Lobbying

“Ex-lawmaker predicts return of earmarks” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“NPA hires new lobbyist” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

Pennsylvania: “Public universities get leg up on lobbying” by Debra Erdley in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Texas: “A Private Battle Over Ethics Goes Public” by Ross Ramsey in the Texas Tribune.

Campaign Finance

“Both Senatorial Campaign Committees Off Track for Start of 2014” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

Arizona: “Erasing campaign contribution limits now would create problems, Bennett tells court” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

Texas: “Interactive: Campaign Finance Reports” by J Harden in the Denton Record-Chronicle.

Wisconsin: “Appeals court won’t stop secret probe into campaign fundraising, spending” by Jason Stein in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Ethics

Louisiana: “State plans to go after bank accounts, licenses of officials with pending Ethics fines, treasurer says” in The Times-Picayune.

Massachusetts: “State lawmakers called out for using campaign funds for personal perks” by Craig Douglas in Boston Business Journal.

Massachusetts: “Campaign donations used for pricey perks” by Shaun Sutner and Thomas Caywood in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.

Missouri: “Secretary of state discusses Missouri ethics laws” by Ack Ventimiglia in LakeExpo.com.

New York: “Lawmakers’ bosses respond to Moreland subpoenas” by Casey Seiler in Capitol Confidential.

New York: “Moreland probe is an attempt force campaign finance reform” by Jimmy Vielkind in Capital New York.

Redistricting

“Congressional District Compactness, Gerrymandering By State” in Governing.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Boston Mayor Blogs His Way Out of Office” by Tod Newcombe in Governing.

“Best of the Web & Digital Government Achievement Awards 2013 – Winners Announced” by Janet Grenslitt in Government Technology.

“Twitter Tells Feds How to Tweet More Effectively” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.

National:

‘Citizens United’ Ruling Helped Unions Win State Elections

The Center for Public Integrity – Alan Suderman and Ben Weider | Published: 11/14/2013

Nonprofits, super PACs, and other non-candidate groups reported spending at least $209 million to influence elections in 38 states in 2012, according to the Center for Public Integrity. More than one out of every two dollars spent originated from groups funded primarily or entirely by out-of-state donors. Even seemingly local entities, like state parties, were recipients of huge influxes of outside cash.

Federal:

FEC: Donors can’t use bitcoins for contributions

San Diego Union Tribune – Jack Gillum (Associated Press) | Published: 11/21/2013

The FEC said bitcoins cannot be used for contributions to political organizations at this time. Bitcoin is a cybercurrency that is relatively anonymous and is created and exchanged independently of any government or bank. Some retailers accept it, and the currency can be converted into cash after being deposited into virtual wallets. But the FEC is not yet sold on allowing bitcoins to funnel into the accounts of campaigns and outside groups supporting them.

Navy Was Warned of Contractor at Center of Bribery Inquiry

New York Times – Christopher Drew | Published: 11/20/2013

Leonard Francis, a wealthy Malaysian contractor, is at the center of a widening investigation into an overbilling scheme in which federal prosecutors say he used cash, prostitutes, and gifts to bribe U.S. Navy officials to help him defraud the service. Despite red flags over his business practices, the Navy awarded Francis $200 million in contracts, giving him control over providing supplies and dockside services for its fleet across the Pacific.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – What a Day for Political Ethics in California

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 11/16/2013

On the same day, the Democratic leader of the California Senate addressed the latest allegations in an FBI corruption probe, a state senator took the witness stand to testify he had not engaged in money laundering, and the Fair Political Practices Commission handed down fines to one current and two past lawmakers who admitted campaign finance violations.

Colorado – Ethics Complaint against Rocky Mountain Gun Owners’ Lobbyist Dismissed; Federal Lawsuit Still Pending

Denver Post – Lynn Bartels | Published: 11/19/2013

A legislative committee said there is not enough evidence to settle an ethics complaint against Joe Neville, a lobbyist for Rocky Mountain Gun Owners. He allegedly threatened state Rep. Cheri Gerou with political retribution if she did not oppose all of the Democratic bills aimed at strengthening gun laws earlier this year. Neville could still face disciplinary action including a two-year suspension of his lobbying privileges at the Capitol.

