June 19, 2014 •
Ohio JLEC Issues Opinion on Tickets to Charitable Fundraisers
The Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Committee recently issued an advisory opinion clarifying certain gift reporting requirements for members, candidates, and employees of the General Assembly. The opinion also applies to reports filed by any legislative agent providing a gift to […]
The Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Committee recently issued an advisory opinion clarifying certain gift reporting requirements for members, candidates, and employees of the General Assembly. The opinion also applies to reports filed by any legislative agent providing a gift to a reportable person.
Advisory Opinion 2014-003 speaks to the value of a complimentary ticket to a charitable fundraiser where the source of the ticket is a third party. When provided by a third party, a complimentary ticket to a non-political fundraiser is a gift, the value of which is the portion of the ticket price that is not tax-deductible.
Furthermore, such portion accrues toward any applicable gift limit. Conversely, a ticket to a charitable fundraiser where the source is the entity holding the event is not considered a gift.
June 19, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Under Contract” in The Hill. “MPAA’s Michael O’Leary steps down – Big 12 hires a lobbying firm” by Byron Tau in Politico. Missouri: “Lobbyists’ gifts to Missouri lawmakers exceed $500,000” by Angela Mueller in the St. Louis Business Journal. […]
Lobbying
“Under Contract” in The Hill.
“MPAA’s Michael O’Leary steps down – Big 12 hires a lobbying firm” by Byron Tau in Politico.
Missouri: “Lobbyists’ gifts to Missouri lawmakers exceed $500,000” by Angela Mueller in the St. Louis Business Journal.
Campaign Finance
“BitPay, CoinVox Team Up to Allow Politicians to Accept Bitcoin” by Eric Calouro in NewsBTC.
Delaware: “Campaign finance reform bills languish in legislature” by Jonathan Starkey in The News Journal.
Massachusetts: “Bill would increase PAC disclosures” by Frank Phillips in the Boston Globe.
New York: “Blame Game After Push to Revamp Campaign Financing Ends” by Mike Vilensky in The Wall Street Journal.
North Carolina: “N.C. election laws ‘stuck in pre-computer age’” by Jim Morrill in the Charlotte Observer.
Vermont: “Advocacy group turns sights to money in politics” by Neal P. Goswami in the Rutland Herald.
Ethics
“Prosecutor asks court: Reinstate DeLay convictions” by Juan A. Lozano (Associated Press) in the Houston Chronicle.
“Grand Jury Probes Capitol Knowledge & Stock Trading” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Hawaii: “Ethics Commission Tells Lawmakers How They Should Spend Allowances” by Nathan Eagle in the Honolulu Civil Beat.
Elections
New York: “This is what happens when a campaign finance scholar runs for governor” by Max Ehrenfreund in The Washington Post.
Wisconsin: “Jon Erpenbach drops appeal in email open records case” in the Journal Sentinel.
State Legislatures
South Carolina: “SC House OKs $12,000 pay raise for lawmakers, overriding Gov. Haley’s veto” by Cassie Cope in The State.
June 18, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. Florida: “Dade Medical College owner charged with improper lobbying” by Mike Vasquez in the Miami Herald. Mississippi: “Washington Lobbyists Pour Money Into Mississippi Senate Race To Fend Off Tea Party” by Paul Blumenthal in […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
Florida: “Dade Medical College owner charged with improper lobbying” by Mike Vasquez in the Miami Herald.
Mississippi: “Washington Lobbyists Pour Money Into Mississippi Senate Race To Fend Off Tea Party” by Paul Blumenthal in The Huffington Post.
Campaign Finance
“Soft Money’s Squishy Political Influence” by Derek Willis in The New York Times.
“Campaign-Finance Reform Has to Be Cross-Partisan” by Lawrence Lessig in The Atlantic.
Vermont: “Canvassers to target money in politics” by Terri Hallenbeck in the Burlington Free Press.
Ethics
Arizona: “Clean elections director seeks full probe of Arizona AG Tom Horne over election law complaint” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Georgia: “Advocates want ethics chief out” by Erica Techo in The Augusta Chronicle.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Democratic Strategist Chris Talbot Explains the Do’s and Don’ts of Digital Campaigns” by Tess VandenDolder in InTheCapitol.
