August 23, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 23, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
Federal:
Campaign Finance Advocates Sue IRS
The Hill – Bernie Becker | Published: 8/21/2013
U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and watchdog groups filed a lawsuit challenging the IRS’ interpretation of a law that governs whether groups qualify for tax-exempt status as so-called social welfare organizations. The suit addresses one of the main concerns that surfaced with the recent IRS targeting controversy: differences between federal law and IRS rules on eligibility for 501(c)(4) candidates.
U.S. Lawmakers Travel the World on Lobbyists’ Tab
Reuters – Richard Cowen | Published: 8/19/2013
Lately, the number of privately financed trips for federal lawmakers offered by corporate interests, lobbyists, universities, and foreign governments have been rising. Trips this year total 1,363, at a cost to the hosts of $3.2 million. Congress clamped down on such travel in 2007 after disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff’s influence-peddling scandal.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas – After Ethics Fine, Paul Bookout Resigns from Legislature
Arkansas Business Journal; Associated Press – | Published: 8/21/2013
Sen. Paul Bookout resigned his seat in the Arkansas Legislature on the same day a special prosecutor was assigned to investigate his campaign finances. His resignation came days after the state Ethics Commission fined and reprimanded the veteran lawmaker for converting thousands of dollars in political contributions to his personal use.
California – Filner Could Be Out by Friday
San Diego Union Tribune – Craig Gustafson and Mark Walker | Published: 8/21/2013
A tentative deal has been reached in the sexual harassment lawsuit against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner that is likely to oust him from office. City Attorney Jan Goldsmith announced the plan after three days of settlement talks, but said he could not divulge any details until the proposed resolution is approved by the city council, which could happen on August 23. Filner has been under siege for weeks amid allegations he repeatedly sexually harassed women.
California – Hansen Revealed as Arena Petition Backer
Sacramento Bee – Dale Kasler and Tony Bizjak | Published: 8/17/2013
Weeks after billionaire Chris Hansen lost a bid to move the Sacramento Kings to Seattle, he made an undisclosed donation to a group trying to defeat plans to build a new facility for the National Basketball Association team in California. The Fair Political Practices Commission said the money was used to gather signatures for a ballot initiative designed to put to a citywide vote the council’s planned $258 million subsidy for a downtown arena.
Maine – For Maine Governor, Issue Is What They Said He Said
New York Times – Katharine Seelye and Jess Bidgood | Published: 8/20/2013
Maine Gov. Paul LePage denied he said President Barak Obama “hates white people.” Two Republican lawmakers said they heard the governor make the comment during a state Republican Party fundraiser. The problem for LePage, as even some of his allies acknowledge, is whether or not he made this particular comment, he has made so many other blunt assertions that while one more may not matter, the accumulation of such comments could.
Massachusetts – In Mass., Political Lobbying a $100M-a-Year Industry
Lowell Sun – Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) | Published: 8/19/2013
In 2005, there were just over 800 lobbyists registered in Massachusetts. By 2012, that number had soared to more than 1,600. In part, the increase is due to a change in the definition of a lobbyist. The broadened definition, prompted by a 2009 ethics law, forced many individuals who had avoided the label to officially register.
New York – Nonprofits Are Balking at Law on Disclosing Political Donors
New York Times – Thomas Kaplan | Published: 8/20/2013
New York has emerged as a central battleground for efforts to mandate greater disclosure. Two years after a law was enacted that required tax-exempt groups lobbying state government to reveal where they got their money, a growing number of nonprofit organizations are seeking exemptions, arguing their donors could be endangered if their names were released to the public.
New York – Utility Officials Fined on Freebies
Albany Times Union – James Odato | Published: 8/15/2013
A year after national grid paid the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) $1.67 million to settle charges of providing illegal gifts to state regulators, the utility has agreed to pay $25,000 to settle the same charges with the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE). The PSC fined National Grid for violating the public service law; JCOPE penalized the utility for violating state lobbying law.
Ohio – Ohio Ethics Chief: Kasich made clean company break
Miami Herald – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 8/15/2013
Ohio Ethics Commission Chairperson Merom Brachman said there is no need for an ethics probe of Gov. John Kasich’s relationship to a company that received hundreds of thousands of dollars in state development tax credits. Brachman, noting the commission is “anxious to not become a political theater,” said data provided by the governor shows conclusively there is no conflict-of-interest to investigate.