District of Columbia – Capital Gains: Spending on contracts and lobbying propels a wave of new wealth in D .C.

Washington Post – Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersly | Published: 11/17/2013

Tens of thousands of the nation’s best-educated workers have flocked to the Washington, D.C. region, some for contracting jobs, and some simply to be part of the newly energized business climate. The avalanche of cash that made Washington rich in the last decade has transformed the culture of a once staid capital and created a new wave of well-heeled insiders.

Louisiana – Apparent Campaign Violations, Large Expenses Should Prompt Reforms in Louisiana Law, Some Say

New Orleans Times Picayune – Lee Zurik (WVUE) and Manuel Torres | Published: 11/20/2013

A review of Louisiana’s campaign finance system by The New Orleans Times Picayune is prompting calls for reform. The analysis found individual donors and special interests can legally bundle corporate and personal contributions to exert outsized influence. It also discovered politicians who collected large amounts in over-the-limit, and apparently illegal, contributions, yet went undetected by the state Board of Ethics.

Michigan – State Senate Aims to Quash Proposal for Greater Transparency in Political Ads

Detroit Free Press – Paul Egan and Kathleen Gray | Published: 11/14/2013

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said she intends to expand Michigan’s campaign disclosure rules to include issue ads, but the state Senate promptly passed a bill that would slam the door on her proposal. An amendment was added to a bill doubling the state’s campaign finance contribution limits that would allow sponsors of ads not specifically urging a vote for or against a candidate to remain anonymous.

Nevada – Judge Imposes $110,000 Fine over PAC’s Pro-Sandoval Ads

Las Vegas Sun – Cy Ryan | Published: 11/18/2013

A judge levied a fine of $109,560 against the Alliance for America’s Future over advertising that supported Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval. The PAC did not register in the state as required by law and never filed any reports detailing its expenditures. District Court Judge James Wilson rejected the group’s claim that the law was unconstitutional.

New Jersey – Annual Political Schmooze Fest Begins in Atlantic City Today

NJ.com – Darrel Isherwood | Published: 11/19/2013

Approximately 18,000 officials will attend the annual League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City this year. The event is more well-known for parties than its training sessions. “I’ve gone to the [convention] for the past 15 years and I’ve only paid to attend the sessions twice in that time,” said one prominent lobbyist.

Ohio – State School Board Lobbyists Deny Conflict of Interest

Columbus Dispatch – Doug Livingston (Akron Beacon Journal) | Published: 11/17/2013

At least four state school board members in Ohio have business and private interests that compete directly for education money. They maintain there is no problem with this activity as they police themselves, abstain from voting as necessary, and file statements with the Ohio Ethics Commission. While state lawmakers cannot lobby while in office, Ethics Commission Executive Director Paul Nick said the lobbying law does not address the state school board.

Oklahoma – Rep. Reynolds Blasts Ethics Commission for Proposed Rules

Norman Transcript; Staff –   | Published: 11/19/2013

State Rep. Mike Reynolds criticized the Oklahoma Ethics Commission for its proposed changes to lobbyist reporting and registration rules, along with other reforms. Lobbyists’ employers are now prohibited from spending more than $100 per calendar year per lawmaker. But the commission would allow principals to provide $500 for meals and other gifts, among other changes. Reynolds said will introduce a resolution during the upcoming legislative session to disapprove the proposed rules.

Pennsylvania – Officials, Others Slam Proposed City Ethics Rule

Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 11/20/2013

Many witnesses at a Philadelphia Board of Ethics hearing criticized a plan to place specific limits on the city’s vague gift rules. The proposed caps, meant to better define the current law, would allow city officers and employees to accept gifts of up to $200 in value per year from any single source, including cash payments of up to $50.