“FBI discovers Twitter-speak, starts a dictionary” by Ian Sherr in C|Net.
June 17, 2014 •
WA Legislative Ethics Board Considers Infrequent Occasions
Section 42.52.420 of the Revised Code of Washington allows public officials to accept gifts in the form of food and beverage on infrequent occasions. In recent months, “infrequent occasions” has come under scrutiny after a widely-read report showed the state’s […]
Section 42.52.420 of the Revised Code of Washington allows public officials to accept gifts in the form of food and beverage on infrequent occasions. In recent months, “infrequent occasions” has come under scrutiny after a widely-read report showed the state’s 50 most active lobbyists treated legislators to meals totaling more than $65,000 over a four-month period.
After the Legislature failed to pass any pertinent legislation before its adjournment on March 13, 2014, the Legislative Ethics Board took up the issue. The board held a meeting on June 17, 2014, to review proposals received from the public related to how to define infrequent occasions.
All of the proposals considered by the board would require legislators to file a report upon receiving a free meal. Stricter proposals set the dollar amount threshold for reporting the meal at $5 and the amount of free meals per year at three to five. Others set the threshold at $25 and allow 52 free meals per year. One especially ambitious proposal would require a reduction in a legislator’s per diem allowance for every free meal he or she accepts.
The board will continue to take public comment on the issue and will reconvene on August 19, 2014, to further consider public proposals.
June 17, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. Campaign Finance California: “Senate approves campaign fundraising blackout during budget negotiations and end of session” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal. Ethics “Watchdog urges bribery probe of congressman” by Mario Trujillo in […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
California: “Senate approves campaign fundraising blackout during budget negotiations and end of session” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.
Ethics
“Watchdog urges bribery probe of congressman” by Mario Trujillo in The Hill.
New Mexico: “NM governor’s ex-aide pleads guilty to hacking charges” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
Ohio: “Ohio Rep. Dale Mallory Named In Ethics Probe” by The Associated Press on WBNS TV News.
Rhode Island: “House panel passes revised ethics bill” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Elections
“Supreme Court: Groups Can Sue over Campaign Lies” by Julie Rovner in Governing.
June 16, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Which federal agencies do lobbyists target most?” by Elizabeth Shell in PBS Newshour. “Unemployment Extension Cause Has Invisible Lobby | K Street Files” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call. “Former Rep. Dan Lungren returns to lobbying” by Megan R. […]
Lobbying
“Which federal agencies do lobbyists target most?” by Elizabeth Shell in PBS Newshour.
“Unemployment Extension Cause Has Invisible Lobby | K Street Files” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Former Rep. Dan Lungren returns to lobbying” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Canada: “Number of federal lobbyists up 24 per cent” by Jason Fekete in The Star Phoenix.
Florida: “Lobbyists, lawyers jostle for pot business” by Dara Kam in The News Herald.
Kentucky: “Lobbyist hosts RPK fundraiser with top GOP senators” by Tom Loftus in the Courier-Journal.
Oklahoma: “Wind energy felt at the state Capitol” by Kurtis Killman in the Tulsa World.
Pennsylvania: “Improvements seen in Phila. lobbying Web site” by Alisha Green (Sunlight Foundation) in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Campaign Finance
“What if your cell phone buzzed every time someone gave your congressman a ton of money?” by Emily Badger in The Washington Post.
“What America Can Learn From Norway’s Success in Regulating Campaign Finance” by Emmett Rensin in PolicyMic.
Ethics
Georgia: “Georgia settles with 3 former ethics commission employees for more than $1.8 million” by Christina A. Cassidy (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Ohio: “Lawmaker might face charges over gifts” by Randy Ludlow in The Columbus Dispatch.
Rhode Island: “Issues to watch at end of General Assembly session” by Erika Niedowski (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Rhode Island: “R.I. Senate OKs bill for Ethics Commission jurisdiction over state lawmakers” by Mike McKinney in the Providence Journal.
West Virginia: “Ethics Commission to hire interim director” by Phil Kabler in The Charleston Gazette.
Congress
“What Happens in the Senate When No One’s Looking? A Lot” by Humberto Sanchez in Roll Call.
