Federal:

Harry Reid’s Attacks on Koch Brothers Send GOP Donors into the Shadows

Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 5/29/2014

Several prominent pro-Republican advocacy groups say they are benefiting from a burst of cash as some donors, fearful of harsh public attacks such as those aimed at the billionaire Koch brothers by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, turn away from political committees required under federal law to reveal their contributors. Reid has escalated his criticisms of the Kochs and their influence within the GOP in recent months, lodging sharply personal attacks against the brothers, often from the Senate floor. “We’ve heard from donors that they don’t want to get ‘Koched,'” said one Republican operative who works with outside groups.

I.R.S. Delays New Rules on Taxation for Activists

New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 5/22/2014

The IRS is rewriting new rules intended to clarify how the agency defines political activity and how much nonprofit groups are allowed to spend on it and still keep their tax exempt status. The IRS will delay a public hearing it planned to hold this summer until the controversial regulations are revised. The agency said it made the decision after receiving 150,000 comments about the changes, the biggest public response to any proposed rule in its history. The delay means new rules will not be in place before Election Day.

Patton Boggs Agrees to Merger with Squire Sanders

Washington Post – Catherine Ho and Holly Yeager | Published: 5/23/2014

Patton Boggs, a Washington, D.C. lobbying and legal powerhouse for decades, is merging with a larger firm, Squire Sanders, in a move that saves Patton Boggs from drift or dissolution. The new firm will be named Squire Patton Boggs. The merger is expected to take effect by June 1. The end of Patton Boggs as a standalone firm is a tale of a changing industry, where a firm’s ability to influence a few key powerbrokers is giving way to the need to sway larger groups of lawmakers and the public as a whole.

RNC Files Suit to Raise Unlimited Cash for Elections

San Gabriel Valley News; Associated Press –   | Published: 5/22/2014

The Republican National Committee sued for the right to raise unlimited funds for independent expenditures that advocate for a candidate’s election. The suit seeks to eliminate an annual $32,400 per person limit on contributions to the party, making its independent spending similar that of a super PAC. The committee did not challenge limits on contributions made directly to campaigns.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arkansas – Arkansas Ethics Panel Issues Opinion on Electronic Campaign Contributions

The Times Record; Arkansas News Bureau –   | Published: 5/23/2014

The Arkansas Ethics Commission said a national organization that accepts campaign contributions electronically does not have to require Arkansas donors to submit personal information each time they make a donation if the information is already recorded. The commission issued an advisory opinion at the request of ActBlue, a PAC that raises money for Democratic candidates across the country.

California – Chiu Lobbying Legislation Heads to Full Board of Supervisors Next Month

San Francisco Chronicle – Marisa Logos | Published: 5/27/2014

Proposed changes to San Francisco’s lobbying ordinance seek to close loopholes that critics say have allowed some of the city’s most prolific lobbyists to avoid registering. Current law exempts licensed attorneys from registering as lobbyists, even if they are not actually acting as a lawyer. The legislation also changes the definition of a lobbyist, basing it on the number of times a person contacts city officials instead of how much he or she is paid for lobbying activities.

California – Guiding Voters to Candidates with the Right Wallets

Los Angeles Times – Evan Halper | Published: 5/27/2014

Like so many other Silicon Valley startups, a project from two Stanford University professors, www.crowdpac.com, is rooted in an algorithm. This one is fueled by campaign money. The academics view campaign disclosure reports as a treasure trove of data that can be used to connect neophyte politicos with like-minded candidates. Crowdpac’s motto: “It turns out the best guide to what a politician will do is not what comes out of their mouth, but what goes into their wallet.”

Maine – Maine Ethics Panel Imposes Record Fine on National Organization for Marriage

Portland Press Herald – Steve Mistler | Published: 5/28/2014

The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices fined the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) more than $50,000 and ordered it to file a report that would reveal the donors behind the group’s 2009 effort to repeal the state’s gay marriage law, a decision that could affect how nonprofit organizations attempt to influence elections. The commission ruled NOM failed to properly register as a ballot question committee and file campaign finance reports in the referendum that struck down same-sex marriage before it was legalized by voters in 2012.

Minnesota – Ritchie Cuts out Immunity Cards for Legislators

Minneapolis Star Tribune – Abby Simons | Published: 5/22/2014

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie will no longer distribute “Get Out of Jail Free” cards to Minnesota lawmakers. The decision brings an end to the wallet-sized cards that say lawmakers “in all cases except treason, felony and breach of the peace, shall be privileged from arrest” while the Legislature is in session. Historically, the cards were issued to keep adverse interests from arresting lawmakers to prevent them from voting, but have raised concerns among some who fear they literally put legislators above the law, including getting them out of drunken driving or other arrests.