Utah – Utah A.G. John Swallow Cuts Deal, Will Resign to Avoid Criminal Charges, Source Says

Deseret News – Lisa Riley Roche and Dennis Romboy | Published: 11/21/2013

Utah Attorney General John Swallow is expected to resign in the face of mounting investigations and a report from the lieutenant governor’s office that recommended charging him with three misdemeanors. His departure would allow Swallow to avoid any effort by a special counsel to seek his removal for multiple violations of election law. It also could bring to a close a months-long fact-finding investigation by the state House that could be laying the groundwork for his potential impeachment.

Wisconsin – Report: Investigation targets Scott Walker recall campaign, political groups

Chippewa Herald – Dee Hall | Published: 11/18/2013

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign and more than two dozen conservative groups were recently subpoenaed by a special prosecutor, according to the editorial page of The Wall Street Journal. Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Executive Director Mike McCabe said based on the report, the investigation appears to be zeroing in on whether issue ad groups illegally coordinated with campaigns during the effort to recall Walker and legislative leaders.

State Rep. Mike Reynolds is criticizing officials at the state Ethics Commission for offering proposed changes to lobbyist reporting and registration, conflict of interest, and financial disclosure rules.

According to Reynolds, “the Ethics Commission seems to be declaring open season for lobbyists on elected officials” as the proposed changes “. . . have the potential of increasing lobbyists’ gifts to lawmakers by hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.”

Opponents of the proposed changes argue expansion of the current guidelines will increase undue influence on elected officials and reduce the efficacy of the commission in and of itself.

Lobbying

“Top lobbyist Gerry Cassidy to step down” by Byron Tau in Politico.

Saskatchewan, Canada: “Lobbyist legislation coming to Saskatchewan” by David Giles in Global News.

Campaign Finance

“FEC deadlocks, for now, on whether political committees can accept bitcoin” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.

“What A Bitcoin Political Debut Could Mean For Transparency” by Peter Overby (NPR) on WYSO.

Fort Wayne, Indiana: “Election Board for county is moving” in The Journal Gazette.

Louisiana: “Apparent campaign violations, large expenses should prompt reforms in Louisiana law, some say” by Manuel Torres and Lee Zurlk in the Times-Picayune.

New Jersey: “Election commission: Morris freeholder violated campaign finance rules in close primary race” by Ben Horowitz in the Star-Ledger.

Virginia: “Virginia campaign mailings attract scrutiny” by Mike Gangloff in The Roanoke Times.

Ethics

“In Quick Fashion, House Broadens Program for FEC Fines” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

North Carolina: “Civitas Institute leader named to NC ethics panel” by The Associated Press in GoErie.com.

Oklahoma: “Rep. Reynolds Blasts Ethics Commission for Proposed Rules” in the Daily Ardmoreite.

Elections

“Election Enforcement Officials Will Investigate 2 Campaign Complaints Against Malloy” by Hugh McQuaid in CT News Junkie.

Procurement

Louisiana: “Campaign finance transparency not enough to fix Jefferson Parish’s contracting problems, groups say” by Manuel Torres and Lee Zurlk in the Times-Picayune.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

Jack Abramoff resurfaces:“Former Lobbyist Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Washington Deal Making” on WZTV Fox 17.

“Second lobbyist leaves Roundtable” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

New York: “NYPIRG Wants NYS Ethics Agency To Get Tough On Lobbying By Political Parties” by Glenn Blain in the New York Daily News.

Campaign Finance

California: “FPPC accuses Mono State Senator of ‘money laundering’” by Bennett Kessler in Sierra Wave.

Maryland: “Gansler spending ‘pledge’ problematic as written, Maryland elections official says” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.

Vermont: “Groups Pay $60,000 In Campaign Finance Disputes” by Taylor Dobbs in Vermont Public Radio.

Ethics

Freehold Borough, New Jersey: “Pay-to-play law enacted” by Clare Marie Celano in the News Transcript.