Pennsylvania – State Officials’ Free Gala Tickets Lead To Discrepancies in Ethics Reports
WITF – Mary Wilson | Published: 8/19/2013
The way Gov. Tom Corbett and a few state lawmakers treated free tickets to a Philadelphia soiree shows a wide variety of interpretations of Pennsylvania’s ethics law. Last year, the Barnes Foundation threw a gala celebrating its new museum and gave some legislators and members of the administration free entry. For other patrons, tickets were $5,000 each. State law requires gifts of such a value to be publicly disclosed.
South Carolina – Haley’s Attorneys Tried to Get Ethics Charges Dropped
The State – Adam Beam | Published: 8/15/2013
Emails between the South Carolina Ethics Commission and Gov. Nikki Haley’s attorney show she agreed to pay a fine and end allegations over campaign donors’ missing addresses only after irritated commissioners nearly took an agreement off the table and called a public hearing. Haley agreed to pay $3,500, reimburse the ethics agency $2,000, and forward money from eight donors, totaling nearly $4,200, to the Children’s Trust Fund.
Tennessee – Democrats Missing from Panels to Rule on Ethics Complaints against Haslam
Knoxville News Sentinel – Tom Humphrey | Published: 8/17/2013
A former state Democratic Party chairperson filed complaints with the Tennessee Ethics Commission and the Registry of Election Finance, contending Gov. Bill Haslam violated the law by not disclosing his personal payments to lobbyist and political operative Tom Ingram. The commission and registry currently have Republican majority membership because of unfilled vacancies in one case, because Haslam has left a seat designated for a Democrat empty since March.
Virginia – Attorneys for McDonnells to Meet with Prosecutors as Key Phase Opens in Gifts Probe
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman and Carol Leonnig | Published: 8/19/2013
Attorneys for Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell and his wife met with federal prosecutors over the gifts scandal that has dominated state politics. The meetings open a critical phase of the investigation, timed to help prosecutors decide over the next few weeks whether to file charges, according to two people with knowledge of the investigation.
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 21, 2013 •
San Francisco, California Ethics Commission Announces Website Maintenance
Electronic filing system to be down August 24 for 24 hours
The Ethics Commission has announced a scheduled maintenance for the lobbying and campaign finance electronic filing systems.
The filing systems and public access websites will be down between 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2013 and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2013.
The commission has advised campaign finance entities to plan accordingly if required to file 24-hour expenditure or contribution reports.
August 21, 2013 •
Regardless of An Employee’s State of Residency, U.S. OGE Now Interprets “Spouse” to Include Same-Sex Spouse
Legal Advisory
On August 19, 2013, the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) issued a Legal Advisory to Designated Agency Ethics Officials stating it “now interprets the terms ‘marriage’ and ‘spouse’ to include a same-sex marriage and a same-sex spouse where those terms appear in federal ethics provisions, regardless of the employee’s state of residency.”
The OGE will also interpret the term “relative” to include same-sex spouses.
The directive was created as a result of United States v. Windsor, a U.S. Supreme Court decision made earlier this summer striking down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act as unconstitutional. The OGE consulted with the U.S. Department of Justice before making the Legal Advisory, which took effect on the date of the directive, August 19, 2013.
August 21, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
Pennsylvania: “University Reminds Employees of Lobbying Laws” in Gant Daily.
Campaign Finance
“Van Hollen to join lawsuit against IRS” by Bernie Becker in The Hill.
California: “Fundraisers abound as California legislative session nears end” by Laurel Rosenhall in the Sacramento Bee.
Illinois: “DuPage considers ethics revisions allowing bigger campaign donations” by Robert Sanchez in the Daily Herald.
Illinois: “Rauner forms PAC to push term limits” by Rick Pearson in the Chicago Tribune.
Michigan: “Director of campaign finance watchdog group examines the money in judicial politics” on MLive.com.
New York: “Nonprofits Are Balking at Law on Disclosing Political Donors” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.
Ethics
Arkansas: “Bookout resigns, special prosecutor named for ethics probe” by the Arkansas News Bureau.
