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Oklahoma: “Outdated software plagues Oklahoma Ethics Commission” by Michael McNutt in The Oklahoman.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.
August 2, 2013 •
Legislation We Are Tracking
More than 1,000 legislative bills
At any given time, more than 1,000 legislative bills, which can affect how you do business as a government affairs professional, are being discussed in federal, state, and local jurisdictions. These bills are summarized in the State and Federal Communications digital encyclopedias for lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying, and can be found in the client portion of the State and Federal Communications’ website.
Summaries of major bills are also included in monthly e-mail updates sent to all clients. The chart below shows the number of bills we are tracking in regards to lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying.
August 2, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – August 2, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Heiresses Apparent: Daughters take their turn for the political dynasty
Washington Post – Emily Heil | Published: 7/26/2013
Perhaps more than any previous year, the 2014 midterm campaigns feature a wave of daughters eager to embrace their fathers’ political legacies while forging their own political futures. And at a time when the 2016 presidential field appears likely to include both the son of a prominent politician (Rand Paul) and the wife of a president (Hillary Clinton), it is no surprise that daughters are forming a political class of their own.
State Republican Parties Mired in Dysfunction
The Associated Press – Steve Peoples | Published: 7/25/2013
Several state Republican leaders have been forced out or resigned in recent months, and many state parties face financial problems and skeptical national leaders. The conflicts highlight the tug of war over the GOP’s future as national leaders work to improve the party’s brand. At the same time, the dysfunction raises questions about the GOP’s ability to coordinate political activities in key battleground states ahead of the midterm elections.
Federal:
Next Citizens United? McCutcheon Supreme Court Case Targets Campaign Contribution Limits
Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal | Published: 7/31/2013
Electrical engineer and budding political donor Shaun McCutcheon, now joined by the Republican National Committee, is bringing the biggest campaign finance case before the U.S. Supreme Court since the controversial 2010 Citizens United decision. If the justices rule in their next term for McCutcheon, it would mark the first time the court had found a federal contribution limit unconstitutional and would open the door for even more money to flood the political system.
Women Lobbyists May Be Worth More
National Journal – Elahe Izadi | Published: 7/30/2013
While men outnumber women on K Street, an analysis by LegisStorm shows individual lobbying contracts held by women are worth more on average than those held by men. The study, one of the first of its kind, offers a window on Washington’s roughly $3 billion lobbying industry and how it is evolving.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Corporations Can Make Unlimited Campaign Contributions
Gadsden Times – Philip Rawls (Associated Press) | Published: 8/1/2013
Companies can now give unlimited amounts to candidates in Alabama. The end of the $500 limit on August 1 means Alabama will become the fifth state with no cap on campaign donations. Lobbyist Bob Geddie said some companies may contribute directly to candidates now that the limit is off, but most will keep donating to PACs. He said if their corporate name ends up on a candidate’s campaign finance report, they know others will call for donations.
Arizona – Supporters Ask Judge to Block Higher Campaign Limits
Arizona Daily Sun – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 7/31/2013
The Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission asked Maricopa County Superior Court to block an increase in state campaign contribution limits. The state Supreme Court declined to consider the commission’s special-action lawsuit in the matter. The plaintiffs were allowed to start over by filing the lawsuit anew with a lower court.
California – Cupid’s Work Gets Complicated as California Lawmaker Dates Lobbyist
Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 7/31/2013
State Assemblyperson Brian Maienschein is dating Carolyn Ginno, a lobbyist for the California Medical Association. While the romance does not violate any rules, it has raised concerns among some good government groups. Watchdogs said Maienschein should step down from committees that routinely vote on bills the association lobbies, such as the health and business panels.
Colorado – Chieftain Newsroom Execs Sign Giron Recall Petitions, Blasted for ‘Ethics Conflict’
Huffington Post – John Tomasic (Colorado Independent) | Published: 7/30/2013
A local activist group reported Pueblo Chieftain General Manager Ray Stafford and at least two other newsroom executives signed petitions to have Colorado Sen. Angela Giron recalled over her support for gun-control laws. The group said the signatures amount to a breach of professional ethics. Stafford also wrote Giron an e-mail that many viewed as a threat.