Michigan: “Prosecutors: Kwame Kilpatrick should pay $195,404 in back taxes” by Robert Snell in the Detroit News.

North Carolina: “John Edwards Is Opening A Law Firm With His Daughter To Tackle ‘Social Inequalities’” by Colleen Jenkins in the Business Insider.

Elections

“Nate Silver announces new hires” by Dylan Byers in Politico.

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Lobbying

“K Street group strikes ‘lobbyist’ from name” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Lobbyists’ lobby approves a new name — one that doesn’t mention lobbying” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post.

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“New FEC Guide for Political Party Committees Released” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Leadership PACs Take in $18 Million, Contribute $11.7 Million in 2013” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

California: “Lawmakers’ higher office fundraising, spending draws scrutiny” by Christopher Cadelago in the Sacramento Bee.

California: “Campaign funds arrive from all corners” by Lee Ann O’Neal in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Michigan: “Sen. Arlan Meekhof talks campaign finance at chamber breakfast” by Andrea Goodell in the Holland Sentinel.

Minnesota: “Campaign finance database errors prompt legislative hearing” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star-Tribune.

Nevada: “Judge imposes $110,000 fine over PAC’s pro-Sandoval ads” by Cy Ryan in The Las Vegas Sun.

Ohio: “Columbus voters likely to see campaign-finance issue on ballot” by Lucas Sullivan in the Columbus Dispatch.

Ethics

Colorado: “Ethics commission proceeds with complaint against Gov. Hickenlooper” by Lynn Bartels in The Denver Post.

Redistricting

“Judge: Alaska redistricting plan passes muster” by The Associated Press in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

Lobbying

“Earmark Ban Hits Lobbyists’ Influence on Spending Bills” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

“Capital gains: Spending on contracts and lobbying propels a wave of new wealth in D .C.” by Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersley in The Washington Post.

“D.C. awash in contracts, lobbying wealth” by Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersley in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Canada: “Don Cayo: A lobbyist’s job combines analysis and action” by Don Cayo in the Vancouver Sun.

Colorado: “Boulder to hire full-time state lobbyist” by Erica Meltzer in the Daily Camera.

Missouri: “Area lawmakers – except for one – take few lobbyists’ gifts” by Jonathan Shorman in the News-Leader.

Campaign Finance

“The Influencers 50: Enforcers” in Campaigns & Elections.

“‘Citizens United’ Ruling Helped Unions Win State Elections” by Alan Suderman in The Center for Public Integrity.

Massachusetts: “House calls for penalties on local campaign-finance violations” by Bob Katzen in the Lowell Sun.

Michigan: “Mich. Republicans split over disclosing ad funders” by The Associated Press in the Grand Haven Tribune.

Minnesota: “An accuracy challenge in election spending” by the Editorial Board of the Star Tribune.

Ethics

Hawaii: “What’s Going on Between Ethics Commission and Caldwell Administration?” by Nick Grube in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

South Carolina: “Government watchdog group insists Haley repays taxpayers for NC trip” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) in GoUpstate.

West Virginia: “W.Va. commission to hold ethics training session in Moorefield” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Elections

“Parties focus on special election for Senate seat” by Catherine Lucey in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier.

Procurement

“5 New Approaches to Government Procurement” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.

Tech and Social Media

“How to Make Your Government Agency Cool Via Social Media” by Rachelle Chong in TechWire.

Trenton’s recently established ethics board passed the city’s first code of ethics last week. The long-awaited code outlines behavioral guidelines for elected officials, city employees, and representatives serving on city boards. Included are provisions regarding conflicts of interest, receipt of gifts, and financial disclosure.

Additionally, the code permits the ethics board to investigate possible ethics violations.

The code will go to the state Department of Community Affairs before it is enacted and added to the code book.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has proposed increasing the frequency of reporting campaign finance data and imposing a reporting requirement before spending for certain campaign contributions. Abbott, a candidate for governor, announced his intentions for these and other ethics reforms while campaigning, according to KHOU.com.

