. Prosecutors said in a court filing that such an arrangement had existed between DeLeo and former probation commissioner John O’Brien, who is being tried along with two deputies for allegedly rigging the agency’s hiring process to favor applicants referred by powerful lawmakers, in exchange for favorable legislative action on the budget or other matters.

Missouri – Ex-Missouri House Speaker’s Campaign Fund Still Yielding Benefits Two Years Later

St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kevin McDermott | Published: 7/6/2014

It is not unusual for former Missouri lawmakers to jump immediately into lobbying their former colleagues with no waiting period. What is unusual is for ex-legislators to keep their campaign funds open and use it in ways that appear to promote their lobbying activities, such as with former House Speaker Steve Tilley. A St. Louis Post-Dispatch review found no other current lawmaker-turned-lobbyist operating under circumstances like the ones surrounding Tilley. That makes some reformers wonder if he is setting a dangerous new precedent that others might follow.

Ohio – Cleveland to Host 2016 GOP Convention

Politico – Katie Glueck and Maggie Haberman | Published: 7/8/2014

In choosing Cleveland as the site of the 2016 Republican National Convention, party organizers opted for a Democratic enclave in the pivotal battleground state of Ohio over the wealthier and more conservative Dallas area. The announcement is a coup for Cleveland as it seeks to update its image from an economically struggling Rust Belt city to a thriving metropolis with a revitalized downtown. The decision to go with Ohio was anticipated by many Republican operatives and donors. “We’re going where the swing voters are,” said GOP strategist Mike Murphy.

Pennsylvania – Interest Groups’ Lobbying Tally Tops $500M in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Melissa Daniels | Published: 7/4/2014

In 2013, lobbyists spent $518 million on costs related to influencing Pennsylvania lawmakers. It is the first time the spending exceeded the $500 million mark. Gabrielle Sedor, president of the Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations, said the increase in spending is likely is because of rising costs overall, such as salaries and travel costs. She said lobbyists try to provide expertise and research about industry trends, and to keep tabs on statehouse activity. “To be a lobbyist and have a good relationship, you have to be honest and ethical and be a source of information, a reliable resource above anything else,” said Sedor.

Rhode Island – R.I. Lobbyist Rickman Discloses He Loaned $10,000 in 2009 to Ex-House Leader Fox

Providence Journal – Katherine Gregg | Published: 7/8/2014

A lobbyist who failed to disclose he loaned money to former Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox has now said the loan was for $10,000. Ray Rickman and Fox had both neglected to report the loan from August 2009 in required filings. State Ethics Commission attorney Jason Gramitt said nothing in the law bans a lobbyist from giving a public official a loan, but the loan would create a ‘business relationship” which in all cases, except those involving legislators, would create a clear conflict-of-interest if that official took any action that financially benefited that business associate.

South Carolina – SC Supreme Court: Harrell probe can continue

The State – Jamie Self | Published: 7/9/2014

The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled the state’s top prosecutor has the authority to investigate House Speaker Bobby Harrell over allegations the lawmaker abused his power for personal benefit. The justices said Attorney General Alan Wilson is fully empowered to probe wrongdoing wherever it may occur, and his powers are not blunted because the investigation involves a lawmaker’s ethical conduct. The ruling overturned a lower court’s decision to halt Wilson’s investigation.

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.

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Lobbying

“Under Contract” in The Hill.

“13 K Streeters cross the street” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Bitcoin gaining currency on K Street” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Louisiana: “Louisiana business association reviews legislative session: Four things you need to know” by Julia O’Donoghue in The Times-Picayune.

Campaign Finance

“Lawrence Lessig on His Super PAC to End Super PACs” by Denver Nicks in TIME.

“Chamber of Commerce Spends $780K for Kingston” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

North Carolina: “Political action committees have big impact on campaigns” by Susan Ladd in the News & Record.

Ethics

Hawaii: “New Chair Will Steer Hawaii Ethics Commission Through Disclosure Law” by Nathan Eagle in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Louisiana: “New Orleans Ex-Mayor Ray Nagin Sentenced to 10 Years” by Cameron McWhirter in The Wall Street Journal.

Congress

“Capitol partially closed due to spill” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill.

Government Tech and Social Media

West Virginia: “W. Va. Proceeds With Massive Computer Overhaul, Employees Struggle With the Switchover” in Government Technology.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Bono’s One Action Ramps Up Lobbying” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Rhode Island: “R.I. lobbyist Rickman discloses he loaned $10,000 in 2009 to ex-House leader Fox” by Katherine Gregg in the Providence Journal.

“Bitcoin Foundation Hires Lobbying Firm” by Ryan Tracy in The Wall Street Journal.

Campaign Finance

Maryland: “Republican Larry Hogan to use public funds in fall campaign for governor of Maryland” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.

Ethics

“Did House Travel Disclosure Rules Change? | A Question of Ethics” by C. Simon Davidson in Politico.

Indiana: “Amid ethics probe, top INDOT official seeks job with firm whose contracts he OK’d” by Tony Cook and Ryan Sabalow in The Indianapolis Star.

Missouri: “It’s back: Streetcar ethics complaint refiled” by Austin Alonzo in the Kansas City Business Journal.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Riverside, Calif., Launches Transparency and Engagement Portal, Rethinks Procurement” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.