Mississippi – For Tea Party, Senate Race in Mississippi Is the Last Chance to Oust an Incumbent

New York Times – Jonathan Weisman | Published: 5/28/2014

Mississippi politics has always had a rough edge under the veneer of Southern gentility, but the race for the U.S. Senate between incumbent Thad Cochran and state Sen. Chris McDaniel has reached another level. The race represents the last chance for tea party activists to topple an incumbent senator, and it appears that little is off limits in the campaign.

New Jersey – A Limit to Pension Investing Oversight as Political Donations from Executives Can Go Unchecked

Bergen Record – Melissa Hayes and John Reitmeyer | Published: 5/27/2014

New Jersey’s “pay-to-play” law makes it clear that executives and their employees working on the state’s pension fund investments cannot donate to candidates and political committees. But those venture capital firms and hedge funds often take the state pension dollars and invest them in other companies whose executives do not have to disclose their campaign contributions. The complex nature of those investments, the inability of the law to cover all their financial relationships, and the lack of any public database like the one for state contractors make tracking political connections difficult.

New York – New York Elections Board: $150,000 campaign donation limit on individuals won’t be enforced

The Tribune – Michael Virtanen (Associated Press) | Published: 5/27/2014

The New York Board of Elections ruled the state’s $150,000 annual limit on aggregate campaign donations by individuals will no longer be enforced. The contributions would be restricted only by how much a politician, party, or group can receive under various limits set in election law. For example, a statewide candidate can accept no more than $41,100 from a single donor. The board agreed the $150,000 limit is unenforceable following recent court rulings.

Pennsylvania – How Philly’s Most Powerful Ed Reform Group Broke the Law

Philadelphia City Paper – Daniel Denvir | Published: 5/23/2014

The city ethics board levied a fine of $1,500 against the Philadelphia School Partnership for failing to register as a lobbying principal and not filing required disclosure reports. The partnership, a local nonprofit raising millions of dollars in a bid to improve public, private, and charter schools, said it was initially unaware that the city’s definition of lobbying was broader than those used by the state and federal governments.

Virginia – Ethics Law Addresses Virginia Officials’ Financial Dealings, But Database Is a Tall Order

Washington Post – Jenna Portnoy | Published: 5/26/2014

Under a new law, the public should be able to scrutinize a wide variety of Virginia officeholders’ financial data and gifts they receive with a quick check online. But unanswered questions about how the electronic clearinghouse will be set up could make it harder, not easier, to see the information. Officials are struggling with the difficult and potentially expensive reality of carrying out the law. As a result, they are considering a simpler, less searchable system that would make it more difficult to scrutinize the records.

Virginia – McAuliffe Vetoes Ethics Bill after Amendments Rejected

Richmond Times Dispatch – Olympia Meoli | Published: 5/23/2014

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe vetoed identical ethics reform bills limiting certain gifts to him after the General Assembly rejected amendments he proposed to place that limit on lawmakers. The bills aimed to ban the governor from soliciting or accepting gifts worth more than $50 from those seeking grants or no-interest loans from a state economic development fund.

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

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“Big Business’ Summer Agenda | K Street Files” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

“States and Localities Are Losing Their Influence in Washington” by J. B. Wogan in Governing.

Campaign Finance

“Campaigns Ignore State Law at Their Peril | A Question of Ethics” by C. Simon Davidson in Roll Call.

California: “L.A. County requires electronic filings of campaign finance reports” by Abby Sewell in the Los Angeles Times.

Massachusetts: “Campaign finance bill is now law” by Douglas Moser in the Eagle-Tribune.

Wisconsin: “Judge who stopped Wisconsin campaign finance probe tied to Koch-funded junkets” by Chris Young in The Center for Public Integrity.

Ethics

North Carolina: “North Carolina elections board hiring longtime FBI agent to work on investigation team” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

South Carolina: “SC Senate votes against House ethics plan” by The Associated Press in The State.

Elections

“Oldest lawmaker kicked out” by Cameron Joseph in The Hill.

“An Update on the 2014 State Legislators to Watch” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.

“A Guide to the 36 Governors’ Races” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.

Texas: “Tea Party Conservatives Win Top GOP Runoff Contests” by Brandi Grissom in The Texas Tribune.

Lobbying

“Patton Boggs, Squire Sanders to merge” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Bitcoin gets a lobbyist” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Illinois: “Retired congressman cashes in as transit lobbyist, consultant” by Chuck Neubauer and Sandy Bergo in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Campaign Finance

“GOP Sues to End Fundraising Limits on Political Parties” by Brody Mullins in The Wall Street Journal.