Illinois – Scandal Puts Focus on ‘Toothless’ Ill. Ethics Law
Chicago Tribune – Kerry Lester (Associated Press) | Published: 7/30/2013
The Legislative Ethics Commission has agreed to look into whether Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and two of his fellow Democrats tried to use clout to interfere with personnel matters at Metra, the Chicago-area transit agency. But the committee is working under a law that critics say is too vague on what constitutes a conflict-of-interest and lacks sufficient enforcement powers.
Indiana – Tony Bennett, Former Indiana School Superintendent, Changed Top GOP Donor’s School’s Grade
Huffington Post – Tony LoBianco (Associated Press) | Published: 7/29/2013
Tony Bennett, the then-head of the Indiana department of Education, pressed for changes to the state’s school grading formula to help a campaign donor’s charter school. According to e-mails obtained by The Associated Press, Bennett demanded the changes when it appeared a charter school backed by influential Republican donor Christel DeHaan was going to earn a “C” in the state’s grading system.
Missouri – In Missouri, Campaign Donors Fund Phones, Sports Tickets, Golf Balls
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Elizabeth Crisp | Published: 7/31/2013
A St. Louis Post-Dispatch analysis shows lawmakers and statewide officials often turn to their campaign funds to pay for a wide range of personal expenses that, they argue, are associated with their official or campaign duties. Meals, travel, and fundraising events – including costs associated with popular golf tournaments – were among the major expenses for candidates and elected officials.
New York – Exemption Rules under Review
Albany Times Union – Jimmy Vielkind | Published: 7/30/2013
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics is putting off a decision on applications from lobbying groups hoping to shield their donors from public view as it debates tweaks to its regulations. Emergency rules that will become permanent in August allow the commission to exempt donors that face “harm, threats, harassment, or reprisals” if it became known they were contributing to a cause. Commissioners agreed to have a public discussion on amending the exemption, possibly in early September.
North Carolina – McCrory Not Up On Voter Law He Signed
Charlotte Post – Michael Biesecker (Associated Press) | Published: 8/1/2013
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory signed into law a bill that makes extensive changes to the state’s election law, even though he admitted he was not familiar with key provisions on preventing voter fraud. At a press conference, the governor did single out the section of the bill that prohibits lobbyists from passing campaign donations directly to lawmakers.
South Carolina – State House for Sale: SC’s unregistered lobbyists profit in ‘gray area’
The State – Jamie Self | Published: 7/27/2013
Many companies and groups in South Carolina seek state money each year. To press their cases, they employ hundreds of lobbyists. But not everyone trying to influence lawmakers registers with the state as a lobbyist as required by the ethics law.
Tennessee – Ethics Panel Stalls on Tom Ingram Lobbying Hearing; Dismissal Vote Falls Short
Knoxville News Sentinel – Tom Humphrey | Published: 8/1/2013
A vote to scuttle penalties against prominent political operative Tom Ingram fell short in the Tennessee Ethics Commission. The panel voted three-to-one to drop the cases against Ingram, his colleague Marcille Durham, and client Hillsborough Resources for failing to register to lobby for three years on behalf of a coal company seeking to mine on public lands. That is one vote short of the minimum needed to pass, so members agreed to hear the cases again at a September meeting.
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 1, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“Industries Cut Lobbying Expenditures – Again” by Russ Choma in Open Secrets Blog.
California: “Cupid’s work gets complicated as California lawmaker dates lobbyist” by Laurel Rosenhall in the Sacramento Bee.
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin lobbyists spend $15.6M in first half of 2013” by M.D. Kittle in the Wisconsin Reporter.
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “Alabama’s cap on corporate political donations ends today under changes to campaign finance law” by Mike Cason in Birmingham News.
