The Hawaii State Ethics Commission issued an ethics advisory in response to inquiries received regarding grassroots lobbying activity during the Legislature’s second special session. The Legislature convened on October 28 to discuss same-sex marriage, and many organizations involved in supporting or opposing the bill may be required to report activities to the commission under Hawaii lobbying law.

Grassroots lobbying activities such as preparing or distributing flyers and other mailers encouraging members of the public to contact their legislators in support of or in opposition to the bill; producing or paying for broadcast, print, or internet media announcements advocating for or against the issue; and organizing sign-waving or rallies to demonstrate support for or against same-sex marriage may all constitute reportable lobbying expenses under Hawaii law.

Lobbying

“K Street king mulls ‘going global’” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

“From Cantor to K Street” by Eric Wasson in The Hill.

“Bring in the clowns: Lobby groups try fun and games” by Emily Goodin in The Hill.

Canada: “Lobbying watchdog hands down first ever suspension” by Kady O’Malley in CBC News.

New Mexico: “Report compares votes, industry lobbying figures” by Steve Terrell in The Santa Fe New Mexican.

North Carolina: “Longtime lobbyists start new ventures” by Laura Leslie in WRAL.

Texas: “Ethics commission to hold confidential hearing on lobbyists” by Ross Ramsey in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal.

Campaign Finance

District of Columbia: “Ending pay-to-play in D.C.” editorial in The Washington Post.

New York: “Moreland Commission targets campaign-finance law enforcement” by Paul LaRocco in Newsday.

Pennsylvania: “Harrisburg mayoral candidates skirt campaign finance rules” by Emily Previti in The Patriot-News.

Ethics

“Federal Election Commission Returns to Full Membership” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Ex-U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi gets 3-year prison term” by The Associated Press in Politico.

New Hampshire:  “N.H. ethics panel opens investigation into Sen. Peter Bragdon’s hiring by LGC” by Ben Leubsdorf in the Concord Monitor.

Tech and Social Media

“Why States Need Social Media Policies” by Melissa Maynard in Stateline.

City Council instructed the city’s lawyers to draft an ordinance increasing the gift limit to $150 for gifts provided by bidders, contractors, and other restricted sources. Currently, people doing business with the city can provide gifts to city officials valued at $100 or less per calendar year.

Recently, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission recommended curtailing gifts to city officials, hoping to boost public confidence in government. The commission’s recommendation would have extended the current ban on gifts from lobbyists to all people with a financial stake in city decisions.

Photo of the Los Angeles City Hall by Brion Vibber on Wikipedia.

Lobbying

“Exclusive: Washington lobbying law firm in merger talks – sources” by Casey Sullivan in Reuters.

Nevada: “Public policy maker or private lobbyist? 10 state officials play dual roles” by Andrew Doughman in the Las Vegas Sun.

Campaign Finance

Delaware: “Delaware Faces Lawsuit Over Campaign Finance Law That Targets Political Speech” by Ed Krayewski in Reason.com.

Michigan: “Michigan investigating Bernero, aides after campaign finance complaint” by Kristen M. Daum in the Detroit Free Press.

Nevada: “Sandoval campaign offers perks for cash” by Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) in the Miami Herald.

New Jersey: “Special interest groups exert growing influence in N.J. campaigns” by Matt Friedman in The Star-Ledger.

New York: “State limit on donations in doubt” by Rick Karlin in the Times Union.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin lawmakers rake in special interest money” by Donovan Slack in the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Ethics

California: “Settlement is last hurrah for campaign finance watchdog Ann Ravel” by Chris Megerian in the Los Angeles Times.

California: “Calif., PACs reach $1M campaign-finance settlement” by The Associated Press in the Las Vegas Sun.

California: “L.A. moves to boost limits on gifts to lawmakers” by David Zahniser in the Los Angeles Times.

Florida: “Ethics Commission wants more time for Fresen case” by James Call in the Florida Current.

Georgia: “Jordan to join Ga. ethics commission” by Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) I the Athens Banner-Herald.

Iowa: “Iowa Senate ethics rule protects the ‘first-in-the-nation’ franchise” by James Q. Lynch in the Sioux City Journal.

New York: “Job interview raises ethical questions” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.

Oklahoma: “Jurors at political bribery trial see negative side of Oklahoma Legislature” by Nolan Clay in The Oklahoman.

