Ethics Archives - Page 254 of 291 - State and Federal Communications

September 20, 2013 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – September 20, 2013

Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:

News You Can Use

National:

Tax Filings Hint at Extent of Koch Brothers’ Reach

New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 9/12/2013

Freedom Partners, a nonprofit with ties to Charles and David Koch, provided grants of $236 million to conservative organizations before the 2012 election. The group reflects a shift in the tax strategies the Koch operation deploys to avoid challenge from the IRS which limits how much nonprofit groups can spend to aid or defeat candidates.

Federal:

Former FEC Chairman Donald McGahn Resigns from Panel

Washington Post – Reid Wilson | Published: 9/17/2013

Donald McGahn reigned from the FEC to return to private law practice at Patton Boggs. McGahn, a Republican, clashed frequently with Democrats as he helped push a conservative interpretation of campaign finance laws and persistent skepticism about government oversight of campaigns. His term expired in 2009, but it was not until this year that a replacement was nominated amid a state of gridlock at the agency.

Red Cape Drawing Bids during Jackson Jr. Auction

BusinessWeek – Michael Tarm (Associated Press) | Published: 9/18/2013

Memorabilia once owned by former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.) is being auctioned off by the U.S. Marshals after his guilty plea in a corruption case. A dozen items including autographed Bruce Lee and Michael Jackson collectibles and furs formerly belonging to Jackson went up for auction, with the bidding ending September 26. Whatever money is generated will be subtracted from the $750,000 he owes the government.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Commission Challenges Campaign Spending Hikes

Arizona Daily Sun – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 9/19/2013

The Arizona Citizens Clean Election Commission believes Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Mark Brain erred in concluding state lawmakers are free to reset campaign contribution limits. The commission asked the Court of Appeals to overturn Brain’s ruling that allowed the higher caps to take effect on September 13. The appellate judges agreed to consider the request on October 9.

California – Campaign Finance Bills Fare Poorly in California Legislature

Los Angeles Times – Chris Megerian and Melanie Mason | Published: 9/17/2013

Bills that would have increased the power of the Fair Political Practices Commission, increased fines for violations, and forced greater disclosure of donors, among other measures, all stalled in the California Legislature. It remains to be seen whether new campaign finance rules could be put in place before next year’s June primary or even the November general election.

Florida – After Questions, Gov. Rick Scott Cancels $25,000 Alligator Hunt Fundraiser

Tampa Bay Times – Steve Bousquet | Published: 9/11/2013

Gov. Rick Scott has called off an alligator hunting trip to raise funds for his 2014 re-election campaign. Golfing weekends, concerts, and deep-sea fishing fundraisers are common in Florida politics, but a gator hunt was such an anomaly that it made major news among bloggers and political Web sites.

Georgia – Clock Running Out on Free Football Tickets for Politicians

Marietta Daily Journal – Ray Henry (Associated Press) | Published: 9/15/2013

A new law taking effect on January 1 bans lobbyists from giving Georgia officials free college football tickets. Disclosure reports show lobbyists have given politicians almost $1,400 in football tickets and related entertainment since the start of the season in late August. Last year, registered lobbyists shelled out more than $14,000 in tickets and perks at the games.

Indiana – Indiana Utility Regulators, under Pressure, Say They Won’t Take Industry Money to Fund Conference

Indianapolis Star – John Russell | Published: 9/12/2013

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission dropped a plan to seek money from utility trade groups to help pay for a conference of energy regulators from 14 states despite gaining clearance from the state Ethics Commission. Leaders of consumer and environmental groups had objected to the fundraising, saying it presented conflicts-of-interest for the state panel that approves electricity and natural gas rates to ask the utility industry for money.

Missouri – Rep. Penny Hubbard Provided Key Vote for Two Overrides; Son Got Lobbying Jobs

St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Virginia Young | Published: 9/13/2013

Missouri Rep. Penny Hubbard provided key votes to help override vetoes of bills on which her son had recently been hired as a lobbyist. In one instance, Hubbard had initially voted against a bill limiting lawsuits against the Doe Run Co. But she joined the Republican majority in overriding Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto. One day earlier, her son had gotten a lobbying job with Doe Run.