“Shrinking Line Separates Campaign Donations From Bribes” by Albert R. Hunt in Bloomberg.

Arkansas: “Arkansas Ethics Panel Issues Opinion On Electronic Campaign Contributions” in the Times Record.

New Jersey: “Special interest money in Newark election fuels debate over campaign finance reform” by Ted Sherman in The Star-Ledger.

New York: “NY won’t enforce $150G contribution limit on individual donors” by Michael Gormley in Newsday.

New York: “Poll finds New Yorkers support campaign finance” by The Associated Press in The Wall Street Journal.

Virginia: “McAuliffe vetoes bill that would ban donations from companies seeking economic grants” by Jenna Portnoy in The Washington Post.

Wisconsin: “Will Wisconsin follow FEC’s lead on bitcoin approval?” by Steven Elbow in The Capital Times.

Ethics

New York: “NY lawmaker’s campaign manager quits” by Cameron Joseph in The Hill.

Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania has one of nation’s most lax ethics laws for politicians” by Karen Shuey in Lancaster Online.

Rhode Island: “Candidates for governor discuss R.I.’s reputation for secrecy, cronyism / Video” by C. Eugene Emery, Jr. in the Providence Journal.

South Carolina: “SC ethics reform likely will not include independent oversight of legislators” by Andrew Shain in The State.

National:

Glass Ceilings in Statehouses in the Northeast

New York Times – Jonathan Martin | Published: 5/18/2014

The Democratic Party has yet to elect a female governor in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, or Massachusetts. Even this year, with women running for governor in three of those states, it is uncertain that any of them will break the pattern. It is no quirk of history, according to a few dozen politicians, scholars, and strategists who have examined or experienced firsthand the difficulties women have had in seeking to become chief executives in some of the flagship states of blue America.

From the States and Municipalities:

Connecticut – Judge Orders Settlement Try in DGA Campaign Case

Connecticut Mirror – Mark Pazniokas | Published: 5/21/2014

U.S. District Court Judge Janet Hall ordered settlement talks to begin in a case in which the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) claims the State Elections Enforcement Commission and Connecticut campaign laws restrict its First Amendment right to spend money on behalf of Gov. Dannel Malloy in the coming election. Hall sharply questioned lawyers for both sides in open court, probing the DGA’s legal standing to challenge a statute it is yet to be accused of violating, and testing whether the state law comports with recent court rulings minimizing restrictions on campaign contributions.

Delaware – Markell Ties Benefit from Collections Contracts

Delmarva Daily Times – Jonathan Starkey (Wilmington News Journal) | Published: 5/19/2014

Gov. Jack Markell’s administration has paid millions of dollars to law firms tied to supporters and former staff members that were hired to help collect money from out-of-state businesses incorporated in Delaware. Nothing about the relationships and contracts is illegal. But the contracts raise questions about how Markell, who came into the governor’s office critical of backroom deals that benefit insiders, runs the program that collects so much state revenue. James Browning of Common Cause said the state should require better lobbying disclosures for those seeking public business.

Georgia – Ethics Commission Whistleblower Talks About Trial

WXIA – Catherine Beck | Published: 5/21/2014

In an interview, former state ethics commission Executive Secretary Stacey Kalberman recounted the turbulent last three years she has faced. In dealing with an ethics case against Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, Kalberman lost her job, her professional reputation, and the Atlanta community she had lived in for more than 25 years. But she won from a jury what she needed the most: vindication.

Illinois – Watchdog Wants Stricter Cook County Lobbying Rules

Chicago Tribune – Hal Dardick | Published: 5/19/2014

Cook County Inspector General Patrick Blanchard issued a report that calls for stricter rules after finding “rogue lobbyists” are ignoring requirements to register or report their activities. He said people selling products to the government escape from all lobbying requirements under a loophole in the county ordinance. County Clerk David Orr, who introduced the county’s lobbyist reporting requirements, said he was open to the reforms that Blanchard proposed.

Indiana – State Giving $345K to Eric Turner Company Project

Belleville News Democrat – Tom LoBianco (Associated Press) | Published: 5/20/2014

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. awarded Mainstreet Property Group $345,000 for the construction of a nursing home that is expected to net House Speaker Pro Tem Eric Turner $1.8 million. It was one of many Mainstreet projects that Turner helped save when he defeated legislation that would have banned the construction of new nursing homes. Turner owns 50 percent of a company which owns 76 percent of Mainstreet.