Texas: “Regulating Campaigns and Lobbying, Seen and Unseen” by Ross Ramsey in the Texas Tribune.

Elections

“2013 Legislative Elections: Fierce but Few” by Daniel C. Vock in Stateline.

From the State Legislatures

Hawaii: “Hawaii lawmakers to hold special session to consider gay marriage” by Malia Mattoch and Suzanne Roig in Reuters.

Montana: “Montana legislators debate rolling back term limits” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

National:

Lobbying Bonanza as Firms Try to Influence European Union

New York Times – Eric Lipton Danny Hakim | Published: 10/18/2013

As the European Union has emerged as a regulatory superpower, its policies have become ever more important to corporations operating across borders. In turn, the lobbying business in Brussels has become larger and more competitive, rivaled only by Washington, D.C. Some say American law firms are undercutting efforts to bring more transparency to lobbying in the Belgian capital, citing lawyer-client confidentiality to evade a government-backed but voluntary disclosure effort.

State Pro-Business Organizations Are Publicly Funded, but Privately Controlled

The Center for Public Integrity – Nicholas Kusnetz | Published: 10/23/2013

Some states have given control over corporate tax incentives to public-private partnerships that are often run by the states’ most influential businesspeople. Supporters say these partnerships are more nimble than government bureaucracies and are insulated from electoral politics. But much of the spending remains secret. Even most public agencies do not disclose the recipients of all the incentives because of tax privacy laws.

Federal:

Cassidy Lobby Shop Goes Social

Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 10/18/2013

With the lobbying business at a standstill on K Street, even big firms such as Cassidy & Associates have to embrace new ways of reaching policymakers and clients to protect their bottom lines. Cassidy has been trying to attract visitors to its Web site, which the firm has spent the last year overhauling to attract more potential clients through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Alabama Considers Creating Election Commission

San Francisco Chronicle – Philip Rawls (Associated Press) | Published: 10/19/2013

Candidates have to report their contributions and expenditures to the Alabama secretary of state, but little is being done to make sure the reports are filed accurately. Some lawmakers said the solution could be to create a small state agency similar to the Federal Elections Commission.

California – FPPC Fines Arizona Group $1 Million for Campaign Finance Violations

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 10/24/2013

The California Fair Political Practices Commission levied a combined $1 million fine against Americans for Responsible Leadership and the Center to Protect Patient Rights for illegally funneling millions of dollars into a pair of ballot measure campaigns in 2012.

California – Riverside County Supervisors to Amend Campaign Finance Rules

Desert Sun; City News Service –   | Published: 10/22/2013

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors amended campaign finance regulations so candidates or PACs will, beginning January 1, 2014, have to electronically post details of a contribution within 10 days if the amount meets or exceeds $1,000. The revision affects candidates for assessor-clerk-recorder, auditor-controller, district attorney, judge, sheriff, supervisor, superintendent of schools, and treasurer-tax collector, as well as sponsors of ballot measures that are countywide in scope.

District of Columbia – Campaign Finance Reform Will Get D.C. Council Vote Next Month

Washington Post – Mike DeBonis | Published: 10/22/2013

The District of Columbia Council will vote on a package of campaign finance reforms as soon as November 5. The changes would restrict the ability of different companies owned by the same people to donate to the same candidate, require lobbyists to disclose their bundling of campaign contributions, and require political committees to report donations of $10,000 or more they believe to have been bundled, among other provisions.

Georgia – Commissioner: State auditor to handle ethics probe

Columbus Republic – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 10/22/2013

The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts will investigate concerns surrounding the state ethics commission and its handling of complaints involving Gov. Nathan Deal. State Auditor Greg Griffin was initially appointed by the governor since the job became open outside of a legislative session. That connection to Deal drew criticism from Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson, who called the decision a “travesty of justice,” and said a special prosecutor would have been a better option.

Hawaii – Ethics Probe into Honolulu Mayor Sparks Talk of Reform

Honolulu Civil Beat – Nick Grube | Published: 10/18/2013

Ethical questions have been raised about a luau to celebrate the inauguration of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, including whether it was a vehicle used by city contractors and lobbyists to curry favor with the new mayor. It has also opened up the debate over whether Honolulu’s ethics laws need to be strengthened to close any loopholes regarding gift-giving.