Montana – Federal Judge Says Montana’s Campaign Disclosure Requirement Is Constitutional

Washington Post – Matt Goras (Associated Press) | Published: 9/17/2013

U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen ruled Montana’s requirement that political committees disclose their campaign spending is constitutional. Christensen wrote the public’s right to know who is financing campaigns outweighs the minimal burden imposed on committees required to report the information.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Capitol Portraits Display Plenty of Conviction

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Kate Giammarise | Published: 9/16/2013

The portraits of past House and Senate leaders lining the Capitol’s hallways include several former Pennsylvania legislators now in prison on a variety of corruption-related charges. Despite the resemblance to a rogues’ gallery in some places, the paintings likely are not going anywhere.

Texas – DeLay Conviction Overturned

Houston Chronicle – Mike Snyder and Patricia Kilday Hart | Published: 9/19/2013

An appeals court threw out the criminal conviction of former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, saying there was insufficient evidence for a jury in 2010 to have found him guilty of money laundering and conspiracy for helping illegally funnel corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002. Delay was sentenced to three years in prison, but his sentence was on hold while his case made its way through the appellate process.

Virginia – Former Chef Pleads No Contest to Stealing Food from Va. Governor’s Mansion

Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman and Laura Vozzella | Published: 9/19/2013

Todd Schneider, the former chef at the Virginia governor’s mansion, pleaded no contest to reduced charges that he stole food from the first family’s kitchen and was ordered to repay the state $2,300, resolving the dispute that sparked a political and legal crisis for Gov. Robert McDonnell, and entangled state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, the Republican candidate for governor.

Washington – Public Disclosure Commission Hacked

Tacoma News Tribune – Rachel LaCorte (Associated Press) | Published: 9/18/2013

The Washington Public Disclosure Commission’s (PDC) network was breached earlier in September, though officials said no information was compromised. Michael Smith, the PDC’s chief technology officer, said passwords have been changed and the agency has been scanning its sites looking for potential points of vulnerability.

Jim Sedor 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.

September 17, 2013 • Written by Joe May

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:

September 16, 2013 • Written by Joe May

Monday News Roundup

Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:

September 13, 2013 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – September 13, 2013

Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:

News You Can Use

Federal:

Firm Asks for Disclaimer Exemption for Mobile Political Advertising

Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal | Published: 9/11/2013

A digital media firm is asking the FEC to exempt mobile ads from the traditional disclosure statements that apply to political ads. Revolution Messaging said most ads produced for the mobile platforms do not have enough pixels to reasonably include more than a dozen words required to identify who paid for the spot. The firm said disclosures would take up more than 40 percent of the available space for a mobile advertisement.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Opponents Go to Court to Stop Higher Campaign Limits

Arizona Daily Sun – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 9/11/2013

A judge is considering whether to block a new Arizona law increasing limits on campaign contributions. The Citizens Clean Elections Commission contends the statute violates constitutional restrictions on changing voter-approved laws. Under the law, which takes effect on September 13, the cap on some donations would rise to $4,000.

California – Hansen Agrees to $50,000 Fine, Says He Doesn’t Want His Signatures Used in Anti-Arena Effort

Sacramento Bee – Ryan Lillis | Published: 9/9/2013

Hedge-fund manager Chris Hansen and two political consultants have agreed to pay a $50,000 fine for failing to disclose a campaign contribution to a group seeking to block a new Sacramento sports arena. Hansen was accused of making an anonymous $100,000 donation in June to a signature-gathering effort to require a citywide vote on public subsidies for sports facilities.