Ohio: “Reps. Ronald Gerberry, Nicholas Celebrezze propose barring statewide officeholders from accepting outside compensation while in office” by Robert Higgs in the Plain Dealer.
Ohio: “Ex-Ohio treasurer ‘stunned’ by deputy’s indictment” by Ann Sanner on Cincinnati.com.
Virginia: “McDonnell tries to govern, trailed by scandal” by Olympia Meola in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Redistricting
“Kentucky House panel advances redistricting plan” by Beth Musgrave in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Open Government
Virginia: “State employees shoot down VA open records access bill” by Kathryn Watson on Watchdog.org.
August 20, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“The Scent Industry Expands Lobbying Efforts” by JM Rieger in Roll Call.
Campaign Finance
“3 easy steps to avoid the threat of FEC penalties” by Emily Tadlock in Campaigns & Elections.
Ethics
Arkansas: “Special prosecutor sought in senator’s ethics case” by the Arkansas News Bureau.
Connecticut: “Mayor to toughen ethics code” by Brian Lockhart in the Connecticut Post.
Ohio: “Ohio Dem leader: Kasich ethics question unresolved” by Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) on Cincinnati.com.
Virginia: “Prosecuting Bob McDonnell no slam dunk” by James Hohmann and Elizabeth Titus in Politico.
From the State Legislatures
Pennsylvania: “Another Push Begins to Shrink Pennsylvania Legislature” by Karen Langley in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Redistricting
Kentucky: “Kentucky House panel to take up redistricting bill” by The Associated Press in WPSD News.
August 19, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
Canada: “Loopholes in Canada’s lobbying rules leave plenty off the books” by Glen McGregor in Canada.com.
Florida: “Florida lobbying firms showing big profits” by News Service of Florida in the Tampa Tribune.
Massachusetts: “In Mass., political lobbying a thriving industry” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) in the Boston Globe.
New York: “Casino lobbying soars in Albany” by Tom Precious in The Buffalo News.
Campaign Finance
“FEC Fines McCain Presidential Campaign $80,000” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Arizona: “U.S. court to hear challenge to state campaign-finance law” by Edward Gately in The Arizona Republic.
Arizona: “Phoenix critics say non-profit again skirting campaign-finance laws” by Dustin Gardiner in The Arizona Republic.
Arkansas: “Ark. ethics panel fines senator $8K for violations” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.
California: “State tops campaign donors in 2012” by Raju Chebium in The Salinas Californian.
Ethics
District of Columbia: “Fourth Person Pleads Guilty in DC Mayor Finance Scandal” by Ron Dory in Epoch Times.
Kentucky: “Embezzler Returns $275K to Democratic Governors Assn.” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
New Hampshire: “NH legislators say conflicts are unavoidable” by Tim Buckland in the Union Leader.
South Carolina: “Attorneys haggled over Haley’s ethics charges” by Adam Beam in the Rock Hill Herald.
Redistricting
Kentucky: “Kentucky legislators hope to tackle redistricting in short special session” by Tom Loftus in The Courier-Journal.
Government Tech and Social Media
“7 Must-Follow Lawmakers on Twitter” by Meredith Shiner in Roll Call.
August 16, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 16, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Many Ex-Governors Work as Lobbyists, Consultants
USA Today – Fredreka Schouten | Published: 8/11/2013
A USA Today review found ten of the 32 governors who have left office since 2011 now work for trade associations or consulting and lobbying firms that allow them to help clients navigate government agencies. Several former governors said they have unique expertise about the way government operates, but that does not mean they are wielding undue influence on behalf of their clients.
Federal:
A Former Engine of the G.O.P., the Town Hall Meeting, Cools Down
New York Times – Jeremy Peters | Published: 8/12/2013
Though Republicans in recent years have harnessed the political power of town hall meetings, people from both parties say they are noticing a decline in the number of such events. With memories of angry protests still vivid, it seems one of the unintended consequences of a tea party movement that thrived on such open, often confrontational interactions with lawmakers is there are fewer members of Congress now willing to face their constituents.