Louisiana – Federal Judge: Ethics gag rule is unconstitutional

New Orleans Advocate – Sara Pagones and Faimon Roberts III | Published: 5/16/2014

A federal judge granted Terry and Laura King’s request to strike down a state law under which the couple was charged with a crime for allegedly making public statements about an ethics complaint they filed against St. Tammany Parish Coroner Peter Galvan. The Kings filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law, saying it violates citizens’ rights to freedom of speech. U.S. District Court Judge Martin Feldman agreed that the section of the law used to prosecute the Kings is too broad.

Maine – National Anti-Same-Sex Marriage Group Could Be Fined for Role in 2009 Campaign

Portland Press Herald – Eric Russell | Published: 5/19/2014

A national group that helped defeat a same-sex marriage law in Maine could face more than $50,000 in fines for violating the state’s campaign finance laws. The state ethics commission said its investigators found the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) should be fined for failing to register as a ballot question committee and not filing reports. NOM was the primary donor when it gave nearly $2 million to Stand for Marriage Maine, a PAC, to help defeat the law in a 2009 referendum. State law requires groups to register if they raise or spend more than $5,000 to influence a state ballot question.

Massachusetts – Mayor Walsh Received $1.4M in Gifts for Gala, Transition

Boston Globe – Andrew Ryan | Published: 5/19/2014

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh received $1.4 million in private donations for his inauguration and transition, with most of the contributions coming from corporations, developers, lobbyists, and others who do business with the city. Walsh used no tax dollars for the January inauguration, and he barred money from PACS and organized labor, although unions hosted a private reception for the new mayor. The administration suggested a cap of $25,000 for donors and voluntarily disclosed all contributions and expenditures. Walsh said it did not pose a conflict to accept money from companies with interests before the city.

Minnesota – Federal Court: Minnesota must lift limit on political donations

Minneapolis Star Tribune – Rachel Stassen-Berger | Published: 5/20/2014

Minnesota’s law limiting the amount of money candidates can take from lobbyists, PACs, and big donors is on hold after a ruling by a federal judge. U.S. District Court Judge Donovan Frank suspended the law while a court challenge plays out. The statute in question says candidates can only accept 20 percent of their contributions from certain types of donors and then must abide by lower limits after that.

New Jersey – National Group Gives NJ Contractors a New Way to Influence Elections

Newark Star Ledger – Matt Friedman | Published: 5/18/2014

Contributions to GOPAC, a Washington-based nonprofit political advocacy group, reveal how such organizations allow contractors to get around state and local laws designed to keep them from making big campaign donations in New Jersey. Some of the candidates and committees were restricted from taking major donations directly from the contractors because of New Jersey’s web of “pay-to-play” laws aimed at keeping political money from influencing the awarding of contracts. But the contractors are free to donate to GOPAC, which is allowed to give money to any candidate.

North Carolina – NC Legislature Adopts New Rules on Protests

Raleigh News & Observer – Craig Jarvis | Published: 5/15/2014

North Carolina lawmakers adopted new rules governing protests at the Legislative Building. The move was prompted by legal concerns over the guidelines cited by judges hearing the cases of some of the more than 900 people who were arrested in last year’s “Moral Mondays” demonstrations at the General Assembly. But the process, rushed through on the second day of session in advance of the anticipated first round of protests this year, drew criticism from Democratic legislators.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin Signs Bill to Change Local Campaign Finance Reporting Law

The Oklahoman – Rick Green | Published: 5/20/2014

A bill signed into law by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin imposes a new disclosure requirement for groups that make independent expenditures to local campaigns. These groups will be required to identify donors who contribute more than $50. The law also designates the state Ethics Commission as the body to enforce local campaign finance statutes.

Vermont – Donor Rules Same for All VT Candidates

Burlington Free Press – Nancy Remsen | Published: 5/19/2014

Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell issued guidance saying the state would not enforce different contribution limits for candidates who run in both a primary and general election and candidates running for the same office who have only one election. All candidates will now be allowed to accept $2,000 per donor, even if they do not have a primary. This policy applies through December 31, 2014, after which new donations limits take effect for the next election cycle.

Wisconsin – Lobbyists to Be Allowed to Make Campaign Donations during Legislative Session

Wisconsin State Journal – Mary Spicuzza | Published: 5/22/2014

The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board said lobbyists can pass along campaign contributions made by others, such as PACs, at any time of the year. A new campaign finance law raised questions about what the rules for lobbyists were. The board decided that timing limitations for lobbyist donations to candidates apply only to personal contributions, and not those they are delivering on behalf of others.

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

“Former Rep. Billy Tauzin joins son’s lobby firm” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Canada: “Lobbyist watchdog to revise conduct code this summer” by Kady O’Malley on CBC News.

Campaign Finance

“Campaign Finance Reports Put Voters on Notice” by The Associated Press on ABC News.

“The new campaign contribution: I’ll get my employees to vote for you” by Philip Bump in The Washington Post.