State Legislatures
California: “California Legislature passes $156.4-billion 2014-15 budget” by Chris Megerian and Melanie Mason in the Los Angeles Times.
Minnesota: “Minnesota legislators swap Capitol careers for lucrative county paychecks” by Patrick Condon in the Star Tribune.
New York: “Albany lawmakers leaving unfinished business” by Michael Randall in Times Herald-Record.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Pols have a #fakefollower problem” by Darren Samuelsohn in Politico.
June 16, 2014 •
Georgia Commission Settles Retaliation Claims
The ethics commission has agreed to settle three retaliation claims for over $1.8 million. The claims are each related to an investigation of Gov. Nathan Deal involving 2010 campaign and personal finance reports. Under the terms, the commission’s former deputy, […]
The ethics commission has agreed to settle three retaliation claims for over $1.8 million. The claims are each related to an investigation of Gov. Nathan Deal involving 2010 campaign and personal finance reports.
Under the terms, the commission’s former deputy, Sherry Streicker, will receive $1 million, former IT specialist John Hair will receive $410,000, and former staff attorney Elisabeth Murray-Obertein will receive $477,500. The settlements follow an April jury verdict awarding $700,000 plus fees to the commission’s former executive secretary, Stacey Kalberman, who argued her pay was slashed and her deputy’s position eliminated as they were preparing subpoenas in the Deal case.
Murray-Obertein, who arrived after the departures of Kalberman and Streicker, testified she was under pressure to get the Deal case resolved. Hair claimed LaBerge ordered him to alter, hide, and destroy documents related to the Deal investigation.
The commission has denied any wrongdoing and Deal has said he was not involved in any of the commission’s decisions or actions.
June 13, 2014 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 13, 2014
National: What Corrupt States Spend Their Money On Government Technology – Liz Farmer and Kevin Tidmarch (Governing Magazine) | Published: 6/6/2014 According to research published in Public Administration Review, states with higher levels of public corruption spend more money on […]
National:
What Corrupt States Spend Their Money On
Government Technology – Liz Farmer and Kevin Tidmarch (Governing Magazine) | Published: 6/6/2014
According to research published in Public Administration Review, states with higher levels of public corruption spend more money on highways and construction. The study found those projects and police programs provide the most opportunities for lawmakers to enrich themselves, and are positively correlated with state levels of corruption. Meanwhile, highly corrupt states also spend relatively less on health, education, and welfare, categories that were less susceptible to graft and bribery, found the report.
Federal:
Four Years Later, FEC May Finally Update Its Books with Citizens United Ruling
National Journal – Shane Goldmacher | Published: 6/8/2014
Sources said a bipartisan coalition of FEC commissioners is finally moving to update its regulations in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling after years of stalemate. The proposed rules under consideration by commissioners are narrow in scope, mostly seeking to strip unconstitutional provisions from the books; the revisions would not include the stricter disclosure requirements that some Democrats have sought, said people involved in the matter. But the very fact the FEC is undertaking the effort at all is a significant development for an agency that has become synonymous with Washington gridlock and dysfunction.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Calif. Senate Adopts New Ethics Standards, Rejects Others
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 6/9/2014
The California Senate passed new rules that will create an ethics ombudsman, update the chamber’s code of conduct, and ban senators from collecting campaign checks during the last four weeks of the legislative session. But the Senate also shot down a bill that sought a broader campaign fundraising ban, and passed a watered-down ethics bill striking out an attempt to limit the value of travel that officials may take at the expense of interest groups who lobby them.
Colorado – Colorado Secretary of State Denies Citizens United’s Press Pass
Denver Post – Joey Bunch | Published: 6/5/2014
A request by conservative political group Citizens United to be treated as a media organization under Colorado election law was denied. The secretary of state’s office ruled an upcoming documentary featuring state politicians “is an electioneering communication” and does not fall under any of the exemptions to state laws requiring political groups to disclose financial donors when running ads that mention candidates within 60 days of an election.
Connecticut – Judge Rules for State’s Campaign Finance Law
Hartford Courant – Edmund Mahony | Published: 6/10/2014
A federal judge dismissed part of a Democratic Governors’ Association (DGA) lawsuit and denied the group’s bid for a preliminary injunction against Connecticut’s campaign finance laws that it said limit the ability of political groups to buy independent ads backing candidates. The DGA maintained that under laws adopted in 2013, the state unfairly treats independent money spent on ads and other political messages by the national group as contributions to particular candidates, and thus subject to donation limits.