Jesse L. Jackson Jr. Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison
Washington Post – Ann Marimow | Published: 8/14/2013
Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.) was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to scheming to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on costly personal items, including a $43,350 gold-plated Rolex watch. His wife, former Chicago Ald. Sandra Jackson, was sentenced to a year in prison for filing joint federal income tax returns that understated the couple’s income.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Spokesman for California Assembly Speaker John Perez Wears Many Hats
Sacramento Bee – Laural Rosenhall | Published: 8/8/2013
Steven Maviglio is on a short-term contract as a media consultant to California Assembly Speaker John Pérez that ends when the legislative session concludes in September. Through his Forza Communications firm, Maviglio also works for private-sector clients; some are advocacy groups who have paid him to promote their bills moving through the Legislature.
Florida – Palmetto Bay Lobbyist Tipped Off FBI to Miami-Dade Mayors, Lobbyists Arrested in Corruption Probe
Miami Herald – Patricia Mazzei, Jay Weaver, and Charles Rabin | Published: 8/10/2013
A two-year investigation culminated recently with the arrests of Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and lobbyist Richard Candia, along with Sweetwater Mayor Manny Maroño and his friend and business partner, lobbyist Jorge Forte. Sources said lobbyist Michael Kesti acted as an informant in the probe because he wanted to bring the FBI’s attention to influence-peddling among a network of Miami-Dade County lobbyists and mayors.
Indiana – Charges Dismissed against Former Indiana Utility Regulator David Lott Hardy
Indianapolis Star – John Russell | Published: 8/12/2013
A judge threw out four felony counts of official misconduct against Indiana’s former top utility regulator. David Lott Hardy’s behavior as Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission chairperson in connection with the Duke Energy ethics scandal was not criminal, said Marion Superior Court Judge William Nelson. But Nelson scolded Hardy for “betraying the trust” of Indiana citizens.
Mississippi – All Expenses Paid? Some Lawmakers Request Reimbursement for Lobbyist-Funded Treks
Jackson Clarion-Ledger – Geoff Pender | Published: 8/10/2013
Last summer, 19 state lawmakers attended a conference sponsored by the Mississippi Consumer Finance Association. Although some lawmakers described the event as all expenses paid, four House members also filed for reimbursement totaling more than $2,300 on their state expense accounts. Yet disclosure reports show lobbyists paid a total of $5,600 for the four legislators.
Missouri – Campaign Finance Lawsuit Pits Mega-Donor Rex Sinquefield against Missouri Pro-Life Groups
Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 8/12/2013
A retired investment executive who has given millions of dollars to campaigns has filed a lawsuit challenging a proposed ballot measure seeking to establish campaign contribution limits in Missouri. Rex Sinquefield argues the limits would infringe on constitutional rights to free speech and free association. The suit contends the proposed caps are so low they inhibit effective advocacy, particularly as political campaigns become more costly.
Nevada – Nevada’s Secretary of State Moves to Clarify State Ethics Law
Las Vegas Sun – Andrew Doughman | Published: 8/8/2013
Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller is seeking clarification from state agencies about how they have defined “gift.” Elected officials must disclose gifts worth more than $200, but Miller said they often fail to follow the law because it does not define a gift. Absent a statutory definition, a body of legal opinions could at least provide some guidance for what elected officials must disclose if they want to obey to the law, said Miller.
New Jersey – Birdsall Trustee Files Two Lawsuits to Recoup Millions in Losses
Asbury Park Press – Kathleen Hopkins | Published: 8/12/2013
The court-appointed trustee of Birdsall Services Group, the politically connected engineering firm that pleaded guilty earlier this year to making illegal campaign contributions in New Jersey, filed a federal lawsuit to recoup money the company spent on the legal expenses of former employees, alleging the payments were illegally authorized. Edwin Stier also sued 21 former top company officials, claiming their actions contributed to the firm’s collapse and caused its value to plummet.
New York – Ethics Panel Survey Launched
Albany Times Union – Rick Karlin | Published: 8/14/2013
A survey asking recipients to comment on the effectiveness of New York’s ethics law was sent to members of the state Legislature, leaders of watchdog groups, general counsels to state agencies, lobbyists, and academics. It asks about the Joint Commission on Public Ethics’ successes and shortcomings. A report on the survey will be issued later this year.