One proposal requires that no funds received above $5,000 within the last 30 days before an election be expended by a campaign or PAC until those funds have been reported to the Texas Ethics Commission and posted on the campaign or PAC website.

Other recommendations include requiring quarterly campaign finance reporting as opposed to semi-annually reporting and requiring public officials to disclose any state or local public contracts or paid relationships held by the official or his or her spouse.

National:

Initiative Spending Booms Past $1 Billion as Corporations Sponsor Their Own Proposals

Washington Post – Reid Wilson | Published: 11/7/2013

The initiative process, originally aimed at giving citizens the chance to break industry’s hold on state Legislatures, is increasingly becoming the domain of corporations and wealthy individuals who advance new laws for their own advantage, bypassing reluctant lawmakers and spending millions of dollars along the way. More than $1 billion has been spent in the past 18 months on ballot initiatives in just 11 states.

Federal:

FEC Poised to Allow Bitcoin Campaign Donations

Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 11/7/2013

A draft proposal from the FEC would allow campaigns to accept, but not spend, the digital currency Bitcoin. According to the proposal, the currency will count as an in-kind contribution to a campaign, like a stock or bond. The agency will not consider them currency.

Pro-Democratic Super PACs Outspend Conservatives

USA Today – Fredreka Schouten | Published: 11/12/2013

Liberal super PACs have spent $10.8 million on federal races this year, twice as much as conservative super PACs. Much of the money has flowed to a handful of elections to fill congressional vacancies. Liberal money also makes up 70 percent of the election-related federal spending by so-called dark money groups – politically active non-profits that do not have to disclose the sources of their money.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – FBI Capitol Sting Shines Light on Latino Caucus

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 11/10/2013

The details of the most recent leadership fight at the California Legislature’s Latino Caucus caught the attention of FBI agents investigating one caucus member, state Sen. Ron Calderon, for allegedly taking bribes. The emerging case has exposed caucus decisions to public view just as the group’s influence is peaking. The 25 members constitute more than a fifth of the Legislature, control hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds, and wield influence that affects millions of Californians.

Florida – Sweetwater Mayor, Lobbyist Plead Guilty

Miami Herald – Jay Weaver | Published: 11/13/2013

Suspended Sweetwater Mayor Manuel Maroño and lobbyist Jorge Forte pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to commit honest services fraud. Two others facing similar charges resulting from the same FBI sting operation are former Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and lobbyist Richard Candia. The two corruption cases were remarkable even by South Florida’s standards as the crackdown snared two mayors and two lobbyists on the same day.

Georgia – Ga. Governor Suspends Indicted Lawmaker Accused of Illegally Claiming Expense Pay

Columbus Republic – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 11/13/2013

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal suspended state Sen. Don Balfour from office. A review committee recommended the action after a grand jury indicted Balfour on felony charges of illegally claiming legislative expense pay and double-billing the state and his private employer for some expenses. He previously agreed to pay a $5,000 fine issued by the Senate Ethics Committee for accepting pay for in-state work and travel on days when he was elsewhere.

Illinois – Rahm Emanuel to Propose Ordinance Forcing Contractors to Report Corruption

Chicago Sun Times – Fran Spielman | Published: 11/12/2013

Mayor Rahm Emanuel proposed a measure that would require city contractors to immediately report knowledge of corruption to Chicago’s inspector general or risk losing their contract. Emanuel’s office said the measure, if approved, would be incorporated into all future city contracts.

Illinois – Rauner’s $500,000 Donation to Lift Fundraising Limits in Gov. Race

Chicago Sun Times – Natasha Korecki and Dave McKinney | Published: 11/13/2013

Illinois gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner is adding $500,000 of his own money to his campaign, an amount that will trigger a provision allowing his opponents to raise unlimited amounts of cash. Under the law, candidates can only accept contributions of up to $5,300 from individuals and $52,600 from PACs. But those caps are lifted if any statewide candidate or member of the candidate’s immediate family donates or loans more than $250,000 to his or her campaign during the 12 months prior to an election.

Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board’s Focus on Small Offenses Lets Larger Violations Go Unnoticed, Observers Say

New Orleans Times Picayune – Lee Zurik (WVUE) and Manuel Torres | Published: 11/12/2013

Critics say the Louisiana Board of Ethics spends too much of its time going after candidates who file late, essentially ignoring more serious violations. Board of Ethics Administrator Kathleen Allen said her agency does not have enough personnel or a legal mandate to regularly audit even a small percentage of the thousands of campaign finance reports filed every year.

Massachusetts – Campaign Bill Would Order Fast Disclosure of Donors

Boston Globe – Michael Levenson | Published: 11/12/2013

Outside political committees pumped nearly $4 million into the Boston mayoral election this year, most of it to help elect Martin Walsh. But current law does not require those groups to reveal their donors until January. Secretary of State William Galvin and several lawmakers are preparing legislation that would require outside groups to disclose their donors in real time.

Minnesota – Minnesota Campaign Finance Regulators’ Database Isn’t Adding Up

Minneapolis Star Tribune – Glenn Howatt and Rachel Stassen-Berger | Published: 11/9/2013

An analysis by the Minneapolis Star Tribune shows online data from the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board are rife with mistakes, leading to errors that total as much as $20 million over the past decade. The flaws are enough to hamper any comprehensive attempt to examine the flow of political money in the state, at a time when that spending has soared to record heights.

New York – NY Democratic Committee’s Pro-Cuomo Ads Questioned as Skirting Lobbying Law, Public Disclosure

Columbus Republic; Associated Press –   | Published: 11/14/2013

Watchdogs contend television ads by the state Democratic Committee that urge residents to contact lawmakers in support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s ethics and jobs legislation violate New York’s lobbying law. The law requires those seeking to influence legislators be registered as lobbyists so they are publicly identified and disclose their funding and spending. Political parties and committees have long believed they were exempt.

Pennsylvania – Lobbyist Penalty Reforms Pass Pa. House

WHTM – Myles Snyder | Published: 11/13/2013

The Pennsylvania House unanimously approved a bill that would increase penalties for lobbyists who break the law. House Bill 744, which now moves to the Senate, would raise the maximum fine the state Ethics Commission can impose from $2,000 to $10,000, and it would up the current five-year ban on lobbying to 10 years, among other provisions.

Vermont – Democratic PAC Must Pay $30,000 Penalty

Burlington Free Press – Nancy Remsen | Published: 11/13/2013

Green Mountain Future, a PAC created by the Democratic Governors Association, will pay the state of Vermont a $20,000 civil penalty for not including its address on its website or television ads against Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Dubie during the 2010 campaign. The group also must pay $10,000 for not registering as a PAC or filing campaign finance reports.

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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The Hawaii State Ethics Commission issued four Informal Advisory Opinions pertaining to a state official’s receipt of complimentary event tickets. A state agency may have a legitimate state interest in giving an agency board member a ticket to an agency event. In that scenario the tickets are not considered “gifts” under Hawaii gift law. Rather, they are “state assets” and distribution must be evaluated in accordance with the fair treatment law under the State Ethics Code.

Agency board officials may accept two complimentary tickets per agency event – one for the official and the other for the official’s spouse or significant other. An official’s use of complimentary tickets for additional personal guests constitutes unfair compensation and is, therefore, prohibited. Moreover, transferring complimentary tickets to family members to attend events in the official’s place is also a likely violation of the fair treatment law.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Lobbyists, Congress Partner for Local Food Drive” by Anna Giaritelli in Roll Call.

“Nominating Committee Makes 2014 Recommendations” from the American League of Lobbyists.

Canada: “Commissioner of Lobbying orders first lobbying ban ever” by Julius Melnitzer in the Financial Post.

Ohio: “Lobbyist known as ‘The Chief’ gets laughs — and respect — at Statehouse” by Joe Hallett in the Columbus Dispatch.

Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania hires DC lobbyists with state ties” by Colby Itkowitz in The Morning Call.

Campaign Finance

California: “Hearing begins on campaign violation case against Sen. Berryhill” by Patrick McGreevy in The Los Angeles Times.

Colorado: “How to cut corporate, union influence on elections? DU panel has plan” by Ed Sealover in BizJournals.

Ohio: “Group calls for campaign finance reform” by Gary Seman, Jr. in This Week Community News.

Ethics

Alaska: “APOC asked to weigh in on independent campaign” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.

Florida: “Sweetwater mayor, lobbyist to plead guilty” by Jay Weaver in the Miami Herald.

New York: “Ex-Bronx GOP boss pleads guilty in corruption case” by The Associated Press in the Times Union.

New York: “Critics say DAs should not lead campaign finance panel” by Yancey Roy in Newsday.

Utah: “Lawmakers Ready Bills Targeting Elections and Ethics in 2014” by Bryan Schott in Utah Policy.

Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“Top Financial Lobbyist Exits” by Alan Zibel in The Wall Street Journal.

“Number of lobbyists taking jobs in Congress plummets” by Susan Davis in USA Today.

“Twitter’s handle on D.C. evolving” by Alex Byers in Politico.

Ottawa, Canada: “Lobbyist registry glitches being worked out, integrity commissioner says” by Derek Spalding in the Ottawa Citizen.

Ottawa, Canada: “Lobbyist registry ‘useful,’ watchdog reports” by Jon Willing in the Ottawa Sun.

Campaign Finance

“FEC poised to allow Bitcoin campaign donations” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Bitcoins Could Prove to Be Windfall — or Bust — for Political Campaigns” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

Massachusetts: “Campaign bill would order fast disclosure of donors” by Michael Levenson in The Boston Globe.

Michigan: “Michigan proposal would double limits on individual donations to political candidates” by Jonathan Oosting in MLive.com.

Minnesota: “Minnesota campaign finance regulators’ database isn’t adding up” by Glenn Howatt and Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.

Missouri: “Former Mo. Rep. McGeoghegan fined by Ethics Commission for 2012 campaign materials” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Montana: “Montana judge considers fine for political group as attorney asks to be removed” by Matt Gouras (Associated Press) in The Republic.

New Hampshire: “New Hampshire lawmaker may seek higher campaign spending limits” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

New York: “Refigure campaign financing” editorial by Cynthia DiBartolo in the Times Union.

Virginia: “Leftover campaign money can fund almost anything in Virginia” by Kathryn Watson in Watchdog.org.

Ethics

Alaska: “Legislative Ethics Committee Says Senator Hoffman Failed To Disclose Income” by Ben Matheson in Alaska Public Media.

Mississippi: “Newspaper wants ruling from Ethics Commission on emails” by The Associated Press in the Mississippi Business Journal.

Ohio: “Lack of oversight over JobsOhio raises concerns for ethics commission, auditor, now high court” by Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Elections

Iowa: “Libertarian Mayor in Iowa Re-Elected Despite His Wishes” by Richard Winger in Ballot Access News.

Ohio: “Libertarians file legal challenge against Ohio’s new rules for minor political parties; Greens may follow suit” by Jeremy Pelzer in The Plain Dealer.

Tech and Social Media

Pennsylvania: “Website redesign shines more light on Capitol” by Melissa Daniels in The Tribune-Review.

Virginia: “Going Beyond the Boundaries of the Obama Digital Model in Virginia” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.

The Senate Select Committee held hearings to consider changes to the ethics complaint process. The ethics debate centered around deciding who should investigate and punish violations of the state ethics code. The committee also heard recommendations regarding gift and disclosure provisions.

The state inspector general advised lawmakers to adopt a policy of rejecting gifts over $50 and reform advocates support more comprehensive income disclosure laws for lawmakers. The committee will submit their recommendations on the ethics bill and amendment to the senate once the session resumes on January 14, 2014.