“State campaign finance laws are on borrowed time” opinion piece by George F. Will in The Washington Post.

Michigan: “Ex-Meijer attorney cleared of wrongdoing in Northern Michigan campaign finance scandal” by Shandra Martinez in Michigan Live.

Ethics

Georgia: “Kalberman ethics case to cost state over $1 million” by Aaron Gould Sheinin in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Hawaii: “State Task Force Members Must Disclose Financial Ties Under Ethics Ruling” by Nathan Eagle in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

South Carolina: “SC House’s latest version of ethics reform creates super commission to investigate allegations” by Andrew Coffman Smith (Associated Press) in The Republic.

State Legislatures

Arizona: “Brewer expected to call special legislative session on CPS today” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

Minnesota: “Sen. Gazelka comments on end of 2014 Legislative Session” in the Pilot-Independent.

Montana: “Special legislative session for Medicaid expansion, other issues?” by Mike Dennison in the Billings Gazette.

Redistricting

Florida: “In redistricting first, House speaker testifies in court to defend map” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.

Illinois: “Illinois redistricting group lacks signatures” by Chacour Koop (Associated Press) in the Northwest Herald.

Virginia: “Va. redistricting trial begins in federal court” by The Associated Press in the Washington Times.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signed three ethics bills into law on Monday, May 19. The new laws coincide with proposed Ethics Commission Rules affecting the regulation of lobbyists and campaign finance.

The Rules, promulgated by the Ethics Commission in January, were submitted to the governor and both houses of the legislature on February 4, 2014. If the legislature does not reject them in their entirety prior to adjournment sine die, the Rules will become effective at staggered intervals between December 1, 2014 and February 1, 2015.

The three bills recently signed into law will become effective January 1, 2015 to facilitate the change in ethics rules. Senate Bill 1744 modifies campaign finance definitions, removes statutory contribution limits, and instead, references the limits established by the state Ethics Commission. The measure also prohibits contributions from corporations, labor unions, LLCs, and partnerships except as allowed by law or in the Ethics Commission Rules.

Senate Bill 1745 gives the Ethics Commission jurisdiction over municipal races and establishes enforcement mechanisms to coincide with local campaign finance laws.

Lastly, Senate Bill 1746 deletes statutory lobbyist registration and reporting requirements and, instead, references Ethics Commission Rules. The newly signed legislation moves the state one step closer to much needed ethics reform.

Lobbying

“Telecom merger mania hits K Street” by Anna Palmer in Politico.

Illinois: “Quinn wants limits on lobbying by former aides” by Kurt Erickson in the Pantagraph.

Kentucky: “More than $8.25 mil spent lobbying in Frankfort” by Tim Loftus in The Courier-Journal.

Wisconsin: “State panel to decide rules for some lobbyist donations” by Patrick Marley in the Journal Sentinel.

Campaign Finance

“Campaign Bitcoins Proliferate, but FEC Rules Unclear” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

“The new campaign contribution: I’ll get my employees to vote for you” by Philip Bump in The Washington Post.

California: “California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom Among First Politicians Opening Coffers to Bitcoin” by Joe Garolfoli in Government Technology.

Oklahoma: “Electoral dysfunction” by Ben Felder in the Oklahoma Gazette.

Ethics

Virginia: “Bob McDonnell, wife to be tried together” by The Associated Press in Politico.

Elections

“Payback time: GOP incumbents learn how to win” by Alexander Burns in Politico.

“GOP Sees Primaries Taming the Tea Party” by Janet Hook and Patrick O’Connor in The Wall Street Journal.

Arkansas: “Ross, Hutchinson win primaries” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) in The Baxter Bulletin.

Georgia: “Georgia Senate runoff: Nasty, brutish — and long” by Manu Raju in Politico.

Idaho: “Idaho Gov. Otter holding off challengers” by Betsy Z. Russell in The Spokesman-Review.

Pennsylvania: “Wolf leaves the pack behind” by Chris Brennan in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Pennsylvania: “Philly Politicians Must Keep Resigning to Run for Office” by Claudia Vargas in Governing.

State Legislatures

Connecticut: “The Chocolate Milk Ban And Other Legislative Goofs” by Gregory B. Hladky in The Courant.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Lobbyists scoff at Wyden’s tax threat” by Bernie Becker in The Hill.

Illinois: “Watchdog wants stricter Cook County lobbying rules” by Hal Dardick in the Chicago Tribune.

EU: “Brussels defends track record on lobbying transparency” in EurActiv.

Tennessee: “Lobbyists spend record amount in TN” by The Associated Press in the Southern Standard.

Campaign Finance

“Report: Campaign cash increased before tax reform draft” by Bernie Becker in The Hill.