California – Three Fined for Covert Lobbying in California

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 9/9/2013

Three partners in a public affairs firm will pay fines for trying to influence state government decisions without registering as lobbyists. The Fair Political Practices Commission accused the employees of California Strategies of crossing “the line which separates policy consultants from lobbyists.” The settlement with Jason Kinney, Rusty Areias, and Winston Hickox requires all three to register as lobbyists and, along with their firm, pay a combined fine of $40,500.

District of Columbia – D.C. Executive Linked to Secret 2008 aid to Hillary Clinton

Washington Post – Ann Marimow and Philip Rucker | Published: 9/12/2013

Federal prosecutors say marketing executive Troy White received $600,000 in illicit funds to do unsolicited campaign work for Hillary Clinton in the 2008 presidential election. White pleaded guilty for failing to file tax returns reflecting the amount his company was paid. Court documents outlined an elaborate scheme and said White worked with District of Columbia businessperson Jeffrey Thompson to help Clinton during several primaries.

Florida – Execution Rescheduled to Accommodate Pam Bondi Fundraiser

Tampa Bay Times – Adam Smith | Published: 9/9/2013

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi persuaded Gov. Rick Scott to postpone an execution because it conflicted with her campaign fundraising reception. Shortly before a scheduled execution, the state attorney general typically phones the governor to inform him or her there is no legal basis for delay. After Scott had rescheduled the execution for September 10, the date of Bondi’s “hometown campaign kickoff,” her office asked that it be postponed; the new date is October 1.

Florida – Senate Prez Wants to Start Auditing Lobbying Reports

Orlando Sentinel – Aaron Deslatte | Published: 9/9/2013

Florida Senate President Don Gaetz wants the Legislature to make good on a never-enforced requirement that lobbying firms be subjected to random audits. He said he had asked the Senate’s general counsel to work with the House to determine how to kick-start the audits. Gaetz said the main holdup may be whether the Legislature has budget authority to begin the audits, or whether it would have to wait until the next fiscal year to launch them.

Indiana – Should Indiana Regulators Raise Money from Utility Trade Groups to Pay for Conference?

Indianapolis Star – John Russell | Published: 9/11/2013

The state ethics agency approved a request from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to solicit donations from utility trade groups to fund a conference of regulators from 14 states to be held in Indianapolis. Watchdogs say such a move could give utility groups a chance to curry favor with regulators, who make decisions on whether companies can raise rates or build new plants.

Missouri – Missouri House Speaker’s Side Business Raises Ethical Issues

Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 9/6/2013

In addition to his job as a legislator and his position with a law firm, state House Speaker Tim Jones also earns money from the Missouri Freedom Alliance. Jones has offered conflicting explanations of what type of work the group does. First, he said it was legal consulting on basic legislative process. Jones later said it had nothing to do with legislative issues and instead focused on private legal matters.

New Jersey – Christie Vetoes Bill to Move General Election to October

Newark Star Ledger – Matt Friedman | Published: 9/9/2013

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bill that would have moved the November 5 general election to the date of the special U.S. Senate election on October 16. Christie also vetoed a bill that would let voters who go to the polls in October to also vote early for the November election, when the governor and all 120 seats in the Legislature are being contested.

New Mexico – Donald Duck, New Mexico Lobbyist

New Mexico Watchdog – Rob Nikolewski | Published: 9/12/2013

New Mexico Watchdog found “Donald Duck” on the list of registered lobbyist in the state. According disclosure reports, Donald spent $200 on dinner for “Senator Mickey Mouse” at The Bull Ring, a popular restaurant in Santa Fe.

New York – Forgive? No, a Night to Forget for Scandal-Tarred Candidates

New York Times – Michael Grynbaum | Published: 9/11/2013

Election Day was sobering for a peculiar brand of politician that emerged in the New York City election season: the scandal-tarred scoundrel seeking a second chance. The results reflected the mood of an electorate whose tolerance for the well-trod path of political repentance may have reached its limits.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Lawmakers Eye Bills to Thwart Corruption

PhillyBurbs.com – Natasha Lindstrom | Published: 9/9/2013

More than three dozen public officials in Pennsylvania have faced corruption charges since 2007. The House State Government Committee held a recent hearing to take testimony on ways the ethics law can be strengthened in hopes of restoring public confidence in state government.