Idaho – Ethics Proposal Would Stop Lobbyists from Lying to Lawmakers
Utah Policy – Brian Schott | Published: 6/10/2014
Idaho law prohibits lobbyists from intentionally giving false information to officials. The punishment is up to $100 fine and a one-year suspension of their lobbying license. But the law is basically unenforceable because it is nearly impossible to prove whether a lobbyist provided false information on purpose. State Sen. Daniel Thatcher wants to put more teeth into the statute.
Illinois – State Rep. Derrick Smith Found Guilty in Bribery Trial
Chicago Sun-Times – Kim Jansson | Published: 6/10/2014
A federal jury found Rep. Derrick Smith guilty of taking a $7,000 bribe to support a state grant for a day-care center. He was charged following an FBI undercover investigation that caught him talking about the payoff on tape. Smith was expelled by the Illinois House in 2012 after he was charged with taking the bribe. He won his seat back the same year, but lost the Democratic primary in March.
Maryland – City Chides Developer for Listing Campaign Contributions as Project Cost
Baltimore Sun – Luke Broadwater | Published: 6/11/2014
Baltimore officials approved a deal to sell a pier for the development of a luxury hotel after reprimanding a developer for trying to include campaign contributions to local politicians as part of the project’s costs. Recreation Pier Developers listed donations to city Councilperson James Kraft and state Del. Peter Hammen as part of the more than $3 million it has spent on the project. “The developers believe campaign contributions buys access and helps build a relationship …,” said Maryland Common Cause Director Jennifer Bevan-Dangel.
Maryland – Hershey v. Hershey: Chocolate company sues state senator over campaign signs
Baltimore Sun – Ian Duncan | Published: 6/9/2014
In a federal lawsuit, the Hershey Company asked a judge to stop Maryland Sen. Stephen Hershey, Jr. from using campaign materials that it believes are too similar to its own logo and packaging. The senator’s name, in block capital letters over a brown Maryland flag, looks strikingly similar to the wrapper of a certain confection, the chocolate maker says, an impermissible use of what it calls its “trade dress.”
Nevada – In Nevada, Nobody Wins (Sort-Of)
Politico – Steven Shepard | Published: 6/11/2014
More Democratic primary voters cast ballots for “None of these candidates” than for any actual candidates for governor in Nevada, a testament to a weak field looking to challenge popular Gov. Brian Sandoval and a unique state election law that allows voters the none-of-the-above option. “None” led the way with 30 percent of the vote. Finishing second was former state economic development director Robert Goodman, who won 25 percent of the vote.
North Carolina – N.C. Investigating Donations by Sweepstakes Industry
The Virginian-Pilot – Michael Biesecker (Associated Press) | Published: 6/11/2014
The State Bureau of Investigation is conducting a criminal probe into campaign contributions from the video sweepstakes industry to some of North Carolina’s top elected officials. The Associated Press reported last year that donations from gaming software magnate Chase Burns, who was pushing for legalization of his industry in North Carolina, may have violated state laws prohibiting corporate money from “directly or indirectly” funding political campaigns.
Pennsylvania – A Bad Bet: GOP Governors Assn. crossed state law with donation
Philadelphia Daily News – Chris Brennan | Published: 6/11/2014
The Republican Governors Association transferred nearly $1 million to its Pennsylvania PAC – the largest donor to Gov. Tom Corbett’s re-election bid – from casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, a blunder that appears to breach the state’s gaming act. State law bars casino owners and executives from giving to candidates, political parties, or committees. Adelson chairs the Las Vegas Sands Corp., which owns a casino in Bethlehem.
South Carolina – South Carolina Senate Postpones Vote on Ethics Compromise after House Grudgingly Passes
Columbus Republic – Andrew Coffman Smith (Associated Press) | Published: 6/5/2014
The South Carolina General Assembly was on the cusp of passing its first attempt at ethics reform in 20 years when Sen. Lee Bright filibustered a vote on the bill. The House had passed the legislation but the Senate chose to wait until June 17 to consider the measure. The reform bill raises the annual lobbyist registration fee from $100 to $200, and super PACs would be required to disclose their top five donors and any donor who gives more than $10,000, among other provisions.