California: “Bill would require payments to state from candidates, lawmakers who misuse campaign donations” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

New York: “D’Souza Pleads Guilty to Campaign Finance Violation” by Benjamin Weiser in The New York Times.

Ohio: “Ben Suarez orchestrated illegal campaign scheme, per company CFO Michael Giorgio’s plea agreement” by James F. McCarty in The Plain Dealer.

Oklahoma: “Fallin signs bills into law targeting Oklahoma’s campaign finance laws” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Ethics

“Indicted Rep. Michael Grimm Appears in New York Court” by Emma Dumain in Roll Call.

California: “California Senate approves ban on many gifts to officials” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.

The Ethics Commission’s website is currently inaccessible due to repeated DDOS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks on the commission’s website hosting vendor.

The Commission’s electronic filing systems remain accessible here.

Status updates regarding the commission’s website are available here.

The Assembly is now considering a bill passed by the Senate to further restrict gifts to lawmakers. Senate Bill 1443 prohibits all gifts from lobbyists and reduces the value of gifts state officials can receive from a non-lobbyist source to $200 per calendar year. Currently, lobbyists may provide gifts of $10 per calendar month and officials can receive $440 from a non-lobbyist source per calendar year.

The bill also prohibits most recreational tickets to concerts, professional sporting events, and amusement parks.

Photo of the California Senate chamber by David Monniaux on Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

“Report: Health lobbying down in first quarter” by Elise Viebeck in The Hill.

“President Obama golfed with Bain Capital lobbyist” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Patton Boggs future up for a vote” by Tucker Echols in the Washington Business Journal.

Hawaii: “Will Lawmakers Ever Do Anything About Lobbyists?” by Patti Epler in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Illinois: “Ex-Quinn chief of staff turns to lobbying” by The Associated Press in the Chicago Sun-Times.

New Hampshire: “Secretary of state candidate de Ramel proposes changes for lobbyists” by Randal Edgar in the Providence Journal.

Oregon: “Oregon’s House clerk out after PERS lobbying flap” in the Portland Business Journal.

Oregon: “Portland Business Alliance violates city lobbying rules by not reporting meeting, correspondence” by Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian.

Tennessee: “Lobbyists spent record amount of $650K last year, could spend more this year” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Campaign Finance

“Here’s how to put everyday citizens in charge of financing campaigns” by U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes in The Washington Post.

“Rethinking Campaign Finance” op-ed by Joe Nocera in The New York Times.

“There’s a Better Way to Measure Who Has Raised the Most Money” by Derek Willis in The New York Times.

“Campaign-Finance Measure May Come to Vote in U.S. Senate” by Kathleen Hunter in Bloomberg.

“Hearing set for proposed campaign finance change” in the Burlington Free Press.

“Newest Member of Congress Joins Washington Money Circuit, Starts PAC” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Oklahoma: “Lawyers dominate judicial campaign funding” by Curtis Killman in Tulsa World.

Wisconsin: “Confusion Reigns on Campaign-Finance Law” by Steven Walters in Urban Milwaukee.

Ethics

“Senate Enters Electronic Age With Personal Wealth Disclosures” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Illinois: “5th anniversary of anti-corruption campaign no celebration” by Andy Shaw in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Louisiana: “State law forbidding disclosure of ethics complaints ruled invalid” by Robert Rhoden in The Times-Picayune.

West Virginia: “W.Va. Ethics Commission sets training session” by The Associated Press on WOWK TV News.

Redistricting

Florida: “Courtroom clash pits Democrats, Republicans in epic redistricting battle” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Social government makes inroads with citizens” by Jake Williams in Fedscoop.

“Agencies Often Don’t Answer Questions They Get Via Social Media, Survey Finds” by Rebecca Carroll in Nextgov.

National:

GOP Civil War Rages in Senate Primary Battles

The Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 5/8/2014

Hard-line conservative groups have together spent nearly three dollars attacking Republican candidates for every one dollar spent criticizing Democrats, according to a Center for Public Integrity analysis. The dichotomy illustrates the family feud between mainstream Republicans and their tea party-affiliated cousins, many of whom have forced GOP incumbents into expensive primary fights because they believe the candidates are not conservative enough.