Tennessee – TN Ethics Commission Opts Not to Fine Tom Ingram

The Tennessean – Chas Sisk | Published: 9/12/2013

The Tennessee Ethics Commission voted to dismiss a complaint filed against Gov. Bill Haslam that said he failed to disclose how much he paid Tom Ingram, his former chief campaign strategist, for political advice. The commission also declined to fine Ingram on for failing to disclose a lobbying relationship with a company hoping to win permission to mine on public land.

Washington – Ethics Rules Limit Freebies

Spokane Spokesman-Review – Jim Camden | Published: 9/6/2013

With college football season just starting up, Washington’s Legislative Ethics Board clarified that state lawmakers are not permitted to accept free tickets for themselves and family members. But it is all right for a legislator to attend a game as the guest of the university president and sit in the president’s box.

Jim Sedor 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.

September 12, 2013 • Written by Joe May

Thursday News Roundup

Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:

September 11, 2013 • Written by Joe May

Wednesday Government Relations News

Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!

September 10, 2013 • Written by Jonathan Spontarelli

Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update

Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:

September 10, 2013 • Written by Elizabeth Bartz

Is Good Government Possible in This Environment?

President and CEO Elizabeth Bartz offers insights from the latest edition of Compliance Now.

government building I think we all have an idea of what the definition of good government might look like.

Bipartisan discussion over important current issues.
Keeping “what is best for the country and the electorate” as the most important issue.
Maintaining an acceptable conduct as elected public officials.
Being receptive to business and other public opinions without being manipulated by special interest groups.

Most of you understand this definition, although I am sure many of you are wondering where these things have gone and what has made them so difficult to maintain and achieve.

Well, I think it has a lot to do with the second part of the title and that includes the words, “In This Environment.”

Just what do these words mean and how have things changed to create the environment we now live in or at least have to live within?

And, of course, the most difficult question “Will good government improve and change the environment we live in or vice versa, Will a better environment give us the opportunity to create good government”

Do I have you sufficiently confused?

The fact is no two topics are more closely related when trying to evaluate this simple statement, “Is good government possible in this environment?”

The sad state of affairs is if you asked the majority of the voting population, the first answer would be “NO.” Of course, NO would be followed by a long litany of their own personal opinions and political advice, be it left or right, which would make everything better if we just follow blindly.

They would also say, not following these simple but absolutely uncompromising ideals is what has gotten us into this mess in the first place.

Judging which of these groups—be they left, right, up, down, or in the middle—is the most responsible for the dilemma of searching for good government, is worse than flipping channels on cable news networks at 5 after 8 p.m. each weekday evening.

Almost incredibly, the art of bad politics has created such an adversarial environment; it seems to be blocking out the sunlight and preventing what this country has done so well for more than 200 years…Govern well.

We seem to be so bogged down in the processes and partisanship, we have lost track of what are the important issues of the day. Good governing—which means in the end, getting things done in a manner as outlined by our Constitution. This document has no provisions for obstructionism. If anything, it has far more implied provisions for compromise and reconciliation.

This is a bit overwhelming for me—a small business owner, in a regional city like Akron, Ohio—to address. You see, the main goal of my company, in a manner of speaking, is to assure good government has half a chance to exist. State and Federal Communications is responsible for assisting corporations and trade associations to realize what the laws say and stay compliant to the laws as they relate to their lobbying and political contributions activities.

This simple idea of operating within the framework of the law is what we excel in conveying to our clients. We make no compromises, and we expect good ethical conduct from our clients. We suggest by doing this, our clients can create a GOOD environment, which in turn will allow for the opportunity for good government to thrive and, thereby, help our clients continue to be successful businesses.

This is just our small world of specific topics—lobbying and political contributions—but it also allows us to think of how these simple principles work on a much more grand scale—such as on the national level.