Michigan – Activists ‘Make it Rain’ in Michigan House, Drop Fake Million Dollar Bills on Lawmakers

MLive.com – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 10/23/2013

Anti-corruption protesters shouted from the Michigan House gallery as they showered state lawmakers with fake million dollar bills. The national group Represent Us says Michigan has one of the worst records of government corruption in the nation. It pulled a similar stunt in the New York Senate this June.

Montana – Montana Legislature Committee Hears Divide over Political Practices Job

The Missoulian – Charles Johnson | Published: 10/22/2013

The Legislature’s State Administration and Veterans’ Affairs Committee is studying Montana’s political practices office and looking at how other states regulate of campaign finances, ethics, and lobbyist and disclosure. Any recommendations will go to the 2015 Legislature for consideration. Those testifying before the committee offered divergent opinions about the role of the office and how it should be structured.

New York – Group Supporting Lhota Can Accept Unlimited Donations, Court Says

New York Times – Thomas Kaplan | Published: 10/24/2013

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled a political committee created to support New York City mayoral candidate Joseph Lhota can accept contributions above the $150,000 annual limit for individuals set by state law. The judges said the state’s cap on donations to independent political groups was probably unconstitutional.

New York – New Bill Would Require Businesses Seeking State Contracts to Detail Donations to Governor

New York Daily News – Ken Lovett | Published: 10/22/2013

A bill introduced recently in the New York Legislature would require businesses seeking state agency contracts to make public a list of all campaign contributions made to the governor and others in the executive branch. Before any contract could be awarded, the companies would have to detail all donations from the business, its subsidiaries, key employees, and their spouses over the preceding 18 month period.

Texas – 5th Circ. Axes Texas Ban on Corporate PAC Donations

Law360.com – Jeremy Heallen | Published: 10/16/2013

The Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Texas cannot bar PACs from soliciting corporate donations, making it the fourth Circuit Court to uphold indirect corporate political contributions since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling. Texans for Free Enterprise, a PAC that does not contribute directly to campaigns but solicits donations to run ads supporting or opposing candidates, had challenged the law.

Washington – Wash. AG Still Seeking Penalty against Food Industry Group That Didn’t Disclose Donors

Columbus Republic – Mike Baker (Associated Press) | Published: 10/22/2013

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson will move ahead with a lawsuit filed against the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Ferguson said he will still seek penalties from the group, which recently identified donors who contributed money to oppose a food labeling initiative. The attorney general said the case involved concealing a record-setting amount of donations and there must be sanctions for violating the law.

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

“Lobbyists shift strategy amid gridlocked Congress” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

“GOP hardliners reach out to K Street” by Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman in Politico.

“Primary challenges would require shift from Chamber of Commerce” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

“Grocery Manufacturers Assn. Discloses Federal and Washington State Lobbying” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

“Lobbying Heats Up Before Farm Talks” by Ron Nixon in The New York Times.

Campaign Finance

“Political influence by county: A new way to look at campaign finance data” by Ryan Sibley and Bob Lannon and Ben Chartoff in the Sunlight Foundation Blog.

California: “California’s political watchdog settles with shadowy Arizona group criticized for not disclosing donors” by Jessica Calefati in the San Jose Mercury-News.

California: “Political watchdog to levy $1-million fine on out-of-state groups” by Chris Megerian and Anthony York in the Los Angeles Times.

Connecticut: “Reporters grill Malloy on fundraisers” by Ken Dixon in the Connecticut Post.

District of Columbia: “McDuffie’s Campaign Finance Reform Bill Isn’t Strong Enough, Says Wells” by Matt Cohen in dcist.com.

New York: “Ex-Liu campaign treasurer appeals conviction in NY” by Larry Neumeister in the Post-Star.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin lawmakers rake in special interest money” by Donovan Slack in the Fond du Lac Reporter.

Ethics

Iowa: “Three words make big difference in Iowa legislative ethics rules” by James Q. Lynch in the Sioux City Journal.

State Legislatures

Montana lawmaker term limits: “Montana lawmakers seek to strengthen Legislature” by The Associated Press in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

Tech and Social Media

“Change.org Enables Elected Leaders To Respond To Petitions” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

District of Columbia: “Campaign finance reform will get D.C. Council vote next month” by Mike DeBonis in The Washington Post.

Kentucky: “Outside groups spend millions to sway Ky. senate race” by Joseph Gerth in The Courier-Journal.

Ethics

Georgia: “State auditor to investigate Deal, ethics commission” by Christina A. Cassidy in the Athens Banner-Herald.