Ethics
Florida: “Sarasota lawyer to lead Ethics Commission” by Lloyd Dunkelberger in the Herald-Tribune.
New Jersey: “Ex-Justice Wallace to head N.J. ethics panel” by Maddie Hanna in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
New York: “Speaker Silver appoints judge to NY ethics board; replaces veteran who resigned” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
From the State Legislatures
Kansas: “State Dems want voting law change in special session” by The Associated Press in the Topeka Capital-Journal.
New York: “Cuomo to decide on more than 100 bills” by Jessica Bakeman in the Democrat and Chronicle.
Government Tech and Social Media
“App Sends Traffic Complaints Straight to Congress” by Ryan Holeywell in Government Technology.
July 12, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 12, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Gay Couples Could Face Different Campaign Money Rules across States
Rothberg Political Report – Nathan Gonzalez | Published: 7/11/2013
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee asked the FEC to grant same-sex couples and candidates the same rights as married opposite-sex couples in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. One expert said the agency is not likely to pass its own regulation on spouses. “The FEC is likely to conclude that it’s governed by state law, [and] then you will have different fundraising rules for different states,” said former FEC Chairperson Michael Toner.
Majority of Americans Say Corruption Has Increased
U.S. News & World Report – Allie Bidwell | Published: 7/10/2013
According to a new survey by corruption watchdog Transparency International, more than a quarter of people worldwide paid a bribe when dealing with public services in the past 12 months. In the U.S., 60 percent of people said corruption has increased over the last two years, while only 10 percent said it has decreased by any amount. Overall, many countries found people do not trust the institutions they typically rely on to combat crime and corruption.
Federal:
Contractor Lobby Info: Virtually private
Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 7/7/2013
Disclosure on federal intelligence and procurement matters is opaque and confusing, stemming from loopholes in the nation’s lobbying transparency laws. Critics say the current rules are outdated and riddled with exemptions, and in need of revision.
Critics Question the IRS’ New ‘Fast-Track’ Path to Tax-Exempt Status
Lancaster Eagle-Gazette – Deidre Shesgren | Published: 7/10/2013
The IRS’s acting chief, Danny Werfel, unveiled a new process as one part of the agency’s effort to address the scandal in which agents used inappropriate criteria to flag some tax-exempt applications for extra scrutiny. Werfel said any group that has been waiting for tax-exempt status for more than 120 days will be able to self-certify. Those who are eligible will have to swear at least 60 percent of their organization’s resources will be devoted to a “social welfare” purpose and they will not spend more than 40 percent of their time or money on political activities.
Deadlock by Design Hobbles Election Agency
Boston Globe – Christoher Rowland | Published: 7/7/2013
The impression of weakness at the FEC has escalated in recent years as Republicans commissioners united in the belief that the agency had been guilty of overreach and have moved to soften enforcement, block new rules, and limit oversight. According to critics, the FEC has been rendered toothless.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – Brown’s Ethics Aide Erin Peth to Become Executive Director of FPPC
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 7/5/2013
Erin Peth was selected to be the new executive director of the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Peth will step down from her post as deputy legal affairs secretary in Gov. Jerry Brown’s office, which she has held since 2011. Before that, she served as deputy attorney general while Brown was the state attorney general.
Georgia – Georgia Insurance Regulators Accept Meals, Golf from Industry
AccessNorthGa.com – Ray Henry (Associated Press) | Published: 7/10/2013
State Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens and two of his staff members accepted meals and a round of golf from Gould Hagler, executive director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia. After being questioned about the spending, Hudgens said his staff will pay for their own entertainment at future events and begin following a new law limiting lobbyist spending before it legally takes effect in January.
Maine – State’s ‘F’ Spurs New Ethics Laws for Maine Officials
Morning Sentinel – Naomi Schalit and John Christie (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) | Published: 7/9/2013
A grade of “F” in a national report that measured the states’ levels of accountability and transparency in government spurred Maine lawmakers to enact reforms. The bills signed by Gov. Paul LePage include stricter reporting requirements for statements of economic interests filed by legislators and slowing the “revolving door” at the Capitol.