Koch Brothers’ Americans for Prosperity Plans $125 Million Spending Spree

Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 5/9/2014

Americans for Prosperity expects to spend more than $125 million this year in support of conservative candidates. The plans, combined with those of other groups in the political operation affiliated with the billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch, more closely resemble the traditional functions of a national political party than a network of private nonprofit groups. The goal of the network is a long-term movement to expand the political playing field for conservatives, both into new states and into non-traditional demographics.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Tom Horne Campaign Finance Case to Move Forward

Arizona Capitol Times – Jeremy Duda | Published: 5/14/2014

Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk rejected an administrative judge’s conclusion that there is not enough evidence to show Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne and Kathleen Winn, who ran an independent expenditure committee during the 2010 election, illegally coordinated their activities. Polk’s office maintains that records show the two illegally collaborated on ads attacking Horne’s Democratic opponent. Polk has ordered Horne to return about $400,000 to donors and amend his campaign finance reports to properly reflect the contributions.

California – Capitol Alert: California Senate passes bill banning fundraisers at lobbyist homes

San Luis Obispo Tribune – Laurel Rosenhall (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 5/12/2014

The California Senate passed a bill that would ban lobbyists from holding campaign fundraisers at their homes for candidates and elected officials. Senate Bill 1441 now moves to the Assembly. A prominent Sacramento lobbyist and nearly 40 politicians got in trouble earlier this year with the Fair Political Practices Commission for home-based fundraising events that exceeded a $500 limit.

California – Gov. Brown Signs Bill to Shed Light on Political ‘Dark Money’

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 5/14/2014

Nonprofit organizations that make political contributions in California will have to disclose more information about the source of their money under a bill signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown. Senate Bill 27 requires nonprofits to disclose the names of donors who give them $1,000 or more to spend on political activity, if the group makes contributions of more than $50,000 in a year, or $100,000 over four years. The disclosure requirement takes effect for donations made after July 1 of this year.

Florida – Lobbyists at Water Districts Must Register and Disclose under New Ethics Bill

Miami Herald – Dan Christensen | Published: 5/10/2014

Lobbyists hired to influence spending and policy at Florida’s five water management districts must register and disclose their clients under ethics reforms passed by the state Legislature. If signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott, the bill would for the first time apply state lobbying regulations to some special-purpose governments that raise and spend hundreds of millions dollars every year.

Missouri – Flood Flowing, Ethics Bills Dying as Missouri Legislature Nears Adjournment

St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Virginia Young | Published: 5/14/2014

Missouri lawmakers are feted with free food in the Rotunda, hearing rooms, and area restaurants. Big-ticket items outside the Capitol, such as expensive dinners, sporting event tickets, and out-of-state travel, helped push the total value of the gifts to nearly a million dollars’ worth in 2013, according to state Ethics Commission records. That Is unlikely to change as legislators have stymied bills that would ban or limit the gifts they receive.

New York – Inside Moreland: Documents reveal details of lawmakers’ spending

City & State – John Lentz, Matthew Hamilton, and Morgan Pehme | Published: 5/11/2014

To date, there has been considerable speculation about what exactly the recently disbanded Moreland Commission on Public Corruption investigated during the months it was in operation, but few specifics have been disclosed to the public. Now, commission documents show its investigators sought to determine if New York lawmakers were spending the contributions they received for legitimate campaign-oriented purposes, or whether any money was going to their personal use, in violation of state law.

Ohio – McGinty, DeWine Accuse Youngstown Mayor, Mahoning County Official of Racketeering

Cleveland Plain Dealer – John Caniglia | Published: 5/14/2014

Youngstown Mayor John McNally and Mahoning County Auditor Michael Sciortino were indicted on corruption charges including bribery, conspiracy, and tampering with records. The indictment outlines a series of illegal activities related to a plan to move the offices of the county Department of Job and Family Services. McNally and Sciortino were indicted four years ago on related charges, but the case was dismissed. A judge said then that the charges could be refiled. Prosecutors said at the time their inability to obtain tape recordings held by the FBI and provide them to defense lawyers made it impossible to proceed with the case.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association to Pay $1,200 Fine

The Oklahoman – Nolan Clay | Published: 5/9/2014

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association agreed to stop providing free football and basketball playoff tickets to state legislators, and will pay $1,200 in civil penalties for not disclosing the gifts to the state Ethics Commission for the last three years. The association was required to disclose the gifts once it started using lobbyists. It continues to blame two former lobbyists for the disclosure failure.

Pennsylvania – Candidates’ Parents’ Mutual Donations

Philadelphia Inquirer – Jonathan Tamari | Published: 5/13/2014

During Kevin Strouse’s bid for congressional seat from Pennsylvania, his parents, who had never before donated to federal candidates beyond the commonwealth, sent money to Democrats in tight congressional races in California, Colorado, Florida, and Illinois. Days before or after, those candidates’ parents sent nearly identical contributions, usually for the maximum allowed, to Strouse’s campaign. The donations appear legal, campaign finance experts say, though some said any agreement among the parents to trade donations could be viewed as an attempted end run around contribution limits.