Elections

Washington: “Washington state special election could decide party control” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

Tech and Social Media

“Now You Can Petition Some Members of Congress Directly” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.

“Farewell to The Thicket” by Karl Kurtz in NCSL’s The Thicket. The Thicket will be absorbed by the NCSL blog found here.

Q. I am a registered lobbyist with a personal relationship with a state legislator.  I would like to give her a gift for a special occasion.  Is this permissible?

A. As a registered lobbyist, you should always be aware of the restrictions placed on you for providing things of value to a state official.  A number of jurisdictions have strict “no gift” laws in place.  Wisconsin prohibits a lobbyist from providing things of pecuniary value to a legislator with very limited exceptions.

A gift can be permissible based on the personal relationship between the lobbyist and the legislator.  Texas and Florida allow gifts between a registered lobbyist and a legislator if they are related to a certain degree.  Please note that jurisdictions can examine the circumstances of the gift such as the extent of the relationship between the lobbyist and the legislator.  The lack of a history of gift giving between the parties or evidence of a personal relationship may render the gift impermissible.  The federal “friendship” exception also does not apply to state and local jurisdictions.

A registered lobbyist may be allowed to give a gift based on the special occasion or reasoning behind it.  In Massachusetts, a lobbyist may give a legislator gifts on certain occasions of religious or personal significance.  Connecticut allows gifts for certain major life events.  Be sure to confirm if any occasions are excluded.  Massachusetts does not consider a birthday to be an occasion of personal significance!

A gift may not be prohibited even if you are a registered lobbyist.  Confirm whether an intended gift is permissible with your state’s ethics office.

You can directly submit questions for this feature, and we will select those most appropriate and answer them here. Send your questions to: marketing@stateandfed.com.

(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.

Lobbying

“There’s no sunrise yet on K Street” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“The state of K Street: Flat” by Byron Tau in Politico Influence.

“Major oil group boosts lobbying” by Ben Geman in The Hill.

“Facebook Lobbyist to Head Up Cory Booker’s Senate Staff” by Andrew Ramonas in the Blog of the Legal Times.

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Horne denies campaign finance wrongdoing” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

Montana: “Appeal filed over documents tied to dark money” by The Associated Press in the Billings Gazette.

Ethics

Georgia: “Ethics commission chair: Board close to finalizing plan for outside investigation” by Christina A. Cassidy (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Elections

“More female governors expected after 2014” by Emily Schultheis in Politico.

Redistricting

Alaska: “Alaska Redistricting Board to meet” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.

The city Board of Ethics has proposed new gift regulations designed to clarify what is and is not permitted under the city code. The proposed limits would allow city officers and employees to accept gifts of up to $200 per year from a single source, including cash gifts up to $50. Currently, only gifts of substantial economic value given with the expectation of influencing the public official or employee are prohibited.

City watchdogs have criticized the proposed limits as being too lenient, but ethics board member Sanjuanita Gonzales suggested those limits could be subject to change after public input.

A hearing on the proposed regulations is scheduled for November 20.

Honolulu Mayor Caldwell and his transitional team came under the review of the city Ethics Commission recently for potential violations of gift law. The Commission found no violations due to a lack of established ethical guidelines but placed restrictions on future donations for inaugural or transitional purposes.

Safeguards put in place to avoid pay-to-play concerns include mandatory public disclosure of all donations, including the amount of and use for each, prohibition against asking current or prospective city officers or employees to solicit or make contributions, and requiring each donor/contributor to confirm he or she is not a registered lobbyist and has no future business with the city in which the administration is likely to be involved.

The Commission further held donations used to support legitimate government purposes, such as the transition between administrations and the official inaugural ceremony, are gifts to the city.

Lobbying

“Lobbying bonanza as US firms try to influence EU” by Eric Lipton and Danny Hakim on CNBC News.

“Clustering Near the Seat of Power” in The New York Times.

“Lobbyists Ready for a New Fight on U.S. Spending” by Eric Lipton in The New York Times.

“Cassidy lobby shop goes social” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

Maine: “New lobbying group to represent owners of Maine franchises” by Jessica Hall in the Kennebec Journal.

Tennessee: “Ingram filings call him Haslam campaign consultant” by Andy Sher in the Times Free Press.

Campaign Finance

“Get Over It: Campaign Finance Limits Don’t Work” by James Oliphant in National Journal.

“Washington’s open secret: Profitable PACs” by Steve Kroft on CBS News’ 60 Minutes.