Nebraska – In the World of Lawmakers and Lobbyists, Who Has the Power?
Lincoln Journal-Star – JoAnne Young | Published: 7/7/2013
Some in Nebraska are asking if lobbyists exert too much influence on the legislative process. They contend that outside of committee hearing – where the public can see what is happening – lobbyists are able to advance their clients’ interests behind closed doors.
New York – NY Corruption Panel Has More Teeth, Will it Bite?
Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Michael Virtanen (Associated Press) | Published: 7/8/2013
Some have questioned whether the commission appointed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will meet its mandate to root out corruption in the state. David Grandeau, the former director of New York’s defunct lobbying commission, does not believe this new temporary group will be any more effective than the Commission on Public Integrity and its successor, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics. Grandeau compared the panels to the Peanuts character Charlie Brown – always having the football pulled away at the last minute.
New York – Spitzer Rejoins Politics, Asking for Forgiveness
New York Times – Michael Barbarao and David Chen | Published: 7/7/2013
Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who stepped down in 2008 over a prostitution scandal, will enter the race for run for New York City comptroller. He said he believed New Yorkers would be open to his candidacy. “I’m hopeful there will be forgiveness, I am asking for it,” said Spitzer.
North Carolina – Arrests Mount as NC Legislative Session Nears End
Charlotte Observer – Michael Biesecker (Associated Press) | Published: 7/7/2013
Observers say some of the 700 people charged with the misdemeanors while protesting at the North Carolina General Assembly were exercising their First Amendment rights, behaving no differently than protesters from past years who were not arrested. That has raised concerns about whether Republican leaders who took control of the Legislature in 2010 are directing more aggressive enforcement against citizens who disagree with their agenda.
Pennsylvania – Pittsburgh Mayor’s Profile Wanes with Feds’ Probe
Minneapolis Star Tribune – Joe Mandak (Associated Press) | Published: 7/7/2013
Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has gone from appearing on “Late Night with David Letterman” to facing a grand jury investigation. His staff members have testified about whether Ravenstahl sanctioned a slush fund that led to the police chief’s resignation and indictment, and whether the mayor instructed bodyguards to alter their time cards.
Tennessee – Gov. Haslam Struggles to Meet Pilot Recusal Pledge
San Francisco Chronicle – Erik Schelzig (Associated Press) | Published: 7/7/2013
An FBI investigation of alleged fraud by the sales staff at Pilot Flying J, the truck stop chain owned by the family of Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, has shined a spotlight on the governor’s pledge to keep his distance from company business. Opponents attacked Haslam for refusing to disclose his personal ownership stake, among other criticisms, in the 2010 Republican primary and general election.
Virginia – McDonnell’s Corporation, Wife Allegedly Benefited from $120,000 More from Donor
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman | Published: 7/10/2013
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is facing new allegations he failed to report donations made to him and other family members. Jonnie Williams, Sr., a businessperson and prominent political donor, gave $70,000 to a corporation owned by McDonnell and his sister last year. The payments to the corporation offer the first public example of money provided by Williams that would directly benefit McDonnell and not just his family.
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.
June 14, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 14, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
Business Donations to Judges’ Campaigns Often Equal Friendly Rulings
State Legislators’ Ties to Nonprofit Groups Prove Fertile Ground for Corruption
Federal:
U.S. Attorney’s Office Files Suit against Lobbying Firm
From the States and Municipalities:
Colorado – Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler Wrong to Use State Funds for Trip, Ethics Commission Rules
District of Columbia – Former D.C. Council Member Brown Pleads Guilty to Bribe Charge
Florida – In Abolishing CCEs, Legislators Overlooked One Glitch
Iowa – Iowa Appeals Court Upholds Campaign Disclosure Law
Maryland – Rawlings-Blake Says She Stayed at Lobbyist’s Beach House
Montana – New Political Practices Chief Wants Robust Discourse, but ‘Maximum Disclosure’
Nebraska – Legislative Show Criticized as Tasteless, too Kind to Liberals
New Jersey – NJ Engineering Firm Birdsall Pleads Guilty in Illegal Donations Scheme, Agrees to Pay $1 Million
New York – Cuomo: Raise ethics bar
Pennsylvania – Lobbyists Would Shell Out More under Fee Hike
Wisconsin – Assembly Passes Bipartisan Elections Bill
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Journalism Group Stunned by Budget Provision
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.