It seems the environment has become polluted and is no longer conducive to allowing good government to thrive. At every turn, we hear about corruption and degradation of “the environment” at almost every level.

Think for a minute. How often do you read or hear about an elected or appointed official, tasked with the responsibility of good governing or overseeing good government at the municipal, state, or even federal level, in some type of ethical or criminal trouble?

These constant stains on our national environment leave those attempting to provide good government with an almost impossible task. Add to this situation the lack of confidence by the electorate and the constant partisan bashing of government officials in the media, and you begin to see how difficult changing this environment has become.

So, who wins? Good government or the bad environment? And, is it possible for good government to inevitably thrive again?

My answer is, YES. But, we must be diligent and use the power we have been given to fix this situation. It may be one of the most disheartening bits of information out there, but the fact that sometimes only 25 to 50 percent of eligible voters take advantage of this privilege is amazing.

We have it within our power as individuals to push things back on the path of good governing and good government. And, we will. We need to encourage everyone to use their constitutional right and step up and be heard. We need to:

Demand politicians maintain a high ethical standard;
Demand policies and issues are dealt with in a compromising manner so progress can be made; and
Be assured, elected officials are more concerned with doing what is best for the people and the country and are not driven by special interest groups or mindless re-election campaigns.

And, most of all, encourage everyone to go out and VOTE. That single simple task, just a few times a year, is our best hope for assuring good government is still possible in this environment.

Thank you,

Elizabeth Z. Bartz
President and CEO

September 9, 2013 • Written by Joe May

Monday News Roundup

Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:

September 6, 2013 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – September 6, 2013

Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:

News You Can Use

National:

Battle over Dark Money Takes Many Forms on State Level

Sunlight Foundation – Peter Olsen-Phillips | Published: 9/5/2013

A Sunlight Foundation survey found dozens of laws that passed or are pending in state Legislatures addressing the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizen United ruling. The foundation said while few bills have made it into law so far, the legislation that has been introduced suggests widespread interest in improving transparency at the state level.

Federal:

Feds Could Allow Bitcoin Campaign Donations

Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 9/4/2013

The FEC may determine rules governing donations made in Bitcoins and how they apply to campaigns. Lawyers for Conservative Action Fund PAC asked the agency decide if candidates and outside groups are allowed to accept the digital currency, in addition to U.S. dollars. Bitcoin, which allows for anonymous, encrypted digital transactions, has come under fire from regulators who worry about the lack of oversight and the currency’s potential use in crime.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alaska – Alaska Town Roots for Feline Mayor Attacked by Dog

Houston Chronicle – Rachel D’Oro (Associated Press) | Published: 9/5/2013

The honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska is in bad shape after being attacked by a dog. Stubbs the cat made it to the mayor’s office through a write-in campaign. He has held the honorary position for more than 15 years. His election earned him enough press to catapult the town at the base of Mount McKinley into a tourist destination.

California – California Republicans Thrive at the Local Level

Los Angeles Times – Mark Barabak | Published: 9/3/2013

Over the last two decades, California has become a Democratic fortress, beyond the GOP’s reach in presidential campaigns and all but hopeless in statewide contests. At the local level, the picture is quite different. Despite the Democrats’ sizable statewide registration advantage, Republicans hold close to half the 2,500 mayoral and city council seats in California.

California – New Rules Give Daily Updates on Money in Mayor’s Race

San Diego Union Tribune – Craig Gustafson | Published: 9/4/2013

New rules in San Diego require any campaign contribution of $1,000 or more be disclosed within 24 hours during the 90-day period before an election. That is an expansion from the earlier state law that mandated such disclosures in the final 16 days of a race. The change will be in effect for the November 19 special election for mayor.