“Pepsi, Coke, Nestle among brands donating to effort vs. labeling genetically modified foods” by Mike Baker (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Montana: “Bullock campaign violated campaign finance law” by Manee Banks in KXLH News.

Texas: “Court Nixes Texas Ban on Corporate PAC Donations” by Jack Bouboushian in the Courthouse News Service.

Ethics

Alabama: “Alabama considers creating election commission” by Phillip Rawls (Associated Press) in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Hawaii: “Ethics Probe into Honolulu Mayor Sparks Talk of Reform” by Nick Grube in the Honolulu Civil Beat.

“Texas: APNewsBreak: Patrick PAC paid his radio station” by Will Weissert (Associated Press) in the Miami Herald.

Redistricting

Arizona: “Arizona redistricting panel running out of money” by The Associated Press in KSAZ TV News.

Tech and Social Media

“Legislative panel to take up Facebook access” by The Associated Press in the Juneau Empire.

Federal:

Business Groups Stand by Boehner, Plot against Tea Party

Washington Post – Jia Lynn Yang and Tom Hamburger | Published: 10/17/2013

Rather than revisit their strategy of supporting Republicans after the stand-off that nearly drove the country to a debt default, influential organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are standing behind U.S. House Speaker John Boehner. More importantly, Boehner’s friends in the business community are getting ready to take sides in a few GOP primary races against tea party candidates in Michigan, Idaho, and Alabama who could cause him more trouble.

Lobbyists’ Lobbying Group Wants a New Name – One That Doesn’t Mention Lobbying

Washington Post – Holly Yeager | Published: 10/15/2013

The board of directors for the American League of Lobbyists has made its choice for the organization’s new name: the Association of Government Relations Professionals. The group’s bylaws require two-thirds approval by its members before the name can be changed. There have been surveys and other research revealing a majority of members no longer identify themselves only as lobbyists.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Court Blocks New Arizona Campaign Finance Law; Opens Door for Candidates to Receive More Money

East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 10/15/2013

The Arizona Court of Appeals issued a preliminary injunction against the state’s higher campaign contribution limits. The order directs Secretary of State Ken Bennett not to enforce the law. The ruling makes it likely the state will turn to the Arizona Supreme Court to review the case.

Arizona – Ex-Phoenix Lobbyist Indicted over Contributions

San Francisco Chronicle; Associated Press –   | Published: 10/10/2013

Gary Husk, a once influential lobbyist in Phoenix whose key clients included the Fiesta Bowl, has been charged with eight felonies for using his firm’s money to reimburse staff after directing them to make specific campaign contributions. The donations went to high-profile politicians with whom Husk sought access and influence, including Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer.

California – Bob Filner, Former San Diego Mayor, Pleads Guilty to Criminal Charges

New York Times – Rob Davis and Adam Nagourney | Published: 10/15/2013

Former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner pleaded guilty to three criminal counts related to the sexual harassment allegations that drove him from office after a summer of scandal. Filner pleaded guilty to one criminal count of false imprisonment by violence, fraud, menace, and deceit, and two misdemeanor counts of battery. Sentencing was set for December 9, and documents indicate he will get three years of probation and no prison time.

Colorado – Colo. Pot Advocates File Unusual Campaign Finance Report

CBS News; Associated Press –   | Published: 10/17/2013

No Over Taxation, a group that had distributed free marijuana cigarettes at a rally opposing possible new taxes in Colorado, filed a disclosure report saying the joints were worth $1,250, and were paid for by a lawyer funding its campaign. Colorado Ethics Watch had filed a complaint alleging the marijuana was an in-kind campaign contribution and the anti-tax group had failed to initially report it.

Georgia – FBI Contacts Attorney in Ethics Case

Augusta Chronicle – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 10/10/2013

FBI agents have questioned Georgia ethics commission attorney Elisabeth Murray-Obertein, who raised concerns about the panel’s investigation into Gov. Nathan Deal. Murray-Obertein is a key figure in the allegations lodged in a pair of whistle-blower lawsuits accusing commission Executive Secretary Holly LaBerge of bragging about her relationship with Deal and saying he “owed her” after the agency dismissed the most serious campaign finance complaints raised in its investigation of the governor.