May 31, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 31, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
From the States and Municipalities:
Colorado – In Colorado, Gun Control Votes Followed by Increasingly Popular Political Tool: The recall
Connecticut – Despite Corruption, Campaign Reform in Jeopardy
Maine – Maine Subpoenas Upheld for Anti-Gay Marriage Group
Maryland – Baltimore Mayor Officiates at Lobbyist Wedding in Vegas
Massachusetts – Former Cahill Aide, Goldman Banker Fined $100,000
Missouri – KC Council Approves New Ethics Code
Nevada – Campaign Transparency Bill Passes, Albeit a Watered-Down Version
New Jersey – State Campaign Finance Agency Lifts Political Contribution Caps for Independent Groups
North Carolina – Questions Raised over Campaign Checks at Center of Sweepstakes Probe
Texas – Perry Vetoes Dark Money Disclosure Bill Backed by GOP Legislature
Texas – Texas Passes Ethics Bill, But Many Proposed Reforms Are Left on the Cutting Room Floor
Utah – Utah Majority Leader and Lobbyists Vacation Together Abroad
Vermont – Shumlin: Deal was meant to help
Washington – Olympia Lobbyists Pamper Lawmakers with Free Meals
Washington – State Lawmakers Vote ‘No’ on Flaws, ‘Yes’ to Photo Retouching
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.
May 31, 2013 •
Kansas City, Missouri Council Passes Ethics Ordinance
Gifts capped at $1,000
City Council approved changes to the ethics code setting limits on gifts to city officials and employees on Thursday, May 30, 2013. Ordinance No. 130249 prohibits an official or employee and their immediate families from knowingly accepting any gift having a value in excess of $1,000 from any person or business with a substantial interest in legislative or administrative actions.
Gifts worth more than $200 must be reported quarterly by the city official or employee. Previously, reports were due annually and there was no limit on gifts.
The bill becomes effective in 10 days unless vetoed by the Mayor.
May 30, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
Washington: “Olympia lobbyists pamper lawmakers with free meals” by Mike Baker (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Campaign Finance
“How The IRS Scandal Could Help Drain The Dark Money Out Of Politics” by Steve Almond in Cognoscenti in WBUR/NPR News.
“John Thune Doesn’t Like Super PACs” by Meredith Shiner in Roll Call.
Florida: “Critics fret over doubling of campaign-cash cap” by David Damron in Orlando Sentinel.
New York: “Hundreds rally for stalled public campaign finance bill” by Karen DeWitt in North Country Public Radio.
Ethics
Iowa: “Trial date set in Iowa court case against Michele Bachmann” by Jeff Ekhoff in the Des Moines Register.
Nevada: “Harvey Whittemore, former Nevada powerbroker, guilty in contribution case” by The Associated Press in Politico.
From the States
“Popular Governors, and Prospects for 2016” by Micah Cohen in The New York Times.
Texas: “Senate holds first hearing on redistricting” by Chris Tomlinson in the Houston Chronicle.
Open Government
Pennsylvania: “PAC records request angers more than 1,000 state employees” by The Associated Press in the Patriot News.
May 29, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
Nebraska: “Special interests spent $13 million last year to influence state government” by Kevin O’Hanlon in the Lincoln Journal Star.
Campaign Finance
New Jersey: “State campaign finance agency lifts political contribution caps for independent groups” by Matt Friedman in the Star-Ledger.