Virginia – Cantor Loss Throws Congress into Disarray
Washington Post – Paul Kane | Published: 6/10/2014
In one of the most stunning primary election upsets in congressional history, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was soundly defeated by a tea party-backed economics professor who had hammered him for being insufficiently conservative. The result delivered a major jolt to the Republican Party as Cantor had widely been considered the top candidate to succeed Speaker John Boehner, and it has the potential to change both the debate in Washington on immigration and, possibly, the midterm elections.
Virginia – GOP Has Claimed Control of Va. Senate, Forced Democrats to Cave over Medicaid Impasse
Washington Post – Laura Vozzella and Michael Laris | Published: 6/9/2014
The resignation of a Democratic senator in Virginia that flipped control of the chamber to Republicans set off charges of an unseemly deal and threatened Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s chances of expanding Medicaid under the president’s health care law. State Sen. Phillip Puckett’s sudden decision to step down from his seat may tip a stalemate in favor of Republicans opposed to expanding Medicaid to 400,000 poor and disabled residents. Democrats accused Republicans of masterminding Puckett’s resignation by promising him a plum job and speeding the appointment of his daughter to a state judgeship.
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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June 12, 2014 •
Toronto Appoints New Integrity Commissioner
On June 11, the Toronto, Canada City Council appointed Valerie L. Jepson as the city’s new integrity commissioner. According to the city’s press release, Jepson was counsel for the Office of the Ontario Integrity Commissioner since 2007. Jepson replaces Janet […]
On June 11, the Toronto, Canada City Council appointed Valerie L. Jepson as the city’s new integrity commissioner. According to the city’s press release, Jepson was counsel for the Office of the Ontario Integrity Commissioner since 2007. Jepson replaces Janet Leiper, the commissioner since 1999.
June 12, 2014 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Lobby groups hunker down for storm” by Bernie Becker and Benjamin Goad in The Hill. “Cantor’s K Street value: Off the charts” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Tech firm looks to bring bitcoins to campaigns” […]
Lobbying
“Lobby groups hunker down for storm” by Bernie Becker and Benjamin Goad in The Hill.
“Cantor’s K Street value: Off the charts” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“Tech firm looks to bring bitcoins to campaigns” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
“Got bitcoins to spend? Here are some options” by Laura Lorenzetti in Fortune.
Alaska: “Campaign-Finance Challenge in Alaska Senate Race” by Jeremy W. Peters in The New York Times.
Florida: “Campaign Cash Offers Picture of Legislative Races” by Jim Saunders in the Sunshine State News.
Ethics
Illinois: “Jurors Have Some Trouble Convicting Illinois Legislator of Bribery” by Jason Meisner in Governing.
Rhode Island: “R.I. Senate delays vote on ethics bill to consider possible changes” by Randal Edgar in the Providence Journal.
State Legislatures
Michigan: “Michigan petition drive for part-time Legislature falls short but organizers look to 2016” by Jonathan Oosting on Michigan Live.
New York: “Cuomo ‘not overly optimistic’ about end of legislative session” by Jimmy Vielkind in Capital New York.
Virginia: “Lawmakers return to pass budget” by Michael Marts in The Roanoke Times.
Washington: “Slew of state laws take effect” by Lauren Dake in The Columbian.
June 11, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. “Sallie Mae spin-off registers to lobby” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Amplifyd: Crowd-Sourced Lobbying Launches Website” by Annie Spiegelman in The Huffington Post. “Politico: Wall Street Loses an Ally With Cantor’s Defeat” […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
“Sallie Mae spin-off registers to lobby” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Amplifyd: Crowd-Sourced Lobbying Launches Website” by Annie Spiegelman in The Huffington Post.
“Politico: Wall Street Loses an Ally With Cantor’s Defeat” by Drew MacKenzie in Newsmax.
North Carolina: “Senate honors longtime lawmaker, lobbyist Alley” by Tara Jeffries in WRAL.
Campaign Finance
“Campaign Finance Hearings Showcase Extremes | Rules of the Game” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
“A Reporter Crashes the Super PAC Party” by Walter Shapiro in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.