North Carolina – Voting Bill Signed; Legal Challenges Start
Charlotte Observer – Jim Morrill | Published: 8/12/2013
North Carolina Gov. Patrick McCrory signed a sweeping voting reform bill recently. Civil rights groups immediately filed lawsuits in federal court challenging the statute. The law also raises campaign contribution limits from $4,000 to $5,000 and indexes them to inflation. Starting October 1, lobbyists will not be able to pass along any donation to a candidate; the old law only prohibited the delivering of bundled contributions.
Pennsylvania – Lobbyists Fight State Fee Increase
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Kate Giammarise | Published: 8/12/2013
A proposal by the Pennsylvania Department of State would increase the biennial fee paid by registered lobbyists from $200 to $700. State officials say the increase is needed to maintain an online database and defray other costs of administering the lobbyist disclosure law. But many nonprofit groups say the increase will hurt their ability to discuss policy with lawmakers and watchdogs are concerned it could lead to less transparency.
Texas – White Male Democrats in Texas Legislature Are Nearly Extinct
Dallas Morning News – Gromer Jeffers, Jr. | Published: 8/11/2013
Next year’s elections could leave five or fewer white male Democrats in the Texas House. As Democrats put their emphasis on turning out more women and Hispanic voters and Republicans try to maintain advantages in the state’s small towns and rural areas, the trend, decades in the making, is expected to continue.
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 14, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Lobby shop hires former Obama campaign staffer” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Massachusetts: “Fmr Sen. Brian Lees to join lobbying firm of former rival” by Andy Metzger on WWLP News.
Campaign Finance
“EMILY’S List Raises Almost $10 Million For Women Candidates” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Missouri: “Significant campaign donor challenges proposed Mo. ballot measure seeking to cap contributions” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.
Virginia: “Pro-Cuccinelli PAC gets $500,000 donation from New York hedge fund executive” by Ben Pershing in The Washington Post.
Ethics
Illinois: “Jesse Jackson Jr. to be sentenced in D.C.” by The Associated Press on ABC7 News.
New York: “Ethics panel survey launched” by Rick Karlin in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Cuomo real estate donors among Moreland subpoena targets” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Texas: “Biggest Ethics Reforms Died on Governor’s Desk” by Ross Ramsey and Todd Wiseman in the Texas Tribune.
Utah: “House looks to hire investigators for Swallow probe” by Robert Gehrke in The Salt Lake Tribune.
Virginia: “Governor has returned ‘tangible’ gifts, legal team says” by Olympia Meola in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Elections
“E-Voting: It May Be a While” by Ed Smith in NCSL’s The Thicket.
Procurement
“Small Businesses Scrambling More for Federal Contracts” by Charles S. Clark in Government Executive.
Redistricting
Alabama: “Testimony concludes in lawsuit challenging legislative districts” by The Associated Press in The Birmingham News.
Alaska: “State Dem party sues over redistricting map” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.
From the State Legislatures
Minnesota: “Dayton: No limits, no special session” by Baird Helgeson in the Star Tribune.
August 13, 2013 •
Tuesday Campaign Finance and Ethics News Update
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Campaign Finance
“Sandra Day O’Connor Tells NCSL Legislative Summit Money Poses Biggest Risk to Fair Courts” by Mary Winter on NCSL’s The Thicket.
Connecticut: “Donovan campaign aide asks for probation” by Michael P. Mayko in the Connecticut Post.
Delaware: “AG Biden won’t investigate donation of improper campaign contributions” by Jonathan Starkey in The News Journal.
District of Columbia: “Ex-Campaign Aide to D.C. Mayor Gray to Plead Guilty” by The Associated Press on WNEW CBS News.
District of Columbia: “Thies: Are Shadow Campaigns Stealing D.C. Elections?” by Churck Thies on NBC4 Washington News.
New York: “100 years ago, a NY governor was impeached” by Joseph Spector in the Star-Gazette.
Ethics
“FEC signs off on Progress Kentucky closing” by Byron Tau on Politico.
From the State Legislatures
“The coming war over voting rights” by Tal Kopan in Politico.
Oklahoma: “Governor orders special legislative session” in Tulsa World.
Procurement
“A New App Takes Government Contracting Mobile” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.