Ethics
Alabama: “State officials disagree over alleged threats, conflict of interest” by Sebastian Kitchen in the Montgomery Advertiser.
Texas: “Texas passes ethics bill, but many proposed reforms are left on the cutting room floor” by Nicholas Kusnetz in The Center for Public Integrity.
Texas: “Texas Governor Vetoes Bill That Would Have Expanded Political Reporting” by Kurt Hyde in the New American.
Texas: “Searchable database of CY 2012 Texas officials’ financial statements” by David Rauf in the Houston Chronicle.
From the State Legislatures
Nevada: “Amended annual sessions bill clears Nevada Assembly panel” by Sean Whaley in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Texas: “House begins work on redistricting” by Tim Eaton and Jonathan Tilove in the Austin American-Statesman.
Government Tech and Social Media
California: “Top 5 California Agencies Advancing Transparency on Twitter” by Jane Susskind in The Independent Voter Network.
May 28, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“How Does Lobbying Buy Votes” by Karl Smith in Forbes.
Nebraska: “Is $27 million enough to buy influence in Nebraska?” by Paul Hammel in the Omaha World Herald.
Campaign Finance
“Campaign Finance Reform by a ‘Stroke-of-the-Pen’” by Paul Abrams in the Huffington Post.
Connecticut: “Despite corruption, campaign reform in jeopardy” by Brian Lockhart in the Connecticut Post.
Nevada: “Campaign transparency bill passes, albeit a watered-down version” by Conor Shine in the Las Vegas Sun.
New York: “Campaign Finance Reform Unlikely to Proceed in Albany” by Karen DeWitt in WNYC News.
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin GOP proposes far-ranging election, campaign finance reforms” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Ethics
Texas: “Tougher ethics bill passes Texas House” by Marty Schladen in the El Paso Times.
Government Tech and Social Media
Rhode Island: “Assembly website now allows bill updates via email, live-streaming of sessions” by Randal Edgar in the Providence Journal.
May 24, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 24, 2013
Here are highlights from the latest edition of News You Can Use:
National:
NRA Tactics: Take no prisoners
Federal:
IRS Mess Adds to Campaign Finance Free-for-All
IRS Official Lois Lerner Placed on Leave amid Scandal
From the States and Municipalities:
Arkansas – Arkansas Treasurer Steps Down amid Calls to Resign after Charges She Took Payments from Broker
California – California to Post Raw Campaign Filings Online Daily
Connecticut – Jury Convicts Aide to Former Connecticut House Speaker
Kansas – Kansas Lawmakers Pass Bill on Gun Lobbying
Kentucky – Richie Farmer’s Sister Resigns Post at Kentucky Registry of Election Finance
Montana – Bullock Picks New Political Practices Chief
North Carolina – Shanahan to Stop Practicing Law While He’s in Office
North Dakota – Feds Argue Coal Industry Can Legally Give to ND Regulators’ Campaigns
Texas – An Expensive Celebration, Courtesy of the Lobby
Texas – Texas House Adds Some Teeth to Political Disclosure 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.
May 23, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Here are some great articles for today’s government relations news summary:
Lobbying
“K Street looking forward to BRAC fights” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“When Can Federal Employees Legally Lobby Congress?” by John Mahoney on GovLoop.
North Carolina: “Democrats try to send message about moonlighting, lobbying” by Craig Jarvis in the News Observer.
Texas: “An Expensive Celebration, Courtesy of the Lobby” by Ross Ramsey in the Texas Tribune.
Vermont: “Vermont Senate May Probe Publicly Funded Lobbying Organizations” by Anne Galloway in the Valley News.
Campaign Finance
New York: “Donors Urge Cuomo to Press for Public Financing of State Campaigns” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.
Ethics
“Congressional Campaign Finance Director Guilty of Role in Illegal Contribution Scheme” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political Moneyline.
“Senate Personal Wealth Reports Disclosed to Public” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political Moneyline.
Government Tech and Social Media
“There’s an App for That State Service” by Melissa Maynard in Stateline.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