Hawaii – Circuit Hears Hawaii Campaign Finance Case

Courthouse News Service – Tim Hull | Published: 10/14/2013

A-1 A-Lectrician, Inc. sued the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission in 2010, arguing the state’s non-candidate committee donation caps, advertising definition, disclaimer requirements, and ban on government contractors donating to candidates were all unconstitutional. The case is now before a panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which hinted it may delay a ruling until the U.S. Supreme Court decides a similar case.

Michigan – Bobby Ferguson Sentenced to Serve 21 Years in Federal Prison for Corruption

Detroit Free Press – Jim Schaefer, Tammy Staples Battaglia, and Eric Lawrence | Published: 10/11/2013

Bobby Ferguson, the friend and favorite construction contractor of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison. Ferguson was convicted of nine felonies, including racketeering and bribery.  He was accused of illegally securing $70 million in city contracts through his friendship with the ex-mayor, who was sentenced to 28 years in prison for his role in the extortion and racketeering scheme.

Montana – State of Montana Slaps Conservative ‘Dark Money’ Groups for Campaign Violations

The Missoulian – Mike Dennison | Published: 10/17/2013

Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl said he found sufficient evidence to show Western Tradition Partnership violated state campaign finance law in a 2010 Republican House primary race. Motl found the “dark-money” group, now known as American Tradition Partnership, illegally coordinated campaign expenditures with candidate Dan Kennedy.

New York – Judge Rejects Bid by PAC to Raise Large Sums for Lhota

Wall Street Journal – Andrew Grossman | Published: 10/17/2013

U.S. District Court Judge Paul Crotty rejected a request by New York Progress and Protection PAC to overturn a state law that prohibits individuals from giving more than $150,000 each year to campaigns and political committees. Crotty said granting the injunction would be disruptive because it would come too close to the November 5 election.

Pennsylvania – Philly Ethics Board Proposal Allows $200 Limit on Gifts

Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 10/17/2013

The Philadelphia Board of Ethics has drafted a list of regulations that are supposed to better explain what is allowed under the current code for “gifts, loans, and favors to city personnel.” For example, the proposal would allow city officers and employees to accept gifts of up to $200 in value per year from any single source. A hearing on the proposed regulations is scheduled for November 20.

Virginia – Star Scientific Chief Thought McDonnell Was Helping Firm Get State Funding

Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman and Carol Leoning | Published: 10/11/2013

Star Scientific Chief Executive Officer Jonnie Williams Sr. has told federal investigators he believed Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell was helping his company get funding from the state’s tobacco commission at the same time that Williams was giving money and gifts to the governor and his family. Under federal law, it can be illegal for elected officials to agree to take official actions in exchange for gifts or money, even if they do not ultimately follow through on their promises or have the power to do so.

Washington – Washington State Sues Lobbyists over Campaign against GMO Labeling

Reuters – Carey Gillam | Published: 10/16/2013

The state of Washington filed a lawsuit alleging the Grocery Manufacturers Association illegally collected and spent more than $7 million while shielding the identity of its donors in an effort to oppose Ballot Initiative 522, which would require labeling of genetically modified foods. The attorney general’s office is asking the court to order the group to immediately comply with state disclosure laws. It also said it would seek civil penalties.

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

“Uber hires first DC lobbying firm” by Bendon Sasso in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“McCutcheon and the Future of Campaign Finance Reform” by Rick Cohen in the Nonprofit Quarterly.

“Former FEC Commissioner, Lessig debate campaign finance reform (video)” on Harvard.edu.

California: “Political Parties And A Campaign Finance No-Man’s Land” by Joe Yerardi in KPBS Public Broadcasting.

Michigan: “Campaign Finance Expert Visits Dearborn on Oct. 24” by Daniel Lai in the Dearborn Patch.

Montana: “Commissioner says ongoing investigation finds ‘dark money’ groups coordinated with candidate” by Matt Gouras (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Ethics

“Members of Congress Keep Lawyers Busy” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

Campaigns and Elections

“6 Major Surprises in House Campaign Fundraising” by Emily Cahn in Roll Call.

Illinois: “Gov. Candidates File Campaign Finance Reports” on WICS News.

New Jersey: “Cory Booker Elected Senator in New Jersey” by Kyle Trygstad in Roll Call.

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma congressmen report campaign contributions” by Chris Casteel in The Oklahoman.

Tech and Social Media

“Democracy.com Hopes to Level Campaign Playing Field With Social Network For Politics” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.

“The Demise of the Public Hearing” by Rob Gurwitt in Governing.