Redistricting
Arizona: “2020 Redistricting? The Arizona GOP Is ON IT” by Abby Livingston in Roll Call.
August 12, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“Many ex-governors work as lobbyists, consultants” by Fredreka Schouten in USA Today.
“Twitter joins Washington’s influence economy, forms PAC” by Cecilia Kang in The Washington Post.
“Twitter seeks clout with Washington lobbyist” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Florida: “Lobbyists settle case with Miami-Dade ethics commission” by Brittny C. Valdes in the Miami Herald.
Indiana: “Revolving door: Indiana official considered as lobbyist” by Tom LoBianco (Associated Press) in the Journal and Courier.
Indiana: “More making jump to lobbying without cooling-off period” by The Associated Press in the Indianapolis Business Journal.
Pennsylvania: “Lobbyists fight state fee increase” by Kate Giammarise in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Wisconsin: “Money & Politics: Unions sapped, other lobbying strong” by Bill Leuders in the Herald Times Reporter.
Campaign Finance
“Citizens United ‘Dark Money’ Could Be Revealed By States, NYC Public Advocate Report Finds” by Michael McAuliff in the Huffington Post.
“Alabama GOP donor challenges limits” by Mary Orndorff Troyan in USA Today.
Delaware: “Delaware developer faces campaign finance charges” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Michigan: “Campaign funds don’t all add up for state Treasurer Andy Dillon” by Paul Egan in the Detroit Free Press.
Ohio: “Cleveland Heights vs. Citizens United in November” by M.L. Schultze on WKSU News.
Virginia: “GOP’s Jackson omits in-kind flight donation from title lender from campaign finance reports” by The Associated Press in The Washington Post.
Ethics
Texas: “Texas Ethics Commission lowers record $100K fine against top criminal court judge to $25K” by The Associated Press in The Daily Journal.
Virginia: “Conflicts emerge as hurdles for Cuccinelli’s run” by Jim Nolan Richmond Times-Dispatch.
From the State Legislatures
California: “California Legislature faces raft of bills on volatile issues” by Melanie Mason and Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.
Ohio: “Lawmakers weigh voting-related bills” by Jim Provance in the Toledo Blade.
Pennsylvania: “Another bill to cut Pennsylvania’s General Assembly being offered” by Brad Bumsted in the Tribune-Review.
Redistricting
“Attorneys deny claims in Alaska redistricting challenge” by The Associated Press in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
Government Tech and Social Media
“White House Unveils CIO Council 2.0” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.
“How Lawmakers Spent Their Summer Vacation” by Roll Call on Pinterest.
New York: “New York City Looks to Technology to Grow Voter Turnout” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.
August 8, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“K Street shop on lookout for new senior Democratic lobbyist” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.
Illinois: “More Illinois public bodies hiring lobbyists” by The Associated Press in the Quincy Journal.
Massachusetts: “Galvin faulted on rules for lobbyists” by Michael Levinson in The Boston Globe.
Campaign Finance
Massachusetts: “Election Commission seminar set for Aug. 12” in South Coast Today.
Ohio: “Cleveland Heights campaign finance measure part of trend, group says” by Ray Jablonski in The Plain Dealer.
Virginia: “Candidates Make Honor Roll for Campaign-Filing Transparency” in the Sun Gazette.
Ethics
Florida: “Miami Lakes and Sweetwater mayors ‘stung’ by FBI for taking alleged kickbacks” by Jay Weaver, Christina Veiga and Joey Flechas in the Miami Herald.
Massachusetts: “Dan Wolf still running for governor despite ethics ruling” by Frank Phillips in The Boston Globe.
New York: “State Ethics Panel Opens an Inquiry Into a Sexual Harassment Cover-Up” by Danny Hakim in The New York Times.
New York: “Subpoenas Sent to City’s Big Landlords” by Eliot Brown and Erica Orden in The Wall Street Journal.
From Capitol Hill
“House Chamber Closed for Renovations” by Hannah Hess in Roll Call.
From the State Legislatures
Connecticut: “How a bill becomes a law in Connecticut can be a circuitous journey” by Hugh McQuaid in the New Haven Register.
Kansas: “Committee to make ‘Hard 50’ recommendations for special session” by John Hanna in the Topeka Capital-Journal.