Colorado – In Colorado Recall Law, Victory for Incumbents Means Cash Refunds

Denver Post – Kurtis Lee | Published: 9/3/2013

If Senate President John Morse and Sen. Angela Giron win their recall elections, Colorado law provides that incumbents can collect up to 10 cents per vote. Morse and Giron, who face recalls for their support of gun laws passed this year by the Legislature, would have 60-days after the date of the recall election to file a request with the state.

Florida – Top Florida Senate Aide Gets $400,000 as Moonlighting Political Consultant

Tampa Bay Times – Mary Ellen Klas | Published: 8/31/2013

For three years, Chris Clark took a leave of absence from his job as a legislative staff member when the session ended and went to work as Florida Senate President Don Gaetz’s campaign manager, and earned more than $400,000. The lucrative arrangement underscores the financial ties special interests have with the Legislature as staff often cycle in and out of government and the private sector, developing relationships with the lobbyists who have a financial stake in influencing them.

Kentucky – Ex-Hoops Star Reaches Plea Deal, Could Get 2 Years

Kansas City Star – Roger Alford (Associated Press) | Published: 9/5/2013

Former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer entered into agreements with federal and state prosecutors, as well as the Executive Branch Ethics Commission, that would resolve all charges against him. He will plead guilty to two counts and receive a sentence in the range of 21 to 27 months. Farmer had faced a five-count federal indictment for misusing state resources. He also faced a 42-count charge brought by the commission.

Massachusetts – Former Mass. LG Fined for Campaign Violations

Boston Globe – Bob Salsberg (Associated Press) | Published: 8/29/2013

Timothy Murray agreed to pay $80,000 to settle charges he collected illegal campaign contributions raised by two public officials, capping a controversy that derailed the former Massachusetts lieutenant governor’s political career. Murray collected tens of thousands of dollars in donations solicited by former Chelsea Housing Authority Executive Director Michael McLaughlin, who was indicted for several campaign finance violations, including unlawful solicitation by a public employee.

New Jersey – Birdsall Services Group Ordered to Pay $1 Million after Pleading Guilty to Making Illegal Campaign Contributions

Bergen Record – Abbott Koloff | Published: 8/31/2013

Birdsall Services Group was ordered to $1 million in criminal penalties for making illegal campaign contributions that violated New Jersey’s “pay-to-play” law. The engineering firm is prohibited from working on government contracts in New Jersey for 10 years. Birdsall ceased operating after it declared bankruptcy earlier this year and sold its assets to a California company.

New Mexico – Judge Strikes Down City Ban on Corporate Gifts

Albuquerque Journal – Dan McKay | Published: 9/5/2013

U.S. District Court Judge M. Christine Armijo ruled Albuquerque’s ban on corporate campaign contributions is unconstitutional. Armijo did not explicitly address a companion prohibition that covers donations from city contractors. Her earlier decisions, however, restricted the scope of that ban.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Commission Seeks Clearer Rules

Enid News & Eagle – Dale Denwalt | Published: 8/30/2013

Oklahoma Ethics Commission Director Lee Slater said a rewrite of the rules governing lobbying and campaign finance is on schedule. Slater said the first set of draft rules, dealing primarily with administrative matters, will be posted soon. Additional draft guidelines will be posted around the first of October and the first of November. The commission expects to vote on a final draft in January. Those rules will become effective 90 days after adoption unless they are rejected by the Legislature.

South Carolina – Leadership Positions Pay Off in Legislature

The State – Jamie Self | Published: 9/1/2013

Climbing the leadership ladder in the South Carolina General Assembly pays fundraising dividends for powerful lawmakers, according to campaign finance reports. A review by The State found contributions increased substantially for six members elevated to powerful leadership roles in the committees that oversee state spending and laws, and the Legislature’s political caucuses.

Texas – Eluding Big Ethics Fines

San Antonio Express-News – David Saleh Rauf | Published: 9/1/2013

The Texas Ethics Commission, when challenged in court, rarely walks away with the fine it originally levied. Experts point to the appeals process, which the commission and some lawmakers argue undermines the agency’s enforcement muscle. Since 1992, the commission has been challenged four times in court and forced to settle for reduced penalties in three cases.