South Carolina – Judge to AG Wilson: Stop SLED and grand jury probe of House Speaker Harrell

The State – John Monk | Published: 5/12/2014

A judge dismissed allegations of corruption against South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell, ruling such a case must first be considered by a legislative panel before state prosecutors could touch it, and saying a grand jury was improperly empaneled. The grand jury had been considering whether Harrell should be indicted on allegations he used campaign funds for personal use. Critics and lawyers following the case said it was a rare, if unprecedented step for a judge to halt a grand jury investigation.

Vermont – AG Clarifies 2014 Campaign Contribution Limits

Burlington Free Press – Nancy Remsen | Published: 5/14/2014

Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell said the state’s campaign contribution limits will remain the same through the end of the year. The secretary of state’s office asked for the formal opinion after the Legislature passed an updated campaign finance law. The law had an error making it appear there was a gap between the date the old limits expire and January 1 when the new caps take effect.

Wisconsin – Federal Appeals Court Tells Wisconsin Regulators That Campaign Finance Laws Went Too Far

Minneapolis Star Tribune – M.L. Johnson (Associated Press) | Published: 5/14/2014

The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals struck down major provisions of Wisconsin’s campaign finance law as unconstitutional. The ruling said state elections officials had overstepped their bounds by prohibiting spending by corporations, setting limits on how much they could raise for affiliated political committees, and establishing burdensome rules for groups that merely mentioned candidates’ names in ads.

Wisconsin – Mistake May Bar Lobbyists from Helping with Fundraising

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 5/8/2014

State election officials said Wisconsin lawmakers may have inadvertently toughened campaign finance rules by barring lobbyists from passing on campaign donations from their clients. Others disagree with that interpretation. The Government Accountability Board will take up the issue on May 21, but the matter may ultimately be decided by the courts.

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Lobbying

“Which foreign countries spent the most to influence U.S. politics?” by Colby Itkowitz in The Washington Post.

“Patton Boggs lobbyist jumps to Akin Gump” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Drone lobby takes flight on K Street” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Illinois: “U of I lobbying day at Capitol today” by The Associated Press in The State Journal-Register.

North Carolina: “NC lawmakers indulge in pre-session ritual: the fundraiser” by Jim Morrill in the Charlotte Observer.

Campaign Finance

“Federal court rulings prompt wave of states hiking campaign contribution limits” by Luke Wachob in the Washington Examiner.

“Five Joint Fundraising Committees Register at FEC” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

California: “Yaroslavsky proposes reforms in county campaign finance system” by Abby Sewell in the Los Angeles Times.

Connecticut: “Campaign Reforms At Stake In Legal Fight” by Edmund H. Mahoney in The Courant.

Delaware: “Illegal Campaign Contributions Could Go To Charity” by Don Rush (Associated Press) on Delmarva Public Radio.

Montana: “Campaign finance rulings split U.S. House candidates” in the Billings Gazette.

Oregon: “Super PACs spend big in Oregon GOP Senate primary” by Jonathan J. Cooper (Associated Press) on KATU.org.

Vermont: “Vermont Attorney General rules campaign limits remain the same for 2014 election cycle” by The Associated Press in the Daily Reporter.

Ethics

Arizona: “Ex-staffer accuses Horne of doing campaign work at the office” by Howard Fischer in the Verde Independent.

Pennsylvania: “PA lawmakers want independent corruption-fighting agency” by Andrew Staub in Watchdog.org.

Government Tech and Social Media

“How to Make Analytics Work for Your Government” by Jason Shueh in Government Technology.

Lobbying

“Lobbying on data, cybersecurity has tripled” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

“Bitcoin community upset over political lobbying in Washington” by Andrew Moran in Personal Finance.

Massachusetts: “For Massachusetts lawmakers, steady lobbying money” by The Associated Press in the Boston Herald.

Massachusetts: “DeLeo: Lobbyist donations have no effect on votes” by The Associated Press in the Connecticut Post.

New York: “Lobbying loophole obscures local casino spending” by Laura Nahmias in Capital New York.

Campaign Finance

“‘Fixing’ campaign finance is only making it worse” by Seth Masket in The Washington Post.

Mississippi: “Bank Gives $230K Unsecured Loan to Super PAC” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

New Hampshire: “Changes to campaign finance laws could have big effect in N.H. races” by Kathleen Ronayne in the Concord Monitor.

New York: “NYS Public campaign finance showing signs of life” by Karen DeWitt on North Country Public Radio.

Washington: “Initiative targets big money in politics” by Jim Brunner in The Seattle Times.

Ethics

Florida: “Conference offers crash course on Florida politics” by Anthony Man in the Sun Sentinel.