Redistricting
“Redistricting trial set to begin” by Brian Lyman in the Montgomery Advertiser.
August 7, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“100 People to Watch This Fall” in The Hill.
“Legislators head to Chicago for ALEC retreat” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Campaign Finance
New York: “Moreland panel issues its first subpoenas” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Ethics
Public Corruption Convictions: State Totals, 2001-2010 in Governing.
New York: “Bruno trial is a go” by Brendan J. Lyons in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Court Rules Bruno May Face Fraud Charges” by The Associated Press in The New York Times.
Virginia: “Support lacking for Cuccinelli’s quick ethics reform” by Julian Walker in The Virginian-Pilot.
Virginia: “Virginia Lt. Gov. Bolling calls for gift and ethics reform” by Rosalind S. Helderman in The Washington Post.
From the State Legislatures
Kansas: “Brownback signs resolution for special session” by Tim Carpenter in the Topeka Capital-Journal.
NCSL 2013 Legislative Summit Online Resources
Government Tech and Social Media
“Analysis: How Twitter Is Revolutionizing Washington Relationships” by Matthew Cooper in NextGov.
Massachusetts: “MA Democratic Primary Candidates To Participate In Crowdsourced Online Debate” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
New York: “Elections to Be Easier for Voters With an App” by Nick Corasaniti in The New York Times.
Redistricting
Congressional District Compactness, Gerrymandering By State in Governing.
August 6, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“K Street powerhouse lobbies for green energy tax bill” by Ben Geman in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
New York: “Reform advocate spends big money” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Times Union.
New York: “Citing Irregularities, City Board Rejects Public Money for Liu’s Campaign” by David W. Chen in The New York Times.
Ethics
“FEC commissioner: New emails could tie agency to IRS targeting” by Blake Neff in The Hill.
Missouri: “Creator of Missouri Ethics Commission nominated for federal bench” by Jo Mannies in the St. Louis Beacon.
New Hampshire: “Ethics committee: Special E-ZPasses don’t violate gift limits for N.H. lawmakers” by Ben Leubsdorf in the Concord Monitor.
New Jersey: “Appeals court affirms dismissal of ethics complaint against assemblyman” by Matt Friedman in the Star-Ledger.
Utah: “Panel investigating Attorney General John Swallow to hold first meeting” by John Swallow in the Deseret News.
Virginia: “Cuccinelli pushes for special session on ethics rules” by Julian Walker in The Virginian-Pilot.
Redistricting
California: “SoCal Rep. Lowenthal takes a big swing at redistricting with new bill” by Kitty Felde on KPCC News.
August 5, 2013 •
Monday News Roundup
Let’s start off the week with these lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics news articles:
Lobbying
“August recess now high season for interests lobbying lawmakers” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.
Massachusetts: “Mass. casino lobbying tapering off on Beacon Hill as firms train money on host communities” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Oklahoma: “Freshman Oklahoma lawmaker top recipient of lobbyist attention” by Michael McNutt in The Oklahoman.
Wisconsin: “Lobbying spending by public unions drops sharply” by The Associated Press in the Miami Herald.
Campaign Finance
“Report: Dead donors gave $586K” by Tal Kopan in Politico.
Texas: “New Open-Source Tool Gives Texans Faster Access to Campaign Finance Data” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.
Ethics
“Congressional Pressure on FEC Criticized” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Maryland: “Ethics complaint questions Vallario’s dual roles as legislator and lawyer” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.
Oklahoma: “Outdated software plagues Oklahoma Ethics Commission” by Michael McNutt in The Oklahoman.
Pay-to-Play
New Jersey: “Bill would close loophole in N.J. pay-to-play law” by Claudia Vargas in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Georgia Saving Millions with Open Source Technology” by Brian Heaton in Government Technology.
From the State Legislatures
“The rise of one-party rule in the states” by Craig Gilbert in the Journal Sentinel.
California: “Lawmakers make final push” by Melody Gutierrez in The Sacramento Bee.
California: “Crunch time: Deals loom as clock ticks” by Greg Lucas in Capitol Weekly.
California: “Assembly returns without supermajority” by Christopher Arns in the Sacramento Business Journal.
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