Virginia – Study Highlights Check-Splitting in Va. Gift Reporting

Washington Post – Laura Vozzella | Published: 8/28/2013

Lobbyists who entertain state officials in Virginia often report each meal as a gift provided by multiple clients. Spreading entertainment costs across multiple clients also understates the value of gifts provided to legislators, who base their disclosure reports on gift summaries that lobbyists provide at the end of the year. Although the practice is not necessarily intended to dodge reporting requirements, it is drawing more scrutiny.

Jim Sedor 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.

August 30, 2013 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – August 30, 2013

Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:

News You Can Use

National:

Private Lobbyists Get Public Pensions in 20 States

Politico; Associated Press – | Published: 8/26/2013

Lobbyists in at least 20 states receive public pensions because they represent associations of counties, cities, and school boards. Legislatures granted them access decades ago on the premise that they serve governments and the public. But several states have started to question whether these organizations should qualify for such benefits, since they are private entities in most respects.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – San Diego Mayor Bob Filner Resigns, Faces Criminal Investigation

Los Angeles Times – Tony Perry and Richard Marosi | Published: 8/23/2013

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner resigned under a barrage of sexual harassment complaints, offering an apology to his accusers while still denying the allegations. In exchange for his resignation, the city will pay most of Filner’s legal fees. It will also cover any punitive damages against him in any lawsuit. A spokesperson for the state attorney general’s office confirmed a criminal investigation into Filner’s treatment of women is underway.

California – State Panel Changes Disclosure Rules for Public Officials’ Travel

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 8/22/2013

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) revised gift rules involving travel by elected officials. “[The FPPC] can only require disclosure or impose restrictions if there is a personal benefit to the individual,” said agency Chairperson Ann Ravel.

Connecticut – Former Donovan Aide Gets 38 Months in Campaign Scandal

Hartford Courant – Dave Altimari | Published: 8/27/2013

Robert Braddock, the ex-campaign finance director to former Connecticut House Speaker Chris Donovan’s unsuccessful congressional campaign, was sentenced to more than three years in prison. Braddock and seven other co-defendants who pleaded guilty were involved in a scheme that funneled nearly $28,000 to Donovan’s campaign through straw donors in an effort to get Donovan to defeat proposed legislation to raise taxes on roll-your-own cigarette shops.

Florida – Lobbyist Fee Reports Are Just another Type of Competition

Orlando Sentinel – Aaron Deslatte | Published: 8/23/2013

The large paydays reported by some Florida lobbying firms are causing many to cry foul on the state’s disclosure law. The behind-the-scenes criticism is focused on the law’s requirements mandating only that lobbyist detail what they are paid to ply their trade in $10,000 ranges. The reports have never been subjected to audits. Many complain other lobbyists engage in financial gamesmanship in order to boost their status or draw new clients.

Florida – Texas-Sized B-Day Party for Scott Aide Hosted by Lobbyist and Wife

Tampa Bay Times – Michael Van Sickler | Published: 8/27/2013

Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s chief of staff, Adam Hollingsworth attended a birthday party for another top gubernatorial staffer at the home of Daniel and Monica Russell. Daniel Russell is a registered lobbyist for Northrop Grumman, which has been in talks with the state about tax incentives for the company. The office handling those negotiations is the Department of Economic Opportunity, where Monica Russell is the spokesperson.

Illinois – DuPage County Board Loosens Cap on Campaign Contributions

Chicago Daily Herald – Robert Sanchez | Published: 8/28/2013

In an attempt to align itself with Illinois’ campaign finance law, the DuPage County Board voted to raise the county donation limit from $1,000 to the state standard of $5,300. The cap had applied to companies and consulting firms, as well as officers and owners of those entities, as well as to any individual appointed or applying for a position on a board, commission, authority, task force, or advisory committee.