“Bitcoin bulks up lobbying power” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.
Connecticut: “Democratic governors lose challenge to Connecticut campaign finance law” by Nate Raymond in Reuters.
Kansas: “Panel looking into ethics of Facebook post seeking contributions to Schodorf campaign” by Brian Lowry in The Wichita Eagle.
North Carolina: “Legislators call for constitutional convention” in The Times-News.
Ohio: “Former executive testifies in campaign finance trial of northeast Ohio businessman” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Elections
“5 takeaways from Eric Cantor shocker” by James Hohmann in Politico.
June 10, 2014 •
California Senate Resolutions Strengthen Ethics Laws
The Senate has passed resolutions to tighten ethics laws by creating a new position of ethics ombudsman, installing protections for whistleblowers, and banning the raising of campaign funds during August, the last month of the legislative year. A bill to […]
The Senate has passed resolutions to tighten ethics laws by creating a new position of ethics ombudsman, installing protections for whistleblowers, and banning the raising of campaign funds during August, the last month of the legislative year. A bill to extend the fundraising blackout period to the Assembly fell four votes short of the two-thirds needed for approval.
The Senate also approved an amended bill to regulate travel gifts and the use of campaign funds. Senate Bill 831 initially would have barred acceptance of gifts of travel worth more than $8,000, but was amended to only require nonprofit groups paying for legislators’ travel to disclose donor information.
At its June 18 meeting, the Hawaii State Ethics Commission will consider whether to issue guidance to state legislators regarding the use of their annual legislative allowance. The state Constitution provides the allowance for each legislator to cover incidental expenses […]
At its June 18 meeting, the Hawaii State Ethics Commission will consider whether to issue guidance to state legislators regarding the use of their annual legislative allowance. The state Constitution provides the allowance for each legislator to cover incidental expenses connected with legislative duties. The funds may not be used for any personal expenses including, but not limited to, gifts, campaign contributions, or food and beverages related to social activities and events.
Several legislators filed complaints with the commission accusing colleagues of using the annual allowance for personal reasons. After reviewing information provided by Senate and House clerks, commission staff identified several disbursements appearing unrelated to a legislator’s official duties.
Congressional leadership argues the responsibility for monitoring the use of the legislative allowance rests with the Legislature. Commission staff, on the other hand, believes monitoring the use and sanctioning the misuse of the allowance falls within the reach of the State Ethics Code.
A detailed list of recommendations for discussion can be found on the Ethics Commission website. Because legislative allowance funds are public funds, the Commission will accept public comments and testimony concerning the use of said funds.
June 10, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Koch brothers add to K Street force” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Washington Redskins Improve Defense With K Street Lobbying” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call. Campaign Finance California: “Fremont nonprofit group […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“Koch brothers add to K Street force” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Washington Redskins Improve Defense With K Street Lobbying” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Campaign Finance
California: “Fremont nonprofit group fined $25,000 for laundering contributions in 2008 mayoral race” by Chris De Benedetti in the San Jose Mercury News.
Maine: “Ethics commission fines LePage for missing campaign finance deadlines” by Mario Moretto in the Bangor Daily News.
Maine: “Political donors in Maine’s gubernatorial race most often work for [blank]” by Darren Fishell in the Bangor Daily News.
Ohio: “Suarez relatives testify about campaign donations” by Ed Meyer in the Akron Beacon Journal.
Ethics
California: “Senate approves tighter gift bans, ethics rules” by Judy Lin (Associated Press) in The Modesto Bee.
Washington: “Ethics board looks at lawmakers’ free food” by Brad Shannon in The News Tribune.
Washington: “Moving state primary election left 1992 ethics reform behind” by Peter Callaghan in the Union-Bulletin.
Elections
Nevada: “It’s been a slow primary season, but there’s still much at stake” by Laura Myers in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
North Dakota: “Few statewide issues, races to be decided” by Nick Smith in the Bismarck Tribune.
South Carolina: “Voters Guide: Famous names dot GOP primary for SC lieutenant governor” by Andrew Shain in The State.
State Legislatures
Maine: “Democrats balk at LePage’s renewed push for special legislative session” by Mario Moretto in the Bangor Daily News.
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