Missouri – Klahr Chosen as Director of Mo. Ethics Commission

Miami Herald; Associated Press – | Published: 8/27/2013

The Missouri Ethics Commission chose James Klahr to be the agency’s executive director beginning on September 13. He was a staff attorney for the state Senate and for Gov. Jay Nixon. Klahr replaces Julie Allen, who stepped down to become the elections director for the secretary of state’s office.

Missouri – Mo. Rep. LaFaver Arrested for Possessing Pot, Quits Democratic Campaign Role but Not House

Columbus Republic – David Lieb (Associated Press) | Published: 8/26/2013

A Missouri lawmaker who was arrested for possession of marijuana during a traffic stop said he would not resign. State Rep. Jeremy LaFaver has, however, stepped down as chairperson of the Democratic Party’s 2014 campaign committee. During this past legislative session, LaFaver sponsored a bill that would have reduced the penalties for marijuana possession; it did not pass.

Nevada – Emails Show How Political Advisers Trumped Staff in Winning Support for ‘More Cops’ Tax

Las Vegas Sun – Anjeanette Damon | Published: 8/27/2013

Before the 2013 legislative session began, Nevada Gov Brian Sandoval followed the advice of outside political advisors and decided to support a tax increase. An email exchange about the move offers a look into who holds sway at the governor’s office, including the role of the two lobbyists.

New York – Millions Sweeten the Casino Pot

Albany Times Union – James Odato | Published: 8/27/2013

The Seneca Indian Nation agreed to give David Flaum a $3 million “development fee” if a casino opens in Monroe County, and a contingency fee of up to $5 million if the tribe gets a state gaming compact by October 1. Lobbyists are banned from receiving contingency fees in New York. Flaum would have to register as a lobbyist if he begins appearing before government officials on behalf of the tribe, particularly for a gaming compact, and contract terms suggest the tribe might direct him to do so.

Ohio – Gov. John Kasich and Ohio Ethics Commission Linked by Political Contributions, Records Show

Cleveland Plain Dealer – Henry Gomez | Published: 8/23/2013

A Cleveland Plain Dealer analysis shows three of the five members of the Ohio Ethics Commission or their spouses have contributed to Gov. John Kasich’s campaigns over the years. Democrats see new relevance in these ties as they call for an ethics investigation of Kasich. The commission rejected a request to explore the governor’s involvement with Worthington Industries, a company that received state tax credits.

Ohio – OH Treasurer Crashes Twice, Makes No Staff Report

Miami Herald – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 8/27/2013

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel might have violated state and federal campaign laws by traveling across the state this year in a vehicle bought by his failed 2012 U.S. Senate campaign. The possible violation only came to light after a traffic accident in which the Jeep Grand Cherokee was totaled.

Texas – Texas Mayor, Brother, Dad Charged with Corruption

Kansas City Star; Associated Press – | Published: 8/28/2013

The mayor of a small city in Texas and his brother, the president of the local school board, were charged in a public corruption case that prosecutors said maintained a stranglehold over local government business for years. Also arrested was Jose Vela, the pair’s father and a maintenance worker at the local high school. Prosecutors said he ran city government through his sons and a revolving door of city council and school board candidates recruited by his family.

Virginia – Lax Laws Lead to Cloudy View of Lobbyists’ Spending

The Virginian-Pilot – Julian Walker | Published: 8/29/2013

Lobbyists reported spending $15.9 million in Virginia from May 2012 to April 2013. But critics say it is an incomplete financial picture of all that goes into policy persuasion and legislative influence in a state with lax reporting standards and enforcement of lobbyist disclosures.

Jim Sedor 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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August 29, 2013 • Written by Joe May

Thursday News Roundup

Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:

August 28, 2013 • Written by Joe May

Wednesday Government Relations News

Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!

August 28, 2013 • Written by Michael Beckett, Esq.

Annapolis, Maryland City Council Passes Ethics Ordinance

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Thursday News Roundup

Wednesday Government Relations News

Annapolis, Maryland City Council Passes Ethics Ordinance

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